The development of children following intra-uterine transfusions in severe Rh-erythroblastosis

1: Z Related Articles, Links The development of 18 children who had received 1--3 intra-uterine transfusions (IUT) because of severe Rh-erythroblatosis was followed over the first few years of life and finally checked when they were 2--6 years old. All of them were premature, 2 were born with hydrops, 1 with pre-hydrops. There were many other perinatal riskfactors (asphyxia, trouble with respiration, acidosis, severe anemia, hyperbilirubinemia). Examination (general and neurologic) was supplemented by EEG and psychologic testing (Kramer test, Vineland maturity scale, Denver development scales). No child showed signs of severe cerebral damage. 2 children had unequivocal pathologic signs (slight to medium spastic diplegia or hemipegia with corresponding focal findings in EEG). 3 further children showed minimal cerebral signs without disability. Development of intelligence was notably good throughout. Observations showed abnormal neurologic signs more often during the first 2 years of life than later. Psychologic examinations, too, showed clear improvement with age. Results are satisfactory and confirm that IUT as a prenatal treatment with very severe Rh-Erythroblastosis is justified.