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Idiopathic fetal ascites associated with pregnancy from father-daughter incest. A case report
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614-0569.
Insights
A case study highlights a rare instance of massive fetal ascites in a teenage pregnancy. The infant
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Fetal Medicine
- Pediatric Pathology
Background:
- Late antenatal care registration (23 weeks) in a 15-year-old primigravida.
- Socially dislocated family structure with concerning paternal behavior.
Observation:
- Massive idiopathic fetal ascites diagnosed via ultrasound.
- In utero paracentesis performed at 27 weeks gestation.
- Delivery at 34 weeks of a female fetus with ascites and congenital abnormalities.
Findings:
- Infant experienced recurrent hospitalizations.
- Death occurred at 5 months due to pneumonitis.
- Autopsy inconclusive regarding the cause of fetal ascites.
Implications:
- Suggests a potential link between social factors and fetal complications.
- Highlights the importance of considering incest in cases of teenage pregnancy with specific social dynamics.
- Underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing unexplained fetal ascites.
Abstract:
A 15-year-old primigravida registered late for antenatal care (23 weeks). Ultrasound examination revealed massive idiopathic fetal ascites necessitating in utero paracentesis at 27 weeks. The family was socially dislocated, and the patient's alcoholic father doted on her. A live female fetus with ascites and multiple congenital abnormalities was delivered at 34 weeks. Following repeated hospitalization, the infant died of pneumonitis, at 5 months of age; autopsy could not determine the cause of the ascites. Young pregnant teenagers from broken homes with doting behavior from an alcoholic father should be suspected of being incest victims.