Successful intrauterine intracardiac transfusion in monochorionic twins affected by parvovirus B19

Objectives: To assess the possibility to correct for fetal anemia using an intracardiac approach in twin pregnancies affected by fetal Parvovirus B19 infection. Methods: A monochorionic twin pregnancy affected by fetal Parvovirus B19 infection and hydrops was treated using an intraabdominal approach and by intracardiac transfusions. Access to the umbilical cord was not possible. Results: In one fetus, hydrops resolved after intraabdominal transfusions, in the other however, hydrops was progressive. After intracardiac transfusions, both fetuses normalized. Conclusions: In multiple gestation affected by anemia, intracardiac transfusion is a possible and alternative technique, if access to the cord is impossible. Copyright (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel