Question

What is erythroblastosis fetalis?

Answer 1

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition where red blood cells of unborn babies break down. This disease is more likely to happen during the second or subsequent pregnancy of the mother. First identified at Boston Children’s Hospital by Dr. Louis Diamond in 1932. He developed the first successful treatment, a transfusion procedure in 1940. This may result in severe anemia( low RBC count). Anemia makes it difficult for the RBC to carry enough oxygen. This condition is also referred to as hemolytic disease of the unborn. Hemolysis meaning RBC ‘s breakdown.

Complete answer:
Cause of erythroblastosis fetalis.
This condition is caused by certain differences in blood types. One type happens when the mother is RH negative and the baby is RH positive. Another type happens when mother and baby have different major blood types. A, B and O are three major blood group types.
Erythroblastosis fetalis is most common when the baby's blood group is A or B and mother’s blood group is O. The differences in blood group type causes the immune system to react by making antibodies. The antibodies can cross over to the baby through the placenta. They attack the baby's RBC, resulting in their breakdown.
Symptoms of erythroblastosis fetalis:
1. Before baby’s birth:
Fast heart rate.
Larger than normal organs, such as the spleen, liver or heart.
Swelling of baby’s body.
2. After baby’s birth:
Pale skin caused by anemia.
Jaundice (yellowing of your baby’s skin or the whites of his or her eyes).
Small red or brown spots, or purple patches on baby’s skin.
Swelling of baby’s body.
Trouble in breathing.

Note:
Diagnosis: Blood test: Test is done to look for RH positive antibodies in mother’s blood. Ultrasound: It can show enlarged organs or fluid build up in the baby's body. Amniocentesis: To check the amount of bilirubin in amniotic fluid. Treatment: Before baby’s birth: Blood transfusion through umbilical cord. Preterm delivery. After baby’s birth: Phototherapy uses light to turn bilirubin into a form that the baby's body can remove. Immune globulin helps keep baby’s RBCs from being damaged by mother’s antibodies.