This condition causes rapid and severehemolysisthe breakdown of the babys red blood cells (RBCs).
It only shows up when there is a mismatch inblood typebetween the baby and the pregnant parent.
Usually, screening tests can help identify whether a baby is at risk of HDN.
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If theres a risk, certain treatments can help prevent it from occurring.
Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent death or lifelong disability that can occur secondary to HDN.
Read more to learn about hemolytic disease of the newborn, its risk factors, prevention, and treatment.
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What Causes Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn?
There are many causes of hemolysis.
A baby is considered a neonate during the four weeks after delivery.
The proteins on the surface of RBCs determine blood throw in.
Every single RBC that a person has in their body has the same blood pop in.
The proteins are defined as A, B, and Rh.
Additionally, the presence or absence ofRh proteindetermines whether a person is Rh positive or Rh negative.
This is calledRh sensitization.
If antibodies form, they can affect future pregnancies with an Rh positive fetus.
The antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetuss blood, resulting in hemolysis.
Other types of blood punch in incompatibility involving the A and B blood punch in markers may cause HDN.
Diagnostic testing is necessary to identify the cause of any newborn distress.
This can result in long-term disability or even death of the baby.
A deficiency of RBCs may cause insufficient oxygen supply to the bodys organs.
Bilirubinis a breakdown product of RBCs.
Rapid hemolysis causes an accumulation of bilirubin in the body.
This material can damage the babys organs.
Sometimes a serious complication calledkernicteruscan develop.
This is an accumulation of bilirubin in the brain.
Additionally, some blood tests can identify antibodies in the pregnant persons blood.
What Is the Treatment for HDN?
An Rh negative pregnant person who has developed Rh antibodies will have the pregnancy closely monitored.
Ultrasound imaging can assess whether the fetus has signs of anemia.
An amniocentesis may be performed to determine if there is elevated bilirubin in the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.
Intravenous immunoglobulin may also be given to the baby to help prevent hemolysis and elevated bilirubin.
Long-Term Care
A baby who has developed organ failure due to HDN may need lifelong care.
Treatment during each pregnancy can prevent the condition from occurring during subsequent pregnancies.
Can HDN Be Prevented?
While HDN is not common, it is recognized as a serious risk during pregnancy and delivery.
Sometimes it may need to be administered sooner, such as before an amniocentesis.
Whats the Outlook for a Baby With HDN?
The outlook for a baby who develops HDN is variable.
It can be nearly impossible to anticipate the severity of anemia that will develop in response to Rh incompatibility.
Hydrops fetalisis a life-threatening condition in which the baby develops severe swelling in the body.
Life expectancy is substantially lowered if a baby develops this complication.
This includes starting onprenatal vitaminsand avoiding smoking and alcohol.
During early pregnancy, blood tests will identify your blood jot down.
If you are Rh positive, then there is no need to worry or get treatment to prevent HDN.
During the first pregnancy, an Rh negative pregnant person develops antibodies to the fetuss Rh positive blood.
During a subsequent pregnancy, the antibodies will attack the RBCs of the developing fetus, causing hemolysis.
This immune reaction may cause anemia, organ failure, or death.
Usually, HDN can be prevented with treatment that begins during each pregnancy.
doi:10.1542/neo.24-6-e329
UC San Diego Health.Hemolytic disease of the newborn.
