Long-Term in Utero Drainage of Fetal Hydrothorax

Abstract

FETAL hydrothorax has a perinatal mortality of 57 to 100 percent. Mortality is higher when the hydrothorax occurs in association with generalized hydrops than when it is an isolated finding.^{1 , 2} Intrathoracic compression of the developing lung produces pulmonary hypoplasia, which is the main cause of perinatal death in fetuses with hydrothorax.^{1 , 2} Large pleural effusions may cause hydramnios by interfering with fetal swallowing and hydrops by vena caval obstruction and cardiac compression.^{3 , 4} Chylothorax, the most common cause of hydrothorax in neonates,⁵ can be diagnosed by demonstrating chylomicrons in pleural fluid after alimentation; however, the differentiation of this entity from other causes . . .