Nonimmune idiopathic hydrops fetalis and congenital lymphatic dysplasia

Six newborns that presented at birth with nonimmune hydrops fetalis and for whom no cause could be found were investigated for the presence of lymphatic dysplasia. Careful analysis led to findings of some degree of lymphatic dysplasia in all patients. This suggests that lymphatic dysplasia may represent at least part of the causes that are responsible for the "idiopathic" form of nonimmune hydrops fetalis. Carefully searching for lymphatic dysplasia in these patients, and if indicated in their relatives, as well as establishing the exact nature of the lymphatic dysplasia must be carried out so as to provide proper genetic counseling to families with nonimmune hydrops.