Abstract

IntroductionNon immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is defined as the extra cellular accumulation of fluid in tissues and serous cavities, without evidence of circulating antibodies against red blood cell antigens. NIHF is the result of a heterogeneous group of conditions including cardiovascular, pulmonary, chromosomal, haematology, infectious disorders and deposit disease.A 34‐year‐old pregnant woman with obstetrical history of two prior perinatal deaths between 29th and 30th weeks of gestation, all associated with foetal hydrops. In the prior pregnancy we made a exhaustive study of the foetal blood, obtained by cordocentesis, and the parents' blood. This study included haematology, infectious serology, hormonal and immune disorders and it was detected a shared HLA DR and DQ. In the current pregnancy, the foetus has developed hydrops at the 20th week of gestation which has been diagnosticated by ultrasound. Once again the results of the research has been normal and we have tried to correct the hypoproteinemia with albumen infusion by cordocentesis. The following up has showed the increase of the hydrops concluding with cardiovascular failure and foetal death.DiscussionThe mortality rate of recurrent NIHF is over the 80% of the cases and depends on the ethiology. The epidemiological studies had demonstrated the association between abortions and parents who shared HLA DR and DQ but the association with recurrent NIHF is not a proved fact.The diagnosis of hydrop fetalis is by ultrasound on detection of skin thickness greater than 5 mm with fluid accumulation in at least one of the serous cavities. It is also necessary to obtain a detailed ultrasound scan for structural defects, echocardiography and Doppler blood flow studies of mayor foetal vessels. Ultrasound is an important tool used in the following up of NIHF and it makes possible the use of the cordocentesis therapy in some cases.

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