Ultraschall Med 2010; 31(2): 192-194
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1027892
Kasuistik/Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Massive Fetomaternal Hemorrhage and Severe Anemia in the Newborn – Two Case Reports

Massive fetomaternale Blutung und schwere Neugeborenenanämie – zwei KasuistikenJ. Siemer, A. Wendler, R. L. Schild, D. Grab
Further Information

Publication History

received: 23.8.2007

accepted: 25.9.2008

Publication Date:
12 December 2008 (online)

Introduction

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is defined as the entrance of fetal erythrocytes into the maternal circulation. In late gestation, it occurs in 40 – 50 % of all pregnancies. In 98 % of the cases the amount of bleeding is less than 0.1 mL. Massive FMH is defined as a loss of more than 150 mL or approximately 50 % of the fetal blood volume. It occurs in one out of 1000 deliveries (Akanli LF et al. Am J Perinatol 1997; 14: 271 – 273). The most common symptoms are anemia, decreased or absent fetal body movement, and unexpected stillbirth (Giacoia GP. Obstet Gynecol Surv 1997; 52: 372 – 380). Specific symptoms do not exist. In most cases, the cause for massive FMH remains unknown. The extent of FMH can be measured with the Kleihauer-Betke stain.

We report two cases of massive FMH with decreased fetal body movement. Both newborns were severely anemic and required intensive support after delivery.

Dr. Jorn Siemer

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital

Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1 – 3

68167 Mannheim

Phone: ++ 49/1 78/2 18 50 40

Fax: ++ 49/6 21/3 83 50 74

Email: kaiserschnitt@gmx.de