Rhesus immunoglobulin Health Dictionary

Body proteins that act as antibodies. 1. IgG: The immunoglobulin that can be measured in the serum approximately two weeks after a challenge by an antigen. Can cross the placenta from mother to foetus. 2. IgM: The immunoglobulin that can be measured very soon after a challenge by an antigen. The level returns to a non-measurable level very quickly and so this measurement is useful as a test for recent envenomation (or illness). Cannot cross the placenta from mother to foetus. Presence in a neonate therefore indicates infection of the body. 3. IgE: Reaginic antibody; immunoglobulin found in association with allergic or homocytotrophic responses. 4. IgA: Secretory antibody; immunoglobulin found in nonvascular fluids, such as the saliva, bile, aqueous humor, synovial fluide etc.... immunoglobulins

See BLOOD GROUPS.... rhesus factor

A type of protein found in blood and tissue fluids, also known as an antibody. Such proteins are produced by B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), and their function is to bind to substances in the body that are recognized as foreign antigens. This binding is crucial for the destruction of antigenbearing microorganisms. Immunoglobulins also play a key role in allergies and hypersensitivity reactions.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the major class of immunoglobulin of the 5 in the blood (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM). Its molecule consists of 2 parts: 1 binds to an antigen; the other binds to other cells, which then engulf the microorganisms bearing the antigen.

Immunoglobulins can be extracted from the blood of people who have recovered from certain infectious diseases and used for passive immunization.... immunoglobulin

An antiserum that contains antibodies against Rhesus (Rh) D factor (a substance present on the red blood cells of people with Rh-positive blood).

Anti-D(Rh0) immunoglobulin is given routinely at intervals during normal pregnancy and at delivery.

An additional dose is also given after an amniocentesis, miscarriage, or any event in which the baby’s blood may enter the mother’s circulation.

The injected antibodies prevent the woman from forming her own antibodies against Rh-positive blood, which might adversely affect a subsequent pregnancy.

(See also haemolytic disease of the newborn; Rhesus incompatibility.)... anti-d(rh0) immunoglobulin

Administration of immunoglobulin preparations

(antibodies) to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Such preparations, also known as immune globulin or gammaglobulin, work by passing on antibodies obtained from the blood of people who have previously been exposed to these diseases. The main use of these injections is to prevent infectious diseases, such as chickenpox, in people exposed to infection who are not already immune or are at special risk (during cancer treatment, for example). They are also given regularly for immunodeficiency disorders. Side effects include rash, fever, and pain and tenderness at the injection site.... immunoglobulin injection

A mismatch between the blood group of a Rhesus (Rh)-negative pregnant woman and that of her baby. In certain circumstances, this mismatch leads to haemolytic disease of the newborn.

The Rh system is based on the presence or absence in the blood of several factors, the most important of which is a substance called D antigen. Rh-positive blood contains D antigen, whereas Rhnegative blood does not. The blood type is determined by genes.Rhesus incompatibility results if a Rhnegative woman is exposed to the blood of her Rh-positive baby while it is being born. There are usually no problems during the first pregnancy with a Rh-positive baby. However, the woman may produce antibodies against the D antigen; in a subsequent pregnancy with a Rh-positive baby, these antibodies may cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus. A Rhnegative woman can also be sensitized if she has had a miscarriage, abortion, or amniocentesis, in which the fetus’s Rhpositive blood enters her circulation.

Rhesus incompatibility is now uncommon because injections of anti-D(Rh0) immunoglobulin are given routinely to Rh-negative women during pregnancy and at delivery. They are also given after miscarriage, abortion, amniocentesis, or any procedure that might result in exposure of the mother to fetal blood cells.... rhesus incompatibility

The development of antibodies against Rhesus (Rh)-positive blood in a person who has Rh-negative blood (see haemolytic disease of the newborn; Rhesus incompatibility).... rhesus isoimmunization

see anti-D immunoglobulin; haemolytic disease of the newborn.... rhesus prophylaxis

(anti-D Ig) a preparation of anti-D, a *rhesus factor antibody formed by Rh-negative individuals following exposure to Rh-positive blood (usually by exchange between fetal and maternal blood in Rh-negative women who carry a Rh-positive fetus). Anti-D Ig is administered (by intramuscular injection) to Rh-negative women within 72 hours of giving birth to a Rh-positive child (or following miscarriage or abortion) to prevent the risk of *haemolytic disease of the newborn in a subsequent child. It rapidly destroys any remaining Rh-positive cells, which could otherwise stimulate antibody production affecting the next pregnancy. Anti-D is also available as antenatal prophylaxis to all Rh-negative pregnant women.... anti-d immunoglobulin