[Haemolytic disease of the newborn (fetus) (author's transl)]

Abstract

Haemolytic disease of the newborn is mostly caused by Rh antibody anti-D (Rh erythroblastosis) and antibodies of the ABO system anti-A and anti-B (ABO erythroblastosis). Because of possible fetal death in utero prenatal diagnosis and treatment of Rh erythroblastosis is necessary. Prophylactic administration of anti-Rh-gammaglobulin prevents the induction of Rh antibodies. In contrast to Rh erythroblastosis prenatal diagnosis and treatment of ABO erythroblastosis is not necessary. Postnatally, however, hyperbilirubinemia due to ABO erythroblastosis should be treated to avoid Kernicterus. Our results with diagnosis and treatment of haemolytic diseases of the newborn are presented and related to the literature. Furthermore, immunofluorescence studies are reported, which could possibly explain the differences between Rh and ABO erythroblastosis.