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BackgroundPatients ≥80-year-old presenting with large-vessel occlusion treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) have worst outcomes than younger individuals. Improved patient selection in this age range is warranted. We investigated the hypoperfusion-intensity-ratio (HIR) and its associations with baseline parameters and clinical outcomes in a cohort ≥80-year-old to assess whether it could an option in improving their selection for EVT.MethodsWe performed retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with EVT at our center between 2015 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were age ≥80-year-old, any baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and anterior circulation occlusion. Demographic information, baseline characteristics, clinical data, and radiological imaging parameters were collected. HIR was dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable based on median value of the cohort. Good outcome was defined as mRS ≤2 at 90-days.ResultsWe included 82 patients. HIR was significantly correlated with baseline ischemic core volume, NIHSS, and time-of-onset to groin puncture. Good outcome was achieved in 18.3% and mortality occurred in 34.1%. In patients with baseline mRS ≤2, the rate of good outcome was significantly higher in favorable vs unfavorable HIR (52.6% vs 20%, P=0.02). In shift-analysis, unfavorable HIR was significantly associated with downshift to mRS ≥3 (P=0.02). Regression analysis found lower baseline mRS (P=0.009), higher ASPECTS (P=0.02), complete recanalization (P=0.04), and lower HIR (P=0.02) to be associated with increased rate of good outcome. Hierarchical regression showed HIR to independently predict good outcome.ConclusionsIn our cohort, HIR was correlated with baseline parameters and predicted clinical outcomes. Future studies should investigate perfusion parameters such as HIR to improve the selection of elderly patients for EVT.

The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a recently identified white matter tract connecting the supplementary motor complex and lateral superior frontal gyrus to the inferior frontal gyrus. Advancements in neuroimaging and refinements to anatomical dissection techniques of the human brain white matter contributed to the recent description of the FAT anatomical and functional connectivity and its role in the pathogenesis of several neurological, psychiatric, and neurosurgical disorders. Through the application of diffusion tractography and intraoperative electrical brain stimulation, the FAT was shown to have a role in speech and language functions (verbal fluency, initiation and inhibition of speech, sentence production, and lexical decision), working memory, visual–motor activities, orofacial movements, social community tasks, attention, and music processing. Microstructural alterations of the FAT have also been associated with neurological disorders, such as primary progressive aphasia, post-stroke aphasia, stuttering, Foix–Chavany–Marie syndrome, social communication deficit in autism spectrum disorders, and attention–deficit hyperactivity disorder. We provide a systematic review of the current literature about the FAT anatomical connectivity and functional roles. Specifically, the aim of the present study relies on providing an overview for practical neurosurgical applications for the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative assessment of patients with brain tumors located around and within the FAT. Moreover, some useful tests are suggested for the neurosurgical evaluation of FAT integrity to plan a safer surgery and to reduce post-operative deficits.

Background: Effective screening for term preeclampsia is provided by a combination of maternal factors with measurements of mean arterial pressure, serum placental growth factor, and serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation, with a detection rate of ≈75% at a screen-positive rate of 10%. However, there is no known intervention to reduce the incidence of the disease. Methods: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 1120 women with singleton pregnancies at high risk of term preeclampsia to receive pravastatin at a dose of 20 mg/d or placebo from 35 to 37 weeks of gestation until delivery or 41 weeks. The primary outcome was delivery with preeclampsia at any time after randomization. The analysis was performed according to intention to treat. Results: A total of 29 women withdrew consent during the trial. Preeclampsia occurred in 14.6% (80 of 548) of participants in the pravastatin group and in 13.6% (74 of 543) in the placebo group. Allowing for the effect of risk at the time of screening and participating center, the mixed-effects Cox regression showed no evidence of an effect of pravastatin (hazard ratio for statin/placebo, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.78–1.49]; P =0.65). There was no evidence of interaction between the effect of pravastatin, estimated risk of preeclampsia, pregnancy history, adherence, and aspirin treatment. There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of any secondary outcomes, including gestational hypertension, stillbirth, abruption, delivery of small for gestational age neonates, neonatal death, or neonatal morbidity. There was no significant between-group difference in the treatment effects on serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 concentrations 1 and 3 weeks after randomization. Adherence was good, with reported intake of ≥80% of the required number of tablets in 89% of participants. There were no significant between-group differences in neonatal adverse outcomes or other adverse events. Conclusions: Pravastatin in women at high risk of term preeclampsia did not reduce the incidence of delivery with preeclampsia. Registration: URL: https://www.isrctn.com ; Unique identifier ISRCTN16123934.

Meningiomas account for 25–30% of intracranial tumours and occur mainly in the adult population aged 60–70 years.

