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Objective To describe spontaneous preterm birth prevention practices self-reported before and after the dissemination of relevant guidelines, and to identify personal and organisational factors associated with adherence. Design A repeated cross-sectional vignette-based survey study. Setting French obstetricians. Population French obstetricians practicing in public or private maternity units. Methods Before and after the dissemination of the 2017 French guidelines on the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth, participants were asked to complete a web-based self-administered questionnaire based on two clinical vignettes. Vignette 1 focused on respondents' attitudes towards strict bed rest, cerclage, and progesterone treatment for women with a short cervix in mid-trimester; vignette 2 focused on attitudes towards strict bed rest and maintenance tocolysis after successful tocolysis for preterm labour. A mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted. Main outcome measures Non-adherence to guidelines for the prevention of spontaneous preterm birth in responses to each vignette. Results We obtained complete responses from 286 obstetricians before and 282 obstetricians after guideline dissemination, including 145 obstetricians participating in both. After dissemination, 51.4% of obstetricians self-reported non-adherent practices for vignette 1 and 22.3% of obstetricians self-reported non-adherent practices for vignette 2. No improvement was observed after dissemination. The quantitative analysis identified factors associated with non-adherence, including older age and practice in non-university or small hospitals, whereas the qualitative analysis highlighted barriers to implementation, including fear of change, habits, work overload, and lack of time. Conclusions Adherence to guidelines was generally low, with practices unmodified by their dissemination. Improvement is required, especially regarding applicability. Tweetable abstract Adherence to guidelines to prevent spontaneous preterm birth was generally low and remained unmodified after guideline dissemination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the morbidity and mortality of neonates with left-sided isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) according to gestational age at delivery. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of fetuses diagnosed prenatally with isolated left-sided CDH that were delivered in the University Hospitals of Antoine Béclère-Bicêtre and Leuven between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate cumulative survival at 28 days after birth according to gestational age at delivery. The association between gestational age at delivery, as a continuous variable, and survival at 28 days was modeled using a fractional polynomial. Adjustment for position of the liver, management center and mode of delivery was performed. The association was also evaluated according to the severity of CDH, as defined by the observed-to-expected lung-to-head ratio (o/e-LHR), which was classified as severe (o/e-LHR 45%). RESULTS: We included 213 fetuses with isolated left-sided CDH, with a median gestational age at delivery of 38 + 2 weeks (interquartile range, 37 + 0 to 39 + 1 weeks). The survival rates at 28 days and at 6 months were 66.7% (142/213) and 64.3% (137/213), respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a higher survival rate at 28 days for babies delivered between 37 + 0 and 38 + 6 weeks than for those delivered at or after 39 + 0 weeks (log-rank test, P

OBJECTIVE To assess, according to chorionicity, the perinatal outcome of twin pregnancy in which vaginal delivery is planned. METHODS JUMODA (JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement) was a national prospective population-based cohort study of twin pregnancies, delivered in 176 maternity units in France, from February 2014 to March 2015. In this planned secondary analysis, we assessed, according to chorionicity, the perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies, in which vaginal delivery was planned, that delivered at or after 32 weeks of gestation with the first twin in cephalic presentation. In order to select a population with well-recognized indications for planned vaginal delivery, we applied the same exclusion criteria as those in the Twin Birth Study, an international randomized trial. Monochorionic twin pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence were defined as complicated and were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of intrapartum mortality and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to control for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to birth order (first or second twin) and gestational age at delivery (

OBJECTIVE The long-term morbidity associated with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been described previously. However, antenatal criteria impacting gastrointestinal morbidity (GIM) are not yet defined. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fetal stomach position on the risk of GIM at 2 years of age in children with left-sided CDH. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational multicenter cohort study of data obtained from January 2010 to January 2014, that included patients whose fetus had isolated left-sided CDH, with or without fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO). Prenatal maternal, fetal and pediatric data were collected. Fetal stomach position was evaluated a posteriori by two observers, using ultrasound images at the level of the four-chamber view of the heart that had been obtained to calculate the observed-to-expected lung-area-to-head-circumference ratio (O/E-LHR). Fetal stomach position was graded as follows: Grade 1, stomach not visualized; Grade 2, stomach visualized anteriorly, next to the apex of the heart, with no structure in between the stomach and the sternum; Grade 3, stomach visualized alongside the left ventricle of the heart, and abdominal structures anteriorly; or Grade 4, as Grade 3 but with stomach posterior to the level of the atrioventricular heart valves. The primary outcome was GIM at 2 years of age, assessed in a composite manner, including the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, need for gastrostomy, duration of parenteral and enteral nutrition and persistence of oral aversion. Regression analysis was performed in order to investigate the effect of O/E-LHR, stomach position and FETO on various GIM outcome variables. RESULTS Forty-seven patients with fetal left-sided CDH were included in the analysis. Thirteen (27.7%) infants did not meet the criterion of exclusive oral feeding at 2 years of age. Fetal stomach position grade was associated significantly and independently with the duration of parenteral nutrition (odds ratio (OR), 19.86; P = 0.031) and persistence of oral aversion at 2 years (OR, 3.40; P = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, O/E-LHR was predictive of the need for prosthetic patch repair, but not for GIM. FETO did not seem to affect the risk of GIM at 2 years. CONCLUSION In isolated left-sided CDH, fetal stomach position is the only factor that is predictive of GIM at 2 years of age. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital malformation of the upper aerodigestive tract, which can be diagnosed antenatally in 50-65% of cases. Postnatal management differs according to the type of EA. No studies have evaluated the correlation of antenatal ultrasound findings with the type of EA.The main objective is to study the association between antenatal ultrasound signs and the type of EA. The secondary objective is to study the association between postnatal morbidity and the type of EA.We conducted a single-center retrospective study between May 2010 and August 2019. Fetuses with suspected prenatal EA and postnatal diagnosis confirmation were included. Postnatal confirmation of EA was performed during surgery for live births and by fetopathological examination for termination of pregnancy. Prenatal signs and postnatal morbidity were compared according to the type of EA.We included 15 cases of postnatally confirmed EA, including 9 type 1EA, 5 type 3EA and 1 type 4EA (11 live births and 4 terminations of pregnancy). The gestational age at diagnosis was earlier in type 1EA: 22The antenatal ultrasound signs seem to be more pronounced in case of type 1EA. Type 1EA is associated with severe morbidity compared to Type 3EA. Improving prenatal diagnosis of EA and its type allows a more accurate prognostic evaluation.

