Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (Kernicterus)

  • occurs when mother is Rh- and fetus is Rh+

  • Rh factor contains several antigens. It is found in red blood cells only.

  • Rh+ means that red blood cells have antigenic agglutinogen D

  • Rh- has no antigenic agglutinogen and, when in contact with Rh+ blood, forms anti-agglutinogen antibodies which destroy red blood cells

  • massive destruction of red blood cells in the fetus and newborn induces sever hyperbilirubinemia (kernicterus); bilirubin accumulates in the brain causing impaired development

  • first child less affected than following siblings

  • Treatment: passive immunization of the mother by administration of anti-Rh antibodies