Rh incompatibility


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Antibodies
Erythroblastosis fetalis, photomicrograph
Erythroblastosis fetalis, photomicrograph
Bili lights
Exchange transfusion - series
Jaundice infant
Jaundice infant
Rh Incompatibility - series
Rh incompatibility - series
Alternative Names

Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn; Hydrops fetalis


Prevention

Rh incompatibility is almost completely preventable. Rh-negative mothers should be followed closely by their obstetricians during pregnancy.

If the father of the infant is Rh-positive, the mother is given a mid-term injection of RhoGAM and a second injection within a few days of delivery.

These injections prevent the development of antibodies against Rh-positive blood. This effectively prevents the condition.



Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.


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