Nonimmune hydrops fetalis: Fetal and neonatal outcome during 1983-1992

Prognostic factors for survival of 62 fetuses and neonates with nonimmune h ydrops fetalis (NIHF) were studied retrospectively. Twenty-eight infants su rvived greater than or equal to 28 days which is 45% for all fetuses and ne wborns diagnosed with NIHF and 61% for liveborns with unresolved NIHF. Univ ariate analysis identified that mortality was associated with the presence of greater than or equal to 2 serous cavity effusions and a need for chest compressions at birth. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that the presence of greater than or equal to 2 serous cavity effusions was significantly associated with mortality from NIHF <28 days after birth [OR = 48.2 (CI 3.6, 662.9) (p < 0.004)]. We conclude that, compared to publish ed cases from the 1970s and early 1980s, survival of liveborns with NIHF se ems improved. The decrease in stillbirths is more notable. The severity of hydrops at birth is the key determinant for survival.