Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Question 1

What is haemolytic disease of the newborn?

Answer 1

An immunological disorder where a mother becomes sensitised to the rhesus positive blood cells of her baby during pregnancy

Question 2

What are the features of haemolytic disease of the newborn?

Answer 2

Hydrops fetalis
Yellow coloured amniotic fluid
Neonatal jaundice
Foetal anaemia
Skin pallor
Hepatomegaly and splenomegalyW

Question 3

What are the differentials of haemolytic disease of the newborn?

Answer 3

Spherocytosis
G6PD deficiency
Thalassaemia

Question 4

What are the investigations used to diagnose haemolytic disease of the newborn?

Answer 4

Direct antiglobulin test
Ultrasound for fetal oedema
LFTs

Question 5

What is the direct antiglobulin test?

Answer 5

A test to determine if a baby’s red blood cells have antibodies attached to them

Question 6

What is the management of haemolytic disease of the newborn?

Answer 6

Intrauterine transfusions
Early delivery
Phototherapy for bilirubin levels
Immunoglobulin administration