what is Hydrops Foetalis? details plz!?

Answer 1

Hydrops fetalis is a blood condition in the fetus characterized by an edema in the fetal subcutaneous tissue, sometimes leading to spontaneous abortion.

The hallmark of the disease is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body cavities (pleural, pericardial, peritoneal) and soft tissues with a wall thickness of greater than 5 mm. In addition, hydrops fetalis is associated with polyhydramnios and a thickened placenta (>6 cm) in as many as 30-75% of patients. Many affected fetuses also have hepatosplenomegaly.

Pathophysiology: The basic problem is an imbalance in fluid homoeostasis, with more fluid accumulating than can be resorbed. This imbalance can result from 2 broad categories of pathologies, namely, those of an immune origin and those of a nonimmune origin.

Immune-related hydrops fetalis (IHF) results from alloimmune hemolytic disease or Rh isoimmunization. The mother is sensitized and has antibodies against fetal blood cells, causing hemolysis in the fetus when circulated maternal antibodies (immunoglobulin G [IgG]) cross the placenta to reach fetal circulation. Most cases occur because of antibodies to D-positive Rh antigen, although some cases can occur because of antibodies to C-positive and E-positive Rh antigens. Rare blood group antibodies, such as the Kell (K) system and the Duffy (Fy) system, also can cause hydrops.

Nonimmune-related hydrops fetalis (NIHF) can result from primary myocardial failure, high-output cardiac failure, decreased colloid oncotic plasma pressure, increased capillary permeability, and obstruction of venous or lymphatic flow. Fetal cardiac anomalies are the most common cause of nonimmune-related hydrops fetalis. Chromosomal anomalies are the second most common cause.


If you want more details go to this web page .
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_hrnewborn/hydrops.cfm

Answer 2

Hydrops fetalis is a severe, life-threatening problem of severe edema (swelling) in the fetus and newborn. It is also called hydrops. There are two types of hydrops:

* immune - results when the mother's immune system causes breakdown of red blood cells in the fetus. This is the most dangerous problem of blood group incompatibility between the mother and baby.

* non-immune - the most common type; can result when diseases or complications interfere with the baby's ability to manage fluid.