[Severe fetal hemolytic disease. Evaluation and successful treatment by means of cordocentesis].

Ultrasonically guided access to the fetal umbilical circulation offers an alternative to the standard management of the severe isoimmunized pregnancy. This technique allows fetal blood sampling, direct hematocrit analysis and intravascular transfusion. A severely Rh isoimmunized pregnancy is described in which five intrauterine transfusions of blood were given directly into the umbilical vein under ultrasound visualization. Technical aspects of the procedure and complications are discussed.