Successful intrauterine intracardiac transfusion in monochorionic twins affected by parvovirus B19.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the possibility to correct for fetal anemia using an intracardiac approach in twin pregnancies affected by fetal Parvovirus B19 infection.

METHODS

A monochorionic twin pregnancy affected by fetal Parvovirus B19 infection and hydrops was treated using an intraabdominal approach and by intracardiac transfusions. Access to the umbilical cord was not possible.

RESULTS

In one fetus, hydrops resolved after intraabdominal transfusions, in the other however, hydrops was progressive. After intracardiac transfusions, both fetuses normalized.

CONCLUSIONS

In multiple gestation affected by anemia, intracardiac transfusion is a possible and alternative technique, if access to the cord is impossible.