Sacrococcygeal teratomas: prenatal surveillance, growth and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal surveillance and growth characteristics are evaluated in a cohort of fetuses with sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) as part of risk assessment.

METHODS: Retrospective review of 23 fetuses with SCT: prenatal diagnosis, surveillance, delivery, and early postnatal outcome are reported.

RESULTS: Cardiac output failure physiology requires serial evaluation. The size of the SCT determines obstetrical risks and mode of delivery. An SCT growth rate approaching >150 cm(3) per week may be associated with increased perinatal mortality risks. Maternal morbidity is related mainly to polyhydramnios and preterm labor.

CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal mortality is approximately 43%. Maternal-fetal surgery for fetal physiologic deterioration is not frequent, but serial surveillance is required to minimize fetal morbidity/mortality and maternal morbidity. Rapid SCT growth rates may be associated with increased risk of perinatal mortality.