Question

Explain what occurs in hemolytic disease of the newborn. (pages \(127-29\) )

Short answer

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is a blood-related disorder that occurs in a fetus or newborn infant when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and the baby. This condition is most commonly caused by an Rh-negative mother having an Rh-positive baby. The maternal antibodies can cross into the baby's bloodstream and attack the baby's red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, anemia, heart failure, and swelling of the body. HDN can be life-threatening if left untreated. Prevention of the disease involves administering Rh immunoglobulin to the Rh-negative mother during pregnancy and after childbirth if the baby is Rh-positive, while treatment may involve blood transfusions for the baby.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the basic concept of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

HDN is also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. It's a blood-related disorder that occurs in a fetus or newborn infant. In this condition, the red cells of the baby are destroyed by the antibodies of the mother caused by blood group incompatibility.

Identifying the cause of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

HDN most commonly occurs when a mother with an Rh-negative blood type has a baby with an Rh-positive blood type. A Rh-negative mother hasn’t any Rh antigen, while the Rh-positive baby does. If the maternal antibodies to Rh-positive blood cells pass into the fetal bloodstream, they can destroy the baby's red blood cells, causing HDN.

Understanding the process of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

During childbirth, when the blood of the mother and baby may mix, the mother's body may react as if it were allergic to the baby's Rh-positive cells and produce antibodies against them. These antibodies could then potentially cross into the baby's bloodstream and attack the baby's red cells. However, it's more likely to occur in second or subsequent pregnancies with an Rh-positive baby because the mother's body has already produced the antibodies during the first exposure.

Understanding the symptoms and consequences of HDN

If the baby's red blood cells are being destroyed, the baby can become very unwell, with symptoms including: jaundice, anemia, heart failure, and swelling of the body. Without treatment, HDN can be life threatening.

Understanding the prevention and treatment of HDN

The disease can be prevented by administering a medicine called Rh immunoglobulin to the Rh-negative mother during pregnancy and again after childbirth if the baby is Rh-positive. If the disease does occur, the baby might need treatment with blood transfusions, either before birth or after birth. Hence, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn occurs due to blood type incompatibility between a mother and her fetus, causing the mother's immune system to attack the red blood cells of the baby, and can potentially be prevented with appropriate medical intervention.