Prevalence and Fetal Outcomes of Rhesus Negative Pregnancies in a Tertiary Healthcare Institution in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and fetal outcomes of Rhesus negative pregnancies in a tertiary healthcare institution in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional review of the outcome of 141 cases of Rhesus negative pregnancies managed within the study period of January 1^st to 31^st   December,2021. Available data of cases managed were entered into and analyzed using IBM SPPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics such as percentage were calculated for sociodemographic and obstetric variables. Tests of association between categorical variables were done using the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. Significance level was set at P<0.05.

Results: The prevalence of Rhesus negative pregnancies during the period was 0.8%. There was 1/141 (0.7%) case of Rhesus-isoimmunization. The majority, 93/141 (66.0%) were multiparous, booked for antenatal care;128/141 (90.8%), had term deliveries; 124/141 (87.9%), and had spontaneous vaginal delivery; 119/141(84.4%). Outcome of delivery were live births in 134/141(95.0%) of cases while the remaining 7/141(5.0%) were still births. Majority of the newborn at discharge were alive and well 127/134 (94.8%). Increasing age of parturient (P=0.034), unbooked status (P<0.001). and preterm births (P < 0.001) were associated with poor fetal outcome.

Conclusion: The prevalence of Rhesus negativity amongst pregnant women was low. However, the pregnancies were associated with high still birth rate and poor perinatal outcome which were unrelated to Rhesus Isoimmunization. Increased awareness about Rhesus negativity in pregnancy and attendance of antenatal care will help improve fetal outcome for this high-risk obstetric population.