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OBJETIVO: analisar a evolução dos casos de gêmeos unidos do diagnóstico pré-natal ao desfecho após o nascimento. MÉTODOS: análise descritiva, retrospectiva, dos casos de gêmeos unidos diagnosticados por exame ultrassonográfico durante o pré-natal. Foram avaliadas as características maternas, os exames ultrassonográficos e de ecocardiografia fetal do período antenatal, os dados do parto e dos recém-nascidos, bem como os resultados da separação cirúrgica e anatomopatológico. Os gêmeos foram classificados segundo o tipo de união e dados referentes aos aspectos ultrassonográficos, parto, evolução pós-natal e de sobrevida foram analisados. RESULTADOS: quarenta casos de gêmeos unidos foram incluídos no estudo. Observou-se 72,5% de toracópagos, 12,5% de parápagos, 7,5% de onfalo-isquiópagos, 5% de onfalópagos e 2,5% de cefalópagos. A autorização judicial para interrupção da gestação foi solicitada em 58,8% dos casos. Todos os casos em que não se realizou a interrupção judicial da gestação, o parto foi cesárea, em idade gestacional média de 35 semanas. Todos nasceram vivos com mediana do peso de 3.860 g e 88% evoluíram para óbito pós-natal. Dos nascidos vivos, 10% foram submetidos à separação cirúrgica com sobrevida de 60%. A sobrevida geral foi de 7,5% e a pós-natal, de 12%. A avaliação antenatal da letalidade e da possibilidade de separação cirúrgica pós-natal foi precisa. Não foram observadas complicações maternas relacionadas ao parto. CONCLUSÃO: a gemelidade imperfeita apresenta prognóstico sombrio, relacionado, principalmente, às fusões cardíacas complexas presentes na maioria dos toracópagos. Em centros de referência, a avaliação ultrassonográfica e ecocardiográfica antenatal delineia com acurácia o prognóstico de letalidade e de possibilidade de separação cirúrgica pós-natal.PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to analyze conjoined twins in terms of antenatal, delivery and postnatal aspects. METHODS: a retrospective descriptive analysis of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins. Prenatal ultrasound and echocardiography, delivery details, postnatal follow-up, surgical separation and post mortem data were reviewed. The twins were classified according to the type of fusion between fetal structures. The following data were analyzed: ultrasound and echocardiographic findings, antenatal lethality and possibility of surgical separation, delivery details and survival rates. RESULTS: forty cases of conjoined twins were included in the study. There were 72.5% cases of thoracophagus, 12.5% of paraphagus, 7.5% of omphalo-ischiophagus, 5.0% of omphalophagus, and 2.5% of cephalophagus. Judicial termination of pregnancy was requested in 58.8% of the cases. Cesarean section was performed in all cases in which pregnancy was not terminated. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks; all twins were live births with a mean birth weight of 3,860 g and 88% died postnatally. Ten percent of the live borns were submitted to surgical separation with a 60% survival rate. The total survival rate was 7.5% and postnatal survival was 12%. Antenatal evaluation of lethality and possibility of surgical separation were precise. There were no maternal complications related to delivery. CONCLUSION: conjoined twins present a dismal prognosis mainly related to the complex cardiac fusion present in the majority of cases with thoracic sharing. At referring centers, prenatal ultrasound and echocardiographic evaluation accurately delineate fetal prognosis and the possibility of postnatal surgical separation.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as complicações maternas associadas ao tipo de parto e comparar o parto cesáreo com o via vaginal. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 1.748 partos realizados em hospital universitário de São Paulo no período de abril a dezembro de 2001, cujos recém-nascidos apresentaram peso superior a 500 gramas. Foram analisadas as complicações maternas ocorridas durante o parto e as diagnosticadas durante o puerpério, necessitando de nova internação da paciente. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste t de Student e o teste Exato de Fisher. Adotou-se como nível de significância o valor de 0,05. RESULTADOS: O parto cesáreo foi realizado em 988 pacientes (56,5%) e o por via vaginal em 760 (43,5%). As complicações hemorrágicas ocorreram em 1,2% dos casos de cesárea e em 0,8% dos casos de parto via vaginal, sem diferença significativa entre esses grupos. A endometrite ocorreu em 0,4% dos casos de ces��rea e em 0,1% dos partos por via vaginal, não sendo observada diferença significativa. Dois casos de infecção puerperal evoluíram para histerectomia no grupo cujo parto foi cesáreo. Não foi observado nenhum caso de óbito materno relacionado à cesárea. CONCLUSÕES: Não foram constatadas associações entre as complicações maternas e o tipo de parto no período analisado.

OBJETIVO: este estudo, realizado em gestações com aloimunização pelo fator Rh, tem como objetivo descrever as alterações gasométricas e do equilíbrio ácido-básico fetal antes e após transfusões intra-uterinas (TIU). MÉTODO: no período de junho de 2001 a outubro de 2001, antes e após a TIU em fetos de gestantes aloimunizadas, foram avaliados prospectivamente a gasometria e o equilíbrio ácido-básico no sangue da veia umbilical. As medidas foram realizadas em 8 amostras de sangue de 5 fetos. O sangue fetal foi obtido por cordocentese da veia umbilical antes e após TIU. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com a expansão volêmica na TIU, a idade gestacional no procedimento, o peso fetal estimado pela ultra-sonografia e as variações da hemoglobina fetal (g/dL). RESULTADOS: em todos os casos foi observada queda nos valores do pH, com redução média de 0,09 (DP=0,02). A hemoglobina fetal apresentou aumento médio de 8,4 g/dL (DP=2,9 g/dL). Foi constatada também variação negativa da pO2 (média = -1,28 mmHg) na concentração de HCO3_ (média = _2,25 mEq/l). Houve aumento da pCO2 (média = 3,2 mmHg) e redução nos valores do excesso de bases (média = -3,75). CONCLUSÃO: a análise das gasometrias permite concluir que o procedimento de TIU acompanha-se de queda nos valores do pH de sangue de veia umbilical, demonstrando haver acidemia fetal relativa após o procedimento.

Objetivo: analisar a evolução do comprimento do colo uterino ao longo da gestação gemelar e descrever a sua relação com a idade gestacional na época do parto. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo com análise de dados obtidos prospectivamente entre 1994 e 2000, no qual foram incluídas 149 grávidas com gestações gemelares. Estas foram submetidas a avaliações ultra-sonográficas para medida do comprimento do colo uterino no período de 1994 a 2000. A medida do colo uterino foi realizada na primeira avaliação ultra-sonográfica e, a partir desta, repetida em intervalos de quatro semanas. O exame foi realizado pela via endovaginal com a bexiga vazia. Resultados: em 127 gestações (85,2%), o parto ocorreu após a 34ª semana; em 20 (13,4%), entre a 24ª e a 33ª semanas, e 2 casos (1,3%) resultaram em abortamento espontâneo antes da 24a semana. A idade gestacional média na época dos partos foi 36,3 semanas. Um total de 497 avaliações do colo foram realizadas nas 127 gestações gemelares que resultaram em parto após 34 semanas (média de 4 avaliações por paciente). As avaliações foram realizadas entre a 91ª e a 39ª semana (idade gestacional média = 29,4 semanas). O teste de regressão polinomial demonstrou correlação inversa entre a medida do colo uterino e a idade gestacional (r=-0,44; p

