The prenatal intervention progress of primary fetal hydrothorax

Abstract

Primary fetal hydrothorax(PFHT) is an uncommon congenital disease.Fetal hydrothorax is thought to be due to leakage of lymphatic fluid in the pleural space either caused by direct leakage of lymphatic fluid from the thoracic duct, overproduction or impaired drainage of lymph.The outcome of fetal hydrothorax may vary from spon-taneous resolution without postnatal morbidity to severe fetal hydrops and perinatal death.At present, there is no consensus on the treatment of PFHT.Now, the latest researches progress on prenatal ultrasonographic characteristics, prenatal diagnostic procedures, prenatal intervention, and prognosis in PFHT, were reviewed combined with the diagnosis and treatment principle of single center in Guangdong Women and Children′s Hospital, which would provide useful guidance for clinical treatment of PFHT. Key words: Fetus; Primary fetal hydrothorax; Prenatal diagnosis; Prenatal intervention