title: Nonimmune hydrops fetalis.
abstract: In summary, NIHF is a heterogenous disorder resulting from a vast number of underlying pathologies. A thorough evaluation should be performed in all cases to attempt to establish the etiology. This requires a systematic approach that should logically proceed from least to most invasive testing. Despite increasing availability of treatment for some causes of NIHF, the prognosis for this condition in general remains poor. In cases of fetal or neonatal demise, autopsy should be encouraged to aid in confirming or making a diagnosis. It is especially important to rule out potentially treatable conditions, as well as genetic disorders with a risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D004200:Diseases in Twins; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications