Hemolytic diseases of the foetus and newborn
Start with the big picture
HDFN can cause fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Risk is greatest when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, though other red-cell antigens can also be involved; ABO incompatibility is usually mild. Sensitization may follow events such as delivery, pregnancy loss, procedures, trauma, or transfusion. The source describes prenatal blood-group and antibody screening, anti-D prophylaxis, and assessment of sensitized pregnancies with middle cerebral artery Doppler. Management may include fetal transfusion when anemia is identified and neonatal care guided by bilirubin monitoring, including phototherapy. The full lesson develops these topics further, including prevention, treatment, complications, and follow-up.
What you'll learn
- Explain how maternal IgG antibodies cause fetal red-cell destruction and its consequences.
- Identify key alloimmunization risks and events that may trigger sensitization.
- Describe the roles of prenatal screening and anti-D prophylaxis in prevention.
- Recognize how sensitized pregnancies and affected newborns are monitored and managed.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
