The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
2013 , Vol 55 , Num 6
Cholestasis in infants with immune hydrops fetalis
1Division of Neonatology, 2Department of Pediatrics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
E-mail: stakci@gmail.com
Rhesus (Rh) hemolytic disease of the newborn represents a broad spectrum
of symptoms in the fetus and newborn, ranging from mild to severe
hemolytic anemia and hydrops fetalis. Cholestasis is a common problem in
infants with immune hydrops fetalis (IHF). The aim of this study was to
evaluate the incidence and course of cholestasis in infants with IHF due to
Rh alloimmunization. Infants with IHF during the 10-year follow-up were
retrospectively included in the study. Demographics, laboratory parameters,
and prenatal and postnatal interventions were recorded. The incidence of
cholestasis and certain risk factors were investigated. A total of 30 infants
with IHF with a mean gestational age 33 ± 2.6 weeks were included. Of
these, 15 infants (50%) survived to discharge. The incidence of cholestasis
was 60% (18/30). Cholestasis was diagnosed within a median 3 (0-7) days.
All cholestatic infants who survived recovered within three months. In
conclusion, cholestasis in IHF is frequent, transient and has an early onset.
Keywords :
neonate, cholestasis, hydrops.