Rhesus Isoimmunization after Abortion

Abstract

Out of 177 Rh(D)-negative patients studied, 96 were successfully followed-up after spontaneous or therapeutic abortion. Rh antibodies were detected by the indirect Coombs test in two patients and by an enzyme technique only in a further seven, an overall incidence of 9.4%. The prophylactic use of anti-D immunoglobulin is now recommended for Rh-negative non-immunized patients undergoing abortion, but the dose could be less than 75 μg. The Kleihauer test was of no value in predicting the risk of isoimmunization. © 1971, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.