[Prenatal diagnosis of premature closure of the ductus arteriosus with subsequent development of a non-immunologic hydrops fetalis].

The premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (pcDA) due to maternal tocolysis with indomethacin in the 34th week of gestation was diagnosed in a twin pregnancy. The pcDA was detected using Doppler 24 hours before both fetuses developed pleural effusion. Pathologic waveforms in the fetal aorta with end-diastolic zero-flow were registered. A no-delay caesarean section with optimal neonatologic intensive care were successful for the survival of the neonates. The authors postulate, that the amount of pcDA as a cause of NIHF is higher than generally supposed. Furthermore a tocolysis with indomethacin should not be performed after the 34th week of gestation.