Non-immune causes of fetal anemia

Non-immune fetal anemia is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, affecting 3-5 per 10,000 pregnancies. It results from a range of conditions, including genetic hemoglobinopathies, congenital infections, fetomaternal hemorrhage, and twin-related complications. Advances in ultrasound-based screening, particularly middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity measurement, have improved early detection, with a sensitivity exceeding 90% for detecting moderate to severe anemia in high-risk population. Intrauterine transfusion remains the primary treatment, with survival rates exceeding 90% in non-hydropic fetuses, though outcomes worsen when hydrops is present. Despite improvements, challenges remain in the early detection of mild anemia, development of curative therapies for genetic disorders, and antiviral treatments for congenital infections. Emerging approaches, including gene therapy, maternal antiviral therapy, and non-invasive prenatal testing, hold promise for improving outcomes. Future research should focus on optimizing fetal interventions, refining prenatal screening, and expanding access to novel therapies.