Nonimmune hydrops fetalis diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy in Southern China.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) for a southern section of China.


METHODS
138 cases of NIHF presenting after 20 weeks' gestation over a 10-year period were reviewed.


RESULTS
The causes of fetal hydrops were identified in 92.0%. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia dominated as the cause of NIHF (55.1%), followed by infection (15.2%) and structural abnormalities (10.9%). No obvious cause was identified in 11 cases (8.0%). Termination of pregnancy was performed in 131 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Homozygous alpha-thalassemia is the most common cause of NIHF in southern China. An effective prenatal thalassemia screening program should be established in this high prevalence region.
Liao
Can
C
Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Maternal and Neonatal Hospital, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
Wei
Jiaxue
J
Li
Qiuming
Q
Li
Jian
J
Li
Lixian
L
Li
Dongzhi
D
D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D017218:Cordocentesis; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D017085:alpha-Thalassemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis
D006455:Hemoglobins, Abnormal; C030448:hemoglobin Bart's