MIDTRIMESTER RH SENSITIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH CIRCULATING ANTICARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES AND ELEVATED MATERNAL SERUM ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN - A CASE-REPORT

The incidence of antepartum Rh isoimmunization has been limited by thi rd-trimester Rh immune globulin (RhIg) administration. Prophylactic fa ilures are uncommon but can occur if sensitization takes place prior t o the 28th week of gestation. We report a case of midtrimester Rh sens itization in an anticardiolipin antibody-positive primipara coincident with the discovery of an elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein va lue, oligohydramnios and fetal growth retardation. This case suggests that fetal-maternal hemorrhage and subsequent sensitization may be fac ilitated by anticardiolipin antibody-induced placental damage. Prophyl actic midtrimester RhIg administration ion might avoid sensitization i n similar cases.