Present Status of the Rh Factor

Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn: Part I: A Clinical-Pathological Study of 157 Cases

“…It will be seen that the type of haemolytic disease in these early pregnancies is generally severe. This is not in accordance with the findings of Potter (1948) and other workers.…”

“…Thus only 204 pregnancies resulted in the birth of normal, healthy children. The number of unsuccessful pregnancies, 60 out of 278 (21.5%), is considerably above that in an unselected series (11% according to Potter, 1948). Inthis series 10 of the 149 women (7 %) were pregnant for the first time.…”

“…The survival rate of 30 % is similar to that of first affected infants. Potter (1948) found a survival rate of only 10% among offspring of later pregnancies.…”

“…Gilmour (1944) in this country and Potter (1944; in America have presented authoritative accounts of the pathology of haemolytic disease, but, as the former points out, this aspect of the condition has received far less attention than it has merited. Present Investigation The clinical records of all cases of haemolytic disease in the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Edinburgh, the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, and the Elsie Inglis Memorial Maternity Hospital, Edinburgh, in the period 1937-47 have been studied.…”

“…Potter (1946) correctly pointed out that the diagnosis of hydrops resulting from haemolytic disease must be made only after very careful histological examination of the tissues. The condition of the placenta is also a valuable aid in correct diagnosis.…”