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To revise the organization and the methodology of the Practice Clinical Guidelines (PCG) of the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF).The different available methods of PCG organization and of scientific evidence grading have been consulted after searching in the Medline database.The PCG group of the CNGOF has decided to adopt the AGREE II (for Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation) methology for PCG organization and the GRADE (for Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system for grading scientific evidence.By adopting the AGREE II consortium criteria and grading scientific evidence according to the GRADE system, the CNGOF will increase the quality of the overall process, will deliver more targeted and easy to assimilate recommendations, to facilitate professional decision making.

To determine the optimal management of singleton breech presentation.The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted.In France, 5% of women have breech deliveries (Level of Evidence [LE3]). One third of them have a planned vaginal delivery (LE3) of whom 70% deliver vaginally (LE3). External cephalic version (ECV) is associated with a reduced rate of breech presentation at birth (LE2), and with a lower rate of cesarean section (LE3) without increases in severe maternal (LE3) and perinatal morbidity (LE3). It is therefore recommended to inform women with a breech presentation at term that ECV could be attempted from 36 weeks of gestation (Professional consensus). In case of breech presentation, planned vaginal compared with planned cesarean delivery might be associated with an increased risk of composite perinatal mortality or serious neonatal morbidity (LE2). No difference has been found between planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery for neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years (LE2), cognitive and psychomotor outcomes between 5 and 8 years (LE3), and adult intellectual performances (LE4). Short and long term maternal complications appear similar in case of planned vaginal compared with planned cesarean delivery in the absence of subsequent pregnancies. A previous cesarean delivery results for subsequent pregnancies in higher risks of uterine rupture, placenta accreta spectrum and hysterectomy (LE2). It is recommended to offer women who wish a planned vaginal delivery a pelvimetry at term (Grade C) and to check the absence of hyperextension of the fetal head by ultrasonography (Professional consensus) to plan their mode of delivery. Complete breech presentation, previous cesarean, nulliparity, term prelabor rupture of membranes do not contraindicate planned vaginal delivery (Professionnal consensus). Term breech presentation is not a contraindication to labor induction when the criteria for acceptance of vaginal delivery are met (Grade C).In case of breech presentation at term, the risks of severe morbidity for the child and the mother are low after both planned vaginal and planned cesarean delivery. For the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF), planned vaginal delivery is a reasonable option in most cases (Professional consensus). The choice of the planned route of delivery should be shared by the woman and her caregiver, respecting the right to woman's autonomy.

To determine the management of patients with term prelabor rupture of membranes.Synthesis of the literature from the PubMed and Cochrane databases and the recommendations of French and foreign societies and colleges.Term prelabor rupture of membranes is considered a physiological process up to 12hours of rupture (Professional consensus). In case of expectant management and with a low rate of antibiotic prophylaxis, home care compared to hospitalization could be associated with an increase in neonatal infections (LE3), especially in case of group B streptococcus colonization (LE3). Home care is therefore not recommended (Grade C). In the absence of spontaneous labor within 12hours of rupture, antibiotic prophylaxis could reduce the risk of maternal intrauterine infection but not of neonatal infection (LE3). Its use after 12hours of rupture in term prelabor rupture of the membranes is therefore recommended (Grade C). When antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated, intravenous beta-lactams are recommended (Grade C). Induction of labor with oxytocin (LE1), prostaglandin E2 (LE1) or misoprostol (LE1), is associated with shorter rupture of membranes to delivery intervals when compared to expectant management. Compared with expectant management, immediate induction of labor is not associated with lower rates of neonatal infection (LE1), even among women with a positive streptococcus B vaginal swab (LE2). Thus, expectant management can be offered without increasing the risk of neonatal infection (Grade B). Induction of labor is not associated with an increase or decrease in the cesarean delivery rate (LE2), whatever parity (LE2) or Bishop score at admission (LE3). Induction can thus be proposed without increasing the risk of cesarean delivery (Grade B). No induction method (oxytocin, dinoprostone, misoprostol or Foley® catheter) has demonstrated superiority over another, whether to reduce rate of intrauterine or neonatal infection, rate of cesarean delivery or to shorten rupture of membranes to delivery intervals regardless of Bishop's score and parity.Term prelabor rupture of membranes is a frequent event. A 12-hour delay without onset of spontaneous labor was chosen to differentiate a physiological condition from a potentially unsafe situation justifying an antibiotic prophylaxis. Expectant management or induction of labor can both be proposed, even in case of positive screening for streptococcus B, depending on the patient's wishes and maternity units' organization (Professional consensus).

