Recurrent non-immune fetal hydrops: A case report

ABSTRACT

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Recurrent non-immune fetal hydrops (NIH) has been reported in the literature but is a rare entity, with fewer than 6 reported cases so far. It has been postulated to be related to a recessive gene.</p><p><b>CLINICAL PICTURE</b>We report a case of recurrent fetal hydrops in a multigravida with no medical history of note. She presented in her current pregnancy with a significant history of having 4 (out of 7) previous pregnancies affected by hydrops.</p><p><b>TREATMENT</b>All the affected pregnancies resulted in mid-trimester pregnancy termination (MTPT) following diagnosis in the second trimester. Previous investigations for hydrops did not yield any obvious cause.</p><p><b>OUTCOME</b>Her most recent pregnancy was unaffected. We discuss the possible differential diagnoses and the likelihood of autosomal recessive metabolic diseases being the aetiological factor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rare causes of fetal hydrops need to be excluded in cases of recurrent non-immune hydrops with no obvious aetiology following routine investigations.</p>