hydrops fetalis
Pronunciation: HY-drops feh-TAL-is
A severe fetal condition characterised by abnormal accumulation of fluid in at least two body compartments (e.g., pleural effusion, ascites, skin oedema), with immune and non-immune aetiologies.
Full Definition
Hydrops fetalis describes the pathological accumulation of excess fluid in fetal soft tissues and serous cavities, defined as oedema plus fluid in at least two compartments (ascites, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or placental oedema). It is classified as immune hydrops — caused by alloimmune haemolytic disease (classically Rh incompatibility) — or non-immune hydrops (NIHF), which encompasses a broad range of cardiac, chromosomal, infectious, and structural causes. The distinction is clinically and pathologically critical. Editors should note the correct Latin plural form is 'hydrops fetalis' (not 'fetal hydrops' or 'hydrops fetales') when used as a diagnostic term, though 'fetal hydrops' is acceptable descriptively.
Usage
Usage note: Retain the Latin nominative form 'hydrops fetalis' as a diagnostic noun. 'Non-immune hydrops fetalis' abbreviates to NIHF; expand on first use. Do not conflate immune and non-immune forms without specifying aetiology.
In Context
- "Post-mortem examination of the stillborn infant confirmed hydrops fetalis with bilateral pleural effusions, ascites, and generalised skin oedema." — Perinatal autopsy report
- "Non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) was attributed to a large left-sided pleural effusion secondary to a congenital chylothorax." — Fetal medicine multidisciplinary summary