Background: In women with a singleton pregnancy and sonographic short cervix in midgestation, vaginal administration of progesterone reduces the risk of early preterm birth and improves neonatal outcomes, without any demonstrable deleterious effects on childhood neurodevelopment. In women with twin pregnancies the rate of spontaneous early preterm birth is 10-times higher than in singletons and in this respect all twins are at increased risk of preterm birth. However, six trials in unselected twin pregnancies reported that vaginal progesterone from mid-gestation had no significant effect on the incidence of early preterm birth. Such apparent lack of effectiveness of progesterone in twins may be due to inadequate dosage or treatment which is started too late in pregnancy. Objective: The Early vaginal progesterone for the preVention of spontaneous prEterm birth iN TwinS: A randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded trial (EVENTS) was designed to test the hypothesis that, among women with twin pregnancies, vaginal progesterone at a dose of 600 mg per day from 11-14 until 34 weeks’ gestation, as compared with placebo, would result in a significant reduction in the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth between 24+0 and 33+6 weeks. Methods: The trial was conducted at 22 hospitals in England, Spain, Bulgaria, Italy, Belgium and France. Women were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio, to receive either progesterone or placebo and in the random-sequence generation there was stratification according to participating center. Primary outcome was spontaneous birth between 24 +0 and 33+6 weeks’ gestation. Statistical analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significance of difference in incidence of spontaneous birth between 24+0 and 33+6 weeks’ gestation between the progesterone and placebo groups, adjusting for the effect of participating centre, chrorionicity, parity and method of conception. Prespecified tests of treatment interaction effects with chrorionicity, parity, method of conception, compliance and cervical length at recruitment were performed. A post hoc analysis using mixed effects Cox regression was used for further exploration of the effect of progesterone on preterm birth. Results: We recruited 1,194 women between May 2017 and April 2019; 21 withdrew consent and 4 were lost to follow up, which left 582 in the progesterone group and 587 in the placebo group. Adherence was good, with reported intake of ≥80% of the required number of capsules in 81.4% of the participants. After excluding births before 24 weeks and indicated deliveries before 34 weeks, spontaneous birth between 24+0 and 33+6 weeks occurred in 10.4% (56/541) participants in the progesterone group and in 8.2% (44/538) in the placebo group (odds ratio in the progesterone group, adjusting for the effect of participating center, chrorionicity, parity and method of conception, 1.35; 95% CI 0.88 - 2.05; p=0.17). There was no evidence of interaction between the effects of treatment and chorionicity (p=0.28), parity (p=0.35) method of conception (p=0.56) and adherence (p=0.34); however, there was weak evidence of an interaction with cervical length (p=0.08) suggestive of harm to those with cervical length ≥30 mm (odds ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.01-2.59) and potential benefit for those with cervical length

Background: Nowadays several Prenatal Tests for Chromosomal Abnormalities Detection (PTCAD) are available. In those cases in which there is not an Institutional protocol to advise women about the available PTCAD, the choice of which one to undergo is up to the woman and largely depends on her knowledge about them. Therefore, we decided to evaluate, as a primary outcome, knowledge about PTCAD among pregnant women attending our Term Clinic. As a secondary outcome we evaluated the relationship between the patient’s knowledge and the subsequently chosen PTCAD. Methods: From August 2017 to August 2018 an anonymous questionnaire with multiple-choice answers was administered to all pregnant women attending our Term antenatal Clinic, a tertiary obstetric unit in Catanzaro (Italy). Results: Three hundred and twenty-five pregnant women were enrolled in the study. We observed that 28.8% of the pregnant women that chose one of the PTCAD, avoided the first trimester combined screening test; among these, 11.4% were in favour of the cell-free foetal DNA test. The latter was erroneously considered diagnostic by 34.3% of the women that had chosen it. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that women’s knowledge about PTCAD is poor and that there is a potentially dangerous confusion between the words ‘screening’ and ‘diagnostic’. Informative campaigns about PTCAD and the application of dedicated antenatal counselling appointments should be a health-care priority to avoid unnecessary risks and costs for pregnant women and possible legal issues.

OBJECTIVE To examine the performance of screening for early, preterm and term pre-eclampsia (PE) at 11-13 weeks' gestation by maternal factors and combinations of mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). METHODS The data for this study were derived from three previously reported prospective non-intervention screening studies at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation in a combined total of 61 174 singleton pregnancies, including 1770 (2.9%) that developed PE. Bayes' theorem was used to combine the prior distribution of gestational age at delivery with PE, obtained from maternal characteristics, with various combinations of biomarker multiples of the median (MoM) values to derive patient-specific risks of delivery with PE at

OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia (PE) on the prediction of delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate and the effect of prophylactic use of aspirin on the prevention of SGA. METHODS The data for this study were derived from two multicenter studies. In SPREE, we investigated the performance of screening for PE by a combination of maternal characteristics and biomarkers at 11-13 weeks' gestation. In ASPRE, women with a singleton pregnancy identified by combined screening as being at high risk for preterm PE (> 1 in 100) participated in a trial of aspirin (150 mg/day from 11-14 until 36 weeks' gestation) compared to placebo. In this study, we used the data from the ASPRE trial to estimate the effect of aspirin on the incidence of SGA with birth weight 1 in 100. RESULTS In SPREE, screening for preterm PE by a combination of maternal factors, mean arterial pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index and serum placental growth factor identified a high-risk group that contained about 46% of SGA neonates

