Intrauterine Transfusion Research Articles

The selection and preparation of red cell components for intrauterine transfusion: A national survey.

The practice regarding the selection and preparation of red blood cells (RBCs) for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is variable reflecting historical practice and expert opinion rather than evidence-based recommendations. The aim of this survey was to assess Canadian hospital blood bank practice with respect to red cell IUT. A survey was sent to nine hospital laboratories known to perform red cell IUT. Questions regarding component selection, processing, foetal pre-transfusion testing, transfusion administration, documentation and traceability were assessed. The median annual number of IUTs performed in Canada was 109 (interquartile range, 103-118). RBC selection criteria included allogeneic, Cytomegalovirus seronegative, irradiated, fresh units with most sites preferentially providing HbS negative, group O, RhD negative, Kell negative and units lacking the corresponding maternal antibody without extended matching to the maternal phenotype. Red cell processing varied with respect to target haematocrit, use of saline reconstitution (n = 4), use of an automated procedure for red cell concentration (n = 1) and incorporation of a wash step (n = 2). Foetal pre-transfusion testing uniformly included haemoglobin measurement, but additional serologic testing varied. A variety of strategies were used to link the IUT event to the neonate post-delivery, including the creation of a unique foetal blood bank identifier at three sites. This survey reviews current practice and highlights the need for standardized national guidelines regarding the selection and preparation of RBCs for IUT. This study has prompted a re-examination of priorities for RBC selection for IUT and highlighted strategies for transfusion traceability in this unique setting.

Darbepoetin alfa to reduce transfusion episodes in infants with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn who are treated with intrauterine transfusions in the Netherlands: an open-label, single-centre, phase 2, randomised, controlled trial

Up to 88% of infants with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn who are treated with intrauterine transfusions require erythrocyte transfusions after birth. We aimed to investigate the effect of darbepoetin alfa on the prevention of postnatal anaemia in infants with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. We conducted an open-label, single-centre, phase 2 randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of darbepoetin alfa on the number of erythrocyte transfusions in infants with haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. All infants who were treated with intrauterine transfusion and born at 35 weeks of gestation or later at the Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands, were eligible for inclusion. Included infants were randomised by computer at birth to treatment with 10 μg/kg darbepoetin alfa subcutaneously once a week for 8 weeks or standard care (1:1 allocation, in varying blocks of four and six, with no stratification). Treating physicians and parents were not masked to treatment allocation, but the research team, data manager, and statistician were masked to treatment allocation during the process of data collection. The primary outcome was the number of erythrocyte transfusion episodes per infant from birth up to 3 months of life in the modified intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03104426) and has been completed. Between Oct 31, 2017, and April 31, 2022, we recruited 76 infants, of whom 44 (58%) were randomly assigned to a treatment group (20 [45%] were allocated to receive darbepoetin alfa and 24 [55%] were allocated to receive standard care). Follow-up lasted 3 months and one infant dropped out of the trial before commencement of treatment. A significant reduction in erythrocyte transfusion episodes was identified with darbepoetin alfa treatment compared with standard care (median 1·0 [IQR 1·0-2·0] transfusion episodes vs 2·0 [1·3-3·0] transfusion episodes; p=0·0082). No adverse events were reported and no infants died during the study. Darbepoetin alfa reduced the transfusion episodes after intrauterine transfusion treatment for haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Treatment with darbepoetin alfa or other types of erythropoietin should be considered as part of the postnatal treatment of severe haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Sanquin Blood Supply. For the Dutch translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Management of large placental chorioangioma: two-port laser approach for fetal intervention.

