Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage: case report

Abstract

Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is rare. Early diagnosis is important because FMH has a poor prognosis in the antepartum or early postpartum period. A case of massive FMH in which 400 ml blood was lost is presented here. Fetal anemia was suspected from the sinusoidal fetal heart rate pattern. The hemorrhage in the maternal circulation was diagnosed before delivery by using the Kleihauer-Betke test. An emergency cesarean section was performed. The cord hemoglobin level was 3.7 g/dl. The baby's severe anemia was treated with a neonatal blood transfusion. In this case, the baby had a good clinical course. Early diagnosis and treatment of massive FMH are necessary for a good prognosis.