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Anti-Rho(D) antibody causes severe hemolytic disease of the newborn
Occurs when a Rho(D)-negative woman carries a Rho(D)-positive fetus and develops antibodies against Rho(D)
The antibody developed against Rho(D) persists and poses a threat of hemolytic disease in subsequent Rho(D)-positive fetuses
Passive immunization of Rho(D)-negative mothers after delivery destroys fetal Rho(D)-positive cells and prevents formation of antibodies, which would cause disease in subsequent Rho(D)-positive gestations
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Rho(D) immunoglobulin (Ig) is given to the mother within 72 h after delivery to prevent future erythroblastosis
Additional protection is afforded by the routine administration of the Ig at week 28; the passive antibody titer is too low to harm the Rho(D)-positive fetus
Rho(D) Ig should also be given after abortion, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, other antepartum bleeding
Once a woman is alloimmunized, Rho(D) immune globulin is no longer helpful and should not be given