Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)

Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)

An Australian blood donor, who played a key role in saving 2.4 million babies, recently passed away.
His rare blood, rich in anti-D antibodies, was used to develop 2.4 million doses of anti-D medication.
The anti-D injection prevents Rh-negative mothers from producing antibodies that attack fetal red blood cells, thereby preventing HDFN.

About HDFN
HDFN is a blood disorder that leads to the rapid breakdown (hemolysis) of red blood cells in a fetus.

Causes:

• When the mother and unborn baby have different blood types.
• If the mother is Rh-negative and the baby’s red blood cells are Rh-positive, her antibodies to the Rh antigen can cross the placenta and cause severe anemia in the baby.

Rhesus (Rh) Factor:
Rh is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells.

Complications:
HDFN can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, severe anemia, jaundice, and life-threatening issues in newborns.

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Gum Arabic
The smuggling of Gum Arabic from war-torn Sudan is disrupting global supply chains.
Sudan produces about 80% of the world’s gum arabic.

About Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum)
Gum arabic is a dried, water-soluble exudate derived from Acacia trees.
These trees grow across the Sahel region of Africa, also known as the "gum belt," and are iconic in the veld and savanna landscapes.

Composition:
It consists of polysaccharides and its calcium, magnesium, and potassium salts, which yield arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid upon hydrolysis.

Uses:
Gum Arabic is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in the food industry, cosmetics, painting, soft drinks, pharmaceuticals, and more. It is also an ideal functional dietary fiber ingredient in food.

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