Racial/ethnic disparities among women receiving intrauterine transfusions for alloimmunization at a single fetal treatment center.

Disparities are prevalent in numerous areas of healthcare. We sought to investigate whether there were racial/ethnic disparities among pregnant women with the most severe form of alloimmunization who require intrauterine transfusions (IUT). We reviewed patients who underwent IUT for alloimmunization at a single fetal treatment center between 2015 and 2020. This "IUT cohort" was compared to an "Alloimmunization cohort": patients seen at our institution with a diagnosis of alloimmunization during pregnancy, who did not receive IUT. We collected maternal demographics including self-identified race/ethnicity and primary language, transfusion, and antibody characteristics. The cohorts were compared using unpaired t-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Fischer's exact tests, as appropriate. The IUT cohort included 43 patients and the alloimmunization cohort included 1049 patients. Compared to the alloimmunization cohort, there were significantly more patients of Latina descent in the IUT cohort (23.3% vs. 3.4%, p < .0001), and more non-English speakers (18.6% vs. 4.6%, p = .001). Twenty-one percent (9/43) of patients had immigrated to the United States, all of whom had pregnancies or miscarriages in their country of origin. A third of patients had new antibodies identified on serial screens during the current pregnancy. Significantly more women of Latina ethnicity and non-English speakers required IUTs compared to the cohort of women with alloimmunization. Insufficient access to care prior to arriving in the United States and among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States may contribute to these findings. Providers should be cognizant of potential, racial, and ethnic inequalities among women receiving intrauterine transfusions.

Perinatal outcome of pregnancy complicated by twin anemia-polycythemia sequence: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perinatal outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), according to the type of TAPS (spontaneous or postlaser) and the management option adopted. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies reporting on the outcome of twin pregnancies complicated by TAPS. Inclusion criteria were non-anomalous MCDA twin pregnancies with a diagnosis of TAPS. The primary outcome was perinatal mortality; secondary outcomes were neonatal morbidity and preterm birth (PTB). The outcomes were stratified according to the type of TAPS (spontaneous or following laser treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome) and the management option adopted (expectant, laser surgery, intrauterine transfusion (IUT) or selective reduction (SR)). Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Perinatal outcome was assessed according to whether TAPS occurred spontaneously or after laser treatment in 506 pregnancies (38 studies). Intrauterine death (IUD) occurred in 5.2% (95% CI, 3.6-7.1%) of twins with spontaneous TAPS and in 10.2% (95% CI, 7.4-13.3%) of those with postlaser TAPS, while the corresponding rates of neonatal death were 4.0% (95% CI, 2.6-5.7%) and 9.2% (95% CI, 6.6-12.3%), respectively. Severe neonatal morbidity occurred in 29.3% (95% CI, 25.6-33.1%) of twins after spontaneous TAPS and in 33.3% (95% CI, 17.4-51.8%) after postlaser TAPS, while the corresponding rates of severe neurological morbidity were 4.0% (95% CI, 3.5-5.7%) and 11.1% (95% CI, 6.2-17.2%), respectively. PTB complicated 86.3% (95% CI, 77.2-93.3%) of pregnancies with spontaneous TAPS and all cases with postlaser TAPS (100% (95% CI, 84.3-100%)). Iatrogenic PTB was more frequent than spontaneous PTB in both groups. Perinatal outcome was assessed according to the management option adopted in 417 pregnancies (21 studies). IUD occurred in 9.8% (95% CI, 4.3-17.1%) of twins managed expectantly and in 13.1% (95% CI, 9.2-17.6%), 12.1% (95% CI, 7.7-17.3%) and 7.6% (95% CI, 1.3-18.5%) of those treated with laser surgery, IUT and SR, respectively. Severe neonatal morbidity affected 27.3% (95% CI, 13.6-43.6%) of twins in the expectant-management group, 28.7% (95% CI, 22.7-35.1%) of those in the laser-surgery group, 38.2% (95% CI, 18.3-60.5%) of those in the IUT group and 23.3% (95% CI, 10.5-39.2%) of those in the SR group. PTB complicated 80.4% (95% CI, 59.8-94.8%), 73.4% (95% CI, 48.1-92.3%), 100% (95% CI, 76.5-100%) and 100% (95% CI, 39.8-100%) of pregnancies after expectant management, laser surgery, IUT and SR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis provides pooled estimates of the risks of perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity and PTB in twin pregnancies complicated by TAPS, stratified by the type of TAPS and the management option adopted. Although a direct comparison could not be performed, the results from this systematic review suggest that spontaneous TAPS may have a better prognosis than postlaser TAPS. No differences in terms of mortality and morbidity were observed when comparing different management options for TAPS, although these findings should be interpreted with caution in view of the limitations of the included studies. Individualized prenatal management, taking into account the severity of TAPS and gestational age, is currently the recommended strategy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Suppression of compensatory erythropoiesis in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn due to intrauterine transfusions.