There is a paucity of literature providing evidence-based guidelines for the management of large placental chorioangioma (≥ 4 cm in diameter). The objectives of this study were to compare outcomes between patients managed expectantly and those undergoing in-utero intervention and to describe the different in-utero techniques used for cessation of blood flow to the tumor and the associated outcome. This was a retrospective cohort study of 34 patients referred for the management of large placental chorioangioma in a single center between January 2011 and December 2022, who were managed expectantly or underwent in-utero intervention. In-utero intervention was performed when the fetus developed any signs of impending compromise, including high combined cardiac output (CCO), worsening polyhydramnios or abnormal fetal Doppler velocimetry findings. Interventions included radiofrequency ablation (RFA), interstitial laser ablation (ILA) and single-port or two-port fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). Treatment selection was dependent on the proximity of the tumor to the umbilical cord insertion (UCI) and placental location. The two-port technique was performed in patients with a chorioangioma with large feeding vessels (≥ 3 mm) located in the posterior placenta, in which one port was used for occlusion using bipolar forceps and the other port was used for laser photocoagulation of the feeding vessels downstream. The single-port technique was used for chorioangioma with small feeding vessels (< 3 mm) located in the posterior placenta. ILA or RFA was performed in cases with an anterior placenta. Supportive treatments, including amnioreduction and intrauterine transfusion (IUT), were performed for worsening polyhydramnios and suspected fetal anemia based on middle cerebral artery Doppler flow studies, respectively. Comparative statistical analysis between cases undergoing expectant management vs in-utero intervention was performed. Descriptive details were provided for patients who underwent in-utero intervention. Thirty-four cases of large chorioangioma were evaluated, of which 25 (73.5%) were managed expectantly and nine (26.5%) underwent intervention. The frequency of polyhydramnios was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the expectant-management group (66.7% vs 8.0%, P < 0.001). The live-birth rate among expectantly managed cases with large chorioangioma was significantly higher compared with that in cases that underwent in-utero intervention (96.0% vs 62.5%, P = 0.01). In the intervention group, preoperative CCO was elevated in all cases with available information and preoperative hydrops was present in 33.3% (3/9) of cases. One patient experienced fetal demise following IUT prior to planned FLP. Among the remaining eight patients, four underwent two-port FLP, two underwent single-port FLP, one underwent ILA and one underwent both ILA and RFA. All three cases in which hydrops was present at the time of intervention resulted in fetal demise. In-utero interventions aimed at cessation of blood flow in the feeding vessels are a therapeutic option for the management of cases with large chorioangioma. The two-port percutaneous technique appears to improve the efficiency of FLP when a large chorioangioma with large feeding vessels is located in the posterior placenta. We propose that in-utero interventions for large chorioangioma should be initiated prior to the development of fetal hydrops. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

SFM Fetal Therapy Practice Guidelines: Intrauterine Blood Transfusion

AbstractDespite routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis with immunoglobulin, Rh alloimmunization and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn continue to occur due to a myriad of reasons. Intrauterine intravascular transfusion (IUT) or fetal blood transfusion is a therapeutic prenatal procedure in which specifically prepared and treated unit of donor red blood cells is injected intravascularly into the umbilical vein under ultrasound guidance. Originally introduced in the year 1963, it continues to be the standard treatment for severe fetal anemia. The objective of this guideline is to provide an evidence-based update of IUT for the perinatal healthcare providers.

Case of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn Treated Without Blood Products.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) affects 3/100,000 to 80/100,000 patients yearly and can cause severe anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. Recombinant human erythropoietin has been used as an adjunct therapy in patients with HDFN and hypo-regenerative anemia in the setting of receiving intrauterine blood transfusions. This case describes a patient with HDFN, in which the family were Jehovah Witnesses, and blood transfusions were declined. The patient had symptomatic anemia with a hematocrit nadir of 18.6%. The patient was successfully treated with recombinant human erythropoietin, ferrous sulfate, and folic acid, avoiding the need for transfusion.

