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Infection with the pork tapeworm can result in neurocysticercosis caused by infestation of central nervous system tissues by the parasite cysts. Parenchymal brain infection can cause symptoms from mass effect that include headache, seizures, confusion, and even coma. Our objective was to describe the clinical course of neurocysticercosis infections in pregnant women.This was a case series that described clinical findings and pregnancy outcomes of women diagnosed with neurocysticercosis from 1994 through 2016 at a single institution. Their medical records were reviewed, cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans were assessed, and the infections were classified according to the criteria of the 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.Overall, 37 pregnant women with neurocysticercosis were identified. Of the 37 women, 32 were symptomatic, and 16 each had severe headaches or new-onset seizures or other neurologic sequelae. Some of these women had multiple symptoms. Others were diagnosed when neuroimaging was done for a history of neurocysticercosis or evaluation of a preexisting seizure disorder. The most common treatment was with anthelmintics-albendazole, praziquantel, or both-usually given with anticonvulsants and corticosteroids to decrease inflammation. There were eight women in whom invasive neurosurgical procedures were performed, usually for hydrocephaly. Overall, 32 healthy neonates were born at term, and there was one preterm delivery at 34 weeks of gestation. The four pregnancy losses included two molar pregnancies, one anembryonic miscarriage, and a 23-week stillbirth of a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia with severe features.Neurocysticercosis in pregnant women may be asymptomatic or result in headaches, seizures, confusion, nausea and vomiting, altered mental status, or obtundation. Anthelmintic treatment is usually successful, but in some women neurosurgical procedures are necessary to relieve obstructive hydrocephaly.

Objective To evaluate the incidence of vaginal bleeding in women with placenta accreta according to gestational age at delivery. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of women with prior cesarean delivery and persistent placenta previa delivered at our institution between December 1997 and December 2011. Diagnosis of invasion was based on hysterectomy performed for an abnormally adherent placenta with histologic confirmation. Suspicion for invasion was based on the impression of the attending physician at the time of ultrasonography. Records were reviewed to identify indication for delivery and estimated blood loss. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test, χ2 test, and Mantel-Haenszel and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results Of 216 women with prior cesarean delivery and persistent previa, 65 (30%) required cesarean hysterectomy and had histologic confirmation of invasion. Urgent delivery for bleeding was performed in 20% of these pregnancies (13/65). Delivery for bleeding decreased significantly with advancing gestation (P=.001). In our series, 71% with accreta were delivered at 36 weeks of gestation or greater with delivery for bleeding in five (11%), and estimated blood loss was not increased in these pregnancies. Of 79 women with ultrasonographic suspicion for accreta, the incidence of vaginal bleeding prompting urgent delivery also decreased with advancing gestation (P Conclusion Likelihood of vaginal bleeding necessitating delivery declined with advancing gestation in pregnancies with placenta accreta as did blood loss. Most were delivered at 36 weeks of gestation or greater, nearly 90% in the absence of bleeding complications. Thus, although preterm delivery is an important consideration when placenta accreta is suspected, our findings support individualizing delivery planning.

OBJECTIVE To estimate the effect of hydramnios on pregnancy outcomes in dichorionic and monochorionic twins. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of women with twin pregnancies who underwent ultrasound evaluation between 1997 and 2010 and delivered liveborn neonates or stillborn fetuses at 24 weeks of gestation or more at a single institution. Hydramnios was defined as a single deepest pocket of amniotic fluid of at least 8 cm, and it was further categorized as mild (8-9.9 cm), moderate (10-11.9 cm), or severe (12 cm or more). The greatest degree of hydramnios identified during pregnancy was used for analysis. Monoamniotic pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome were excluded. Anomalous neonates and stillborn fetuses were analyzed separately. RESULTS Of 1,951 twin pregnancies, 1,311 were dichorionic (67%) and 640 were monochorionic (33%). Hydramnios was identified in 348 pregnancies (18%). Major anomalies were more common with increasing hydramnios in both dichorionic and monochorionic twins (P

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the relationship between fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of ventriculomegaly, cerebellar herniation, extraaxial space effacement and adverse outcomes in children with spina bifida. METHODS: This was a review of all pregnancies with spina bifida referred for fetal MRI from 2001 to 2007 and cared for postnatally at our spina bifida referral center. Degree of cerebellar herniation was based on lowest cervical vertebral level reached. Extraaxial space was considered effaced if too small to be measured above or below the tentorium cerebelli. Bladder dysfunction was termed high risk if renal damage was present or urodynamic studies indicated increased risk for renal damage. Ambulation was assessed in children age 3 years or older. Statistical analyses included chi square, Mantel-Haenszel test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 36 pregnancies with fetal spina bifida at 276 weeks with subsequent delivery at 381 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at 3.2 years (range 2.4–5.1); 23 children were age 3 years or older. If the cerebellum was above the foramen magnum or had herniated to C2, C3, or C4, respectively, childhood seizures occurred in 0%, 7%, 21%, and 100%; high-risk bladder dysfunction in 33%, 33%, 71%, and 100%; and inability to ambulate independently in 20%, 70%, and 100% (no C4 cases) all P

