Fetal stress hormone changes during intrauterine transfusions.

Author(s): Adama van Scheltema PN, Pasman SA, Wolterbeek R, Deprest JA, Oepkes D, De Buck F, Van de Velde M, Vandenbussche FP

Affiliation(s): Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. p.n.adama_van_scheltema@lumc.nl

Publication date & source: 2011-06, Prenat Diagn., 31(6):555-9. Epub 2011 Mar 20.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

OBJECTIVE: To document fetal stress hormone and Doppler changes after intrauterine transfusions (IUTs) in either the intrahepatic portion of the umbilical vein (IHV) or the placental cord insertion (PCI). METHOD: Pregnant women scheduled for IUT for fetal anemia (N = 25) were included prospectively. Cortisol, beta-endorphin and noradrenalin concentrations in fetal plasma and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index before and after transfusion were compared. Transfusions were performed through the (IHV), thus puncturing the fetus, or at the PCI. RESULTS: There were no measurable differences between the transfusion sites. CONCLUSION: In anemic fetuses undergoing transfusion, Doppler changes and fetal stress hormone changes were unrelated to the site of needle insertion. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.