Ultrasound-guided fetal intravascular transfusion in a case of severe rhesus isoimmunization.

Abstract

Intrauterine intravascular transfusion is the most effective way of correcting the fetal haemoglobin level in severe rhesus haemolytic disease. Fetal anaemia should be corrected as early as possible before the development of hydrops and ascites. When required, the transfusion can be repeated several times. We present in this publication our own experience in a severe rhesus isoimmunization case, where the fetal haemoglobin level was corrected by a successful transfusion in the intra-abdominal part of the fetal umbilical vein in the 31st week of pregnancy and the child was delivered a week later by cesarean section.