In this quick, science-focused episode, Molly and Bethany break down how IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) is used during alloimmunized pregnancies to help delay fetal anemia and reduce the risks of severe HDFN. They explain who may benefit, how the treatment works, what the latest guidelines say, and why IVIG can be a life-saving tool when started early and used thoughtfully.
Watch this episode on YouTube
View all of our resources at www.allohopefoundation.org
If you are an alloimmunized mother from any country, you are welcome in our Facebook support group called “Antibodies in Pregnancy: An AHF Support Group. Join here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/antibodiesinpregnancy
References in this episode:
New meta-analysis on use of IVIG: Mustafa HJ, Sambatur EV, Pagani G, D’Antonio F, Maisonneuve E, Maurice P, Zwiers C, Verweij JE, Flood A, Shamshirsaz AA, Jouannic JM. Intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of severe maternal alloimmunization: individual patient data meta-analysis. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2024 Oct 1;231(4):417-29. Available here.
Benefits of delaying first IUT to beyond 20 weeks: Lindenburg IT, van Kamp IL, van Zwet EW, Middeldorp JM, Klumper FJ, Oepkes D. Increased perinatal loss after intrauterine transfusion for alloimmune anaemia before 20 weeks of gestation. BJOG. 2013 Jun;120(7):847-52. Available here.
Pregnancy management guidelines: Moise KJ, Markham KB, Spinella PC, Sherwood MR, Robinson KA, Wilson LM, Malone J, Espinoza J, Dizon-Townson D, Mercer L, Miller R. A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Pregnancy Alloimmunized to Red Blood Cell Antigens. JAMA Network Open. 2025 Nov 3;8(11):e2544649-. Available here. Note that additional practice points are in the supplemental content. To access all recommendations, practice points, and their rationale, we recommend clicking “supplemental content”, downloading the file, and accessing Table 4. This provides all information in one table for easy printing and reference.
Please consider donating to AHF. If you are a listener, you know we do a lot with a little. Not sure how much will make a difference? An antibody screen in Kenya costs $13 USD. A dose of RhIG for a mother who cannot afford it is $80 USD.
Click here to make a one-time or recurring donation.