The Management of Erythroblastosis Fetalis

Abstract

It is a mistake to assume that because a baby with erythroblastosis fetalis has a high hemoglobin level he is not in danger. Jaundice is rarely present at birth. There are other traps for the unwary, particularly in performing and interpreting laboratory tests. The usual price of poor management, unless one is lucky, is kernicterus, which either kills the baby immediately or leaves him a cripple. The reward for vigilance is the satisfaction of having prevented some cases of cerebral palsy.