Intrauterine Transfusion in Vijayawada

Rh allo immunization is the leading cause for fetal anemia due to unrecognized Fetomaternal hemorrhage (transfer of fetal blood into maternal circulation before or during delivery)events, Inadequate dosing or missed prophylaxis for antenatal sensitizing ,poor patient compliance and absence of prophylaxis for other RBC antigens

Middle cerebral artery doppler is used to monitor Rh isoimmunised pregnancies to detect severe fetal anemia. Severe fetal anemia, if left untreated would lead to the development of hydrops (collection of fluid in the abdomen, around the lungs and heart , fluid under the skin all over the body ) and cardiac failure. This may cause intrauterine death of the fetus.

Blood can be transfused to the fetus in utero to prevent the above mentioned complications of severe fetal anemia and increase the survival chances of the baby.

Intrauterine transfusion in Vijayawada is a procedure where red blood cells from a donor are injected into the fetus.

Pre requisites for intra uterine transfusion

When the decision to transfuse is done, an O negative donor needs to be arranged by the family. The donor must not be a diabetic, use alcohol, have jaundice or have recently given blood.

In the blood bank, the donor's blood is tested for blood group, hemoglobin, atypical antibodies, cross matched with mother’s blood, and screened for infection, like for HIV, HCB, HBB, HBcAb, VDRL and Malaria.The blood is then hemo-concentrated so that the hematocrit is around 80%. It is then irradiated and is ready for intrauterine transfusion.

Intrauterine transfusion (IUT)procedure :

IUT is done in the center, usually on an outpatient basis.

Abdomen is cleaned with betadine and draped.

Fetus is paralysed by injecting muscle relaxant into the fetal thigh.

Site of entry is identified (umbilical vein at the placental insertion site or intrahepatic umbilical vein) .Local anesthesia is given at the needle entry site.

Under ultrasound guidance, 20G 15 cm needle is introduced into the umbilical vein and fetal blood is withdrawn. Initial 0.5 ml is discarded. 1ml fetal blood is sent to the laboratory to check fetal blood group, fetal hematocrit, complete blood count, liver function test.

Total amount of blood to be transfused is calculated using the fetal hematocrit, donor hematocrit, expected final hematocrit, estimated fetal weight and the period of gestation. Packed RBCs are then slowly transfused into the umbilical vein. Fetal heart rate is monitored as the blood is transfused.

The fetal medicine specialist in Vijayawada will prescribe antibiotics and medicines to forestall labor. Fetal transfusions might need to be repeated every few weeks until the fetus is ready to be born.

Like any other invasive procedure, IUT is associated with few complications.The chances of issues are rare, however there are risks in every procedure. In intrauterine transfusion, these may include:

1. Fetal distress and the requirement for caesarean section delivery if transfusion is taking place at greater than 28 weeks
2. Premature labor
3. Cramping or vaginal bleeding or discharge
4. Infection

During your assessment, we will give a detailed review of your child's condition and treatment choices to assist you and your family decide what the best treatment plan might be.

Make an appointment with Dr. P. Madhavi Latha, the best gynecology doctor in Vijayawada