Fetal Edema
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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
Elite in Fetal Edema
Referral may be required

Center For Complex Obstetric Medicine

1825 Fourth St., Third Floor, 
San Francisco, CA 
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients

Dr. Teresa N. Sparks is an obstetrician who specializes in maternal-fetal medicine, managing the health concerns of both mother and fetus through all stages of pregnancy. She cares for women with high-risk pregnancies and those who are considering a high-risk pregnancy. She also specializes in clinical genetics, addressing genetic conditions that affect a woman or baby during pregnancy. Sparks' research investigates the causes of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, a complication of pregnancy that occurs when excessive fluid accumulates in the fetus. Her work focuses on identifying the condition's genetic causes, with the goal of developing more targeted approaches to care both before and after birth. Sparks earned her medical degree at UCSF. She completed a residency through the obstetrics and gynecology program of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. She then completed a combined fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine and clinical genetics at UCSF. Sparks is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, and American Medical Association. Dr. Sparks is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. She is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Fetal Edema, Hydrops Fetalis, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Alpha Thalassemia. Dr. Sparks is board certified in American Board Of OB/Gyn/Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American Board Of Medical Genetics And Genomics, Clinical Genetics And Genomics, and American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dr. Sparks is currently accepting new patients.

Elite in Fetal Edema
Elite in Fetal Edema
Referral may be required
Naples, IT 

Immacolata Andolfo practices practicing medicine in Naples, Italy. Ms. Andolfo is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. She is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Anemia, Dehydrated Hereditary Stomatocytosis, Hemolytic Anemia, Hydrops Fetalis, and Splenectomy.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Fetal Edema
Elite in Fetal Edema
Referral may be required
Chiang Mai, TH 

Theera Tongsong practices practicing medicine in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tongsong is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Fetal Edema. They are also highly rated in 25 other conditions, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses Fetal Edema, Hydrops Fetalis, Alpha Thalassemia, Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, and Hysterectomy.

What are the latest Fetal Edema Clinical Trials?
Fetal Electrophysiologic Abnormalities in High-risk Pregnancies Associated With Fetal Demise

Summary: Each year world-wide, 2.5 million fetuses die unexpectedly in the last half of pregnancy, 25,000 in the United States, making fetal demise ten-times more common than Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. This study will apply a novel type of non-invasive monitoring, called fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) used thus far to successfully evaluate fetal arrhythmias, in order to discover potential hidden elect...

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Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing for Nonimmune Fetal/Neonatal Hydrops

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 ...

What are the Latest Advances for Fetal Edema?