Rh immune globulin

This chapter gives a review of Rh immune globulin (RhIg). The RhIg is mentioned to be a human-plasma derived product consisting of IgG antibodies to the D antigen and is most commonly used to prevent immunization to the D antigen in D-negative individuals and treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP). The mechanism of action for the prevention of D immunization is likely due to the anti-D neutralizing the D antigen on D-positive RBCs. RhIg is most commonly used in the antienatal/postnatal prevention of anti-D formation in D-negative women and the prevention of anti-D formation in D-negative recipients of D-positive blood products. ITP is a bleeding disorder characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction and resultant thrombocytopenia and the most effective therapy are stated to be corticosteroids, intravenous immune globulin and RhIg. The adverse events of RhIg include fever, chills, pain at the injection site and rarely, hypersensitivity reactions and administration of RhIg in large doses can result in mild hemolytic reaction, hemoglobinuria, hypotension and sinus tachycardia among others.

Duke Scholars

Author Beth H. Shaz Pathology