Objetivos: analisar, nas gestações de alto risco com diagnóstico de centralização da circulação fetal, os resultados perinatais e a avaliação da vitalidade fetal de acordo com a dopplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical (AU). Métodos: foram estudadas 717 gestantes de alto risco avaliadas pelo Setor de Vitalidade Fetal da Clínica Obstétrica do HC-FMUSP. Todas foram submetidas aos exames em períodos de até 72 horas que antecederam o parto. Foram excluídas as gestações múltiplas e as com diagnóstico de malformações fetais. A centralização foi caracterizada de acordo com o valor do índice de pulsatilidade (IP) da ACM (IP abaixo do 5º percentil para a idade gestacional = fetos com centralização). A dopplervelocimetria da AU foi classificada como alterada quando a relação A/B foi superior ao percentil 95 para a idade gestacional. Resultados: nas gestantes com dopplervelocimetria da AU normal (560 pacientes -- 78,1%), observamos correlação apenas entre a centralização e a cardiotocografia suspeita ou alterada (17,1%). Nas gestantes com dopplervelocimetria da AU alterada (157 pacientes -- 21,9%) as médias dos seguintes parâmetros foram significativamente menores no grupo com centralização (105 casos -- 66,9%): peso do recém-nascido (1810,5±769,3 g), idade gestacional (34,4±3,6 sem) e pH no nascimento (7,20±0,1). Houve também, neste grupo, correlação significativa entre a centralização e alterações na cardiotocografia (57,2%), índice de Apgar de 1º minuto inferior a 7 (43,8%) e 5º minuto inferior a 7 (12,4%). Conclusões: o diagnóstico da centralização da circulação fetal pela dopplervelocimetria da ACM é significativo apenas em gestações que cursam com algum grau de insuficiência placentária, não se relacionando com piora dos resultados perinatais em gestantes com função placentária normal.

Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre alterações das contrações uterinas e parto prematuro. Metodologia: entre fevereiro de 1996 e junho de 1998, 73 gestantes com risco para o parto prematuro foram submetidas à monitorização externa das contrações uterinas, da 24ª à 34ª semana de gestação, duas vezes por semana, durante 60 minutos. O teste foi considerado positivo quando as contrações uterinas apresentavam freqüência maior ou igual a 4 contrações/hora antes da 30ª semana e a 6 contrações/hora após esta data. Resultado: foram excluídas da análise 17 pacientes (23,28%) por apresentarem patologias obstétricas ou evolução desfavorável para os resultados finais. Das 56 gestantes restantes, a incidência de partos prematuros espontâneos foi de 23,21% (13/56). A freqüência média das contrações uterinas foi significativamente maior no grupo que evoluiu para o parto prematuro. O método revelou uma sensibilidade de 69,23%, uma especificidade de 86,04% e valores preditivos positivo e negativo de 60% e 90,24%, respectivamente. Conclusão: o teste negativo está associado a baixo risco de nascimento prematuro. Contudo, diante do teste positivo, torna-se necessária a associação com outros marcadores do parto prematuro para melhor identificar pacientes com risco elevado.Purpose: to evaluate the relationship between uterine contractions and premature delivery. Methods: between February 1996 and July 1998, 73 high risk pregnant women for preterm delivery, between the 24th and 34th weeks of gestation, were submitted to uterine contraction monitoring with tokodynamometers for 1 hour twice a week. The positive test was the presence of 4 contractions/h before the 30th week of gestation, and after this time, 6 contractions/h. Result: of 73 women, 17 patients (23.28%) were excluded from the final analysis because they presented obstetric problems or unfavorable development for the final result. The rate of preterm delivery was 21.23% (13/56). The mean frequency of uterine contractions was greater in women with preterm delivery than in those with term delivery. The test presented sensitivity of 69.23%, specificity of 86.04%, positive predictive value of 60% and negative predictive value of 90.24%. Conclusion: negative tests are associated with a low risk of preterm birth. When the test is positive, association with other premature delivery markers is necessary to improve our ability to efficiently identify patients at risk for preterm delivery.

Purpose: To determine the influence of breastfeeding on the results of a postpartum oral glucose tolerance test in women recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus., Methods: The data were obtained from the electronic medical records of the Endocrinopathy Sector during pregnancy, HCMED laboratory system ofHospital das Clínicas of São Paulo , and by telephone. According to the inclusion criteria adopted, 132 patients were eligible for the study. For statistical analysis, the patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they breastfed. The results were analyzed by the Student t-test and by the Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, depending on the variable analyzed, with the level of significance set at p<0.05., Results: Of the 132 patients included in the study, 114 breastfed and 18 did not. Most of the patients in both groups were overweight or obese. The breastfeeding group had a lower pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index than the non-breastfeeding group (p=0.006). Insulin was introduced earlier in the group that did not breastfeed (23.21±4.33 versus 28.84±6.17; p=0.04). The group that did not breastfeed had a higher mean postpartum fasting glucose value in the oral glucose tolerance test than the group that breastfed (91.3±8.7 versus 86.5±9.3; p=0.01). Breastfeeding acted as a protective factor against the development of glucose intolerance in the postpartum oral glucose tolerance test (OR=0.27; 95%CI 0.09-0.8). By logistic regression, breastfeeding was shown to be an independent protective factor., Conclusion: There was a statistically significant relationship between breastfeeding and a decreased risk of developing glucose intolerance. Breastfeeding should be encouraged because it is an effective, low cost intervention easily accessible to all patients during the postpartum period.

Purpose: To analyze the obstetrical and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with small for gestation age fetuses after 35 weeks based on umbilical cord nucleated red blood cells count (NRBC)., Methods: NRBC per 100 white blood cells were analyzed in 61 pregnancies with small for gestation age fetuses and normal Doppler findings for the umbilical artery. The pregnancies were assigned to 2 groups: NRBC≥10 (study group, n=18) and NRBC<10 (control group, n=43). Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were compared between these groups. The χ(2) test or Student's t-test was applied for statistical analysis. The level of significance was set at 5%., Results: The mean ± standard deviation for NRBC per 100 white blood cells was 25.0 ± 13.5 for the study group and 3.9 ± 2.2 for the control group. The NRBC≥10 group and NRBC<10 group were not significantly different in relation to maternal age (24.0 versus 26.0), primiparity (55.8 versus 50%), comorbidities (39.5 versus 55.6%) and gestational age at birth (37.4 versus 37.0 weeks). The NRBC≥10 group showed higher rate of caesarean delivery (83.3 versus 48.8%, p=0.02), fetal distress (60 versus 0%, p<0.001) and pH<7.20 (42.9 versus 11.8%, p<0.001). The birth weight and percentile of birth weight for gestational age were significantly lower on NRBC≥10 group (2,013 versus 2,309 g; p<0.001 and 3.8 versus 5.1; p=0.004; respectively). There was no case described of 5th minute Apgar score below 7., Conclusion: An NRBC higher than 10 per 100 white blood cells in umbilical cord was able to identify higher risk for caesarean delivery, fetal distress and acidosis on birth in small for gestational age fetuses with normal Doppler findings.

Purpose: It was to compare the use of two growth curves for the diagnosis of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, having the 10th percentile as reference., Methods: In a retrospective study, data of 20,567 singleton live births from January 2003 to June 2014 were analyzed, and divided according to gestational age: (a) 23 to 26, (b) 26 to 29, (c) 29 to 32, (d) 32 to 35, (e) 35 to 38, (f) 38 to 41 and (g) >41 weeks. Data were paired and analyzed using the McNemar test, with the level of significance set at 0.05., Results: The curve designed by Alexander indicated a higher percentage of diagnosis of SGA than the curve constructed by Fenton for every category of gestational age up to 41 weeks, more markedly in the 32-35 week group (18.5%). Between 37 and 40 weeks of gestational age, Alexander's curve exceeded Fenton's curve in 9.1% of the cases in the diagnosis of SGA., Conclusions: The Fenton curve provides a more accurate evaluation of an infant's growth since it is gender-specific and allows measurement of three parameters. It has also been constructed with newer data and more sophisticated statistical tools.

