Overview

• Aetiology → maternal antibodies against foetal blood group antigens.
  • Mothers antibodies can cross placenta or mix at delivery, causing haemolysis.

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features

• Yellow amniotic fluid → due to increased bilirubin.
• Hydrops Fetalis (hepatosplenocardiomegaly).
• Pallor.
• Jaundice <2 days after birth.

Investigations

• DAT +ve.
• Haemolysis → raised unconjugated bilirubin and reticulocytes.

Management Plan

• Prevention → anti-D immunoglobulin. Given at 28 weeks, 34 weeks and birth. Also given at sensitising events.
• Resuscitation → A to E approach.
• Exchange Transfusion.
• Phototherapy → removes excess bilirubin.