What is the Cause of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Question

What is the cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn?
A) The mother has eosinophilia during pregnancy.
B) An O blood type mother produces anti-A antibodies which cross the placenta and react with the baby's A antigens.
C) Antibodies of an A or B blood type mother cross the placenta and react with baby's O antigens.
D) The mother produces anti-Rh antibodies which cross the placenta and react with baby's Rh antigens.
E) The mother's mast cells degranulate in the placenta, damaging it.

Accepted Answer

Hemolytic disease of the newborn is caused by the mother producing anti-Rh antibodies (also known as Rh sensitization) which can cross the placenta and attack the baby's Rh-positive red blood cells. This occurs when the mother is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, which can happen if the father is Rh-positive. This can lead to severe anemia and other complications for the newborn. Treatment with Rh immune globulin during and after pregnancy can prevent sensitization.