[Prenatal diagnosis and therapy of hemolytic disease of the newborn].

From 1966 to 1983 a total of 586 intra-uterine fetal transfusions on 268 fetuses suffering from severe Rh-erythroblastosis were performed at the Hamburg university hospital. 149 (56%) fetuses survived. 29% of 268 fetuses exhibited ascitic fluid at the beginning of therapy. The survival rate improved to 63% in the last five years. The diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are explained in detail. The amniotic fluid analysis has been improved. In addition to Rh-antibodies, it is important to detect other blood group antibodies such as anti-Jk(a) and anti-Fy(a), that can diminish the survival rate of the donor erythrocytes in the fetus.