Antenatal prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin: An ongoing success story

MODULE SUMMARY

Administration of anti-D immunoglobulin to Rhesus D (RhD)- negative pregnant women reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). NICE advocates non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to guide the use of anti-D immunoglobulin and this is gradually being rolled out across the UK.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this module you should:

• Understand the biological basis of RhD incompatibility.
• Appreciate when fetal blood may enter the maternal circulation, thereby ‘sensitising’ the woman’s immune system to produce anti-D antibodies.
• Be aware of when and how anti-D prophylaxis should be administered, and the role of NIPT in guiding its use.

NEXT STEPS

• Read the clinical review
• Complete the online assessment
• Receive CPD certificate

AUTHOR(S)

Reviewed by: Jayne Marshall Foundation Professor of Midwifery at University of Leicester FRCM, PFHEA, PhD, MA, PGCEA, ADM, RM, RGN

Please log in or register to take this module