Rh system

Rh system

Transfusion medicine A family of blood group antigens that can cause fatal transfuion reactions if improperly matched Frequency of Rh antigens–whites Rh-e, 98%; Rh-D, 85%; Rh-c, 80%; Rh-C, 70%; Rh-E, 30%; Rh-D exposure is important in OB–an Rh-D-negative mother's anti-RH-D antibody is an IgG which may cross the placenta, and cause HDN–titer > 1:16 in the 8th month indicates maternal formation of alloantibodies, evidenced by stomatocytes in mom's blood; the Rh type is determined prenatally by PCR of amniotic cells Prophylaxis 300 µg of anti-D–RhoGAM neutralizes 30 ml feto-maternal hemorrhage containing 15 ml of Rh+ RBCs. See Blood group, Hemolytic disease of newborn, Rh immune globulin.