Morbidity of ABO haemolytic disease in the newborn

Abstract

ABO incompatibility was observed in 17.3% of pregnancies with almost equal O-A and O-B frequency. About a third of infants had significant hyperbilirubinaemia. There was no difference in severity between those with O-A and O-B HDN.

Indication of Mild Hemolytic Reaction Among Preterm Infants With ABO Incompatibility

“…Our study results did not show any differences when comparing the outcomes for infants with blood group A to those with blood group B. These results correlate with a previous report …”

“…[17,18] A previous study among term infants with ABO incompatibility showed that about one-third had severe hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy. [16] As expected in preterm infants, this study showed higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (ß50%) among all preterm cohorts including controls, and even higher rates (ß85%) among the lower GA subgroup (<32 weeks GA) and their controls. Nevertheless, differences between the infants with ABO incompatibility and the controls were found only among the more mature infants of 32-34 weeks GA.…”

“…However, occasional cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus have been described . A previous study among term infants with ABO incompatibility showed that about one‐third had severe hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy . As expected in preterm infants, this study showed higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy (∼50%) among all preterm cohorts including controls, and even higher rates (∼85%) among the lower GA subgroup (<32 weeks GA) and their controls.…”

“…Neonatal jaundice is the hallmark of ABO incompatibility HDN. [3,16] It is usually successfully treated with phototherapy, and the need for exchange transfusion or IVIG administration is rare. However, occasional cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia and kernicterus have been described.…”

“…These results correlate with a previous report. [19] ABO incompatibility HDN usually differs from Rh-related HDN in that it (ABO incompatibility) results predominantly in hyperbilirubinemia, without significant anemia. [3] However, cases in which ABO incompatibility resulted in severe anemia have been described.…”