Open AccessHemolytic Disease of the Newborn: A Review of Current Trends and Prospects
Author(s) -
Akshay Kiran Myle,
Ghanim Hamid Al-Khattabi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric health, medicine and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1179-9927
DOI - 10.2147/phmt.s327032
Subject(s) - medicine , erythroblastosis fetalis , hemolytic disease of the newborn (abo) , disease , etiology , fetus , serology , pediatrics , incidence (geometry) , intensive care medicine , pregnancy , antibody , obstetrics , immunology , pathology , genetics , physics , optics , biology
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as Erythroblastosis fetalis , is a hemolytic condition that predominantly affects rhesus-positive fetuses and infants born to rhesus-negative mothers. The pathophysiology of HDN begins with maternal antibodies attacking fetal red blood cells following alloimmunization due to rhesus or ABO incompatibility between the maternal and fetal blood. Previously, HDN was known to cause fetal death in 1% of all pregnancies, but with the advent of immunoprophylactic therapies, the condition can be currently fairly well managed with fewer complications if diagnosed early. Diagnosis calls for extensive history taking, physical examination, serological studies, and imaging modalities such as pelvic ultrasound scans. To prevent the disease, earlier intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) should be given to pregnant Rh- women who have not been sensitized. It is also vital to understand prospective complications such as severe hyperbilirubinemia and develop appropriate remedies. Because of its great incidence and nature, HDN has been thoroughly explored, and more studies are being conducted each year, revealing new insights about the condition. This review covers the disorder's etiology, diagnosis, and management, including the most current findings as of 2021, as well as trends and prospects, to help in future research and evidence-based medical practice.