Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy: pros and cons. Normal human immunoglobulin: instructions, reviews, price
Pregnancy is an extremely difficult period for any woman. And even if she doesn’t experience any particular discomfort, her body is subject to severe changes and “attacks.” First of all, in terms of immunity. But why is this necessary? After all, on the contrary, you need to protect both yourself and the child!
A decrease in immunity occurs to prevent the body from attacking a foreign body or embryo as a potential threat. It is in such cases that immunoglobulin is administered during pregnancy. These are additional immune cells that have anti-inflammatory effects and enhance activity. But if it is necessary during pregnancy, then only in exceptional cases and when the possible risk of the assistance provided outweighs the risk of possible health problems for the child.
Immunoglobulin during pregnancy is necessary for women with immunodeficiency (HIV or AIDS). It is administered exclusively under the supervision of a physician and the dosage is carefully calculated in each individual case. This is the first indication for taking a drug such as human immunoglobulin during pregnancy.
The immunoglobulin itself is synthesized from donors, which makes the drug almost identical to natural antibodies. Do not forget that everything undergoes strict control for the presence of harmful components and it is impossible to become infected with anything from injections. Immunoglobulin is administered during pregnancy through intravenous or intramuscular drips.
However, there is another serious reason for prescribing this drug - Rh conflict between mother and fetus. It occurs when the mother's blood is Rh negative and the child inherits Rh positive from the father. The case is not that rare. In this case, anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is prescribed during pregnancy. And it is usually necessary for repeat pregnancy. The fact is that the Rh conflict between the child and the mother who is pregnant for the first time does not require the administration of this drug, because antibodies have not yet been developed. In subsequent pregnancies, they can be produced and cause great harm to the baby: brain damage, severe cases of hemolytic jaundice, etc.
If before this pregnancy a woman had: a miscarriage, an abortion, injuries to the abdominal cavity, accompanied by the penetration of fetal blood into the maternal circulatory system, with a positive Rh, then it is not recommended to administer anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy. If necessary, anti-D immunoglobulin is administered in the first 72 hours after birth.
If the Rh conflict still manifests itself, then immunoglobulin is administered additionally. Until then, the pregnant woman is under constant medical supervision and regularly takes blood tests for antibodies.
It is worth recalling that human immunoglobulin fights bacteria, viruses, infections and fungi. It is precisely because of the wide and strong spectrum of action that the introduction of additional cells can cause serious side effects - from allergic manifestations to shortness of breath and bronchospasm. This is another reason why immunoglobulin during pregnancy is administered exclusively under medical supervision.
One significant circumstance that stops many from prescribing immunoglobulins is that its effect on the body has not been fully studied. Indeed, along with a significant decrease in immunity, pregnant women are less susceptible to infectious diseases. The same paradox is confirmed by the fact that during pregnancy many inflammatory processes disappear, especially in the pelvic organs. By the end of the pregnancy, true immunity is restored, and some inflammations form again. This fact remains to be studied in detail.
We wish you and your family health and take care of your natural immunity so as not to restore it later!
Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin contains the active ingredient protein immunoglobulin, as well as glycine water for injection as an excipient.
Release form
Available in the form of a solution for intramuscular administration. The liquid is light yellow or completely colorless, completely transparent or slightly opalescent.
A small sediment may appear, which disappears if the ampoule is shaken. The cardboard packaging can contain 1 or 10 ampoules, as well as an ampoule knife.
pharmachologic effect
Human anti-rhesus immunoglobulin RhO(D) - protein fraction with immunological activity. It is isolated from the serum or plasma of those donors who were initially tested for the absence of antibodies to hepatitis C in the blood, and the surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus was also absent in the blood. The active ingredient of the drug is immunoglobulin G, which contains incomplete anti-Rho (D ) antibodies. Under the influence of this drug in the body of a pregnant woman with negative Rh, who has given birth to children with positive Rho (D), or who has undergone an abortion if the man's blood is Rho (D) positive, Rh sensitization is prevented (that is, the formation of Rho (D) antibodies).
