Biochemical analysis of ascites fluid as an aid to etiological diagnosis: a series of 100 cases of nonimmune fetal ascites

Abstract

Sampling of fetal ascites fluid for biochemical and cytological examination provides important additional information. We propose a two-step management: (1) detailed ultrasound scan examination, maternal blood analysis, and fetal karyotyping and (2) biochemical and cytological analyses. On the basis of such an approach, 63% and 96% of etiologies would have been identified in our series after the first and second steps, respectively. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated fetal ascites in cri‐du‐chat (5p‐) syndrome: A case report

“…Prenatal detection of isolated ascites with no other fetal abnormalities is a rare US marker . The prognosis is related to the underlying pathology and is generally more favorable than that of hydrops fetalis .…”

“…Prenatal detection of isolated ascites with no other fetal abnormalities is a rare US marker. 1,[3][4][5][6] The prognosis is related to the underlying pathology and is generally more favorable than that of hydrops fetalis. 1,2,9 It depends on several factors, including the cause of ascites, associated malformations, and gestational age at diagnosis 1,9 . The latter seems to be one of the most meaningful prognostic factors.…”

“…The natural history of this condition remains unclear, despite the fact that immune and nonimmune hydrops are well described and documented . Reported causes of isolated fetal ascites are cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and metabolic disorders . Infectious diseases may be related to fetal ascites in around 6% of cases, and the incidence of associated chromosomal abnormalities could be up to 6%‐20% .…”

“…Reported causes of isolated fetal ascites are cardiac, renal, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and metabolic disorders . Infectious diseases may be related to fetal ascites in around 6% of cases, and the incidence of associated chromosomal abnormalities could be up to 6%‐20% . The work‐up of prenatal ascites should include infection screening, maternal Rhesus and blood antibodies determination, fetal karyotyping, and detailed ultrasound examination …”

Isolated ascites in a newborn with ‘apple peel’ jejunal atresia

“…Ascites may consist of transudates (thin, low protein count and low specific gravity) or exudates (high protein count and high specific gravity). The quality of the ascitic fluid may suggest aetiology and inform management 5. For example, the existence of a meconium ascitic fluid may suggest perforation and prompt early laparotomy in the context of suggestive clinical picture.…”