Pituitary and Pancreatic Iron Is Present at an Early Age in Transfused Patients with Alpha Thalassemia Major

Introduction Alpha thalassemia major is generally fatal in utero or shortly after birth without aggressive red cell transfusion therapy both pre- and postnatally. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has released evidence-based practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of fetal anemia, largely focused on red cell alloimmunization, with intrauterine transfusion typically starting at 18 weeks gestational age.((SMFM) et al., 2015) Early initiation of intrauterine transfusion allows quick correction of anemia and a prolonged reduction of hemoglobin Bart's concentration leading up to birth.(Chmait, Baskin, Carson, Randolph, &amp; Hamilton, 2015) Long-term transfusion regimens postnatally invariably lead to iron overload, which can lead to organ dysfunction.(Taher &amp; Saliba, 2017) Minimal data is currently available regarding the pattern of iron overload in young patients with alpha thalassemia major given the rarity of the disease itself and variations in iron overload monitoring. Methods We reviewed patients with alpha thalassemia major treated at our center who had iron overload evaluations prior to 10 years of age. Diagnoses were confirmed by genetic testing. Iron deposition measurements were collected using multiple gradient echo pulse sequences on 1.5 Tesla magnets. Results Six subjects were included in the study. All but one subject received several intrauterine transfusions and were delivered at term. The last subject did not receive any intrauterine transfusions and was born at 24 weeks gestational age. Subjects were routinely transfused postnatally to keep fast migrating hemoglobin below 10%. Initial MRI was done prior to 4 years of age and as early as 1.5 years. All subjects had moderate to severe iron overload based on liver iron concentration (LIC) by R2* MRI, which decreased significantly after starting chelation in the four subjects who had subsequent MRI assessments (Figure 1A). Pancreatic iron was also elevated in all subjects, and none had cardiac siderosis. All but one subject had pituitary R2 by Z-score for age and sex greater than 2 in the coronal and sagittal planes, indicating pituitary siderosis, but none had pituitary volume loss (Figure 2B). Discussion This study shows significant extrahepatic iron deposition (pancreas, pituitary) at a very young age indicating exposure to toxic reactive ferrous iron (Fe 2+). The pancreas is known to load temporally before the heart.(Noetzli, Papudesi, Coates, &amp; Wood, 2009) None of the subjects in this study had cardiac iron by MRI, probably reflecting slower cardiac loading and lowering of Fe 2+ by chelation. It is very rare to have cardiac loading from transfusion in patients less than 2 years old.(Berdoukas et al., 2013) It is reassuring that none of the patients had pituitary volume loss, which has been associated with pituitary dysfunction,(Noetzli et al., 2012) although we know very little about pituitary function and iron in very young children. Our observation that some subjects had loading at 1.5 years old suggests there is significant circulating Fe 2+ in this population and the pituitary may be at risk. Chelation is rarely started prior to 2 years of age due to concerns about theoretical effects of chelation on neurodevelopment.(Coates, 2019) Despite significant levels of iron overload seen in initial assessments, hepatic iron rapidly improved with chelation despite aggressive red cell transfusion in this cohort. There are many unknowns here, including effects of prenatal iron exposure from transfusion, the extent to which iron seen by MRI signifies organ damage, and response of extrahepatic iron to chelation. However, the effects of iron deficiency on brain development are well documented(Idjradinata &amp; Pollitt, 1993; Lozoff et al., 2013) and the possible effects of chelators on the newborn/infant brain could be serious. Long-term pituitary iron data are still needed to support earlier implementation of iron chelation in this population.

Iron Overload and Anemia in Rhesus Hemolytic Disease of Newborn: A Prospective Observational Study.

This study assessed the prevalence of iron overload in infants born to Rh isoimmunized mothers. Infants born to Rh isoimmunized mothers with Indirect Coomb's Test (ICT) titers ≥1:16 were prospectively enrolled and followed until 3 mo. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin were estimated at birth and 3 mo of age. The outcomes were the incidence of iron overload (at birth and 3 mo), anemia, and the need for transfusions in the first 3 mo. Seventy-four infants were enrolled, nearly half receiving intrauterine transfusion (IUT). Sixty (82.2%) had hyperferritinemia at birth. The median (1st, 3rd quartile) ferritin levels were 456 (321, 631) μg/L. Infants who received IUTs had significantly higher serum ferritin levels at birth. Fifty-one (76.1%) infants had hyperferritinemia at 3 mo. Over three months of follow-up, 53 (71.6%) infants had anemia, of which 33 (48.5%) required packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfusion. These findings suggest that iron overload is common in these infants in the first 3 mo.

