Fetal intravascular transfusion for severe erythroblastosis: effects on haematology and survival

Since February 1984, 8 fetuses (including a set of hydropic twins) with severe erythroblasts in the second trimester have received intravascular transfusions guided by ultrasound. These transfusions were associated with a decreasing fetal reticulocytosis, a decreasing proportion of circulating fetal haemoglobin and a decreasing mean fetal red corpuscular volume. All infants were born alive at an average of 5.5 weeks after the first transfusion; 3 infants died, including the hydropic twins and another with lethal congenital anomalies. All 5 survivors required simple transfusions for up to 54 days after birth because of prolonged bone marrow suppression. In severe erythroblastosis in the second trimester, direct intravascular transfusion using ultrasound guidance promises to improve fetal outcome.