Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion
Treatment Overview
An intrauterine transfusion provides blood to an Rh-positive, Opens dialog fetus when fetal red blood cells are being destroyed by the Rh-sensitized, Opens dialog mother's immune system. This treatment is meant to keep the fetus healthy until the baby is mature enough to be delivered.
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.
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.
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, Opens dialog of the middle cerebral artery suggests anemia.
- The bilirubin, Opens dialog result from amniocentesis, Opens dialog testing shows that the fetus is moderately to severely affected by Rh sensitization.
- Ultrasound shows evidence of fetal hydrops, Opens dialog, such as swollen tissues and organs.
- 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.
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.
Intrauterine transfusions may cause:
- Uterine infection.
- Fetal infection.
- Preterm labor.
- Excessive bleeding and mixing of fetal and maternal blood.
- Amniotic fluid, Opens dialog leakage from the uterus.
- Fetal death.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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