erythroblastosis foetalis
TRANSCRIPT
P.X.Antony
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology
RAGACOVAS
PUDUCHERRY
ICT applications 10th June 2009
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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Rh Negative
(No agglutination)
Rh Positive
(agglutination)
Rh typing
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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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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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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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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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Rh - Rh +
Rh +
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At the time of delivery
Rh + cells from foetus enters mother
Rh +
Rh -
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Mother develops antibodies
to Rh + cells from foetus
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Mother’s immune system
Second Pregnancy
Rh +
Rh -
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Antibodies to Rh + cells enter
foetal circulation
Rh +
Rh -
Excessive destruction of RBCs leads to jaundice
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The baby either suffers from jaundice
Anaemia
Lack of blood supply to brain leads
serious brain damages
Stillbirth
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These serious damages can only be
prevented by a complete exchange of the
newly born baby's blood.
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Treatment
Administration of Rhogam (antibodies
to Rh + cells) to mother just after
delivery of the first child
Rhogam neutralises Rh+ cells thus preventing
the production of anti-RH+ antibodies
Thank you
Thank you
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