A 37-year-old pregnant woman has a genetic amniocentesis at 16 weeks' gestation. Aconcurrent ultrasound shows normal fetal anatomy. Her prenatal course has been unremarkable. Her prenatal laboratory tests include a B-negative blood type, a negative rubella antibody titer, a negative hepatitis B surface antigen, and a hematocrit of 31%. Which of the following is the most appropriate management for this woman?
- rubella immunization at the time of the amniocentesis
- a serologic test for the presence of hepatitis B surface antibody
- a follow-up ultrasound in 1 week to assess for intra-amniotic bleeding
- administration of Rh immune globulin at the time of the amniocentesis
- chorionic villus biopsy at the time of the amniocentesis
Answer(s): D
Explanation:
Rh immune globulin should always be administered to an Rh-negative pregnant woman who sustains any trauma or has any type of invasive procedure, such as an amniocentesis. Detectable fetomaternal hemorrhage occurs in 6% of women having an amniocentesis and 1% of Rh-negative women will develop Rh isoimmunization after amniocentesis (without Rh immune globulin). The immune globulin reduces the risk of subsequent Rh sensitization during the pregnancy, which could result in severe erythroblastosis fetalis. Although chorionic villus biopsy might be an alternative to amniocentesis, it is done earlier in pregnancy, and occasionally must be followed by an amniocentesis after 14 weeks' gestation because of the possibility that maternal decidua was analyzed. Rubella immunization should be given after delivery to avoid the theoretical risk of a congenital rubella syndrome from the administration of the live vaccine. The presence of hepatitis B surface antibody suggests immunity to hepatitis B but is unrelated to amniocentesis. Intra-amniotic bleeding is a complication of amniocentesis but occurs at thetime of the procedure. The amniotic fluid will appear bloody
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