Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis (pronunciation: eh-rith-ro-blas-toe-sis fee-ta-lis), is a blood disorder in a fetus or newborn infant. In some infants, it can be life-threatening. Usually, this condition occurs when a mother has Rh-negative blood and her baby has Rh-positive blood (Rh factor).

Etymology

The term "hemolytic" comes from the Greek words "haima" (blood) and "lysis" (loosening, setting free), referring to the destruction of red blood cells. "Erythroblastosis" refers to the making of immature red blood cells, from "erythro" (red), "blastos" (germ, bud), and "osis" (condition, usually abnormal). "Fetalis" is Latin for "of or pertaining to a fetus".

Causes

HDN is caused by a mismatch between the Rh factors in a mother's and baby's blood. It can also be caused by a mismatch of ABO blood types, though this is less common. The mother's immune system sees the baby's Rh-positive red blood cells as foreign and attacks them, leading to hemolysis, or destruction of the red blood cells.

Symptoms

Symptoms of HDN can include jaundice, anemia, heart failure, and edema. In severe cases, it can lead to death of the fetus or newborn.

Treatment

Treatment for HDN can include blood transfusions either before birth or after birth to the newborn, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or early delivery.

Prevention

Prevention of HDN is possible with the use of Rho(D) immune globulin injections during and after pregnancy.

See also

• Rh factor
• ABO blood group system
• Blood transfusion
• Intravenous immunoglobulin
• Rho(D) immune globulin

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