Blood: Rh

Question 1

Rh system discovered by

Answer 1

Karl Landsteiner and A.S. Weiner

Question 2

Why must we tread carefully during transfusions and especially if an Rh (-) person is involved? Example?

Answer 2

If Rh- person gets Rh+ blood then the body forms anti-Rh antibodies

Erythroblastosis fetalis

Question 3

Erythroblastosis fetalis occurs in?

Answer 3

Rh + offspring of Rh incompatible parents. Mother is Rh - and father is Rh +

(Usually first child doesn’t have a problem unless the mother has acquired anti Rh antibodies by an incompatible transfusion)

Question 4

Why is Erythroblastosis fetalis dangerous for the second child? Solution?

Answer 4

During labour, a small amount of the foetus’ blood may enter the mother’s blood stream. The mother’s body with then produce anti- Rh antibodies which will attack any subsequent Rh+ pregnancies.

Vaccinate mother with Rh immunoglobulin after delivery of the first born (in cases of Rh incompatibility). This will destroy any foetal blood cells before any antibodies can be developed.

Question 5

Mother in Erythroblastosis fetalis

Answer 5

Rh NEGATIVE