Severe Cholestasis in Neonates with Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn—A Case Report

Abstract

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) may cause severe cholestasis with direct bilirubin concentrations reaching up to 50 times the upper limit of normal. This case report describes twins whose highest direct bilirubin concentrations were 32.2 mg/dL and 50.2 mg/dL, with no significant signs of hepatic impairment. The index pregnancy was complicated by Rhesus factor immunization with anti-D antibodies present in maternal serum, which caused fetal anemia requiring intrauterine blood transfusions. Complementary tests demonstrated Rhesus D alloimmunization as the sole cause of cholestasis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe such elevated direct bilirubin concentrations caused by HDFN.

Keywords

• neonate
• cholestasis
• hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn
• intrauterine blood transfusion
• iron overload
• conjugated hyperbilirubinemia