[The antenatal ultra-sonic diagnosis of ascites in the newborn (author's transl)]. / Aszites beim Neugeborenen Antenataldiagnose durch Ultraschall.

The antenatal diagnosis of fetal ascites by ultrasonography is possible by the typical finding of a zone free of echos in the fetal abdomen. Among 7,833 newborns 2 live born infants with fetal ascites were observed. The fetal prognosis can be improved by early diagnosis and differential diagnostic tests during the pregnancy. The antenatal diagnosis includes a search for hydrops, congenital anomalies of the heart, anomalies of the lower urinary tract, intra-abdominal calcifications and diagnosis of the sex. Infectious causes such as syphilis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegaly and hepatitis must be excluded. Delivery may have to be by cesarean section paracentesis of the fetal ascites through the maternal abdominal wall may be necessary. A neonatalogist must be present at birth. The neonatal diagnosis of the ascites starts with a flat plate of the abdomen in search of calcifications, bowel distensions, and pneumoperitoneum. Intravenous pyelogram and cystography show urine-ascites which has the best therapeutic prognosis. The investigation should be finished within 12 hours after birth. Acute respiratory distress may require neonatal paracentesis.

[Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18 via hydramnion detected by echosonography (author's transl)]. / Pränatale Diagnose eine Trisomie 18 aufgrund eine echosonographisch nachgewiesenen Hydramnions.

Amniocentesis was prompted by an hydramnion which existed before the 30th week of pregnancy. Examination of amniotic fluid revealed trisomy 18 with increased alpha-fetoprotein values. Interruption of pregnancy was considered but refused by the patient. This enabled control fetal development during the subsequent weeks. After the patient has given birth to a dead female fetus in the 18th of pregnancy, pathological examination of the foetus confirmed the existence of trisomy 18.