Research progress on fetal RHD genotype screening in RhD-negative pregnant women in Asia / 中华围产医学杂志

ABSTRACT

RhD-negative pregnant women with an RhD-positive fetus are at risk of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), which may lead to fetal/neonatal death. While these would not affect those RhD-negative fetuses. With the advancement of technology in genetics, the administration of anti-D immunoglobulin to women with an RhD-positive fetus could reduce the risk of HDFN. Therefore, non-invasive prenatal testing on fetal RHD genotype plays an important role in the management of RhD-negative pregnant women. Selective usage of anti-D immunoglobulin is important in perinatal management in these women. The non-invasive prenatal screening for fetal RHD gene which has been carried out in Caucasian is not applicable to Asians because of the difference in RHD genotype. In addition to complete or partial RHD gene deletion, point mutations are also common RHD genotypes among Asians. This enlightens us to establish a non-invasive prenatal screening method for Asians. This article reviews the progress of fetal RHD screening in Asian RhD-negative pregnant women.