Rh sensitization in abortion care: where we've been and where we're going.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize the historical context and recent literature that contribute to the debate about preventive strategies for Rhesus (Rh)-alloimmunization in abortion are.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies repeatedly demonstrate that the risk of Rh-alloimmunization in first trimester abortion care is very low.

SUMMARY

Recent high-quality studies have demonstrated the physiologic presence of fetal red blood cells in maternal circulation even prior to abortion. Thus, establishing the low utility of Rh immunoglobulin prior to abortion before 12 weeks of gestation. There is yet to exist a consensus guideline that balances the desire to prevent a rare devastating outcome and the need to create practical guidelines based on evidence-based risk assessments.