Increased Severity of Fetal Hemolytic Disease with Known Rhesus Alloimmunization after First-Trimester Transcervical Chorionic Villus Biopsy

Abstract

Fetomaternal hemorrhage secondary to chorionic villus biopsy has the potential to accelerate fetal hemolytic disease in the pregnant patient previously sensitized to red cell antigens. A case of poor fetal outcome after first-trimester transcervical chorionic villus sampling in an alloimmunized patient is reported. An increase in antibody titers was associated with the demise of a hydropic fetus early in the second trimester. Maternal red cell alloimmunization is suggested as an absolute contraindication for chorionic villus sampling performed for genetic indications.