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.
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.
G J
GJ
Downing
H W
HW
Kilbride
J D
JD
Yeast
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