Hydrops Fetalis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Abnormal fluid accumulation in 2 or more foetal compartments including ascites, pleural effusion, subcut oedema etc

End stage manifestation of several conditions leading to severe anaemia, heart failure and hypoxia

Question 2

What is immune hydrops?

Answer 2

Due to rhesus incompatibility- 2nd pregnancy no previous Anti D

Maternal Anti-D antibodies attack foetus blood cells leading to severe anaemia and resultant hydrops

Question 3

What are causes of non immune hydrops?

Answer 3

alpha thalassaemia- SE asian decent, recurrent hydrops

Cardiac- Congenital heart disease- foetal brady/tachycardia, abnormal ECHO

Parvovirus B19- contact with slapped cheek child

TORCH syndrome- maternal history of flu, hepatosplenomegaly, intracranial calcifications

Chromosomal/Genetic Causes
Turners/Noonan

Question 4

What are clinical features?

Answer 4

Skin Oedema
Pleural/pericardial effusions
Ascites
Polyhydraminos
Placental thickening
Elevated MCA peak systolic velocity- suggests anaemia