Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition when the mother's immune system attacks the red blood cells of her fetus. This condition causes the red blood cells of the fetus to be damaged, so proper treatment is needed so as not to interfere with its growth or trigger serious complications. Erythroblastosis fetalis can be caused by two things, namely rhesus incompatibility and blood group incompatibility. This incompatibility causes the mother's immune system to destroy the red blood cells of the fetus because they perceive them as foreign bodies like bacteria and viruses.
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| Erythroblastosis Fetalis, Recognize the Symptoms and Treatment |
The destruction of red blood cells makes the fetus or newborn experience anemia. This condition certainly requires proper handling so that the baby can grow healthily. If erythroblastosis fetalis is not treated immediately, the baby's health can be disrupted, even causing death in the baby.
Symptoms of Erythroblastosis Fetalis
If erythroblastosis fetalis occurs during pregnancy, pregnant women may not experience any symptoms. However, this condition can be detected by doctors when pregnant women carry out pregnancy checks. Some things that can be signs or symptoms of erythroblastosis fetalis during pregnancy include:
Amniotic fluid is yellow
The presence of bilirubin in the amniotic fluid makes the amniotic fluid yellow. Bilirubin can be formed due to the breakdown of red blood cells.
Fetal organs enlarge
Examination results showing that the liver, spleen, or heart of the fetus are enlarged can be a sign that the fetus has erythroblastosis fetalis.
The baby has hydrops fetalis
A buildup of fluid in the scalp, lungs, and abdomen can be a sign that the fetus has erythroblastosis fetalis. This condition is known as hydrops fetalis.
In newborns, the symptoms of erythroblastosis fetalis that appear can be very diverse. However, there are some common symptoms of erythroblastosis fetalis in newborns, namely:
- The baby's skin looks pale due to a lack of red blood cells
- The baby's umbilical cord, skin and eyes appear yellow
- Red, brown, or purple spots appear on the baby's skin
- The baby's liver or spleen is larger than normal
- The baby's body has severe swelling
- The baby has difficulty breathing
Treatment of Erythroblastosis Fetalis
If the results of the examination show that the fetus has erythroblastosis fetalis, the doctor will immediately provide treatment to minimize the occurrence of complications that threaten the life of the fetus.
The following is the treatment of erythroblastosis fetalis in the fetus:
Intrauterine blood transfusion
Intrauterine blood transfusion is needed to treat blood deficiency or anemia in the fetus. Blood transfusions are given by injection in the mother's abdomen to the placenta so that blood flows to the fetus's body.
Premature labor
If the heart and lungs of the baby in the womb can function, the doctor will recommend preterm labor. This is done so that the condition of erythroblastosis fetalis does not get worse.
Meanwhile, for newborns, treatment for erythroblastosis fetalis can include:
Blood transfusion
As with babies in the womb, treatment for erythroblastosis fetalis in newborns can be in the form of blood transfusions. This is done if the baby has severe anemia.
Administration of intravenous fluids
Giving intravenous fluids can also be done. This treatment is usually given if the baby has low blood pressure.
Phototherapy
For cases of erythroblastosis fetalis with high bilirubin levels, treatment steps can be in the form of phototherapy or light therapy. The baby will be placed under an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp with their eyes closed. This treatment is done to break down or eliminate bilirubin.
Installation of ventilators
For some conditions, babies need temporary breathing assistance so that their oxygen needs are properly met. Therefore, installing a ventilator is sometimes necessary so that he can breathe properly.
That's the information about erythroblastosis fetalis that you need to know. It is important to carry out routine pregnancy checks so that the health condition of the fetus in the womb is maintained.
Routine pregnancy checks to the doctor can prevent and detect erythroblastosis fetalis quickly. That way, the baby in the womb can get proper and fast treatment.
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