Critical review of haemolytic disease of the newborn Essay

Critical review of haemolytic disease of the newborn - Essay ExampleThe mothers tolerant system sees the babys Rh supreme red blood cells as foreign. Just as when bacteria invade the body, the immune system responds by developing antibodies to fight and destroy these foreign cells. The mothers immune system then keeps the antibodies in case the foreign cells appear again, even in a future pregnancy. The mother is now Rh sensitized.In a first pregnancy, Rh sensitization is not likely. Usually it only becomes a problem in a future pregnancy with another Rh corroborative baby. During that pregnancy, the mothers antibodies cross the placenta to fight the Rh positive cells in the babys body. As the antibodies destroy the red blood cells, the baby can become sick. This is called erythroblastosis fetalis during pregnancy. In the newborn, the condition is called hemolytic disease of the newborn. (Vucinovic M, Jadric H, Karelovic D, Roje D, Haspl-Hundric Z, Hrgovic Z, Vucinovic Z, 2004).He molytic disease of the newborn (HDN) occurs due to maternal IgG antibodies crossing the placenta thereby producing hemolysis mainly due to Rh, ABO and Kell groups. A dictatorial approach to the Rh HDN involves an obstetric history of previous isoimmunized baby, timing and regular monitoring of maternal Rh antibodies and pigment assay of amniotic fluid. Timely closing regarding in utero transfusion and early termination of pregnancy based on the maternal monitoring has radically improved the outcome of these babies. Antenatal prophylaxis with anti D has resulted in great reduction in the magnitude of Rh problem. The fetal blood sampling and in-utero intravenous transfusions has made it possible for almost 100% pick of isoimmunized pregnancies without hydrops. Alternative methods--IVIG and plasma exchange are still of limited application. ABO HDN though common is not a serious form of disease and paneling not warrants invasive antenatal monitoring. Anti-Kell is found in patients h aving received multiple transfusions and the rapid progress of hemolysis in them may not allow much(prenominal) systematic follow up as in Rh HDN. (Narang A, Jain N, 2001).Antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes. Maturation culminates with migration of the B cells to the reticulo-endothelial tissues of the body including the lymph nodes and parts of the spleen, beat marrow, liver, gastrointestinal tract and other tissues. Antibodies are a miscellaneous mixture of serum globulins and share the ability to bind individually to specific antigens. Those serum globulins with antibody use are known as immunoglobulins (Ig). All immunoglobulin molecules have common structural features. The part of the molecule that binds to the corresponding antigen is different in each immunoglobulin. The prefatorial