Rhnegatiivisuuden

Rhnegatiivisuus, also known as Rhesus negative blood type, refers to individuals who lack the RhD antigen on the surface of their red blood cells. This antigen is part of the Rh blood group system, one of the most significant blood group systems in human transfusion medicine. Approximately 15% of the global population are Rh negative, with higher prevalence in certain populations, such as Europeans, and lower in others, like Asians and Indigenous peoples.

The presence or absence of the RhD antigen has important implications for blood transfusions, pregnancy, and transplantation. If a person with Rh negative blood receives Rh positive blood, their immune system may produce antibodies against the RhD antigen, leading to hemolytic reactions. In pregnancy, Rh negative women carrying an Rh positive fetus are at risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a condition where the mother’s antibodies attack the fetal red blood cells, potentially causing anemia, jaundice, or even fetal death. To prevent HDN, Rh negative pregnant women often receive Rh immunoglobulin injections, which suppress antibody formation.

The genetic basis of Rh negative blood involves variations in the RHD gene, with Rh negative individuals typically lacking the gene or carrying inactive variants. Rh blood type inheritance follows a co-dominant pattern, meaning Rh positive status may be inherited if at least one parent passes on the functional RHD gene, while Rh negative status results from the absence or inactivation of this gene.

Understanding Rh negative status is crucial in blood banking, prenatal care, and in managing transfusion and maternal health risks. It remains an important aspect of immunohematology, ensuring safe blood transfusions and minimizing complications related to Rh incompatibility.