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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 2 2000

Wanted: Rh negative donors with anti-D antibodies

Blood from people with different blood groups does not match. If a woman with a Rhesus negative blood group has a Rhesus positive baby she may make antibodies against the baby's blood. This may not affect the first pregnancy, but it can cause problems in future pregnancies. If antibodies from the mother attack the baby's blood cells, the baby can become very ill when it is born.

To protect their babies, women who have a Rhesus negative blood group can have an injection immediately after childbirth or a miscarriage to stop them making the antibodies. This injection contains a protein from the blood of people who already have antibodies.

The treatment is very successful, but supplies of the protein are low. There are not enough healthy donors in Australia. If you think you may be able to help contact the Blood Bank or Red Cross.

Telephone 131495.