ABSTRACT

Hydrops fetalis (HF) is defined as the presence of two or more abnormal fetal fluid collections, such as extensive skin edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, ascites and polyhydramnios. This situation might be the result of an immune or nonimmune-mediated process. The non-immune type is seen more frequently in recent years. The etiology of the non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) which is a condition of high mortality rates, includes chromosomal abnormalities, cardiac malformations, arrhythmias, fetal anemia and TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex viruses, Human Parvovirus B19) infections. In this paper, a living preterm infant with Down Syndrome and non-immune hydrops fetalis, who has survived the neonatal period, is presented.