[Elimination of rhesus (D)-incompatible erythrocytes by (Fab')2 G-anti-D (author's transl)].

The effectiveness of (Fab')2 G-Anti-D regarding elimination of D-incompatible fetal erythrocytes, and suppression of the formation of specific antibody, was investigated in 16 probands. Using 51Cr labelled D-incompatible fetal erythrocytes and simultaneous HbF-cell counting, fast elimination of incompatible red cells, and selective accumulation in the spleen, were observed after injection of small doses of (Fab')2 G-Anti-D. None of the probands showed active formation of anti-D after 3-12 months. The doses of the (Fab')2 G-Anti-D preparation used were similar to those employed in routine use of IgG-Anti-D. The results emphasize the importance of fast immunelimination of potentially antigenic red cells and thus point to a peripheral mechanism of anti-D prophylaxis by specific anti-D.