Effect of Anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women on fetuses and newborns: A retrospective study

BackgroundTransplacental-derived anti-D IgG in RhD-negative pregnant women can trigger an immune response to Rh D-positive red cells in fetuses and newborns. We assessed the effect of anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women on fetuses and newborns. MethodsThe clinical data of 142 singleton RhD-sensitized pregnancies were retrospectively collected. The pregnant women received routine prenatal care and the newborns had standard care. Based on the tertile categories of the pregnancies, the maximum titers of anti-D IgG in the pregnant women were divided into three groups ranging from low to high as follows: low-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:4–1:128, n = 57); medium-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:256–1:512, n = 50); and high-titer group (anti-D titer: 1:1024–1:4096, n = 35). ResultsThe frequencies of major neonatal complications did not significantly differ among the three groups. The high-titer group had the highest frequency of pregnancies requiring intrauterine transfusion (IUT) and number of IUTs among the three groups. The high-titer group had a significantly higher frequency of newborns treated with top-up transfusion, number of top-up transfusions, frequency of newborns treated with exchange transfusion (ET), and number of ETs when compared to the low-titer group. ConclusionHigher anti-D titers in RhD-negative pregnant women predict more severe fetal and neonatal hemolytic anemia. Increasing maternal anti-D titers results in an increased need for IUTs, and neonatal top-up transfusions and ETs. Methods for reducing titers of anti-D IgG in RhD-sensitized pregnant women warrants further investigation.

Long-Term Growth and Development Monitoring Of Children With Rhesus Hemolytic Disease of The Newborn

Rhesus hemolytic disease of the newborn (RHDN) occurs due to alloimmunization of maternal red blood cells. Complications of RHDN in infants can lead to hyperbilirubinemia, kernicterus, and anemia. In Indonesia, RHDN prevention has not been a common activity so it is very important for pediatricians to recognize early signs of an infant with severe anemia and severe hyperbilirubinemia, to prevent long-term mortality and morbidity. A case with longitudinal observation of long-term growth and development of a child with a history of RHDN has been reported. Throughout the monitoring carried out, the child did not experience serious problems in the medical field but showed disorders or developmental delays that did not improve over time with various therapeutic efforts. Based on a serial monitoring and treatment data that has been carried out on the child, we assumed there has been permanent brain damage caused by hyperbilirubinemia conditions accompanied by co-morbid sepsis. Brain damage is characterized by low DQ values from the beginning, progressive head circumference leads to microcephaly conditions and the presence of brain defects in the form of arachnoid cysts. The management of child development disorders with RHDN to date has not shown encouraging results. Therefore, experts have shifted their focus towards preventive measures, such as intra-uterine fetal transfusion, which has been shown to significantly decrease the occurrence of RHDN-related child development disorders over the past decade.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: rapid review of postnatal care and outcomes