BACKGROUND: Infants with severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn often require 1 or multiple intrauterine transfusions to treat fetal anemia. Intrauterine transfusions may have an inhibiting effect on fetal and neonatal erythropoiesis. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effect of 1 or multiple intrauterine transfusions on the fetal erythropoiesis by assessing the fetal reticulocyte counts in a population with severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational cohort study in infants admitted to the Leiden University Medical Center who received 1 or multiple intrauterine transfusions for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by (Rh)D or Kell antibodies and were born between January 2005 and December 2018. RESULTS: A total of 235 patients were included, of whom 189 were patients with D-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn and 46 with Kell-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Absolute fetal reticulocyte count in D-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn declined exponentially over the course of consecutive intrauterine transfusions, with a 62% decline after 1 intrauterine transfusion (95% confidence interval, 56-67). A similar exponential decline was observed in Kell-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, with 32% (95% confidence interval, 19-45) decline after 1 intrauterine transfusion. This decline was not associated with the varying gestational age at the time of the first intrauterine transfusion or the total number of intrauterine transfusions. The number of red blood cell transfusions for postnatal anemia was greater for infants with D and Kell-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn with >2 intrauterine transfusions (median of 3 [interquartile range, 2-3] vs 2 [interquartile range, 1-3], P=.035, in D-mediated disease and median of 2 [interquartile range, 1-2] vs 1 [interquartile range, 1-1], P<.001, in Kell-mediated disease). Infants born after >2 intrauterine transfusions less often required exchange transfusion in D-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (19/89 [21%] vs 31/100 [31%], P=.039), compared with infants with 1-2 intrauterine transfusions. CONCLUSION: Treatment with intrauterine transfusions causes an exponential decrease in fetal reticulocyte counts in both D- and Kell-mediated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Suppression of the compensatory erythropoiesis leads to prolonged postnatal anemia and an increased requirement of red blood cell transfusions after birth.

[Intrauterine blood transfusion: Status report of 4years of practice in France (2011-2014)]. / Transfusions fœtales érythrocytaires : état des lieux sur 4 ans en France (2011­2014).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate in utero blood transfusion's (IUT) performed in France, among the French prenatal diagnosis centers in order to study the etiology of severe anemia requiring IUT. METHODS: We conducted a national retrospective descriptive study between 2011 and 2014. The data were collected using a survey sent by email to all French prenatal diagnosis centers. RESULTS: Among the 49 centers, 18 (38 %) had performed at least one IUT during the study period. The geographical repartition of these centers was appropriate for the "Aquitaine Pyrénées" region. Five centers performed 68 % of the national activity and one center performed 40 % the national activity. Each year, a mean of 204 IUTs were performed in 113 pregnancies. The principal etiology of severe fetal anemia requiring IUT was hemolytic disease of the fetus (69 % of the etiologies) with anti-RhD being the most prevalent antibody. The second etiology was represented by parvovirus B19 infection (17 % of IUTs). CONCLUSION: The French IUT activity was stable in numbers and indications during the study period. A national register could be set up in order to better evaluate prospectively the number of pregnancies concerned by IUT and to study the prevalence of hemolytic disease of the fetus due to anti-RhD antibodies.

