Ogugua Belonwu HOW IT HAPPENS
When the mother's antibodies attack the red blood cells, they are broken down and destroyed (hemolysis). This makes the baby anemic. Anemia is dangerous because it limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen to the baby's organs and tissues. As a result:
The baby's body responds to the hemolysis by trying to make more red blood cells very quickly in the bone marrow and the liver and spleen. This causes these organs to get bigger. The new red blood cells, called erythroblasts, are often immature and are not able to do the work of mature red blood cells.
As the red blood cells break down, a substance called bilirubin is formed. Babies are not easily able to get rid of the bilirubin and it can build up in the blood and other tissues and fluids of the baby's body. This is called hyperbilirubinemia. Because bilirubin has a pigment or coloring, it causes a yellowing of the baby's skin and tissues. This is called jaundice.
Complications of hemolytic disease of the newborn can range from mild to severe. The following are some of the problems that can result:
During pregnancy:
Mild anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and jaundice. The placenta helps rid some of the bilirubin, but not all.
Severe anemia with enlargement of the liver and spleen. When these organs and the bone marrow cannot compensate for the fast destruction of red blood cells, severe anemia results and other organs are affected.
Hydrops fetalis. This occurs as the baby's organs are unable to handle the anemia. The heart begins to fail and large amounts of fluid build up in the baby's tissues and organs. A fetus with hydrops is at great risk of being stillborn.
After birth:
Severe hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice. The baby's liver is unable to handle the large amount of bilirubin that results from red blood cell breakdown. The baby's liver is enlarged and anemia continues.
Kernicterus. Kernicterus is the most severe form of hyperbilirubinemia and results from the buildup of bilirubin in the brain. This can cause seizures, brain damage, deafness, and death.
The following are the most common symptoms of hemolytic disease. During pregnancy symptoms may include:
With amniocentesis, the amniotic fluid may have a yellow coloring and contain bilirubin.
Ultrasound of the fetus shows enlarged liver, spleen, or heart and fluid buildup in the fetus's abdomen, around the lungs, or in the scalp.
After birth, symptoms may include:
A pale coloring may be evident, due to anemia.
Jaundice, or yellow coloring of amniotic fluid, umbilical cord, skin, and eyes may be present. The baby may not look yellow immediately after birth, but jaundice can develop quickly, usually within 24 to 36 hours.
The newborn may have an enlarged liver and spleen.
Babies with hydrops fetalis have severe edema (swelling) of the entire body and are extremely pale. They often have difficulty breathing.
DIAGNOSIS
Because anemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hydrops fetalis can occur with other diseases and conditions, the accurate diagnosis of HDN depends on determining if there is a blood group or blood type incompatibility. Sometimes, the diagnosis can be made during pregnancy based on information from the following tests:
Testing for the presence of Rh positive antibodies in the mother's blood
Ultrasound - to detect organ enlargement or fluid buildup in the fetus. Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasound is used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
Amniocentesis - to measure the amount of bilirubin in the amniotic fluid. Amniocentesis is a test performed to determine chromosomal and genetic disorders and certain birth defects. The test involves inserting a needle through the abdominal and uterine wall into the amniotic sac to retrieve a sample of amniotic fluid.
Sampling of some of the blood from the fetal umbilical cord during pregnancy to check for antibodies, bilirubin, and anemia in the fetus. This procedure, known as percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling (PUBS) or fetal blood sampling (FBS), may be done to see if the baby needs an intrauterine blood transfusion.
Once a baby is born, diagnostic tests for HDN may include the following:
Testing of the baby's umbilical cord blood for blood group, Rh factor, red blood cell count, and antibodies
Testing of the baby's blood for bilirubin levels
Treatment for hemolytic disease of the newborn
Once HDN is diagnosed, treatment may be needed.
During pregnancy, treatment for HDN may include:
Intrauterine blood transfusion of red blood cells into the baby's circulation. This is done by placing a needle through the mother's uterus and into the abdominal cavity of the fetus or directly into the vein in the umbilical cord. It may be necessary to give a sedative medication to keep the baby from moving. Intrauterine transfusions may need to be repeated.
Early delivery if the fetus develops complications. If the fetus has mature lungs, labor and delivery may be induced to prevent worsening of HDN.
After birth, treatment may include:
Blood transfusions (for severe anemia)
Intravenous fluids (for low blood pressure)
Help for respiratory distress using oxygen, surfactant, or a mechanical breathing machine
Exchange transfusion to replace the baby's damaged blood with fresh blood. The exchange transfusion helps increase the red blood cell count and lower the levels of bilirubin. An exchange transfusion is done by alternating giving and withdrawing blood in small amounts through a vein or artery. Exchange transfusions may need to be repeated if the bilirubin levels remain high.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is a solution made from blood plasma that contains antibodies to help the baby's immune system. IVIG may help reduce the breakdown of red blood cells and lower bilirubin levels.
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