Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn: Historical and Current State

Abstract

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is an immune-mediated disorder affecting neonates globally, with a range of clinical presentations from severe and life threatening to mild or even asymptomatic. Historically, HDFN has been responsible for a large proportion of perinatal mortality, and, despite advances in diagnosis and management, this morbidity and mortality has not been eradicated. Blood banking techniques and blood transfusion have contributed to improved prophylaxis and management, drastically improving the outcome of newborns with HDFN over the last century.

Keywords: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN); Neonatal anemia; Neonatal hematology; Rhesus disease (RhD-HDFN); Severe hyperbilirubinemia.