These new red blood cells are often immature and unable to function completely, leading to severe anemia. Kernicterus: Buildup of bilirubin in the blood is so high that it spills over into the brain, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
What causes HDN? The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere. Kevin B. If the fetus carries red blood cell proteins that are not compatible with maternal blood, the maternal antibodies may cause destruction of the fetal red blood cells.
If enough fetal red blood cells are destroyed, fetal anemia will occur. Since HDN usually occurs during pregnancy, and less commonly through a blood transfusion, this rarely causes fetal anemia in a first pregnancy. However, once it appears, it tends to become more severe with each subsequent affected pregnancy. The most common red blood cell incompatibility is due to the Rh protein also called D protein.
It is recommended that all Rh-negative women receive Rho D immune globulin during pregnancy and after delivery if there is a possibility that the father of the baby carries the Rh protein is Rh positive.
These less common causes cannot be prevented with immune globulin. It is routine to obtain a blood test called Type and Screen on every pregnant woman at the beginning of her pregnancy. This identifies your blood type and checks for the presence of maternal antibodies that could cross the placenta and affect the fetus. The level of the antibodies is called a titer. What is hemolytic disease of the newborn? The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere.
Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO. Connect with Boston Children's Hospital. These antibodies attack the RBCs in the baby's blood and cause them to break down too early.
HDN may develop when a mother and her unborn baby have different blood types. The types are based on small substances antigens on the surface of the blood cells. Which tests are done depends on the type of blood group incompatibility and the severity of symptoms, but may include:. The severity of this condition can vary. Some babies have no symptoms. In other cases, problems such as hydrops can cause the baby to die before, or shortly after, birth.
Severe HDN may be treated before birth by intrauterine blood transfusions. The most severe form of this disease, which is caused by Rh incompatibility, can be prevented if the mother is tested during pregnancy. If needed, she is given a shot of a medicine called RhoGAM at certain times during and after her pregnancy. If you have had a baby with this disease, talk with your health care provider if you plan to have another baby.
Pediatric transfusion medicine. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap
0コメント