OBJECTIVE To measure prospectively apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation in different cerebral territories of fetuses with estimated fetal weight (EFW) ≤ 5th centile, and analyze their association with adverse perinatal outcome. METHODS This was a prospective study involving six tertiary-level perinatal centers. In the period 22 November 2016 to 11 September 2017, we included singleton, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses with EFW ≤ 5th percentile, between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation, regardless of the umbilical artery Doppler and maternal uterine artery Doppler findings. A fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination with diffusion-weighted sequences (DWI) was performed within 14 days following inclusion and before 32 weeks. ADC values were calculated in the frontal and occipital white matter, basal ganglia and cerebellar hemispheres. An ultrasound examination was performed within 1 week prior to the MRI examination. The primary outcome was a composite measure of adverse perinatal outcome, defined as any of the following: perinatal death; admission to neonatal intensive care unit with mechanical ventilation > 48 h; necrotizing enterocolitis; Grade III-IV intraventricular hemorrhage; periventricular leukomalacia. A univariate comparison of median ADC values in all cerebral territories between fetuses with and those without adverse perinatal outcome was performed. The association between ADC values and adverse perinatal outcome was then analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models to adjust for other common prognostic factors for growth-restricted fetuses. RESULTS MRI was performed in 64 patients, of whom five were excluded owing to fetal movement artifacts on DWI and two were excluded for termination of pregnancy with no link to fetal growth restriction (FGR). One intrauterine death occurred secondary to severe FGR. Among the 56 liveborn neonates, delivered at a mean ± SD gestational age of 33.6 ± 3.0 weeks, with a mean birth weight of 1441 ± 566 g, four neonatal deaths occurred. In addition, two neonates required prolonged mechanical ventilation, one of whom also developed necrotizing enterocolitis. Overall, therefore, seven out of 57 (12.3%) cases had an adverse perinatal outcome (95% CI, 3.8-20.8%). The ADC values in the frontal region were significantly lower in the group with adverse perinatal outcome vs those in the group with favorable outcome (mean values of both hemispheres, 1.68 vs 1.78 × 10-3 mm2 /s; P = 0.04). No significant difference in ADC values was observed between the two groups in any other cerebral territory. A cut-off value of 1.70 × 10-3 mm2 /s was associated with a sensitivity of 57% (95% CI, 18-90%), a specificity of 78% (95% CI, 63-88%), a positive predictive value of 27% (95% CI, 8-55%) and a negative predictive value of 93% (95% CI, 80-98%) for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome. A mean frontal ADC value

Preterm birth is a major concern in modern obstetrics, and an important source of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Among twin pregnancies, especially, preterm birth is highly prevalent, and it accounts for almost 50% of the complications observed in this obstetrical population. In this article, we review the existing literature regarding the prediction and prevention of preterm birth in both symptomatic and asymptomatic twin pregnancies. In asymptomatic twin pregnancies, the best two predictive tests were cervical length (CL) measurement and cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing. A single measurement of transvaginal CL at 20-24 weeks of gestation

To determine management of women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).Bibliographic search from the Medline and Cochrane Library databases and review of international clinical practice guidelines.In France, PPROM rate is 2 to 3% before 37 weeks of gestation (level of evidence [LE] 2) and less than 1% before 34 weeks of gestation (LE2). Prematurity and intra-uterine infection are the two major complications of PPROM (LE2). Compared to other causes of prematurity, PPROM is not associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity, except in case of intra-uterine infection, which is associated with an augmentation of early-onset neonatal sepsis (LE2) and of necrotizing enterocolitis (LE2). PPROM diagnosis is mainly clinical (professional consensus). In doubtful cases, detection of IGFBP-1 or PAMG-1 is recommended (professional consensus). Hospitalization of women with PPROM is recommended (professional consensus). There is no sufficient evidence to recommend or not recommend tocolysis (grade C). If a tocolysis should be prescribed, it should not last more than 48hours (grade C). Antenatal corticosteroids before 34 weeks of gestation (grade A) and magnesium sulfate before 32 weeks of gestation (grade A) are recommended. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended (grade A) because it is associated with a reduction of neonatal mortality and morbidity (LE1). Amoxicillin, 3rd generation cephalosporins, and erythromycin in monotherapy or the association erythromycin-amoxicillin can be used (professional consensus), for 7 days (grade C). However, in case of negative vaginal culture, early cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis might be acceptable (professional consensus). Co-amoxiclav, aminosides, glycopetides, first and second generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, and metronidazole are not recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis (professional consensus). Outpatient management of women with clinically stable PPROM after 48hours of hospitalization is a possible (professional consensus). During monitoring, it is recommended to identify the clinical and biological elements suggesting intra-uterine infection (professional consensus). However, it not possible to make recommendation regarding the frequency of this monitoring. In case of isolated elevated C-reactive protein, leukocytosis, or positive vaginal culture in an asymptomatic patient, it is not recommended to systematically prescribe antibiotics (professional consensus). In case of intra-uterine infection, it is recommended to immediately administer an antibiotic therapy associating beta-lactamine and aminoside (grade B), intravenously (grade B), and to deliver the baby (grade A). Cesarean delivery should be performed according to the usual obstetrical indications (professional consensus). Expectative management is recommended before 37 weeks of gestation in case of uncomplicated PPROM (grade A), even in case of positive vaginal culture for B Streptococcus, provided that an antibiotic prophylaxis has been prescribed (professional consensus). Oxytocin and prostaglandins are two possible options to induce labor in case of PPROM (professional consensus).Expectative management is recommended before 37 weeks of gestation in case of uncomplicated PPROM (grade A).

