Rho Immune Globulin and Rh Incompatibility

The Rho (D) immunoglobulin known under the trade name of Rhogam is made from human blood and is provided as a sterile solution. Rhogam is most commonly used to prevent immune reactions against Rh-positive blood in people with Rh-negative blood types. In addition to the above uses, Rhogam is also used to treat immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP. Rhogam is a relatively new medicine whose origin can be traced back to the Australian donor. Development of Rho (D) immunoglobulin Initially, it is important to discuss the origin of this drug as it has an amazing story related to it.

Rho (D) immunoglobulin antibody is specific for human RhD antigen. Anti-RhD antibodies are administered as part of a prenatal treatment regimen to prevent possible sensitization when a Rh negative mother has a Rh positive fetus. When mothers are treated with anti-RhD antibody just before and after trauma and birth, the fetal maternal Rh antigen is destroyed. It is important to note that this will occur before the antigen can "memorize" the Rh antigen by stimulating the parent B cells by producing memory B cells. Hence, her humoral immune system does not produce anti-Rh antibodies and does not attack the infant's Rh antigen either now or later. Rho (D) immunoglobulin therapy prevents sensitization and causes Rh disease, but does not prevent or treat the underlying disease itself.

Blood tests can determine if you have Rh factor and whether your body has developed antibodies. Injecting a drug called Rh immunoglobulin prevents your body from producing Rh antibodies. It helps to prevent Rh incompatibility problems. If the baby needs treatment, it can contain supplements to help the body to transfuse with red blood cells.

Maternal sensitization and antibody production due to incompatibility of Rh can be prevented by administering female Rh 0 (D) immunoglobulin. The formulation contains a high titer anti-Rh antibody that neutralizes Rh positive fetal RBC. Since mothers are most at risk of metastasis and sensitization of mothers at the end of pregnancy, the formulations are administered within 72 hours after the end of each pregnancy by either treatment of birth, abortion or ectopic pregnancy. The standard dose is 300 mcg IM. The rosette test can be used to rule out serious fetal bleeding and if the result is positive the Kleihauer-Betke (acid elution) test measures the amount of fetal blood in the maternal circulation. If large amounts of fetal bleeding (> 30 mL of whole blood) are seen in the test results, additional injections are required (300 mcg per 30 mL fetal whole blood, up to 5 times within 24 hours).