In-utero intravascular transfusion of the fetus for the management of severe Rhesus isoimmunization--a reappraisal.

Ten fetuses, severely affected by Rhesus (D) haemolytic disease, received one to three intravascular blood transfusions at between 18 and 30 weeks gestation, with the use of fetoscopically guided needles into one of the umbilical cord vessels. Although the technique was successfully accomplished in all cases, the fetal response to the procedure was varied. Only two fetuses survived beyond the neonatal period, and one child subsequently died principally because of the problems resulting from premature delivery. The reason for the low rate of survival has been explored and the continued use of the method described is now questioned.