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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) immune globulin (one vial of 300 mcg intramuscularly) is given to the Rho(D)-negative mother within 72 h after delivery to prevent future erythroblastosis
Additional protection is afforded by the routine administration of the immune globulin at week 28 to all Rho(D)-negative mothers; the passive antibody titer is too low to significantly affect a Rho(D)-positive fetus
Rho(D) immune globulin should also be given after induced or spontaneous pregnancy loss, ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, or other instances of antepartum bleeding
Once a woman is alloimmunized, Rho(D) Ig is no longer helpful and should not be given