RESUMEN
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) may cause severe cholestasis with direct bilirubin concentrations reaching up to 50 times the upper limit of normal. This case report describes twins whose highest direct bilirubin concentrations were 32.2 mg/dL and 50.2 mg/dL, with no significant signs of hepatic impairment. The index pregnancy was complicated by Rhesus factor immunization with anti-D antibodies present in maternal serum, which caused fetal anemia requiring intrauterine blood transfusions. Complementary tests demonstrated Rhesus D alloimmunization as the sole cause of cholestasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe such elevated direct bilirubin concentrations caused by HDFN.
RESUMEN
Severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) requiring intrauterine transfusions (IUTs) may cause iron accumulation, resulting in liver damage, which may lead to cholestasis and coagulation disorders. In this article, we reported a case of a female neonate who underwent chelation therapy with a positive outcome, and we reviewed the English and Polish literature on chelation therapy in HDFN available in PubMed. The patient with maximum ferritin concentration above 33,511.2 ng/mL developed liver dysfunction with coagulation disorders requiring multiple transfusions of fresh frozen plasma (FFP), Octaplex® and cryoprecipitate, and hypoalbuminemia treated with numerous albumin infusions. Furthermore, severe cholestasis was observed with direct bilirubin levels up to 33.14 mg/dL. Additionally, the child developed transient myelosuppression with neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and low reticulocyte count due to several blood transfusions. The differential diagnosis tests were conducted to rule out any causes of hepatic failure other than hemolytic disease of the newborn. This case proves that adequate treatment of severe HDFN with anemia requiring IUT and hepatic failure can lead to positive outcomes with no long-term consequences.
RESUMEN
We report a case of a hemolytic disease in a newborn from the first pregnancy due to anti-D antibodies. The maternal blood group was A Rhesus negative. She had an antibody screening test twice during the pregnancy (in the second trimester) and it was negative. The pregnancy was uneventful, without any invasive procedures and bleeding. The infant was born at 39 weeks of gestation in good overall condition. After the delivery the blood group of the neonate was indicated - A Rhesus positive, BOC positive. Anti-D antibodies were detected in maternal blood. Neonatal blood tests revealed severe anemia (hemoglobin level: 6.0g/dl, hematocrit: 22.2%, erythrocytes: 2.01T/L). During the first day of neonatal life, the newborn received two transfusions of red blood cells. Bilirubin level and rate of rise were not recommendation enough for exchange transfusion. The newborn was treated with continuous phototherapy since the delivery The perinatal period was complicated with intrauterine infection and respiratory failure. Hematopoietic vitamins and iron supplementation was initiated in the second week of neonatal life due to persistent anemia. The child remained under medical care of a hematologic clinic and received human recombinant erythropoietin treatment.