The first-born infant of an Rh-negative 26 year old woman, who had two previous second trimester abortions, has severe haemolysis and circulatory failure. This most likely could have been prevented by treating the mother with:
A. a combination of IgG and IgM anti-D antibodies.
B. anti-D IgG during the mother’s most recent pregnancy.
C. anti-D IgG upon termination of each of the first two pregnancies.
D. anti-D IgM during the mother’s most recent pregnancy.
E. anti-D IgM upon termination of her first pregnancy
B. Anti-D IgG during the mother’s most recent pregnancy.
Rh-negative mothers who are carrying an Rh-positive baby are at risk of developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells. This risk is particularly significant after exposure during pregnancy or abortion. Administering anti-D IgG (Rho(D) immune globulin) during the pregnancy and following childbirth or any event where there is potential mixing of blood can prevent the development of these antibodies. This treatment is especially important during the current pregnancy to prevent complications in the newborn.