Effect of Rhesus factor incompatibility on maternal outcome (fertility): A comprehensive review

Abstract

Rh incompatibility, also known as Rh disease, is defined as a condition that occurs when a woman with Rh-negative blood type is exposed to Rh-positive blood cells, leading to the development of Rh antibodies. The incidence of occurrence is more frequently among those of Caucasian (North American and European) descent (15% to 17%) compared to those of African (4% to 8%) or Asian descent (0.1% to 0.3%). Worldwide, the prevalence of Rh disease is estimated to be 276 per 100,000 live births, which is significant considering that an estimated 50% of untreated cases of haemolytic disease of the neonate (HDN). HDN will either die or develop brain damage due to the disease. The condition is due to: If a Rhesus negative (Rh-) woman is impregnated by a man with Rhesus negative (Rh-) there wouldn’t be any problem. If a Rhesus negative woman (Rh-) is impregnated by a man with Rhesus positive (Rh+) and the baby inherited the rhesus positive (Rh+) from the father there will be a problem or when an Rh-negative mother is exposed to the Rh D antigen, the D antigen is perceived as a foreign threat leading to the haemolysis of the fetal erythrocytes, common signs and symptom include; Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, lethargy, heart failure, enlarged organs. It can be prevented and treated by administering an injection of RhoGAM during the second trimester, and 28th week of pregnancy respectively, exchange transfusions either before birth or after delivery. Phototherapy is also another treatment modality which break down excess bilirubin into less toxic substance that the new borns liver can remove.