The Pattern of ABO Incompatibility in Neonates in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa

Abstract

Back ground: ABO incompatibility disease is a major morbidily and health problem of neonates that did not get due attention. To Our knowledge, literature informing about 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 collected from 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 patients
developed kernicterus and six neonates died.
Conclusion: Neonates with blood group A and B who were born to blood group O 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.