Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin

Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is a protein-derived substance that is used in various fields of medicine. Its main application is associated with the prevention of Rh-conflict (use in gynecology and obstetrics, transplantology, hematology and tissue transplantation). As statistics show, the main percentage of the drug is used in gynecology.

Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin: Pros and Cons

The active substance has an immunostimulating effect, counteracts the Rh factor. It acts as biologically active components of natural origin. There are numerous controversies regarding the appointment of anti-rhesus immunoglobulin. Some are in favor of its use, others are against it. But in any case, there is a lot of information indicating effectiveness.

It is convincingly confirmed that the main action of the drug is aimed at stabilizing biochemical processes and preventing the agglutination reaction between blood groups of different Rh factor. As you know, the Rh factor is a protein that is present in the blood of Rh-positive people, and is absent in the blood of Rh-negative people. If a person with negative rhesus is injected with blood with positive rhesus during transfusion, an agglutination reaction occurs, in which red blood cells stick together, are destroyed, which leads to complete blood coagulation, the formation of blood clots with further death of the person. A similar picture is observed with organ transplants.

Prevents rejection of transplanted tissues, miscarriages, spontaneous abortions, significantly increases the number of stillbirths, miscarriages, maternal mortality, and postpartum complications. Differences in the Rh factor between a woman and a man can cause the inability to conceive.

In view of the fact that anti-rhesus immunoglobulin prevents the cell agglutination reaction, acts as a means of preventing isoimmunization, one can hardly oppose its use in the course of treatment. Nevertheless. For the appointment of this drug can be advocated only after a thorough examination, since its incorrect use can also entail serious consequences, up to and including death. Therefore, it is extremely important to know the blood type of the person who will receive treatment. This information is checked several times. [1]

Indications Anti-rhesus immunoglobulin

It should be borne in mind that the tool is extremely dangerous and requires a serious approach and preliminary research. When using this tool incorrectly, a lethal outcome can occur, so we can say that in this case there is no margin for error. A purely specialist should prescribe the medicine, there should be good reasons for that. [2]

Rhesus conflict in any of its manifestations is a direct basis for the appointment of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin. An indication for use is a situation in which the mother acts as a Rh-negative person and has sensitization in relation to the child's Rh factor, which in turn is Rh-positive. In this case, any situation associated with the ingress of the child's blood into the mother's body requires the immediate introduction of immunoglobulin. This is usually done within three days of actual or probable contact. This is done after childbirth, or for the purpose of prophylaxis in a few days of childbirth, as well as before or after any manipulations when the fetal blood may come into contact with the mother's blood, for example, when taking a biopsy, in case of miscarriages and abortions, during amniocentesis and other similar events, and also with injuries. This also includes cases of transplantation of biological material, transfusion of blood and erythrocyte mass. [3]

Release form

The medicine has a liquid appearance, transparent and colorless. A dark liquid is a sign of contamination. When translucent against daylight, the liquid can be opalescent, have a slight sheen on the surface of the liquid. Basically, the ampoule contains 1 ml of liquid, which is designed for 1 dose. They are packed in a cardboard box (10 ampoules per box). Also, an ampoule knife is placed in the box. Shake the ampoule before use, since the solution tends to form a precipitate.

The drug is produced under various commercial names, however, the only possible active ingredient is human immunoglobulin, tropic in relation to Rh receptors. In the pharmaceutical industry, there are on sale: camrow, hyperrow, immunoro cedrione, resonant, and anti-rhesus Ig itself. Pharmacological characteristics are the same in all preparations, the active substance is the same.

• Camrow

Manufactured in Israel. Similar to pure domestic. One ampoule contains a single dosage.

• Hyperrow

The composition includes human immunoglobulin. It should be borne in mind that immunoglobulin does not penetrate the transplacental barrier, therefore, accordingly, it does not harm the fetus. It reduces sensitization and destroys the Rh factor only in the mother's blood, but not in the baby's blood.

• Immunoro Kedrione

Powder for preparing a suspension. Immunoro Kedrione is produced in Italy.

• Resonative

Resonative is produced in Sweden and is available in the form of ampoules with a dosage of 150 mcg and 300 mcg.

• Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin D

It violates the basic biochemical properties and the level of activity of the Rh factor, and also reduces the susceptibility (sensitization) of the body in relation to this factor. Immunoglobulin contributes to the fact that the body's sensitivity to this substance is sharply reduced, respectively, antibodies are not produced. Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin D is produced by domestic manufacturers and is used in many fields of medicine.

Pharmacodynamics

Speaking about pharmacodynamics, it is worth noting that the substance itself belongs to the group of protein components (immunoglobulins), which have a corrective effect on molecular and cellular components and metabolic mechanisms.

In case of violation of individual blood components, it corrects the state, with a decrease in the functional state of immunity, stimulates its activity, with a tendency to autoimmune aggression against the background of hyperfunction and immunity tension, it has a normalizing (inhibitory effect). But the main action is that the drug prevents rhesus conflict.

Pharmacokinetics

When analyzing the features of pharmacokinetics, it should be noted that it has a high degree of immunological activity.

The drug circulates in the blood for a long time, at least 3-4 weeks, thus providing a protective effect.

Dosing and administration

Side effects, harm and damage to the body are rarely caused, mainly with improper use of the drug, as well as with a strong tendency to allergic reactions. For example, some people, especially those who have a tendency to an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, may develop Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock, and an attack of suffocation. But this rarely happens.

• The timing of the introduction of anti-rhesus immunoglobulin

The recommended period is the first three days after the Rh factor enters the bloodstream. In fact, the sooner the drug is administered, the easier it will be to prevent the consequences.

