Prevention of rhesus isoimmunization

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The prevention of Rh isoimmunization by the giving of anti‐D gammaglobulin to non‐immunized Rh‐negative women after the birth of an Rh‐positive child is discussed under the following headings: Introduction and the ideas leading to the therapy; Clinical trials; Failures and “failures”. Obstetrical factors relevant to immunization; Risks of the prophylaxis, (a) to the mothers, (b) to volunteer blood donors; Dosage of anti‐D gammaglobulin; The Kleihauer test; Priorities in the use of anti‐D, (a) in abortions, (b) in ABO incompatibility between mother and foetus, (c) in hypertensive patients; Provision of anti‐D gammaglobulin; Mechanisms of protection; Leukocyte antibodies and Rh; The role of intensive plasmapheresis to lower anti‐D levels.