Determined to Protect What Matters Most

Have you experienced a hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) pregnancy? If so, it’s normal to feel concerned about the health of your next child. Researchers want to help. Consider joining Azalea, a clinical trial for women with pregnancies at risk for severe HDFN.

Who Is eligible?

You may be able to participate in the Azalea Trial if you:

  • Have tested positive for red cell antibodies
  • Have been diagnosed with HDFN in a prior pregnancy
  • Are 18 to 45 years old

If you are interested in participating, the trial doctor or staff will review additional information with you to assess if you can join the study.

Study Details

Patient Testimonials

About HDFN

HDFN is a rare and potentially life-threatening maternal-fetal disease that affects an estimated 3–80 out of 100,000 pregnancies per year. HDFN can lead to serious health complications for the baby, such as anemia, jaundice, or edema.

  • HDFN is caused by maternal alloimmunization against red blood cells, which occurs when there is an incompatibility between the mother’s and baby’s blood groups because of different proteins on red blood cells. In an alloimmunized pregnancy, the mother’s immune system responds to the incompatibility by producing antibodies that seek out the baby’s red blood cells and tries to get rid of them.
  • Typically, HDFN does not develop in the mother’s first pregnancy because the baby is born before many of the antibodies have been produced. HDFN occurs most often in later pregnancies, after the mother’s immune system has already developed antibodies from an earlier pregnancy.

HDFN occurs in 3–80 out of 100,000 pregnancies

HDFN affects 4,000–8,000 pregnancies in the U.S. each year

Source: Delaney, M., & Matthews, D. C. (2015). Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: managing the mother, fetus, and newborn. Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program, 2015, 146-151. https://doi.org/10.1182/asheducation-2015.1.146

Learn More About HDFN

How Is HDFN Diagnosed Before Birth?

  • Mother’s blood test: Determines if the mother has antibodies against her baby’s red blood cells
  • Genetic tests: Determine the baby’s blood group and if it is incompatible with the mother’s blood group
  • Ultrasound: Measures the blood flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) of the baby when the baby is at risk of HDFN

Symptoms of HDFN May Include:

  • Low red blood cell count
  • Increased bilirubin levels
  • Discolored amniotic fluid
  • Yellow discoloration of the eyes and skin
  • Enlarged liver and spleen
  • Severe swelling
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fluid in the abdomen or around the heart and lungs
See If You May Qualify