Fetal Edema Overview

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Learn About Fetal Edema

What is the definition of Fetal Edema?
Fetal edema (abnormal fluid buildup), also known as hydrops fetalis, is a serious condition that causes body swelling in a fetus or newborn. There are two types of hydrops fetalis: immune and nonimmune. Immune hydrops fetalis is caused by a severe Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus. The mother has an Rh negative blood type that makes antibodies that attack the fetus’ Rh positive blood cells and destroys them leading to severe swelling that affects the fetal organs. Nonimmune hydrops fetalis is the more common type (90%), which occurs when the fetus or newborn has a disease or medical condition, such as heart or lung disorders, severe anemia, blood conditions or infections, or genetic or developmental problems. Hydrops fetalis can be mild or severe.
What are the symptoms of Fetal Edema?
Symptoms of mild forms of hydrops fetalis include swelling of the liver and pale skin. Symptoms of the more severe forms include total body swelling, breathing difficulties, bruising, severe anemia and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes), and heart failure.
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What are the current treatments for Fetal Edema?
Treatment for hydrops fetalis depends on the cause. During pregnancy, intrauterine blood transfusions may be given, or early delivery may be warranted. Treatment for the newborn with immune hydrops fetalis may include exchange transfusions to eliminate the mother’s antibodies that are destroying the baby’s red blood cells, fluid removal (aspiration), diuretics and heart medications, and mechanical ventilation. In severe cases of Rh incompatibility, a form of brain damage known as kernicterus may occur as well as developmental delays. However, prevention of Rh incompatibility can be effected with the administration of RhoGAM to the mother both during and after pregnancy.
Who are the top Fetal Edema Local Doctors?
Elite in Fetal Edema
Dr. Teresa N. Sparks
Reproductive Medicine | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Neonatology
Elite in Fetal Edema
Dr. Teresa N. Sparks
Reproductive Medicine | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Neonatology
400 Parnassus Ave, 
San Francisco, CA 
415-476-1000
Languages Spoken:
English
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Teresa Sparks is a Reproductive Medicine specialist and an Obstetrics and Gynecologist in San Francisco, California. Dr. Sparks is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. Her top areas of expertise are Fetal Edema, Hydrops Fetalis, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Alpha Thalassemia.

Elite in Fetal Edema
Immacolata Andolfo
Elite in Fetal Edema
Immacolata Andolfo
Naples, IT 

Immacolata Andolfo practices in Naples, Italy. Ms. Andolfo is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. Her top areas of expertise are Anemia, Dehydrated Hereditary Stomatocytosis, Hydrops Fetalis, Fetal Edema, and Splenectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Fetal Edema
Theera Tongsong
Elite in Fetal Edema
Theera Tongsong
Chiang Mai, TH 

Theera Tongsong practices in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tongsong is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. Their top areas of expertise are Fetal Edema, Hydrops Fetalis, Alpha Thalassemia, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Hysterectomy.

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What are the latest Fetal Edema Clinical Trials?
Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing for Nonimmune Fetal/Neonatal Hydrops
Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing for Nonimmune Fetal/Neonatal Hydrops
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: September 11, 2025
Intervention Type: Diagnostic test

Summary: Brief Summary: Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is a potentially fatal condition characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in two or more fetal compartments. Numerous etiologies may lead to NIHF, and the underlying cause often remains unclear (1). The current standard of genetic diagnostic testing includes a fetal karyotype and chromosomal microarray (CMA), with an option to pursue single gene ...

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Feasibility of In-utero Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation as a Conjunctive Treatment During In-utero Blood Transfusion for Hemoglobin Bart's Hydrops Fetalis Syndrome in Hong Kong
Feasibility of In-utero Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation as a Conjunctive Treatment During In-utero Blood Transfusion for Hemoglobin Bart's Hydrops Fetalis Syndrome in Hong Kong
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: April 12, 2023
Intervention Type: Procedure
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: This is a prospective observational pilot study on pregnant women who are diagnosed to have Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS) affected fetuses and opt for continuation of pregnancy will be invited to consider undergoing in-utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation under a research protocol, aiming to determine whether in-utero hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for fetuses wit...

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