Question
What is Neonatal Hemolytic Disease?
Answer
Neonatal hemolytic disease is a severe hemolytic condition that can lead to symptoms such as general edema, pale skin, pleural and abdominal effusions, and heart failure in surviving newborns. This condition is caused by a congenital immune hemolytic disease resulting from a reaction between maternal antibodies and fetal red blood cells. Treatment methods include replacing sensitized red blood cells and antibodies in the newborn’s body to prevent further hemolysis and replacing bilirubin in the serum to prevent bilirubin encephalopathy. Additionally, supplementing albumin and correcting acidosis can reduce the amount of free unconjugated bilirubin in the blood, thereby reducing the occurrence of bilirubin encephalopathy.