Double/Triple Intrauterine Blood Transfusion in Rh-isoimmunized Anemic Fetuses in Multiple Pregnancies with Favorable Outcome.

Abstract

Background: Multiple pregnancies have increased with the use of assisted reproduction, and we expect more women reporting with Rh isoimmunization among multiple gestation in near future. Intrauterine transfusion in singleton itself is technically difficult and requires a lot of skill and precision. Performing double/triple transfusion in twins/triplets is expected to be more demanding.

Aim: To create awareness on the technical difficulties encountered in intrauterine transfusion in twins and triplets.

Methodology: We report a case series of four Rh-isoimmunized twins/triplets in 5 years who presented with severe anemia requiring intrauterine transfusion.

Results: Each of the four sets of cases had their own intricacies that needed to be pondered before tackling them as not much was available in the literature. In Case 1, the first twin intrauterine transfusion in our 20-year-long experience, the difficulty in the approach to the first twin due to a posteriorly placed placenta has been highlighted. Case 2 was rare due to the concomitant presence of atypical antibodies in the mother in addition to Rh-D isoimmunization that made it difficult to cross match any donor blood for intrauterine transfusion. The third case was exclusive due to its monochorionic-diamniotic nature of the twins where the impact of inter-twin anastomosis on the transfusion was to be taken into consideration. Fourth case was a triplet gestation where the difficulty of which cord to be assigned to which fetus, the crowded space for intervention, as well as the risk of prolonged operative time and associated risk of preterm/premature rupture of membranes were our concern.

Conclusion: Intrauterine transfusion (IUT) in twins/triplets is challenging. Difficulties encountered during IUT in multifetal gestation are due to different or uncertain chorionicity, intraplacental anastomosis between vessels, different degree of anemia in twins, difficult to ascertain cord-fetus relationship and difficulty to reach placental insertion site due to crowding by multiple fetal parts.