No. 133-Prevention of Rh Alloimmunization

Objective: To provide guidelines on use of anti-D prophylaxis to optimize prevention of rhesus (Rh) alloimmunization in Canadian women.

Outcomes: Decreased incidence of Rh alloimmunization and minimized practice variation with regards to immunoprophylaxis strategies.

Evidence: The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE were searched for English-language articles from 1968 to 200 I, relating to the prevention of Rh alloimmunization. Search terms included: Rho(D) immune globulin, Rh iso- or aile-immunization, anti-D, anti-Rh, WinRho, Rhogam, and pregnancy. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. All study types were reviewed. Randomized controlled trials were considered evidence of highest quality, followed by cohort studies. Key individual studies on which the principal recommendations are based are referenced. Supporting data for each recommendation is briefly summarized with evaluative comments and referenced.

Values: The evidence collected was reviewed by the Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Genetics Committees of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and quantified using the Evaluation of Evidence guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam.

Recommendations: VALIDATION: These guidelines have been reviewed by the MaternalFetal Medicine Committee and the Genetics Committee, with input from the Rh Program of Nova Scotia. Final approval has been given by the Executive and Council of The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Sponsors: The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.