Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion Treatment Overview An intrauterine transfusion provides blood to an Rh-positive Rh-sensitized
Transfusions can be given through the fetal abdomen or, more often, by delivering the blood into the umbilical vein or artery.
An intrauterine fetal blood transfusion is done in the hospital. The mother may have to stay overnight after the procedure.
What To Expect
A short recovery period (approximately 1 to 3 hours) is needed to allow the mother's sedatives to wear off. If the fetus was given medicine to prevent movement, it may be several hours until the mother can feel the fetus moving again.
Why It Is Done
An intrauterine blood transfusion may be done to replace fetal red blood cells that are being destroyed by an Rh-sensitized mother's immune system (Rh disease). These transfusions are done when:
Doppler ultrasound The bilirubin amniocentesis Ultrasound shows evidence of fetal hydrops Fetal blood sampling (FBS) shows that the fetus has severe anemia. The transfusion may be done right away. In a severely affected fetus, transfusions are done every 1 to 4 weeks until the fetus is mature enough to be delivered safely.
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How Well It Works
Fetal survival after transfusion depends upon the severity of the fetus's illness, the method of transfusion, and the skill of the doctor who does the procedure. Overall, after intrauterine transfusion through the umbilical cord:footnote 1
More than 90% of fetuses that do not have hydrops survive. About 75% of fetuses that have hydrops survive. Risks
Intrauterine transfusions may cause:
Uterine infection. Fetal infection. Preterm labour. Excessive bleeding and mixing of fetal and maternal blood. Amniotic fluid Fetal death. References
Citations Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology , 10th ed., pp. 313–339. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.Credits
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Branch DW, et al. (2008). Immunologic disorders in pregnancy. In RS Gibbs et al., eds., Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology , 10th ed., pp. 313–339. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
