Know all about RH negative incompatibility
Knowing your blood group is important. But do you know what the positive or negative stands for? It stands for Rhesus factor (Rh) which is important to know, especially if you’re an Rh negative female. This would need intervention while planning a baby.
WHAT IS RHESUS FACTOR OR RH?
Rh is a type of protein found on the outside of red blood cells (RBCs). If this protein is present, the person is Rh positive; if absent, Rh negative. Majority of people, about 85%, are Rh positive. This is the second most important blood group system, after the ABO blood group system.
Since India stands second in the world, in terms of population numbers, it is obvious that the pregnancies in India are also equally high. Among this high number of pregnancies in India, 3% to 5.7 % (approximately 2.4 lakh) are Rh negative mothers.
WHAT IS RH INCOMPATIBILITY?
What really is the complication and cause of Rh disease (RhD)? RhD happens due to Rh incompatibility, when mother is Rh negative and baby in her womb is Rh positive. The mother’s body responds to the Rh positive blood by producing antibodies. Subsequently, during her second pregnancy with Rh positive baby, her body produces antibodies immediately. These antibodies can cross the placenta from the mother to unborn child and attack the baby’s RBCs. This poses as a serious challenge for the unborn baby and needs appropriate management.
While an Rh negative woman will not be harmed by contact with Rh positive blood, she will need to be vigilant of her Rh negative status actively seeking medical attention. In a baby, however, it can cause hemolytic anemia in which the baby’s RBCs are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. It may lead to complications like jaundice, liver failure, heart failure and could prove fatal to the baby.
The treatment of such complications is a very expensive affair. The baby is likely to be admitted to a neonatal intensive unit-NICU (specialised ICU for newborn babies). The treatment may also include a light treatment called phototherapy, blood transfusions, and an injection of a solution of antibodies (intravenous immunoglobulin) to prevent red blood cells being destroyed.
KNOWING YOUR RH STATUS REDUCES THESE RISKS DRAMATICALLY
Rh incompatibility is evaluated by a blood test known as indirect Coombs’ test. This test can assess presence of cell-destroying antibodies and alert the doctor to take appropriate treatment. Effects of Rh incompatibility can be prevented by getting an injection of RhIg (Rh immunoglobulin,) within 72 hours of any bleeding during pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage or delivery.
This article is written by Dr Pratik Shah (MD, MSc), vice president, medical affairs.
Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited, intended for general medical and health information and educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician on any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen.