RH Isoimmunization and Hemolytic Disorders

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of haemolysis of foetal Rh-positive RBCs in RH isoimmunization?

Passage of anti Rh antibodies from maternal to foetal circulation (correct)

Production of anti Rh antibodies in the foetal circulation

Production of anti Rh antibodies in the maternal circulation

Passage of anti Rh antibodies from foetal to maternal circulation

What is the characteristic of congenital haemolytic anaemia?

Anaemia develops 2 weeks after birth (correct)

Foetal bilirubin level exceeds 20 mg%

Hepatosplenomegaly is usually present

Jaundice at birth

What is the primary cause of jaundice in icterus gravis neonatorum?

Inability of the placenta to conjugate bilirubin

Production of bilirubin in the foetal liver

Inability of the foetal liver to conjugate bilirubin (correct)

Production of bilirubin in the maternal liver

What is the characteristic of kernicterus?

Deposition of bilirubin in the basal ganglia of the brain stem Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of hydrops fetalis?

Intrauterine foetal death due to heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the placenta in hydrops fetalis?

Large and oedematous Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the foetus in hydrops fetalis as shown by ultrasound?

The 'Buddha' attitude with flexion of the thighs and abdominal distension Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the newborn in hydrops fetalis?

The baby dies within few hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for hepatosplenomegaly in RH isoimmunization?

Due to faster erythropoiesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical level of bilirubin that can lead to kernicterus?

20 mg% Signup and view all the answers

Why is the newborn not jaundiced at birth in icterus gravis neonatorum?

The placenta conjugates foetal bilirubin Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic attitude of the foetus in hydrops fetalis as seen by ultrasound?

Flexion of the thighs and abdominal distension Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of heart failure in hydrops fetalis?

Severe haemolytic anaemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of congenital haemolytic anaemia?

Anaemia developing 2 weeks after birth Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of bilirubin crossing the blood-brain barrier in RH isoimmunization?

Deposition in the basal ganglia of the brain stem Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of Erythroblastosis fetalis?

Presence of erythroblasts (immature nucleated RBCs) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RH Isoimmunization

Haemolysis of foetal Rh-positive RBCs occurs due to the passage of anti-Rh antibodies from maternal to foetal circulation in a previously sensitized pregnant woman.

Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia

Mildest form of RH isoimmunization
Haemolysis results in foetal anaemia that develops 2 weeks after birth
Erythroblasts (immature nucleated RBCs) are produced due to a faster rate of erythropoiesis

Icterus Gravis Neonatorum

Commonest and moderate form of RH isoimmunization
Baby is delivered anaemic but not jaundiced at birth
Placenta carries on the function of conjugating foetal bilirubin
Hepatosplenomegaly is present due to faster erythropoiesis
Jaundice develops within 48 hours after birth due to the inability of the foetal liver to conjugate the high amount of bilirubin produced
Kernicterus develops when foetal bilirubin level exceeds 20 mg%
Bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and becomes deposited in the basal ganglia of the brain stem, leading to a serious condition that may cause neonatal death or mental retardation

Hydrops Fetalis

Severest form of RH isoimmunization
Intrauterine foetal death usually occurs due to severe haemolytic anaemia leading to heart failure
If the baby is born alive, it dies within a few hours
Foetus shows generalized oedema, pleural effusion, and ascites due to heart failure
Hepatosplenomegaly is present
Placenta is large and oedematous
Foetus shows the "Buddha" attitude (by ultrasound) due to flexion of the thighs and abdominal distension and a halo around the skull due to scalp oedema

RH Isoimmunization

Haemolysis of foetal Rh-positive RBCs occurs due to the passage of anti-Rh antibodies from maternal to foetal circulation in a previously sensitized pregnant woman.

Congenital Haemolytic Anaemia

Mildest form of RH isoimmunization
Haemolysis results in foetal anaemia that develops 2 weeks after birth
Erythroblasts (immature nucleated RBCs) are produced due to a faster rate of erythropoiesis

Icterus Gravis Neonatorum

Commonest and moderate form of RH isoimmunization
Baby is delivered anaemic but not jaundiced at birth
Placenta carries on the function of conjugating foetal bilirubin
Hepatosplenomegaly is present due to faster erythropoiesis
Jaundice develops within 48 hours after birth due to the inability of the foetal liver to conjugate the high amount of bilirubin produced
Kernicterus develops when foetal bilirubin level exceeds 20 mg%
Bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and becomes deposited in the basal ganglia of the brain stem, leading to a serious condition that may cause neonatal death or mental retardation

Hydrops Fetalis

Severest form of RH isoimmunization
Intrauterine foetal death usually occurs due to severe haemolytic anaemia leading to heart failure
If the baby is born alive, it dies within a few hours
Foetus shows generalized oedema, pleural effusion, and ascites due to heart failure
Hepatosplenomegaly is present
Placenta is large and oedematous
Foetus shows the "Buddha" attitude (by ultrasound) due to flexion of the thighs and abdominal distension and a halo around the skull due to scalp oedema

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Description

This quiz covers the concepts of RH isoimmunization, congenital hemolytic anemia, and icterus gravis neonatorum, including their causes, effects, and characteristics. It is suitable for medical students and professionals.