Long-term in utero drainage of fetal hydrothorax.

Abstract

FETAL hydrothorax has a perinatal mortality of 57 to 100 percent. Mortality is higher when the hydrothorax occurs in association with generalized hydrops than when it is an isolated finding.1 , 2 Intrathoracic compression of the developing lung produces pulmonary hypoplasia, which is the main cause of perinatal death in fetuses with hydrothorax.1 , 2 Large pleural effusions may cause hydramnios by interfering with fetal swallowing and hydrops by vena caval obstruction and cardiac compression.3 , 4 Chylothorax, the most common cause of hydrothorax in neonates,5 can be diagnosed by demonstrating chylomicrons in pleural fluid after alimentation; however, the differentiation of this entity from other causes . . .