Rhesus Disease

Rhesus disease, also known as Rh incompatibility or hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), is a medical condition that occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of a pregnant woman and her fetus.

Cause

The condition arises when a woman with Rh-negative blood type becomes pregnant with a fetus who has inherited Rh-positive blood from its father. If the mother's immune system is sensitized to Rh-positive blood, it may produce antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus.

Rh Factor

The Rh factor is one of the proteins on red blood cells. If an individual has the protein, they are considered Rh-positive; if they do not have it, they are considered Rh-negative. The Rh factor is inherited from an individual's parents, with each parent contributing one of their two Rh genes (one from each pair) to their offspring.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Rhesus disease can vary in severity and may include:

• Anemia in the fetus or newborn
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in the newborn
• Enlargement of the spleen and liver in the newborn
• Heart failure in severe cases

Diagnosis

Rhesus disease is typically diagnosed during pregnancy through:

• Blood tests to determine the mother's blood type and Rh factor
• Ultrasound scans to monitor fetal development and detect any potential complications
• Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) to determine the fetus's blood type and Rh factor

Treatment

Treatment for Rhesus disease depends on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Intrauterine transfusions to provide the fetus with compatible red blood cells
• Early delivery, either vaginally or by cesarean section, if the fetus is mature enough
• Phototherapy to treat jaundice in the newborn
• Exchange transfusions to remove affected red blood cells from the newborn's circulation and replace them with compatible ones

Prevention

To prevent Rhesus disease, Rh-negative women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant can receive:

• Rh immune globulin (RhIg) injections during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent sensitization to Rh-positive blood
• Regular monitoring of the fetus's condition through ultrasound scans and other tests

Complications

If left untreated or undertreated, Rhesus disease can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the fetus, including:

• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Neonatal death or long-term health problems for the newborn

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Rhesus disease?
A condition that occurs during pregnancy due to incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and fetus.

What causes Rhesus disease?
It is caused by the transfer of Rh-positive fetal red blood cells into the bloodstream of an Rh-negative mother.

Who is at risk for Rhesus disease?
Pregnant women with Rh-negative blood type who are carrying an Rh-positive fetus.

What are the symptoms of Rhesus disease?
May include jaundice, anemia, and enlarged liver or spleen in the newborn.

How is Rhesus disease diagnosed?
Through blood tests to determine the mother's and fetus's blood types and detect antibodies.

Can Rhesus disease be prevented?
Administration of Rh immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers can prevent the formation of antibodies.

What are the complications of Rhesus disease?
May include severe anemia, heart failure, and kernicterus in the newborn.

How is Rhesus disease treated?
Treatment may involve phototherapy, blood transfusions, and exchange transfusions for the newborn.

Can Rhesus disease occur in subsequent pregnancies?
Yes, if the mother has developed antibodies during a previous pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus.

Is there a cure for Rhesus disease?
While treatment can manage the condition, it is not a cure, and prevention through Rh immune globulin administration is key.