ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn

Abstract

This article reviews the clinical picture of ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn (ABOHD). Although the severe form is recognized with relative ease, it is apparent that there is an entire spectrum of the disease beginning with the mildest form with minimum sensitization and jaundice. Therefore diagnosis of jaundice due to ABO incompatibility usually becomes one of exclusion. In blacks since the incidence and/or severity of the disease is greater than in caucasians, it may represent a serious health problem in Africa. It is likely that in Africa, many cases are undiagnosed and therefore the incidence of ABOHD is unknown. Hyperbilirubinaemia may be associated with developmental disability and a history of neonatal jaundice is common in African infants with cerebral palsy. For these reasons, it may be postulated that hyperbilirubinaemia due to ABO incompatibility may be an important problem in African infants, and if undiagnosed and untreated, may be a major cause of developmental disability in these children.