Hydrops fetalis is edema of the fetus that is defined as a collection of fluid in at least two fetal compartments. It can be immune or nonimmune in type, with immune hydrops occurring due to red blood cell alloimmunization from maternal antibodies forming against fetal red blood cell antigens, which can cause fetal anemia and hemolysis. Diagnostic methods include determining maternal antibodies, fetal blood typing, amniocentesis to monitor severity of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, fetal blood sampling, and ultrasound.
2. Introduction
•Hydrops fetalis (Latin) = Edema of the
Fetus
–Defined as a collection of fluid in at least
two serous compartments
•Is of 2 types
–Immune hydrops and
–Nonimmune hydrops
•More common
3. Immune Hydrops
Red Cell Alloimmunization
–Formation of antibodies for red cell antigens
–Perinatal consequence
•Hemolysis and
•Anemia
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5. Diagnostic Methods
1.Maternal antibody determination
2.Fetal blood typing
3.Amniocentesis to follow the severity
of HDFN
4.Fetal blood sampling
5.Ultrasound
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12. Immune Hydrops
Red Cell Alloimmunization
–Formation of antibodies for red cell antigens
–Perinatal consequence
•Hemolysis and
•Anemia
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