How does RhIG prevent anti D production
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In addition to the ABO type, Rh(D) is also a major antigen, an antibody-generating protein, on the red blood cell (RBC) surface. An Rh(D)-negative person, one who does not have the Rh(D) antigen, can form anti-D antibodies when exposed to Rh(D)-positive RBCs. This exposure can occur during pregnancy if blood from an Rh(D)-positive fetus comes in contact with blood from its Rh(D)-negative mother. If this happens, the Rh(D)-negative mother can become sensitized and produce anti-D antibodies in her own bloodstream. Serious problems usually do not occur during the first pregnancy with an Rh(D)-positive fetus because the mother often does not produce enough antibodies to be problematic. However, if preventive treatment is not given during the first pregnancy and the woman becomes pregnant with another Rh(D)-positive fetus, the baby becomes at the risk of Rh disease. Rh disease occurs when anti-D antibodies produced from an Rh-sensitized woman cross the placenta and attack the RBCs of an Rh(D)-positive fetus, resulting in hemolytic anemia, diminished tissue oxygenation, and even fetal death (Fig. 1). Show Fig. 1. Illustration of Rh(D) sensitization and Rh disease. In order to prevent an Rh(D)-negative woman from being sensitized by an Rh(D)-positive fetus and thus preventing fetal Rh disease for subsequent pregnancies, an injection of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG) is given to the woman during each pregnancy. RhIG is a human anti-D antibody and is made from donated blood and works as a vaccine. It targets fetus Rh(D)-positive red cells in the mother’s blood and prevents anti-D antibody formation. RhIG needs to be given to the Rh(D)-negative woman at around the 28th week of pregnancy, within 72 hours after the delivery of an Rh(D)-positive baby, and after a miscarriage, abortion, or any obstetric procedures during pregnancy. Fig. 2. Example image of positive fetal RBC staining by the Kleihauer-Betke assay. The amount of RhIG given is also important. An insufficient dose of RhIG cannot destroy all Rh(D)-positive fetal RBCs to prevent Rh-sensitization of the mother. This failure is especially bad because once the woman forms her own anti-D antibodies, the RhIG shot is useless in protecting her sequential pregnancy of Rh(D)-positive babies. On the other hand, an overdose in RhIG will cause wastage and have possible side effects. The Rh-sensitization state and the appropriate dose of RhIG given can be evaluated and determined by laboratory testing. If an Rh(D)-negative woman has anti-D antibody present in her blood prior to pregnancy or prior to RhIG administration, likely the result of her sensitization from previous Rh(D) exposures owing to pregnancy or transfusion, then RhIG will not be given. Otherwise, per American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology guideline, a dose of 300 micrograms of RhIg will be given intramuscularly at the 28th week of pregnancy. This amount of RhIG should prevent the sensitization effect from 30mL of fetal Rh(D)-positive blood crossed into the placenta. When a mother’s exposure of over 30mL of fetal blood is expected, a special laboratory test such as a Kleihauer-Betke assay will be performed to determine the exact amount of fetal blood exposed (Fig. 2), so that sufficient RhIG can be given. In the Kleihauer-Betke assay, blood is drawn from the mother usually after delivery or a surgical procedure. A blood smear is prepared and the slide is treated with an acid solution. This removes mother’s adult RBCs, but not the fetal cells. Subsequent staining makes fetal cells appear a rose-pink color, while the adult RBCs appear “ghostlike”. Cells are counted under the microscope and a percentage of fetal to maternal cells is calculated, determining the dose of RhIG needed. Women who require multiple doses of RhIG should consult a specialist, such as pathologist, for evaluation of other conditions such as a disorder of hemoglobin synthesis, to determine the accuracy of the test. Ruoming Fan1 and Yu Bai2 PublicationPathology Consultation on Patients With a Large Rh Immune Globulin Dose Requirement. How does RhIG work?Rh immune globulin (RhIG) is a medication that contains antibodies to Rh antigen D (RhD), which may be present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) in some individuals. It prevents a person's immune system from recognizing RhD, thus suppressing a potentially fatal immune reaction.
How does antiThe anti-D immunoglobulin neutralises any RhD positive antigens that may have entered the mother's blood during pregnancy. If the antigens have been neutralised, the mother's blood won't produce antibodies.
What is antiRho(D) immune globulin (anti-D immune globulin or RhIG) is a commercial biological antibody derived from human plasma that targets red blood cells (RBCs) positive for the Rh(D) antigen (also referred to as the D antigen).
What is the mechanism of RhIG upon entering the patient's circulation?The likely mechanism of action of RhIG involves the opsonization of endogenous RhoD+ RBCs with anti-D, resulting in preferential RES clearance of coated RBCs, thereby allowing antibody-coated PLTs to remain in circulation.
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