Open AccessEtiology and outcome of second trimester non‐immunologic fetal hydrops
Author(s) -
HEIN SEPPO,
RYYNÄNEN MARKKU,
KIRKINEN PERTTI
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0412.2000.079001015.x
Subject(s) - medicine , etiology , fetus , hydrops fetalis , population , obstetrics , pregnancy , prenatal diagnosis , pediatrics , pathology , environmental health , biology , genetics
Background. This investigation was undertaken to study the conditions resulting in midtrimester fetal hydrops and to evaluate its overall prognosis as regards counseling purposes. Material and methods. The etiology of midtrimester non‐immune fetal hydrops was retrospectively evaluated as regards cases detected in singleton pregnancies ( n =58) from January 1987 through December 1996. The condition was diagnosed by way of routine biochemical and ultrasonographic screening of a pregnant population. Results. The rate of diagnosed midtrimester fetal hydrops was 1 in 1700 pregnancies and the overall survival rate in this usually unexpected condition was less than 10%. Various chromosomal and fetal structural abnormalities dominated as a cause of fetal hydrops, representing 44.8% and 43.1% of the cases, respectively. Infection caused only 6.9%. The underlying etiology remained unknown in only three cases. However, in 78% the diagnosis was already known prenatally. Discussion. Although the overall prognosis is poor, knowledge of the primary etiology is important to determine a rational therapeutic strategy. If the results of routine investigations rule out malformation and abnormal chromosomes, follow‐up serial ultrasonographic assessment may indicate that the hydropic state is transient, carrying a somewhat better prognosis.