On Monday Kenyatta National Hospital announced a milestone in fetal medicine. A team of medics successfully transfused a baby while still in the mother’s womb.
According to the hospital, intrauterine transfusion is a procedure in which red blood cells from the donor are injected into the fetus.
Celebrating the success of the highly delicate intrauterine fetal transfusion procedure, the KNH chief executive officer Dr, Evanson Kamuri said the achievement is a key step toward fulfilling the facility’s mandate as a top premier referral hospital.
According to a press release by the Kenyatta National Hospital dated July 31, 2023, the procedure was undertaken by a team of doctors who included specialists Dr. Rosa Chemwey, Dr. Flavia Ogutu, and Dr. Ikol Adung’o, and an interventional Radiologist – Dr. Kunjira Murayi.
They were assisted by a nurse Mr. Benson Nyankuru, Ms. Redempata Mumo, and a reproductive Health Clinical Officer – Mr. Tony Wainaina.
Why Was the Unborn Baby Transfused?
Transfusion of the unborn was done because the baby had severe anemia – a condition associated with low red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the rest of the body tissues.
The hospital said, “The baby had severe anemia because the baby was rhesus allo-immunized – a situation in pregnancy when the maternal red blood cells lacking the rhesus antigen are exposed to rhesus-positive red blood cells through the placenta leading to activation of the maternal immune system.”
As a result, the mother’s antibodies destroy the baby’s blood, which then develops into anemia over time.
The mother has had four pregnancies but only had one successful delivery. “The mother only has one baby, the last two died of a blood complication known as hemolytic disease of the newborn,” said Dr. Chemwey.
How The Intrauterine Fetal Transfusion is Done
The medics use an ultrasound to determine the position of the baby and the placenta – an organ that connects the developing fetus to the womb.
The surgeon then inserts a needle into the mother’s abdomen and then into the umbilical vein or the fetus’ abdomen.
Red blood cells that are compatible with the fetus’ blood type are then passed through the needle into the fetus.
Prior to the procedure, the mother is given antibiotics, local anesthesia, and intravenous sedation which also sedate the fetus.
Additionally, the fetus is given additional medication to stop movement.
“We are indeed very determined to ensure this particular pregnancy succeeds. We hope for positive outcomes. This baby is 25 weeks, three days old,” said Dr. Chemwey.
