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Haemolytic disease (sometimes referred to as erythroblastosis fetalis) occurs in newborn babies when the breakdown of red blood cells happens at accelerated speed. Typically, this process of red blood cell destruction causes complications such as hyperbilirubinema or anaemia and, in extreme cases, can prove fatal. In some cases of haemolytic disease in newborns it may prove possible for those affected to make a successful birth injury claim.
There are several possible causes of haemolytic disease in neonates. One of these is when a mother of the Rh-negative blood type is pregnant with an Rh-positive baby. If she has previously been exposed to Rh-positive blood, whether through transfusion, previous pregnancy or medical accident, sensing an incompatibility between the two blood types, the mother's body will produce anti-Rh antibodies which are then channelled through the placenta into the foetus, thus precipitating the breakdown of red blood cells in the unborn child and causing anaemia. Obviously problematic in the womb, the effects are worsened by the fact that red blood cell breakdown continues even after delivery.
The condition is commonly complicated by jaundice. This is because haemoglobin, a by-product of the breakdown of red blood cells, is then converted into bilirubin; the symptoms of this are manifest in a yellowing of skin pigmentation in the newborn.
Although jaundice is both relatively common and relatively easy to treat either through phototherapy or blood transfusion severe or untreated jaundice can result in kernicterus, a condition which can result in brain damage and athetoid cerebral palsy, leading to possible deafness, vision loss and cognitive problems.
As well as being caused by blood-type incompatibility, kernicterus can also be caused by certain medications; in certain instances of both causes it may be possible for a medical negligence lawyer to succeed in representing a birth injury claim.
Specialist medical negligence lawyers for birth injury claims
Substandard or negligent medical care during the pregnancy and birth process can result in injury to the mother, the baby or both.
Such negligence and substandard care need not go unanswered. Here at YouClaim we have a birth injury litigation team comprised of some of UK's leading specialist medical negligence lawyers.
Regulated by the SRA and possessing membership of the Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme, we work to ensure claimants receive a transparent, open, expedient and professional legal service.
We possess an excellent success rate and have been securing settlements for clients across the UK for many years now.
To speak with an advisor in confidence and without obligation, echat, complete an online claim form or call us today, on 0800 10 757 95.
