Haemolytic jaundice in neonates is a type of jaundice which is caused by a breakdown of red blood cells (RBCs) in the newborn baby. This article will discuss the predisposing factors of haemolytic jaundice in neonates.
Subtitle: Types of Haemolytic Jaundice in Neonates
Haemolytic jaundice in neonates can be classified into two main types:
1. ABO incompatibility: ABO incompatibility is a type of haemolytic jaundice in neonates which is caused by the incompatibility between the mother's and baby's blood type. When the baby's blood type is different from the mother's, the baby's red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed by the mother's antibodies.
2. Rh incompatibility: Rh incompatibility is a type of haemolytic jaundice in neonates which is caused by the incompatibility between the mother's and baby's Rh factor. When the baby's Rh factor is different from the mother's, the baby's red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed by the mother's antibodies.
Subtitle: Predisposing Factors of Haemolytic Jaundice in Neonates
The following are the predisposing factors of haemolytic jaundice in neonates:
1. Prematurity: Premature babies are more prone to developing haemolytic jaundice due to their immature immune systems.
2. Maternal infections: Maternal infections such as rubella, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus can increase the risk of haemolytic jaundice in neonates.
3. Blood transfusion: Blood transfusion can increase the risk of haemolytic jaundice in neonates as the baby's body may not be able to handle the new blood.
4. Perinatal asphyxia: Perinatal asphyxia is a condition in which the baby is deprived of oxygen during birth, which can increase the risk of haemolytic jaundice in neonates.
5. Intrauterine Rh isoimmunization: Intrauterine Rh isoimmunization occurs when the mother's and baby's Rh factors are incompatible, which can increase the risk of haemolytic jaundice in neonates.
Subtitle: Diagnosis of Haemolytic Jaundice in Neonates
The diagnosis of haemolytic jaundice in neonates is typically done by a physical examination, a blood test, and a urine test. The physical examination will check for signs of jaundice, while the blood and urine tests will test for the presence of bilirubin in the baby's body. If the tests are positive, then the doctor will diagnose the baby with haemolytic jaundice.
Subtitle: Treatment of Haemolytic Jaundice in Neonates
The treatment of haemolytic jaundice in neonates is typically done through phototherapy and exchange transfusions. Phototherapy is a process in which the baby is exposed to a specific wavelength of light, which helps to reduce the levels of bilirubin in the baby's body. Exchange transfusions involve replacing the baby's blood with donor blood, which helps to reduce the risk of haemolytic jaundice in neonates.
