Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn in Western Australia 1974 to 1976

Summary: The prophylactic use of anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin has resulted in a marked decline in the incidence of Rh haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) since its introduction in 1968. Nevertheless, cases still occur. Those recorded in the metropolitan area of Western Australia in the 3 years, 1974 to 1976, have been studied in detail. There were 29 cases of ABO haemolytic disease, among which there were no deaths, and 56 cases of Rh haemolytic disease with 9 perinatal deaths. Nearly half of the mothers of the infants with Rh HDN were first immunised before anti-D became available; a quarter had not been given anti-D when it was requried, and a few had formed Rh antibodies in their first pregnancy or despite treatment with anti-D.