Dropsy Congenital

Congenital dropsy: understanding and consequences

Hydrops congenita, formerly known as edematous hemolytic disease of the newborn, is a condition that occurs in some newborns and can have serious consequences for their health. Congenital hydrops occurs due to improper compatibility between the blood groups of the mother and child, which leads to an immunological conflict and destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the fetus.

Previously, the term "hydrops congenita" was used to describe this condition, however, over time, medical terminology has changed and "edematous hemolytic disease of the newborn" is now the preferred term for this condition. This is due to a more accurate description of the process occurring in the body of a newborn.

Hemolytic disease of newborns occurs when the baby's and mother's blood have different Rh factors (Rh compatibility). If the mother has Rh-negative blood (Rh-), and the child has Rh-positive (Rh+), then the mother develops antibodies directed against the child’s red blood cells. These antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus, causing their destruction and leading to the development of the edematous form of hemolytic disease of the newborn.

The main signs of congenital hydrops are edema (hence the outdated name), jaundice and anemia in the newborn. Edema usually manifests itself as swelling of the skin, especially in the face, abdomen and extremities. Jaundice occurs due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood, which is formed when red blood cells are broken down. Anemia, in turn, occurs due to a lack of functioning red blood cells in the blood.

Congenital hydrops can have serious consequences for the newborn, including organ damage due to decreased blood supply, impaired liver and heart function, and developmental delays. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat this condition as early as possible.

Modern medicine offers several methods for diagnosing and treating congenital dropsy. One of the main diagnostic methods is a blood test, which allows you to determine the presence of antibodies and the level of bilirubin in the child’s blood. Based on the results of the analysis, you can decide on the need for treatment. Treatment for congenital hydrops may include blood transfusions to the newborn to replace damaged red blood cells and increase hemoglobin levels. Phototherapy and other methods may also be used to reduce bilirubin levels in the blood and prevent complications associated with jaundice.

It is important to note that modern methods of preventing congenital hydrops have become more effective. If a woman is found to have Rh-negative blood, she may be offered preventive measures during pregnancy and after childbirth, such as administering immunoglobulin to the Rh-negative mother to prevent the formation of antibodies.

In conclusion, congenital hydrops (edematous form of hemolytic disease of the newborn) is a serious condition that can occur in newborns with improper blood compatibility between mother and child. It is characterized by edema, jaundice and anemia in the child. Thanks to modern diagnostic and treatment methods, it is possible to promptly identify and effectively treat this condition, preventing its complications and minimizing the negative consequences for the health of the newborn.