Recurrent non-immune fetal hydrops: A case report.

Area of Science:

• Perinatology
• Medical Genetics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Recurrent non-immune fetal hydrops (NIH) is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
• Previous literature suggests a potential link to an autosomal recessive genetic inheritance pattern.

Observation:

• A multigravida patient with no significant medical history experienced recurrent fetal hydrops in four of seven pregnancies.
• Affected pregnancies necessitated mid-trimester pregnancy termination (MTPT) after second-trimester diagnosis.
• Standard investigations failed to identify an etiology for the recurrent hydrops.

Findings:

• The patient's seventh pregnancy was unaffected, suggesting potential variability or a transient factor.
• Autosomal recessive metabolic diseases are considered a likely etiological factor for the observed recurrent NIH.
• Differential diagnoses for recurrent fetal hydrops were explored.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of considering rare etiologies in recurrent NIH.
• Comprehensive genetic and metabolic investigations are crucial when routine workups are unrevealing.
• Early identification of rare causes can guide future reproductive counseling and management.