Fetal anemia is a characterized by inadequate erythrocytes being delivered to the fetus and can result from many causes.
On this page:
Pathology
Etiology
- hemolytic disease of the newborn
- fetal infections
- haematopoetic abnomalities
- homozygous alpha thalassemia 7
- syndromes
- tumors
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
General sonographic features include:
- evidence of fetal hepatomegaly and/or fetal splenomegaly
- effects of subsequent cardiovascular compromise
- development of hydrops fetalis
Doppler
- increase in fetal middle cerebral arterial (MCA) Doppler time average mean velocity (TAMV): may occur before precipitation of fetal hydrops
- increase in fetal middle cerebral arterial (MCA) Doppler peak systolic velocity (PSV): may occur before precipitation of fetal hydrops
- changes in fetal MCA Doppler are reported to have 88% sensitivity and an 82% specificity for detection of fetal anemias
Fetal MRI
MRI can be used to detect fetal anemia 8 and some of its sequellae. T1 and T2 relaxation times of relevant areas e.g. the umbilical vein's blood allow for detection.
Treatment and prognosis
Intra-uterine transfusion via the umbilical vein can be successful in selected cases. The overall prognosis will depend on underlying conditions and associations.
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