• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.207-211
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• 2008

Congenital syphilis is a rare cause of non-immune hydrops fetalis. We cared for a neonate with hydrops fetalis who was delivered by emergency Cesarean section due to prolonged fetal bradycardia and ascites at 34 weeks of gestation. He had anemia, purpura, and hepatosplenomegaly, and the serologic tests revealed congenital syphilis (high titers of serum VDRL and TPHA, and a positive serum FTA-ABS IgM). He survived after aspiration of ascitic fluid, ventilator care, and intravenous penicillin therapy. We report a case of non-immune hydrops fetalis due to congenital syphilis with a brief review of literature.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.576-580
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• 2019

Meconium peritonitis as a cause of non-immune hydrops in neonates is rarely reported. Here we report such a rare occurrence. In our case, a routine antenatal scan at 25 weeks revealed isolated ascites. By 31 weeks of gestation, all features of hydrops were observed in scans. However, antenatal workup for immune and non-immune hydrops was negative. Subsequently, a preterm hydropic female baby was delivered at 32 weeks. She required intubation and ventilator support. An X-ray revealed calcification in the abdomen suggestive of meconium peritonitis. Ultrasound showed gross ascites, a giant cyst compressing the inferior vena cava, and minimal bilateral pleural effusion. Emergency laparotomy revealed meconium pellets and perforation of the ileum. Double-barrel ileostomy was performed, and the edema resolved and activity improved. The baby was discharged after 3 weeks. Ileostomy closure was done at follow-up. The baby is growing well.