Purpose: To determine if the presence of infectious agents in vaginal or cervical content can alter the results of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) test and the measurement of cervical length (CC) by transvaginal ultrasonography., Methods: A total of 107 pregnant women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth were submitted to the phIGFBP-1 test and to measurement of CC by transvaginal ultrasonography every 3 weeks, between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Genital infections were determined immediately before testing. The patients were distributed into four groups (GA, GB, GC, and GD) and the correlation between genital infection and changes in the tests was determined within each group based on the odds ratio (OR) and the Pearson correlation coefficient., Results: In each group, over 50% of the patients had genital infections (GA 10/17; GB 28/42; GC 15/24; GD 35/53), with bacterial vaginosis being the main alteration of the vaginal flora. Positive results for phIGFBP-1(GA 10/10; GB 18/28; GC 15/15; GD 19/35) and CC ≤ 20 mm (GA 10/10; GB 20/28; GC 10/15; GD 20/35) were obtained more frequently in patients with genital infection in all groups. Nonetheless, when applying the Pearson correlation coefficient we detected a poor correlation between genital infection and positivity for markers., Conclusion: The presence of changes in the vaginal flora and of other genital infections does not significantly alter the results of phIGFBP-1 and the measurement of cervical length when compared to cases without infection. However, more studies with larger samples are necessary to confirm these results.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analize and describe some characteristics related to a false diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)., Methods: We retrospectively included 48 pregnant women referred to our service with a suspected diagnosis of IUGR that was not confirmed after birth and we compared them to another group with confirmed IUGR. We then analyzed the characteristics of the false-positive results. The results of the study were divided into continuous and categorical variables for analysis. The χ2test or Fisher exact test was applied to compare proportions. The level of significance was set at p<0.05 for all tests., Results: In our sample, pregnant women with a false diagnosis of IUGR had the following characteristics: they were referred earlier (mean gestational age of 32.8 weeks); were submitted to 2 to 6 ultrasound examinations before been registered in our service; in 25% of cases ultrasound examination was performed before 12 weeks; in 66.7% of cases the symphysis-fundal height measurement was normal; in 52.1% of cases they had at least 1 sonographic exam above the 10th percentile; on average, the last ultrasound examination (performed on average at 36 weeks) was above the 18th percentile; the women were submitted to a mean number of 5 ultrasound examinations and to a mean number of 4.6 vitality exams., Conclusion: The false diagnosis of IUGR involves high hospital costs and higher demand for specialists. The symphysis-fundal height measurement must be valued, and the diagnosis of IUGR must be confirmed with ultrasonography in the last weeks of pregnancy before any obstetric management is taken.

Purpose: To evaluate pregnancy outcome and thrombophilia frequency in women with recurrent fetal death., Methods: Evaluation of obstetric outcomes in a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with recurrent stillbirth after the 20th week, from 2001 to 2013. Antithrombin activity, protein C and S activity, factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation and antiphospholipid syndrome were analyzed., Results: We included 20 patients who had recurrent fetal death. Thrombophilia were found in 11 of them, 7 diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome, 3 with protein S deficiency and 1 with prothrombin gene mutation. All of them were treated with subcutaneous heparin (unfractionated heparin or enoxaparina) and 14 of them with acetylsalicylic acid (AAS) during pregnancy. Obstetric complications occurred in 15 patients and included: intrauterine fetal growth restriction (25%), placenta previa (15%), reduced amniotic fluid index (25%), severe preeclampsia (10%), fetal distress (5%), and stillbirth (5%). The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.8 ± 3.7 weeks and newborn weight averaged 2,417.3 ± 666.2 g., Conclusion: Thrombophilia screening should be performed in all pregnant women with recurrent fetal death after the 20th week as a way to identify possible causal factors suitable for treatment.

Purpose: To investigate the usefulness of the measurement of cervical length and of the test for phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) performed sequentially in the prediction of preterm birth and the correlation between tests., Methods: We analyzed data from 101 asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of premature delivery. The ultrasound measurement of cervical length and phIGFBP-1 test were performed in parallel every three weeks, between 24 and 34 week. The best cutoff value for each cervical evaluation was established by the ROC curve, and the two tests were compared using nonparametric tests. We determined the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of each test and of the association of the exams for the occurrence of delivery before the 37th weeks., Results: There were 25 preterm births (24.8%). The cervix length showed the highest sensitivity and was able to predict preterm birth in all evaluations, with similar accuracy at different gestational ages. The test for phIGFBP-1 was not helpful at 24 weeks, but was able to predict prematurity when performed at 27, 30 and 33 weeks. The combination of tests increased the sensitivity (81.8%) and negative predictive value (93.7%) when compared to the separate use of each test. The mean cervical length was lower in women with a positive test., Conclusions: Both cervical length and the test for phIGFBP-1 were able to predict premature delivery, and sequential combination of both tests showed a high sensitivity and high negative predictive value.

Objective: To study the Doppler velocimetry of the fetal middle cerebral artery in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency, and to verify its role in the prognosis of neonatal survival., Methods: This was a prospective study of 93 pregnant women with diagnosis of placental insufficiency detected before the 34(th) week of pregnancy. Placental insufficiency was characterized by abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler (> 95(th) percentile). The following parameters were analyzed: umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI); middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI; brain-placenta ratio--BPR (MCA-PI/UA-PI); MCA peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV); and PI for veins (PIV) of ductus venosus (DV). The parameters were analyzed in terms of absolute values, z-scores (standard deviations from the mean), or multiples of the median (MoM). The outcome investigated was neonatal death during the hospitalization period after birth., Results: Of the 93 pregnancies analyzed, there were 25 (26.9%) neonatal deaths. The group that died, when compared to the survival group, presented a significant association with the diagnosis of absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (88% vs. 23.6%, p<0.001), with a higher median of UA PI (2.9 vs. 1.7, p<0.001) and UA PI z-score (10.4 vs. 4.9, p<0.001); higher MCA-PSV MoM (1.4 vs. 1.1, p=0.012); lower BPR (0.4 vs. 0.7, p<0.001); higher PIV-DV (1.2 vs. 0.8, p<0.001) and DV z-score (3.6 vs. 0.6, p<0.001). In the logistic regression, the independent variables predictive of neonatal death were: gestational age at birth (OR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.7; p<0.001) and UA PI z-score (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.3, p=0.046)., Conclusion: Despite the association verified by the univariate analysis between neonatal death and the parameters of fetal cerebral Doppler velocimetry, the multivariate analysis identified prematurity and degree of insufficiency of placental circulation as independent factors related to neonatal death in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the effects of maternal asthma on pregnancy, analyzing the consequences of the severity of the disease in the impairment of fetal well-being, as well as the related maternal and perinatal complications., Methods: A retrospective study with 117 pregnancies complicated by maternal asthma and with no other comorbidities, in the period from January, 2005 to December, 2010. Inclusion criteria were as follows: singleton pregnancy; pregnant women diagnosed with asthma prior to pregnancy; initiation of prenatal care before the 28(th) week of pregnancy; birth at this institution; newborn weighing over 500 g and gestational age at delivery of 22 weeks or more; absence of fetal malformations or chromosomal abnormalities; absence of maternal comorbidities. Asthma was classified as intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, or severe persistent. The results of fetal biophysical profile and of Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery performed 14 days prior to birth were analyzed., Results: Of the total of 117 pregnant women with asthma, 41 (35.0%) had intermittent, 33 (28.2%) mild persistent, 21 (17.9%) moderate persistent, and 22 (18.8%) severe persistent asthma. There was no significant difference among the groups as to the type of birth: cesarean section was performed in 65.8% of the cases, maternal corticosteroid therapy was used at the moment of birth in 20.5%, the gestational age at birth averaged 38.6 weeks (SD 1.9 weeks), and birth weight averaged 3,056 g (SD 581g). The fetal biophysical profile performed during the antepartum period (n=90, 76.9%) showed a normal result (8 or 10) in 99% of the cases. Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery was assessed in 23.9% (n=28) of the pregnant women, and delivered normal results in 100% of the cases. The use of systemic corticosteroid therapy was significantly (p<0.001) different among the intermittent (4.9%), mild persistent (9.1%), moderate persistent (28.6%), and severe persistent (45.5%) groups. Regarding the beginning of birth, there was a higher proportion of elective cesarean section in the groups with moderate persistent asthma (52.5%) and severe persistent (54.6%) when compared to the intermittent (21.9%) and mild persistent (24.2%) groups (p=0.039)., Conclusion: The severity of maternal asthma does not appear to have any direct influence on perinatal outcomes, and does not compromise fetal well-being. Active conduct to enable a better maternal clinical condition provides a favorable prognosis for pregnancy complicated by asthma., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the agreement between maternal perception of fetal movements and the movements recorded simultaneously by ultrasound in low-risk pregnancies., Methods: Twenty pregnant women were evaluated with the following inclusion criteria: single pregnancy, alive fetus, maternal age between 18 and 35 years; between 36 and 40 weeks gestation; normal fetal morphology at ultrasound, and absence of maternal comorbidities. The pregnant women were evaluated for 10 minutes, during which cardiotocography was used to record fetal movements triggered with the event marker, with the paper speed set at 3 cm/min. At the same time, fetal movements were observed by ultrasonography., Results: The kappa index for interobserver agreement analysis was 0.62, showing good agreement (95%CI 0.45 - 0.79). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.82 (95%CI 0.61 - 0.92). Analysis by the Bland & Altman graph indicated good agreement. A linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between maternal perception (x) and ultrasound (y) observation (r²=0.71, p<0.001; equation: y=5.31+0.66x)., Conclusions: The agreement between ultrasound and maternal perception of fetal movement is good, allowing the use of fetal movement counting in the assessment of fetal wellbeing.

