Erythroblastosis fetalis

Definition

Erythroblastosis fetalis is a severe hematological condition in fetuses or newborns resulting from the incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and her baby, primarily involving the Rh factor. This condition leads to the mother's immune system attacking the red blood cells of the fetus, causing anemia and other serious complications.

Related terms

Rh factor: A protein found on the surface of red blood cells that can cause immune response if there is a mismatch between a mother and her fetus.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn: Another name for erythroblastosis fetalis, highlighting its nature as a condition where there is destruction of fetal or newborn red blood cells.

Anemia:

A condition characterized by a decrease in either the number or quality of red blood cells, which can be caused by erythroblastosis fetalis