RH/ABO

INCOMPATIBILITY
PRESENTED BY: ALEXZA NICOLE BUISAN
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 02 03
DESCRIPTION OF THE ANATOMY AND SIGNS AND
DISORDER PHYSIOLOGY SYMPTOMS

04 05
MEDICAL & NURSING
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
INTERVENTIONS
 What is
Rh/ABO 01
Incompatibility?
Rh/ABO Incompatibility
Rh/ABO incompatibility refers to a
condition in which there is a mismatch
between the Rh factor (positive or
negative) and/or ABO blood type (A, B,
AB, or O) of a mother and her baby. This
incompatibility can lead to various
complications during pregnancy and
childbirth, including hemolytic disease of
the newborn (HDN), if not adequately
managed.
 02

ANATOMY
and
PHYSIOLOGY
STRUCTURES INVOLVED IN RH/ABO INCOMPATIBILITY

Red Blood Cells Immune System

Placenta Liver

Circulatory System Spleen

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
03
 RH INCOMPATIBILITY
Rh incompatibility occurs when an Rh-negative mother is sensitized to
Rh-positive fetal red blood cells during pregnancy or childbirth, often due to
previous miscarriages, placental trauma, or invasive prenatal procedures.
Sensitization triggers an immune response, leading to the production of
maternal antibodies (IgG) against the Rh antigen. The first Rh-positive baby of an
Rh-negative mother is generally not affected because sensitization typically
occurs during childbirth or other events where their blood mixes. However, if the
mother becomes sensitized during the first pregnancy, subsequent pregnancies
with Rh-positive fetuses is at risk for hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN),
wherein the antibodies attack the fetal RBCs. HDN manifests with jaundice,
anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and in severe cases, kernicterus. Treatment
involves administering Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) to Rh-negative mothers to
prevent sensitization and managing severe cases with intrauterine or postnatal
transfusions.
 ABO INCOMPATIBILITY
ABO incompatibility, on the other hand, arises when there’s a
mismatch in blood types between the mother and the baby. Causes
of ABO incompatibility can include placental dysfunction,
maternal-fetal hemorrhage, or invasive prenatal procedures.
Maternal antibodies (IgM) against the ABO antigens attack fetal red
blood cells, leading to hemolysis, though typically less severe
compared to Rh incompatibility. Diagnosis involves blood type
assessments, Coombs testing, and monitoring bilirubin levels in
newborns, with treatment focusing on managing jaundice with
phototherapy and, in severe cases, exchange transfusions to
prevent kernicterus.
 04

SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
● Yellow amniotic fluid
● Enlarged liver or spleen
● Hydrops Fetalis
● Yellow skin and eyes
(jaundice)
● Pale-looking skin
● Tachycardia
Medical and Nursing
INTERVENTIONS
05
MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS
● Administering Rh
immunoglobulin (RhIg)
● Intravenous immunoglobulin
(IVIG)
● Intrauterine blood transfusion
● Exchange Transfusions
● Phototherapy
● Early delivery
● Exchange Transfusion
NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
● Monitoring the newborn for
signs of hemolysis and jaundice
● Educate mothers about the
importance of Rh factor testing
and RhIg administration if
indicated.
● Close monitoring of the baby
● Providing supportive care for
both mother and baby