Purpose: To compare and analyze socioeconomic aspects and the emotional experience of women with spontaneous or induced abortion and in women living in the outskirts of São Paulo., Methods: A prospective case-control study carried out from July 2008 to March 2010, involving semi-structured interviews with women who presented a previous diagnosis of abortion and who had been admitted to two public hospitals in the outskirts of São Paulo. The study included 100 women with diagnosis of abortion and were hospitalized for curettage. Eleven women who reported induced abortion (11%) represented the case group. The control group (n=22) was selected at a 2:1 ratio according to the following procedure: for every case of induced abortion, the next two cases of spontaneous abortion at the same hospital. A semistructured interview was conducted with questions regarding emotional aspects and family, social and economic context., Results: The women with induced abortion compared to the group with spontaneous abortion had lower educational level, with more frequent elementary level (82 versus 36%, p=0.04), lower income (median, R$ 1,000.00 versus R$ 1,400.00, p=0.04), lower personal income (median, R$ 200.00 versus R$ 333.00, p=0.04), higher frequency of negative feelings upon suspicion (82 versus 22%, p=0.004) and confirmation (72 versus 22%, p=0.03) of pregnancy., Conclusion: Among women looking for health care in hospitals in the outskirts of São Paulo, induced abortion is related to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, which affects the emotional experiences of suspicion and confirmation of pregnancy.

Objective: To describe the management of prenatal care and delivery in patients bearing autoimmune hepatitis associated with moderate or severe thrombocytopenia., Methods: This study was performed in a tertiary level university hospital. Thirteen pregnancies in ten patients diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, complicated by thrombocytopenia, were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: clinical diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, moderate or severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 x 103/mm3), gestational age at birth over 22 weeks, and patient followed-up by a specialized team at the institution. The variables studied were: maternal age, parity, treatment regimen, platelet count, examinations for investigation of hepatic function, type of delivery, weight at birth, and gestational age at the time of delivery., Results: The average maternal age was 24.5 years (SD = 5.3) and six (50%) occurred in nulliparous women. During pregnancy, monotherapy with prednisone was adopted in 11 cases (92%). According to the autoantibody profiles, seven pregnancies (58%) had the autoimmune hepatitis type I diagnosis, two pregnancies had type II (17%), and three pregnancies (25%) had cryptogenic chronic hepatitis (undetectable titers of autoantibodies). Portal hypertension was featured in 11 pregnancies (92%). The average gestational age at delivery was 36.9 weeks (SD = 1.5 weeks), with an average weight at birth of 2,446 g (SD = 655 g). Eight infants (67%) were small for gestational age. At the time of delivery, severe thrombocytopenia was featured in four cases (33%) and cesarean surgery was performed in seven cases (58%). Complications at delivery occurred in three cases (25%), one patient presented uterine atony, and two patients presented perineal bruising. There was no perinatal or maternal death., Conclusion: The complications of thrombocytopenic patients with autoimmune hepatitis are elevated; nevertheless, with appropriate attention and care, they can be resolved. The association between two severe pathologies appears to increase the risk of prematurity and fetal growth restriction, demanding specialized prenatal care, as well as surveillance of newborn well-being.

Objective: To characterize the indications of pregnant women who sought the Fetal Medicine Services of the Hospital das Clínicas, at the Medical School of the Universidade de São Paulo for performing invasive diagnostic procedures, and to evaluate the results of fetal karyotypes and their pregnancies., Methods: A retrospective and observational study on pregnant women who underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, and cordocentesis in the period from February, 2005 to December, 2009. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were not included. The result of pregnancy was obtained by consulting patient electronic records, medical records, and/or telephone call., Results: 713 procedures were performed (113 CVS, 340 amniocenteses, and 260 cordocenteses). The main indication for performing invasive procedures was the presence of structural changes in fetuses, followed by increased values of nuchal translucency, and advanced maternal age. Fetal karyotype was altered in 186 cases (26.1%). The 18 trisomy was the commonest aneuploidy followed by the 21 trisomy, X monosomy, and 13 trisomy. There were 4.9% cases of miscarriage, 25.7% cases of stillborn infants, and 13% cases of neonatal deaths. Eight pregnant women opted for legally induced abortion. 99% of pregnant women whose fetuses did not present abnormalities and presented normal fetal karyotype had infants who were born alive.

The discovery of cell-free fetal nucleic acids in the plasma of pregnant women has allowed the development of new, noninvasive prenatal diagnostic tests for the determination of fetal gender and Rh. These tests have been implemented in the public health system in several countries of Europe for over five years. The new possibilities for diagnostic use of these technologies are the detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, monogenic fetal disorders, and placental-related disorders, subjects that have been intensively studied by several groups around the world. The aim of this review was to assess the Brazilian research and clinical scenarios regarding the utilization of commercially available tests that use these plasma markers, stressing the advantages, both economic and safety-related, that non-invasive tests have when compared to those currently used in the Brazilian public health system.

Objective: To analyze the association between maternal obesity and postnatal infectious complications in high-risk pregnancies., Methods: Prospective study from August 2009 through August 2010 with the following inclusion criteria: women up to the 5(th) postpartum day; age ≥ 18 years; high-risk pregnancy; singleton pregnancy with live fetus at labor onset; delivery at the institution; maternal weight measured on day of delivery. The nutritional status in late pregnancy was assessed by the body mass index (BMI), with the application of the Atalah et al. curve. Patients were graded as underweight, adequate weight, overweight, or obese. Postpartum complications investigated during the hospital stay and 30 days post-discharge were: surgical wound infection and/or secretion, urinary infection, postpartum infection, fever, hospitalization, antibiotic use, and composite morbidity (at least one of the complications mentioned)., Results: 374 puerperal women were included, graded according to the final BMI as: underweight (n = 54, 14.4%); adequate weight (n = 126, 33.7%); overweight (n = 105, 28.1%); and obese (n = 89, 23.8%). Maternal obesity was shown to have a significant association with the following postpartum complications: surgical wound infection (16.7%, p = 0.042), urinary infection (9.0%, p = 0.004), antibiotic use (12.3%, p < 0.001), and composite morbidity (25.6%, p = 0.016). By applying the logistic regression model, obesity in late pregnancy was found to be an independent variable regardless of the composite morbidity predicted (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.15-3.80, p = 0.015)., Conclusion: Maternal obesity during late pregnancy in high-risk patients is independently associated with postpartum infectious complications, which demonstrates the need for a closer follow-up of maternal weight gain in these pregnancies.

