Exchange de in hemolytic diseaseof the new born

A classic exchange reaction!

In Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN), the exchange reaction refers to the exchange of antigens and antibodies between the mother's blood and the fetus's blood across the placenta. This reaction can lead to the destruction of the fetus's red blood cells, causing anemia and jaundice.

Here's a breakdown of the exchange reaction:

Antigens:

Antibodies:

Exchange reaction:

  1. The mother's anti-D antibodies cross the placenta and bind to the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus.
  2. The bound red blood cells are recognized as foreign by the fetal immune system and are destroyed, leading to anemia and jaundice.
  3. The destruction of red blood cells releases bilirubin, a yellow pigment, into the bloodstream, causing jaundice.

Consequences:

Treatment:

It's worth noting that HDN can be prevented or treated with Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM) injections, which can neutralize the mother's anti-D antibodies and prevent the exchange reaction.