title: Ultrasound-facilitated intrauterine transfusions.
abstract: Ultrasound-facilitated intrauterine transfusion was performed on 35 fetuses. Eleven fetuses were hydropic and less than 26 weeks' gestation at the time of the first intrauterine transfusion (IUT). Only two (18%) neonates survived. Twelve fetuses were not hydropic and less than 26 weeks' gestation at time of IUT. Six (50%) neonates survived. Corrected neonatal survival rates for three hydropic and nine nonhydropic fetuses transfused after 26 weeks were 100% and 78%, respectively. The presence of ascites documented by ultrasound is an adequate indication for an IUT and permitted earlier detection of sicker fetuses; however, as a therapeutic aid, ultrasound neither diminished the fetal morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure nor completely eliminated the need for radiography to confirm proper intra-abdominal localization of the transfusion tubing.
mesh_terms: D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis; D001805:Blood Transfusion, Intrauterine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004899:Erythroblastosis, Fetal / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D014463:Ultrasonography