Diagram of hemolytic disease of the new born

Here is a diagram illustrating the pathophysiology of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN):

                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Mother's    |
                                      |  Blood Type  |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Fetal Blood  |
                                      |  Type (Rh-)   |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Maternal    |
                                      |  Immune Response|
                                      |  (Anti-Rh IgG) |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Fetal Blood  |
                                      |  Destruction  |
                                      |  of Rh+ RBCs |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Anemia in  |
                                      |  Fetus        |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Jaundice in  |
                                      |  Newborn     |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Exchange    |
                                      |  Transfusion  |
                                      |  (Phototherapy) |
                                      +---------------+
                                             |
                                             |
                                             v
                                      +---------------+
                                      |  Recovery    |
                                      |  (Most cases) |
                                      +---------------+

Here's a brief explanation of each step:

1. Mother's blood type: The mother has a blood type that is Rh-negative (Rh-).
2. Fetal blood type: The fetus has a blood type that is Rh-positive (Rh+).
3. Maternal immune response: When the mother's immune system detects the Rh+ blood cells from the fetus, it produces antibodies against them, specifically Anti-Rh IgG.
4. Fetal blood destruction: The Anti-Rh IgG antibodies cross the placenta and bind to the Rh+ RBCs in the fetal circulation, leading to their destruction.
5. Anemia in fetus: The destruction of Rh+ RBCs leads to anemia in the fetus.
6. Jaundice in newborn: After birth, the anemic newborn may develop jaundice due to the breakdown of RBCs and the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
7. Exchange transfusion: In severe cases, exchange transfusion may be necessary to remove the damaged RBCs and replace them with Rh-negative RBCs.
8. Recovery: Most cases of HDN can be managed with phototherapy, which helps to break down bilirubin and reduce the risk of kernicterus (a condition that can cause brain damage).

Note: This diagram is a simplified representation of the pathophysiology of HDN. In reality, the process is more complex and may involve multiple factors, such as the amount of Anti-Rh IgG antibodies produced by the mother, the severity of anemia in the fetus, and the effectiveness of treatment.