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
The highest level of antibody concentration in the patient’s blood is observed 24 hours after the administration of human anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin Rho(D) intramuscularly. The half-life of elimination from the body is four to five weeks.
Indications for use
This product can only be used as directed by a specialist. The drug is indicated for use in order to ensure the prevention of Rh conflict in women who have a negative Rh factor in the following cases:
- upon and subsequent birth of a child with a positive Rh factor;
- when spontaneous or intentional ;
- in case of interruption;
- if there is a threat of spontaneous in any trimester;
- after amniocentesis , as well as other procedures in which there is a risk that the fetal blood may end up in the mother’s blood;
- in case of abdominal trauma.
Contraindications
Experts do not prescribe human immunoglobulin anti-Rhesus RhO (D) to Rh-positive postpartum women, and Rh-negative postpartum women sensitized to the Rho (D) antigen cannot receive it (if Rh antibodies are detected in the serum).
Side effects
Adverse reactions are rare. When this drug is administered, the following manifestations are possible:
- hyperemia of the skin in the places where the solution is injected;
- on the first day after the injection - increased body temperature, dyspeptic symptoms;
- various .
Development is very rarely possible. Patients who have been administered the medicine must remain under the supervision of specialists for half an hour after the injection. The specialist should have the opportunity to carry out anti-shock treatment if necessary.
Instructions for Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin (Method and dosage)
Before administering the ampoule with the solution, it must be kept at a temperature of 18 to 22 °C for two hours. It cannot be administered intravenously. To prevent the formation of foam, you need to draw the solution into the syringe with a wide-bore needle. An opened bottle cannot be stored.
One dose of the drug is administered intramuscularly once. Woman after childbirth Immunoglobulin is administered during the first three days.
In case of termination of pregnancy The injection must be given immediately after surgery.
The need to administer a certain dose of the drug during a full pregnancy is determined depending on how much fetal blood enters the mother’s bloodstream.
For the purpose of prevention, one dose (300 mcg) of the drug is administered before childbirth; it should be administered at approximately 28 weeks of pregnancy. 2-3 days after birth, another dose of Immunoglobulin is administered, provided that the baby is Rh-positive.
If there is a threat of miscarriage during any period of gestation, one dose of the medicine should be administered.
If it happened spontaneous abortion or interruption ectopic pregnancy after 13 weeks of gestation, it is recommended to administer 1 dose of the drug. If pregnancy is terminated before the 13th week, a mini-dose (50 mcg) can be administered.
In other cases, the indications and dosage of the drug are determined exclusively by a specialist. It will also help determine which anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin is better.
Overdose
There is no data on an overdose of the drug.
Interaction
The administration of the drug can be combined with treatment with other medications, including antibiotics.
Terms of sale
Can only be purchased by prescription.
Storage conditions
Keep out of reach of children, store in a dark and dry place, the temperature should be from 2 to 10 °C. Do not use ampoules whose integrity or labeling has been damaged, or if the physical properties of the solution inside the ampoule have changed. The medicine must be transported at a temperature of 2 to 10 °C.
Best before date
The shelf life of the medicine is 3 years.
special instructions
Children of mothers who received a prenatal injection of Human Immunoglobulin Rh0(D) may have weakly positive direct antiglobulin tests at birth.
After administration of the drug, a woman can receive any live vaccines no earlier than three months later.
If there is accurate evidence that the father is Rh0(D) negative, the medicine may not be administered.
The drug is not administered to Rh-positive postpartum women.
Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin during pregnancy and lactation
If indicated, the drug is administered to women during pregnancy , and also, if necessary - after childbirth . In this case, the instructions for pregnancy, which contain information about the dosage of the drug, must be strictly followed. Reviews from women indicate that the drug, as a rule, does not cause significant side effects. Whether it is possible to receive anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin during pregnancy for free, you need to find out at a specific medical institution.
The pregnancy period is quite difficult for a woman of any age. This is a big test for the immune system; the defenses are reduced so that the body does not simply reject the fetus, considering it a potential threat. To ensure that the embryo is not in danger, it is recommended to use the drug immunoglobulin during pregnancy. Its use helps to activate the body's internal reserves, strengthen the immune system, it has general strengthening and anti-inflammatory properties.
