Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also called erythroblastosis fetalis, is a blood disorder that occurs when the blood types of a mother and baby are incompatible. The Anemia and Red Blood Cell Disorders Program at Children’s Hospital Boston provides comprehensive treatment and management of HDN.

• HDN is relatively uncommon, affecting approximately 4,000 babies a year in the United States.
• It is more likely to occur during a mother’s second or subsequent pregnancy.
• There are two causes, Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility.
• HDN due to Rh incompatibility occurs more frequently.
• HDN can be treated during pregnancy or after the baby is born.
• It is very preventable.