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that the performance of first-trimester screening for pre-eclampsia (PE) by a method that uses Bayes' theorem to combine maternal factors with biomarkers is superior to that defined by current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. METHODS This was a prospective multicenter study (screening program for pre-eclampsia (SPREE)) in seven National Health Service maternity hospitals in England, of women recruited between April and December 2016. Singleton pregnancies at 11-13 weeks' gestation had recording of maternal characteristics and medical history and measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A). The performance of screening for PE by the Bayes' theorem-based method was compared with that of the NICE method. Primary comparison was detection rate (DR) using NICE method vs mini-combined test (maternal factors, MAP and PAPP-A) in the prediction of PE at any gestational age (all-PE) for the same screen-positive rate determined by the NICE method. Key secondary comparisons were DR of screening recommended by the NICE guidelines vs three Bayes' theorem-based methods (maternal factors, MAP and PAPP-A; maternal factors, MAP and PlGF; and maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI and PlGF) in the prediction of preterm PE, defined as that requiring delivery < 37 weeks. RESULTS All-PE developed in 473 (2.8%) of the 16 747 pregnancies and preterm PE developed in 142 (0.8%). The screen-positive rate by the NICE method was 10.3% and the DR for all-PE was 30.4% and for preterm PE it was 40.8%. Compliance with the NICE recommendation that women at high risk for PE should be treated with aspirin from the first trimester to the end of pregnancy was only 23%. The DR of the mini-combined test for all-PE was 42.5%, which was superior to that of the NICE method by 12.1% (95% CI, 7.9-16.2%). In screening for preterm PE by a combination of maternal factors, MAP and PlGF, the DR was 69.0%, which was superior to that of the NICE method by 28.2% (95% CI, 19.4-37.0%) and with the addition of UtA-PI the DR was 82.4%, which was higher than that of the NICE method by 41.6% (95% CI, 33.2-49.9%). CONCLUSIONS The performance of screening for PE as currently recommended by NICE guidelines is poor and compliance with these guidelines is low. The performance of screening is substantially improved by a method combining maternal factors with biomarkers. © 2018 Crown copyright. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology © 2018 ISUOG.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The implementation of palliative care at birth has led to a significant rise in the number of couples who choose to continue with pregnancies complicated by life-limiting malformations (LLMs). Prenatal counselling and appropriate antenatal/perinatal management in these cases are poorly studied and may pose significant challenges. The purpose of this review is to outline specific obstetric risks and to suggest management for mothers who choose to continue with pregnancies with the most common LLMs. RECENT FINDINGS In pregnancies complicated by LLMs where parents opt for expectant management, clinicians should respect parental wishes, whilst openly sharing potential serious maternal medical risks specific for the identified abnormalities. The focus of both antenatal and perinatal care should be maternal wellbeing rather than foetal survival. Follow-up ultrasound examinations and maternal surveillance should be aimed at achieving timely diagnosis and effective management of obstetric complications. A clear perinatal plan, agreed with the couples by a multi-disciplinary team including a foetal medicine specialist, a neonatologist and a geneticist, is crucial to reduce maternal morbidity. SUMMARY This review provides a useful framework for clinicians who face the challenges of counselling and managing cases complicated by LLMs where parents opt for pregnancy continuation.

Extra-cardiac abnormalities (ECAs) are associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in up to 70% of fetuses. Characteristic patterns of association may suggest an underlying genetic condition. Alternative aetiologies include maternal metabolic disorders, infections, exposure to drugs and teratogens. The co-existence of ECAs and CHD may profoundly affect prognosis leading to significant morbidity and mortality within this group. If CHD is detected it is crucial to perform a detailed fetal anatomy survey searching for ECAs. Recognition of associated abnormalities and knowledge of underlying causes is important to allow targeted investigations and karyotyping and appropriate counselling. The aim of this chapter is to support the reader in daily practice by reviewing, with wide use of images, the most common aetiologies that must be considered for the diagnostic work-up of fetuses affected by CHD and ECAs.

