Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis Part II: Does Etiology Influence Mortality?

HYDROPS FETALIS IS A CONDITION in which there is an excess of total body fluid, primarily within the fetal interstitial spaces.^1,2 Etymologically, hydrops fetalis is a Latin term meaning "edema of the fetus."^2,3 In addition to generalized edema, the fetus has at least one of the following: ascites, pericardial effusion, pleural effusion(s), and an abnormally thick (>6 cm) placenta.^4–6 Hydrops is classified as nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) when it occurs without evidence of isoimmunization.^7,8