Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is a blood disorder that occurs when the blood types of a mother and fetus are incompatible. Women who are exposed to a blood type different from their own, usually from a blood transfusion or a pregnancy, can create antibodies to destroy the foreign red blood cells. If the woman becomes pregnant with a fetus who has an incompatible blood type, her antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetus’ red blood cells. This may cause symptoms such as anemia, enlarged organs, or hydrops in the fetus. After birth, babies with HDFN may experience anemia, hyperbilirubinemia (excess bilirubin in the blood caused by red blood cells breaking down too rapidly), jaundice, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia after birth.

Some babies with HDFN have no symptoms, while other babies are severely affected and may die during the second or third trimester or after birth. However, with close monitoring and timely treatment, babies with HDFN have a high rate of survival.

The latest on our research

We are jumpstarting our Alloimmunization & HDFN program to accelerate research on the condition and welcome all parents and caregivers interested in participating and spreading the word to the Alloimmunization & HDFN community.