Fetal blood flow measurements in severe rhesus isoimmunization. A case report

Maternal isoimmunization can result in fetal anemia. Current management of isoimmunized pregnancies involves amniocentesis and spectrophotometry. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound can provide fetal blood flow determinations from the fetal umbilical vein. A pregnancy complicated by severe rhesus isoimmunization was studied with Doppler ultrasound. Increased fetal umbilical blood flow was associated with increased fetal hemolysis. Umbilical vein blood flow decreased after intrauterine transfusion. Doppler ultrasound assessment of fetal blood flow is a useful noninvasive adjunct in isoimmunized pregnancies.