Introduction. Non-immune hydrops fetalis is a condition of excessive
accumulation of extravascular fluid without identifiable circulating antibody
to erythrocytes membrane antigens. In newborn infants it is characterized by
skin oedema and pleural, pericardial or peritoneal effusion. In the era of
routine Rh immunization for the prevention of foetal erythroblastosis,
non-immune pathophysiologic mechanisms are presented in 76-87% of all
hydropic newborns. Non-immune hydrops fetalis can be associated with numerous
and various disorders. The mortality rate may exceed 50%. This study was
aimed at presenting our clinical experience in treating newborn infants with
non-immune hydrops fetalis. Material and methods. A retrospective-prospective
study included newborn infants with non-immune hydrops fetalis, who were
treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mother and Child Health
Institute of Serbia between January 1, 2001 and October 31, 2010. All valid
data about aetiology, diagnosis, clinical course and outcome were recorded.
Results. The diagnosis of non-immune hydrops fetalis was made in 11 newborns.
The etiologic diagnosis was established in 8 patients: anaemia due to
fetomaternal transfusion in 4 patients and conatal cytomegalovirus infection,
intracranial haemorrhage, isolated pulmonary lymphangiectasia and diffuse
skin and mediastinal lymphangiomatosis in the remaining 4 patients.
Conclusion. Non-immune hydrops of newborn infant is associated with a high
mortality rate and requires complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An
optimal management of neonates with non-immune hydrops fetalis demands a
multidisciplinary approach to the treatment in a neonatal intensive care
unit.
MOTHER TO INFANT BONDING LEVELS OF MOTHERS WHOSE NEWBORN INFANTS ARE IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT AND THEIR NEEDS REGARDING THE INFANT CARE AT HOME