Purpose: To analyze the influence of maternal nutritional status, weight gain and energy consumption on fetal growth in high-risk pregnancies., Methods: A prospective study from August 2009 to August 2010 with the following inclusion criteria: puerperae up to the 5th postpartum day; high-risk singleton pregnancies (characterized by medical or obstetrical complications during pregnancy); live fetus at labor onset; delivery at the institution; maternal weight measured on the day of delivery, and presence of medical and/or obstetrical complications characterizing pregnancy as high-risk. Nutritional status was assessed by pregestational body mass index and body mass index in late pregnancy, and the patients were classified as: underweight, adequate, overweight and obese. A food frequency questionnaire was applied to evaluate energy consumption. We investigated maternal weight gain, delivery data and perinatal outcomes, as well as fetal growth based on the occurrence of small for gestational age and large for gestational age neonates., Results: We included 374 women who were divided into three study groups according to newborn birth weight: adequate for gestational age (270 cases, 72.2%), small for gestational age (91 cases, 24.3%), and large for gestational age (13 cases, 3.5%). Univaried analysis showed that women with small for gestational age neonates had a significantly lower mean pregestational body mass index (23.5 kg/m², p<0.001), mean index during late pregnancy (27.7 kg/m², p<0.001), and a higher proportion of maternal underweight at the end of pregnancy (25.3%, p<0.001). Women with large for gestational age neonates had a significantly higher mean pregestational body mass index (29.1 kg/m², p<0.001), mean index during late pregnancy (34.3 kg/m², p<0.001), and a higher proportion of overweight (30.8%, p=0.02) and obesity (38.5%, p=0.02) according to pregestational body mass index, and obesity at the end of pregnancy (53.8%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed the index value during late pregnancy (OR=0.9; CI95% 0.8-0.9, p<0.001) and the presence of hypertension (OR=2.6; 95%CI 1.5-4.5, p<0.001) as independent factors for small for gestational age. Independent predictors of large for gestational age infant were the presence of diabetes mellitus (OR=20.2; 95%CI 5.3-76.8, p<0.001) and obesity according to body mass index during late pregnancy (OR=3.6; 95%CI 1.1-11.7, p=0.04)., Conclusion: The maternal nutritional status at the end of pregnancy in high-risk pregnancies is independently associated with fetal growth, the body mass index during late pregnancy is a protective factor against small for gestational age neonates, and maternal obesity is a risk factor for large for gestational age neonates.

Purpose: To identify the knowledge and awareness of health professionals regarding the Brazilian legislation on induced abortion., Methods: Unidentified sealed envelopes containing the questionnaires were sent to all professionals (n=149) working in the Obstetrics Department of a university hospital and public hospital at the periphery of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. A total of 119 professionals responded to the questionnaire. The 0.05 confidence interval and the Fisher exact test and χ² test were used for data analysis., Results: Of the respondents, 48.7% were physicians, 33.6% were nursing professionals and 17.6% were professionals from other fields (psychologists, nutritionists, physiotherapists, laboratory technicians and administrators). There was a significant difference (p=0.01) in the proportion of professionals who believe that abortion for non-lethal fetal malformation and due to unplanned pregnancies should be included in the Brazilian legislation. It was observed that the knowledge about the law and the description of the circumstances allowed by law on abortion was significantly different when comparing health professionals (p=0.01). When asked about the situations in which Brazilian law allows abortion, 32.7% of physicians, 97.5% of nursing professionals and 90.5% of other professionals were unaware of the law., Conclusion: This study demonstrated the lack of of knowledge of Brazilian law among health professionals, to a lesser extent among obstetricians and a to a greater extent among nursing professionals. Attitudes of discrimination and prejudice were observed regarding the care provided to women who induce an abortion.

Objective: To assess emotional and social aspects in the experience of abortion and the diagnosis of major depression, comparing women from two Brazilian cities (São Paulo--SP, Natal--RN)., Methods: A transversal study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2010, through semi-directed interviews with women undergoing an abortion (up to 22 weeks gestation) treated at university hospitals in São Paulo--SP (n = 166) and Natal--RN (n = 150). The Portuguese version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) instrument was applied for the diagnosis of depression., Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.223) in the proportion of induced abortions when comparing the two capital cities: Natal (7.3%) and São Paulo (12.0%). The diagnosis of depression was high among women undergoing an abortion and was significantly higher in Natal than in São Paulo (50.7% vs. 32.5%, p < 0.01). Regarding emotional aspects, there was no difference in the occurrence of guilt feelings (Natal 27.7%; São Paulo 23.3%; p = 0.447). The partner's involvement was considered satisfactory by women in similar proportions in the two capitals (Natal 62.0%; São Paulo 59.0%, p = 0.576). No difference was found in the proportion of women who reported violence, related or not to the abortion (Natal 22.9%; São Paulo 16.6%; p = 0.378)., Conclusion: Although there was no difference between the emotional and social aspects in the comparison between the two capitals, there was a high proportion of women with major depression, more frequent in the city of Natal than in São Paulo, which demonstrates the importance of psychosocial support in the women's healthcare system.

Purpose: To analyze the results of assessment of fetal well-being in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia., Methods: Data from April 2001 to July 2011 of 96 women with a diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy were retrospectively analyzed. We analyzed the following tests performed during the antepartum period for fetal assessment: cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile, amniotic fluid index and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry., Results: A total of 96 pregnancies with the following diagnoses were analyzed: gestational thrombocytopenia (n=37, 38.5%) hypersplenism (n=32, 33.3%), immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, n=14, 14.6%), secondary immune thrombocytopenia (n=6, 6.3%), bone marrow aplasia (n=3, 3.1%), and others (n=4, 4.1%). Cardiotocography showed normal results in 94% of cases, a fetal biophysical profile with an index of 8 or 10 in 96.9% and an amniotic fluid index >5.0 cm in 89.6%. Doppler umbilical artery velocimetry showed normal results in 96.9% of cases. In the analysis of the major groups of thrombocytopenia, the diagnosis of oligohydramnios was found to be significantly more frequent in the group with ITP (28.6%) compared to the other groups (gestational thrombocytopenia: 5.4% and hypersplenism: 9.4%, p=0.04)., Conclusions: This study indicates that in pregnancies complicated by moderate or severe maternal thrombocytopenia, even though the fetal well-being remains preserved in most cases, fetal surveillance is important in pregnant women with ITP, with emphasis on amniotic fluid volume evaluation due to its association with oligohydramnios.

Background and Objectives: Hemodynamic changes are observed during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Non-invasive blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) measurements are performed to diagnose these changes, but they are delayed and inaccurate. Other monitors such as filling pressure and cardiac output (CO) catheters with external calibration are very invasive or inaccurate. The objective of the present study was to report the cardiac output measurements obtained with a minimally invasive uncalibrated monitor (LiDCO rapid) in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia., Case Report: After approval by the Ethics Commission, four patients agreed to participate in this study. They underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia while at the same time being connected to the LiDCO rapid by a radial artery line. Cardiac output, HR, and BP were recorded at baseline, after spinal anesthesia, after fetal and placental extraction, and after the infusion of oxytocin and metaraminol. We observed a fall in BP with an increase of HR and CO after spinal anesthesia and oxytocin infusion; and an increase in BP with a fall in HR and CO after bolus of the vasopressor., Conclusions: Although this monitor had not been calibrated, it showed a tendency for consistent hemodynamic data in obstetric patients and it may be used as a therapeutic guide or experimental tool., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the coping strategies of women facing a diagnosis of fetal heart disease., Methods: We interviewed 50 women who had received a diagnosis of fetal heart disease. For data collection we used a semi-directed and Coping Strategy Inventory. The interview was conducted, on average, 22 days after the diagnosis., Results: When asked how they felt about the baby, 56.0% reported concern and fragility, while the remaining 44.0% said they were happy and well. The strategies most used by women were problem solving (73.0%), social support (69.1%) and escape/avoidance (62.7%), and the least used strategy was removal (17.3%). It was found that women with partners, as well as those with 1 or 2 children, used more the problem-solving strategy (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The active coping strategies, focused on problem solving and seeking social support, coupled with the responsibility and the need for specific care for the survival and welfare of the baby, brought about a closer relationship with the pregnancy, strengthening the maternal-fetal bond.

