ISSN:
1471-0528
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
During a period of 76 months 252 intrauterine blood transfusions were performed on 166 out of 1600 fetuses in rhesus-immunized pregnancies. A standard transfusion technique was developed by a small obstetrical and radiological team, and the improved results associated with increasing experience are described. During the last two years the fetal transfusion rate in rhesus-immunized pregnancies reached 18 per cent, but it was only 13 per cent if patients transferred from other centres dealing with rhesus immunization are excluded. The immediate fetal mortality rate for the procedure was reduced to 12 per cent and the eventual perinatal survival rate was increased to 47 per cent during this final two-year period. Factors influencing the fetal and neonatal mortality are considered, and the maternal complications are described. The practical implications of the cord blood findings in babies born alive after single intrauterine transfusions are discussed, and the so-far satisfactory mental and physical development of surviving infants is noted.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.1972.tb12191.x
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