Fetal stress hormone changes during intrauterine transfusions

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.