To estimate the effects of maternal administration of magnesium sulfate on the fetal middle cerebral artery using Doppler.This is a single-center ancillary study done in conjunction with a randomized, double-masked, placebo- controlled trial in 20 centers. Women at imminent risk of preterm delivery (n=2,241) were allocated randomly to receive magnesium sulfate or placebo. Doppler measurements of the fetal middle cerebral artery were obtained before blinded study-drug administration and subsequently at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hour intervals. Parameters studied included time-average velocity, peak systolic velocity, vessel diameter, heart rate, and calculated blood volume flow. A random-effects model with repeated-measures design was used for analysis.A total of 38 fetuses were studied: 18 received magnesium sulfate and 20 received placebo. Peak systolic velocity was significantly related to gestational age (P.001). There were no differences between the study groups for middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity, average velocity, vessel diameter, or calculated volume flow. However, fetal heart rate significantly decreased after treatment with magnesium sulfate.Magnesium sulfate had no significant effects on fetal cerebral blood flow analyzed using Doppler. The only parameter in the fetal cerebral circulation significantly modified by magnesium sulfate was the heart rate. The significance of this heart-rate change, vis-à-vis the neuroprotective effects of magnesium sulfate, is unknown.ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00014989.I.

To estimate the effect of maternal habitus on detection of fetuses with major structural anomalies during second-trimester standard and targeted ultrasound examinations.This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies 18 to 24 weeks that underwent ultrasonography over a 5-year period. An anomalous fetus was considered detected if a major abnormality of the relevant organ system was identified, regardless of the anticipated ultrasound detection. Anomalies were verified using a prospectively maintained database. Body mass index (BMI) was based on weight at first prenatal visit.There were 10,112 standard examinations in low-risk pregnancies and 1,098 targeted examinations in pregnancies with either high-risk indications or with an abnormality detected during standard ultrasonography. Detection of anomalous fetuses decreased with increasing BMI. For normal BMI, overweight, and class I, II, and III obesity, detection with standard ultrasonography was 66%, 49%, 48%, 42%, and 25%, respectively, and with targeted ultrasonography, 97%, 91%, 75%, 88%, and 75%, respectively, both Por =.03. Residual anomaly risk after a normal ultrasound examination increased with increasing BMI, from 0.4% among women of normal BMI to 1.0% among obese women, P=.001. Anomaly detection was lower among women with pregestational diabetes than in those with other high-risk indications, 38% compared with 88% respectively, P.001.With increasing maternal BMI, we found decreased detection of anomalous fetuses with either standard or targeted ultrasonography, a difference of at least 20% when women of normal BMI were compared with obese women. Anomaly detection was even less in pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes. Counseling may need to be modified to reflect the limitations of ultrasonography in obese women.

To describe pregnancy outcomes with fetal gastroschisis, including the associations of prenatal ultrasound findings with neonatal surgical complications and other morbidities.This was a review of pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis and delivered from January 1998 through June 2006. The last ultrasonogram before delivery was reviewed to determine stomach dilatation, bowel dilatation, or abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume. Neonatal records were reviewed to determine type of closure and any bowel complications.There were 66 pregnancies with gastroschisis, 1 per 2,000 deliveries. There were three stillbirths and three neonatal deaths. Delayed closure was necessary in 49% who underwent surgery. Birth weight below the third percentile, which occurred in 38%, was associated with need for delayed closure, 64% compared with 25% without growth restriction, P.001, but was not associated with longer hospital stay or neonatal death. Fetal gastroschisis was diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography in 58 cases. Bowel complications requiring surgery were more frequent when ultrasonography had demonstrated stomach dilatation (five cases), 60% compared with 10%, P=.002. Fetuses with defects so large that no normal ventral wall could be visualized ultrasonographically (three cases) were at increased risk for neonatal death, 100% compared with 0%, P.001.Ultrasound findings associated with adverse outcome in fetal gastroschisis included stomach dilatation and a defect so large that no normal ventral wall could be visualized. Fetal growth restriction was common, and such infants were more likely to require delayed gastroschisis closure. Despite more than 90% survival, morbidity with gastroschisis remains high.II.

