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 when a woman has Rh-negative blood and her baby has Rh-positive blood.

What causes Rhesus disease?
The incompatibility between the mother's Rh-negative blood and the baby's Rh-positive blood.

Who is at risk for Rhesus disease?
Pregnant women with Rh-negative blood.

How is Rhesus disease diagnosed?
Through blood tests during pregnancy.

What are the symptoms of Rhesus disease?
Jaundice, anemia, and enlarged liver or spleen in the baby.

Can Rhesus disease be prevented?
Yes, with Rh immunoglobulin injections during pregnancy.

How is Rhesus disease treated?
With phototherapy, blood transfusions, or exchange transfusions.

What are the complications of Rhesus disease?
Kernicterus, brain damage, and stillbirth.

Can Rhesus disease occur in subsequent pregnancies?
Yes, if the mother has not received Rh immunoglobulin injections.

Is Rhesus disease a genetic disorder?
No, it is an immune system reaction.