Complications of intrauterine intravascular blood transfusion: lessons learned after 1678 procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal alloimmunization to fetal red-blood-cell antigens is a major cause of fetal anemia, which can lead to hydrops and perinatal death if untreated. The cornerstone of management during pregnancy is intrauterine intravascular blood transfusion (IUT). Although this procedure is considered relatively safe, complications continue to occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate rates of procedure-related complications and perinatal loss following IUT, and their change over time, in order to identify factors leading to improved outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of all IUTs for red-cell alloimmunization performed at the national referral center for fetal therapy in The Netherlands, from 1988 to 2015. Differences in complication rates and their associations with alterations in transfusion technique after 2001 were assessed. RESULTS: Between 1988 and 2015, 1678 IUTs were performed in 589 fetuses. For IUTs performed in 2001 and onwards, there was significant improvement in survival (88.6% vs 97.0%, P < 0.001) and a decline in procedure-related complications per fetus (9.8% vs 3.3%, P = 0.001) and per procedure (3.4% vs 1.2%, P = 0.003) compared with those performed before 2001. Procedure-related perinatal loss declined from 4.7% to 1.8% per fetus (P = 0.053). Beneficial changes in transfusion technique were routine use of fetal paralysis, increased use of intrahepatic transfusion and avoidance of arterial puncture. CONCLUSIONS: IUT has become an increasingly safe procedure in recent years when performed by experienced hands. The chosen technique should be fine-tuned according to the patient's individual situation. The declining complication rates are most likely related to center volume: this rare procedure is best performed in experienced fetal therapy centers. © 2016 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

In utero treatment of severe fetal anemia resulting from fetomaternal red blood cell incompatibility: a comparison of simple transfusion and exchange transfusion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in utero exchange transfusions (IUET) and in utero simple transfusions (IUST) for the treatment of fetal anemia resulting from red blood cell fetomaternal incompatibility. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study from January 2006 through December 2011. The two techniques were compared for effectiveness, complications, and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: 36 patients had 87 IUETs and 85 patients 241 IUSTs. Gestational age at the first transfusion was similar in both groups (IUET: 27±3.8 weeks; IUST: 27±4.7 weeks; NS) as was the initial fetal hemoglobin level (IUET: 6.4±2.8g/dL; IUST: 6.0±2.5g/dL; NS). No significant differences were noted for postprocedure complications or efficacy. The daily drop in hemoglobin level was similar in both groups (IUET: 0.41±0.23g/dL/day; IUST: 0.44±0.17g/dL/day; NS) as were the time intervals between two procedures. Gestational age at birth was earlier in the IUET group (34.4±1.3 weeks vs 35.5±1.8 weeks; p<0.001), but the postnatal transfusions or exchange transfusions rates and the duration of intensive phototherapy did not differ. No significant differences were noted for the overall survival rates (IUET: 100%; IUST: 96.4%; p>0.99). CONCLUSION: IUET does not appear to provide any benefits compared with IUST, neither to be associated with a higher complication rate. The choice of the technique depends on availability of packed blood cells with high hematocrit (70-80%).

Prediction of the rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin levels between first and second transfusions in red cell alloimmune disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine variables that predict the rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin levels in alloimmune disease. METHOD: Retrospective review of singleton pregnancies that underwent first and second intrauterine transfusions for treatment of fetal anemia because of maternal Rh alloimmunization in a tertiary referral center. RESULTS: Forty-one first intrauterine transfusions were performed at 26.1 weeks (standard deviation, SD, 4.6), mean volume of blood transfused was 44.4 mL (SD 23.5) and estimated feto-placental volume expansion was 51.3% (SD 14.5%). Between first and second transfusion, hemoglobin levels reduced on average 0.40 g/dl/day (SD 0.25). Stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrated that this rate significantly correlated with hemoglobin levels after the first transfusion, the interval between both procedures, and middle cerebral artery systolic velocity before the second transfusion. CONCLUSION: The rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin levels between first and second transfusions in alloimmune disease can be predicted by a combination of hemoglobin levels after the first transfusion, interval between both procedures, and middle cerebral artery systolic velocity before the second transfusion.