The composition of the drug is extremely simple: a set of antibodies produced on the basis of human blood serum. At the time of blood sampling, he must be absolutely healthy and have no chronic diseases. During pregnancy, a powerful immune stimulant is prescribed in exceptional cases, if the benefits to the body outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.
The risk of contracting infections is significantly reduced, internal reserves are activated to resist viruses and bacteria. Pathogenic microorganisms can enter with water, unwashed vegetables and fruits, and be found in food products. It is almost impossible to protect yourself; the infection may not manifest itself for several months and, with a sharp decrease in the body’s defenses, begin its destructive effects.
The instructions for immunoglobulin indicate that today the effect of the drug during gestation has not been thoroughly studied. An injection (intramuscular injection or intravenous drip) must be administered under the supervision of a specialist; the dosage is calculated individually. A pregnant woman should stay in a medical facility for some time after the injection so that doctors can quickly respond to a sudden deterioration in well-being.
In what cases is it used?
Immunoglobulin during pregnancy is prescribed after a medical examination and tests in the following cases:
a serious threat of spontaneous miscarriage, provoked by internal or external factors, regardless of the period;
when the mother has negative Rh blood factor;
if the expectant mother has a progressive infection in her body that does not respond to antibiotic treatment;
after amniocentesis (puncture of the amniotic membrane, carried out to collect amniotic fluid for research);
for abdominal injuries of varying severity;
when it is established that the blood of mother and fetus is mixed;
in case of identified immunodeficiency after pregnancy, as well as before conception;
after an abortion (an established fact of ectopic pregnancy - dangerous for a woman).
The high value of immunoglobulin is due to one of its main properties: replenishing the lack of IgG antibodies. The mechanism of action is simple - increasing their quantity allows the body to actively resist viral and bacterial infections.
Anti-Rhesus drug: when to administer
A negative Rh factor in the mother and a positive Rh factor in the fetus, which he inherited from the father, can pose a threat. In most cases, spontaneous miscarriage occurs. Pregnancy failure is the result of activation of the immune system in order to reject a foreign body mistaken for a virus.
Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy can prevent Rh conflict and the destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the embryo. The recommended period for administering the drug is 28 weeks. During the first pregnancy, antibodies have not yet been formed or their type and size cannot cross the placental barrier. The injection must be given when the birth of a second or third child is planned; in this case, the risk of miscarriage in this case increases significantly.
It is not recommended to administer a dose of immunoglobulin:
previous early abortion (surgical or medical);
abdominal injuries with concomitant damage to internal organs (when there is a high risk of internal bleeding and mixing of fetal and maternal blood);
the risk of anaphylactic shock when administered “human” immunoglobulin;
diabetes mellitus during exacerbation;
pronounced allergic reactions to any irritant;
elevated body temperature;
renal failure.
Prescribed with caution for frequent migraines, sudden changes in blood pressure, nephritis and immune diseases of the blood.
If subsequent pregnancies are planned, an injection is given within 72 hours after birth.
Prenatal testing can determine whether the mother has developed antibodies. If this fact is confirmed, it is too late to administer immunoglobulin during pregnancy. It is not worth risking the health of the fetus - self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited.
Possible side effects
The drug prescribed by the doctor is administered in two ways: intramuscularly and intravenously (dropper). The dosage is based on an examination of the pregnant woman and taking into account several factors - individual tolerance to the drug, the presence of allergic reactions, whether there was an abortion before conception, the state of the immune system at the moment.
There are practically no side effects observed if the recommended dosage in a particular case is followed. It is also worth paying attention to the speed of administration - immunoglobulin in injections during pregnancy should enter the bloodstream slowly. The injection is done in a medical facility, under the supervision of medical staff for several hours after the end of the procedure.
In rare cases, malaise may be observed (in the first 60 minutes after the serum enters the bloodstream), chills, trembling and weakness in the upper and lower extremities, dry cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, mild pain in the chest, redness of the face due to intense blood flow to the tissues .
