Incidence, Causes and Pregnancy Outcomes of Hydrops Fetalis at Srinagarind Hospital, 1996-2005: A 10-Year Review
Thawalwong Ratanasiri MD*, Ratana Komwilaisak MD*, Anchulee Sittivech MD*, Pilaiwan Kleebkeaw MD*, Kanok Seejorn MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Objective : To identify the incidence and determine causes and pregnancy outcomes of hydrops fetalis at
Srinagarind Hospital.
Study design: A retrospective descriptive study.
Results : Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen
University.
Material and Method: A retrospective medical record review of all pregnant women and newborns who were
diagnosed with hydrops fetalis at all gestational ages and delivered at Srinagarind Hospital between 1996
and 2005.
Results : During the period of study, the incidence of hydrops fetalis was 1.80 per 1,000 total births (82 cases
of 45,499 total births). Thirty-nine cases (47.56%) were idiopathic, 30 cases (36.58%) were Hb Bart’s hydrops
fetalis, and three (3.66%) cases were caused by congenital infection. The others 10 cases (12.19%) were
achondrogenesis, Turner syndrome, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, severe anemia with unknown
primary cause, cystic hygroma, multiple congenital anomalies, and Rh isoimmunization. The mortality rate of
hydrops fetalis in the present series was 98.78%. One case, caused by Rh isoimmunization, survived. Maternal
complications were 30 cases (36.59%) consisting of preeclampsia, preterm labor, disseminated intravascular
coagulopathy, placenta previa, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Conclusion : The incidence of hydrops fetalis was 1.80 per 1,000 total births. The common known cause was
Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis. The mortality rate of hydrops fetalis in the present study was very high.
Keywords : Hydrops fetalis, Incidence, Cause, Pregnancy outcomes
