Hydrops Fetalis (An Analysis of 34 Autopsy Cases)

Abstract

We have collected 34 cases of hydrops fetalis from the autopsy file of Department of Pathology of Seoul National University Hospital. The examination period was 26 years from 1962 to 1987. Major associated conditions were analyzed and classified. Among 34 cases 24 were deadborns and the remaining 9 cases survived from a few minutes to 5 days. There were 11 males and 23 females. Immune hemolytic anemia was seen in 4 cases, comprising of 2 cases of Rh erythroblastosis and 2 cases of ABO erythroblastosis. Among non-immune hemolytic anemia group, cystic lymphangioma and pulmonary hypoplasia were commonly associated both in liveborns and deadborns. There were 8 cases of cystic lymphangioma and 8 cases of pulmonary hypoplasia. Besides, congenital heart disease, vascular malformation, infection or chromosomal anomalies were associated. There were 2 cases that showed no specific pathological conditions.