Haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) is a condition in which the red blood cells of the foetus and the newborn child are destructed due to maternal alloantibodies. This can lead to... Show moreHaemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) is a condition in which the red blood cells of the foetus and the newborn child are destructed due to maternal alloantibodies. This can lead to anaemia already in early pregnancy. In case of severe anaemia, it can be necessary to perform one or more blood transfusions to the anaemic foetus, so called intrauterine transfusions (IUTs). This thesis evaluates the current therapy for HDFN and describes exogenous erythropoietin as potential new therapeutic agent to treat anaemia. It also gives starting points to individualise the treatment of these children in the future, as predictive values were identified for a more severe neonatal disease course. In addition to short-term outcomes measures after birth, the long-term effects of IUTs were also critically evaluated to optimise the treatment of HDFN. Show less
