Rho(D) immune globulin

Rh_o(D) immune globulin or Rh₀(D) immune globulin (letter o and digit zero are both widely attested; more at Rh blood group system - Rh nomenclature) is a medicine given by intramuscular injection that is used to prevent the immunological condition known as Rh disease (or hemolytic disease of newborn). It is sold under various brand names. The medicine is a solution of IgG anti-D (anti-RhD) antibodies that take out any fetal RhD-positive erythrocytes which have entered the maternal blood stream from fetal circulation, before the maternal immune system can react to them, thus preventing maternal sensitization. In a Rhesus-negative mother, Rh_o(D) immune globulin can prevent temporary sensitization of the maternal immune system to Rh D antigens, which can cause rhesus disease in the current or in subsequent pregnancies. With the widespread use of Rho(D) immune globulin, Rh disease of the fetus and newborn has almost disappeared. The risk that a D-negative mother can be alloimmunized by a D-positive fetus can be reduced from approximately 16% to less than 0.1% by the appropriate administration of RhIG.