Summary Background Severe early-onset fetal growth restriction can lead to a range of adverse outcomes including fetal or neonatal death, neurodisability, and lifelong risks to the health of the affected child. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, potentiates the actions of nitric oxide, which leads to vasodilatation of the uterine vessels and might improve fetal growth in utero. Methods We did this superiority, placebo-controlled randomised trial in 19 fetal medicine units in the UK. We used random computer allocation (1:1) to assign women with singleton pregnancies between 22 weeks and 0 days' gestation and 29 weeks and 6 days' gestation and severe early-onset fetal growth restriction to receive either sildenafil 25 mg three times daily or placebo until 32 weeks and 0 days' gestation or delivery. We stratified women by site and by their gestational age at randomisation (before week 26 and 0 days or at week 26 and 0 days or later). We defined fetal growth restriction as a combination of estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference below tenth percentile and absent or reversed end-diastolic blood flow in the umbilical artery on Doppler velocimetry. The primary outcome was the time from randomisation to delivery, measured in days. This study is registered with BioMed Central, number ISRCTN 39133303. Findings Between Nov 21, 2014, and July 6, 2016, we recruited 135 women and randomly assigned 70 women to sildenafil and 65 women to placebo. We found no difference in the median randomisation to delivery interval between women assigned to sildenafil (17 days [IQR 7–24]) and women assigned to placebo (18 days [8–28]; p=0·23). Livebirths (relative risk [RR] 1·06, 95% CI 0·84 to 1·33; p=0·62), fetal deaths (0·89, 0·54 to 1·45; p=0·64), neonatal deaths (1·33, 0·54 to 3·28; p=0·53), and birthweight (−14 g,–100 to 126; p=0·81) did not differ between groups. No differences were found for any other secondary outcomes. Eight serious adverse events were reported during the course of the study (six in the placebo group and two in the sildenafil group); none of these were attributed to sildenafil. Interpretation Sildenafil did not prolong pregnancy or improve pregnancy outcomes in severe early-onset fetal growth restriction and therefore it should not be prescribed for this indication outside of research studies with explicit participants' consent. Funding National Institute for Health Research and Medical Research Council.

Objective: It was the aim of this study to examine the potential value of cervical length at 11–13 weeks’ gestation in the prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery. Methods: This was a screening study for spontaneous preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies from cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasound at 11–13 weeks’ gestation. The performance of screening for preterm delivery by cervical length alone and with maternal characteristics was estimated. Results: In the 9,974 pregnancies included in the study, spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks occurred in 104 (1.0%) cases. Multivariate regression analysis in the term delivery group demonstrated that for the log10 cervical length, significant independent contributions were provided by fetal crown-rump length, maternal height, age, racial origin and parity. The median cervical length multiple of the median (MoM), corrected for maternal characteristics, was significantly lower in the preterm (0.892 MoM, 95% CI 0.829–0.945) than in the term delivery group (0.994 MoM, 95% CI 0.919–1.082; p < 0.0001). In screening by a combination of maternal characteristics and cervical length, the estimated detection rate of preterm delivery was 54.8% (95% CI 44.7–64.6), at a false-positive rate of 10%. Conclusions: Effective first-trimester screening for spontaneous early preterm delivery can be provided by a combination of maternal characteristics and cervical length.

OBJECTIVE: To define the potential value of endocervical length at 11 to 13 weeks' gestation in the prediction of spontaneous early delivery. METHOD: The lengths of the endocervix and cervico-isthmic complex were measured by transvaginal ultrasound at 11 to 13 weeks in singleton pregnancies, including 1492 that subsequently delivered after 34 weeks and 16 (1.1%) who had spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks. In 1320 of the cases, the measurements were repeated at 20 to 24 weeks. RESULTS: There were significant associations in the length of the endocervix and cervico-isthmic complex between 11 to 13 and 20 to 24 weeks (r = 0.548, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.194, p < 0.0001), and the respective median lengths were 32.4 and 32.2 mm for the endocervix and 45.3 and 40.4 mm for the cervico-isthmic complex. At 11 to 13 weeks in the early delivery group, compared to unaffected pregnancies, the median endocervical length was shorter (27.5 vs 32.5 mm, p < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference in the length of the cervico-isthmic complex (41.4 vs 45.4 mm, p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: In the measurement of cervical length, the endocervix should be distinguished from the isthmus. The endocervical length at 11 to 13 weeks is shorter in pregnancies resulting in spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks than in those delivering after 34 weeks.

To compare the efficacy of a personal dietary intervention on gestational weight gain control with a general intervention promoting healthy eating.Prospective, controlled study including 154 low-risk pregnant women randomly allocated to two groups: 77 receiving a personalized diet plan and a close follow-up by a dietician (intervention group), 77 receiving standard dietary care by means of a brochure on healthy eating during pregnancy (control group). Pre-pregnancy weight, gestational age, height, weight and BMI at baseline, weight at term, gestational age at delivery and newborn weight were recorded for all participants. The primary end-point was the difference in body weight between baseline and term. Secondary end-points were the difference in body weight between pre-pregnancy and term and in newborn weights.Maternal weight gain at term was significantly lower both as compared to pre-pregnancy weight (8.2 ± 4.0 vs. 13.4 ± 4.2 kg; p 0.001) and to weight at baseline (7.7 ± 3.8 vs. 13.7 ± 4.3 kg; p 0.001) in the intervention group as compared to controls. A positive, significant correlation between the delta weight between baseline and term and newborn weight was observed in both groups, but stronger in patients from the intervention group (intervention group R = 0.76, p 0.001; control group R = 0.35, p = 0.01).This study suggests that a personalized nutritional intervention, in which the dietician plays an active role within the obstetric team, may represent a successful approach in limiting weight gain in pregnant women.

