Erythroblastosis Foetalis

Haemolytic disease of new born that can be prevented by injection of Rhogam after the delivery of first baby

1. P.X.Antony
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology
RAGACOVAS
PUDUCHERRY
[email protected]
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June 2009

2. Rh Factor
Individuals whose red blood cells agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called
rhesus positive (Rh+)
Individuals whose blood does not agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called called
rhesus negative (Rh-)
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3. Rh Negative
(No agglutination)
Rh Positive
(agglutination)
Rh typing
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4. The Rh antigen is found on the red blood
cells of
85% of whites
96% of blacks and
99% of Asians
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5. If a Rh-mother becomes pregnant by a Rh+
father and If baby is Rh+
This means a Rh+baby growing in a Rh-
mother.
At the time of birth some of the baby's blood
gets into the mother's circulation.
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6. This sensitizes the mother to Rh+blood and
she produces anti-Rh+antibodies.
These antibodies do not affect the first baby
as they are produced in her blood after this
baby is born.
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7. If she has a second pregnancy with a Rh+
baby her antibodies may cross the placenta
and destroy the baby's red blood cells.
This condition is called
erythroblastosis foetalis.
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8. Rh -
Rh +
Rh +
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9. At the time of delivery
Rh + cells from foetus enters mother
Rh +
Rh -
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10. Mother develops antibodies
to Rh + cells from foetus
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Mother’s immune system

11. Second Pregnancy
Rh +
Rh -
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12. Antibodies to Rh + cells enter
foetal circulation
Rh +
Rh -

13. Excessive destruction of RBCs leads to jaundice
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14. The baby either suffers from jaundice
Anaemia
Lack of blood supply to brain leads
serious brain damages
Stillbirth
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15. These serious damages can only be
prevented by a complete exchange of the
newly born baby's blood.
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16. Treatment
Administration of Rhogam (antibodies
to Rh + cells) to mother just after
delivery of the first child
Rhogam neutralises Rh+ cellsthus preventing
the production of anti-RH+ antibodies

17. Thank you
Thank you
ICT applications 10
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June 2009