To evaluate the feasibility of completing in one session a second-trimester ultrasound scan in obese pregnant women, to compare the quality of images obtained with those of non-obese women and to analyze factors that can improve the completion rate.This prospective study, from 2009 to 2011, included all obese pregnant women (prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m2) who had an ultrasound examination at 20-24 weeks in our department, and a control group of pregnant women with normal BMI (20-24.9 kg/m2) who had the same examination. A single operator reviewed the standardized ultrasound images (three biometric and six to assess key anatomical features) required under French guidelines, to assess their presence, evaluate the quality of all images and score the quality of the six anatomical images. Each image was assessed according to between four and six criteria, each worth one point. We sought excellent quality, defined as the frequency of maximum points for a given image type. The factors associated with completing the scan in one session were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression.The obese group included 223 women and the control group 60; a complete scan in one session was achieved in 70.4% and 81.7% of these, respectively (P = 0.08). The completion rate for each image type was at least 95% in the control group and 90% in the obese group, except for diaphragm and right outflow tract images. Significant factors associated with completing the scan in the multivariate model were: having 10 additional minutes for the scan (P = 0.03), moving the fetus so that the back was in posterior or lateral position (P = 0.01), more experienced sonographer (P = 0.03) and thinner maternal abdominal wall thickness (P = 0.01). Overall, the excellence rate varied from 35% to 92% in the normal BMI group and from 18% to 58% in the obese group, and was significantly lower in the latter for all images except abdominal circumference (P = 0.26) and spine (P = 0.06). Anatomical quality scores were also significantly lower in the obese group (22.3 vs. 27.2; P = 0.001).Although ultrasound scans of obese pregnant women are feasible, image quality and global anatomical scores are significantly lower among obese than normal-weight women. However, certain simple improvements may increase fetal visualization.

Objective To evaluate the clinical use of hourly fetal urine production rate (HFUPR) in polyhydramnios. Methods This was a retrospective review of 33 singleton pregnancies with polyhydramnios, 30 of them unexplained and three due to gastrointestinal atresia. HFUPR was estimated using three-dimensional ultrasound and was compared with recently established nomograms. Abnormal midterm outcome, defined as diagnosis or persistence of pathology after the neonatal period until the age of 2 years, was analyzed according to prenatal HFUPR measurements and other polyhydramnios characteristics. Results Seventeen of the 30 fetuses with unexplained polyhydramnios had an HFUPR above the 95th centile, and five (29.4%) of them developed midterm disorders. None of the 13 with normal HFUPR developed midterm disorders. The HFUPR was 1.9 (SD, 0.7) multiples of the median (MoM) in fetuses with an adverse childhood outcome and 1.4 (SD, 1.2) in fetuses with normal childhood outcome (P = 0.34). In the three fetuses with gastrointestinal atresia, the HFUPR was significantly lower than in those with unexplained polyhydramnios (P = 0.003). Conclusion HFUPR was associated with the mechanism of polyhydramnios but failed to help in the prognosis of unexplained polyhydramnios because of lack of power. Children with prenatal unexplained polyhydramnios and HFUPR above the 95th centile should nevertheless receive detailed pediatric follow-up. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

We describe the findings on computed tomography (CT) in a prenatally diagnosed case of bladder exstrophy, and compare them with the findings on two- and three-dimensional sonography. The CT data of the affected fetus were compared with the CT findings of 14 fetuses with normal bony pelvises. The CT images showed differences in the structure of the bony pelvis in the case of bladder exstrophy, with a wide gap between the iliopubic and ischiopubic rami and a widening of the iliac bones. CT scanning was useful in confirming the sonographic diagnosis of bladder exstrophy, and it may also be helpful for planning early surgery following delivery. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hydrocolpos should be considered systematically when an abdominopelvic cystic mass is diagnosed in a female fetus. Because the prognosis and neonatal management of isolated hydrocolpos with spontaneous resolution differs greatly from that of hydrocolpos associated with a cloacal malformation, it is important to ascertain prenatally whether there are associated anomalies. We report the prenatal characteristics of three fetuses with hydrocolpos; in two cases there was spontaneous resolution and one infant was born with digestive tract atresia. The principal ultrasound findings were an oblong anechoic pelvic mass with or without a sagittal septum, located behind a normal bladder. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the cervical imprint on the vagina confirmed the diagnosis of hydrocolpos and helped to diagnose cloacal malformation by demonstrating the absence of meconium beside the bladder on T1 sequences. Our cases show that MRI is useful for differentiating isolated hydrocolpos from hydrocolpos associated with cloacal malformation.

While the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was estimated between 5 and 10% in 2010, the application of new thresholds recommended by IADPSG and adopted in 2010 by CNGOF seems to significantly increase the number of patients affected by this pathology. A prospective single-center French study estimated in 2014 the prevalence of gestational diabetes at 14% with these criteria, making it one of the most frequent complications during pregnancy. However, to date, there is no published study using these criteria to show a benefit to the health of women and children. If a diagnosis of GDM or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy is definitively an important risk factor for maternal as well as newborn and child complications, it is probably not the case for moderate hyperglycemia discovered during pregnancy.

The literature confirms the interest of progesterone for prevention of preterm delivery in specific indications for patients carrying a singleton pregnancy. In contrast, randomized trials have shown no benefit using progesterone in the prevention of prematurity in twins and even an adverse effect.

To evaluate de performances of noninvasive prenatal testing using cell free circulating fetal DNA (cffDNA) for the detection of fetal trisomy 21, 18 and 13 in a French population.cffDNA analysis was performed by massive parallel sequencing during a multicenter, non interventional, prospective study and the results were compared with a standard fetal karyotype.Results were available for 886 patients who have been classified as high- or moderate-risk depending on the presence of fetal abnormalities on ultrasound examination. For the high-risk group (n=376), the sensitivity and specificity of the test were 100% and 99.9% for trisomy 21, 88% and 99.9% for trisomy 18 and 100% and 99.9% for trisomy 13. The rate of other pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities with a negative NIPT was 7.9%. In the low-risk group (n=510), the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity 99.8% for trisomy 21, and only 0.4% of pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities were revealed by fetal karyotyping but not detected by cffDNA analysis.Noninvasive prenatal testing using cffDNA for high risk patients without fetal anomalies at ultrasound could be recommended in France after counseling on the possible risk of undiagnosed anomalies.

