To determine whether tetanus toxoid given during pregnancy increases the risk
of haemolytic disease of the new-born, 818 group 0 pregnant women were given one to three
doses of tetanus toxoid during the third trimester. There was a significant increase in the incidence
of neonatal jaundice among the AB0-incompatible infants of women given toxoid,
compared to a control group. Comparative studies were also done at two hospitals: tetanus
toxoid was not given during pregnancy at one hospital and was used routinely at the other.
More of the mothers given toxoid had high titres of igG anti-A or anti-B and more of their
AB0-incompatible infants became jaundiced. Thus these studies suggest an increased risk of
haemolytic disease of the new-born due to AB0 incompatibility when tetanus toxoid injections
are given during pregnancy.
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