First Fetal Blood Transfusion

AIIMS Delhi’s Historic Milestone

AIIMS is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in India, known for its efficiency and  research and education and services. In a groundbreaking medical history, AIIMS has successfully performed its first fetal blood transfusion, saving a fetus with severe anemia due to rare Rh 16 antigen incompatibility leading to an overall success in India. According to the doctor of AIIMS,  India marks its first success as only eight cases have been reported globally.

Journey Of Success 

A woman hailing from Haryana, suffered seven failed pregnancies, successfully delivered a healthy child , embarked on the successful journey of fetus blood transfusion.  The patient in her eighth pregnancy, after receiving six fetal blood transfusions, finally gave birth to a healthy child. Both mother and daughter are in a healthy condition and have been discharged, said the doctors.

Reports And Press Releases

According to Dr. Neena Malhotra, a head of obstetrics and gynecology department, said the incompatibility between red blood cells of the mother and the baby can lead to severe complications for the unborn child such as anemia, jaundice, heart failure, and even fetal death. 

Doctor said, The most common known incompatibility is due to the RhD antigen and in severe cases of fetal anemia, RhD blood transfusion to the fetus inside the mother’s womb through the umbilical cord.

“However, in this case, the mother was negative for the Rh17 antigen which is very rare to find. Due to this, the fetuses in her womb would suffer from incompatibility and develop anemia, resulting in seven pregnancy losses.” Said by Dr. Malhotra

Reports by gynecologist “ when she came to AIIMS during her seventh pregnancy, she had already lost her child inside her womb but the blood bank team led by Dr. Hem Chandra Pandey had identified her rare blood group.”  She further added “ In her eighth pregnancy, she came to us at the fifth month of pregnancy, when it was found that the baby was already anemic and required blood to be given urgently. Although the blood group had been identified, the blood was not available in India.”

The doctors contacted Japan  for the required blood and after a quick successful import from the Japanese Red Cross, performed the surgery.

A Positive Outcome: Conclusion

Without a doubt the innovations will transform the industry as it was only the eighth case globally. It goes without saying that the surgery was successful due to positive and supportive teams of doctors. They not only saved a patient but also marked a new journey in the field of medicine.

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