Non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF): diagnostic evaluation and lessons learned from a case series
Jihad Al Hassan1, Georges Yared2, Charlotte El Hajjar2
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Lebanese University Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon.
Future Science OA
|June 3, 2026
Summary
Fetal hydrops, a serious condition of abnormal fluid buildup, has many causes. Early diagnosis using advanced genomic testing can improve outcomes for affected fetuses.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Genetics
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Fetal hydrops involves abnormal fluid accumulation in multiple fetal compartments, indicating a critical condition with high mortality.
- It presents as a clinical sign, not a diagnosis, with diverse underlying causes including infections, chromosomal issues, and maternal conditions like mirror syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review three cases of fetal hydrops, detailing common and rare etiologies.
- To discuss the evolving diagnostic landscape for fetal hydrops.
Main Methods:
- Review of three clinical cases of fetal hydrops.
- Analysis of current diagnostic modalities including ultrasound and Doppler studies.
- Consideration of emerging genomic testing technologies.
Main Results:
- Fetal hydrops presents with varied etiologies, encompassing infections, chromosomal abnormalities, and maternal complications.
- Ultrasound and Doppler studies are primary diagnostic tools, but genomic testing is increasingly influential.
- Early and precise etiological identification is crucial for management and parental counseling.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of fetal hydrops is vital for effective clinical management and improved fetal survival.
- Advances in genomic testing are poised to enhance early diagnosis and prognostic accuracy.
- Timely identification of the cause supports informed parental decision-making in critical fetal conditions.
