Severity of non-immune hydrops fetalis at birth continues to predict survival despite advances in perinatal care.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the aetiology and short-term outcome of live-born infants with non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIH), to identify predictors of mortality and to establish whether there has been any change in mortality over a 14-year period.


METHODS
A retrospective case note review of all liveborn neonates with NIH.


RESULTS
30 infants were identified. Twenty (66%) had an identifiable aetiology. Ten (33%) survived to discharge. Survivors had significantly higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min (both p<0.001). Mortality did not differ between the time periods 1990-1999 and 2000-2004.


CONCLUSIONS
NIH continues to be associated with a significant mortality despite advances in perinatal care. Poor condition at birth is a strong predictor of death.
Simpson
Judith H
JH
Paediatric Department, Queen Mother's Hospital, Yorkhill, Glasgow, UK. judsimpson@hotmail.com
McDevitt
Helen
H
Young
David
D
Cameron
Alan D
AD
D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality*; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018743:Perinatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy