The Pattern of ABO Incompatibility in Neonates in Tikur Anbessa Specialized

Abstract

Back ground: ABO incompatibility disease is a major morbidily and health problem of neonates
thaI did not gel due allen/ion. To Ollr know/edge, literature informing aboul ABO incompatibility
disease in the country is seanly. despite considerable numbers of neonates admifled to newborn
unils of the Jew health institutions found in the nation.
Objective: To describe the pallern of A 80 incompatibility and modes of therapy and assess outcome
of management of these neonates in Pediatrics and Child Health Department, Faculty of Medicine,
Addis Ababa University, Newborn Unit.
Methods: A retrospective study of J 55 newborns with ABO incompatibility admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Newborn Unif from January I, 2002 to Dec 3 I, 2003 was conducted.
Data were collectedfrom the charts using prepared questionnaire and then analyzed.
Results: Neonates with blood group A and B were found to be 51.6% and 48.4% respeclively. The
number of neonates wilh Ihe first birthorder was 82(52.9%) and as the birthorder increases, a decrement in frequency was noted. Newborns who were initially presented with jaundice on admission
were 119 (76.8%). Hyperbilirubinemia was seen in 90(85.0%) of neonates and 73 (47%) patients
had anemia of varying severity. ABO incompatibility and hemolylic disease of the newborn was
found in 105 (67.7%) and 16 (10.3%) of the neonates respectively. Phototherapy was rendered to 80
(51.9%) and double volume blood exchange transfusion was done on 34(22.1%) of the patients.
With these measures, majority of them 147(94.8%) got improvement and discharged. Two palients
developed kernicterus and six neonates died.
Conclusion: Neonates with blood group A and B who were born to blood group 0 mothers developed ABO incompatibility and hemoly tic disease of the newborn. These newborns can be managed
at large with phototherapy and in some with double volume exchange transfusion