To characterize the prevalence and ultrasound detection of fetal anomalies in pregnancies with hydramnios, and to estimate anomaly and aneuploidy risks when no sonographic abnormality is noted.This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with hydramnios. Hydramnios was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on greatest amniotic fluid index of 25.0-29.9 cm, 30.0-34.9 cm, or 35.0 cm or more, respectively. Antenatal anomaly detection was compared with assessment in the immediate neonatal period. Aneuploidy and fetal deaths were analyzed separately.Hydramnios was diagnosed in 672 pregnancies, and 77 (11%) of neonates had one or more anomalies. Though more severe hydramnios was associated with higher likelihood of anomaly (P.001), sonographic anomaly detection (79%) did not differ according to degree of hydramnios (P =.4). Of anomalies which eluded sonographic diagnosis, cardiac septal defects, cleft palate, imperforate anus, and tracheoesophageal fistula were the most frequent. If sonographic evaluation was normal, the risk of a major anomaly was 1% with mild hydramnios, 2% with moderate hydramnios, and 11% with severe hydramnios (P.001). Aneuploidy was present in 10% of fetuses with sonographic anomalies and 1% without apparent sonographic anomalies. The fetal death rate was 4% in the setting of hydramnios; 60% of these cases had anomalies.The anomaly detection rate in pregnancies with hydramnios was nearly 80%, irrespective of the degree of amniotic fluid increase. Residual anomaly risk after normal sonographic evaluation was 2% or less if hydramnios was mild or moderate and 11% if severe.

To evaluate gestational age at ultrasound detection of placenta previa as a predictor of previa persistence until delivery, and to estimate the effects of previa type, parity, and prior cesarean delivery on previa persistence.This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with placenta previa detected during transabdominal or endovaginal ultrasound examination. Previa was categorized as complete if the placenta completely covered the internal cervical os or incomplete if the inferior placental edge partially covered or reached the margin of the os. Gestational age was grouped into 4-week intervals from 15 to 36 weeks. The outcome was cesarean delivery for persistent previa.Previa was detected during 940 ultrasound examinations in 714 pregnancies. Of those with placenta previa at 15-19 weeks, 20-23 weeks, 24-27 weeks, 28-31 weeks, and 32-35 weeks, previa persisted until delivery in 12%, 34%, 49%, 62%, and 73%, respectively. At each interval, complete previa was more likely to persist than incomplete previa, all P.001. Prior cesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for persistent previa among women diagnosed with previa in the second trimester, P.05. However, parity was not an independent risk factor for persistence at any gestational age interval after adjusting for prior cesarean delivery.Gestational age at ultrasound detection of placenta previa may be used to predict likelihood of previa persistence. After midpregnancy, risk of persistence appears to be higher than previously reported. Type of placentation and prior cesarean delivery are important factors that modify the risk that previa will complicate delivery.

Objective: To examine the pathophysiology of fetal syphilis and correlate hematologic, immunologic, and sonographic findings. Methods: Twenty-four women with untreated syphilis during pregnancy were prospectively identified. Sonography with amniocentesis and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling were performed. Darkfield examination, rabbit infectivity testing, and polymerase chain reaction for detection of Treponema pallidum were performed on amniotic fluid. Hematologic and chemical testing of fetal blood was performed using standard techniques. Fetal antitreponemal IgM was detected by Western blot assay. Maternal syphilis was treated with 2.4 to 4.8 million units of benzathine penicillin G intramuscularly. Neonatal outcomes and signs of congenital syphilis were recorded. Results: Six women had primary, 12 had secondary, and six had early latent syphilis. Sixty-six percent of fetuses (95% confidence interval [CI] 47%, 82%) had either congenital syphilis or detection of Treponema pallidum in amniotic fluid. Sixty-six percent had hepatomegaly, including three fetuses (12.5%, 95% CI 4%, 31%) with ascites. Fetal antitreponemal IgM was detected in three cases. Abnormal liver transaminases were found in 88% (CI 69%, 96%), anemia in 26% (CI 13%, 47%), and thrombocytopenia in 35% (CI 19%, 55%). Maternal treatment was successful in 83% (CI 64%, 93%). Risk of treatment failure was significantly increased when hepatomegaly and ascites were present (P = .01). Conclusion: Findings with fetal syphilis are similar to those of neonatal syphilis. We hypothesize that fetal transaminase elevation occurs early in the course of infection; hematologic abnormalities and hydrops occur later. Severity of disease may be associated with risk of treatment failure.