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Updated: May 10, 2026
Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: May 21, 2015
Antenatal immunoglobulin for fetal red blood cell alloimmunization
Kae Sheen Wong1, Kirsten Connan, Shelley Rowlands
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, Australia. kaewong@optusnet.com.au.
Background:
Red blood cell alloimmunization in pregnancy can lead to fetal anaemia with potentially disastrous consequences. Traditional management involves the use of intrauterine transfusion, which is associated with significant procedure-related risks. An alternative treatment that has been trialled is the use of immunoglobulin administered intravenously to the mother.
Objectives:
The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of the use of intravenous immunoglobulin antenatally to women with severe fetal red blood cell alloimmunization.
Search Methods:
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (19 December 2012), and reference lists of articles.
Selection Criteria:
Randomized trials assessing the antenatal use of intravenous immunoglobulin administered at any dose, frequency or duration with a control group (using any other, or no treatment) in the management of fetal red blood cell alloimmunization.
Data Collection And Analysis:
Two review authors independently assessed the available evidence.
Main Results:
There are no included studies.
Authors' Conclusions:
No information is available from randomized trials to indicate whether the antenatal use of intravenous immunoglobulin is effective in the management of fetal red blood cell alloimmunization. Several case series suggest a beneficial role in delaying the onset of fetal anaemia requiring invasive intrauterine transfusion.
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