Genetic disorders and pregnancy outcomes of non-immune hydrops fetalis in a tertiary referral center

OBJECTIVES: Non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is a non-specific symptom associated with a wide range of disorders. The prognosis of NIHF depends on the underlying etiology. In this study, we investigated the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and Bart’s hydrops fetalis in pregnancies associated with NIHF in South China. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of NIHF pregnancies referred to the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children’s Hospital between 2014 and 2018, excluding pregnancies with maternal alloimmunization. Routine karyotyping was performed on all 129 enrolled patients, and chromosomal microarray analysis was performed for 35 cases with a normal karyotype. In addition, α-thalassemia genotyping was performed to confirm the presence of Bart’s hydrops fetalis. RESULTS: Chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 29.5% (38/129) of the cohort, including 37 cases with aneuploidy and one case with unbalanced structural rearrangement. Chromosomal microarray analysis performed on the 35 cases with a normal karyotype did not reveal any additional pathogenic variants. The proportions of chromosomal abnormalities declined with trimester progression, with frequencies of 65%, 30.1%, and 8.3% in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively (p < 0.05). Bart’s hydrops fetalis was detected in 34.9% (45/129) of the cohort. Among the 46 (35.6%) cases with unknown etiology, 23 cases had other ultrasonic abnormalities characterized by poor outcomes, whereas seven cases with multiple cavity effusions that resolved or remitted prior to birth showed normal development during the 3–4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In South China, Bart’s hydrops fetalis and chromosomal abnormalities are the most common genetic etiologies of NIHF. Generalized skin edema and accompanying ultrasonic abnormalities are predictive of adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for intensive monitoring and better pregnancy management of NIHF patients.