What is the most common cause of hydrops fetalis?

Among the infectious etiologies, the most common causes are cytomegalovirus (CMV), toxoplasmosis, syphilis, and B19V infection. Infectious causes of hydrops fetalis are as follows: B19V. CMV.

How is hydrops fetalis diagnosed?

Diagnosis of hydrops fetalis is usually made during an ultrasound. A doctor might notice hydrops fetalis on an ultrasound during a routine pregnancy checkup. An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to help capture live images of the inside of the body.

What causes fetal chylothorax?

The exact cause of chylothorax in newborns is often unknown. Most cases of chylothorax are congenital (present at birth). It can also be caused by trauma from surgery.

How common is fetal chylothorax?

It is a rare occurrence, estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 births, with a mortality rate ranging between 20% and 60%. If chylothorax is associated with hydrops fetalis, mortality can be as high as 98%. The most serious consequences of fetal chylothorax are pulmonary hypoplasia, congestive heart failure, and hydrops.

What conditions could cause fetal hydrops?

Many different diseases and other medical complications can cause hydrops fetalis, such as:

• hemolytic disease of the newborn.
• severe anemia.
• infections present at birth.
• heart or lung defects.
• chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.
• liver disease.

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.

When can hydrops be detected?

Hydrops due to chromosomal abnormalities is usually detected during early pregnancy, whereas cardiac causes are detected in the second or third trimester. Hence, a detailed prenatal workup should be done in suspected cases.

Is fetal hydrops common?

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis is more common. It accounts for up to 90% of cases of hydrops. The condition occurs when a disease or medical condition affects the body’s ability to manage fluid.

Is chylothorax fatal in newborns?

Some babies with persistent chylothoraces (15%) eventually die, usually from complications of therapy.

Is chylothorax genetic?

Our patients, in addition to the previously reported familial cases, suggest that in some instances a spectrum of CPL with chylothorax has a genetic basis. There is clinical variability among the reported familial cases.

What is maternal Mirror Syndrome?

Mirror syndrome is a rare, potentially life‐threatening obstetric complication characterized by the development of maternal edema, hypertension, and proteinuria in association with fetal hydrops. Hydrops is diagnosed when there is accumulation of fluid in at least two fetal compartments.

Is fetal hydrops genetic?

Thirty (5.5%) and 35 (2.8%) cases of hydrops were found in the groups of fetal and neonatal autopsies, respectively. Genetic causes accounted for 35%. A careful search for previously reported genetic causes of fetal hydrops indicated 64 different etiologies.