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Hemolytic disease of the newborn

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By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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Hemolytic disease of the newborn (also called erythroblastosis fetalis) is a serious condition that may occur when the blood types of a mother and her baby do not match. Substances (antibodies) in the mother's blood cross the placenta and may destroy the red blood cells of the fetus.

After birth, a baby with hemolytic disease may be treated with a blood transfusion.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007