title: Fetal pleural effusion.
abstract: Fetal pleural effusion, a nonspecific accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, is an uncommon anomaly which can be associated with aneuploidy and a range of other structural malformations or genetic syndromes. Spontaneous resolution is not rare and confers a good prognosis. Perinatal outcome is better for those fetuses without hydrops than those presenting with hydrops. A detailed review of the literature indicates that, for fetuses with persistent effusions, in utero intervention (repeated thoracocentesis, intrauterine shunting and pleurodesis) may improve the chances of survival.
authors.affiliation: 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Milano, Ospedale Buzzi, Via Castelvetro 32, Milano - Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Angela
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rustico
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lanna
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coviello
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smoleniec
authors.forename: Umberto
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nicolini
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D018450:Disease Progression; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005332:Fetoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019152:Paracentesis; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D018700:Pleurodesis / Q000379:methods; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods