HDN, Erythroblast Fetalis ??

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Hey guys, so I am having trouble getting a firm understanding on the different blood types as it is, and now I have come across a question about HDN, and what type of blood to use in transfusions. Can anyone help me?

The question reads :

In hemolytic disease of the newborn or erythroblast fetalis, which of the following blood types should be used in transfusions?

Rh-, with previous exposure to the Rh antigen

or

Rh-withOUT previous exposure to the antigen

I think the answer is the first one, but I just wanted to make sure, what are your opinions?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

I'm not quite getting what you are asking. When you need to transfuse a neonate, you do a cross and type on them, just like you do anyone else. The only time we use a special blood pack is if they have an anti D antigen. If the baby is AB neg we use AB neg or O neg to transfuse. We also give them IVIG in conjunction with blood transfusions a lot of the time with Rh incompat.

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Specializes in cardiac-telemetry, hospice, ICU.

Ok, if the baby has the disease, by definition it is Rh+. Remember, the Rh- mother produces antibodies to the baby's Rh+ antigens. Yes, if you had your choice, you would use Rh+ blood. But in a pinch, Rh- blood could be used if it had never been exposed to Rh+ antigens (and therefore had no Rh+ antibodies). You see, the Rh- donor blood would not have the Rh+ antigen on it's surface (so no reaction with the recipient blood) and it does not have any Rh+ antibodies in the serum to react with the recpient blood either. Therefore, the Rh- blood would work (assuming other factors such as A,B,O were ok of course). Hope that makes sense.

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