Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine whether in utero pleural decompression can improve abnormal cardiotocograms resulting from compressive fetal hydrothorax.
Study design: We reviewed all cases of fetal hydrothorax referred to our level 3 fetal medicine unit. Highly pathologic cardiotocographic findings were observed in four third-trimester patients. All had mediastinal compression that resulted in skin edema on the upper part of the body. Prenatal therapy was performed on an emergency basis, two with thoracocentesis and two with pleuroamniotic catheters.
Results: One patient went into intractable bradycardia on arrival in the department and died in spite of immediate thoracocentesis. The other three recovered, with normal heart rate patterns after pleural decompression.
Conclusion: Emergency prenatal therapy may reverse fetal distress in utero, allowing time for delivery of uncompromised infants if possible after a complete evaluation of nonimmune hydrops.