Care of the neonate with erythroblastosis fetalis

Erythroblastosis fetalis, hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurs when an isoimmunized mother produces antibodies that cross the placenta and cause hemolysis of fetal red blood cells. This hemolysis can be accompanied by severe anemia, ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions, congestive heart failure, and neurological damage with resultant perinatal mortality. Rh isoimmunization in pregnancy still occurs in spite of the advent of Rh immune globulin. This article describes the complex management and nursing implications associated with caring for the neonate with erythroblastosis fetalis.