In a situation with a known maternal Rh-negative status, which outcome warrants Rh immune globulin administration?

The administration of Rh immune globulin (Rho(D) immune globulin) is indicated to prevent Rh immunization in Rh-negative mothers, especially in situations where there is a risk of Rh-positive fetal blood mixing with the mother's circulation. In this case, when an Rh-negative mother gives birth to an Rh-positive infant, there is a significant risk of the mother developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood, which can lead to hemolytic disease in future pregnancies.

The presence of Rh-positive cells from the infant can stimulate the maternal immune system to produce antibodies that recognize the Rh factor as foreign. If these antibodies are formed, they can cross the placenta in subsequent pregnancies and potentially cause serious complications to Rh-positive fetuses, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Thus, to prevent this immunization and subsequent potential complications in future pregnancies, Rh immune globulin is administered following the birth of an Rh-positive infant. This immune globulin binds to any Rh-positive cells that may have entered the maternal circulation, effectively preventing the mother's immune system from recognizing and attacking them.

In contrast, outcomes such as the birth of an Rh-negative infant, miscarriage of an Rh-negative pregnancy, or a live birth where there is no transfusion of Rh-positive blood do not carry