Human Rho(D) Immune Globulin

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein|Immunologic Factor|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A preparation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against Rho(D) antigen (anti-RhD; anti-Rho(D); anti-Rhesus factor; anti-Rh; anti-D), manufactured from pools of human donor plasma containing anti-D, that can be used in the prevention of an immune response and suppression of Rhesus (Rh) immunization to Rho(D)-positive blood in people with an Rho(D)-negative blood type during pregnancy or transfusion with Rho(D)-positive red blood cells (RBCs). Upon intravenous or intramuscular administration, human Rho(D) immune globulin provides Rho(D) antibodies against Rho(D) antigens which suppresses Rh isoimmunization. By providing sufficient anti-Rho(D) antibodies, human anti-Rho(D) immune globulin accelerates the phagocytosis of Rho(D)-positive RBCs, which clears these RBCs from the circulation. This prevents the recognition of Rho(D)-positive RBCs by the immune system and the subsequent formation of anti-Rho(D) antibodies in individuals with Rh-negative blood after exposure to Rh-positive RBCs. This prevents the production of alloantibodies to paternally inherited RhD antigen expressed on fetal erythrocytes in Rho-negative mothers and prevents hemolytic diseases in newborns. Rho(D) immune globulin increases platelet counts and reduces bleeding in Rho-positive patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) by inhibiting autoantibody-mediated platelet clearance. A Rh-negative person can be exposed to Rh-positive blood through a mismatched blood transfusion or during pregnancy when the baby has the opposite blood type.

**Synonyms:** - Anti-D Immunoglobulin (Human) - Anti-Rh Immunoglobulins - HUMAN RHO(D) IMMUNE GLOBULIN - IgG Anti-D Antibodies - MICRhoGAM - Rh Immune Globulin - RhIG - Rho(D) Immune Globulin - Rho(D) immune globulin - RhoD Immune Globulin Human - RhoGAM