Background Isolated right aortic arch (RAA) is felt to be a rare finding, present in around 0.1%. The 3 vessel and tracheal view has been part of the fetal medicine departmental screening since 1998 and has now been incorporated into the national screening guidelines. The objective is to define the prenatal associations and postnatal outcomes of fetuses diagnosed with a RAA in utero. Methods Retrospective analysis of fetuses diagnosed with an isolated RAA diagnosed at the Harris Birthright Centre for Fetal Medicine between 2000 and 2014. Prenatal and postnatal findings were ascertained from clinical records. Diagnosis of RAA was made in the transverse three-vessel/tracheal view where the aortic arch was demonstrated passing in front of the trachea.(Figure 1) Prenatal data were combined with outcomes obtained from medical records and telephone interviews with patients. Results 100 cases of isolated right aortic arch were identified in fetal life at a median gestation of 21weeks (range:11–36). The nuchal translucency (NT) was elevated in 10/64 (16%) where the measurement was known and an extracardiac abnormality detected in 23/100 cases of whom 2 had a raised NT. Genetic abnormalities were confirmed in 13/58 (21%) tested cases comprising: 22q11.2 microdeletion (n = 5), trisomy 21 (n = 2), combined 22q11 microdeletion with mosaicism of 45XO (n = 1), unbalanced translocation (n = 1), balanced translocation (n = 1), duplication of chromosome 16p13 with a recessive disorder of lymphogenesis (n = 1) and other syndromes (n = 3). Of those with abnormal genetics 4/13 had no other abnormal fetal sonographic markers. An aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSCA) was identified in 39/98 (40%), the arterial duct was left sided in 67/75 (89%). In the postnatal period, 3 cases were diagnosed with a double aortic arch. Spontaneous intrauterine death occurred in 6 cases and termination of pregnancy in 9 cases. There were 80 live births and one neonatal death. Five children presented with symptoms of airway obstruction at a median age of 2.9 years (range 1–8). Pulsatile airway compression was identified in all and surgical division of the vascular ring was performed at median age: 2.9years (range: 1–8). Within the past two years, three asymptomatic infants (with RAA, ALSCA, left arterial duct) have been shown by bronchoscopy and cross-sectional imaging to have significant airways compression. Thus, we are currently considering whether all infants with RAA, ALSCA and left duct merit investigation irrespective of symptoms. Conclusions Significant genetic abnormalities were identified of which some had no other abnormal fetal sonographic findings. Many patients were discharged after their first postnatal review, but despite this 8 children have required surgical relief of a vascular ring as a result of pulsatile compression of the trachea. Lack of symptoms does not exclude significant airways compression and the true incidence of airway compromise may be underestimated.

Background The aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is the most common branching abnormality of the aortic arch, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5–2% of the population. This anomaly is defined anatomically by the unusual course of the right subclavian artery (RSA), which arises as a fourth vessel from the descending aorta, arriving at the right arm via a path looping behind the trachea and the oesophagus. ARSA is usually asymptomatic in children and poses no implications from the cardiovascular point of view. Pathological and clinical studies have shown the prevalence of ARSA to be significantly increased in individuals with congenital heart defects (CHD) and particularly so, in those with trisomy 21. Several papers have also suggested a strong association of ARSA with other chromosomal and genetic syndromes including 22q11.2.deletion. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of chromosomal and non-chromosomal syndromes and CHD in a series of 360 consecutive fetuses diagnosed with ARSA in our fetal cardiology clinic. Material and methods Retrospective analysis of fetuses diagnosed with ARSA during an eight years period (2006–2014). Diagnosis of ARSA was made in transverse three-vessels/arch view with colour flow mapping (Figure 1). Invasive prenatal diagnosis was discussed according to the risk for aneuploidies as adjusted for the presence of ARSA and/or associated cardiac and extra-cardiac abnormalities. Prenatal data were combined with outcome obtained from medical records, pathological examinations and telephone interviews with patients. Results ARSA was an isolated cardiac finding in 78% (281/360) of cases and associated with a major CHD such as tetralogy of Fallot and hypoplastic left heart syndrome in 22% (79/360). A full karyotype was performed in 60% (217/360) of pregnancies, including 83% of those with ARSA and CHD (66/79) and 54% (151/281) of those where ARSA was an isolated cardiac finding. An abnormal karyotype including trisomy 21 and 22q11.2 deletion was found in 64% (42/66) of cases where ARSA was associated with complex CHD. Trisomy 21 was detected in 25% (37/151) of fetuses with ARSA as an isolated cardiac finding and other aneuploidies in further 7% (11/151) of cases. In our series, there were no cases with 22q11.2 deletion identified where ARSA was an isolated cardiac finding and the majority (76%; 213/281) were livebirths with uneventful postnatal outcome. Conclusions Our results are consistent with published literature, which suggests that finding of an ARSA should prompt referral to a specialist fetal cardiologist to rule out underlying cardiac defects. A detailed fetal anomaly scan should be performed in order to examine for features of chromosomal abnormalities and invasive testing should be discussed accordingly. If the fetal karyotype is normal and there are no significant cardiac/extracardiac defects, an isolated ARSA is a benign finding with a good postnatal outcome. There is insufficient data from our study to report on association of ARSA with 22q11.2deletion.

