Fetal Intrauterine Transfusion | Donor Blood Volume

Method: Intrauterine blood transfusions were performed using the umbilical vein. Fetal blood was sampled before and after donor blood infusion.

Parameters:

(1) estimated fetoplacental blood volume in mL

(2) donor hematocrit as a decimal fraction from 0 to 1

(3) initial fetal hematocrit as a decimal fraction from 0 to 1 before transfusion

(4) fetal hematocrit as a decimal fraction from 0 to 1 after transfusion (target hematocrit)

volume of donor blood to infuse in mL =

= (fetoplacental blood volume in mL) * ((final target fetal hematocrit) - (initial fetal hematocrit)) / ((donor hematocrit) - (0.70 * (final target fetal hematocrit)))

The donor blood was transfused at a rate of 3-5 mL per minute.