Mothers at risk of alloimmunization to the Rh(D) antigen and availability of gamma-globulin at the Mexican Institute of Social Security

Hemolytic disease of the newborn develops mainly when an Rh negative (D-) mother becomes sensitized and produces anti-Rh positive (anti-D) antibodies capable of hemolysing D+ fetal erythrocytes. Maternal alloimmunization can be prevented by the administration of anti-D gamma-globulin immediately after the birth of each Rh positive child. In order to identify the frequency of prevention of alloimmunization at the Institute Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), the amount of mothers at risk of sensitization from 1985 to 1995 was estimated from Kh and ABO blood group frequencies and with the number of deliveries and abortion's at the Medical Institutions. Also, information in regard to the dose of gamma-globulin units purchased by the Institute of Social Security from 1985 to 1993 was obtained. The number of mothers at risk steadily increased from 16,616 in 1985 to 21,071 in 1995, amounting to a total of 203,203 in the 10-year period, while only 120,800 gamma-globulin units were purchased in that same period. The findings in this study suggest the need to define reasonable policies for the acquisition of gamma-globulin lots to prevent alloisoimmunization of mothers at risk.