SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF PRIMARY FETAL HYDROTHORAX BY LONG-TIME DRAINAGE FROM WEEK 23 - CASE-REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

We report on a case of unilateral primary fetal hydrothorax leading to nonimmunological fetal hydrops (NIHF). The NIHF was treated successfu lly by inserting two consecutive intrauterine catheters at 23 weeks ge station. The first catheter was dislocated through the uterine wall to the maternal peritoneal cavity. At 36 weeks gestation, the mother had a spontaneous onset of labor after premature rupture of membranes and a normal vaginal delivery of a healthy infant with good perinatal out come. Shunting of PFHT has rarely been described up to now. This case report supports observations of previous authors that early shunting o f pleural effusions may prevent progression of NIHF as well as postnat al pulmonary hypoplasia. Unexpected perinatal complications of fetus, mother or both should not be neglected.