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What symptoms can erythroblastosis fetalis cause in a fetus or newborn?
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blood group
The major component of human blood is the red blood cell.
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition characterized by the destruction of fetal red blood cells due to a blood group incompatibility between the mother and the fetus. The severity of the symptoms varies significantly depending on the degree of hemolysis.12
Common symptoms and complications include:
- Anemia: Often accompanied by the presence of many immature red blood cells (erythroblasts) in the circulation.1
- Jaundice: Caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a byproduct of hemoglobin breakdown.1
- Organ Enlargement: The liver and spleen may become enlarged.1
- Hydrops Fetalis: The most severe form, characterized by extreme edema (abnormal fluid accumulation) and congestive heart failure, which is often fatal.1
- Kernicterus: A serious complication resulting from the deposition of bilirubin in the brain, which can lead to hearing loss, intellectual disability, or death.1
In its mildest form, the disease may manifest only as slight anemia. In extreme cases, the fetus may die in utero. Fortunately, medical interventions such as intrauterine transfusions and the use of Rh immunoglobulin have significantly reduced the incidence and severity of this condition in developed countries.1