Rh immunoglobulin utlization after spontaneous and induced abortion.

To monitor the utilization of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG), we reviewed the charts of 389 spontaneous and 1350 induced abortion patients treated in 1975 at a metropolitan hospital. The rate of ascertainment of Rh type was significantly higher for induced (99.6%) than for spontaneous abortion patients (95.1%) (P less than 0.001). Utilization of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG) also was significantly higher for induced (98.9%) than for spontaneous abortion patients (80.6%) (P less than 0.001). Women at risk who did not receive RhIG after spontaneous abortion were mostly young, of low gravidity, and at gestational ages (mean 14.4 weeks) associated with substantial risks of Rh sensitization. Eradication of Rh hemolytic disease requires improvement in the system of identifying and treating patients who need prophylaxis.