Intravascular fetal blood transfusion under ultrasonic guidance in a case of severe Rh isoimmunization.

A severely Rh-affected fetus with an initial hematocrit value of 7% and a hemoglobin value of 2.3 g/dl was transfused three times by the intravascular route into the umbilical cord under ultrasonic guidance. After the second transfusion, fetal movements recurred and the non-stress test became reactive. Neonatal outcome was favorable. The implications of this procedure are discussed.