Acute feto-maternal transfusion--diagnostic considerations

Massive Feto-Maternal Hemorrhage: Diagnosis by Cardiotocography, Doppler Ultrasonography and ST Waveform Analysis of Fetal Electrocardiography

A 34-year-old healthy gravida 2 para 1 presented after an uncomplicated pregnancy at term with a 2-day history of diminished fetal movements. Fetal anemia was suspected by fetal heart rate monitoring and Doppler estimation of the fetal peak blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery. We were also fortunate to register pathological ST waveform changes of the fetal ECG indicating fetal hypoxia. The diagnosis of a massive feto-maternal hemorrhage was confirmed by an extremely high fraction of erythrocytes containing fetal hemoglobin in maternal blood and, after delivery, by placental histology.

Identification of acute transplacental hemorrhage in a low-risk patient as a result of daily counting of fetal movements

In this report, we describe a case of acute, massive fetomaternal hemorrhage that was detected during the 32nd week of pregnancy by maternal perception of decreased fetal movement and suggestion of a sinusoidal heart rate pattern. Additional evaluation revealed an abnormal biophysical profile (2 of 10) and intermittent late decelerations. Because of the substantially decreased fetal reserve, cesarean section was emergently performed. A 1,880-g female infant was delivered. She had an initial hemoglobin concentration of 1.9 g/dl and a hematocrit of 5.7% but did well after appropriate transfusion therapy. This case confirms the importance of daily counting of fetal movements in low-risk patients. In addition, it emphasizes that early diagnosis and treatment of massive fetomaternal hemorrhage can improve infant survival.

Sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern due to massive feto-maternal transfusion

A 30-year-old woman presented with mild abdominal discomfort and decreased fetal movements in the 34th week of her third pregnancy. Fetal monitoring revealed a sinusoidal heart rate pattern, and abdominal delivery was promptly performed, with the newborn having a hematocrit of 7% due to massive fetomaternal transfusion. Fetal resuscitation was followed by a favorable outcome. The sinusoidal heart rate is discussed, with emphasis on the need for proper and prompt recognition of its significance.