Objective: To identify the risk of suicidal behavior in high-risk pregnant women at a public hospital in São Paulo., Methods: We conducted a semi-structured interview with each of the participants (n = 268) through a previously prepared questionnaire. Risk of suicidal behavior was assessed by the Portuguese version of PRIME-MD., Results: The mean age of patients was 29 years (SD = 0.507) and gestation period was 30 weeks (SD = 0.556). Of the total sample, specific risk of suicide was found in 5% (n = 14). Of these, 85% have a stable relationship (married or cohabitating), the pregnancy was planned in 50% of cases, and 71% have no religion or professional activities. The correlation of risk of suicide with data from marital status, planned birth, age, education, professional practice, risk of prematurity, and religion showed that having a religion is statistically significant (p = 0.012). There were no positive associations for any of the other selected variables when compared with the risk of suicide. By correlating the risk of suicide with other characteristic symptoms of major depression, there was statistical significance in the sample with regard to insomnia or hypersomnia (p = 0.003), fatigue or loss of energy (p = 0.001), decreased or increased appetite (p = 0.005), less interest in daily activities (p = 0.000), depressed mood (p = 0.000), feelings of worthlessness or guilt (p = 0.000), decreased concentration (p = 0.002), and agitation or psychomotor retardation (p = 0.002)., Conclusion: We found that religion can be a protective factor against suicidal behavior. Besides providing a social support network needed by women during pregnancy, religion supports belief in life after death and in a loving God, giving purpose to life and self esteem and providing models for coping with crises. The results show the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of suicidal behavior, since suicide is an attempt to move from one sphere to another by force, seeking to solve what seems impossible.

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of ultrasound in fetal weight estimation and to evaluate maternal and/or fetal factors that could interfere in the result., Methods: This was a transverse prospective study, involving 106 patients, with 212 fetal weight evaluations, by two observers, within 24 h to delivery. The following parameters were measured: biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femoral length. Fetal weight was estimated using the Hadlock formula and the results were compared to birth weight. The maternal factors examined were: weight, BMI, and skin to uterus distance measured by ultrasound, and the fetal factors were: presentation, position, placental localization and thickness, fetal weight, and amniotic fluid index (AFI)., Results: There was good correlation between estimated fetal weight and birth weight (R=0.97). In 79.2% and in 92.4% of cases the estimated fetal weight was within 10% and 15% of birth weight, respectively. The only maternal factor that presented a positive correlation with percent error in the estimate of fetal weight was the skin to uterus distance (R ≥ 0.56). Fetal weight showed negative correlation with percent error (R>-0.36; p<0.001), with a significant tendency to overestimate fetal weight in the group of very low weight - <1000 g (p<0.05). The AFI showed a low negative correlation with percent error (R=-0.21; p<0.001) with no difference between AFI groups (p=0.516)., Conclusion: Ultrasound presented good accuracy in the estimation of fetal weight. The error of weight estimate was directly proportional to the skin to uterus distance and inversely proportional to fetal weight. AFI did not interfere significantly in the ultrasound prediction of fetal weight.

Purpose: To describe the maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women diagnosed with leukemia who were followed up for prenatal care and delivery at a university hospital., Methods: A retrospective study of the period from 2001 to 2011, which included 16 pregnant women with a diagnosis of leukemia followed by antenatal care specialists in hematological diseases and pregnancy. For acute leukemia diagnosed after the first trimester, the recommendation was to perform chemotherapy despite the current pregnancy. For chronic leukemia, patients who were controlled in hematological terms were maintained without medication during pregnancy, or chemotherapy was introduced after the first trimester. We analyzed the maternal and perinatal outcome., Results: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was diagnosed in five cases (31.3%), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in two cases (12.5%) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in nine cases (56.3%). Of the cases of acute leukemia, two (28.6%) were diagnosed in the first trimester, two (28.6%) in the second and three (42.9%) in the third. Two patients with ALL diagnosed in the first trimester opted for therapeutic abortion. Four patients with acute leukemia received chemotherapy during pregnancy, with a diagnosis established after the 20th week. In one case of ALL with a late diagnosis (30 weeks), chemotherapy was started after delivery. All pregnant women with acute leukemia developed anemia and thrombocytopenia, and four (57.1%) developed febrile neutropenia. Of nine pregnant women with CML, four were treated with imatinib mesylate when they became pregnant, with treatment being interrupted in the first trimester in three of them and in the second trimester in one. During pregnancy, three patients (33.3%) required no chemotherapy after discontinuation of imatinib, and six (66.7%) were treated with the following drugs: interferon (n=5) and/or hydroxyurea (n=3 ). In the group of pregnant women with CML, anemia occurred in four (44.4%) cases and thrombocytopenia in one (11.1%). The perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by acute leukemia were as follows: mean gestational age at delivery was 32 weeks (standard deviation - SD=4.4) and the mean birth weight was 1476 g (SD=657 g), there were 2 (40.0%) perinatal deaths (a fetal one and a neonatal one). In pregnancies complicated by CML, the mean gestational age at delivery was 37.6 weeks (SD=1.1) and the mean birth weight was 2870 g (SD=516 g). There was no perinatal death and no fetal abnormality was detected., Conclusions: Maternal and fetal morbidity is high in pregnancies complicated by acute leukemia. Whereas, in pregnancies complicated by CML, the maternal and fetal prognosis appears to be more favorable, with greater ease in management of complications.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze conjoined twins in terms of antenatal, delivery and postnatal aspects., Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis of prenatally diagnosed conjoined twins. Prenatal ultrasound and echocardiography, delivery details, postnatal follow-up, surgical separation and post mortem data were reviewed. The twins were classified according to the type of fusion between fetal structures. The following data were analyzed: ultrasound and echocardiographic findings, antenatal lethality and possibility of surgical separation, delivery details and survival rates., Results: Forty cases of conjoined twins were included in the study. There were 72.5% cases of thoracophagus, 12.5% of paraphagus, 7.5% of omphalo-ischiophagus, 5.0% of omphalophagus, and 2.5% of cephalophagus. Judicial termination of pregnancy was requested in 58.8% of the cases. Cesarean section was performed in all cases in which pregnancy was not terminated. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks; all twins were live births with a mean birth weight of 3,860 g and 88% died postnatally. Ten percent of the live borns were submitted to surgical separation with a 60% survival rate. The total survival rate was 7.5% and postnatal survival was 12%. Antenatal evaluation of lethality and possibility of surgical separation were precise. There were no maternal complications related to delivery., Conclusion: Conjoined twins present a dismal prognosis mainly related to the complex cardiac fusion present in the majority of cases with thoracic sharing. At referring centers, prenatal ultrasound and echocardiographic evaluation accurately delineate fetal prognosis and the possibility of postnatal surgical separation.

