[Outcome of in utero transfusion in case of fœtomaternal red blood cell incompatibility].

OBJECTIVE

Erythrocyte allo-immunization's rate has decreased but without adapted treatment the prognosis is still poor. The aim of our study was to evaluate the fetal prognosis, the complication's rate and the risk factors of complications of the intrauterine transfusion.

METHODS

Retrospective study about 37 fetus and 86 intrauterine transfusions between 2001 and 2017. Our main criterion in judging was the occurrence of procedure related complications: premature membrane rupture or premature delivery within seven days from the procedure, chorioamnionitis, abnormal fetal heart rate indicating an emergency ceasarean section within the 24hours from the procedure, in utero death or neonatal death related to the procedure.

RESULTS

The survival rate was about 88.9% with a severe complication's rate of 5.8% per intrauterine transfusion and 13.5% per pregnancy. Intrauterine transfusions before 18 weeks of pregnancies was a complication risk factor: 50% of complications before 18 weeks vs. 1.3%, P=0.8×10-3. On the contrary, hydrops did not seem to be a complication risk factor (16.7% of complication with hydrops vs. 3.9%, P=0.27). The localisation of the needle insertion, intra-abdominal or placental insertion, had no effect on the fetal prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine transfusion complications are rare and it enhances the fetal prognosis. However, an early procedure is related to a higher rate of complications.