Invasive versus non-invasive testing in red-cell alloimmunized pregnancies

Abstract

Amniocentesis for amniotic fluid bilirubin levels is the most widely used test to predict the severity of fetal disease in red-cell alloimmunization. Many textbooks and guidelines recommend serial amniocentesis to monitor these pregnancies. However, the reliability of amniotic fluid bilirubin measurements has been questioned. Two strategies have been proposed by investigators. Some advocate liberal or primary use of fetal blood sampling, while others promote the use of non-invasive ultrasonography and Doppler. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the usefulness of amniocentesis, ultrasonography and Doppler to predict the degree of fetal hemolytic anemia. The evidence suggests that amniotic fluid bilirubin measurements are of limited value in the second trimester. Furthermore, critical appraisal of the very few prospective studies is hampered by limitations in design or insufficient data given by the authors. Many ultrasound and Doppler parameters have been proposed as useful indicators of fetal anemia. The most promising of these methods are Doppler assessment of umbilical venous and middle cerebral artery flow velocities. We speculate that the accuracy of these non-invasive tests may be good enough to incorporate them in management protocols, possibly replacing amniocentesis. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to prove this hypothesis.