Outcomes of fetal intervention for primary hydrothorax

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 49; no. 6; pp. 900 - 904
• Main Authors: Derderian, S. Christopher, Trivedi, Shivika, Farrell, Jody, Keller, Roberta L, Rand, Larry, Goldstein, Ruth, Feldstein, Vickie A, Hirose, Shinjiro, MacKenzie, Tippi C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2014
• Subjects: California - epidemiology; Congenital chylothorax; Female; Fetal Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Fetal Diseases - mortality; Fetal Diseases - therapy; Fetal Therapies - methods; Follow-Up Studies; Gestational Age; Humans; Hydrops; Hydrothorax - diagnostic imaging; Hydrothorax - embryology; Hydrothorax - therapy; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pediatrics; Pleural effusion; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Primary hydrothorax; Retrospective Studies; Surgery; Survival Rate - trends; Thoracoamniotic shunt; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Pleural effusion; Hydrops; Primary hydrothorax; Congenital chylothorax; Thoracoamniotic shunt
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.01.020

Abstract Objective Primary hydrothorax is a rare congenital anomaly with outcomes ranging from spontaneous resolution to fetal demise. We reviewed our experience with fetuses diagnosed with primary hydrothorax to evaluate prenatal management strategies. Methods We reviewed the records of patients evaluated for fetal pleural effusions at our Fetal Treatment Center between 1996 and 2013. To define fetuses with primary hydrothorax, we excluded those with structural or genetic anomalies, diffuse lymphangiectasia, immune hydrops, and monochorionic diamniotic twin gestations. Results We identified 31 fetuses with primary hydrothorax, of whom 24 had hydrops. Hydropic fetuses were more likely to present with bilateral effusions. Of all fetuses with primary hydrothorax, 21 had fetal interventions. Survival without hydrops was 7/7 (100%), whereas survival with hydrops depended on whether or not the patient had fetal intervention: 12/19 (63%) with intervention and 1/5 (20%) without intervention. Premature delivery was common (44%) among those who had fetal intervention. Conclusions Fetal intervention for primary hydrothorax may lead to resolution of hydrops, but preterm birth and neonatal demise still occur. Understanding the pathophysiology of hydrops may provide insights into further prenatal management strategies, including targeted therapies to prevent preterm labor.