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Rh blood-group incompatibility

an antigen-antibody reaction that occurs when blood from an Rh-positive individual is mixed with blood from an Rh-negative individual (see Rh factor) during transfusion or pregnancy. In pregnancy, this arises if an Rh-negative mother bears a child that has inherited Rh-positive blood: The fetal Rh antigens pass through the placental membrane, and maternal antibodies react through the placenta to destroy the fetal red blood cells. The damaged blood cells yield bilirubin, which a fetus cannot detoxify, and kernicterus may result. Also called Rh reaction.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

cachexia

cachexia

n. an extreme state of poor health, physical wasting, and malnutrition, usually associated with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis.