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Future options to reduce RhD immunization in addition to a high coverage prevention program of antenatal and postnatal RhIg: a nationwide cohort study
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  • Yolentha Slootweg,
  • Carolien Zwiers,
  • Johanna Koelewijn,
  • Ellen van der Schoot,
  • Dick Oepkes,
  • Inge Kamp,
  • Masja de Haas
Yolentha Slootweg
Leiden University Medical Center

Corresponding Author:y.m.slootweg@lumc.nl

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Carolien Zwiers
Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum
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Johanna Koelewijn
Sanquin Research
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Ellen van der Schoot
Sanquin Research
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Dick Oepkes
Leiden University Medical Centre
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Inge Kamp
Leiden Universitair Medisch Centrum
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Masja de Haas
Sanquin Research Clinical Transfusion Research
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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate which risk factors for RhD immunization remain, despite adequate routine antenatal and postnatal RhIg prophylaxis (1000 IU RhIg) and additional administration of RhIg. Assessment of the prevalence of RhD immunizations. Design: Prospective cohort Setting: The Netherlands. Population: Two-year nationwide cohort. Methods: RhD-negative women in their first RhD immunized pregnancy and their foregoing non-immunized pregnancy. Risk factors for RhD immunization were compared with population data. Main outcomes measures: Risk factors for FMH and subsequently RhD immunization, prevalence of RhD immunizations. Results: The prevalence of newly detected RhD immunizations was 0.31% (79/25,170) of all RhD-negative pregnant women in the Netherlands. After exclusion, 193 women remained. Significant risk factors found in the group of 113 parous women (previous pregnancy >16 weeks, RhD positive child) were; caesarean section (CS) (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.6), perinatal death (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.1-10.9), gestational age over 42 weeks (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.2-16.6), postnatal bleeding (>1000mL) (OR 2.0 95% CI 1.1-3.6), surgical removal of the placenta (SRP) (OR 4.3, 95% CI 2.0-9.3). The miscarriage rate in the group of women without a previous RhD positive child was significantly higher than in the Dutch population (35% vs 12.5% p<0.001). Conclusion: Complicated deliveries, including cases of major bleeding and surgical interventions (CS, SRP) need to be recognized as risk factor, requiring determination of FMH volume and adjustment of RhIg dosing. Miscarriage may be an additional risk factor for RhD immunization, requiring further studies. Funding: This research was partly funded by a grant from Sanquin Amsterdam.
08 Jul 2021Submitted to BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
14 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
14 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
21 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Aug 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
26 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
30 Oct 20211st Revision Received
01 Nov 2021Submission Checks Completed
01 Nov 2021Assigned to Editor
01 Nov 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
29 Nov 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
30 Dec 20212nd Revision Received
31 Dec 2021Assigned to Editor
31 Dec 2021Submission Checks Completed
31 Dec 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
13 Jan 2022Editorial Decision: Accept