Serial amnioinfusions for fetal pulmonary palliation in fetuses with renal failure

Abstract

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) encompasses a heterogeneous group of congenital pathologies and generally results in oligohydramnios. Fetal intervention (e.g. vesicoamniotic shunting, fetal cystoscopy) has traditionally been reserved for cases with a favorable renal profile, while those with unfavorable renal function have been offered termination or expectant management with the latter leading to high incidence of marked pulmonary hypoplasia, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe two cases, which were not candidates for traditional intervention based on abnormal fetal renal function, who elected to proceed with serial amnioinfusions for fetal pulmonary palliation to attenuate the risk of pulmonary hypoplasia.

• Amnioinfusion
• fetal lower urinary tract obstruction
• oligohydramnios
• prematurity
• pulmonary hypoplasia

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.