Abstract
The treatment of hydrops fetalis, a critical state of extravascular fluid overload in the newborn, poses a great medical challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration (CAVH) in the treatment of five critically ill newborns with hydrops fetalis of different etiology. All patients had anasarca, oliguria not responsive to diuretics, were on mechanical ventilation, and were treated with inotropic drugs and sedation. The duration of treatment ranged from 42 to 114 h and all patients, except one who died from congenital heart disease, achieved the clinical goals of weight loss and restoration of diuresis. Regular clinical and neurological follow-up to the age of 2 years was normal for the four surviving patients. In conclusion, CAVH appears to be a safe treatment of fluid overload in newborns with hydrops fetalis.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 17 September 1998 / Revised: 24 June 1999 / Accepted: 25 June 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Castillo, F., Nieto, J., Salcedo, S. et al. Treatment of hydrops fetalis with hemofiltration. Pediatr Nephrol 15, 14–16 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013446
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00013446