Hydrops fetalis
Hydrops fetalis (fetal hydrops) is a serious condition in which a fetus becomes extremely swollen from buildup of fluids in the body tissues. Organs such as the liver and spleen become enlarged, the fetus develops anemia, and the ability of the fetus's blood to carry oxygen is decreased.
Hydrops fetalis can develop for a variety of reasons, such as from problems related to Rh sensitization or chromosomal abnormalities.
Even with treatment, fetal hydrops can cause death of the fetus.
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Gregory A L Davies, MD, FRCSC, FACOG - Maternal-Fetal Medicine |
| Last Updated | November 2, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
November 02, 2007
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