Diseases

Hydrops Fetalis

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Hydrops fetalis (fetal hydrops) is a serious fetal condition defined as abnormal accumulation of fluid in two or more fetal compartments, including ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and skin edema. In some patients, it may also be associated with polyhydramnios and placental edema.

SYMPTOMS

After birth, symptoms may include:

Pale coloring.
Severe edema overall, especially in the baby's abdomen.
Enlarged liver and spleen.
Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing)

CAUSES

The non-immune form of hydrops fetalis has many causes including:
Iron deficiency anemia.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia resulting in heart failure.
Deficiency of the enzyme beta-glucuronidase. ...
Congenital disorders of glycosylation.
Parvovirus b19 (fifth disease) infection of the pregnant woman.