Rh Incompatibility

Alternate Names : Erythroblastosis Fetalis, Kernicterus, Hydrops Fetalis, Rh Isoimmunization

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Rh incompatibility can be prevented by giving women an injection of something called Rho immune globulin. Rh-negative women who are candidates for this therapy include those who

It is unclear exactly how Rho immune globulin works. It is thought to prevent the woman from developing antibodies to the Rh factor. If a woman does not develop these antibodies, then there may be little risk to any future Rh-positive babies she may have. This therapy may be given just before a woman delivers her Rh-positive baby or immediately afterward. Some women may be given it both times if the healthcare provider feels it is necessary. This therapy is very effective in reducing the chances that a woman will have problems with future pregnancies.

An Rh-negative woman should be tested for antibodies at the first prenatal visit, at 24 weeks, 28 weeks, 32 weeks, and 36 weeks of her pregnancy. All Rh-positive women should be tested for antibodies if they have had blood transfusions, a baby with jaundice, a stillbirth, abortion, or problems with the placenta in the past.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

The long-term effects of Rh incompatibility depend on whether the woman was given Rh immune globulin or any other treatment during the pregnancy. When severe Rh incompatibility goes untreated, many infants die at a very early age.

The infants that do survive may suffer from severe nerve problems including cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Others suffer from hydrops fetalis. Hydrops fetalis causes the destruction of large amounts of red blood cells. This leads to severe anemia, or low red blood cell count. Also, these infants may have swelling of tissues and organs in the body that can lead to death. Kernicterus is another condition in which high levels of bilirubin build up in the brain. This leads to serious brain damage.

What are the risks to others?

Rh incompatibility poses a high risk for future pregnancies and fetuses if left undiagnosed and untreated. However, with early prenatal care and appropriate therapy with Rho immune globulin, the risk to women and babies during future pregnancies is very low.