Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-RhE)

Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-RhE) is caused by the anti-RhE antibody of the Rh blood group system. The anti-RhE antibody can be naturally occurring, or arise following immune sensitization after a blood transfusion or pregnancy.

The anti-RhE antibody is quite common especially in the Rh genotype CDe/CDe; It usually only causes a mild hemolytic disease, but very rarely can cause a severe condition in the newborn. It can occur with other antibodies, usually the anti-Rhc antibody, which can also cause a severe hemolytic disease.