Rate of Rh immunization after induced abortion

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Obstetrics
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Rh immunization poses a risk to subsequent pregnancies.
• Induced abortion without Rh prophylaxis can lead to RhD sensitization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of Rh immunization in secundigravidae after induced abortion.
• To determine RhD sensitization rates in women not receiving anti-D immunoglobulin.

Main Methods:

• Study included 386 secundigravidae with a history of induced abortion.
• Red blood cells (RBCs) were tested using papain-treated and indirect antiglobulin (Coombs) tests.
• Seropositivity was assessed at the beginning and end of the second pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Using papain-treated RBCs, 1.57% were seropositive initially, and 3.14% by the end of the second pregnancy.
• Using the Coombs test, 0.77% were seropositive initially, and 2.31% by the end.
• Calculated immunization rates after induced abortion were 2.64% (papain) and 1.81% (Coombs).

Conclusions:

• Induced abortion without anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis is associated with a significant risk of Rh immunization.
• The study quantifies RhD sensitization rates, emphasizing the importance of prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulin administration.