Does a Newborn with Hemolytic Disease Need Rest?

Question

My baby was born a month ago and has developed a noticeable yellow discoloration of the skin, which is rapidly worsening, along with anemia, athetosis of the hands and feet, intellectual, and motor developmental disorders. The baby was then diagnosed with newborn hemolytic disease. Can the condition improve with attention? Or are there any other points to note?

Answer

Dear parent. Newborn hemolytic disease is a passive immune disease caused by fetal red blood cell destruction due to incompatibility of maternal and fetal blood types and antigen-antibody reactions between them. Therefore, it is also known as incompatibility of maternal and fetal blood type newborn hemolytic disease. Prematurity can prevent severe intrauterine anemia leading to stillbirth; severe anemia, edema, and rapid worsening jaundice may require blood transfusion. Attention should also be given to rest and other measures.