Ultrasonographic surveillance in red blood cell alloimmunization

Article Abstract:

Ultrasound imaging of the liver and the speed of blood flow in the middle cerebral artery can detect fetuses with anemia caused by an Rh incompatibility with the mother. Other techniques such as amniocentesis and fetal blood sampling are invasive and can cause miscarriage, premature birth, hemorrhage, and fetal death.

Evaluation, Ultrasound imaging

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Fetal liver length in normal and isoimmunized pregnancies

Article Abstract:

Isoimmunized pregnancies are found when mother and fetus have incompatible blood Rh factors, which may result in fetal anemia (decreased red blood cells). The usual method of determining fetal blood values, particularly hemoglobin (which carries oxygen) and reticulocytes (an indicator of blood productivity), is by sampling the umbilical cord of the fetus. This is an invasive procedure which carries significant risk for the fetus. The size of the liver is also an indicator of blood cell development. Ultrasonography (the use of high frequency sound used to visualize internal organs) can be used to determine the exact size of the liver. There appears to be a relationship between liver length and fetal hemoglobin and reticulocyte counts. Hemoglobin levels of less than 100 grams per liter occurred when relative liver lengths were in the ninetieth percentile or greater. Infants falling into that range should be considered for blood transfusion.

Research, Abnormalities, Prevention, Causes of, Birth defects, Hemolysis and hemolysins, Hemolysis, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Rh factor

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Ultrasonographic measurement of liver length in the small-for-gestational-age fetus

Article Abstract:

The small abdominal circumference in most small-for-gestational-age fetuses is not necessarily caused by a small liver. In a study of 98 pregnant women diagnosed with a small-for-gestational-age fetus, only 18% of the babies had a small liver.

Statistical Data Included, Measurement, Fetus, Physiological aspects, Gestational age

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