Mechanisms of hemolysis.

I have reviewed hemolytic disease of the newborn to discuss with you the mechanisms by which red cell destruction occurs in the newborn and how such a process may be detected. I have introduced the concept of "minimal hemolytic disease" that manifests in ABO incompatibility disease and have suggested that this process may contribute significantly to the problem of idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia. There are many potential causes for this condition and they deserve study. The diagnosis of hemolytic disease in the newborn includes careful assessment of anemia and of all the factors unique to the newborn that affect its appearance and interpretation, as well as careful assessment of the erythrocytes themselves.