Search

A fetus with features of hydrops was given intra-uterine transfusion at 27 weeks and 31 weeks of gestation. Mother had been alloimmunized with anti-D and anti-C antibodies. At birth, laboratory investigations revealed bone marrow suppression along with features of hemolytic anemia. The neonate was started on a combination of phototherapy and intravenous immunoglobulin. During the course, the neonate was transfused with one unit of packed red cells (top-up transfusion). Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia responded to phototherapy and the bone marrow activity spontaneously resumed after 3 weeks of life. In neonates with anemia at birth who have history of multiple intra-uterine transfusions, early-onset hypoproliferative anemia should be considered.

Uterine contractions during labor and engagement of the fetus in the birth canal can compress the fetal head. Its impact on the fetus is unclear and still controversial. In this integrative physiological review, we highlight evidence that decelerations are uncommonly associated with fetal head compression. Next, the fetus has an impressive ability to adapt to increased intracranial pressure through activation of the intracranial baroreflex, such that fetal cerebral perfusion is well-maintained during labor, except in the setting of prolonged systemic hypoxemia leading to secondary cardiovascular compromise. Thus, when it occurs, fetal head compression is not necessarily benign but does not seem to be a common contributor to intrapartum decelerations. Finally, the intracranial baroreflex and the peripheral chemoreflex (the response to acute hypoxemia) have overlapping efferent effects. We propose the hypothesis that these reflexes may work synergistically to promote fetal adaptation to labor.

The most common cause of congenital heart block (CHB) is neonatal lupus, an acquired autoimmune disease caused by transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus. A full-term female neonate was admitted to neonatal intensive care unit for severe bradycardia with stable haemodynamics. The mother, showing no clinical symptoms or any particular history, was transferred to our tertiary centre for profound fetal bradycardia. At birth, the infant’s ECG showed a third-degree atrioventricular block and echocardiography was normal. Cardiac neonatal lupus was confirmed with positive maternal anti-Ro antibodies. Under close monitoring, the infant tolerated the bradycardia well (median 67 beats per minute (bpm)) and was discharged on day 6 of life. There was no indication for pacemaker, but she would be on regular follow-up with a paediatric cardiologist. This article holds an important insight as it is the first confirmed case of autoimmune CHB in Cambodia in which the mother’s antibody was found only after diagnosis on the neonate.

Annular cervical detachment is a rare complication mostly associated with prolonged labour and the resultant vascular impairment. Although a remote possibility, such a complication is not unheard of with caesarean section. Here is one such case of annular detachment of cervix during caesarean section due to difficult delivery of fetus which was managed by repair of cut edges.

Studies of Doppler flow velocimetry have been proceeding as a principal mechanism for identification the compromised small fetus from a small fetus that is improbable to suffer from dangerous perinatal complications. The aim of this study is the Prediction of Perinatal Outcome in Fetuses Suspected to Have Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Doppler US Study of Fetal Cerebral, and Umbilical Arteries. This is a longitudinal prospective study done at department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Salah Al-Deen General Hospital in Tikrit city between February-July 2020. The study included a convenient sample 100 pregnant women in 3rd trimester suspected of IUGR (n=100). Studies of various fetal vessels were performed using color Doppler ultrasound curvilinear probe with a high pass filter. The following vessels were studied with the mother in a recumbent position during fetal inactivity and apnea. 1st Umbilical Artery (UA), 2nd Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA). Fetal outcome was studied under major and minor adverse outcomes. The current study found that the umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio was concordant with major and minor adverse outcome among 55 cases regarding of abnormal finding, and among 25 cases regarding negative findings. The umbilical artery RI was concordant with major and/or minor adverse outcome among 34 cases regarding of abnormal finding, and among 28 cases regarding negative findings. The umbilical artery PI was concordant with major and/or minor adverse outcome among 52 cases regarding of abnormal finding, and among 29 cases regarding negative findings. Serial Doppler examinations of fetal (S/D ratio, UA RI, & UA PI), and (MCA PI, & MCA/UA PI) provide better information than does a single measurement.

Background The majority of fetal structural defects can be detected in the second trimester, thus this is the main time for screening for structural defects. 3D imaging of the fetal brain does not create a common part of this screening. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at the Fetal Medicine Center of The Gynecological-Obstetrical Department of the University Hospital Olomouc in years 2017- 2020. The study sample was 451 consecutively scanned morphologically normal fetuses attending for routine second trimester anatomical survey at 20-22 weeks of pregnancy. A transabdominal 3D ultrasound volume acquisition of fetal brain was obtained from an axial and sagittal plane using skull sutures as an acoustic window. Results Both the corpus callosum (CC) and the vermis (VC) were detected in 51.7% of examinations in the sagittal plane, and in 31.7% in the axial plane. In 61.9% of the examinations, there was at least partial detection in both planes. Maternal BMI was found to be the only significant predictor of the quality of imaging in both planes. Conclusion 3D acquisition of fetal brain images in the sagittal plane followed by manipulation of acquired volume was valuable in assessment of corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis. This allows reconstruction of the sagittal plane that can be difficult to obtain in 2D imaging.