Among the world's population, approximately 15% of people have negative Rh blood factor. Accordingly, the number of pregnant women with such rhesus is small. However, the protocols for managing women with negative Rhesus status are radically different from the usual ones. And anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy (“Human Anti-Rhesus Immunoglobulin”) can be prescribed in any case of a child being carried by an Rh-negative mother.
Doctors explain the need for the use of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin by the risk of developing Rh sensitization of the mother and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Incomprehensible terminology and risks accompanying the administration of an immunological drug make expectant mothers doubt the advisability of prescribing the medication.
What is the specificity of the drug
The drug clearly differs from other immunoglobulins (used against cytomegalovirus, herpes) in that it contains only antibodies to specific blood antigens of the Rh-positive factor (D-antigens), and not antibodies to viral antigens. It is mistakenly called a vaccine, compared with known vaccinations, for example, against chickenpox. The difference in this case is radical: immunoglobulin contains protective antibodies produced by the immune system, and not weakened infectious agents.
By its nature, anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is similar to “Normal Human Immunoglobulin”, but it is prescribed only to pregnant women, while the second is prescribed to people, regardless of gender, to boost immunity or at risk of damaging the body with severe infectious diseases. For example, after a tick bite to prevent encephalitis.
Anti-Rhesus (anti-D) immunoglobulin is an immunological drug obtained from the serum of Rh-sensitized donors. That is, people with a negative factor who are immune to the D-antigen attached to red blood cells. Anti-Rh immunoglobulin is a concentrate of immune cells that can neutralize Rh-positive red blood cells found in the body of a Rh-negative pregnant woman.
Why is anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin prescribed during pregnancy?
Anti-Rh immunoglobulin is prescribed to a pregnant woman to prevent Rh sensitization (the production of active antibodies against Rh-positive fetal blood elements). When a mother with negative Rhesus carries a baby with positive Rhesus, any incest stimulates the mother's immune system to recognize the child's cells as foreign. This is possible in the following situations:
- physiological birth process;
- abortion;
- the onset of spontaneous miscarriage;
- placental abruption;
- fetoplacental insufficiency;
- bruises and abdominal injuries;
- leakage of water before childbirth;
- carrying out invasive diagnostic procedures (amniocentesis).
Any of the above situations is a direct indication for the use of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin. After all, the penetration of immune cells through the placenta leads to the splitting of blood cells (erythrocytes) of the fetus, which is called Rh conflict and can result in hemolytic disease of the newborn, fetal death, and premature birth.
Another indication for the use of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is the prevention of Rh conflict.
- Use during pregnancy. The first reason immunoglobulin is prescribed during pregnancy is to prevent Rh conflict if the father of the expected child is Rh positive.
- Use after childbirth. It is carried out to prevent conflict in future pregnancies. After all, childbirth is a process in which incest is inevitable and physiological, which means an immune response will certainly arise.
Having developed antibodies to positive blood once, the immunity of a Rh-negative mother will always perceive Rh-positive blood as a foreign agent. If a sensitized woman becomes pregnant from an Rh-negative man, the pregnancy will proceed normally. If the fetus is conceived from an Rh-positive father, then the pregnancy has a high risk of various complications, since the mother’s own immune cells can easily penetrate the placental barrier and begin “destroying the foreign body.”
That is, a postpartum injection of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is administered to an Rh-negative mother in order to preserve her ability to give birth again without serious consequences. If the child's father has a negative Rh factor, immunoglobulin is not used even for prophylactic purposes, since the fetus definitely has a negative blood factor.
How does it work
The replacement effect of immunoglobulin is mainly observed during pregnancy. Antibodies concentrated in the drug replace the mother’s immune cells, “create the appearance” of existing immunity for the immune system, “deceiving” the defenses of the pregnant woman’s body.
- Effect on the mother's body. Foreign blood cells (red blood cells of a child with antigen-D on the surface) in any case must be destroyed, since they are foreign to the mother’s body. Immunoglobulin neutralizes Rh-positive blood, preventing the woman’s body from producing its own aggressive antibodies. The risk of Rh sensitization is reduced to zero with the correct dose of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin.
