The management of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) congratulates the outstanding staff at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) for successfully conducting four in utero transfusions to date since 2017, the last of which was done in June 2024. The ground-breaking procedure involves the direct transfusion of compatible red blood cells into the fetus through a needle inserted into the mother's abdomen and into the umbilical cord that supplies the unborn child with its nutrients.
The team of OBGYN’s and maternal foetal medicine specialists, doctors Clayon Kelly, Claudia Allen-Burton and Leo-Alexi Walker successfully conducted two transfusions two weeks ago at the hospital.
Dr. Walker highlighted the importance of these interventions in preventing severe cases of foetal anaemia. “The first case was done at VJH in 2017 with the assistance of a maternal foetal medicine specialist from overseas. The 2019 case was done by local specialists as well as the two cases two weeks ago. The babies transfused in 2017 and 2019 are both well, and the recent transfused babies will be delivered next month,” said Walker.
Foetal anaemia is typically detected through specialised ultrasound scans, such as Doppler ultrasounds, which monitor blood flow and detect signs of anaemia. Although symptoms may not be apparent, severe cases can lead to complications like internal swelling, necessitating vigilant monitoring and timely medical intervention.
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