Intravenous immunoglobulin in the management of hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Cynthia A Mundy

Journal: Neonatal network : NN 2006;24(6):17-24

PMID: 16383181

Abstract

Jaundice caused by hemolysis continues to challenge practitioners caring for infants in the NICU. Bilirubin levels can rise quickly in the first days of life, and interventions must be prompt to prevent side effects related to hyperbilirubinemia. Conventional treatments such as hydration and phototherapy are common, but new studies suggest that use of intravenous immunoglobin (IVIG) as an additional treatment may prevent the need for exchange transfusion in some babies. This article presents a case study of an infant with blood-type incompatibility treated successfully with multiple doses of IVIG, discusses the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of hemolytic jaundice, and reviews current management strategies for this disease.

Address: School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1891/0730-0832.24.6.17

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/rhincompatibility.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: ABO Blood-Group System, Adult, Bilirubin, Blood Group Incompatibility, Clinical Protocols, Drug Monitoring, Erythroblastosis, Fetal, Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood, Female, Hematocrit, Humans, Immunoglobulins, Intravenous, Immunologic Factors, Infant, Newborn, Infusions, Intravenous, Jaundice, Neonatal, Metalloporphyrins, Neonatal Nursing, Nurse's Role, Phototherapy, Pregnancy, Rh Isoimmunization