To investigate the impact of a 3 months preoperative administration of an oral contraceptive, containing dienogest (DNG) and estradiol valerate (E₂V) on the outcome of office operative hysteroscopy (OOH). One-hundred and forty-two patients diagnosed at office hysteroscopy as having an asynchronous endometrium associated with either a broad-base sessile endometrial polyp (1.5,2.5 cm) or a uterine septum (1/3 uterine cavity) or scheduled for tubal sterilization were enrolled into a prospective case-control study at University "Federico II" of Naples. 86/142 patients accepted the preoperative hormonal treatment (Group A), while 56/142 refused, thus becoming controls (Group B). Group A underwent OOH during the 10th-20th days of the third cycle of treatment. In Group B OOH was performed at enrolment, together with the diagnostic procedure. The study outcomes were: endometrial pattern, success rate, operating time, degree of surgical difficulty and pain score. An overall improvement of the endometrium was reported in 100% of cases in Group A. A statistically significant difference in success rate could not be demonstrated between two groups. Operative procedures were performed significantly quicker and easier in Group A than Group B (p0.001 and p0.05, respectively). The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in Group A (p0.001). A short pretreatment with combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing E₂V/DNG seems to have a favorable impact on endometrium which in turn may result in an improvement of the overall outcomes of OOH.

To assess the efficacy of a polyethylene oxide-sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel (Intercoat; Gynecare, division of Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) in preventing the development of de novo intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic surgery and to rate the patency of the internal uterine ostium at 1-month follow-up diagnostic hysteroscopy.Randomized controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification I).University hospital.One hundred ten patients diagnosed during office hysteroscopy as having single or multiple lesions suitable for surgical treatment or resistant dysfunctional uterine bleeding requiring endometrial ablation.Patients were randomized to 2 groups. Group 1 underwent hysteroscopic surgery plus intrauterine application of Intercoat gel, and group 2 underwent hysteroscopic surgery only (control group). Follow-up office hysteroscopy was performed at 1 month after surgery to assess the rate and severity of IUA formation and to rate the patency of the internal uterine ostium after the surgical intervention.Compared with the group 2, group 1 demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence (6% vs 22%; p.05) of de-novo IUAs. Application of the gel seemed to reduce the severity of IUAs, with fewer moderate and severe IUAs at follow-up in group 1 in comparison with group 2 (33% vs 92%). Furthermore, group 1 demonstrated significant improvement in the degree of patency of the internal uterine ostium (41.9% of cases) in comparison with diagnostic office hysteroscopy performed at enrollment (p.05). In contrast, in group 2, worsening of patency of the internal uterine ostium was recorded in 18.2% of cases (p.05).Intercoat gel seems to prevent de novo formation of IUAs and to improve the patency of the internal uterine ostium at follow-up hysteroscopy. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Infection caused by Nocardia spp. Is unusual and presents with a variety of clinical manifestations in both immunocompromised patients and in immunocompetent hosts.The diagnosis of Nocardia is often difficult, and further hampered by the absence of specific clinical symptoms.A man, 63 years old, caring for about a month from multiple erosions of the oral cavity and Inca intergluteale associated with blisters and erosions scattered in the face, scalp and trunk.The routine laboratory tests, including serological testing for HIV and the determination of circulating CD4 lymphocytes, were negative.The chest X-ray was also negative. Due to the diagnostic suspicion of Pemphigus vulgaris (PV), therapy with methylprednisolone and azathioprine was initiated. After 15 days the patient’s condition worsened and it became necessary hospitalization in intensive care. A CT scan found: pleural empyema, abscess, and paravertebral muscle abscess. The cultural examination of pleural fluid and synovial fluid gave positive results for Nocardia asteroides. On this basis, sulphamethoxazole was administered in association with trimethoprim for 2 months, with a complete remission of the symptoms.At a median follow up of 2 years the patient’s general condition was excellent, without residual signs of infection.The cultured samples from pleural and synovial fluids gave a clear positivity after 5 days of incubation at 37 ° C on blood agar and chocolate agar plates; the colonies showed chalky and thin filaments, slide as branched Gram-positives and appeared partially acid-alcohol resistant by modified Kinyoun staining (1% H2SO4). The presumptive identification of Nocardia spp. was additionally confirmed by biochemical tests for the identification of species with the following results: catalase test positive, oxidase test negative, aesculin hydrolysis, reduction of nitrite to nitrate and urease test positive. Given the low incidence of Nocardia spp. infection, and the non-typical clinical manifestations, microbiological diagnosis of this infection is critical for the selection of an appropriate antibiotic therapy that should be prolonged for several months.

