A Life-Saving Treatment for Fetal Anaemia: Fetal Blood Transfusion
A highly specialised medical treatment called fetal blood transfusion is used to treat fetal anaemia and other severe blood abnormalities in the fetus during pregnancy. It entails directly supplying the fetus with suitable blood while it is still inside the mother, typically through the umbilical cord.
When the baby’s blood supply is dangerously low, it can impact oxygen delivery, growth, and survival; thus treatment is crucial. Everything you need to know about intrauterine blood transfusions, their purpose, and how they enhance pregnancy outcomes will be covered in this blog.
Fetal Blood Transfusion: What Is It?
During pregnancy, fetal blood transfusions, also known as intrauterine fetal transfusions, are performed to replenish or increase the baby’s red blood cells. This guarantees the infant receives adequate oxygen and nourishment for healthy growth.
In cases of moderate to severe fetal anaemia, which can be brought on by a number of pregnancy-related medical disorders, maternal-fetal medicine doctors usually advise this operation.
Reasons Why a Fetal Blood Transfusion May Be Necessary
1. Rh Incompatibility (Rh Disease)
The mother’s immune system may target the baby’s red blood cells if the mother is Rh-negative and the child is Rh-positive. The fetus may develop haemolytic illness as a result. Anaemia brought on by Rh sensitisation can be treated via fetal transfusion.
2. Thrombocytopenia Alloimmune
When the baby’s platelets are attacked by the mother’s antibodies, this disease develops. Red blood cell transfusion may also be necessary in some circumstances, even though platelet transfusion is more frequent here.
3. Infection with Parvovirus B19 During Pregnancy
Anaemia can result from parvovirus B19 infection in the mother, which can spread to the fetus and destroy red blood cells. The baby’s blood levels can be corrected with a prompt fetal transfusion.
4. TTTS, or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Uneven blood flow in uncommon twin pregnancies might cause anaemia in one of the babies. Transfusion of the fetus can safeguard both infants and restore equilibrium.
How Do Blood Transfusions for Fetus Happen?
The surgery is performed in a hospital that has neonatal care facilities and state-of-the-art imaging. This is what typically occurs:
- The infant and the umbilical cord are located by doctors using ultrasound guidance.
- A tiny needle is passed into the umbilical vein through the mother’s abdomen.
- The infant receives a gradual transfusion of red blood cells from a universal donor.
- Both mother and child are closely watched during the process, which is typically performed under local anaesthesia.
- Repeat transfusions may be required every one to three weeks until the baby is healthy enough to be delivered.
Benefits of Fetal Blood Transfusion