Neonatal Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia

Rh Incompatibility
This is a blood group incompatibility between the mother
and newborn that can cause severe hemolytic anemia in
the fetus and newborn
The Rh antibody is produced by a Rh negative mother after
being exposed to a Rh antigen from fetal blood
The initial response is to make IgM antibodies
Later IgG are produced which cross the placenta and bind
to fetal red blood cells which are consequently destroyed
Infants do not appear jaundiced at birth, but severe anemia
can lead to hydrops and death
After birth, infants may develop hyperbilirubinemia rapidly