Lizhu Chen1, Johnny Guan2, Hui Gu3, Mo Zhang4. 1. Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China. 2. Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China. 4. Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China. Electronic address: zhangmo@sj-hospital.org.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with fetal megacystis (enlarged bladder). STUDY DESIGN: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting on outcomes of fetal megacystis. The outcomes observed were chromosomal abnormalities, associated structural anomalies, spontaneous resolution, and survival rates. We also evaluated the potential role of fetal gender, oligohydramnios, gestational age at diagnosis, and intrauterine intervention as prenatal prognostic factors. RESULTS: The search identified 558 articles in total, and 13 studies (1675 fetuses) were included in this systematic review. The overall incidences of chromosomal abnormalities and associated structural anomalies in fetal megacystis were 10% and 24%, respectively. Spontaneous resolution of megacystis occurred in 32% of fetuses, and 44% of fetuses were born alive and survived until the follow-up. The odds ratio of survival with oligohydramnios was 0.14, and the mean difference in gestational age at diagnosis between survival and non-survival was 3.43 weeks. No significant difference in survival rate was observed between the genders, and an intrauterine intervention did not significantly improve the prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of fetuses with megacystis are born with a good prognosis. Oligohydramnios and lower gestational age at diagnosis are associated with worse outcomes.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with fetal megacystis (enlarged bladder). STUDY DESIGN: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting on outcomes of fetal megacystis. The outcomes observed were chromosomal abnormalities, associated structural anomalies, spontaneous resolution, and survival rates. We also evaluated the potential role of fetal gender, oligohydramnios, gestational age at diagnosis, and intrauterine intervention as prenatal prognostic factors. RESULTS: The search identified 558 articles in total, and 13 studies (1675 fetuses) were included in this systematic review. The overall incidences of chromosomal abnormalities and associated structural anomalies in fetal megacystis were 10% and 24%, respectively. Spontaneous resolution of megacystis occurred in 32% of fetuses, and 44% of fetuses were born alive and survived until the follow-up. The odds ratio of survival with oligohydramnios was 0.14, and the mean difference in gestational age at diagnosis between survival and non-survival was 3.43 weeks. No significant difference in survival rate was observed between the genders, and an intrauterine intervention did not significantly improve the prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of fetuses with megacystis are born with a good prognosis. Oligohydramnios and lower gestational age at diagnosis are associated with worse outcomes.