Ultrasound evaluation of tachycardia-induced hydrops in the fetal lamb

Nonimmune hydrops was induced in six fetal lambs at 120 days' gestation by right atrial pacing at 300 beats/min. Biochemical, hemodynamic, and Doppler parameters were observed and monitored by real-time ultrasound during the creation (18 to 42 hours) and resolution of hydrops. The significant changes seen were hypoproteinemia (34.3 to 29.0 mg/100 ml), venous hypertension (24.6 to 31.3 mm Hg), decreases in thoracic aorta flow, and decreases in systolic/diastolic ratios in the aorta and umbilical artery. These changes were reversed with the discontinuation of pacing and the resolution of fetal hydrops.