Intrauterine transfusion and non invasive treatment options for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn review on current management and outcome
ABSTRACT Introduction: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) remains a serious pregnancy complication which can lead to severe fetal anemia, hydrops and perinatal death. Areas covered: This review focusses on the current prenatal management, treatment with intrauterine transfusion (IUT) and promising non invasive treatment options for HDFN. Expert commentary: IUTs are the cornerstone in prenatal management of HDFN and have significantly improved perinatal outcome in the past decades. IUT is now a relatively safe procedure, however the risk of complications is still high when performed early in the second trimester. Non invasive management using intravenous immunoglobulin may be a safe alternative and requires further investigation.
Expert review of hematology