ERITROBLASTOSE FETAL - Doença Hemolítica Perinatal (DHPN) | Biologia com Samuel Cunha

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains erythroblastosis fetalis (also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn), focusing on its causes, prevention, and treatment. The condition arises from blood incompatibility between an RH-negative mother and an RH-positive child. The speaker walks through the genetic factors behind the condition, how it can be prevented through early medical intervention, and the importance of prenatal care. Additionally, the video reassures viewers that with proper treatment, complications like anemia or jaundice can be minimized. The speaker emphasizes the power of knowledge and prevention in combating this non-contagious condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition caused by Rh blood incompatibility between the mother and fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn.
• 😀 It occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby inherits Rh-positive blood from the father, triggering an immune response in the mother’s body.
• 😀 The first pregnancy typically does not experience complications, as the mother’s immune system doesn’t yet produce antibodies against Rh-positive blood.
• 😀 In subsequent pregnancies, if the baby is Rh-positive, the mother’s developed antibodies can attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to anemia and jaundice.
• 😀 Symptoms of erythroblastosis fetalis include severe anemia, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and, in extreme cases, neurological problems like deafness.
• 😀 Jaundice can be pathological if caused by fetal erythroblastosis, as it is due to an excess breakdown of red blood cells and a developing liver that cannot process the bilirubin.
• 😀 Treatment options include gradual blood transfusions to replace the baby's blood with Rh-negative blood and phototherapy to reduce bilirubin levels.
• 😀 Prevention is key: women should know their blood type, and if the mother is Rh-negative and the father is Rh-positive, anti-Rh immunoglobulin can be administered during pregnancy and after childbirth to prevent antibody formation.
• 😀 Medical monitoring during pregnancy, including regular tests and follow-up, is essential to prevent complications like fetal erythroblastosis from developing.
• 😀 The Rh factor is genetically dominant, meaning that a Rh-positive father (whether homozygous or heterozygous) can pass on Rh-positive blood to the child, increasing the risk in future pregnancies if the mother is Rh-negative.

Q & A

What is erythroblastosis fetalis?

Erythroblastosis fetalis, also known as hemolytic disease of the newborn, is a condition caused by blood incompatibility between the mother and the fetus, specifically related to the Rh factor (positive or negative blood types).

When does erythroblastosis fetalis occur?

Erythroblastosis fetalis occurs when the mother is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive. This condition typically affects the second pregnancy after the mother has developed antibodies from the first pregnancy.

Why doesn't erythroblastosis fetalis affect the first pregnancy?

In the first pregnancy, there are no complications because the mother does not yet have antibodies against Rh positive blood. Antibodies are only produced when the mother is exposed to Rh positive blood, typically during childbirth.

What are the potential complications of erythroblastosis fetalis?

Complications can include anemia, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), and in severe cases, neurological problems or deafness due to the destruction of the fetus' red blood cells and the resulting excess bilirubin.

How is erythroblastosis fetalis treated?

Treatment often involves blood transfusions, where the baby's blood is gradually replaced with Rh negative blood, and phototherapy (light therapy) to reduce bilirubin levels in the newborn.

What preventive measures exist for erythroblastosis fetalis?

Prevention includes ensuring that pregnant women know their Rh status. If the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive, she can receive an immunization (anti-Rh immunoglobulin) during pregnancy to prevent the formation of antibodies against Rh positive blood.

Why is it important for pregnant women to know their Rh blood type?

Knowing the Rh blood type is crucial because if the mother is Rh negative, it helps identify the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis. This knowledge allows for preventive treatment with anti-Rh immunoglobulin to prevent antibody formation.

Can a mother with Rh negative blood and a Rh positive partner have a Rh negative child?

It is possible, but there is a 50% chance the child will inherit Rh positive blood from the father. If the child is Rh positive, it increases the risk of developing erythroblastosis fetalis in future pregnancies.

What is the role of anti-Rh immunoglobulin in preventing erythroblastosis fetalis?

Anti-Rh immunoglobulin prevents the mother's immune system from producing antibodies against Rh positive blood. This treatment is given to Rh negative mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth to avoid complications in future pregnancies.

How does Rh compatibility between the mother and father affect the risk of erythroblastosis fetalis?

If both parents are Rh negative, there is no risk of erythroblastosis fetalis since the child will also be Rh negative. If the father is Rh positive, there is a risk that the child may be Rh positive, which could cause complications in a subsequent pregnancy if not managed properly.