Lecture Notes: Hematology - Rh Incompatibility

Overview

• Rh Incompatibility occurs when a mother's Rh-negative blood is exposed to her baby's Rh-positive blood.
• This exposure leads to the mother becoming sensitized to the Rh-positive blood.
• In subsequent pregnancies, the mother's antibodies can attack the fetal red blood cells.

Key Concepts

Rh Incompatibility Process

• Sensitization: Occurs during delivery when the mother's and baby's blood mix.
• Sensitized Rh-negative mothers develop anti-Rh antibodies.
• In future pregnancies, these antibodies can cross the placenta and harm the Rh-positive fetal red blood cells.

Erythroblastosis Fetalis

• A condition where fetal red blood cells are destroyed by maternal antibodies.
• Can be severe and potentially fatal.

Answer to Previous Video's Question

• Why would the first newborn have erythroblastosis fetalis?
  • Possible causes:
    • Prior Rh-positive blood transfusion to the mother.
    • Previous ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
    • Previous pregnancy termination.
    • Rare medical conditions leading to sensitization.

Mnemonic for Remembering Rh Incompatibility

• Mnemonic Story:
  • Mommy is Rh-negative, married to Rh-positive husband.
  • She dislikes her husband's positivity, she's "so negative."
  • Baby is Rh-positive like the father and possibly not the first child, indicating subsequent pregnancy.
  • Mother says she's negative and "attacks" with anti-D agglutinin.

Conclusion

• Understanding Rh incompatibility is critical for managing and preventing hemolytic diseases of the newborn.
• The mnemonic aids in remembering the Rh-negative and Rh-positive relationships.

Additional Information

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