What is non-immune hydrops fetalis?
Disease definition. Non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), a form of HF, is a severe fetal condition defined as the excessive accumulation of fetal fluid within the fetal extravascular compartments and body cavities, and is the end-stage of a wide variety of disorders.
What is the most common cause of non-immune hydrops?
Types of Hydrops (Pleural effusion)
Non-immune hydrops, the most common type, is caused by a fetal medical condition or birth defect that affects the body’s ability to manage fluid.
How common is non-immune hydrops fetalis?
Hydrops fetalis affects between 1 in 1700 and 1 in 3000 pregnancies, and is associated with significant perinatal complications ranging from preterm birth to mirror syndrome, stillbirth, and neonatal demise.
What are the ultrasound characteristics of hydrops fetalis?
The sonographic features of hydrops fetalis are defined as the presence of 2 or more abnormal fluid collections in the fetus. These include ascites, pleural effusions, pericardial effusion, and generalized skin edema (defined as skin thickness >5 mm).
What is the most common cause of hydrops fetalis?
The condition occurs when a disease or medical condition affects the body’s ability to manage fluid. There are three main causes for this type, heart or lung problems, severe anemia (such as from thalassemia or infections), and genetic or developmental problems, including Turner syndrome.
How long can a baby survive hydrops?
The prognosis for babies with hydrops fetalis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Overall, however, the survival rate is low. More than half of all babies with the condition die before birth or soon after delivery.
Can a baby with hydrops survive?
The outlook for hydrops fetalis depends on the underlying condition, but even with treatment, the survival rate for the baby is low. Only about 20 percent of babies diagnosed with hydrops fetalis before birth will survive to delivery, and of those babies, only half will survive after delivery.
What infections cause fetal hydrops?
A variety of infectious agents have been associated with nonimmune hydrops fetalis, most notably parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Treponema pallidum. These agents produce hydrops through effects on fetal bone marrow, myocardium, or vascular endothelium.
What genetic conditions cause hydrops?
Nonimmune Hydrops fetalis occurs when a disease or medical condition disrupts the body’s ability to manage fluid. There are three main causes for this type: heart or lung problems, severe anemia (thalassemia), and genetic defects, including Turner syndrome. The exact cause depends on which form a baby has.
What does hydrops look like on ultrasound?
Sonographic features can be similar for both immune and non-immune hydrops and include: increased amniotic fluid volumes. increased nuchal translucency (especially 1st trimester 5) larger placental size (placentomegaly) / increased placental thickness (placental edema)
Why do babies get hydrops?
How long do babies with hydrops live?
Overall, however, the survival rate is low. More than half of all babies with the condition die before birth or soon after delivery. The risk is highest for those who are diagnosed with hydrops fetalis early (less than 24 weeks into pregnancy) and for those who have a structural abnormality, such as a heart defect.
Can a baby recover from hydrops?
The severe swelling that occurs with hydrops can overtake a baby’s organ systems. About half of unborn babies with hydrops do not survive. For babies born with hydrops, survival often depends on the cause of the disease and its treatment.
Can babies recover from hydrops?
What organs are at higher risk when a fetus has hydrops fetalis?
Babies born with hydrops fetalis may also have underdeveloped lungs and be at a higher risk of: heart failure. brain damage. hypoglycemia.
How early can hydrops fetalis be detected?
More than half of all babies with the condition die before birth or soon after delivery. The risk is highest for those who are diagnosed with hydrops fetalis early (less than 24 weeks into pregnancy) and for those who have a structural abnormality, such as a heart defect.
Do babies born with hydrops survive?
Nearly half of the babies born with hydrops do not survive. There are two types of hydrops: Immune hydrops fetalis, which occurs when the mother’s immune system causes a baby’s red blood cells to break down; this is the most dangerous complication of hemolytic disease of the newborn.
Can hydrops fetalis disappear?
During pregnancy, hydrops fetalis is treatable only in certain situations. After birth, treatment may include: help for difficulty breathing using extra oxygen or a mechanical breathing machine. removal of excessive fluid from spaces around the lungs and abdomen using a needle.