To compare the predictive value of conventional two-dimensional ultrasound measurement of cervical length and three-dimensional multiplanar volume assessment of the cervix for delivery at37 weeks of gestation among patients with preterm labor.This preliminary prospective study was conducted in 28 patients hospitalized for preterm labor between 24(+0) and 33(+6) weeks of gestation, defined by regular and painful uterine contractions (at least two per 10 min), intact membranes and a cervical length ofor = 26 mm measured by two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography at admission with a Voluson 530 (Kretz, France) machine using a 7.5-MHz transvaginal transducer. The cervical volume was then assessed by the three-dimensional triplan technique. It was automatically calculated after drawing of the cervix outlines in mid-sagittal and median axial plane images. As the border between the cervix and the lower uterine segment is virtual, it was defined by a perpendicular line to the line joining the external os and the internal os. The result of the latter measurement was not disclosed to the obstetric team. The primary outcome was the rate of deliveries at37 weeks. We constructed a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the optimal cut-off point of the cervical volume, to predict preterm delivery.Sixteen (57%) patients delivered at37 weeks. Mean (+/- SD) gestational ages at admission and delivery were 28.2 (+/- 3.2) weeks and 35.9 (+/- 4.1) weeks, respectively. Mean cervical length and volume at admission were 20.1 (+/- 9.9) mm and 23.1 (+/- 14.6) mm3, respectively. The ROC curve showed that the optimal cut-off point was 20 mm3. The predictive values of cervical length and of cervical volume on delivery at37 weeks were: sensitivity, 87.5% (14/16) and 75% (12/16); specificity, 50% (6/12) and 75% (9/12); positive predictive value, 70% (14/20) and 80% (12/15); negative predictive value, 75% (6/8) and 69.2% (9/13), respectively.The three-dimensional multiplanar volume assessment of the cervix probably increases the positive predictive value of cervical ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery. Screening high-risk women could be achieved by conventional two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound and the diagnosis of true preterm labor may be improved by three-dimensional multiplanar transvaginal ultrasound assessment of the cervix.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate pregnancy outcome and mid- and long-term prognosis of cases with nuchal translucency ≥4 mm and normal karyotype. Methods Retrospective analysis of 160 cases who presented with a nuchal translucency ≥4 mm when the CRL was between 45 and 84 mm was undertaken. Cystic hygromas were excluded. When the karyotype was normal a detailed anomaly scan was performed at 20 to 24 weeks followed by serial ultrasound examination. Clinical examination of the neonates was performed by a paediatrician. Long-term follow-up was completed through a questionnaire filled in by parents, GPs and paediatricians. Results 160 fetuses had an NT ≥4 mm. 44.3% had an abnormal karyotype. Of the 55.7% with normal karyotypes, 74 % did not show any abnormalities on follow-up ultrasound scan. Mid- and long-term outcome was known in 91% of the cases. 6.4% had a malformation diagnosed only at birth. Among the normal neonates, 11.1% are considered to have a significant neurological handicap or orthopaedic problems at 12 to 72 months of age. Conclusion In an unselected population, NT ≥4 mm is associated with a high incidence of chromosomal and non chromosomal abnormalities. Even when the fetal karyotype and serial ultrasound examinations are considered to be normal, the risk of fetal malformation and developmental delay should not be underestimated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

To describe precisely prenatal ultrasound features in congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.We retrospectively evaluated the ultrasound descriptions of cases of congenital CMV infection between 2004 and 2013.In 74 congenital CMV infections, related ultrasound abnormalities were reported in 34 cases (45.9%). Abnormalities reported were either cerebral (11 cases), either extracerebral (6 cases), or associated (17 cases). A total of 22/34 cases presented extracerebral features of 11 different sorts of abnormalities, mainly intra-uterine growth retardation (11 cases) and hyperechogenic bowel (10 cases) and 26/34 cases presented cerebral features of 14 different sorts, mainly brain calcifications (12 cases) and occipital horn cavity (12 cases). MRI was performed in 25 cases and have found additional abnormalities in 8 cases. These abnormalities are not specific to CMV infection. However, a frequent finding attracted our attention: the anechogenic cavity located on the extremity of the occipital horn.A potentially specific sign, inexistent in other fetal pathologies, is an anechogenic cavity located on the extremity of the occipital and/or temporal horn, a germinal region which contains numerous proliferating and differentiating germinal cells. A better understanding of these signs could increase the sensitivity of ultrasound, and clarify the pathophysiology of congenital CMV infection.

To investigate the value of fetal stomach position in predicting postnatal outcome in left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with and without fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (FETO).This was a retrospective review of CDH cases that were expectantly managed or treated with FETO, assessed from May 2008 to October 2013, in which we graded, on a scale of 1-4, stomach position on the four-chamber view of the heart with respect to thoracic structures. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effect of management center (Paris, Brussels, Barcelona, Milan), stomach grading, observed-to-expected lung area-to-head circumference ratio (O/E-LHR), gestational age at delivery, birth weight in expectantly managed CDH, gestational ages at FETO and at removal and period of tracheal occlusion, on postnatal survival in CDH cases treated with FETO.We identified 67 expectantly managed CDH cases and 47 CDH cases that were treated with FETO. In expectantly managed CDH, stomach position and O/E-LHR predicted postnatal survival independently. In CDH treated with FETO, stomach position and gestational age at delivery predicted postnatal survival independently.In left-sided CDH with or without FETO, stomach position is predictive of postnatal survival.

Hydrocephalus-stenosis of the acqueduct of Sylvius sequence (HSAS) is characterized by hydrocephalus, macrocephaly, adducted thumbs, spasticity, agenesis of the corpus callosum and mental retardation. X-linked hydrocephalus is known to be due to mutations in the gene coding for the neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1-CAM) and diagnosis is made by identification of a mutation in the L1-CAM gene. Prenatal diagnosis of HSAS is usually suggested on ultrasound examination showing hydrocephalus in a male fetus associated with bilateral adducted thumbs. Mutation screening of the L1-CAM gene is indicated when neuropathological examination shows hypoplasia of the corticospinal tract associated with aqueductal stenosis. We report here two cases of HSAS diagnosed within the same family by ultrasound examination in the first trimester of pregnancy when bilateral adducted thumbs were the only early ultrasound marker.

