What are the symptoms of hemolytic disease in newborns?

Oct 14, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Hemolytic disease of the newborn is usually caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and infant, leading to hemolysis. It commonly presents with symptoms such as low birth weight, anemia, jaundice, edema, and rapid breathing. Once symptoms of hemolytic disease appear in a newborn, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. A qualified physician should assess the severity of hemolysis and initiate appropriate treatment measures to prevent harm to the infant's health.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn is usually caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, leading to hemolysis. It commonly presents with symptoms such as low birth weight, anemia, jaundice, edema, and rapid breathing.

1. Low Birth Weight

Oxygen is essential for normal growth and development in newborns. Hemolytic disease reduces the number of red blood cells, impairing oxygen transport and supply. This may lead to physical weakness and poor appetite in affected infants, reducing food intake and resulting in low body weight and impaired weight gain.

2. Anemia

When there is a blood type mismatch between the mother and fetus, the mother's immune system may produce antibodies that attack the fetal red blood cells. The destruction of red blood cells leads to varying degrees of anemia in the infant.

3. Jaundice

When red blood cells are destroyed, the source of bilirubin increases. If bilirubin levels exceed the liver’s capacity for processing and excretion, bilirubin accumulates in the body, causing yellow discoloration of the sclera, skin, and mucous membranes, along with darkened urine.

4. Edema

This condition may impair kidney filtration function. In newborns, especially those with immature liver function, reduced urine production and excretion can lead to fluid retention in the body, increasing the risk of swelling in the limbs.

5. Rapid Breathing

During hemolysis, metabolic byproducts such as bilirubin accumulate in the body and may affect the respiratory center, easily causing rapid breathing or even respiratory distress.

When symptoms of hemolytic disease appear in a newborn, prompt medical evaluation is necessary. Based on diagnostic results, a healthcare professional will determine the severity of hemolysis and implement appropriate treatment measures to protect the infant’s health.

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Can hemolytic disease of the newborn be prevented in advance?

Hemolytic disease of the newborn refers to immune-mediated hemolysis caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and child. It can generally be prevented in advance. For example, both partners should undergo blood typing before pregnancy. If blood type incompatibility or other risk factors are identified, proactive preventive treatment should be undertaken. Rh-negative pregnant women can, as directed by a physician, receive an injection of anti-D immunoglobulin within 72 hours after delivery or miscarriage to reduce the risk of hemolytic disease in subsequent pregnancies.