Hemolytic Disease of Newborn (HDN) is a medical condition that occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the fetus. It is also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. This condition arises when a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood type carries a fetus with Rh-positive blood type.
HDN develops when the mother's antibodies, specifically those created against the Rh factor in the blood, cross the placenta and attack the red blood cells of the fetus. These antibodies recognize the Rh factor as a foreign antigen since the mother's immune system does not possess it. As a result, the mother's antibodies destroy the red blood cells in the fetus, causing anemia and other complications.
If left untreated, HDN can lead to severe symptoms such as jaundice, an enlarged liver or spleen, fetal hydrops (accumulation of fluid in body cavities), and even death. However, HDN can be prevented through the administration of Rh-immune globulin (RhIg) to the mother during pregnancy and after childbirth, preventing her immune system from forming antibodies against the Rh factor.
Treatment for HDN may involve phototherapy to manage jaundice, blood transfusions to replace damaged red blood cells, and, in severe cases, intrauterine blood transfusions performed on the fetus. In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to prevent further complications.
In summary, Hemolytic Disease of Newborn is a condition that occurs when a mother's antibodies attack and destroy the red blood cells of her Rh-positive fetus, leading to anemia and other potentially life-threatening complications. Prevention and treatment options are available to manage this condition and ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
