Nonimmune hydrops fetalis diagnosed during the second half of pregnancy in Southern China.

Objective: To analyze the etiologies of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) for a southern section of China.

Methods: 138 cases of NIHF presenting after 20 weeks' gestation over a 10-year period were reviewed.

Results: The causes of fetal hydrops were identified in 92.0%. Homozygous alpha-thalassemia dominated as the cause of NIHF (55.1%), followed by infection (15.2%) and structural abnormalities (10.9%). No obvious cause was identified in 11 cases (8.0%). Termination of pregnancy was performed in 131 cases.

Conclusions: Homozygous alpha-thalassemia is the most common cause of NIHF in southern China. An effective prenatal thalassemia screening program should be established in this high prevalence region.