Value of Autopsy in Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis: Series of 51 Stillborn Fetuses

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is used to describe fetuses and newborns with generalized edema and cavity effusions. It is helpful to alert physicians about the presence of anemia, heart failure, and/or hypoproteinemia, but this diagnosis is frequently overlooked. We reviewed the autopsy files from 1990 to 2000, selected all cases with NIHF including clinical information (with maternal laboratory tests and ultrasound), and classified patients by etiology. Among 840 stillborn autopsies during the 11-year period, we found 51 with NIHF (6.07%). The clinical summary had mentioned hydrops in 14 patients and the etiology in another 7 by fetal ultrasonography, but without addressing the possibility of hydrops. In the remaining 30 cases neither hydrops nor an etiology was mentioned. Other pertinent diagnoses were maternal diabetes mellitus (4), congenital heart disease (3), and cystic hygroma (2). The following diagnoses were made in one instance each: cardiac tumor, twin transfusion syndrome, congenital adenomatoid malformation, syphilis, Turner syndrome, and cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Postmortem and placental examination confirmed the following etiologies: congenital infections (17); placental pathology significant enough to explain NIHF (10); cardiovascular diseases (8) (further classified as congenital heart disease [3], rhabdomyoma [1], and vascular malformations [4]); chromosomal abnormalities (6); uncontrolled maternal diabetes (4); intrathoracic lesions (2); prune-belly syndrome (2); and idiopathic NIHF (2). Only 3.9% of the cases studied had no identifiable etiology. The cause of hydrops was confirmed by autopsy in 47 fetuses (92%), which further supports the importance of performing an autopsy. Thirty-two cases (62.74%) had placental abnormalities helpful to the etiology (parvovirus, syphilis, Turner's syndrome, etc.). In 20 instances, the clinical summary had no mention of either hydrops or any of the diseases leading to it. The autopsy in conjunction with placental examination and fetal ultrasound represent the best combination to determine the etiology of NIHF among stillborn fetuses.     

Fetal case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung: fetal therapy and a review of the published reports in Japan

We herein report a case of type I congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung (CCAML) with non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), a mediastinal shift and polyhydramnios diagnosed at 24 weeks' gestation by ultrasonography. The fetus was treated with a cyst-amniotic shunt at 29 weeks' gestation. Following a postnatal whole resection of the right lung, postpneumonectomy syndrome appeared and, as a result, the infant died 13 months after delivery due to respiratory failure. Only 19 cases demonstrating CCAML associated with NIHF have been reported previously in Japan. Four cases showed a spontaneous resolution of NIHF, while 5 cases with type I CCAML, which all underwent fetal intervention, demonstrated an excellent outcome.     

Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis in the Liveborn: Series of 32 Autopsies

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) or generalized soft tissue edema and cavity effusions may be due to cardiovascular diseases, congenital infections, genitourinary malformations, thoracic masses, placental conditions, chromosomal abnormalities, and idiopathic. We report 32 cases of NIHF from among 429 neonates who underwent autopsies (incidence 7.45%). Sixteen cases (50%) had cardiovascular disease; all were due to low output cardiac failure; 7 had structural congenital heart disease. Three of the children with congenital heart disease also had chromosomal abnormalities: 2 had trisomy 18 and 1 had Noonan syndrome. Among myocardial conditions were five subjects with cardiomyopathies (1 of each of the following types): oncocytic, dilated, endocardial fibroelastosis, cardiac glycogenosis, and carnitine deficiency; 3 had myocarditis, and 1 had cardiac rhabdomyomas. Congenital infections were due to cytomegalovirus in 3 cases, bacteria in 2, and parvovirus in 1. The mechanism of NIHF in these cases might be a combination of decreased myocardial contractility due to myocarditis and fetal anemia. Genitourinary diseases were present in 5 newborns: Two had congenital nephrotic syndrome, 1 had VACTER association, 1 had prune-belly syndrome, and 1 had urogenital sinus malformation. Intrathoracic lesions were found in 2 babies (pulmonary sequestration and diaphragmatic hernia). One twin died of volume overload due to twin transfusion syndrome. Only 2 newborns were classified as idiopathic. Our study shows that cardiovascular diseases that lead to heart failure or impaired venous return are more common in the liveborn (50%), whereas congenital infections are more common in the stillborn with NIHF.     

