Category E: Poster Presentations: General Gynaecology (including Menstrual Disorders/ Fibroids/ Endometriosis/ Psychosomatic)

MethodsThe ultrasound findings and outcomes of all cases of ascites over a 6-year period were reviewed in an attempt to identify poor prognostic features.Results There were 98 cases of fetal ascites.Thirty-one were live born but only 13 were discharged after birth and healthy at 1 year.The aetiology was determined antenatally in only 69% (68/ 98) of cases.No fetuses with immune hydrops survived (0/3).Thirty-four fetuses had ascites and more than two other ultrasound findings (including structural anomalies, Doppler abnormalities and markers for infection and aneuploidy).None survived the neonatal period.Another 35 fetuses had a structural abnormality.In this group only fetuses where the cause of ascites could be treated in utero (3/5) or explained by the rupture of a hollow viscus (4/9) had a favourable outcome.Four fetuses had stigmata of congenital infection.One with congenital toxoplasmosis was born alive.Six fetuses had markers for chromosomal abnormality and three had non-immune hydrops, none survived without significant morbidity.Thirteen fetuses had isolated ascites, nine were live born but only five of these required no further treatment and were healthy at 1 year of age.Conclusion Fetal ascites is a serious but non-specific finding on ultrasound.In our study the aetiology and so the outcome could not be determined antenatally in 31% of cases leading to challenging counselling and management.Associated ultrasound findings can reliably predict adverse outcomes.Even in apparent isolated ascites the prognosis may be guarded.