Serological Tests on Rh‐Immunized Mothers*

Abstract

a meeting of this College in 1954, cells can be greatly reduced by the use of AT various serological tests for detection the MacBick centrifuge which can be recomand quantitative estimation of Rh antibodies mended to laboratories where routine Rh were described in detail. These included:-antibody testing is carried out.

The Significance of Rises in Rhesus Antibody Titre Following Amniocentesis

“…The groups with three, four, and five tube rises had a high perinatal mortality as a reflection of this higher level of immunization at the beginning of pregnancy. The correlation between antibody levels and fetal outcome from the clinic has been previously reported (Krieger, 1961), but when amniocentesis is performed this correlation seems better for antibody levels performed before rather than after amniocentesis. The patients reported here were managed by premature induction of labour, and antibody titre was one of the factors considered in determining the time of induction.…”

“…Other methods (saline, papain) in addition to the anti-globulin technique were used, but it is the latter which has had most clinical significance (Krieger, 1961). Antibody levels were measured at first attendance, and subsequently at intervals from 30 weeks gestation until delivery.…”

“…Anti-globulin levels were reported as titres obtained on serial dilution (1 : 1; 2; 4; 8; 16; 32; 64; 128, etc.). Other methods (saline, papain) in addition to the anti-globulin technique were used, but it is the latter which has had most clinical significance (Krieger, 1961).…”

The end of an era for ‘The Red Journal’

“…Two of the articles in 1(1) dealt with the care of Rhesusnegative pregnant women and the management of Rhesus isoimmunisation; two others concerned Stein-Leventhal syndrome, now renamed polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). [1][2][3][4] In 1961 Rhesus isoimmunisation was managed largely by early delivery of affected infants. Sixty-one years later we manage Rhesus disease largely by prevention, with anti-D, and we have the ability, with non-invasive prenatal testing, to determine, as early as ten weeks gestation, whether the fetus is Rhesus positive or negative, but we remain vigilant, knowing that without anti-D prophylaxis, women could still give birth to affected children in future pregnancies.…”

“…Two of the articles in 1(1) dealt with the care of Rhesus‐negative pregnant women and the management of Rhesus isoimmunisation; two others concerned Stein‐Leventhal syndrome, now renamed polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) 1–4 . In 1961 Rhesus isoimmunisation was managed largely by early delivery of affected infants.…”