Intrauterine transfusions

Abstract

Although decreased in incidence, fetal anemia remains a serious complication in pregnancy and is associated with a clinically significant perinatal mortality and morbidity. Ultrasound-guided intrauterine transfusion (IUT) is now considered to be the most successful therapy for fetal anemia secondary to red cell alloimmunization. As a result of a cumulative clinical experience, IUT has been expanded to apply as a therapy for multiple fetal indications including parvovirus B19 infection, fetomaternal hemorrhage, and placental chorioangiomas. Current indications, complications, and long-term outcomes of IUT therapy will be discussed.