Related Experiment Videos
Underutilization of Rh prophylaxis in the emergency department: a retrospective survey
1Emergency Medicine Residency Program, Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Study Objective:
To determine the practice of emergency physicians with regard to the issue of Rh isoimmunization.
Design:
A retrospective chart review.
Setting:
A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital emergency department.
Type Of Participants:
Pregnant women presenting with a risk factor for Rh sensitization.
Measurements And Main Results:
One hundred thirty-eight patient encounters were analyzed descriptively as to whether they were candidates for Rh immune prophylaxis, and if so, whether it was given. Most (68%) were hospitalized. Of those, all were Rh typed, but two patients were not given Rh immune globulin (RhIG) when indicated. Of those discharged from the ED, most (86%) were not Rh typed, and none was administered RhIG.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates a need for increased attention to the potential for Rh isoimmunization in patients presenting to the ED.