Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) is an alloimmune condition where maternal antibodies cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells. This destruction, known as hemolysis, leads to anemia in the fetus and newborn, often resulting in severe jaundice after birth. In its most severe form, it can cause hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening accumulation of fluid.
Common Symptoms
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes after birth)
- Anemia (pallor, lethargy, poor feeding)
- Hydrops fetalis (severe fluid accumulation in fetus)
- Hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen)
Clinical Sources
- Erythroblastosis Fetalis: Causes, Symptoms & TreatmentCleveland Clinic
Diagnostic Lab Tests
Tests commonly used to diagnose or monitor Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn:
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