Investigation of Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis: Multidisciplinary Studies Are Necessary for Diagnosis—Review of 94 Cases

This review of 94 cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) over a 10-year period was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of this pathology among fetal and infant deaths and to determine the most common likely etiologies in a northeastern region of France. NIHF represented 6% of the fetal deaths examined in our laboratory. The combination of findings from morphologic examination of the placenta and fetus with the results of microbiological and cytogenetic investigations (conventional cytogenetic study, fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH], or DNA ploidy image analysis) led to an etiologic diagnosis for NIHF in two-thirds of the cases and suggested a diagnosis in an additional 23% of cases. The most common causes of NIHF were chromosome abnormalities (33%), infections (16%), and cardiac pathology (13.8%). The detection of a cause for NIHF is important for genetic counseling and management of subsequent pregnancies. Our experience suggests that a diagnosis is possible in a large majority of NIHF when obstetricians and pathologists carefully coordinate the management of prenatal and postnatal investigations and when new techniques, such as molecular biology and DNA quantification, are used. Received January 12, 1998; accepted October 14, 1998.     

Intrauterine treatment on non-immune hydrops fetalis.

In 51 cases with non-immunologic hydrops fetalis (NIHF), perinatal management was performed based on our protocol. Twenty-two cases were treated by albumin and/or packed red cell (PRC) injection into the fetal abdominal cavity, and 9 cases by transplacental digitalization. Among the cases treated by albumin and/or PRC injection, 6 of 8 cases without pleural effusion recovered in utero, and all 6 cases are alive. However, of 14 cases with pleural effusion, none recovered in utero, and only one case is alive. Of 9 cases treated by transplacental digitalization, 2 cases recovered in utero, and only one case is alive. All fetuses with congenital heart anomaly died. This evidence indicates that albumin and/or PRC injection into the fetal abdominal cavity is an effective procedure for in utero treatment of NIHF without pleural effusion, but suggests that in NIHF resulting from either congenital heart anomaly and/or heart failure, the survival rate may not be increased by transplacental digitalization.     

非免疫性胎儿水肿新生儿的临床特征及预后分析

目的 分析非免疫性胎儿水肿（NIHF）新生儿的临床特征、病因及转归情况。方法 回顾性分析23例NIHF新生儿的临床资料及转归。结果 23例NIHF患儿中,早产儿18例（78%）,足月儿5例（22%）;出生窒息12例（52%）,其中重度窒息6例。NIHF病因包括双胎输血综合征（TTTS）8例（35%）,心血管畸形3例（13%）,微小病毒B19感染3例（13%）,先天性乳糜胸2例（9%）,Turner综合征1例（4%）,柯萨奇病毒感染1例（4%）,病因不明5例（22%）。临床治愈13例（57%）,死亡10例,新生儿期病死率为43%。死亡组中早产儿、新生儿窒息、5分钟Apgar评分<8分及心力衰竭比例（分别为100%、100%、60%、60%）明显高于存活组（分别为62%、15%、8%、8%）（P < 0.05）。结论 NIHF新生儿易发生出生窒息;胎龄越小、窒息程度越重、合并心力衰竭者新生儿期死亡风险越大。TTTS中受血儿是NIHF的主要病因。     

Nonimmunologic hydrops fetalis--a review of 31 cases

Non-immunologic hydrops fetalis-a review of 31 cases: 31 Patients with non-immunologic hydrops fetalis (NIHF) seen between 1984 and 1987 are described. 13 infants survived. The infants with major congenital malformations and connatal infections died. In 8 of the patients who died a cause for NIHF could not be identified. 10 of the survivors presented chylous ascites and/or chylothorax without major congenital anomalies. 2 infants had fetal tachyarrhythmia and 1 patient showed severe anemia due to fetomaternal hemorrhage.     

Endovascular treatment of huge cervicofacial hemangioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome

A 2-month-old girl with a huge cervicofacial hemangioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome was presented. Two weeks corticosteroid treatment was ineffective, and deterioration of coagulation parameters and compromise of the airway and left vision due to huge hemangioma prompted use of endovascular treatment. Transfemoral arterial embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles resulted in rapid clinical improvement. Endovascular treatment should be considered as an important therapeutic option for hemangioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.     

Successful Treatment of Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome with Prednisone and Epsilon-Aminocaproic Acid

The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is characterized by thrombocytopenia and localized coagulopathy associated with a hemangioma. Most techniques applied to eradicate the tumor or accelerate its involution (surgery, radiation therapy, embolization) are invasive and require transfusion of large amounts of blood products. In some cases, medical treatment is the only alternative. Efficacy of steroids and antifibronolytic agents has already been described, but even this approach is associated with the administration of blood products. We report two cases of infants with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome associated with cardiac and hepatic hemangiomas. At admission, both had signs of cardiac failure. They were successfully treated with prednisone and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA). Blood products were not required once the diagnosis was made. These observations have important implications for the management of patients with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome because they show that even in severe cases blood transfusions can be avoided by the use of prednisone and EACA.     

