Question
How significant is the risk of ABO hemolytic disease?
Answer
ABO hemolytic disease is a genetic condition that arises from incompatibility between the mother’s and the father’s blood types, typically occurring when the mother has AB blood type and the father has O type. In this scenario, the fetus may inherit A or B antigens from the father, which are then perceived as foreign substances by the mother’s body, triggering an immune response. The antibodies produced by the mother can cross the placenta into the fetal bloodstream, binding to the fetal red blood cells and causing them to rupture. This can lead to anemia, edema, enlargement of the liver and spleen, and progressive severe jaundice appearing shortly after birth. In severe cases, it may even result in bilirubin encephalopathy.