Underutilization of Rh prophylaxis in the emergency department: a retrospective survey.

Abstract

To determine the practice of emergency physicians with regard to the issue of Rh isoimmunization. A retrospective chart review. A university-affiliated tertiary care hospital emergency department. Pregnant women presenting with a risk factor for Rh sensitization. One hundred thirty-eight patient encounters were analyzed descriptively as to whether they were candidates for Rh immune prophylaxis, and if so, whether it was given. Most (68%) were hospitalized. Of those, all were Rh typed, but two patients were not given Rh immune globulin (RhIG) when indicated. Of those discharged from the ED, most (86%) were not Rh typed, and none was administered RhIG. This study demonstrates a need for increased attention to the potential for Rh isoimmunization in patients presenting to the ED.