• Where is anti-rhesus immunoglobulin injected?

It is recommended to inject intramuscularly. Where exactly the prick is determined by the doctor. The optimal site is the upper outer quadrant of the gluteus maximus. But they also inject in the front of the thigh (thigh muscle), in the shoulder (biceps).

• Antibodies after anti-rhesus immunoglobulin

In response to this protein component, antibodies are formed. But after the introduction of anti-rhesus immunoglobulin, they are neutralized, and the sensitization of the body is also reduced.

• Antibody titers anti-rhesus immunoglobulin

There are 2 types of anti-rhesus immunoglobulin antibody titers: 1500 and 3000 IU of the substance, which corresponds to a dosage of 150 μg and 300 μg. This is a single dosage for one administration. The maximum amount of the drug appears in the blood after 24 hours, it continues to circulate through the blood for 4-5 weeks, protecting the body from destructive effects.

Application for children

Treatment of hemolytic disease in children requires the use of immunospecific immunoglobulin (immunoglobulin G group). A distinctive feature of this drug is that the main mechanism of its action is aimed at stimulating the function of hematopoiesis, general stimulation of the immune system, decreasing the body's synchronicity, providing antiviral, antibacterial, antitoxic protection. It should be noted that, depending on the needs of the child's body, various means can be used: antistaphylococcal, antiherpes, anticytomegalovirus.

Use Anti-rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy

If antibodies to Rh are formed in the body of a pregnant woman, they are aimed first at neutralizing the Rh factor that has entered the woman's circulatory system, and then at the fetus itself as a source that synthesizes substances dangerous for a woman's life. In the absence of treatment, various complications usually develop in the mother, the child, up to a lethal outcome.

• Anti-rhesus immunoglobulin after childbirth

Prescribed for several days after childbirth, and injections are given for at least three days in a row. This contributes to the fact that a substance enters the mother's body that reduces its activity against the components of the child's erythrocytes. Accordingly, Rh-conflict is prevented.

• Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin after abortion, miscarriage

The timing of the introduction should be minimal. As soon as there is even the slightest probability of a negative outcome, injections are given immediately. It is recommended for various activities involving the ingestion of the Rh factor into the body (during transplantation, infusion of erythrocyte mass).

Contraindications

It is forbidden to inject the drug to newborn children. It is impossible to apply to women in childbirth and parturient women who are sensitized to the Rh factor, that is, have antibodies to it in the blood.

Side effects Anti-rhesus immunoglobulin

The drug is harmful to rhesus positive personalities. Side effects are associated with the destruction of the Rh factor and inactivation of antibodies to it. Of course, this is dangerous for those people who are positive on this basis. It is worth noting that it brings undoubted benefits to people with negative status. Headache, slight nausea, dyspeptic disorders, impaired coordination of movements, mild headache are not excluded.

Overdose

Overdose has not been described in practice. But in theoretical sources there is an indication: exceeding the dose can lead to excessive stimulation of the immune system, cause autoimmune aggression.

Interactions with other drugs

Does not enter into the reaction of interaction (natural substance, protein origin).

Rhesus immunoglobulin and alcohol

Usually in the body of a sensitized person, it does not enter into interaction and chemical reactions. In theory, this allows us to assume that it can be combined with alcohol. But as practice shows, it is better not to do this.

The fact is that immunoglobulin is an antibody, and all antibodies are known to be enzymes. They are synthesized in the body, and any substances can have both inhibitory and stimulating effects on them. Alcohol is no exception. Alcohol stimulates the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase in the body, which breaks down alcohol and its decay products. Thus, alcohol has the ability to stimulate enzymatic activity. As a result of a cross-reaction between immunoglobulin and alcohol dehydrogenase, like other enzymes, a reaction can occur. Excessive activity, as well as slowed down activity, can negatively affect the state of health, enzymatic activity, composition and properties of the blood. It is worth noting that this can disrupt all biochemical processes in general, as well as lead to a violation of hormonal levels and immune status. This state of affairs not only does not contribute to the normalization of the condition, but also aggravates the pathology.

Storage conditions

The drug should be stored under strict observance of storage conditions. It is recommended to store in a refrigerator at a temperature not exceeding 10-12 degrees and not lower than 2 degrees. Transport at the same temperature. Store in original packaging. Immediately before the injection, remove from the refrigerator and hold for 1.5-2 hours at room temperature so that the drug warms up a little. Should not be left in direct sunlight and near central heating radiators, heaters.

Shelf life

As for the unpacked preparation, its shelf life is 2-3 years. The opened bottle cannot be stored, it is immediately disposed of (one ampoule is designed for one injection, which is administered once).

Analogs

As analogs, one can consider all drugs, the active substances of which are human anti-rhesus immunoglobulin D. It may be a domestic drug with the same name. Also, foreign analogues are used, such as: hyperrow, camrow, immunoroedrion, resonant, and other drugs.

Reviews

If we analyze the reviews, we can note that positive ones prevail among them. Negative reviews were met only 2 times and were associated with improper use of the drug and its individual intolerance. In the first case, an allergy developed in the form of urticaria and the local temperature increased at the site of the bite (the drug was injected incorrectly, or the suspension was improperly prepared).

In the second case, an intolerance to the drug immunoroedrion developed. The girl complained of headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Perhaps this was due to the fact that it also includes other components, in particular auxiliary substances. In this case, the drug was replaced with a pure, domestic anti-rhesus immunoglobulin, and the condition returned to normal. Otherwise, the reviews were positive: the drug effectively eliminated and prevented the Rh-conflict. A characteristic feature is that the drug acts quickly and requires a single administration. It remains in the blood for up to 5 weeks, providing reliable protection for the body.