Rhesus Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn

Abstract Rhesus (Rh) haemolytic disease of the newborn arises from maternal anti‐D immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies which cross the placenta and are directed against paternally derived D antigens which the fetus carries and the mother lacks. Untreated, this condition can result in intrauterine death from anaemia and cardiac failure (hydrops) or neonatal neurological problems and death following the development of severe jaundice and kernicterus.