Failure of hemorheological intervention: Isovolemic hemodilution did not prevent early intra-uterine fetal death

Abstract

In four patients with extreme fetal growth retardation before 28 wks amenorrhea an attempt was made to improve maternal placental perfusion by isovolemic hemodilutio. Despite the substantial reduction in maternal whole blood viscosity, the predicted intra-uterine fetal death occurred in all 4 patients. No substantial changes were found in the fetal non stress cardiotocogram during or after the hemodilution procedure. Very small and largely infarcted placentae were present. It is concluded, that the decrease in maternal whole blood viscosity was not effecti ve in modi fying the ultimate fatal outcome.