A nonsensitised Rh-negative woman with a 6-week unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy is planned for laparoscopic salpingectomy. Regarding anti-D immunoglobulin:

• A Required in all nonsensitised Rh-negative women with ectopic pregnancy, irrespective of the treatment method ✓
• B Required only if medical management with methotrexate is chosen
• C Not required because the pregnancy is being surgically removed
• D Required only after 20 weeks of gestation

Explanation

Any pregnancy location outside the uterus can cause fetomaternal haemorrhage, so nonsensitised Rh-negative women with ectopic pregnancy should receive anti-D immunoglobulin whether managed medically, surgically, or expectantly. The standard dose is 300 micrograms (approximately 1200 to 1500 IU) for first-trimester events. Restricting prophylaxis to medical management or advanced gestation leaves patients at risk of sensitisation.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.