Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage with a favorable neonatal outcome: a case report

Abstract

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) indicates the passage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation. In most pregnancies, small amounts of fetal erythrocytes can cross over to the maternal circulation without causing problems for the fetus. On rare occasions, massive FMH can occur and causes profound fetal and neonatal anemia, which associate with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present a case of massive fetomaternal hemorrhage and a favorable neonatal outcome. The infant was a late preterm male born via an emergency cesarean section due to fetal distress, he had severe anemia, and hypovolemic shock. He was successfully resuscitated and the anemia was adequately corrected through three PRBCs transfusions. Acute massive fetomaternal hemorrhage was diagnosed based on a positive Kleihauer-Betke test on the mother’s blood. The infant had normal growth and normal developmental milestones in the subsequent visits up to the age of 18 months.