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Hydrops foetalis caused by hepatic haemangioma
G Albano1, A Pugliese, M Stabile
1Clinical High Risk Pregnancy, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli, Naples, Italy.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|January 23, 1999
Summary
A premature baby with Down syndrome and hydrops survived due to neonatal intensive care. Corticosteroid treatment rapidly resolved the hepatic hemangioma, leading to a healthy outcome.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Down syndrome is a genetic disorder.
- Hepatic hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors.
- Hydrops fetalis is abnormal fluid accumulation in fetuses.
Observation:
- A moderately premature neonate presented with Down syndrome and hydrops.
- The hydrops was likely caused by a large hepatic hemangioma.
- The infant exhibited hydrothorax, ascites, hypoalbuminemia, and respiratory distress at birth.
Findings:
- The neonate survived with modern neonatal intensive care.
- Corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone) led to rapid hemangioma resolution.
- The infant was healthy at follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare association between hepatic hemangioma and hydrops in a neonate with Down syndrome.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment, including corticosteroids, can improve outcomes.
- Further research into the pathophysiology and management of such rare conditions is warranted.