rhesus incompatibility Flashcards
women that are rhesus D positive
dont need additional Rx during pregnancy
why do we care if a women is rhesus-D negative
baby may be rhesus D positive.
Baby’s blood may find way into mum’s bloodstream and then mum will produce antibodies against rhesus-D antigens
may cause haemolytic disease of newborn if subsequent pregnancies
women is rhesus-D negative - how can this cause haemolytic disease of newborn in subsequent pregnancies
anti-d antbodieis cross placenta and into fetus
if fetus rhesus positive the antibodies will attatch to and destroy RBCs
mainstay of management
prevention of sensitisation - giving IM anti-D
how does anti-D medication work
by attaching itself to rhesus-D antigens on fetal RBCs in maternal circulation and destroying them
prevents maternal immune system recognising antigen and creating antibodies
when are anti-D injections given routinely
28wjs
Birth (if baby found to be rhesus positive)
when should additional anti-D be given
any time where sensitisation may occur
e.g. APH, amniocentesis, trauma
given within 72hrs
Kleihauer Test
checks how much fetal blood has passed into the mother’s blood during a sensitisation event. This test is used after any sensitising event past 20 weeks gestation, to assess whether further doses of anti-D is required.