Objectives To evaluate first trimester pregnancy screening for fetal aneuploidy and congenital heart defects by maternal age and nuchal translucency measurement and screening for fetal aneuploidies and congenital heart defects by ultrasound in an unselected population. Design A prospective study. Setting Fetal medicine unit, St George's Hospital, London. Sample 4523 consecutive viable fetuses at 10–14 weeks with a crown–rump length between 38 and 80 mm were scanned transabdominally (93%) or transvaginally (7%). Methods Screening was performed by calculating the background risk from maternal age, gestational age and obstetric history, which was then adjusted with the nuchal translucency measurement in relation to crown–rump length (adjusted risk). Main outcome measures Measurements of crown–rump length and nuchal translucency thickness. An adjusted risk of > 1:270 was considered as a positive screening test. Pregnancy outcome was obtained through karyotyping, outcome questionnaires and examination of the newborn infants. Results Mean maternal age was 29.4 years and mean gestational age 12.2 weeks. Screening was positive in 230/4523 fetuses (5.1%), when the adjusted risk (mean 1:2649) was > 1:270. Fetal karyotype was abnormal in 23 (0.51%) cases, including twelve with trisomy 21, five trisomy 18, one trisomy 13, one trisomy 10, one monosomy X and two triploidies. For a false positive rate of 4.7%, the sensitivity of this test was 78% in detecting any fetal aneuploidy. Only one out of nine major congenital heart defects in this population was found within the 110 euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency thickness (> 2.5 mm). Conclusion Screening for fetal aneuploidy by maternal age and nuchal translucency measurement can be effective in an unselected population. However, our results do not support its effectiveness in the detection of cardiac abnormalities.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of anhydramnios on the lung development of 1 twin in the presence of a normal amniotic fluid volume in its diamniotic co-twin. Methods: Three sets of diamniotic twins, discordant for complete urinary tract obstruction and anhydramnios, were followed prospectively with regular ultrasound scans and after delivery. Results: All 3 twins with complete urinary tract obstruction and anhydramnios died within 2 days after birth, with confirmed severe pulmonary hypoplasia. In every case the twin with a normal amount of surrounding amniotic fluid had a normal postnatal outcome. Conclusions: The observation that a normal amniotic fluid volume in one sac does not protect the anhydramniotic twin from pulmonary hypoplasia has important implications for the aetiology of the condition and for the possibility of therapeutic septostomy. These results are discussed in relation to previous human and animal studies.

Objective To compare the effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone on fetal heart rate in appropriately grown fetuses. Methods Eighty-two pregnant women (97 fetuses) with preterm labour were randomly allocated to receive betamethasone (n= 42) or dexamethasone (n= 40) for fetal lung maturation in a nonblinded fashion. Computerised cardiotocogram (CTG) parameters were compared before, during and after treatment. Results A decrease in fetal heart rate variability was found with betamethasone but no significant changes were found with dexamethasone. Fetal heart rate variability returned to pre-treatment values within a week after cessation of treatment with betamethasone. Neonatal outcome was similar in the two groups. Conclusions These findings might prove useful in the management of compromised fetuses with decreased fetal heart rate variability in which the CTG should be used together with other parameters to assess fetal wellbeing during corticosteroid treatment. Dexamethasone may be preferable as the drug of choice since it was associated with significantly less alteration in fetal heart rate variability compared with betamethasone.

The aim of this research was to describe precisely prenatal ultrasound (US) features in congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.We retrospectively evaluated the US descriptions of cases of congenital CMV infection between 2004 and 2013.In 69 congenital CMV infections, related US abnormalities were reported in 30 cases (43.5%). There were both extracerebral and cerebral abnormalities in 16 cases, purely abnormal brain features in ten, and purely extracerebral features in two. About 19/30 cases presented extracerebral features of 11 different sorts of abnormalities, mainly hyperechogenic bowel (ten cases) and intrauterine growth retardation (nine cases). About 24/30 cases presented cerebral features of 13 different sorts, mainly brain calcifications (12 cases) and occipital horn cavity (11 cases). The main US findings in our series are not specific to CMV infection. However, a frequent finding attracted our attention: the anechogenic cavity located on the extremity of the occipital horn, a region which contains numerous proliferating and differentiating germinal cells.By improving knowledge of US findings linked to CMV infection, US sensitivity may be improved. Understanding why CMV leads to lesions of the occipital horn may help clarify the pathophysiology of congenital infection.

To evaluate the performance of different antenatal tools for the monitoring of fetuses with isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). To define the prenatal management of IUGR and indications for delivery before and after 32 weeks of gestation.PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane databases were searched using the keywords "IUGR", "fetal growth restriction", "cardiotocography", "amniotic fluid", "ultrasound assessment", "biophysical profile", "Doppler ultrasonography", "randomized trial", "meta-analysis". These terms were also combined together.Fetal monitoring of isolated IUGR should be based on the combined use of fetal heart rate (FHR) and ultrasound Doppler. The use of computerized FHR, with short-term variability (STV) measurement allows longitudinal monitoring and provides objective values upon which to decide very premature delivery (LE3). The use of umbilical Doppler is associated with a decrease in perinatal morbidity, especially in IUGR (LE1). It should be the first-line mean for the monitoring of SGA and IUGR fetuses (LE1). The additional use of cerebral Doppler is associated with a better predictive value for a poor perinatal outcome than the umbilical Doppler alone (LE3). Therefore, cerebral Doppler should be used in fetuses with IUGR, whether the umbilical Doppler is normal or not. As morbidity and mortality is increased in IUGR with pathological ductus venosus, the use of this Doppler should be considered in the monitoring of IUGR at before 32 weeks (professional consensus). Routine hospitalization is not mandatory for the monitoring of fetuses with IUGR/SGA. However, tertiary referral is advisable in cases of severe IUGR at between 26 to 32 weeks (professional consensus). The decision for delivery cannot be standardized and should be based on the combined analysis of gestational age, fetal heart rate analysis and Doppler study (professional consensus).Monitoring of fetuses with IUGR and decision for delivery should be based on the combined analysis of gestational age, fetal heart rate analysis and Doppler study before 32 weeks, this should ideally be performed by the association of computerized FHR and arterial and venous Doppler.

