User:Mr. Ibrahem/Rhesus disease

Rhesus (Rh) disease, also known as rh-hemolytic disease of the newborn (Rh-HDFN), occurs when antibodies in a pregnant women breakdown red blood cells in her baby. Symptoms generally include low red blood cells and jaundice in the baby. Onset may be before or shortly after birth. Complications may include stillbirth, hydrops fetalis, intellectual disability, hearing loss, or vision loss.

It is the type of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) due to anti-D antibodies. It occurs in Rh-D negative women who has been sensitized to RhD positive blood and than becomes pregnant with an RhD positive baby. Sensitization may occur during a prior pregnancy or from blood product exposure. Risk factors for sensitization include a mother with type O blood. Diagnosis is usually during routine prenatal care.

It is preventable in 99% of cases by giving RhD negative pregnant women injections of Rho(D) immune globulin. Treatment of affected babies depends on severity and may involve blood transfusions, phototherapy, or intravenous immunoglobulin. Blood transfusions may be given to the baby before birth. An early delivery may be recommended in certain cases so treatments can be started earlier.

Rhesus disease is estimated to affect more than 350,000 babies a year. While uncommon in the developed world; it remains relatively frequent in developing countries. In at risk pregnancies, about a third of babies die and another third are disabled. About half of women who should receive preventative measures did not as of 2020. The condition was described at least as early as 1609 in France but possibly also by Hippocrates around 400 BC.