Rhesus incompatibility and anti-D prevention in the Düsseldorf region (a ten-year survey) (author's transl)

Abstract

Among 116 120 children born between 1964 and 1973, 512 (0.44%) required treatment for haemolytic disease of the newborn caused by the presence of irregular antibodies. While the incidence between 1964 to 1970 ranged between 0.42 to 0.56%, it fell from 1971 to 1973 to 0.28%, evidence for effective anti-D prophylaxis since 1971. Those cases still occurring after 1971 were largely due to pregnancies which had started before 1971. In addition there were abortions, sensitizations during the first pregnancy, but also blood transfusions as cause for new sensitizations. Sensitization after pregnancy despite anti-D prophylaxis was observed twice. In the last few years there has been a relative increase of rare antibodies, increasing the complexities of serological diagnosis. Safety and speed of treatment can be further improved by more frequent identification of irregular antibodies in the mother and regular reports to the paediatrician.