Hemolytic disease of the newborn (patient information)

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	HDN;
ICD-10	P55
ICD-9	773
DiseasesDB	5545
MedlinePlus	001298

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [1] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Lakshmi Gopalakrishnan, M.B.B.S.

Overview

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a potentially life-threatening blood disorder in a fetus or newborn infant. This article provides a general overview.

What are the symptoms of Hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Symptoms in a newborn baby may include:

Anemia
Edema (swelling under the surface of the skin)
Enlarged liver or spleen
Hydrops (fluid throughout the body's tissues, including in the spaces containing the lungs, heart, and abdominal organs)
Newborn jaundice

What causes Hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Erythroblastosis fetalis develops in an unborn infant when the mother and baby have different blood types. The mother produces substances called antibodies that attack the developing baby's red blood cells.

The most common form of erythroblastosis fetalis is ABO incompatibility, which can vary in severity.

The less common form is called Rh incompatibility, which can cause very severe anemia in the baby.

Diagnosis

Specific tests depend on the type of erythroblastosis, but may include:

Complete blood count
Bilirubin level
Blood typing

Treatment options

After birth, depending on the severity, a transfusion usually needs to be performed.

For specific treatment information, see:

Where to find medical care for Hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Prevention

The most severe form of this disease, Rh incompatibility, can be prevented if the mother takes a medicine called RhoGAM at certain times during and after pregnancy.

If you have had a baby with this disease, be sure to talk with your doctor if you plan on having another baby.

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

The severity of this condition can vary widely.

In some instances, the baby has no symptoms of the disease.
In other cases, it can lead to death of the baby before or shortly after birth.

It can be treated before birth by intrauterine transfusion.

Possible complications

Complications depend on the specific type of erythroblastosis fetalis.

Source

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001298.htm

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