Fetal cardiac troponin T as a marker of poor prognosis in nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

OBJECTIVE

Severe fetal anemia and cardiac compromise are important causes of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and fetal recovery also depends on the degree of fetal heart compromise. The aim of this study was to report the fetal cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels in cases of nonimmune fetal hydrops.

METHODS

Fetal cTnT was analyzed on 7 occasions in 5 cases of nonimmune fetal hydrops (twice in 2 cases).

RESULTS

In 3 of 4 fetuses in which intrauterine death occurred, fetal cTnT levels were increased. The only fetus that survived in this series showed decreased levels of cTnT before birth.

CONCLUSION

Fetal cTnT levels may be a marker of fetal prognosis in cases of fetal hydrops.