Nonimmunologic hydrops fetalis: a clinicopathological study of 50 autopsy cases

Fifty cases of nonimmunologic hydrops fetalis found in Japanese infants are reported. Nonimmunologic hydrops fetalis is associated with various pathological conditions, twin transfusion syndrome including acardiac monsters, fetal heart diseases, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, pulmonary sequestration, pulmonary lymphangiectasia, intrauterine infections such as cytomegalovirus infection and neonatal hepatitis, congenital neuroblastoma, Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, cystic hygroma, and chromosomal aberrations. The mechanism of hydrops fetalis found in these conditions is discussed from various viewpoints. Despite a careful examination, no causative conditions were found in 14 cases. The placenta showed a proliferation of Hofbauer cells that were strongly positive for immunoreactive alpha 1-antichymotrypsin and there were other common findings such as edema of terminal villi and fibrin thrombi.     

Giant cavernous haemangioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: a case report and review

We report the case of a 4-month-old boy presenting with a giant cutaneous haemangioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (KMS) with severe thrombocytopenia. After poor response to corticosteroid therapy and subsequent treatment with interferon alpha-2a, radiotherapy led to tumour regression and resolution of the disseminated intravascular coagulopathy over a 14-month period of follow up. Whereas the various available treatment options are reviewed and discussed in this article, the therapy of choice should be chosen individually. CONCLUSION: to date prospective randomised and controlled trials are required to investigate the optimal management of patients with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.     

-Neonatal Kasabach-Merritt syndrome healed by complete surgical excision of the angioma-.

BACKGROUND: Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is an infrequent combination of a giant hemangioma and severe thrombocytopenia. This syndrome may be life-threatening. There are various but no definitive methods of treatment. We describe here a neonatal case cured by total excision of the tumor. CASE REPORT: A boy was admitted at birth with a giant hemangioma of the back with thrombocytopenia. Tumor compression, corticosteroids, acetylsalicylic acid and ticlopidine were ineffective. Total surgical excision was performed on day 51, resulting in complete recovery. CONCLUSION: Total surgical excision of a localized hemangioma in a non-functional area is probably the most appropriate and justified treatment for the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.     

The diagnosis and treatment of the nonimmune hydrops fetalis

Fetal hydrops is associated with two distinct pathophysiologic situations. The isoimmune hydrops fetalis is a well understood disorder, and as the result of medical advances and prophylactic therapy its frequency is diminishing. The nonimmune hydrops fetalis is a poorly understood disease with a bad prognosis. The two disorders can be differentiated with the indirect Coombs test. In both cases the ultrasound examination plays an important role in the diagnosis, prognosis and management. Examination of the fetal blood sample gives recently a possibility to approach the disease. In NIHF the examination of fetal blood sample would give a relatively quick and effective diagnosis but its value for the treatment is limited. Although with the present technology it is impossible to diagnose all cases of NIHF, the early recognizing, the careful and step by step investigation, the active perinatologic management mostly can show the etiology and can help the perinatal team at the treatment of the disease.     

The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome with pancreatic localization in a newborn infant

The case of a neonate with a large pancreatic hemangioma belonging to the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is reported. Selective embolization of one of the main vessels originating from the gastroduodenal artery resulted in a progressive increase of blood platelet levels and in a concomitant change in the hemangiomatous structure at ultrasound examination, as well as in a subsequent acceleration of somatic growth. At 8 months of age, there were no more clinical, radiological, ultrasonographic or biological signs of the hemangioma. This case report emphasizes the interest of embolization in the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.     

