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The outcome of isolated fetal ascites
1Royal Victoria Infirmary Newcastle upon Tyne, University Hospital of North Durham, North Road, Durham DH1 4LT, United Kingdom. Gasser.elbishry@cddah.nhs.uk
Objective:
To describe the outcome of pregnancies complicated by isolated fetal ascites.
Study Design:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
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