Erythroblastosis Foetalis A Survey of 491 Consecutive Cases of Rh‐Immunization in Pregnancy Part II. Liveborn Affected by Erythroblastosis Foetalis 1

Summary In the 10‐year period 1951–1961 the offspring of 491 consecutive Rh‐immunized pregnancies representative of a region of West Norway were born in one Maternity Hospital and the liveborn were cared for in one Children's Hospital. The stillbirth rate was 6.3% and the neonatal mortality 4.3%. The nperinatal mortality is thus 10.6%. Details concerning the stillbirths have been published in Part I [5]. All the liveborn have been studied as regards the maternal incomplete antibody titre in pregnancy, the cord bilirubin, haemoglobin at birth and need for treatment (single or multiple exchange transfusions). A special study has been made of the newborns who died of haemolytic disease. Severe anaemia with circulatory failure was the most important cause of death. Unexplainable deaths in connection with exchange transfusion in severely ill in fants with haemolytic disease also play a major role. All deaths occurred in the first 48 hours of life. Late anaemia and the necessity for simple blood transfusions very rarely occurred. No complications with kernicterus were seen. Adequate supervision in pregnancy, reference of selected Rh‐immunized women to a Maternity Hospital in due time, delivery in a special unit and immediate supervision and treatment of the affected newborn in a hospital with adequate facilities and experienced staff are of definitive importance in the management of erythroblastosis foetalis.