Three cases of fetal ascites with successful outcome and seven year evaluation of NIHF: 1981-1987

Three pregnant women with fetal ascites were admitted to our hospital at 30, 32 and 33 weeks of gestation on diagnosis by sonogram. On sonogram, all the fetuses were initially with marked ascites but without any pleural or pericardial effusion or subcutaneous edema. Under observation by sonogram and cardiotocogram, obstetrical intervention was performed by cesarean section in all 3 cases; at 31 weeks of gestation due to notably increased ascites, at 32 weeks due to fetal distress and at 35 weeks due to development of subcutaneous edema, respectively, and the subsequent courses were uneventful. On the other hand, in our precious experience with 21 cases of NIHF over a period of 7 years, only 2 babies with NIHF have been born alive. We think fetal ascites should be considered an initial sign of NIHF and the successful outcome of these three cases were due to early diagnosis by frequent sonographic examination.