Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn. See also: Erythroblastosis fetalis
There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The exact cause depends on which form a baby has. The rate of immune hydrops fetalis has dropped dramatically since the introduction of a medicine called RhoGAM, used to treat mothers at risk for Rh incompatibility.
Symptoms depend on the severity of the condition. Mild forms may cause: More severe forms may cause:
An ultrasound done during pregnancy may show: An amniocentesis and frequent ultrasounds will be done to determine the severity of the condition.
Treatment depends on the cause. During pregnancy, treatment may include: Treatment for a newborn may include:
Hydrops fetalis often results in death of the infant shortly before or after delivery. The risk is highest among the most premature babies and those who are severely ill at birth.
A form of central nervous system damage called kernicterus may occur.
Rh incompatibility, which can lead to this condition, can be prevented if the mother takes a medicine called RhoGAM at certain times during and after pregnancy.
Abrams ME, Meredith KS, Kinnard P, Clark RH. Hydrops fetalis: a retrospective review of cases reported to a large national database and identification of risk factors associated with death. Pediatrics. 2007 Jul;120(1):84-9. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005.
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Reviewer Info: Deirdre OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/11/2007 |