Practices for RhD alloimmunization prevention: a vignette-based survey of midwives

Abstract

Introduction Despite the availability guidelines to prevent RhD alloimmunization, severe hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn still occurs in high-income countries. The aim of the study was (1) To assess variations in practices for the prevention of RhD alloimmunization, and (2) to understand midwives' acceptance and appropriation of fetal RhD genotyping. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional survey of French midwives from September 2017 through January 2018. Participants were asked to complete an internet-based questionnaire that included three clinical vignettes. They were questioned about their practices concerning early pregnancy visit by RhD-negative women, prevention of RhD alloimmunization in women with second-trimester metrorrhagia, and RhD fetal genotyping. Results A total of 827 midwives completed the questionnaire. Only 21.1% reported that they practice all the preventive measures recommended in early pregnancy. In a situation at high risk of RhD alloimmunization during pregnancy, 97.2% of midwives would perform immunoprophylaxis. Nearly, all midwives reported providing information about RhD alloimmunization (92.4%) at the beginning of pregnancy, although only 11.3% offered both written and verbal information; at the time of systematic anti-D immunoprophylaxis (28 weeks), 78% provided information, but only 2.7% both verbally and in writing. Finally, only 50.8% of midwives preferred to include RhD fetal genotyping in routine prenatal prophylaxis. Discussion This study showed significant variations in French midwives' practices to prevent RhD alloimmunization. Better dissemination of guidelines is needed to improve both consistent use of these practices and the quality of information delivered to RhD-negative pregnant women.