Rhesus disease: a global prevention strategy.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Rhesus haemolytic disease (haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn) incidence has significantly reduced in high-income countries due to effective prophylaxis.
• Clinical experience with rhesus haemolytic disease is declining among healthcare providers in high-income settings.
• Despite advances, rhesus haemolytic disease persists as a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the ongoing global burden of rhesus haemolytic disease.
• To underscore the disparities in disease incidence between high-income and low- to middle-income countries.
• To advocate for integrated efforts to address the disease in affected regions.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed global data on rhesus haemolytic disease incidence and impact.
• It contrasted disease prevalence in high-income versus low- and middle-income countries.
• The research synthesized information on the disease's consequences, including stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and hyperbilirubinaemia sequelae.

Main Results:

• Rhesus haemolytic disease affects over 150,000 children annually in low- and middle-income countries.
• Thousands of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and cases of kernicterus/bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction result from the disease each year.
• A significant disparity exists in disease burden, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected.

Conclusions:

• Rhesus haemolytic disease remains a critical public health problem in low- and middle-income countries.
• Addressing this requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, international agencies, manufacturers, policymakers, and governments.
• Integrated strategies are essential to reduce the incidence and impact of rhesus haemolytic disease globally.