Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn among Newborn Babies with ABO Incompatibility, at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a clinical condition in which fetal red blood cells are destroyed by maternal allo-antibodies directed red blood cell antigens acquired from the father. Justification: In many developing countries like Zambia, the true incidence of Hemolytic Disease of the New Born is not known. It may be postulated that hyperbilirubineamia due to ABO incompatibility may be an important problem in African infants and if not diagnosed and not treated, may be a major cause of developmental disabilities in children. Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hemolytic disease of the newborn among newborns with ABO incompatibility. Method: This was a prospective study at the University Teaching Hospital, from October 2008 and February 2009. Results: 349 babies were successfully recruited in the study and the results showed that 49% of the mother/infant pair that were recruited were ABO incompatible and ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn was prevalent in 3.5% of all the pregnant mothers that were recruited and met the criteria for the study. Conclusion: This supports the hypothesis that there is a relationship between ABO incompatibility and hemolytic disease of the newborn.