Gravedad del hidrops fetal por hemólisis Rh asociado con los resultados perinatales en transfusiones intrauterinas / Severe fetal hydrops in Rh hemolysis associated with perinatal results after intrauterine transfusions

Objetivo: Evaluar el grado de gravedad del hidrops fetal por isoinmunización materna Rh(D) y su repercusión sobre el resultado perinatal en una serie de casos de transfusión intrauterina. Material y método: Análisis retrospectivo, analítico y transversal de 150 fetos que recibieron 531 transfusiones intrauterinas en un período de 21 años. Todos presentaban un proceso evolutivo de gravedad y la presencia de hidrops previo al tratamiento se demostró en 67 fetos (45%), los cuales se clasificaron, de acuerdo con los hallazgos ultrasonográficos, como portadores de hidrops moderado o de hidrops grave. Las variables incluyeron edad gestacional, niveles de hemoglobina y hematocrito, número de transfusiones, tasas de supervivencia, la mortalidad acaecida por el procedimiento y las condiciones neonatales y evolutivas de los homigénitos. Resultados: Hubo 123 nacidos vivos (82%). Cuando no existió hidrops al inicio de la primera transfusión, la supervivencia global de los fetos que se presentaron con hidrops moderado fue del 76%, en tanto que los casos con hidrops grave fueron 52%. La reversión intrauterina del hidrops se documentó en el 81% de los fetos con hidrops moderado y en el 30% de aquellos con hidrops grave. La pérdida fetal como complicación durante el procedimiento fue baja. Condiciones neonatales pronósticas como el puntaje de Apgar a los 5 minutos y el peso obtenido fueron más favorables entre los fetos sin hidrops o con hidrops moderado que en los grados graves de afección hidrópica...(AU)

Predictive factors of perinatal mortality in transfused fetuses due to maternal alloimmunization: what really matters?

INTRODUCTION: Alloimmunization is the main cause of fetal anemia. There are not many consistent analyses associating antenatal parameters to perinatal mortality in transfused fetuses due to maternal alloimmunization. The study aimed to determine the prognostic variables related to perinatal death. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort study analyzed 128 fetuses treated with intrauterine transfusion (IUT), until the early neonatal period. Perinatal mortality was associated with prognostic conditions related to prematurity, severity of fetal anemia and IUT procedure by univariated logistic regression. Multiple logistic regression was used to compute the odds ratio (OR) for adjusting the hemoglobin deficit at the last IUT, gestational age at birth, complications of IUT, antenatal corticosteroid and hydrops. RESULTS: Perinatal mortality rate found in this study was 18.1%. The hemoglobin deficit at the last IUT (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.53), gestational age at birth (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38-0.74) and the presence of transfusional complications (OR: 5.43, 95% CI: 142-20.76) were significant in predicting fetal death. CONCLUSION: Perinatal mortality prediction in transfused fetuses is not associated only to severity of anemia, but also to the risks of IUT and prematurity.

Management of very early fetal anemia resulting from red-cell alloimmunization before 20 weeks of gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of management of very early fetal anemia (before 20 weeks of gestation) in cases of red-cell alloimmunization. METHODS: Retrospective study of the outcome of all in utero transfusions performed before 20 weeks of gestation and all pregnancies requiring an in utero transfusion before 20 weeks in our reference center from January 1990 through August 2011 in cases with severe alloimmunization. RESULTS: Twenty-five in utero transfusions were performed in 18 pregnancies in 16 patients during the study period. A vascular access was performed successfully in 22 of the 24 cases in which it was attempted. An intraperitoneal transfusion was necessary in two cases. Two in utero deaths attributable to the intravascular procedure occurred during attempts before 18 weeks of gestation and another, not associated with a transfusion, at 29 weeks. The overall survival rate was 83.3% (compared with 88.0% when the first in utero transfusion took place before 22 weeks). The risk of fetal loss for each transfusion was 8.0% before 20 weeks and 6.3% before 22 weeks. An intraperitoneal transfusion at 17 2/7 weeks allowed one fetus to survive until the first intravascular in utero transfusion could take place at 18 2/7 weeks. CONCLUSION: Fetal anemia before 20 weeks remains at high risk of lethal complications compared with later gestational ages. Technical difficulties in a vascular access are mainly encountered before 18 weeks of gestation. At an earlier gestational age, intraperitoneal transfusion may gain the days necessary to perform an intravascular transfusion more safely. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Analysis and perinatal outcome after intravascular transfusion]. / Análisis y resultados perinatales posteriores a una transfusión intravascular.

