Hemolytic Disease: An Overview
Hemolytic disease is a rare disorder that can affect newborns. It occurs when the mother's and baby's blood types are incompatible, causing the baby's red blood cells to be destroyed by the mother's antibodies. This can lead to anemia, jaundice, and even death if not treated promptly. While the disorder is rare, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek medical attention if any of them are present.
Risk Factors for Hemolytic Disease
Hemolytic disease is most likely to occur when the mother's blood type is Rh-negative and the baby's blood type is Rh-positive. The disorder can also occur if the mother has other antibodies, such as those caused by previous pregnancies or blood transfusions, that are incompatible with the baby's blood type. Other risk factors include a history of hemolytic disease in the family, multiple pregnancies, and blood transfusions in the mother.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Disease
The signs and symptoms of hemolytic disease can vary depending on the severity of the disorder. In mild cases, the baby may have jaundice, anemia, or low birth weight. In more severe cases, the baby may have an enlarged spleen, an enlarged liver, or heart failure. Additionally, the baby may have a fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hemolytic Disease
If hemolytic disease is suspected, the doctor will perform a blood test to determine the baby's blood type. If the baby is found to have an incompatible blood type, the doctor may then order additional tests to determine the severity of the disorder. If the disorder is severe, the baby may require a blood transfusion. In mild cases, the doctor may recommend feeding the baby a special formula that is designed to reduce the baby's exposure to the mother's antibodies.
Preventing Hemolytic Disease
The best way to prevent hemolytic disease is for pregnant women to get tested for their blood type early in their pregnancy. If the mother is found to be Rh-negative, she should be given a shot at 28 weeks of pregnancy to prevent the development of antibodies that could be harmful to her baby. Additionally, Rh-negative women should avoid any unnecessary blood transfusions, as this could increase their risk of developing antibodies that could be harmful to their baby.
