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Hydrops fetalis is a serious condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn.
See also: Erythroblastosis fetalis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThere are two types of hydrops fetalis: Immune and nonimmune. The exact cause depends on which form a baby has.
- Immune hydrops fetalis is a complication of a severe form of Rh incompatibility. Rh compatibility causes massive red blood cell destruction, which leads to several problems, including total body swelling. Severe swelling can interfere with how the body organs work.
- 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 number of babies who develop immune hydrops fetalis has dramatically decreased since the introduction of the medicine RhoGAM, which is used to treat pregnant mothers at risk for Rh incompatibility.
SymptomsSymptoms depend on the severity of the condition. Mild forms may cause:
- Liver swelling
- Change in skin color (pallor)
More severe forms may cause:
- Breathing problems
- Bruising or purplish bruise-like spots on the skin
- Heart failure
- Severe anemia
- Severe jaundice
- Total body swelling
An ultrasound done during pregnancy may show:
- High amounts of amniotic fluid
- Abnormally large placenta
- Fluid that leads to swelling in the unborn baby's belly area and organs, including the liver, spleen, heart, or lung area
An amniocentesis and frequent ultrasounds will be done to determine the severity of the condition.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause. During pregnancy, treatment may include:
- Medicine to cause early labor and delivery of the baby
- Early cesarean delivery if condition gets worse
- Intrauterine fetal blood transfusion
Treatment for a newborn may include:
- Direct transfusion of packed red blood cells (compatible with the infant's blood type) and an exchange transfusion to rid the baby's body of the substances that are destroying the red blood cells
- Needle aspiration to remove extra fluid from around the lungs and belly area
- Medicines to control congestive heart failure and help the kidneys remove extra fluids
- Methods to help the baby breathe, such as a breathing machine
Hydrops fetalis often results in death of the infant shortly before or after delivery. The risk is highest among the most premature babies and those who are severely ill at birth.
ComplicationsA form of central nervous system damage called kernicterus may occur.
PreventionRh incompatibility, which can lead to this condition, can be prevented if the mother takes a medicine called RhoGAM at certain times during and after pregnancy.
ReferencesAbrams ME, Meredith KS, Kinnard P, Clark RH. Hydrops fetalis: a retrospective review of cases reported to a large national database and identification of risk factors associated with death. Pediatrics. 2007 Jul;120(1):84-9.
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005.
What else can I help you with?
What are the chances of hydrops fetalis recurring if only the mother has alpha thalassemia trait?
It is unlikely.
Erythroblastosis fetalis can be prevented by treating what?
jnun
What has the author Maija Kirves written?
Maija Kirves has written: 'Psychological development of Rh-children' -- subject(s): Developmental psychobiology, Erythroblastosis fetalis, Psychological aspects, Psychological aspects of Erythroblastosis fetalis, Rh factor
Which class of immunoglobulin is responsible for the development of erythroblastosis fetalis?
IgG is the class of immunoglobulin responsible for the development of erythroblastosis fetalis. It can cross the placenta from a mother who is Rh-negative to a fetus who is Rh-positive, leading to hemolytic disease in the newborn.
Why does a disparity in ABO blood group system reduce risk of erythroblastosis fetalis?
What is Erythroblastosis?
How erythroblastosis fetalis got its name?
Erythroblastosis fetalis got its name from the presence of erythroblasts, which are immature red blood cells, in the fetal circulation. The condition occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and fetus, often due to Rh factor incompatibility. This results in the mother's immune system attacking the fetal red blood cells, leading to anemia and other complications. The term "fetalis" denotes its occurrence during fetal development.
In which condition is the patient most likely to hemorrhage a thrombocytopenia b polycthemia c thalassemia d eryhroblastisi fetalis?
polycyhemia
What conditions are present when hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs?
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is known as erythroblastosis fetalis
Which class of antibody produced by a pregnant woman may attack RBCs in her fetus resulting in erythroblastosis fetalis?
IgG molecules.
Erythroblastosis fetalis can be prevented by treating?
Erythroblastosis fetalis can be prevented by treating Rh incompatibility between the mother and fetus. This involves giving the mother Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) during pregnancy and after delivery to prevent her immune system from producing antibodies against the baby's red blood cells.
Who is the most harmed when erythroblastosis fetalis occurs?
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a potentially life threatening blood disorder in fetus or new born infant. It happens when the mother possesses Rh negative blood where the foetus posses Rh positive blood which turns it weak anaemic nd jaundiced or in severe case death of the foetus occurs..
Who is the most harmful party when erythroblastosis fetalis occurs?
Erythroblastosis fetalis is a potentially life threatening blood disorder in fetus or new born infant. It happens when the mother possesses Rh negative blood where the foetus posses Rh positive blood which turns it weak anaemic nd jaundiced or in severe case death of the foetus occurs..
