Cyril Clarke and the prevention of rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn

Abstract

Summary Cyril Clarke was an outstanding general physician and lepidopterist. Late in his career, and stimulated by his work on the genetics of mimicry in butterflies, he became interested in the evolving field of medical genetics. His work on the relationship of blood groups to particular diseases led him and his team in Liverpool to evolve a remarkably successful approach to the prevention of Rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn.

A Journey in Science: Early Lessons from the Hemoglobin Field

“…Later his interests turned to the Rhesus (Rh) blood group system, and his team was the first to discover a highly successful approach to the prevention of Rh hemolytic disease of the newborn. A similar discovery was made quite independently by John Gorman's group in New York at the same time (2). I was extremely fortunate to be trained by Clarke, who left me in no doubt of the future importance of genetics in medical research and practice at a time when this field was still in its infancy.…”

RH Groups

“…The second dose of anti-D prophylaxis must be given within 72 h of delivery to all D− mothers. This dose has reduced the burden of RH-HDFN by approximately 95% in the last 52 years [70]. Indeed, the second dose was initially introduced in the first routine of anti-D prophylaxis [66].…”