A condition in which a fetus's red blood cells are attacked because of Rh incompatibility between the fetus and the mother. When untreated, hemolytic disease can result in stillbirth, anemia, and mental retardation.
When a red blood cell comes to the end of its lifespan it breaks down and releases hemoglobin in a process known as hemolysis. Hemolytic disease, or hemolytic anemia is a disease caused by the breakdown of red blood cells, diluting the concetration of the blood.