Question

Is neonatal hemolytic disease curable? If it is treated, will it affect the baby’s development in terms of intelligence and physical growth? Can it be cured? My baby has been in the hospital for ten days, and I am anxious. Is neonatal hemolytic disease very dangerous? How should it be treated?

Answer

Neonatal hemolytic disease (NHD) refers to a condition caused by incompatibility between the mother’s and the fetus’s blood types, leading to the transfer of blood type antibodies from the mother to the fetus. These antibodies enter the fetus through the placenta and cause homologous immune hemolysis. Incompatibility between the Rh blood group system and the ABO blood group system is discovered. Phototherapy is the simplest and most effective method to reduce serum bilirubin levels. When serum bilirubin levels reach exchange standards according to different gestational ages and durations, exchange therapy is required. ABO hemolysis only requires blood transfusion in a few severe cases.