ABSTRACT
In severe pleural effusions, pulmonary compression may lead to lung hypoplasia and polyhydramnios because of mediastinal compression and obstruction of fetal swelling, increasing the risk of preterm labor. These conditions as well as low output cardiac failure may explain the poor prognosis of severe hydrothorax. In these cases, thoracoamniotic shunting may be indicated. Several series including the last 20 years suggest that this procedure may improve fetal and neonatal outcome. Amniodrainage may be considered in the case of severe polyhydramnios to reduce maternal respiratory dysfunction and provide the patient with comfort as well as potentially decreasing the risk of preterm delivery.