- Impact on the child's body. Antibodies to the D-antigen, which are unusual for the mother’s body, do not penetrate the placental barrier, and therefore do not in any way affect the condition of the fetus.
- The effect of immunoglobulin on pregnancy. Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin does not allow the mother's aggressive immune cells to develop, reducing the risk of developing Rh conflict with its negative consequences. The drug has a positive effect on the course of pregnancy, preventing complications associated with different Rh factors of the mother and child.
The maximum concentration of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin in the blood is achieved 24 hours after administration of the drug. The half-life is four to five weeks. The concentration of immunoglobulin that can stop the immune response is maintained during the first three weeks. At this time, the ingestion of small quantities of red blood cells with the D-antigen (up to 15 ml of volume) cannot cause Rh sensitization of the mother.
Features of use in different trimesters
The administration of any amount of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin, including mini-doses, is carried out in a hospital setting, with careful monitoring of the pregnant woman by medical personnel. A prerequisite is a preliminary analysis for the presence of antibodies to the D-antigen. If sensitization has already begun, the administration of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin does not make sense, and the pregnant woman will be prescribed specific therapy.
- 1st trimester. The risk of mixing blood accompanies an abortion or incipient miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy. If an abortion is performed, then after its completion the woman is given one dose of anti-Rhesus. If doctors managed to maintain the pregnancy, and the threat of miscarriage has passed, the pregnant woman is given a mini-dose of the drug (50-75 mcg). Subsequent monitoring of the appearance of antibodies is mandatory.
- 2nd trimester. Trauma to the abdominal cavity of a pregnant woman during the period from 13 to 18 weeks or amniocentesis can lead to hematoma, hemorrhage, and cause premature birth. In this case, the administration of one dose of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is indicated, as well as repeated administration of the drug at 26-28 weeks of pregnancy. If a hematoma has developed, the drug will be administered every four weeks until delivery.
- 3rd trimester. If a multiparous woman has not detected antibodies to the D-antigen before the third trimester, and there have been no injuries, if the placenta is in normal condition, she is given a prophylactic dose of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin at 28 weeks. The doctor assesses the need for repeated administration at a later stage on an individual basis. If there is a risk of incest (placental abruption, trauma, threat of premature birth), the drug must be re-administered. If there is no risk, a second injection is given after birth.
Instructions for administering immunoglobulin during pregnancy: the ampoule with the drug is left at room temperature (18-22 ° C) for two hours to naturally warm the product. To prevent the solution from forming a hard-to-remove foam in the syringe, draw it up with a special needle with a wide hole. An immunoglobulin injection during pregnancy is given only intramuscularly. For the next half hour or hour, the pregnant woman remains in a hospital setting under the supervision of doctors, observing bed rest.
Primiparous Rh-negative women receive a dose of anti-Rhesus only in the postpartum period - in the first 72 hours after delivery. If difficulties arise during pregnancy, the drug is prescribed before birth at certain intervals for prevention.
Possible consequences
Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin has been prescribed to Rh-negative pregnant women since 1968 and, according to doctors, it is well tolerated by women. But using the drug is still accompanied by some risks.
- Side effects. Redness of the skin, increased body temperature of the pregnant woman to a subfebrile level. Such effects appear infrequently and, as a rule, disappear on their own within a day. A serious side effect is the development of allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. That is why the injection is performed in a hospital. Medical practice shows that allergies to anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin occur extremely rarely.
- Infection with infectious diseases. The introduction of extracts from donor serum carries a risk of becoming infected with HIV or hepatitis viruses. According to the manufacturer of the drug, careful testing of donors and multi-stage purification of the drug reduces this risk to a minimum - one case of infection per 10,000 injections administered.
- Risk of overdose. Eliminated thanks to the manufacturer's clear instructions regarding dose calculation. General recommendations: if a pregnant woman receives a quantity of red blood cells with a total volume not exceeding 15 ml, one dose of anti-rhesus is administered, corresponding to one ampoule - 300 mcg. If whole blood has entered the mother’s bloodstream in a volume of about 30 ml (more than 15 ml of red cells), two doses (600 mcg) are administered. The exact dosage can be determined by the red blood cell counting method developed by Kleihauer and Bethke. To find out the required number of doses, divide the resulting value by 15. The resulting number is rounded up to whole units. For example, if the result is 1.3 or 1.8, then two doses of the drug will be administered - 600 mcg.
