Use and availability of anti-RhD immunoglobulin in Colombia following the 2024 national shortage

Background and Objectives: In March 2024, the Colombian National Food and Drug Surveillance Institute declared a shortage of anti-RhD immunoglobulin, a critical product for preventing haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) in RhD-negative women carrying RhD-positive foetuses. The aim of this work was to analyse the impact of this shortage on obstetric institutions, transfusion services and prophylactic management of the RhD-negative pregnant population. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed between December 2024 and February 2025. Data were analysed according to region and experience with shortages. Results: Twenty-seven institutions (17.9%) providing obstetric and transfusion services completed the survey. Most respondents (88.9%) represented obstetric services, followed by transfusion medicine (7.4%) and clinical pharmacy (3.7%). In 92.6% of institutions, physicians prescribed anti-RhD immunoglobulin. Shortages were reported by 22.2% (n = 6) of institutions. Prophylaxis was administered during weeks 28–40 in 51.9% (n = 14) and during weeks 14–27 in 22.2% (n = 6), while one reported both periods. Anti-D administration was reported postpartum in 44.4% of cases, following abortion in 29.6%, after foetal haemorrhage in 7.4%, after trauma in 3.7% and once at the physician's discretion. Conclusion: Although some institutions reported shortages of anti-RhD immunoglobulin (particularly in the Andine region), these did not lead to changes in clinical indications, and prophylactic use during late pregnancy and the postpartum period remains the predominant practice nationwide.