1 Rh Laboratory and Department of Paediatrics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Two statements in Dr. Jenold Lucey's paper, "Current Indications and Results of Fetal Transfusions" (Pediatrics, 41:139, 1968), run counter to our experience in Winnipeg.
If a fetal transfusion is required before the twenty-eighth week of intrauterine life, we do not find "the risk to be very high." In the 26-month period ending January 2, 1968, 63% of all fetuses undergoing initial intrauterine transfusions before 26 weeks gestation have survived. Using exactly the criteria for fetal transfusion outlined by Doctor Lucey (his last sentence on page 139) , we have found it necessary to subject 27 fetuses50% of all those undergoing transfusionto their initial procedures before the twenty-sixth week of intrauterine life.