On the prevention of rhesus immunisation in the RSA

The utilisation rate of anti-Rh antiserum in South African population groups for the years 1983-1985 was investigated. The number of pregnancies at risk of fetomaternal sensitisation because of Rh incompatibility and hence the number of women requiring prophylactic treatment with anti-Rh anti-serum shortly after delivery can be calculated from the known frequency of Rh-negative subjects in each population group. By relating the number of doses of anti-Rh antiserum actually distributed and used to the number of women requiring this prophylactic treatment, the crude utilisation rate of anti-Rh antiserum is calculated as 41-44% for all population groups combined. The rate for blacks is calculated at 14-20%, for whites 89-94%, for Indians 59-64% and for Coloureds 45-51% (the range of variation covers the years 1983-1985). These figures are discussed in terms of the approximations made for the calculations (hence 'crude utilisation rate'), the experience in other countries (specifically the USA) and the need for improving this facet of primary health care.