Hemolytic disease of the newborn (anti-RhE)

HDN due to anti-RhE alloimmunization
Other names	anti-RhE
Specialty	Pediatrics

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 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.^[1]

One study done by Moran et al., found that titers are not reliable for anti-E. Their most severe case of hemolytic disease of the newborn occurred with titers 1:2. Moran states that it would be unwise routinely to dismiss anti-E as being of little clinical consequence.^[2]