The outcome of isolated fetal ascites.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the outcome of pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal ascites.


METHODS
This is a review of 12 cases of isolated fetal ascites managed at the fetal medicine unit at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. The work-up for ascites included detailed ultrasound examination, checking maternal blood group and testing for the presence of antibodies, as well as maternal infection screening and fetal karyotyping.


RESULTS
Ten out of the 12 pregnancies had a viable fetal outcome, with two babies (20%) requiring further bowel surgery. Ascites resolved spontaneously in three pregnancies (30%) antenatally and in two babies (20%) few weeks after delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
Isolated fetal ascites with normal karyotype and negative infection screen carries a good prognosis, with spontaneous resolution in most of the cases. However the parents should be counselled as regards the possibility of need for surgery or the presence of underlying syndromes.
El Bishry
Gasser
G
Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle upon Tyne, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham DH1 4LT, United Kingdom. Gasser.elbishry@cddah.nhs.uk
D001201:Ascites / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D001789:Blood Group Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D007621:Karyotyping; D008403:Mass Screening; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D001789:Blood Group Antigens