Erythroblastosis Fetalis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Erythroblastosis fetalis (e-RITH-ro-blas-toe-sis FEE-tal-is) is a condition that can cause anemia (low red blood cell count) in babies. It is also called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) and is a condition babies get before birth. Erythroblastosis fetalis occurs when you and your baby have blood differences, such as Rh factor or ABO type. This condition happens after some of the baby's blood gets into the mother's blood. That can cause the mother's body to make antibodies that can destroy the baby's red blood cells (RBCs). Antibodies are a part of your body's immune system (body's defense). The antibodies can cross over to your baby through the placenta (organ in the womb that connects baby to mother). These antibodies may stay in your baby's blood for some time after he is born.
  
  
• Your baby with erythroblastosis fetalis may have been treated for it before he was born. He may have had blood transfusions while in the womb. He may have needed to be delivered sooner than his expected due date. He may be born with paleness or a swollen body. He may have jaundice (yellow color to skin or eyes) at birth or get it soon after being born. Blood tests may be done to check for erythroblastosis fetalis before or after your baby is born. Treatment for your baby may include phototherapy, immune globulin medicine, or a blood exchange transfusion. With monitoring and early treatment, further medical problems caused by erythroblastosis fetalis may be prevented or lessened.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Diet:

• Breastfeeding: Follow your caregiver's instructions for breastfeeding. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to tell if your baby is getting enough breastmilk.
  
  
• Bottle feeding: Follow your caregiver's instructions for bottle feeding:
  
  
  • Ask caregivers what type of formula is best to feed your baby. Ask them how often to feed your baby, and how much formula to feed him each time.
    
    

Other special instructions:

• Blood tests: Your baby's bilirubin and RBC levels may need to be checked after he leaves the hospital. You may need to bring your baby to your caregiver's office or a lab to have this done. These blood draws are usually done by heelstick.
  
  

For more information:

Contact the following:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
  Leawood , KS 66211-2680
  Phone: 1- 913 - 906-6000
  Phone: 1- 800 - 274-2237
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Pediatrics
  141 Northwest Point Boulevard
  Elk Grove Village , IL 60007-1098
  Phone: 1- 847 - 434-4000
  Web Address: http://www.aap.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your baby develops a fever.
  
  
• Your baby becomes jaundiced.
  
  
• Your baby is not feeding well or is urinating less than before.
  
  
• You are having breastfeeding problems.
  
  
• By his fourth day of life, your breastfeeding baby has:
  
  
  • Fewer than 4 to 6 urine-soaked diapers in a 24 hour period.
    
    
  • Fewer than 3 to 4 stools (BMs) in a 24 hour period.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition, medicine or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your baby has jaundice that does not go away or is getting worse.
  
  
• Your baby has trouble breathing.
  
  
• Your baby is having a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your baby is very irritable, fussy, and has a high-pitched cry.
  
  
• Your baby looks very tired or weak, or sleeps more than usual.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Erythroblastosis Fetalis (Aftercare Instructions)