Hemolytic disease of the newborn

After birth, depending on the severity, a transfusion usually needs to be performed.

For specific treatment information, see:

• ABO incompatibility
• Rh incompatibility

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.

Complications depend on the specific type of erythroblastosis fetalis.

Images

Antibodies

Intrauterine transfusion

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Erythroblastosis fetalis Prevention

Review Date: 12/10/2009
Reviewed By: Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)