Background: The periodontal disease during pregnancy of women with rheumatic valve disease imply infective endocarditis risks and higher rate of preterm birth and low birth weight., Objective: To study the periodontal disease rate of women with rheumatic valve disease during pregnancy., Methods: We studied 140 pregnant women who included 70 patients with rheumatic valve disease and 70 healthy women. The periodontal examination included: 1) periodontal clinical exam regard the follow variables: a) probing depth; b) gingival margin; c) clinical attachment level; d) bleeding on probing; e) plaque index and f) gingival index; and 2) microbiological test was performed in samples serum and gingival crevicular fluid and considered positive controls to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsithia e Aggregobacter actinomycetemcomitans., Results: Age and parity were similar between groups; as single or combined the mitral valve disease was prevalent among the rheumatic valve lesion in 45 (32.1%) e 20 (28.5%) cases, respectively. Among the periodontal variables gingival margin (p=0.01) and plaque index (p=0.04) were different between groups. The periodontal disease was identified in 20 (14,3%) pregnant women, seven (10%) of them were patients with valve rheumatic disease and the remain 13 (18,6%) were healthy women, its percentual was not different between groups (p=0,147). Microbiological analyses of oral samples showed higher percentual of P. gingivalis in healthy pregnant women (p=0.004)., Conclusion: The clinical and microbiological study during pregnancy showed comparable incidence of periodontal disease between women with rheumatic valve disease and healthy women.

Objective: To describe pregnancies with conjoined twins according to the request for legal termination of pregnancy., Methods: Retrospective review of pregnancies with conjoined twins, with no possibility of extrauterine survival or postnatal surgical separation, observed at a tertiary teaching hospital, between 1998 and 2010., Results: Amongst 30 cases seen during the study period, six (20.0%) couples decided to continue with the pregnancy, termination of pregnancy was not requested due to advanced gestational age (> 25 weeks) in 5 cases (16.7%). Legal authorization to terminate the pregnancy was requested in 19 (63.3%) cases: permission was granted in 12 (63.2%), denied in five (26.3%) and information was missing in two (10.5%) cases. A successful vaginal delivery was performed in 83.3% of the cases undergoing termination of pregnancy and a cesarean section was performed in all the remaining cases (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: In pregnancies with conjoined twins and without fetal prognosis, legal termination of the pregnancy is an alternative. Moreover, a successful vaginal delivery can be performed in most cases before the third trimester, further reducing maternal risks and parental suffering.

Purpose: to determine the dietary consumption of pregnant women, by assessing the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients, and to verify the maternal weight gain during pregnancy., Methods: a retrospective study conducted from June 2002 to June 2008 with pregnant women who received nutritional counseling during prenatal care at a university hospital, grouped according to anthropometric nutritional status classified by pregestational body mass index (BMI). The dietary intake was analyzed according to the information obtained in food frequency interviews, performed at the first evaluation of pregnant women in the service of nutrition to obtain data about eating habits, and the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients was calculated. The pregnant women received nutritional counseling, and the maternal weight gain was investigated., Results: a total of 187 pregnant women who received nutritional counseling were analyzed. Twenty-three (12.2%) were underweight, 84 (45.0%) normal weight, 37 (19.8%) overweight, and 43 (23.0%) obese. The underweight pregnant women had lower consumption of lipids when compared to the normal weight group (101.4 versus 137.3 g; p=0.043). The average iron intake was higher in normal weight pregnant women (14.6 mg/d) compared to the overweight (12.2 mg/d) or obese (10.9 mg/d; p<0.001) groups. The average intake of folate was higher in normal weight pregnant women compared to obese ones (336.5 µg/d versus 234.5 µg/d; p=0.002). Excessive maternal weight gain was significantly (p=0.009) more frequent in overweight (56.7%) and obese (39.5%) pregnant women compared to underweight (17.4%) and normal weight (31.0%) women., Conclusions: The maternal weight gain above recommended levels was associated with overweight and obesity. The dietary intake of pregnant women differs according to maternal anthropometric nutritional status, with a lower daily intake of iron in overweight and obese women and a lower intake of folate in obese ones, a fact that reinforces the importance of prenatal vitamin supplementation.

Objective: To study fetal vitality assessed in pregnancies after gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and verify maternal complications and perinatal results., Methods: Hospital charts of all pregnancies after gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were reviewed retrospectively. All cases followed at the specialized prenatal care that gave birth in this institution, between July 2001 and September 2009, were reviewed. The assessment of fetal vitality (cardiotocography, fetal biophysical profile and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry) performed in the last week before delivery were analyzed. The maternal variables investigated were: demographic data, maternal complications, mode of delivery, complications during delivery and postpartum, maternal blood exams and perinatal results., Results: During the study period 30 pregnancies after gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were identified and 24 of them had undergone assessment of fetal vitality. All patients presented normal cardiotocography, normal fetal biophysical profile and normal results at the umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry. One case presented with oligohydramnios. The main complication observed was maternal anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dL, 86.7%). Cesarean section was performed in 21 pregnancies (70%). Delivery complications included one case of adherences, one hematoma and infection of abdominal wall scar and one postpartum hysterectomy for myoma and uterine atony. The proportion of small infants for gestational age was 23.3%., Conclusion: Fetal vitality was not compromised in pregnancies after gastroplasty with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The main maternal complication was anemia, therefore these women require specific nutritional counseling and a broad evaluation for micronutrient deficiencies at early pregnancy.

Purpose: to evaluate the hypothesis that the fetal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is related to acidemia at birth in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency detected before 34 weeks of gestation., Methods: this is a prospective cohort study of 55 patients between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placental insufficiency characterized by abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (pulsatility index>95 p). Fetal assessment was performed for each patient by dopplervelocimetry of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus, and by the fetal biophysical profile. CPR was calculated using the ratio between middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and umbilical artery pulsatility index, and the z-score was obtained (number of standard deviations of the mean value at each gestational age). Acidemia at birth was characterized when pH<7.2., Results: of 55 patients, 29 (52.7%) presented acidemia at birth. In the group of fetal acidemia, when compared with the group with pH>7.2, a significant association was observed with CPR values (median 0.47 versus 0.58; p=0.009), pulsatility index of the umbilical artery (median 2.45 versus 1.93; p=0.003), ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (PIV) (median 1.08 versus 0.85; p=0.034) and suspected or abnormal fetal biophysical profile (37 versus 8%; p=0.031). CPR analysis by z-score showed a negative tendency, but was not statistically significant (p=0.080). Significant correlations were found between pH at birth and CPR (r=0.45; p<0.01), z-score of CPR (r=0.27; p<0.05) and ductus venosus PIV (r=-0.35 p<0.01)., Conclusion: CPR is associated with the presence of acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency detected before 34 weeks of gestation and this parameter could potentially represent a factor for assessing the severity of fetal involvement.

Purpose: to compare the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy., Methods: a prospective and comparative study performed between January 2008 and July 2009. The inclusion criteria were: singleton pregnancy, live fetus, pregnant women without clinical or obstetrical complications, no fetal malformation, gestational age between 24 and 27 weeks (2nd trimester - 2T) or between 36 and 40 weeks (3rd trimester - 3T). Computerized cardiotocography (System 8002 - Sonicaid) was performed for 30 minutes and the fetal biophysical profile was obtained. System 8002 analyzes the FHR tracings for periods of 3.75 seconds (1/16 minutes). During each period, the mean duration of the time intervals between successive fetal heart beats is determined in milliseconds (ms); the mean FHR and also the differences between adjacent periods are calculated for each period. The parameters included: basal FHR, FHR accelerations, duration of high variation episodes, duration of low variation episodes and short-term variation. The dataset was analyzed by the Student t test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05., Results: eighteen pregnancies on the second trimester were compared to 25 pregnancies on the third trimester. There was a significant difference in the FHR parameters evaluated by computerized cardiotocography between the 2T and 3T groups, regarding the following results: mean basal FHR (mean, 143.8 bpm versus 134.0 bpm, p=0.009), mean number of transitory FHR accelerations > 10 bpm (3.7 bpm versus 8.4 bpm, p <0.001) and >15 bpm (mean, 0.9 bpm versus 5.4 bpm, p <0.001), mean duration of high variation episodes (8.4 min versus 15.4 min, p=0.008) and mean short - term variation (8.0 ms versus 10.9 ms, p=0.01). The fetal biophysical profile showed normal results in all pregnancies., Conclusion: the present study shows significant differences in the FHR characteristics when the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy are compared and confirms the influence of autonomic nervous system maturation on FHR regulation.