Pre-eclampsia is a common pregnancy complication with many associated maternal and fetal risks, yet its pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Hyponatraemia is a rarely described finding in pre-eclampsia that has been associated with both maternal and fetal complications and medically indicated delivery. We present a case of hyponatraemia in a patient admitted for induction of labour for gestational hypertension, which developed into pre-eclampsia with severe features requiring magnesium sulfate therapy for seizure prophylaxis. The patient’s hyponatraemia resolved with delivery, fluid restriction and serial sodium monitoring. Adjustment to the components of the patient’s magnesium sulfate infusion was made to reduce free water intake and avoid further exacerbation of her hyponatraemia. While there is currently no recommendation to routinely monitor sodium levels in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, careful consideration of this potential finding in cases of pre-eclampsia should be given due to the overlap between symptoms of hyponatraemia and cerebral symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition typified by multiple renal cysts and renal enlargement. Classification is usually determined by mode of inheritance—autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) or autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD). ARPKD frequently presents in fetal life, but here we report a rare case of a family with two siblings diagnosed with ADPKD manifesting in utero with novel genetic findings. During the first pregnancy, enlarged cystic kidneys were noted at the gestational age (GA) of 18 weeks, which became progressively larger and anyhdramnios ensued by GA of 25 weeks. The couple opted to terminate the pregnancy. The second pregnancy similarly presented with bilateral enlarged cystic kidneys, but amniotic fluid remained normal throughout and she delivered at GA of 36 weeks. Genetic testing revealed the fetus to be heterozygous in AD PKD1, which is known to cause ADPKD and heterozygous for a hypomorphic allele for ADPKD of uncertain significance. The fetus was also found to be heterozygous in the AR PKHD1 gene with a variant not previously described in the literature. Where fetal features consistent with ARPKD are identified in the setting of familial ADPKD, this fetal manifestation of ADPKD, resulting from combined variants in the PKD1 gene, should be considered.

Subcapsular haematoma of the liver in pregnancy is a rare complication, however life-threatening for both mother and fetus. Although it is usually associated with pre-eclampsia, a wide range of presentations can occur. Given its consequences, early diagnosis and management are essential for a successful outcome. Due to paucity of evidence, there is no current guidelines on this topic. Our aim is to add a new insight into diagnosis and management of subcapsular hepatic haematoma in pregnancy, for which new technologies in the fields of image, and minimal invasive surgery are playing an important role.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is one of the preeminent congenital viral infections, and despite its potential morbidity, uncertainty about its physiopathology, prevention and treatment remains until now. We report a case of a dichorionic and diamniotic twin pregnancy in which only one of the fetus had signs of being affected. The first twin had prenatal diagnosis of intrauterine growth restriction and hyperechogenic bowel, attributable to CMV infection, while there was no evidence of infection of the second one. Prenatal treatment was done with maternal administration of valacyclovir and postnatal treatment of the infected newborn with oral valganciclovir with normal neurodevelopment assessment at 12 months corrected age. In this case, maternal CMV infection was not equally transmitted to both fetuses, suggesting that there may be intrinsic fetal and placental factors influencing both transmission and the clinical features of the infection.

OBJECTIVES Many serious or life-threatening neurologic conditions are first diagnosed during the fetal period, often following a routine ultrasound or sonographic evaluation after an abnormal aneuploidy screen. Such conditions represent a worrisome or unexpected finding for expectant parents, making the perinatal period a critical time point to engage and empower families encountering complex neurologic clinical scenarios. This review covers the role of perinatal palliative care in these settings. STUDY DESIGN Topical review RESULTS:: The prenatal identification of structural abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord, radiographic signs of hemorrhage or ischemic injury, or evidence of genetic or metabolic conditions should prompt involvement of a fetal palliative care team. The inherent prognostic uncertainty is challenging for prenatally diagnosed neurologic conditions which have difficult to predict short and long-term outcomes. While many of these conditions lead to the birth of an infant with neurodevelopmental challenges, few result in in utero demise. Palliative care beginning in the perinatal period provides an additional layer of support for families navigating complex decision-making during their pregnancy and provides continuity of care into the newborn period. Palliative care principles can help guide discussions around genetic and other diagnostic testing, fetal surgery, and birth planning. A multidisciplinary team can help support families with decision-making and through bereavement care in the setting of fetal or neonatal death. CONCLUSION Early palliative care team involvement can provide a more holistic approach to counseling, facilitate planning, and ensure that a family's goals and wishes are acknowledged throughout an infant's care trajectory. KEY POINTS · Many serious or life-threatening neurologic conditions are diagnosed during the fetal period.. · Palliative care principles should be incorporated in the fetal period for affected patients.. · Palliative care clinicians can aid parents and clinicians in shared decision-making.. · Palliative care principles should be employed by all care providers in relevant cases..