激素抵抗型婴幼儿Kasabach-Merritt综合征治疗中雷帕霉素的临床应用价值探讨

目的 初步评估临床上应用雷帕霉素治疗激素抵抗型婴幼儿Kasabach-Merritt综合征的临床疗效及安全性.方法 2015年2月至2016年4月共收集8例在我科接受治疗的Kasabach-Merritt综合征患儿,其中男5例,女3例,病灶位于颌面部3例、颈部1例、四肢2例,胸腹壁2例,8例患儿均表现为激素抵抗,对激素抵抗型Kasabach-Merritt综合征采用mTOR抑制剂雷帕霉素治疗.雷帕霉素服用方法为每次0.8 mg/m2,2次/d,间隔12h,血药浓度维持10～15 ng/ml.定期监测血常规、凝血功能、肝肾功能、血脂及雷帕霉素血药浓度等指标.根据血药浓度、血小板变化、凝血功能、瘤体缩小情况及副作用可适当调整用药计划.结果 8例患儿经雷帕霉素治疗后血小板均恢复正常,瘤体萎缩,并逐步撤离了激素,有效率达到100％.雷帕霉素平均起效时间(6.8±2.7)d,平均血小板稳定时间(19.1±8.5)d,目前雷帕霉素总的用药时间为4～10个月,平均(6.0±2.2)个月,开始雷帕霉素单药治疗时间为2～8个月,平均(4.5±1.9)个月.8例患儿仍在服药进行中,均无血小板下降和病灶复发.药物使用中不良反应主要为口腔黏膜炎及口腔溃疡(2例,GradeⅡ)、呕吐(1例,Grade工)、腹泻(2例,Grade Ⅰ/GradeⅡ)、发热(2例,GradeⅡ)、皮疹(1例,Grade Ⅰ)、疼痛(1例,Grade Ⅰ)、短暂性转氨酶及血脂异常(1例,Grade Ⅰ/GradeⅡ),予对症治疗后好转,无严重不良事件,无病例退出.结论 mTOR抑制剂雷帕霉素治疗激素抵抗型Kasabach-Merritt综合征具有一定的疗效及安全性,值得临床进一步推广应用.     

Spindle cell (Kaposiform) hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in an infant: Successful treatment with α-2A interferon

A two-month-old infant developed a vascular tumor of the right flank which, upon biopsy, proved to be a spindle cell hemangioendothelioma. The increased capillary bed characterizing the neoplasm caused a severe thrombocytopenia together with a consumption coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome). The patient, who was dependent on platelet transfusions, improved quickly after interferon α-2a was given at the dosage of 3,000,000 U/m², with resolution of the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome after three weeks and a 75% decrease of the tumor volume within three months of treatment. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 28:358–361, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Nonimmune hydrops fetalis part II: does etiology influence mortality?

Hydrops fetalis is a condition in which there is an excess of total body fluid, primarily within the fetal interstitial spaces. Etymologically, hydrops fetalis is a Latin term meaning "edema of the fetus." In addition to generalized edema, the fetus has at least one of the following: ascites, pericardial effusion, pleural effusion(s), and an abnormally thick (>6 cm) placenta. Hydrops is classified as nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) when it occurs without evidence of isoimmunization.     

Kasabach-Merritt综合征治疗中自体原位植皮术的应用

目的 对Kasabach-Merritt综合征手术治疗过程中使用自体原位植皮术,评价其治疗效果,提出一种新的手术治疗方式.方法 回顾性分析2010年至2015年间自体原位植皮手术治疗的Kasabach-Merritt综合征患儿23例,病例纳入标准:均为瘤体分布弥散,皮肤大面积(＞5 cm×5 cm)异常,手术切除瘤体后创面缝合困难;非手术治疗方法无效;血小板值在2×109/L～31×109/L.23例Kasabach-Merritt综合征患儿瘤体均位于四肢,上肢6例,下肢17例;男9例,女14例;年龄7 d～9个月.总结该手术治疗方法的手术要点及术中、术后处理,分析治愈率及术后并发症.术后均经病理学检查证实为卡波西样血管内皮瘤(kaposiform hemangioendothelioma,KHE)20例,丛状血管瘤(tufted angioma,TA)3例.结果 23例患儿均在术后1周内血小板值恢复正常,随访1～5年,治愈率为100％;18例患儿自体皮片原位移植全部成活,有3例成活面积约90％,经后续换药处理后愈合,2例原位皮片移植成活约60％,行二期皮肤移植修补手术后治愈,术后并发症少.结论 手术治疗Kasabach-Merritt综合征可作为有效的治疗方法,本组资料显示,自体原位植皮术作为一种新的手术方式,治愈率100％,术后并发症少,其对符合适应证者是一种可选择治疗手段.     

The Kasabach-Merritt syndrome: treatment with intermittent pneumatic compression.

A 6 week old infant presented with a giant angiomatous naevus of the leg complicated by chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation. The bleeding and laboratory abnormalities responded to intermittent pneumatic compression of the affected limb. This innocuous treatment should be considered in the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.     

Successful treatment with interferon alfa in infiltrating angiolipoma: a case presenting with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome.

We report a case of infiltrating angiolipoma who presented with a large mass on the shoulder and the signs of Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. She improved dramatically within one month and the mass completely disappeared after six months of interferon treatment.