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Maternal-fetal hemorrhage: its incidence and sensitizing effects
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Maternal-fetal hemorrhage is rare in Rh-negative infants born to Rh-positive mothers. Routine anti-Rh immune globulin administration to Rh-negative neonates is not indicated due to low incidence of Rh antibody formation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Anti-Rh immune globulin effectively prevents hemolytic disease of the newborn.
- Some cases of treatment failure suggest alternative causes, including maternal-fetal Rh-positive red cell transfer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of maternal-fetal hemorrhage in Rh-negative infants born to Rh-positive mothers.
- To assess the occurrence of Rh antibody production in Rh-negative neonates.
Main Methods:
- Study included 107 Rh-negative newborn infants born to Rh-positive mothers.
- Incidence of maternal-fetal hemorrhage and Rh antibody production was analyzed.
Main Results:
- Maternal-fetal hemorrhage was found to be rare, occurring in approximately 2% of cases.
- Rh antibody production in Rh-negative babies within the first six months was also rare.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests that maternal-fetal hemorrhage is an infrequent cause of anti-Rh immune globulin failure.
- Routine administration of anti-Rh immune globulin to all Rh-negative neonates is not supported by these findings.