HYDROPS

CONTENT

What is Hydrops

What causes it

What are the symptoms

How is it treated

What can a parent do

WHAT IS HYDROPS

Hydrops is an abnormal collection of fluid in the body tissues (edema) or in an organ. In the infant, the fluid collection may be generalized (all over the body) or in a specific organ of the body, such as the lungs.

WHAT CAUSES IT

1.  Hydrops cam be caused by many things:

a.  A difference in the mother’s blood type from the baby’s blood type

b.  Infections—viral or bacterial

c.  Genetic disorders

d.  Heart problems (with the baby.)

2.  Sometimes the cause is not definitely found or the doctor finds it is as a result of several reasons.

3.  No matter what the cause(s) of the hydrops, the doctor will talk with you about your baby.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

1.  The most common symptom is the collection of fluid—either generalized or in a specific organ.

2.  Other possible symptoms may be:

a.  Anemia

b.  Jaundice

c.  Paleness

d.  Bruises on the skin

e.  Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

f.  Tachycardia (fast heart rate)

g.  Tachypnea (fast breathing rate)

HOW IS IT TREATED

1.  Treatment is based on the baby’s symptoms and varies from baby to baby.

2.  Some of things we may do are:

a.  Wait—the body will get rid of some of the fluid by itself. Many times the baby will urinate the extra fluid

b.  Edema—Draw fluid out of the organ with a syringe

c.  Anemia—give the baby a blood transfusion

d.  Jaundice—put the baby under the “bili” lights

e.  Low blood sugar—give the baby IV fluids to increase his/her sugar

f.  Give the baby a “special” IV fluid called TPN that helps the baby grow, gives him fluid, and keeps his sugar normal

g.  Respiratory help—we may give the baby extra oxygen. How we give it depends on your baby’s needs

h.  Special tests—a chest x-ray or echocardiogram may be ordered to evaluate the baby’s heart and lungs.

WHAT CAN A PARENT DO

1.  You can continue to come and visit your baby. Your visits are very important to him/her.

2.  If you cannot visit, please call the NICU—someone is here all the time to answer your call. Please do no hesitate to talk with us if you have any questions or concerns

Reviewed/Revised:

7/99, 6/01, 2/03, 8/05, 4/07, 1/10

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