erythroblastosis fetalis

erythroblastosis fe·ta·lis

noun \-fi-ˈta-ləs\

Definition of ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

: a hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn that occurs when the system of an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies to an antigen in the blood of an Rh-positive fetus which cross the placenta and destroy fetal erythrocytes and that is characterized by an increase in circulating erythroblasts and by jaundice

Origin of ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

New Latin, fetal erythroblastosis

First Known Use: circa 1934

erythroblastosis fe·ta·lis

noun \-fi-ˈtal-əs\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

: a hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn that is characterized by an increase in circulating erythroblasts and by jaundice and that occurs when the system of an Rh-negative mother produces antibodies to an antigen in the blood of an Rh-positive fetus which cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells—called also hemolytic disease of the newborn, Rh disease

erythroblastosis fetalis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Anemia in an infant, caused when a pregnant woman produces antibodies to an antigen in her fetus's red blood cells. An Rh-negative woman (see Rh blood-group system) with an Rh-positive fetus whose ABO blood group (see ABO blood-group system) matches hers is likely to have an immune reaction after the first such pregnancy, which sensitizes her when fetal red blood cells enter her bloodstream, usually during labour. If blood typing shows incompatibility, an anti-Rh antibody injection given to the mother after the birth can destroy the fetal red cells, thus preventing trouble in a future pregnancy. If amniocentesis detects products of blood destruction, Rh-negative blood transfusions to the fetus before birth or exchange transfusion after it may save the baby's life. ABO incompatibilities are more common but usually less severe.

Variants of ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

erythroblastosis fetalis or hemolytic disease of the newborn