Comparison of predelivery versus postdelivery Kleihauer-Betke stains in cases of fetal death.
A prospective study was undertaken to determine whether the delivery process could introduce a significant amount of fetal cells into the maternal circulation in patients with a fetal death. Sixty-six cases of fetal death were studied over a 39-month period. All patients had both predelivery and postdelivery Kleihauer-Betke stains performed. Of these, three (4.6%) had a massive fetomaternal hemorrhage. None of the postdelivery stains showed evidence of a significant fetomaternal hemorrhage unless results of the antepartum stain had also been positive. We conclude that the delivery process itself does not simulate a massive fetomaternal hemorrhage in cases of fetal death.
Owen
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294.
Stedman
C M
CM
Tucker
T L
TL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000150:complications*; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005333:Fetus / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013194:Staining and Labeling