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Erythroblastosis fetalis - Overview

Alternative Names

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Definition of Erythroblastosis fetalis:

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a potentially life-threatening blood disorder in a fetus or newborn infant. This article provides a general overview. For more detailed information see the specific disorder:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Erythroblastosis fetalis develops in an unborn infant when the mother and baby have different blood types. The mother produces substances called antibodies that attack the developing baby's red blood cells.

The most common form of erythroblastosis fetalis is ABO incompatibility, which can vary in severity.

The less common form is called Rh incompatibility, which can cause very severe anemia in the baby.

  • Reviewed last on: 12/10/2009
  • Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Gruslin AM, Moore TR. Erythroblastosis fetalis. In: Martin R, Fanaroff A, Walsh M, eds. Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 20.

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