Contraindications for the administration of any dosage of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin are:
- newborn;
- Rh sensitization (if antibodies to the D antigen are detected);
- the presence of individual hypersensitivity to the drug.
Is it necessary to inject anti-Rhesus?
Believing that the child will inherit the maternal Rh factor, many women refuse injections of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin. In fact, the presence of the D antigen is genetically determined. And if the father of the unborn child is Rh positive, then the risk of the child inheriting his gene is much greater than the probability of retaining the maternal genetic information about the absence of the D-antigen.
Even if during her first pregnancy a woman successfully carries and gives birth to an Rh-positive child, during the first three days after birth she will develop antibodies that will resist bearing the next Rh-positive fetus. Possible consequences include hemolytic disease of the second child, which in many cases is fatal.
The drug has no analogues, the use of immunosuppressants will not bring the desired result, so immunogloblin is needed during pregnancy, as this is the only way to avoid Rh conflict between mother and fetus. And the consequences of immunoglobulin during pregnancy are much less dangerous than the lack of timely injection of the drug.
During pregnancy, if the mother is Rh negative, immunoglobulin is administered on the recommendation of a doctor. The appointment is preceded by diagnostic studies and an assessment of the need for the drug for each individual case of pregnancy. The drug is safe for mother and fetus, but plays a vital role in the prevention of Rh sensitization in women with negative Rh factor blood. Therefore, the doctor’s recommendations regarding the frequency of administration and dosage must be followed.
Thank you
Immunoglobulins(antibodies, gamma globulins) are special compounds produced by cells of the immune system that protect humans from bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances (antigens).
Properties of immunoglobulins
Immunoglobulin not only performs a protective function in the body, but is also actively used in medicine. Qualitative and quantitative determination of antibodies of various classes is used to identify various pathologies. Immunoglobulins are included in drugs for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and a number of other conditions.The human immune system and its functions
Normally, immunoglobulins are located on the surface of B lymphocytes and are present in blood serum, tissue fluid, and also in secretions produced by glands of the mucous membranes. Thus, different classes of antibodies provide comprehensive protection of the body from diseases, representing the so-called humoral immunity. Humoral immunity is that part of the immune system that carries out its function in the fluids of the human body. Those. Antibodies perform their work in the blood, interstitial fluids and on the surface of mucous membranes.
There is also cellular immunity, carried out by a number of specialized cells (such as macrophages). However, it has nothing to do with immunoglobulins and is a separate element of protection.
The immune response may be:
1.
Specific.
2.
Non-specific.
Immunoglobulin carries out a specific immune response, finding and neutralizing foreign microorganisms and substances. Each bacteria, virus or other agent produces its own monoclonal antibodies (i.e., capable of interacting with only one antigen). For example, antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin will not help against diseases caused by other microorganisms.
Acquired immunity can be:
1.
Active:
- is formed due to antibodies formed after an illness;
- occurs after preventive vaccination (introduction of weakened or killed microorganisms, or their modified toxins, in order to form an immune response).
- immunity in the fetus and newborn child, to whom maternal antibodies were transferred in utero, or during breastfeeding;
- occurs after ready-made immunoglobulins have been vaccinated against a specific disease.
Human immunoglobulin and its functions
Human immunoglobulin performs the following functions:- “recognizes” a foreign substance (microorganism or its toxin);
- binds to antigen, forming an immune complex;
- participates in the removal or destruction of formed immune complexes;
- immunoglobulin against past diseases remains in the body for a long time (sometimes for life), which protects a person from re-infection.
Antibodies are actively used in medicines. Currently, you can buy immunoglobulin in almost any pharmacy.