INTRODUCTION: the leading cause of fetal anemia is Rh isoimmunization. The timely diagnosis by ultrasound and intravascular transfusion improves the prognosis. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the increase in hemoglobin in the fetus and correlate the red cell transfusion volume with elevation of hemoglobin and perinatal outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: prospective, case series study. We included 17 patients with fetal anemia detected by measuring the peak systolic velocity of middle cerebral artery and determination of fetal hemoglobin before and after cordocentesis. After confirmation of fetal anemia (Hb <10 g/dL), was held fetal transfusion with 50 mL/kg estimated fetal weight, with packed red blood cells type O Rh negative. RESULTS: In 17 cases fetal anemia was diagnosed, of which 11 (64%) had Rh isoimmunization and 6 (36%) were not immune. The 17 cases received 27 intravascular transfusions, in 75% hemoglobin rose to 10 g/dL, 45% in the first transfusion, 25% in the second and 10% in the third transfusion. Fetal hemoglobin between before and after transfusion was 6.5 and 12.9 g/dl, respectively (p<0.001) and allowed to continue the pregnancy from 3 to 12 weeks from the first transfusion. There were 4 deaths (2 stillbirths and 2 neonatal), but only one was related to the procedure. the survival rate was 76%, mortality in the presence of hydrops was 30% and no deaths in patients without hydrops. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in fetal anemia was 23.6% and only one case was related to intravascular transfusion. In cases of survival to birth, pregnancy lasted >30 weeks gestation. Hemoglobin rose from 27 to 300% of the initial fetal hemoglobin. The presence of fetal hydrops significantly increases mortality.

Quality control for intravascular intrauterine transfusion using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis for the monitoring of individual performance.

INTRODUCTION: Intravascular intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is an effective and relatively safe method for the treatment of fetal anemia. Although implemented in centers all over the world in the 1980s, the length and strength of the learning curve for this procedure has never been studied. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis has been increasingly used as a graphical and statistical tool for quality control and learning curve assessment in clinical medicine. We aimed to test the feasibility of CUSUM analysis for quality control in fetal therapy by using this method to monitor individual performance of IUT in the learning phase and over the long term. METHODS: IUTs performed in the Dutch referral center for fetal therapy from 1987 to 2009 were retrospectively classified as successful or failed. Failed was defined as no net transfusion or the occurrence of life-threatening procedure-related complications. The CUSUM statistical method was used to estimate individual learning curves and to monitor long-term performance. Four operators who each performed at least 200 procedures were included. RESULTS: Individual CUSUM graphs were easily assessed. Both operators pioneering IUT in the late 1980s had long learning phases. The 2 operators learning IUT in later years in an experienced team performed acceptably from the start and reached a level of competence after 34 and 49 procedures. DISCUSSION: CUSUM analysis is a feasible method for quality control in fetal therapy. In an experienced setting, individual competence may be reached after 30 to 50 IUTs. Our data suggest that operators need at least 10 procedures per year to keep a level of competence.

[Intrauterine transfusión in alloimmunization Rh in México 1987-2008]. / Transfusión intrauterina en aloinmunización rhD en México 1987-2008.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis, care and prevention of hemolytic disease in fetuses and newborns is the most prominent historical example of a successful medical procedure aimed to abate perinatal morbidity and mortality caused by a disease which for centuries was described only unknown origin. OBJECTIVE: To review the perinatal outcome with intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in severe alloimmunization RhD over 21 years in a referral center of Mexico. The overall survival rate of fetuses and the relations with gestational age, and presence or absence of hydrops was analyzed. The authors present data about alloimmunization and a historical synopsis about IUT in México. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted from January 1, 1987, to January 31, 2008. It was collected only RhD immunizations. Primary outcome variables included gestational age and presence or absence of hydrops, type and number of IUT in each case, and we studied fetal and neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: A total of 531 IUTs were performed in 150 fetuses. Severe hydrops was found at start of intrauterine treatment in 67 cases (45%). The survival rate was closely related to absence or presence of hydrops (88 and 60%), respectively. There were 123 liveborn fetuses and the procedure-related fetal loss rate was low (1.9%). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed good outcome with IUT for fetal anemia and the loss rate was low and similar to another publications. The hydrops was the principal factor in the survival rate because late detection and referral of fetuses is critical for fetal and neonatal outcome.

