Objective To evaluate the efficacy of pentaglobulin in reducing the rate of exchange transfusion among neonates with immune hemolytic anaemia.

Method An observational prospective study that was conducted over two year’s period starting from January 2010 to January 2012. Pentaglobulin was given in a dose of 1 gm/Kg/day for all newborns with the following criteria: immune hemolytic anaemia; high or rising level of bilirubin approaching exchange transfusion. Phototherapy was used in conjunction with pentaglobulin.

Results The total number of newborns who received pentaglobulin over that period of time was 85 infants. None of them required exchange transfusion. Ten newborns required top up transfusion. The duration of phototherapy application ranged from 48 to 72 hours.

Conclusion The study shows that early use of pentaglobulin in immune hemolytic anaemia reduces the risk of exchange transfusion and the duration of phototherapy application. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to verify the results of our observations.