The rhesus incompatible pregnancy and its consequences for affected fetuses and neonates

Abstract

Rhesus incompatibility in pregnancy may result in haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). This review discusses the fetal, neonatal and long-term consequences of HDFN and its management. Untreated, the fetal and neonatal prognosis of HDFN is poor. Provision of intravascular intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in a dedicated referral centre significantly reduces perinatal loss. Early-onset, severe fetal anaemia carries a greater risk of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes and is less amenable to treatment with IUT. Interventions to prevent and treat severe, early onset disease have been investigated, however evidence from randomised controlled trials is required. Neonatal consequences of Rhesus haemolytic disease include early and late postnatal anaemia, and hyperbilirubinaemia leading to bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction. Neurodevelopmental impairment and adult cardiovascular disease are long-term complications that have been reported in association with severe fetal anaemia. Strategies to prevent fetal hydrops, and further research into the long-term impacts of fetal anaemia may improve health outcomes for adult survivors of HDFN.

Keywords: Alloimmunization; Fetus; Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn; Neonate; Outcomes; Rhesus incompatibility.