[Blood volume calculation required for the correction of fetal anemia in pregnant women with alloimmunization]. / Cálculo do volume de sangue necessário para a correção da anemia fetal em gestantes isoimunizadas.

PURPOSE: to obtain an equation to estimate the volume of red blood cells concentrate to be infused to correct anemia in fetuses of pregnant women with Rh factor isoimmunization, based in parameters obtained along the cordocentesis previous to intrauterine transfusion. METHODS: a transversal study analyzing 89 intrauterine transfusions to correct anemia in 48 fetuses followed-up in the Centro de Medicina Fetal do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de Minas Gerais. The median gestational age at the cordocentesis was 29 weeks and the average number of procedures was 2.1. Fetal hemoglobin was assayed before and after cordocentesis, leading to the volume of transfused red blood cells concentrate. The determination of an equation to estimate the blood volume necessary to correct the fetal anemia was based in the blood volume necessary to raise the fetal hemoglobin in 1 g% (the difference between the final and the initial hemoglobin concentration divided by the transfused volume) and in the volume of the amount necessary to reach 14 g%, in the multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: the concentration of pre-transfusion hemoglobin varied between 2.3 and 15.7 g%. The prevalence of fetal anemia (Hb<10 g%) was 52%. The regression equation obtained in the determination of blood volume necessary to reach the concentration of 14 g% of Hb was: transfusion volume (mL)=18.2 - 13.4 x pre- intrauterine transfusion hemoglobin + 6.0 x gestational age in weeks. This equation was statistically significant (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the study has shown that it is possible to estimate the transfusion volume necessary to correct fetal anemia, based on easily obtainable parameters: gestational age and level of pre-transfusion hemoglobin.

Relationship between obstetric history and Rh(D) alloimmunization severity.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between obstetric history and Rh(D) alloimmunization severity, employing the gestational age at the first intrauterine fetal transfusion (IUT) as an indicator of this severity. METHODS: From 1996 to 2006, Rh(D) alloimmunized pregnancies submitted to IUT had their data assessed. Gestational age at the first IUT was modeled as a linear outcome. The associations between obstetric history variables, anti-Rh(D) antibodies titer and gestational age at the first IUT were analyzed. Statistics are presented with 95% confidence intervals (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 82 non-hydropic anemic fetuses, ensuing in 92.7% (n = 76) of perinatal survival, were submitted to IUT. Nineteen (23,2%) pregnant women did not present with any previous stillbirth, neonatal death, IUT, hydrops or neonatal exchange transfusion (group 1); and 63 (76.8%) reported at least one of these events (group 2). Gestational age at the first IUT differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.0001). For group 1, it ranged from 24 to 35 weeks (median 32.5 weeks), whereas for group 2 it ranged from 19 to 34 weeks (median 27 weeks). In the multivariated analysis, previous neonatal death (P = 0.040), previous IUT (P = 0.000) and previous neonatal exchange transfusion (P = 0.036) were independently associated with the gestational age at the first IUT. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of the obstetrical history is an important diagnostic tool for predicting Rh(D) alloimmunization severity. Alloimmunized pregnant women who reported previous neonatal death(s), neonatal exchange transfusion(s) or IUT(s) should receive a closer fetal surveillance due to the risk of a higher rate of fetal hemolysis and the need of an earlier IUT.

