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Erythroblastosis fetalis
Definition
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a potentially life-threatening blood disorder in a fetus or newborn infant. This article provides a general overview. For more detailed information see the specific disorder:
Alternative Names
Hemolytic disease of the newbornCauses, incidence, and risk factors
Erythroblastosis fetalis develops in an unborn infant when when the mom and the baby have different blood types. The mother produces antibodies that attack the fetus' red blood cells.
The most common form of erythroblastosis fetalis is ABO incompatibility, which can vary in its severity.
The less common form is called Rh incompatibility, which more often causes a very severe anemia in the baby.
Symptoms
Symptoms in a newborn baby may include:
- Anemia
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Generalized edema (swelling)
- Jaundice
Treatment
After birth, depending on the severity, a transfusion usually needs to be performed.
For specific treatment information see:
Expectations (prognosis)
The severity of this condition can vary widely. In some instances, the baby has no symptoms of the disease. In other cases, it can lead to death of the baby before or shortly after birth. It can be treated in utero (before birth) by intrauterine transfusion.
Prevention
The most severe form of this disease, Rh incompatibility, can be prevented if the mother takes a medicine called RhoGAM at certain times during and after pregnancy. If you have had a baby with this disease, be sure to talk with your doctor if you plan on having another baby.
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
