Severity of non-immune hydrops fetalis at birth continues to predict survival despite advances in perinatal care

To describe the aetiology and short-term outcome of live-born infants with non-immune hydrops fetalis (NIH), to identify predictors of mortality and to establish whether there has been any change in mortality over a 14-year period. A retrospective case note review of all liveborn neonates with NIH. 30 infants were identified. Twenty (66%) had an identifiable aetiology. Ten (33%) survived to discharge. Survivors had significantly higher Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min (both p<0.001). Mortality did not differ between the time periods 1990-1999 and 2000-2004. NIH continues to be associated with a significant mortality despite advances in perinatal care. Poor condition at birth is a strong predictor of death.