ABO Incompatibility in the Newborn

Abstract

ABO incompatibility is one form of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Since the development of antenatal treatment for Rh incompatibility has developed, ABO incompatibility has emerged as the most common cause of HDN. Generally, ABO incompatibility is a benign condition because of the low level of hemolysis that occurs. Infants with ABO incompatibility do require close monitoring and treatment, based on the symptoms. The most common manifestation of ABO incompatibility is hyperbilirubinemia. This hyperbilirubinemia can usually be managed effectively with conventional measures such as phototherapy. However, rare complications such as anemia and, in extreme cases, kernicterus may require blood or exchange transfusion.

Haemolytic of Newborn Disease-Related Red Blood Cell Alloantibodies

“…Meanwhile, incompatibility of different blood groups such as ABO, Rh and congenital autoimmune disease contribute to immune-related HDN (3). Furthermore, RBCs destruction begins in intrauterine life (12), which causes severe anaemia and neonatal jaundice or even extreme consequences, such as severe brain damage (13). According to , 50% of all foetuses with various aetiologies of HDN died of kernicterus or hydrop foetalis before 1945 (14).…”

“…Risk factors for ABO incompatibility are present in approximately 12% to 15% of pregnancies but only 3% to 4% have been proven to be present with foetal sensitisation using the positive direct Coombs' test. However, less than 1% of cases can cause significant haemolysis, especially after birth (13). Currently, ABO and Rh blood grouping of both paternal and maternal is performed for the early detection of a possible incompatibility that might cause HDN (23).…”

“…Approximately 15% of HDN cases are caused by Rh incompatibility (23), which significantly affects the foetus or neonates compared to other blood groups (13). In this condition, an Rh-negative mother with an Rh-positive infant or foetus is at risk of Rh antigen exposure during pregnancy or delivery (23).…”