A Maayan-Metzger1, L Leibovitch1, I Schushan-Eisen1, I Morag1, T Strauss1. 1. Department of Neonatology, the Edmond and Lili Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Rh-positive preterm newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers treated with prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulins exhibited signs of hemolytic reaction, including anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data were collected for 94 Rh-positive preterm newborns born at gestational age (GA) 28 to 34 weeks to 76 Rh-negative mothers and for matched controls. RESULT: We found 11.7% positive Coombs' tests among infants in the study group and slightly higher bilirubin levels at birth and on the following 3 days. No differences were recorded between the study and the control groups for hematocrit levels throughout hospitalization, maximal bilirubin level, phototherapy treatment or the need for blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Among preterm Rh-positive newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers, there appears to be no evidence of significant hemolytic reaction derived from placental anti-D transfer. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings in order to support anti-D administration close to preterm birth.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Rh-positive preterm newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers treated with prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulins exhibited signs of hemolytic reaction, including anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data were collected for 94 Rh-positive preterm newborns born at gestational age (GA) 28 to 34 weeks to 76 Rh-negative mothers and for matched controls. RESULT: We found 11.7% positive Coombs' tests among infants in the study group and slightly higher bilirubin levels at birth and on the following 3 days. No differences were recorded between the study and the control groups for hematocrit levels throughout hospitalization, maximal bilirubin level, phototherapy treatment or the need for blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Among preterm Rh-positive newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers, there appears to be no evidence of significant hemolytic reaction derived from placental anti-D transfer. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings in order to support anti-D administration close to preterm birth.