Massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage as a perinatology problem, role of ABO fetomaternal...

Massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage is not simply a problem of possible alloimunization in Rh incompatibility but also endangers the fetus (newborn) by massive anemization. Bleeding from placental vessels can occur after small trauma to the gravid uterus with mild or no clinical signs (bleeding or spotting, pain, hypertonus). The rupture of anchoring villi related to early uterine contractions is also possible. In the case of slow blood loss, the fetus reacts by adequate or inadequate compensatory reactions (hydrops fetus). Rapid and massive blood loss is followed by perinatal hypoxic damage and finally death. Our goal was to map out the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in regard to specific neonatal care.

We evaluated four cases of fetomaternal transfusion during a 2-year period with special regard to postpartum adaptation of the newborn and the perinatal outcome. The incidence of adverse outcomes following massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage was 50% (2 of 4). There was one perinatal death and one infant was affected by spastic quadriplegia.

For diagnosis, it is possible to use cardiotocography (decreased variability, sinusoid pattern), ultrasound (biophysical profile) and special hematological tests for quantitative determination of fetal erythrocytes in the maternal blood. For the treatment of such cases one should consider premature termination of pregnancy or intraumbilical transfusion.