Which patients should receive RhoGam following an abortion?

RhoGam, or Rho(D) immune globulin, is indicated for Rh-negative women following an abortion to prevent Rh sensitization. When an Rh-negative woman is exposed to Rh-positive blood (which can occur during an abortion if the fetus is Rh-positive), she may develop antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells. This sensitization can lead to complications in future pregnancies, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Administering RhoGam provides passive immunity against Rh-positive antigens, thus protecting the woman's immune system from producing harmful antibodies that could affect subsequent pregnancies. Clinical guidelines recommend administering RhoGam within 72 hours following an abortion to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Other factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or the woman's Rh-positive status, do not influence the use of RhoGam in the context of abortion. These conditions are relevant for different aspects of maternal and fetal care but do not relate to the need for Rh immunization. Therefore, the identification of Rh-negative women as the appropriate candidates for RhoGam following an abortion supports the prevention of potential complications in future pregnancies.