Hydrops foetalis
Hydrops foetalis is the most severe manifestation of haemolytic disease in the foetus or neonate. There is gross oedema of the whole foetal body and hepatosplenomegaly associated with severe anaemia. (1)
It is typically classified into immune and nonimmune (NIHF) forms based on the underlying aetiology. Immune hydrops fetalis, caused by red blood cell alloimmunization, has become rare due to the introduction of anti-D immune globulin prophylaxis.
In contrast, NIHF, which now accounts for 85% to 95% of hydrops cases, results from various conditions that disrupt fluid movement between vascular and interstitial compartments. (2)
Depending on the cause, the infant may die before or shortly after birth. Prompt treatment of the underling cause during pregnancy or after birth may be of benefit.
Reference
- Derderian SC et al. The many faces of hydrops. J Pediatr Surg. 2015 Jan;50(1):50-4; discussion 54.
- Kosinski P et al. Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis-Prenatal Diagnosis, Genetic Investigation, Outcomes and Literature Review. J Clin Med. 2020 Jun 08;9(6)
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