Complications of intrauterine intravascular transfusion for fetal anemia due to maternal red-cell alloimmunization.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the true procedure-related complication rate of intrauterine transfusion therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study of 254 fetuses treated with 740 intrauterine blood transfusions for red-cell alloimmunization in a single center in the years 1988 to 2001. Our database was searched for perinatal deaths, emergency deliveries, infections, and preterm rupture of membranes associated with intrauterine blood transfusion. Complications were categorized by two independent obstetricians as procedure-related (PR) or not procedure-related (NPR). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for complications. RESULTS: Overall survival was 225/254 (89%). Fetal death occurred in 19 cases (7 PR) and neonatal death in 10 cases (5 PR). There were two cases of intrauterine infection with Escherichia coli (both PR) and two other cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (1 PR) within a week of a procedure. Emergency delivery after a transfusion was performed in 18 pregnancies (15 PR). The total PR complication rate was 3.1%, resulting in an overall PR loss rate of 1.6% per procedure. Arterial puncture, transamniotic cord puncture, refraining from fetal paralysis, and advancing gestational age were associated with the occurrence of PR complications. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that intrauterine transfusion is a safe procedure, with a relatively low PR perinatal loss rate. Arterial puncture and transamniotic cord needling carry a high risk for serious complications, whereas fetal paralysis improves the safety of the procedure. This information on risks of intrauterine transfusion therapy may help to further improve the safety of intrauterine transfusions. Data on complication rates of intrauterine transfusions are essential in counseling patients.

Correlación entre el grado de anemia fetal intertransfusional y la medición doppler de la velocidad máxima del flujo en la arteria cerebral media en la anemia hemolítica por isoinmunización rh / Correlation between the degree of intertransfusional fetal anemia and peak flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery in fetuses with hemolytic anemia due to maternal red-cell alloinmunization

Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre la velocidad máxima sistólica de la arteria cerebral media y el grado de anemia, así como su potencial capacidad predictiva del grado de anemia fetal intertransfusional en tres pacientes con isoinmunización Rh.Material y métodos: Se describen tres casos de anemia fetal por isoinmunización Rh tratados con transfusión sanguínea intraútero. El seguimiento intertransfusional y la decisión de realizar una nueva cordocentesis se hizo según el protocolo clásico basado en la presencia de signos ecográficos de hidrops o la estimación del grado de hemólisis postransfusión. De forma paralela, se midió con eco-Doppler la velocidad máxima de la arteria cerebral media (VmáxACM) pre y postransfusión, así como entre las transfusiones.Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 11 cordocentesis con transfusión sanguínea. La medición de la VmáxACM se correlacionó con el grado de anemia, existiendo una correlación inversa entre ambos parámetros. La sensibilidad de la VmáxACM para detectar anemia moderada y grave fue del 100 por ciento. En nuestros casos la inclusión de la medición de la VmáxACM en los protocolos clínicos podría haber evitado tres cordocentesis.Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados preliminares sugieren la utilidad del estudio Doppler de la VmáxACM para el control del grado de anemia fetal entre transfusiones en los casos de anemia hemolítica por isoinmunización Rh. (AU)

[Blood group immunization: results of treatment of fetal anemia with intra-uterine intravascular blood transfusion in the Netherlands, 1987-1995]. / Bloedgroepimmunisatie: resultaten van behandeling van foetale anemie met intra-uteriene intravasculaire bloedtransfusie in Nederland, 1987-1995.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcome of red cell alloimmunized pregnancies treated with intravascular intrauterine blood transfusions. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: Medical records of all women and neonates treated with intrauterine transfusions in the period March 1987-December 1995, were reviewed. Survival rates of the infants were analysed in relation to both gestational age and the presence or absence of hydrops at the time of the first transfusion. RESULTS: In 153 pregnancies 155 foetuses underwent 462 transfusions (median: 3; range: 1-7). Patients were immunized against RhD in 88%. Kell in 7% and Rhe in 5% of the cases. Overall survival rate was 83%. No difference in survival rate was found between children with the first transfusion early (< or = 26 weeks) or late (> 26 weeks) in pregnancy. Survival rate for foetuses without hydrops was significantly higher than for those with hydrops (90% versus 73%). The mildly hydropic foetuses had a significantly higher survival rate than the severely hydropic foetuses (94% versus 53%). Absence of intrauterine reversal of hydrops was associated with a bad outcome. CONCLUSION: Intravascular transfusion is an effective and safe procedure for correction of foetal anaemia provided it is performed by an experienced multidisciplinary team. In contrast to gestational age at first transfusion severity of hydrops is predictive for successful treatment, so timely institution of treatment is of paramount importance.