How Rhesus didease can be prevented or cured?
1. Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg): RhIg is a medication that can prevent Rh disease in Rh-negative pregnant women. It is typically given at 28 weeks of gestation and again within 72 hours of delivery if the baby is Rh-positive. RhIg binds to and destroys any Rh-positive red blood cells that may have crossed the placenta, preventing the mother's immune system from producing antibodies against them.
2. Preconception counseling: Rh-negative women who are planning to become pregnant should receive preconception counseling about Rh disease. This counseling should include information about the risks of Rh disease, the importance of RhIg prophylaxis, and the importance of prenatal care.
Treatment:
There is no cure for Rh disease, but it can be treated by:
1. Blood transfusions: In severe cases of Rh disease, the baby may need blood transfusions to replace the damaged red blood cells. Blood transfusions can be given before birth (intrauterine transfusion) or after birth.
2. Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a treatment that uses light to break down bilirubin. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. In Rh disease, the baby may have high levels of bilirubin, which can cause kernicterus, a condition that can lead to brain damage. Phototherapy can help to lower bilirubin levels and prevent kernicterus.
3. Exchange transfusion: In some cases, the baby may need an exchange transfusion. An exchange transfusion is a procedure in which the baby's blood is replaced with blood from a donor. This procedure is used to remove the baby's antibodies against Rh-positive red blood cells and to replace them with Rh-negative red blood cells.