Hemolytic disease of the newborn (patient information)

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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:
 * ABO incompatibility
 * Rh incompatibility

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

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.

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.

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