Rh(D) Immune Globulin or RHoGAM
A. Reasons
1. Rh negative mother, Rh positive father: fetus may be Rh positive
2. Rh antigens may leak at the placental site
3. To these antigens, mother’s body forms antibodies
4. More Rh antigens may leak at delivery and invade mother’s bloodstream
B. Prophylaxis for Rh negative mother with a Rh positive baby
1. Give Rh immune globulin during pregnancy (at 28-30 weeks)
2. After birth of each Rh positive newborn, perform Coomb’s Test
3. Coomb’s test detects antibodies
a. mother- indirect Coombs
b. neonatal cord blood- direct Coombs
4. If no antibodies are identified, the woman is considered to be a candidate for RhoGAM
5. Give RhoGAM within 72 hours of delivery
6. RhoGAM is an immune globulin (Ig)
7. RhoGAM blocks formation of antibodies
8. RhoGam suppresses the immune response of the nonsensitized Rh negative woman who has been exposed to Rh positive antigens
9. Give RhoGAM after each ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion (8 weeks)
10. Administration of Rh immune globulin prevents Rh sensitization in mother and resulting hemolytic anemia called erythroblastosis or hydrops fetalis of the newborn if antibodies cross the placenta