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Fetal megacystis: Institutional experience and outcomes
Kiarash Taghavi1,2, Caitlin Sharpe3, Mark D Stringer1,2
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Wellington Children's Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand.
Summary
Fetal megacystis, a bladder abnormality, occurs in 1 in 940 fetuses. While many pregnancies are terminated, two-thirds of live births in this study survived long-term without renal complications.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Nephrology
Background:
- Fetal megacystis is a significant sonographic finding with poor prognosis.
- Approximately 50% of pregnancies with fetal megacystis result in termination.
- Advances in diagnosis and management have yet to significantly improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of fetal megacystis.
- To analyze the management, survival, and renal outcomes.
- To provide data from a nine-year period at Wellington Hospital, New Zealand.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of fetal cases.
- Inclusion criteria: antenatal diagnosis of megacystis.
- Study period: nine years.
Main Results:
- Sixteen cases of fetal megacystis identified.
- Observed frequency: 1 per 940 fetuses scanned.
- Two-thirds of live births survived with a mean follow-up of 5.3 years; no renal dialysis or transplantation required.
Conclusions:
- This study contributes to understanding fetal megacystis.
- Current prognostic criteria need improvement for better antenatal counseling.
- Accurate differentiation between favorable and poor outcomes is crucial.
