Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn: Modern Practice and Future Investigations

Red blood cell (RBC) sensitization occurs in some women in response to exposure to paternally derived RBC antigens during pregnancy or to nonself antigens on transfused RBCs during their lifetime. Once sensitized, future pregnancies may be at risk for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Although great strides have been made over the past few decades in terms of identifying blood group antigens and in predicting fetal anemia through the use of noninvasive monitoring, many questions remain in terms of understanding RBC alloimmunization risk factors, preventative therapies, and treatment strategies.

Source: Transfusion Medicine Reviews - May 26, 2016 Category: Hematology Authors: Jeanne E. Hendrickson, Meghan Delaney Source Type: research