OBJECTIVE: To analyze the etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) for a southern section of China. METHODS: 138 cases of NIHF presenting after 20 weeks' gestation over a 10-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: The causes of fetal hydrops were identified in 92.0%. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia dominated as the cause of NIHF (55.1%), followed by infection (15.2%) and structural abnormalities (10.9%). No obvious cause was identified in 11 cases (8.0%). Termination of pregnancy was performed in 131 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Homozygous alpha-thalassemia is the most common cause of NIHF in southern China. An effective prenatal thalassemia screening program should be established in this high prevalence region. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) for a southern section of China. METHODS: 138 cases of NIHF presenting after 20 weeks' gestation over a 10-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: The causes of fetal hydrops were identified in 92.0%. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia dominated as the cause of NIHF (55.1%), followed by infection (15.2%) and structural abnormalities (10.9%). No obvious cause was identified in 11 cases (8.0%). Termination of pregnancy was performed in 131 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Homozygous alpha-thalassemia is the most common cause of NIHF in southern China. An effective prenatal thalassemia screening program should be established in this high prevalence region. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.