Abstract
During a period of 8 years (1985-92), 100 fetuses were diagnosed to have non-immune hydrops on the basis of ultrasonographic findings and absence of rhesus isoimmunization. Both the mother and the fetus were thoroughly evaluated by a set protocol that included a detailed fetal abnormality scan with echocardiography and fetal blood sampling. A cause for non-immune hydrops could be identified in 81% of the fetuses. Cardiovascular abnormalities (23%) and α1-thalassemia (22%) were almost equally common etiological factors in the South-East Asian population under investigation. A chromosomal abnormality was detected in 10% of the fetuses with non-immune hydrops. Twenty-six fetuses were found to be suitable for in utero therapy. In utero therapy included one or more of the following: (1) fetal intravascular blood transfusion; (2) direct fetal drug therapy; and (3) fetal pleuroamniotic shunting. Eighteen of the 26 babies (69.2%) were alive and well at 1 month after delivery. It is concluded that in well-selected cases appropriate in utero fetal therapy can lead to significant improvement in fetal salvage.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 196-200 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 3 |
Publication status | Published - Sept 1996 |
Keywords
- Fetal blood sampling
- Fetal therapy
- In utero therapy
- Non-immune hydrops
- Prenatal diagnosis
- Ultrasonography