Amniocentesis and Intrauterine Transfusion in Rh-Sensitized Pregnancy

Abstract

BEFORE the introduction of amniocentesis and intrauterine transfusion, the management of women sensitized to the rhesus factor had been determined by the past history and the level and rate of acceleration of increased serum anti-D titer. Early delivery prevented stillbirth but brought with it the hazards of prematurity and exchange transfusion in the immature fetus.However, recent work has demonstrated that in any case in which erythroblastosis fetalis is suspected, amniocentesis and amniotic-fluid evaluation must be performed; in some of these, the fetuses should be transfused in utero.^{1 , 2} The major problems remaining are to determine the precise indications for . . .