Gorle Rama Devi1, Uriti Sujatha Patnaik2, Prasad Usha3
BACKGROUND
Haemolytic disease of the newborn secondary to Rhesus-D isoimmunisation contributes significantly to perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is a need for adequate counseling of pregnant women regarding the importance of detection of blood grouping and Rh typing during the antenatal period in order to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn.
The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of Rhesus-negative pregnancy in the antenatal women and evaluate the maternal and foetal outcome during the period of September 2014 to August 2015.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All Rh-negative pregnant women who attended the Antenatal Clinic in Government Victoria Hospital were followed up till delivery and also postnatally regarding the maternal and foetal outcome. All the data was collected and results were analysed.
RESULTS
The prevalence of Rh-negative pregnancies in Government Victoria Hospital/Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, was 4.268% out of 376 antenatal Rh-negative cases, 8 cases developed preeclampsia, 5 cases developed foetal growth restriction with severe oligoamnios, 2 cases associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and caesarean section was done in 120 cases. Regarding neonatal outcome, 366 were live born babies, 5 were early neonatal deaths and 5 were intrauterine deaths.
CONCLUSION
In our study, the prevalence of Rh-negative pregnancy is 4.268%. Despite the low prevalence of Rh-negative pregnancy, Rh-isoimmunisation remains a determining factor responsible for perinatal morbidity.
