By which process are fetal erythrocytes destroyed in hemolytic anemia of the newborn?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemolytic anemia of the newborn is also known as erythroblastosis fetalis or Rh disease. It occurs when maternal antibodies produced against Rh factor (specifically, the D antigen) cross the placenta and attack fetal erythrocytes that express the same antigen. The process of fetal erythrocyte destruction is called hemolysis. The primary site of hemolysis in erythroblastosis fetalis is the fetal spleen, where macrophages remove the antibody-coated erythrocytes from circulation. Therefore, the correct answer is clearance of antibody-coated erythrocytes by macrophages in the fetal spleen, which is choice C.

By Which Process Are Fetal Erythrocytes Destroyed in Hemolytic Anemia