How likely is hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Oct 11, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ma Yan

Introduction

Hemolytic disease of the newborn refers to pathological conditions caused by blood group incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, primarily due to ABO blood group incompatibility and Rh blood group system incompatibility. Data indicate that approximately 20% to 30% of pregnancies involve blood group incompatibility. If such incompatibility occurs, it may lead to hemolytic disease in the newborn; therefore, the incidence rate of hemolytic disease of the newborn could be as high as 20% to 30%.

The probability of neonatal hemolytic disease may be around 20% to 30%.

In clinical practice, neonatal hemolytic disease refers to a pathological condition caused by blood type incompatibility between the mother and fetus. The most common type is ABO blood group incompatibility, which accounts for approximately 85% of all cases of neonatal hemolytic disease. The second most common type is Rh blood group incompatibility, which accounts for about 15%. According to available data, blood type incompatibility occurs in approximately 20% to 30% of pregnancies. When such incompatibility exists, it may lead to hemolytic disease in newborns; therefore, the incidence rate of neonatal hemolytic disease may be relatively high, around 20% to 30%.

Neonatal hemolytic disease may cause a rapid rise in bilirubin levels after birth, leading to severe jaundice. If not promptly treated, it may result in bilirubin encephalopathy, causing brain damage in the newborn and potentially leaving long-term sequelae such as intellectual impairment and delayed growth and development.

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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.