Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH), an update: review of literature and an illustrative case

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2015 Sep;292(3):595-602. doi: 10.1007/s00404-015-3686-1. Epub 2015 Mar 17.

Abstract

Background: Blood trafficking from fetus to mother and vice versa is a well-known physiological event that occurs at any stage in pregnancy. If the fetus looses high blood quantities to the maternal blood stream it becomes symptomatic. These symptoms can vary from cardiovascular distress to fetal death.

Materials and methods: We give a review of current literature on Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH).

Conclusion: This article highlights the importance of physician's awareness on detecting this rare but life threatening entity with both severe consequences for mother and neonate. The traditional measurement of FMH and the co-usage of alpha-fetoprotein are debated. To conclude we describe and discuss an illustrative case of FMH. This article gives an applicatory overview of symptoms, diagnostics and treatment of FMH to facilitate physicians to detect this disease precociously.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Awareness*
  • Female
  • Fetal Death / prevention & control*
  • Fetomaternal Transfusion / blood
  • Fetomaternal Transfusion / diagnosis*
  • Fetus
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Physicians*
  • Pregnancy
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / analysis*

Substances

  • alpha-Fetoproteins