A 45-year-old member asked:
An rh-positive baby is suffering from erythroblastosis fetalis. why would an exchange transfusion be performed?
4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Dugananswered
Specializes in Hematology
To remove: The anti-rh antibodies and stom the rbc destruction.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Juan Merayo-Rodriguezanswered
Pathology 24 years experience
Increase RBC mass: Most likely the mother is Rh neg. and has made anti-Rh antibodies destroying baby's Rh pos. red cells. Exchange transfusion to the baby with Rh neg. blood will prevent hemolysis or transfused blood and increase oxygen capacity for the newborn. This process will also decrease the amount of bilirubin in baby's plasma and prevent kernicterus (yellow staining seen in parts of the brain)
3.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Johanna Fricke commented
Pediatrics - Developmental and Behavioral 51 years experience
"...of transfused blood". Last time I did an exchange transfusion for Rh incompatibility was in the early 70's. Your explanation is clear & concise. Kudos.
Nov 13, 2014
Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Complex but simple: The increase in the bilirubin (dangerous) reflects a destruction of the babies red cells by antibodies. If you REMOVE the babies cells that are fragile & breaking down & replace them with ones that don't, then the destruction slows/stops. The exchange blood lasts long enough for the babies body to catch up with any left over jaundice & get on with being a newborn.
576 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Juan Merayo-Rodriguezanswered
Pathology 24 years experience
Increase RBC mass: Most likely the mother is Rh neg. and has made anti-Rh antibodies destroying baby's Rh pos. red cells. Exchange transfusion to the baby with Rh neg. blood will prevent hemolysis or transfused blood and increase oxygen capacity for the newborn. This process will also decrease the amount of bilirubin in baby's plasma and prevent kernicterus (yellow staining seen in parts of the brain)
3.5k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
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