Rhkompatibilitás

Rhkompatibilitás refers to the compatibility between the Rh factor of a mother and her fetus during pregnancy. The Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Most people are Rh-positive, meaning they have this protein, while a smaller percentage are Rh-negative, meaning they lack it. Problems can arise when an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive fetus.

During pregnancy or childbirth, small amounts of fetal blood can enter the mother's bloodstream. If the fetus is Rh-positive and the mother is Rh-negative, the mother's immune system may recognize the Rh factor as foreign. This can trigger the production of antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells. In a first pregnancy, this typically does not cause significant issues for the baby.

However, in subsequent pregnancies with an Rh-positive fetus, these maternal antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells. This can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a condition where the fetus's red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced. HDN can cause anemia, jaundice, and in severe cases, brain damage or even fetal death.

Rh incompatibility is routinely screened for during prenatal care. If an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive fetus, she is usually given a medication called RhoGAM. RhoGAM is an injection of Rh antibodies that prevents the mother's immune system from producing its own antibodies against the Rh factor. This preventative measure has greatly reduced the incidence and severity of HDN.