THE ROLE OF PERINATAL RISK FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEMOLYTIC DISEASE IN NEWBORNS

Introduction. Hemolytic disease of the newborn occupies an important place in the structure of perinatal pathologies and infant mortality. This disease mainly arises as a result of blood incompatibility between the mother and the fetus regarding the Rhesus factor or ABO system, and its severe forms can cause damage to the central nervous system as well as disability. Therefore, studying risk factors in the early development of the disease is one of the urgent medical and social problems. Aim. To determine the role of perinatal risk factors in the onset and severe course of hemolytic disease of the newborn, and to improve preventive measures by timely identification of pregnant women in the risk group. Methods. Retrospective and prospective analysis methods were applied during the study. Clinical and laboratory data (blood group, Rhesus status, bilirubin level, characteristics of pregnancy progression) obtained from newborns born with hemolytic disease of the newborn and their mothers were deeply analyzed. The obtained statistical data were processed using modern methods. Results. As a result of the conducted analyses, the main perinatal risk factors in the development of hemolytic disease were identified: the mother's Rhesus-negative blood and history of immunization, pathologies in previous pregnancies, disorders in the fetoplacental system, as well as incompatibility according to the ABO system. The combined effect of risk factors was proven to determine the clinical severity degree of the disease (anemic, icteric, and edematous forms). It was found that early diagnosis and timely implementation of preventive measures significantly reduce the severe complications of the disease. Conclusion. Early detection and assessment of perinatal risk factors play a decisive role in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn and easing its clinical course. Keeping pregnant women in the risk group under regular dispensary supervision and timely application of antenatal prevention measures make it possible to sharply reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality indicators.