Erythroblastosis Fetalis, an Obstetric Responsibility

Abstract

The obstetrician s responsibility in the diagnosis and management of erythroblastosis fetalis includes the detection of mothers likely to become sensitized or already sensitized by fetal-maternal blood-group incompatibility, evaluation of the seriousness of the problem in each sensitized mother under his care, formal consultation with the physician who will care for the newborn infant, selection of suitable blood donors prior to delivery, and delivery at a time most favorable for the infant. The obstetrician must be aware of his responsibility in the immediate care of the erythroblastotic infant.