Study of the Non-Immune Hydrops Fetalis (NIHF) and its Management

Hydrops Fetalis is a Greek term that describes pathological fluid accumulation in fetal soft tissues and serous cavities, peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, scalp and body wall. Hydrops Fetalis is considered as a prenatal form of cardiac failure. It is broadly divided into two groups -Immune Hydrops Fetalis (IHF) and Non -Immune Hydrops Fetalis (NIHF). In previous years most of the Immune Hydrops Fetalis is caused by Erythroblastosis Fetalis secondary to Rh Iso-immunization with presence of maternal circulating red cell antibodies. IHF has now decreased with passive maternal immunization markedly up to 20% (1990).