Malgré les progrès réalisés depuis 1970 en matière de prévention spécifique par les immunoglobulines anti-Rhésus, l'allo-immunisation due à l'antigène RH1 (anciennement Rhésus D) reste très fréquente. Il était donc utile de rappeler, après quelques notions de physiopathologie de la maladie hémolytique néonatale, les indications de la prophylaxie pendant la grossesse et lors de l'accouchement ainsi que les différents examens à pratiquer pour quantifier l'hémorragie foetomaternelle et s'assurer de l'efficacité de la prévention.

In spite of the progress made since 1970 in specific prevention by anti-rhesus immunoglobulins, and improved management of at-risk pregnancies, allo-immunization due to the erythrocytic Rh 1 antigen (formerly known as Rhesus D or Rh D) remains widespread. In fact, anti-Rh 1 antibodies currently constitute over one-third of the immune antibodies detected after pregnancy. The prevention of allo-immunization against the Rh 1 antigen is therefore still problematical, and concerns approximately one pregnant woman in seven. The etiology and pathology of fetal hemolytic disease have been recalled, and the treatment approach during pregnancy and delivery has been carefully examined. Tests for quantifying the risk of fetomaternal hemorrhage have also been described. This approach aims at improving the methods of preventing allo-immunization (e.g., during pregnancy and delivery) and the efficacy of treatment. It is also stated that if the necessary preventive action is not taken in cases of allo-immunization due to to the Rh 1 antigen, this should be considered a grave medical fault.