Final answer:
The incidence of Rh isoimmunization is about 13-14%, and it involves maternal production of anti-Rh antibodies after exposure to the Rh antigen from an Rh-positive fetus (Option E). This can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn if the mother has subsequent pregnancies with Rh-positive babies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The incidence and pathogenesis of Rh isoimmunization can be characterized by a maternal sensitization to fetal Rh antigen.
The correct statement regarding this condition is that the incidence of maternal sensitization occurs in about 13-14% of pregnancies where an Rh-negative mother is carrying an Rh-positive fetus.
The pathogenesis involves a process called sensitization, where the mother's immune system generates anti-Rh antibodies after being exposed to the Rh antigen, typically when giving birth to an Rh-positive baby.
If the same Rh-negative mother becomes pregnant again with an Rh-positive baby, these anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetal red blood cells, potentially causing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), also known as erythroblastosis fetalis.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn can be a severe condition leading to anemia, and without treatment, it can be fatal for the fetus.
The production of anti-Rh antibodies is a maternal response, and there is no fetal sensitization to maternal Rh antigen or fetal production of anti-Rh antibodies in this process.
Hence, the correct answer is Option E.
The complete question is:
Incidence and pathogenesis of Rh isoimmunization:
a. Incidence: 5%, Pathogenesis: Maternal sensitization to fetal Rh antigen
b. Incidence: 15%, Pathogenesis: Fetal sensitization to maternal Rh antigen
c. Incidence: 10%, Pathogenesis: Maternal production of anti-Rh antibodies
d. Incidence: 20%, Pathogenesis: Fetal production of anti-Rh antibodies
e. Incidence: 13-14%, Pathogenesis: Maternal production of anti-Rh antibodies.