Routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis and patient compliance with the two-dose regimen

summary The aim of this study was to determine the compliance rates for women being offered routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis in two obstetric units in the UK. Haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a potentially serious condition that can result in substantial morbidity and sometimes death. Current guidelines recommend that 500 IU anti‐D immunoglobulin G (IgG) should be offered to all non‐sensitized RhD‐negative women at 28 and 34 weeks’ gestation in order to prevent the risk of RhD sensitization in pregnancy. Implementing guidance, however, remains a challenge. We conducted a retrospective audit of 207 RhD‐negative, non‐sensitized pregnant women attending obstetric units during 2004 to assess compliance with national guidance on the provision of antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis. Informed consent for routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis was documented for 185 of these women. In total, 86·5% of women received the two doses of anti‐D IgG. The majority of women received their first and second doses within 1 week of 28 and 34 weeks’ gestation (87·0 and 86·0%, respectively). Accurate records of prophylactic anti‐D IgG were maintained and updated. This audit demonstrates that the level of patient compliance with the two‐dose regimen was high.