Immunity and immunoglobulins in children
Features of immunity in the fetus and infant:- In utero, the child does not encounter microorganisms, so his own immune system is practically inactive;
- during pregnancy, only class G immunoglobulins can pass from mother to child, easily penetrating the placenta due to their small size;
- detection of class M immunoglobulins in the blood serum of a fetus or newborn child indicates an intrauterine infection. It is often caused by cytomegalovirus (symptoms of the disease: runny nose, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, damage to the liver and spleen, and others);
- Immunoglobulins acquired from the mother in the blood of an infant remain for about 6 months, protecting him from various diseases, therefore, in the absence of pathology of the immune system, children practically do not get sick at this time.
The final formation of the child’s immune system is completed only by the age of 7 years. Distinctive features of children's immunity are:
1.
Insufficient ability for phagocytosis (absorption and destruction of cells of pathogenic microorganisms by human phagocytes).
2.
Low production of interferons (proteins that provide nonspecific protection against viruses).
3.
A decrease in the amount of immunoglobulins of all classes (for example, for immunoglobulin E, the norm in children is lower than in adults).
Therefore, it is natural that during the development of the body’s immune system, the child often gets sick. To help him properly form immunity, increasing it should be achieved by such means as hardening, swimming and other sports activities, and staying in the fresh air.
Immunoglobulins during pregnancy: Rh conflict
Negative Rh in the mother during pregnancy, in combination with positive Rh in the fetus, can lead to a condition such as Rh conflict. The mechanism of development of this pathology is due to the fact that when a pregnant woman is Rh negative, immunoglobulin can begin to be produced against the red blood cells of the fetus. This usually occurs in late pregnancy. The threat of Rh conflict increases with pregnancy pathologies: inflammatory processes, threat of miscarriage, increased uterine tone, and others.
Rh conflict can lead to severe hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in the fetus and newborn child. The consequences of this condition may be:
- severe hypoxia (oxygen starvation) of the fetus;
- metabolic disorders, intrauterine growth retardation;
- the appearance of edema, fetal hydrops;
- miscarriages and premature births, fetal death.
Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin during pregnancy
Anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin Rho(D) is used for the following purposes:1. Preventing the occurrence of Rh conflict in a pregnant woman with a negative Rh factor.
2.
Prevention of the formation of “harmful” immunoglobulins during abortion or other manipulations that can lead to fetal serum entering the mother’s blood.
The price for anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin is quite high, but when it comes to the health of a pregnant woman and her child, you should not save. Lower cost distinguishes domestic analogues of drugs. Therefore, you can buy Russian-made anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin, especially since there are no differences in the mechanism of action of the drugs.
Self-medication with medications containing antibodies is contraindicated. During pregnancy, other drugs, with the exception of anti-Rhesus immunoglobulin, are not used.
Determining the level of antibodies in the blood
To diagnose various diseases, methods have been developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of antibodies in blood serum. Blood diseases and hypovitaminosis can also cause immunodeficiency. The most common of them is iron deficiency anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin content in red blood cells and a decrease in the amount of iron in the blood serum. This condition leads to oxygen starvation of tissues and, as a result, decreased immunity. Therefore, when hemoglobin is reduced, infectious diseases often occur. This is especially true for children, pregnant women or elderly patients.
Antibody affinity and avidity
Very often, not only total immunoglobulin and individual antibody fractions are determined in the blood. Typically, specialists are also interested in indicators such as avidity and affinity, determined for IgG and IgM.The avidity of antibodies allows us to identify the severity of the disease. For example, acute or recent (1-1.5 months ago) cytomegalovirus infection in children is confirmed by detecting highly avid IgM antibodies, while their low concentrations can persist for up to two years.
Affinity refers to the strength of interaction between antigens and antibodies. The higher the indicator, the better the antigens bind to antibodies. Therefore, high affinity indicates a good immune response when this disease occurs.
When is an immunoglobulin test prescribed?
A blood test for immunoglobulin E is indicated for allergic diseases:- atopic dermatitis;
- food, drug allergies;
- some other conditions.
A blood test for immunoglobulin G is indicated in the following cases:
- diagnosis of immunodeficiency conditions;
- determining the presence of antibodies against a specific disease;
- monitoring the effectiveness of therapy with drugs containing immunoglobulin.