BackgroundAdvances in postnatal care for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) have occurred over the past decades, but little is known regarding the frequency of postnatal treatment and the clinical outcomes of affected neonates. Most studies reporting on HDFN originate from high-income countries or relatively large centers, but important differences between centers and countries may exist due to differences in prevalence and available treatment options. We therefore aimed to evaluate the postnatal treatment landscape and clinical outcomes in neonates with Rhesus factor D (Rh(D))- and/or K-mediated HDFN and to provide recommendations for future research.MethodsWe conducted a rapid literature review of case reports and series, observational retrospective and prospective cohort studies, and trials describing pregnancies or children affected by Rh(D)- or K-mediated HDFN published between 2005 and 2021. Information relevant to the treatment of HDFN and clinical outcomes was extracted. Medline, ClinicalTrials.gov and EMBASE were searched for relevant studies by two independent reviewers through title/abstract and full-text screening. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality of included studies.ResultsForty-three studies reporting postnatal data were included. The median frequency of exchange transfusions was 6.0% [interquartile range (IQR): 0.0–20.0] in K-mediated HDFN and 26.5% [IQR: 18.0–42.9] in Rh(D)-mediated HDFN. The median use of simple red blood cell transfusions in K-mediated HDFN was 50.0% [IQR: 25.0–56.0] and 60.0% [IQR: 20.0–72.0] in Rh(D)-mediated HDFN. Large differences in transfusion rates were found between centers. Neonatal mortality amongst cases treated with intrauterine transfusion(s) was 1.2% [IQR: 0–4.4]. Guidelines and thresholds for exchange transfusions and simple RBC transfusions were reported in 50% of studies.ConclusionMost included studies were from middle- to high-income countries. No studies with a higher level of evidence from centers in low-income countries were available. We noted a shortage and inconsistency in the reporting of relevant data and provide recommendations for future reports. Although large variations between studies was found and information was often missing, analysis showed that the postnatal burden of HDFN, including need for neonatal interventions, remains high.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2021 CRD42021234940. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021234940.

Current Insights Into K-associated Fetal Anemia and Potential Treatment Strategies for Sensitized Pregnancies

K-associated anemic disease of the fetus and newborn (K-ADFN) is a rare but life-threatening disease in which maternal alloantibodies cross the placenta and can mediate an immune attack on fetal red blood cells expressing the K antigen. A considerably more common disease, D-associated hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (D-HDFN), can be prophylactically treated using polyclonal α-D antibody preparations. Currently, no such prophylactic treatment exists for K-associated fetal anemia, and disease is usually treated with intrauterine blood transfusions. Here we review current understanding of the biology of K-associated fetal anemia, how the maternal immune system is sensitized to fetal red blood cells, and what is understood about potential mechanisms of prophylactic HDFN interventions. Given the apparent challenges associated with preventing alloimmunization, we highlight novel strategies for treating sensitized mothers to prevent fetal anemia that may hold promise not only for K-mediated disease, but also for other pathogenic alloantibody responses.

THE RISK OF PERINATAL LOSSES DUE TO PARVOVIRUS INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY AND WAYS TO PREVENT THEM

THE RISK OF PERINATAL LOSSES DUE TO PARVOVIRUS INFECTION DURING PREGNANCY AND WAYS TO PREVENT THEM

Fetal Anemia: Determinants and Perinatal Outcomes according to the Method of Intrauterine Blood Transfusion

Introduction: Fetal anemia from hemolytic disease treated by intrauterine transfusion (IUT) can be performed by intraperitoneal, intracardiac, and intravascular transfusion (IVT). Objective of our study was to compare different transfusion techniques. Methods: Retrospective review of IUT secondary to red cell alloimmunization was conducted at eight international centers from 2012 to 2020. Severe anemia suspected if middle cerebral artery peaks systolic velocity ≥1.5 multiples of the median. Demographic, delivery, and postnatal variables were analyzed. Results: Total of 344 procedures, 325 IVT and 19 other techniques (non-IVT) included. No difference in demographics, history of stillbirth (20.5 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.7), prior pregnancy IUT (25.6 vs. 31.6%, p = 0.5) or neonatal transfusion (36.1 vs. 43.8%, p = 0.5). At first IUT, non-IVT had higher hydrops (42.1% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.03), lower starting hematocrit (13.3% [±6] vs. 17.7% [±8.2], p = 0.04), and trend toward lower gestational age (24.6 [20.1–27] vs. 26.4 [23.2–29.6] weeks, p = 0.08). No difference in birthweight, neonatal phototherapy, exchange, or simple transfusion was observed. Conclusion: This is one of the largest studies comparing techniques to treat fetal anemia. IVT was most performed, other techniques were more likely performed in hydrops, and lower starting hematocrit was seen. Neither technique affected outcomes. This study may suggest that physician’s experience may be the strongest contributor of outcomes.

