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Rh incompatibility

Alternative Names: Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn; Hydrops fetalis Symptoms: Polyhydramnios (before birth) Slowly or rapidly increasing jaundice Prolonged jaundice Hypotonia Motormental retardation Signs and tests: Mild Rh incompatibility: Positive direct Coombs Evidence of hemolysis in the infant's blood Elevated cord bloodbilirubin Hydrops fetalis: Severe anemia Heart failure (cardiac failure) Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) Respiratory distress Bruising or purplish bruise-like lesions on the skin (purpura) Kernicterus -- Early: High bilirubin level (greater than 18 mg/cc) Extreme jaundice Absent Moro (startle) reflex Poor breast-feeding or sucking Lethargy Kernicterus -- Mid: High-pitched cry Arched back with neck hyperextended backwards (opisthotonos) Bulging fontanel (soft spot) Seizures Kernicterus -- Late (full neurological syndrome): High-frequency hearing loss Mental retardation Muscle rigidity Speech difficulties Seizures Movement disorder Text Continues Below

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