Intrauterine fetal transfusion

Abstract

The incidence of perinatal death resulting from rhesus Rh isoimmunization has dropped dramatically since the introduction of Rh immunoglobulin. However, Rh sensitization continues to be one of the leading causes of fetal anemia. Our patient is a 38-year-old woman; she gives a history of 2 uneventful pregnancies followed by 5 consecutive stillbirths. Investigations revealed an anti-D titre of 1/2048 and anti-C titre of 1/256. Ultrasound examination revealed fetal ascites at 18 weeks gestation. The fetus had a total of 9 successful intrauterine transfusions. She was delivered by an elective cesarean section at 34 weeks gestation; outcome was a healthy female baby weighing 2060g. Examination at 9 month of age showed normal growth and neurodevelopment.