P‐TS‐4 | ABO/Rh‐Type Discrepancy in a Neonate Receiving Intrauterine Transfusion

P‐TS‐4 | ABO/Rh‐Type Discrepancy in a Neonate Receiving Intrauterine Transfusion

EP09.13: Fetal transfusion outcomes at the State Center for Timely Prenatal Screening of León, Guanajuato, Mexico

EP09.13: Fetal transfusion outcomes at the State Center for Timely Prenatal Screening of León, Guanajuato, Mexico

Severity of haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in patients with a history of intrauterine transfusions in a previous pregnancy: A nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Pregnant women who received at least one intrauterine transfusion (IUT) for haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) in the preceding pregnancy are presumed to have a high likelihood of requiring IUTs again, often starting at an earlier gestational age. Our aim was to quantify these risks in a large national cohort. Retrospective cohort study of a nationwide Dutch database. The Netherlands. All women treated in The Netherlands with IUTs for Rhesus D (RhD)- or Kell-mediated HDFN between 1999 and 2017 and their follow-up pregnancies were included. Pregnancies with an antigen-negative fetus were excluded. Electronic patient files were searched for the number and gestational age of each IUT, and analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression. Percentage of women requiring one or more IUTs again in the subsequent pregnancy, and gestational age at first IUT in both pregnancies. Of the 321 women in our study population, 21% (69) had a subsequent ongoing pregnancy at risk. IUTs were administered in 86% (59/69) of cases. In subsequent pregnancies, the median gestational age at first IUT was 3 weeks earlier (interquartile range -6.8 to 0.4) than in the preceding pregnancy. Our study shows that pregnant women with a history of IUTs in the previous pregnancy are highly likely to require IUTs again, and on average 3 weeks earlier. Clinicians need to be aware of these risks and ensure timely referral, and close surveillance from early pregnancy onwards. Additionally, for women with a history of IUT and their caregivers, this information is essential to enable adequate preconception counselling.

Effect of delayed cord clamping on red blood cell alloimmunization: a retrospective cohort study

Although delayed cord clamping has well-known benefits for preterm and term neonates, it has been inadequately assessed in alloimmunized neonates. This study aimed to evaluate the benefits and risks of delayed cord clamping in alloimmunized neonates. This was a retrospective comparative pre-post cohort study conducted from 2003 to 2018 in a tertiary care center in France. All living singleton neonates whose mothers were followed up for red blood cell alloimmunization during gestation and confirmed at birth (N=224) were included. Neonates were either exposed to immediate (n=125) or delayed cord clamping (n=99). Our main outcome was the time from birth to first exchange transfusions and/or transfusions. Secondary outcomes were hemoglobin level at birth, rate of exchange transfusion, number of postnatal transfusions, maximum bilirubin level, and number of phototherapy hours. Hemoglobin at birth was significantly higher in case of delayed cord clamping (mean difference, 1.7 g/dL; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-2.8). Among infants treated with exchange transfusion or transfusion, the time to initial treatment was higher in case of delayed cord clamping (median difference, 8 days; rate ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.10). There were no significant differences in the need for exchange transfusion, the number of transfusions, the maximum total bilirubin level, nor the number of phototherapy hours. In the subgroup analysis of neonates needing intrauterine transfusion during pregnancy (ie, severe alloimmunization), neonates had a lower rate of exchange transfusion in case of delayed cord clamping (odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.82). Our results indicate a benefit of delayed cord clamping in alloimmunization, regardless of pathology severity, without increased risk of jaundice.

-Thalassemia: Report of two cases in a family.

Case 1 presented with severe anemia and received an intrauterine blood cell transfusion at 33weeks of gestation. The anemia spontaneously improved in early infancy. Case 2, the father of Case 1, had an uneventful birth with no evidence of anemia, though microcytic anemia was observed during childhood. The genetic analysis of the β-globin gene cluster identified a novel heterozygous deletion of DNA extending from the Gγ-globin gene downstream to the β-globin gene, confirming a diagnosis of (G γA γδβ)0 -thalassemia. In cases where thalassemia is suspected based on blood tests, a genetic diagnosis should be performed for the sake of the offspring.

