MIDTRIMESTER THORACOAMNIOTIC SHUNTING FOR THE TREATMENT OF FETAL HYDROPS

The management of fetal hydrops in the second trimester is changing as the underlying etiologies are better understood, We report a case whi ch was diagnosed at 18 weeks gestation. There was no underlying anatom ical abnormality, Fetal blood sampling confirmed a normal karyotype an d there was no evidence of fetal infection. Bilateral thoracocentesis and paracentesis caused temporary improvement of the fetal condition b ut subsequent fluid reaccumulation was noted within the left pleural c avity. A pleuroamniotic shunt inserted at 22 weeks caused permanent re solution of the hydrops, The infant was normal at 1-year follow-up.