Use of peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery after serial intravenous fetal exchange transfusions in the end of pregnancy

Objectives

Our aim was to assess the efficiency of the peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery (PSV-MCA) to predict neonatal anemia at the end of pregnancies after serial intravenous fetal exchange transfusions (IFET) for red-cell fetomaternal immunization.

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective study from 01/01/2004 to 31/12/2009 of 25 pregnancies after IFET for red-cell fetomaternal immunization, in Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital, Paris. The study assessed correlation between the last prenatal PSV-MCA measured and hemoglobin concentration at birth and other neonatal data.

Results

Last prenatal PSV-MCA and hemoglobin concentration at birth were significantly correlated (r = −0.39, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

There is a good correlation between last PSV-MCA measured before birth and neonatal haemoglobin and complexity of neonatal care linked to anemia. Cerebral Doppler is useful for the follow-up of pregnancies at risk for anemia even in the end of the pregnancy and after serial intravenous fetal exchange transfusions.