Hydrops fetalis, or fetal hydrops, is a rare but serious condition where fluid builds up in two or more areas of a baby’s body, leading to severe swelling. This condition can be life-threatening and requires specialized care.
What Causes Hydrops Fetalis?
- Non-immune hydrops: This is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases. It occurs due to fetal health conditions or birth defects that disrupt the body’s ability to manage fluid. Common causes include:
- Severe anemia
- Congenital infections (i.e., syphilis, parvovirus B19)
- Heart or lung defects
- Genetic or chromosomal abnormalities
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
- Immune hydrops: This occurs when the mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells leading to fetal anemia.
How Does Hydrops Fetalis Affect the Baby?
Hydrops poses significant risks, including:
- Severe swelling
- Enlarged organs (heart, liver or spleen)
- Excess amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios)
- Preterm birth or stillbirth
- Breathing difficulties at birth due to underdeveloped lungs
In some cases, maternal mirror syndrome may occur, where the mother experiences symptoms like swelling and preeclampsia, requiring immediate intervention.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Hydrops is often diagnosed during pregnancy through routine ultrasounds that reveal fluid accumulating in the baby’s body. Additional tests may include:
- Ultrasound and MRI: To identify fluid buildup and birth defects.
- Fetal echocardiogram: To assess heart function.
- Blood testing: To rule out infections and check for Rh incompatibility.
- Amniocentesis: For genetic testing.
Treatment During Pregnancy
Treatment During Pregnancy
Treatment depends on the cause and stage of pregnancy. Options may include:
- Intrauterine blood transfusions: To treat anemia.
- Chest shunts: To remove excess fluid in cases of pleural effusion.
- Medications: For fetal heart rhythm issues.
- Corticosteroids: To help fetal lung development if preterm delivery is likely.
Delivery and postnatal care
Deliveries should occur in hospitals equipped with neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). After birth, treatments for the baby may involve:
- Breathing support or ventilators
- Removal of excess fluid
- Blood transfusions
- Surgery for birth defects
A multidisciplinary team of specialists, including neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and geneticists, will provide comprehensive care.
Prognosis and outlook
The baby’s prognosis depends on factors like the underlying cause, timing of diagnosis, and available treatments. Early intervention improves outcomes, but hydrops remains a high-risk condition. Babies diagnosed earlier in pregnancy may face greater challenges.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Hydrops fetalis, or fetal hydrops, is a rare but serious condition where fluid builds up in two or more areas of a baby’s body, leading to severe swelling. This condition can be life-threatening and requires specialized care.
- Non-immune hydrops is the most common type of hydrops fetalis, accounting for about 90% of cases. It occurs due to fetal health conditions or birth defects that disrupt the body’s ability to manage fluid.
- Hydrops fetalis is often diagnosed during pregnancy through routine ultrasounds that reveal fluid accumulating in the baby’s body.
- Treatment depends on the cause and stage of pregnancy.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
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