NonimmuneHydrops FetalisPart II: Does Etiology Influence Mortality?

Abstract

HYDROPS FETALIS IS A CONDITION in which there is an excess of total body fluid, primarily within the fetal interstitial spaces.1,2Etymologically,hydrops fetalisis a Latin term meaning “edema of the fetus.”2,3In addition to generalized edema, the fetus has at least one of the following: ascites, pericardial effusion, pleural effusion(s), and an abnormally thick (>6 cm) placenta.4–6Hydrops is classified as nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) when it occurs without evidence of isoimmunization.7,8