Purpose: the aim of this study was to describe perinatal and maternal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by sickle cell disease (SCD), comparing to pregnancies of women with sickle cell trait (SCT)., Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study, covering the period from March 2001 to April 2008, which included all pregnant women with SCD (n=42) followed up at a university hospital in the Southeast region of Brazil. The maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared to those of pregnant women with SCT (n=56) who were followed up at the same service., Results: SCD-SS was diagnosed in 42 (82.4%) pregnant women and SC in 9 (17.6%). Mean (±SD) maternal age was significantly lower in the SCD group (26.0 years) compared to SCT women (28.7±7.1 years; p=0.018). The following maternal complications were more common among women with SCD in comparison to SCT: urinary tract infection (25.5 versus 8.9%; p=0.04), pneumonia (23.5 versus 1.8%; p=0.002), pulmonary hypertension (15.7 versus 0%; p=0.002), and blood transfusion during delivery or postpartum (33.3 versus 5.4%; p=0.001). Adverse perinatal outcome was more frequent in the SCD group compared to the SCT group: prematurity (49 versus 25%, p=0.01); mean gestational age at delivery (35.2 versus 37.9 weeks, p<0.001); fetal distress (56.9 versus 28.6%, p=0.006); birth weight <2,500 g (62.7 versus 17.9%, p<0.001); mean birth weight (2,183 versus 2,923 g, p<0.001), and small for gestational age infants (29.4 versus 10.7%, p=0.029). Two maternal deaths (3.9%) occurred in the group with SCD., Conclusion: Pregnant women with SCD are at greater risk for maternal morbidity and for adverse perinatal outcomes than women with SCT.

The increase of cardiac output during pregnancy is the cause of heart failure in women with severe aortic valvular stenosis. Percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty has been associated with severe complications and short-term valvar restenosis. This case showed that percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty allowed both mother and fetus to survive after childbirth, and that postpartum treatment interruption resulted in maternal death in late postpartum care.

Purposes: To evaluate the influence of maternal hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the patterns of fetal heart rate (FHR) and in the fetal biophysical profile (FBP) in term gestations., Methods: Pregnant women with anemia (Hb<11.0 g/dL) were prospectively evaluated between the 36(th) and the 40(th) week of gestation, from January 2008 to March 2009. The Control Group was composed of term and healthy pregnant women, with normal values of hemoglobin (Hb>11,0 g/dL). Cases of anomalies or fetal growing restrictions were excluded. The FHR evaluation was performed by computerized cardiotocography (8002 System-Sonicaid), and by record analysis during 30 minutes of exam. The FBP was done in all the patients. Student's, chi2 and Fisher's exact tests were used, with 0.05 significance level., Results: The average of maternal Hb in the group with anemia (n=18) was 9.4 g/dL (DP=1.4 g/dL), and in the control group, 12.4 g/dL (DP=1.3 g/dL). There has been no significant mean differences between groups concerning the cardiotocography parameters, respectively: basal FHR(131.3 versus 133.7 bpm, p=0.5), FHR accelerations > 10b pm (7.9 versus 8.2, p=0.866), FHR accelerations > 15 bpm (5.2 versus. 5.4, p=0.9), episodes of high variation of the FHR (17.1 versus 15.5 min, p=0.5), episodes of variation of the FHR (4.4 versus 3.6 min, p=06), and short term variation (10.5 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.5). In both groups, all patients presented normal FBP., Conclusions: This study suggests that light or moderate maternal anemia, without other maternal or fetal comorbidity, is not associated with abnormalities in the parameters of fetal biophysical profile and of the FHR analyzed by computerized cardiotocography.

Purpose: to study the effect of acoustic stimulation in the fetal cardiac response, according to parameters from computerized cardiotocography in low risk pregnancies., Methods: twenty low risk pregnant women were included in the study, according to the following criteria: age over 18; single gestation, living fetus; gestational age between 36 and 40 weeks; amniotic liquid index over 8.0 cm and absence of fetal malformation. Cases with post-natal diagnosis of fetal anomaly were excluded. Computerized cardiotocography was performed for 20 minutes, before and after fetal acoustic stimulation. Results were analyzed by the t test for dependent samples, with significance level at p<0.05., Results: acoustic stimulation was successfully performed in all cases analyzed. By the analysis of the cardiotocographic parameters, there was no significant difference when the pre and post-stimulation parameters were compared: average number of fetal movements per hour (55.6 versus 71.9, p=0.1); mean basal fetal heart rate (FHR) (135.2 versus 137.5 bpm, p=0.3); mean FHR increases>10 bpm (6.5 versus 6.8, p=0.7); mean FHR increases>15 bpm (3.8 versus 4.3, p=0.5); mean duration of high FHR variation episodes (11.4 versus 10.9 min, p=0.7); mean duration of low FHR variation episodes (2.5 versus 1.1 min, p=0.2), and mean short-term variation (10.6 versus 10.9 ms, p=0.6)., Conclusions: in low risk gestations at term, computerized cardiotocography has not evidenced differences in the FHR parameters after the fetal sonic stimulation.

The present context of medical practice demands from the obstetrician and gynecologist broad understanding of the scientific and technological advances of the area. The main purpose of prenatal evaluation is to identify fetuses at risk for adverse events or death, for preventive action to avoid mishappenings. The determination of fetal biophysical profile reaches its maximum efficiency when applied within the clinical context of each case. In high risk gestations, the Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical artery has shown to be useful to improve perinatal outcome. In the fetal growth deficit, due to severe placentary insufficiency, Doppler velocimetry of the venous duct has been showing to be an important tool in handling of the cases before the 34th week of gestation. Although no test itself is considered the best to evaluate the fetus's prenatal vitality, the joint analysis of all methods may lead to a better understanding of the fetal response to hypoxia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and normal karyotype., Methods: Two hundred seventy five fetuses with increased NT were examined with karyotyping analysis, serial ultrasound scans, echocardiography and postnatal clinical and genetic evaluation at the Fetal Medicine Unit - Department of Obstetrics - São Paulo University., Results: The karyotype was abnormal in 14.2% of the cases and normal in 85.8%. In cases with normal karyotype 24.7% presented structural abnormalities at the anomaly scan, one third of these were major malformations with 35.7% of heart defects. Adverse pregnancy outcome such as miscarriages, intrauterine and neonatal deaths occurred in 10.2% of cases. Of the infants 72.7% had postnatal examination, with 14.8% presenting abnormalities. Chances of having a live and healthy child decreased with increased NT thickness, and were of 37.5% for NT above 4.5mm., Conclusion: In cases with increased NT thickness and normal karyotype, the frequency of fetal malformations, especially heart defects, adverse pregnancy outcome and postnatal abnormalities is related to the NT thickness.

The main purpose of using uterulytic in preterm delivery is to prolong gestation in order to allow the administration of glucocorticoid to the mother and/or to accomplish the mother's transference to a tertiary hospital center. Decisions on uterolytic use and choice require correct diagnosis of preterm delivery, as well as the knowledge of gestational age, maternal-fetal medical condition, and medicine's efficacy, side-effects and cost. All the uterolytics have side-effects, and some of them are potentially lethal. Studies suggest that beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, calcium blockers and cytokine receptor antagonists are effective to prolong gestation for at least 48 hours. Among these three agents, atosiban (a cytokine receptor antagonist) is safer, though it presents a high cost. Magnesium sulfate is not efficient to prolong gestation and presents significant side-effects. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors also present significant side-effects. Up till now, there is not enough evidence to recommend the use of nitric oxide donors to inhibit preterm delivery. There is no basis for the use of antibiotics to avoid prematurity in face of preterm labor.