Objective We sought to assess the role of ultrasound in the prenatal characterization of fetal malformations of the upper extremities (MUE). Study Design Ultrasound findings, associated anomalies, pregnancy, and fetoneonatal outcome were analyzed in 100 fetuses with MUE, categorized after Swanson classification of hand congenital abnormalities. Follow-up information was available in all. Results Twelve cases had an isolated defect, while 88 showed associated abnormalities involving other organ systems. Fetuses with multiple malformations showed a 76% syndromic risk (32% chromosomal, 41% nonchromosomal), with unfavorable outcome in almost all cases (only 4 survivors, 2 with neurodevelopmental delay). In 27% of syndromic fetuses, the sonographic evidence of the MUE represented the key finding leading to the final diagnosis. The prognosis was usually favorable in cases of isolated defects. Conclusion A thorough prenatal ultrasound characterization of fetal MUE can assist in the differential diagnosis of many syndromic conditions. When isolated, MUE tend to have a good outcome.

A 33-year-old woman with a 2-year history of swelling and pain in her buttock and left thigh fluctuating with her menstrual cycle who was becoming progressively disabled was referred to the department of orthopedics. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a left buttock lesion of 3 × 2 cm that was initially diagnosed as muscular-fiber laceration with associated hematoma. The worsening of her symptomatology required an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the lesion that revealed endometriosis. Laparoscopy showed the pelvis to be free of gross disease. Hormonal suppression by means of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy proved adequate in temporarily alleviating symptoms. A year later the patient underwent surgical excision of the buttock lesion, which was effective in alleviating her symptoms for a short period of 10 months. A 1-year follow-up MRI revealed several small endometriotic foci, located among piriformis and obturator internus muscle fibers, which were considered not suitable for surgical removal. The patient is currently on a drug regime for pain management. However, she has experienced permanent muscular damage on her left buttock including significant omolateral gluteus strength reduction, functional impairment (inability to rotate laterally or bend her left leg), and the assumption of an antalgic gait while walking. Because of impairment in her deambulation capability, total physical invalidity was agreed for her by the National Health Care Services.

Study Objective To produce and validate a simple, systematic and reproducible subclassification system for uterine anomalies previously classified by the American Ferility Society as Class V and VI to achieve a precise definition of each uterine anomaly, confirm the feasibility and safety of surgical correction of the anomalies, determine the type of hysteroscopic treatment, and provide a standard by which patient selection, treatment, and reproductive outcomes can be compared between centers. Design Descriptive study (Canadian Task Force Classification III). Setting Department of obstetrics and gynecology of a private clinic (hospital). Patients Eighty-nine patients undergoing office hysteroscopy to assess partial or complete “double” uterine cavity. Interventions All patients underwent 3-dimensional ultrasound. Data from hysteroscopy and untrasonography were combined to produce a geometric model comprising uterine septum length (Z variable) and fundus depth (Y variable) through which a new subclassification of the uterine anomalies was elaborated. Measurement and Main Results One patient with a bicornuate uterus detected at ultrasonography was excluded from the study. The remaining 88 patients were classified according to our subclassification system. Seventy-three patients categorized as having Z 2 cm or greater (septum intersecting one-third of the uterine cavity or more) and Y more than 0 cm (normal or straight uterine fundus) underwent resectoscopic metroplasty without laparoscopic control. Twelve patients categorized as A1 (normal uterine fundus and septum ≤0.5 cm) underwent office metroplasty. Two patients categorized as B1 (straight fundus and septum ≤0.5 cm) and 1 categorized as C1 (concave fundus and septum ≤0.5 cm) were not considered candidates for surgery. Second-look hysteroscopy confirmed complete removal of the septum in the 12 patients who underwent office metroplasty (100%) and in 70 of 73 patients (96%) who underwent resectoscopic metroplasty. Comparison of these data with data retrospectively obtained in 596 women who had undergone traditional resectoscopic metroplasty under laparoscopic control did not demonstrate any significant difference in success and complication rates. Conclusion Our outpatient subclassification system may address a precise diagnosis and a thorough categorization of patients with a partial or complete double uterine cavity, enabling safe and effective metroplasty without use of laparoscopy.

