In utero diagnosis of hydrops fetalis: ultrasound methods.

The advent of diagnostic ultrasound has now made it possible to evaluate early markers of developing fetal hydrops. Because of these developments, the recognition of these adverse findings can be treated and the disease process reversed. This has been done in cases of Rh disease by intervening intrauterine transfusion, by medically treating the fetal arrhythmias, and/or by treating the basic underlying maternal disorder. The ultrasound examination of the hydropic fetus must include a thorough evaluation for structural anomalies, which can best be accomplished at referral centers where Stage II ultrasound examinations can be carried out. Not all conditions associated with hydrops fetalis are lethal. We therefore believe that timed delivery and atraumatic birth are essential to ensure the optimal outcome.