anti-D

(Rh0)

An immunoglobulin that is given to all rhesus-negative pregnant women, especially those who have recently given birth to a baby who is rhesus-positive (or who have miscarried or aborted a rhesus-positive fetus) in order to prevent them from forming antibodies to rhesus-positive fetal cells that may pass into their blood during subsequent pregnancies. The aim is to protect the woman's subsequent children from haemolytic disease of the newborn (see anaemia). Anti-D immunoglobulin is available as a solution for injection (usually intramuscular) on prescription only.

Proprietary preparations:
D-GAM; Partobulin SDF; Rhophylac (intramuscular or intravenous injection).

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