Objective To assess the safety and the effectiveness of a novel hysteroscopic technique for the Office Preparation of Partially Intramural Myomas (OPPIuM), to facilitate the subsequent, already scheduled, resectoscopic myomectomy. Design Pilot study. Setting University of Bari, Naples and Foggia. Patients Fifty-nine fertile women (age 27-48 years) diagnosed at office hysteroscopy as having symptomatic submucous myomas > 1.5 cm with intramural development (G1 and G2), scheduled for resectoscopic surgery. Interventions The OPPIuM technique consisted of an incision of the endometrial mucosa covering the myoma by means of Fr scissors or bipolar Versapoint Twizzle electrode, along its reflection line on the uterine wall, up to the precise identification of the cleavage surface between the myoma and its pseudo-capsule. Such procedure was aimed at triggering the protrusion of the intramural portion of the myoma into the uterine cavity during the following menstrual cycles, thus facilitating the subsequent total removal of the lesion via resectoscopic surgery. All patients underwent follow-up in-patient hysteroscopy after 2 menstrual cycles before resectoscopic surgery were performed. Measurements and Main Results The OPPIuM technique was successfully performed in all cases. The mean diameter of successfully prepared myomas was 2.9 ± 0.8 cm. At follow-up hysteroscopy, the conversion of partially intramural myomas into totally or prevalently intracavitary ones was observed in 93.2% (55/59) of cases. In 2 of 3 cases of failure, the myomas' size was > 4 cm. One patient was excluded from the study because of the occurrence of total spontaneous expulsion of the myoma at the subsequent menstrual cycle. Conclusions Our preliminary findings seem to support the safety and the effectiveness of the OPPIuM procedure by reporting the conversion of myomas with intramural development > 1.5 cm into totally or prevalently intracavitary ones in nearly 93% of cases. Such technique may allow surgeons to perform resectoscopic surgery more safely and quickly as dealing with prevalently intracavitary lesions. However, further studies are mandatory to validate its use in daily practice.

Adhesions resulting from gynaecological endoscopic procedures are a major clinical, social and economic concern, as they may result in pelvic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction and additional surgery to resolve such adhesion-related complications. Although the minimally invasive endoscopic approach has been shown to be less adhesiogenic than traditional surgery, at least with regard to selected procedures, it does not totally eliminate the problem. Consequently, many attempts have been made to further reduce adhesion formation and reformation following endoscopic procedures, and a wide variety of strategies, including surgical techniques, pharmacological agents and mechanical barriers have been advocated to address this issue. The present review clearly indicates that there is no single modality proven to be unequivocally effective in preventing post-operative adhesion formation either for laparoscopic or for hysteroscopic surgery. Furthermore, the available adhesion-reducing substances are rather expensive. Since excellent surgical technique alone seems insufficient, further research is needed on an adjunctive therapy for the prevention and/or reduction of adhesion formation following gynaecological endoscopic procedures.

Summary Objective To determine whether maternal serum leptin levels can predict pregnancy outcome in cases of threatened miscarriage. Design Observational study. Patients Fifty-seven women with normal pregnancy (group A), 19 women with threatened miscarriage who delivered at term (group B), 22 women with threatened miscarriage with subsequent miscarriage (group C) and 27 women with delayed miscarriage (group D). Measurements Maternal serum leptin was determined using a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. Results Serum leptin levels were not significantly different among groups A, B and C [median (range) 17·6 (10·1–26·5), 18·2 (12·5–25·6) and 17·3 (11·2–27·6) µg/l, respectively]. Women in group D showed significantly lower serum leptin levels in comparison with other groups [14 (6·7–21·3) µg/l; P

Data relating to the influence of hormonal contraception on sexual life are conflicting and mostly they refer to oral contraceptives. In this randomized, controlled, prospective study we compared the effect of an intravaginal hormonal contraceptive with the effect of a combined oral contraceptive on sexual function.Fifty-one healthy women with a permanent partner and an active sexual life were randomly divided in two groups according to a computer-generated randomization list: 26 women (group A) used an intravaginal contraceptive releasing 120 microg/day of etonogestrel and 15 microg/day of ethinylestradiol (EE) and 25 women (group B) used an oral contraceptive containing 20 microg di EE and 150 microg of desogestrel. Twenty-five women participated in the study as control group (group C). A specific questionnaire was completed by the patients and their partners at the start of the study and after cycles 3 and 6 of contraceptive use.Within 3 months of contraceptive use, women from both groups A and B reported a global improvement in sexual function. A statistically significant increase in sexual fantasy was reported only by patients of group A. Whereas partners of the women in both groups A and B reported an improvement in sexual function after 3 months of contraceptive intake, only patients' partners of group A reported a significant increase in sexual interest, complicity and sexual fantasy.Both hormonal contraceptives tested were seen to have a positive effect on some aspects of sexual function. The intravaginal contraceptive ring seems to exert a further positive effect on the psychological aspect of both women and their partners, which is evident from an improved complicity and sexual satisfaction.