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Definition

noun

A type of hemolytic disease of the fetus or newborn which involves the ABO blood group incompatibility of the mother and her offspring.

Supplement

When the red blood cells of the mother lacks A (or B) antigens that are present in the red blood cells of the fetus, the mother produces IgG antibodies that pass through the placenta and reach the fetal circulation where they can attack fetal red blood cells. This causes hemolysis in the fetus, which may lead to anemia.

Abbreviation: ABP HDN

See also: erythroblastosis fetalis