Occurs when Rhesus-positive (D antigen-positive) fetal blood enters the bloodstream of a Rhesus-negative (D antigen-negative) mother
Results in the production of Anti-Rhesus IgG antibodies by the mother that pass through the placental barrier and cause fetal hemolysis
Treatment:
RhoGAM indicated in unsensitized (antibody titers < 1:6), Rh-negative women at 28 weeks gestation and within 72 hours of any procedure or incident (abortion, ectopic pregnancy, and delivery)
Notes:
Administration of Anti-D gamma globulin (RhoGAM) presents isoimmunization by binding the D antigens on the fetal blood in the maternal circulation thereby preventing the mother''s immune system from reacting to them
