title: Nonimmune fetal ascites: identification of ultrasound findings predictive of perinatal death.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the ultrasonographic findings that predict death in fetal ascites.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a retrospective cohort study involving pregnancies with ultrasonographic findings related to fetal ascites. The inclusion criteria were as follows: single pregnancy with a live fetus; ultrasound findings of ascites; ascites unrelated to maternal fetal alloimmunization; and pregnancy follow-up at our institution. The χ2-test was used to evaluate the association of ultrasound findings and death. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the ultrasound findings that are predictive of death prior to hospital discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 154 pregnancies were included in the study. In 8 (5.19%) cases, ascites was an isolated finding, and in 146 cases, other alterations were observed during the ultrasound evaluation. Death before hospital discharge occurred in 117 cases (76.00%). The following ultrasonographic findings were significantly associated with death: gestational age at diagnosis <24 weeks (P<0.0001); stable/progressive ascites evolution (P=0.004); the presence of hydrops (P<0.0001); and the presence of cystic hygroma (P<0.0001). The presence of hydrops, the presence of respiratory tract malformations, and stable/progressive ascites evolution were significantly associated with the prediction of death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on ultrasound examination, the presence of hydrops, malformation of the respiratory tract, and stable/progressive evolution of ascites increase the chances of death in cases of fetal ascites.
authors: Felipe
authors: F
authors: Baccega
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: de Lourdes Brizot
authors: Vera Lúcia
authors: VL
authors: Jornada Krebs
authors: Rossana Pulcineli
authors: RP
authors: Vieira Francisco
authors: Marcelo
authors: M
authors: Zugaib
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001201:Ascites / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D066087:Perinatal Death / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D055815:Young Adult