Analysis of fractions for the determination of class M antibodies is used to identify acute infectious diseases. It is often prescribed to determine cytomegalovirus infection, Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which causes gastritis and stomach ulcers, and other infections. Normally, the total amount of IgM is up to 10% of all immunoglobulins.
A blood test for immunoglobulin A is indicated for recurrent infectious diseases of the mucous membranes. The normal amount of IgA is 10-15% of the total number of immunoglobulins.
Blood is also donated for immunoglobulin for various autoimmune diseases. Specific antibodies and their complexes with antigens are determined in pathologies such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis and others.
Human immunoglobulin: application
Human immunoglobulin is prescribed for the following diseases:
- immunodeficiency states;
- autoimmune diseases;
- severe viral, bacterial, fungal infections;
- prevention of diseases in people at risk (for example, in children born very prematurely).
For severe allergic diseases, your doctor may recommend purchasing antiallergic immunoglobulin. This drug is an effective remedy for atopic reactions. Indications for use will be:
- allergic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, urticaria, Quincke's edema;
- atopic bronchial asthma;
- hay fever
The importance of antibodies in vaccinations
Immunoglobulins are also used in the production of preparations for preventive vaccinations. They should not be confused with a vaccine, which is weakened or killed microorganisms, or their modified toxins. Immunoglobulins are administered in the form of serums and serve to create passive artificial immunity. Antibodies obtained from animals or human immunoglobulin can be used to produce drugs for passive immunization.
Immunoglobulin is included in preventive vaccinations against the following diseases:
- mumps (mumps);
- other.
A separate variant of immunoglobulins is toxoid. It is an antibody whose action is directed not at the causative agent of the disease, but against the toxic substances produced by it. For example, toxoids are used against tetanus and diphtheria.
There are also emergency prophylaxis products containing human immunoglobulin. Their price will be much higher, but they are indispensable when it becomes necessary to travel to another country that is an endemic zone of some dangerous infection (for example, yellow fever). Immunity after the introduction of these drugs will be shorter (up to 1 month), but is formed within a day.
However, it should be remembered that the administration of immunoglobulin is not an alternative to full preventive vaccination in accordance with the vaccination calendar, since the emerging immunity is shorter lasting and not as strong.
Immunoglobulin preparations
It is possible to increase immunity using folk remedies. Fruits, vegetables and berries with a high concentration of vitamin C (a natural antioxidant) and other vitamins and microelements are especially helpful. But in some cases, it is necessary to administer immunoglobulin to treat serious diseases and restore the body’s defenses. Human normal immunoglobulin is available in bottles containing powder for preparing an injection solution or a ready-made solution (Immunoglobulin 25 ml). It contains IgG antibodies obtained from the plasma of healthy donors, as well as small amounts of IgM and IgA.
Normal human immunoglobulin is contained in the following medications: Octagam, Pentaglobin, Antirotavirus immunoglobulin, Antistaphylococcal immunoglobulin, Normal human immunoglobulin, Complex immunoglobulin preparation (CIP), Antirhesus immunoglobulin, Antiallergic immunoglobulin, Cytotect and many others.
Immunoglobulin injections are prescribed intramuscularly or intravenously only by a qualified doctor. The dose of the drug and duration of treatment are selected individually, taking into account the patient’s age and weight, as well as the severity of the disease.
Treatment with immunoglobulins
Treatment with immunoglobulins is carried out only in a hospital, since these drugs can have a number of side effects, such as:- severe allergic reactions;
- flu-like symptoms (chills
Where can I buy?
You can purchase the drug at any large pharmacy or on the Internet. Medicines containing immunoglobulin must be accompanied by instructions. However, using them without a doctor’s prescription is strictly prohibited, since the drugs have a large number of contraindications. For example, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, immunoglobulin administration is prohibited.The price of immunoglobulin preparations can vary greatly and depends on the specificity of the antibodies, the manufacturer of the drug, the release form and other characteristics.
Any medications containing normal human immunoglobulin must be stored in the refrigerator (at a temperature of +2 - +8 o C).
Before use, you should consult a specialist.