Gestation outcomes in various options of help for pregnant women with Rh-immunization

BACKGROUND: To date, several options for helping pregnant women with rhesus immunization are known: (a) active tactics in carrying out methods of efferent therapy in the form of basic operations (plasmapheresis, hemosorption) in combination with adjuvant methods (immunoglobulin, blood photomodification with ultraviolet, laser beams, ozone therapy) to pregnant women; (b) wait-and-see active tactics with observation of the pregnant woman, followed by intrauterine intravascular transfusions of washed donor red blood cells; (c) mixed active tactics with a sequential combination, alternation of these methods. In Russia, only option 2 with fetal transfusions of washed donor red blood cells is accepted as the basis and paid for. The objective of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of pregnancy outcomes in women with rhesus immunization using different management options.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 392 women were followed up at seven different institutions in Russia and at the Donetsk Center for Maternal and Child Health (DNR), of whom 345 pregnant women (Group 1) received efferent therapy, 33 women (Group 2) had fetuses intrauterine bypass surgery, and 14 pregnant women (Group 3) had mixed efferent therapy and fetal PEEP bypass surgery.&#x0D; RESULTS: The analysis showed that the most favorable results for the main clinical indicators (premature, operative delivery, fetal hypoxia at birth, etc.) were in Group 1 and 3 women, in which the perinatal mortality was 14.5/1000 and 0/1000, respectively, which was significantly lower than in Group 2 (176.5/1000). It was also found that in Groups 2 and 3 women, the mean intervals between repeated transfusions of washed donor red blood cells were 8.8 0.2 and 21.4 3.8 days (p 0.01), which may be explained by the detoxifying effect of efferent therapy methods, preservation of fetal red blood cells and transfused donor red blood cells to the fetus with prolonged gestation and obtaining healthier and more viable progeny.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: 1. Severe Rh conflict is a manifestation of a syndrome of systemic effects of aggressive metabolites of specific and nonspecific nature. 2. The etiopathogenetic measure in the prevention and treatment of HDF/HDN in rhesus conflict is efferent therapy methods for the mother, and transfusion of washed donor rhesus-negative red blood cells to the fetus is effective, but a temporary, palliative measure, as is the case in multiple organ failure. 3. In the treatment protocols, efferent therapy methods must be present to prevent fetal red cell destruction and, equally importantly, to prevent destruction of Rh-negative donor red cells transfused to the fetus.

Clinical Efficacy and Nursing Care of Fetal Intrauterine Blood Transfusion: Previous Experience Review

To summarize the clinical efficacy and nursing experience of intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) treatment for fetal anemia cases. The clinical data of 4 fetal anemia cases receiving IUT in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University between 2020 and 2022 were collected. Four pregnant women aged 24-38 years were included in the study. They carried fetuses with anemia of unknown causes. The four pregnant women developed anxiety after they were informed of the diagnosis of fetal anemia. One-on-one psychological counseling before the IUT procedure and one-on-one companionship over the course of the surgery were provided for the pregnant women. In addition, they were closely monitored for blood transfusion reactions. Postprocedural observation of the puncture site and 24-hour monitoring of the newborns were also conducted. The four pregnant women underwent 1-3 times of IUT in the second and third trimesters, with the minimum gestational age at the time of IUT being 25 + weeks and the blood transfusion volume being 20-107 mL/time. Two pregnant women experienced irregular uterine contractions during IUT in the third trimester. Other than that, all other IUT treatments were successful. After IUT, there was a significant improvement in fetal hemoglobin, peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV), and cardiothoracic area ratio. One case did not give birth in our hospital and the outcome of the fetus was not known. The other three fetuses achieved good outcomes. Positive preprocedural psychological counseling for pregnant women, close intraoprocedural and postprocedural pregnancy monitoring, and the prevention of maternal and fetal complications are the key to improving the clinical efficacy of IUT and achieving a good fetal outcome.