Which intervention is NOT appropriate for addressing fetal distress due to maternal antibodies?

Which intervention is NOT appropriate for addressing fetal distress due to maternal antibodies?

• A. Intrauterine transfusion
• B. Plasmapheresis on the mother
• C. Transfusion of antigen-positive cells to the mother
• D. Early induction of labor

Answer: (C)

The selection of the correct answer focuses on the interventions available for managing fetal distress caused by maternal antibodies. In cases where maternal antibodies are affecting the fetus—such as in hemolytic disease of the newborn—the main goals are to address the fetal distress and improve fetal well-being. Transfusion of antigen-positive cells to the mother would not be an appropriate intervention in this scenario. Introducing antigen-positive cells can exacerbate the existing problem, as these cells may be targeted by the maternal immune response, increasing the number of maternal antibodies and worsening fetal distress. The maternal antibodies present can lead to hemolysis of the transfused antigen-positive cells, contributing to an already challenging situation for the fetus. On the other hand, intrauterine transfusion is a common procedure used to treat fetal anemia resulting from maternal antibodies by providing the fetus with red blood cells directly. Plasmapheresis on the mother can help to reduce the levels of harmful antibodies circulating in her blood. Early induction of labor may also be indicated if the risks of continued gestation outweigh the benefits, particularly in severe cases.

The selection of the correct answer focuses on the interventions available for managing fetal distress caused by maternal antibodies. In cases where maternal antibodies are affecting the fetus—such as in hemolytic disease of the newborn—the main goals are to address the fetal distress and improve fetal well-being.

Transfusion of antigen-positive cells to the mother would not be an appropriate intervention in this scenario. Introducing antigen-positive cells can exacerbate the existing problem, as these cells may be targeted by the maternal immune response, increasing the number of maternal antibodies and worsening fetal distress. The maternal antibodies present can lead to hemolysis of the transfused antigen-positive cells, contributing to an already challenging situation for the fetus.

On the other hand, intrauterine transfusion is a common procedure used to treat fetal anemia resulting from maternal antibodies by providing the fetus with red blood cells directly. Plasmapheresis on the mother can help to reduce the levels of harmful antibodies circulating in her blood. Early induction of labor may also be indicated if the risks of continued gestation outweigh the benefits, particularly in severe cases.