Prenatal corticosteroids administration is one of the major advances in obstetrics and neonatology for the prevention of preterm-birth related complications. However, concerns have been raised about its safety regarding neonatal growth and children development. Therefore, some obstetricians have restricted the use of corticosteroids to precisely defined indications. It remains some uncertainty regarding the choice of antenatal corticosteroids, the interval between injections, the timing of effectiveness and the maximum number of courses per pregnancy that is acceptable without causing complications among children. Thus, we performed a current literature review in 2013 regarding short- and long-term efficacy and safety in order to give clear recommendations to practitioners.

To analyze the outcome of maternal primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.Retrospective analysis of a cohort of 238 patients with maternal primary CMV infection detected at routine screening. The cases were managed with serial ultrasound (US) scans, and amniocentesis was performed in 36.1% of cases. All prenatal results were confirmed at birth.The average age was 31.9 (18-44) years. Patients were symptomatic in 21% of cases. The rate of intrauterine transmission was 24.9%, and it was 8.8%, 19%, 30.6%, 34.1% and 40% in the preconceptional period, the periconceptional period, and the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively (p = 0.025). There was a significantly higher risk of US abnormalities when maternal infection occurred during the preconceptional or periconceptional period and the first trimester compared with later (p 0.001). Because of US abnormalities, pregnancy was terminated in 18 cases at the parents' request. Three infected newborns were symptomatic; all three cases were suspected at US before birth. We did not observe any symptomatic fetal infection when maternal infection occurred after 14 weeks of gestation. A number of clinically asymptomatic cases (5.5%) developed hearing loss.The rate of materno fetal transmission is linearly correlated to the gestational age at infection. No severe case of congenital infection was observed if maternal infection occurred after 14 weeks of gestation.

Three types of brain arteriovenous vascular malformations can be found during the neonatal period, according to their anatomical location. Vein of Galen malformations are the most common. The others are pial arteriovenous malformations or dural arteriovenous malformations, which include dural sinus malformations. They can be asymptomatic, but most often they are associated with different symptoms, related to their angioarchitecture or their effect on the brain. High-flow arteriovenous malformations can thus be responsible for heart failure. Local or regional venous hyperpressure exposes the patient to subacute or chronic brain lesions, or to hydrovenous disorders such as hydrocephalus. Some types of venous reflux can expose patients to brain hemorrhage. The treatment chosen for these vascular malformations and their consequences is transarterial or transvenous embolization, depending on the angioarchitecture and type of lesion. The schedule for the treatment will be determined according to the malformation type and its local or general effects on the brain. The aim of this article is to present the recommendations of the French National Referral Center for neurovascular malformations in children, in order to help clinicians and radiologists treat these patients during pre- or neonatal period.

To assess perinatal outcomes after expectant management in the case of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 25 weeks of gestation, according to the rate of termination of pregnancy (TOP).Retrospective comparative cohort study.Singleton pregnancies complicated by PPROM between 15(0/7) and 24(6/7) weeks of gestation, from January 2003 to January 2007.Comparison of perinatal outcomes in two French tertiary care referral centres presumed to have different rates of TOP.Rates of TOP, survival and survival without major morbidity.A total of 113 women experienced PPROM (49 in centre A and 64 in centre B). A lower proportion of patients opted for TOP in centre A (40.8%) than in centre B (56.3%). The baseline characteristics of patients and pregnancies, and gestational age at PPROM, were not different between the two centres. Mean gestational age at delivery (28.1 versus 25.4 weeks of gestation; P0.01), mean latency period (45.5 versus 16.1 days; P0.01), mean birthweight (1295 versus 929 g; P = 0.04) and survival (46.9 versus 20.3%; P0.01) were significantly higher in centre A than in centre B. The percentage of neonates alive without major morbidity was also higher in centre A than in centre B (42.9 versus 20.3%; P = 0.01).Perinatal outcomes of pregnancies managed expectantly were not better in the centre where the TOP rate was higher. The perinatal risk of pregnancies complicated by pre-viable PPROM remains high.

