Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes
07:54

Isolation of Neonatal Extrahepatic Cholangiocytes

Published on: June 5, 2014

Cholestasis in neonates with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease: incidence, risk factors and outcome

Vivianne E H J Smits-Wintjens1, Mirjam E A Rath, Irene T M Lindenburg

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. v.smits@lumc.nl

Neonatology
|February 23, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Cholestasis affects 13% of newborns with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) due to red cell alloimmunization. Intrauterine red cell transfusions (IUTs) and rhesus D alloimmunization are key risk factors for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Neonatal cholestasis in hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is linked to iron overload from intrauterine red cell transfusions (IUTs).
  • Limited data exists on the incidence, pathogenesis, risk factors, and outcomes of cholestasis in neonates with HDN.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of cholestasis in neonates with red cell alloimmune HDN.
  • To identify risk factors, management strategies, and outcomes for cholestasis in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of (near-) term neonates with red cell alloimmunization from 2000-2010.
  • Routine liver function tests, including conjugated bilirubin, were performed.
  • Risk factors, management, and outcomes were recorded for neonates with and without cholestasis.

Main Results:

  • Cholestasis occurred in 13% (41/313) of neonates with red cell alloimmune HDN.
  • Independent risk factors for cholestasis included at least one IUT (OR 5.81) and rhesus D alloimmunization (OR 4.66).
  • Other causes of cholestasis were ruled out; supportive therapy was initiated in 5 infants, and one received iron chelation.

Conclusions:

  • Cholestasis is a significant complication in 13% of neonates with HDN due to red cell alloimmunization.
  • Intrauterine red cell transfusions and rhesus D alloimmunization are independently associated with the development of cholestasis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis05:39

A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Published on: November 30, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Jaundice01:25

Jaundice

Jaundice, or icterus, is the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes. It happens when plasma bilirubin levels rise above 2.5-3 mg/dL, leading to bilirubin deposition in tissue.Bilirubin is a byproduct of hemoglobin degradation. In macrophages, hemoglobin breaks down into globin and heme. Globin is converted into amino acids, while heme is turned into biliverdin by heme oxygenase, which is then reduced to unconjugated bilirubin by biliverdin reductase.Unconjugated...