Nonimmune hydrops fetalis caused by a massive fetomaternal hemorrhage associated with elevated maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. A case report.
Chronic fetomaternal hemorrhage led to the development of fetal anemia and nonimmune hydrops fetalis in a term neonate. Antenatal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were abnormally elevated, with normal amniotic fluid levels. Kleihauer-Betke staining was performed as part of the evaluation. Serial ultrasound examinations can be useful for unexplained elevations in maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein because of the associated increased fetal loss in those pregnancies. If fetomaternal hemorrhage is identified, serial ultrasound examinations are indicated for the detection of fetal hydrops.
Downing
G J
GJ
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.
Kilbride
H W
HW
Yeast
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D005331:Fetomaternal Transfusion / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000209:etiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins / Q000032:analysis*
D000509:alpha-Fetoproteins