Hydrops Fetalis

Hydrops fetalis is an uncommon but serious condition characterized by the presence of soft tissue effusions including pleural effusions, pericardial effusions, and ascites. Hydrops is classified into two broad categories that include immune and nonimmune hydrops fetalis. The etiology of immune hydrops is alloimmunization. Nonimmune hydrops fetalis includes hydrops due to any disease process other than alloimmunization. Currently, over 100 different disease processes have been implicated in the development of nonimmune hydrops. Prompt identification of the underlying cause is imperative. An accurate diagnosis provides the basis for determining the appropriate treatment avenue and supplies important information related to prognosis. Nurses caring for the patient with hydrops fetalis require a clear understanding of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis to provide optimal care.