Objective To examine the relationship between observed to expected (o/e) lung to head circumference ratio (LHR) and lung-to-body weight ratio (LBWR) in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Methods All consecutive fetuses with CDH and termination of pregnancy for which a postmortem examination was available, examined at three institutions between 2000 and 2010, were included in the study. Contralateral fetal lung area was measured by two-dimensional ultrasonography using the longest axis method and the o/e-LHR was calculated based on the appropriate normal mean for gestational age (GA). Regression analysis was used to determine the significance of association between the LBWR and the o/e-LHR for left and right-sided cases, and subsequently the predicted LBWR in left-sided CDH was calculated using the regression equation. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect on the proportional difference between the predicted and observed LBWR of GA at o/e-LHR, time gap between o/e-LHR and LBWR measurement, proportional weight of the ipsilateral compared with total lung weight, presence of associated anomalies and intrathoracic herniation of the liver. Results There were 23 fetuses with left-sided and seven fetuses with right-sided CDH. In left-sided CDH, the LBWR and the o/e-LHR correlated significantly, following the linear equation: LBWR = 0.0043 + (0.0134 × o/e-LHR) (r = 0.52, P = 0.012), but this was not the case for right-sided CDH, for which LBWR followed the equation: LBWR = 0.0107 − (0.0014 × o/e-LHR) (r = 0.08, P = 0.862), where o/e-LHR is expressed as percentage. Regression analysis showed that the proportional difference between predicted and observed LBWR in left-sided CDH was significantly and independently associated with GA at o/e-LHR measurement and proportional weight of ipsilateral vs. total lung weight. Conclusion In left-sided CDH, o/e-LHR correlates well with LBWR irrespective of the length of time between o/e-LHR and LBWR measurement, presence of associated anomalies and intrathoracic herniation of the liver. Inconsistencies between the two measurements are mainly attributable to the contribution of the ipsilateral lung to the total lung weight. In right-sided CDH, o/e-LHR does not correlate with LBWR. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Single fetal death in a twin pregnancy occurs in 5% of all twin pregnancies. Following single-twin death the perinatal mortality and the morbidity for the surviving twin is increased mainly in monochorionic pregnancy. These may include co twin death and survival impairment in the surviving co-twin in about 12% and 18% of cases respectively in case of monochorionic pregnancy and 4% and 1% in case of dichorionic pregnancy. The odds of intrauterine death of the co-twin and neurological abnormality among survivors is six and four times higher in monochorionic compared with dichorionic pregnancies due to shared placental circulation. The risk of preterm delivery is about 50% occurring 3 or 4 weeks after the death. No specific exam should be done in case of intrauterine death in dichorionic pregnancy whereas ultrasound and MRI should be realised to detect specific cerebral anomalies within 3-4 weeks of the death of the co-twin. For all death in utero occurring in twin pregnancy, a psychological care must be offered.

To compare retrospectively the distribution of foetal biometry data as measured by midwives and physicians during second and third trimester screening of an unselected population of pregnant women.Standard measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL) were performed by four midwives and ten physicians at 20 to 24 weeks of gestation and at 30 to 34 weeks of gestation as part of routine ultrasound examinations over a 26-month period (Jan. 2005-Mar. 2007). All measurements were converted into Z-scores using different prediction equations. The reference chart best fitting our practice was determined for each fetal parameter (French College of Sonographers for BPD, Chitty et al. for HC and FL, Snidjers and Nicolaides for AC). The means and SDs of the Z-score distributions for data collected by midwives and physicians were compared using Student's t-test for means and the Fisher-Snedecor test for SDs.We retrieved 1566 and 1631 measurements made by midwives and physicians respectively between 20 and 24 weeks of gestation, and 1710 and 1578 measurements made by midwives and physicians respectively between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation. Mean values recorded by midwives were significantly closer to 0 (p0.05) for many foetal parameters. SD values were also significantly lower and were below 1.In this study, midwives have a greater tendency than physicians to normalize biometry data. Such normalization may hamper the sensitivity of routine ultrasound screening for abnormal foetal growth.

Pandemic influenza A H1N1 2009 is a benign disease when infecting healthy adults, but it can lead to severe consequences in pregnant woman, for the fetus or its mother. The incidence of the disease is increasing strongly, and health authorities estimate that one third of the world population might be infected before the end of the winter. Diagnosis of infection with influenza virus H1N1 is suspected when a patient presents with the association of symptoms of the respiratory tract like sore throat, cough, or dyspnea, with general signs like fever, myalgias, or exhaustion. Diagnosis confirmation is obtained with nasopharyngeal swab and virus detection with molecular biology. This flu can lead to severe consequences for the pregnant woman and fetus. For this reason, it is advisable to treat pregnant women systematically by oseltamivir or zanamivir, and to treat preventively the pregnant woman in case of close contact with a suspected or confirmed infected person. Even if the management of influenza A H1N1 2009 infection during pregnancy relies on family physicians and gynecologists, every physician having in charge such cases should regularly update his knowledge regarding the evolution of the recommendations for the pandemic.

A male infant was born at 41 weeks' gestation to a 34-year-old primiparous woman after an uneventful pregnancy. Physical examination showed extreme paleness. Fetal hemoglobin was 7.6g/dl and Kleihauher exam revealed fetomaternal hemorrhage. Pathology revealed in situ intraplacental choriocarcinoma. Serum human chorionic gonadotrophin level was undetectable 1 month after the delivery both in woman and in newborn. We suggest that a pathological examination of the placenta should be performed in any case of fetomaternal hemorrhage in order to avoid misdiagnosis of intraplacental choriocarcinoma.

To evaluate the proportion of pregnant women agreeing to cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologic screening. To collect data on CMV infection during pregnancy.Prospective study.During two years, all pregnant women were informed on CMV infection. If the patient agreed, serological testing was performed around 12 weeks of gestation (WG) and, if negative, redone around 36 WG.Four thousand two hundred and eighty-seven pregnant women followed from 12 weeks to delivery.If the first CMV serologic test was negative, detailed hygiene information was given to the parents. Diagnosis of primary infection was based on the detection of CMV-G, CMV-M and low CMV-G avidity index. When maternal infection was confirmed, diagnosis of CMV congenital infection was done in the newborns by urine culture within the three days following birth. Crude infection-rate data consisted of the number of CMV infection cases and person-time units for both exposed to hygiene CMV information (12 to 36 WG) and unexposed pregnant women (first 12 WG).Rate of CMV seropositive and seronegative women. Rate of women agreeing for screening. Rate of primary infection. Rate of seroconversion. Number of CMV-infected newborns.Among the 4287 women followed, 3792 were either seronegative or with an unknown immune status. 96.7% out of them agreed for screening. 53.2% were initially CMV-specific IgG negative. Primary infection was detected in nine women between 0 and 12 WG (0.46%) and seroconversion was diagnosed in five women between 12 and 36 WG (0.26%) (mid P = 0.02, 95% CI [1.07-13.6]).If clear information on CMV infection during pregnancy is given, patients frequently agree to screening. The rate of seroconversion after information, observed in this study, is low after counselling.