LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE INCIDENCE OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DAMAGE FOLLOWING ERYTHROBLASTOSIS FETALIS

Abstract

One hundred unselected cases of erythroblastosis fetalis treated at Childrens Hospital in the newborn period have been followed from six months to five years in an effort to evaluate the relation of central nervous system signs in the newborn period to neuromuscular handicap and overall development later.

Of those showing no central nervous system signs in the newborn period 4% showed definite abnormality later.

Of those showing equivocal signs in the newborn period 33% showed definite abnormality later.

Of those having definite signs early, 100% continued to show abnormality in infancy and childhood.

There was no relation of the severity of the signs in the newborn period to the severity of the later handicap.

It is suggested, therefore, that one cannot be certain of the later normality of an infant showing no definite or equivocal central nervous system involvement in the newborn period. Careful following of all erythroblastotic infants until six to eight years of age or longer is advisable.