ABO Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: Causes and Prevention
ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a blood disorder that occurs when an infant's red blood cells are destroyed by antibodies in the mother's blood. These antibodies are usually present in the mother's blood if her blood type is different from that of the infant.
The most frequent cause of ABO HDN is a mismatch between the mother and infant's blood types. This mismatch occurs when the mother has type A or B blood and the infant has type O blood. In this case, the mother's antibodies will attack the infant's red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and anemia.
The second most frequent cause of ABO HDN is a mismatch between the mother and infant's Rh blood types. This mismatch occurs when the mother has Rh-negative blood and the infant has Rh-positive blood. In this case, the mother's antibodies will attack the infant's red blood cells, leading to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and anemia.
There are several ways to prevent ABO HDN. First, pregnant women should be tested for their blood type and Rh factor. If the woman is Rh-negative, she should be given a shot of Rh immunoglobulin during the 28th week of her pregnancy and after delivery to prevent the formation of antibodies. Additionally, if the mother and infant have different blood types, the infant should be given a blood transfusion shortly after birth. This transfusion will provide the infant with the appropriate type of red blood cells and prevent the destruction of the infant's own red blood cells.
In conclusion, the most frequent cause of ABO HDN is a mismatch between the mother and infant's blood types. To prevent ABO HDN, pregnant women should be tested for their blood type and Rh factor. Additionally, if the mother and infant have different blood types, the infant should be given a blood transfusion shortly after birth.
