2. Rh Factor
Individuals whose red blood cells agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called
rhesus positive (Rh+)
Individuals whose blood does not agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called called
rhesus negative (Rh-)
ICT applications 10th June 2009
3. Rh typing
Rh Negative
(No agglutination)
Rh Positive
(agglutination)
ICT applications 10th June 2009
4. The Rh antigen is found on the red blood
cells of
85% of whites
96% of blacks and
99% of Asians
ICT applications 10th June 2009
5. Ifa Rh- mother becomes pregnant by a Rh+
father and If baby is Rh+
Thismeans a Rh+ baby growing in a Rh-
mother.
At the time of birth some of the baby's blood
gets into the mother's circulation.
ICT applications 10th June 2009
6. Thissensitizes the mother to Rh+ blood and
she produces anti-Rh+ antibodies.
These antibodies do not affect the first baby
as they are produced in her blood after this
baby is born.
ICT applications 10th June 2009
7. Ifshe has a second pregnancy with a Rh+
baby her antibodies may cross the placenta
and destroy the baby's red blood cells.
This condition is called
erythroblastosis foetalis.
ICT applications 10th June 2009
14. The baby either suffers from jaundice
Anaemia
Lack of blood supply to brain leads
serious brain damages
Stillbirth
ICT applications 10th June 2009
15. Theseserious damages can only be
prevented by a complete exchange of the
newly born baby's blood.
ICT applications 10th June 2009
16. Treatment
Administration of Rhogam (antibodies
to Rh + cells) to mother just after
delivery of the first child
Rhogam neutralises Rh+ cells thus preventing
the production of anti-RH+ antibodies
17. Thank you
Thank you
ICT applications 10th June 2009