Porencephalic cyst: a complication of fetal intravascular transfusion

Article Abstract:

Blood transfusions are increasingly being given directly to anemic fetuses and those with other blood disorders. Complications have been reported to occur from this procedure, including bradycardia (an abnormally slow heart rate) and massive blood clots in the umbilical cord. This study examined the complications arising in the case of a fetus given a blood transfusion because of problems of blood-type incompatibility with the mother. A 28-year-old woman was examined in the 12th week of her pregnancy. She had previously delivered by cesarean because of fetal distress. Fetal blood was sampled at 21 weeks and 24 weeks of gestation. Hematocrit (the proportion of blood volume made up by cells) was 34.9 percent and 28.8 percent, respectively. Five days later the hematocrit had fallen to 17 percent, necessitating a blood transfusion. Hematocrit rose to 55 percent and fetal bradycardia occurred at the end of the transfusion, lasting only a short time. Ultrasonography, a diagnostic imaging technique using high-frequency sound, was performed in the 27th week of gestation. An enlargement in the left side of the brain was found. Transfusions were given four more times, but the brain abnormality did not get larger. A baby girl was born at 36 weeks of gestation. The brain abnormality was still present upon examination, but the infant exhibited no neurological problems. This case showed a congenital malformation resulting from a vascular accident caused by an intrauterine transfusion. Such transfusions should be performed only when necessary because of the possible complications that can result. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Abnormalities, Anemia, Complications and side effects, Fetus, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Fetal brain, Blood transfusion, Intrauterine, Intrauterine blood transfusion

---

The predictive value of maternal serum testing for detection of fetal anemia in red blood cell alloimmunization

Article Abstract:

The Marsh titration score combined with the indirect Coombs' titers of a mother's blood augments the the prediction of anemia in the fetus due to hemolytic disease caused by RH factor incompatibility. Forty-seven blood samples of pregnant women whose blood antibodies already showed evidence of fetal anemia were analysed by indirect Coombs' titer, Marsh titration score, and monocyte monolayer assay. The results were compared with with their fetuses' hematocrits and antigen status for RH factor. The Coomb' and Marsh titers were higher in mothers with anemic children, but the monocyte monolayer activity test in the mothers did not distinguish between the RH positive with anemia, RH positive without anemia, and RH negative fetuses.

Diagnosis, Erythroblastosis fetalis, Cordocentesis

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Acute fetal hemodynamic alterations after intrauterine transfusion for treatment of severe red blood cell alloimmunization
• Abstracts: Serial maternal blood donations for intrauterine transfusion. Outcome of twin-twin transfusion diagnosed before 28 weeks of gestation
• Abstracts: Reevaluation of procarbazine for the treatment of recurrent malignant central nervous system tumors. Poorly differentiated gliomas of the cerebellum: a study of 18 patients
• Abstracts: Severe acidosis and subsequent neurologic status. Is intrauterine transfusion associated with diminished fetal growth?
• Abstracts: Randomized controlled trial of a monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-2 receptor (33B3.1) as compared with rabbit antithymocyte globulin for prophylaxis against rejection of renal allografts. part 2

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.