Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

HEMOLYTIC DISEASE OF NEWBORN

Hemolytic disease of newborns is a disease caused by an immunological conflict between mother and fetus due to incompatibility of erythrocyte antigens.

Etiology. The disease develops as a result of incompatibility of the blood of the fetus and mother for the Rhesus or ABO antigens.

Pathogenesis. Fetal antigens, penetrating into the mother's blood, cause the formation of antibodies, which enter the fetal blood through the placenta and destroy red blood cells.

Clinical picture. There are three forms: edematous, icteric and anemic.

The diagnosis is based on the medical history, clinical picture, blood group of the mother and child, and blood tests of the child.

Treatment is conservative and surgical. Blood transfusion and phototherapy are performed.

The prognosis depends on the form and timeliness of treatment. Deviations in neuropsychic development are possible.

Prevention includes screening pregnant women for Rh factor and administering immunoglobulins. The children are being monitored at the dispensary.