What are the consequences of ABO hemolytic disease?

　　The main complications of ABO hemolytic disease include neonatal jaundice, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, bilirubin encephalopathy, and heart failure. This condition is primarily caused by ABO blood type incompatibility between mother and infant. If a newborn shows symptoms such as skin yellowing or lethargy, immediate medical attention is required.

　　1. Neonatal Jaundice: Infants develop yellowing of the skin and sclera shortly after birth, with rapidly progressing jaundice and continuously rising serum bilirubin levels. Severe cases may lead to other complications.

　　2. Anemia: Extensive destruction of red blood cells leads to reduced hemoglobin. Affected infants may appear pale, listless, and have feeding difficulties. In severe cases, symptoms of hypoxia such as rapid breathing may occur.

　　3. Hepatosplenomegaly: Metabolic byproducts from destroyed red blood cells stimulate compensatory hyperplasia of the liver and spleen. Enlarged liver and spleen can be palpated, and mild liver function abnormalities may also be present.

　　4. Bilirubin Encephalopathy: Unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and damages brain tissue, causing symptoms such as lethargy, seizures, and opisthotonus. Severe cases may result in long-term sequelae like intellectual disability.

　　5. Heart Failure: Severe anemia and hypoxia increase cardiac workload, leading to tachycardia and cardiac enlargement. Infants may exhibit signs of heart failure such as difficulty breathing and edema.

　　In daily care, strengthen newborn feeding to ensure adequate caloric intake and promote bilirubin excretion. Monitor changes in skin yellowing and the infant’s mental status. Maintain a quiet and comfortable indoor environment to avoid stimulating the infant, and provide proper skin and umbilical cord care to prevent infection.