Large fetal sacrococcygeal teratomas: could early delivery improve outcome?

Fetal Diagn Ther. 2008;24(1):55-60. doi: 10.1159/000132408. Epub 2008 May 27.

Abstract

Objective: To determine if gestational age (GA) at delivery or tumor size impacts outcome in neonates with very large sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs).

Methods: Retrospective chart review from 1990 to 2006 of live-born infants with very large SCTs, defined as diameters exceeding 10 cm. Data analyzed using the independent t test and Fisher's exact test, with p values <0.05 considered significant.

Results: Nine infants with very large SCTs were identified. Six of the 9 infants survived, 4 of whom had evidence of early hydrops. Mean GA of survivors was 32.2 +/- 3.7 versus 31.7 +/- 0.6 weeks in nonsurvivors (p = 0.85). Infants with the largest SCTs did not survive.

Conclusion: Risks of preterm delivery must be weighed against complications from further enlargement of very large SCTs and against the risks of in utero intervention.

MeSH terms

  • Delivery, Obstetric / mortality*
  • Female
  • Fetal Diseases / mortality*
  • Gestational Age*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sacrococcygeal Region*
  • Teratoma / complications
  • Teratoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Teratoma / mortality*
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal