Short Communication
Sarhan H. Alshammari
Abstract
Background: ABO blood group incompatibility occurs in 15-20% of all pregnancies and 10% of those develop hemolytic disease. Transcutaneous bilirubin screening use is increasing but still not widespread Aims: To compare neonatal outcomes of DCT positive and DCT negative infants born to blood group O positive mothers To evaluate the effect of neonatal blood group on the severity of hemolysis and neonatal jaundice due to maternal-fetal ABO incompatibility To investigate the value of transcutaneous bilirubin measurement and first serum bilirubin in predicting the development of significant hyperbilirubinemia later in the first few days in infants with ABO incompatibility Methodology: One year retrospective review of infants with blood group A and B positive born to Blood group O positive mothers with gestational age of > 33 wks. at birth. Conclusions:There were significant difference in the incidence and severity of hyperbilirubinemia and hemolysis between DCT negative and positive infants Infants with blood group B positive had more severe hemolysis as evidenced by need for PT, IVIG therapy and the duration of hospital stay.