Hydrops
Hydrops
Hydrops (/haɪˈdrɒps/), also known as hydrops fetalis, is a serious condition in which abnormal amounts of fluid build up in two or more body areas of a fetus or newborn.
Etymology
The term "hydrops" originates from the Greek word "ὕδωρ" (hydor), meaning water, and "-opsis", meaning appearance. It refers to the appearance of fluid-filled spaces in the body.
Definition
Hydrops is characterized by an excessive accumulation of clear, watery fluid in the tissues or cavities of the body. This condition can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
Types
There are two types of hydrops: immune hydrops and nonimmune hydrops. Immune hydrops occurs when the mother's immune system attacks the red blood cells of the fetus, leading to severe anemia and heart failure. Nonimmune hydrops is more common and can have a variety of causes, including heart or lung defects, severe anemia, infections, and genetic disorders.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hydrops may include edema (swelling), ascites (fluid in the abdomen), pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), and pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hydrops is typically made through ultrasound during pregnancy. Other diagnostic tests may include amniocentesis, cordocentesis, and fetal echocardiography.
Treatment
Treatment for hydrops depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to control heart failure, procedures to drain excess fluid, or in severe cases, early delivery.
Related Terms
- Anemia
- Edema
- Ascites
- Pleural Effusion
- Pericardial Effusion
- Ultrasound
- Amniocentesis
- Cordocentesis
- Fetal Echocardiography
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrops
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrops
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski