Neonatal Hepatitis and Excessive Hepatic Iron Deposition Following Intrauterine Blood Transfusion

ABSTRACT

The management of hemolytic disease has undergone a number of significant changes over the past few decades. Intrauterine transfusion therapy, particularly intra-vascular transfusions, have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with isoimmunization. This therapy results not only in the transfusion of blood, but also in the transfusion of iron. The long-term consequences of iron loading in the fetus are unknown. We report a case of a newborn with Rh hemolytic disease who was treated with in utero transfusions and subsequently developed liver disease consistent with iron overload.

Keywords

Rhesus isoimmunization - intrauterine transfusion - iron overload - ferritin - neonatal hepatitis