Ductal origin of one distal pulmonary artery (DODPA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 200,000 people1-3 . It refers to the proximal interruption of one pulmonary artery branch, with the distal part arising from the base of the brachiocephalic artery(BA) via the ipsilateral ductus arteriosus (DA) and being commonly intact in the lungs. If timely treatment is not provided after birth, severe hypoplasia is highly likely to occur in the lungs supplied by the abnormal pulmonary artery due to DA closure. Hence, the prenatal diagnosis of fetal DODPA is important to help initiate prostaglandin treatment and the early rehabilitation of the affected lung. Herein, we report three cases of fetal DODPA diagnosed via two-dimensional (2D) ultrasonography combined with the four-dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) technique. Moreover, a literature review was performed, and ultrasonographic findings and the importance of 2D and 4D ultrasonography in obtaining an accurate prenatal diagnosis of DODPA were explored. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background Meconium peritonitis (MP) is a sterile, chemical peritonitis resulting from in-utero fetal bowel perforation. Severe cases may lead to serious morbidities and mortalities. Objective To review the common antenatal ultrasound abnormalities associated with MP, and identify radiological and clinical prognostic factors. Materials and Methods Retrospective review of all neonates with MP from January 1997 to December 2019 treated in our hospital was performed. Antenatal ultrasound findings, clinical presentations and outcomes were analyzed. Results Thirty-five neonates (17 males, 18 females) were included in the study. Thirty-two (91.4%) attended antenatal screening, and 27 (84.4%) of them had abnormalities identified on antenatal ultrasound. The most common abnormality was polyhydramnios (43.8%). Nineteen (54.3%) patients were inborn. Twenty (57.1%) patients were born prematurely. Laparotomy was required in 85.7% of patients. The median time to laparotomy was shorter in the inborn group [1 day (0-9 days) vs 4 days (2-34 days), p=0.001], but the duration of post-operative hospital stay was comparable [71 days (16-423 days) vs 73.5 days (23-231 days)]. However, such duration was found to be significantly longer in the pre-term group when compared to full-term [58.5 days (16-89 days) vs 85 (21-423 days), p=0.01]. The most common pathology was small bowel atresia and there were two mortalities. Conclusion Due to the advancement in prenatal detection, pediatric anesthesia, intensive care and surgical techniques, the morbidity and mortality of MP has much decreased. Effective multi-disciplinary antenatal counselling facilitated the perinatal management of MP and resulted in comparable prognosis and outcome in inborn and outborn neonates.

Introduction and objectives Pregnancy in women with Marfan syndrome (MS) is associated with an increased risk of aortic events. The clinical evidence on pregnant patients with MS is limited and there is no specific consensus on their optimal management. We report our multicenter experience. Methods From January 2004 to January 2020, 632 patients with MS underwent periodic monitoring in Marfan units. During this period, we identified all pregnant women with MS and analyzed the incidence of aortic events during pregnancy and puerperium. Results There were 133 pregnancies in 89 women with MS (8 women with prior aortic surgery). There were no maternal deaths, but 5 women had aortic events during the third trimester and puerperium (type A dissections in 2, type B dissection in 1, and significant [≥ 3 mm] aortic growth in 2). The aortic event rate was 3.7%. Pregestational aortic diameter ≥ 40 mm showed a nonsignificant association with aortic events (P = .058). Fetal mortality was 3% and 37.6% of births were cesarean deliveries. Conclusions Women with MS have an increased risk of aortic events during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and postpartum period. Patients with MS and aortic diameters ≥ 40 mm should be assessed in experienced centers for prophylactic aortic surgery before pregnancy. It is important to provide early diagnosis, prepregnancy study of the aorta, beta-blocker administration, and close monitoring during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester and postpartum.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the effects of leiomyoma size, number, location, and type on obstetric and fetal outcomes, retrospectively. Materials and Method: A total of 292 singleton pregnancies, who were attended to perinatology unit of Zekai Tahir Burak Women’s Health Training and Research Hospital in Ankara as part of routine antenatal follow-up between January 2007 and 2014 and delivered at or beyond 24 weeks were included. The study group consisted of patients with leiomyoma of 4 cm or more. Patients who underwent myomectomy during cesarean delivery, who had co-morbidities, uterine anomalies, or fetal malformations were excluded from the study. Obstetric and fetal outcomes were recorded. Results: Vaginal delivery rate was significantly higher in patients with a single leiomyoma when compared to patients with 2 or more leiomyoma (p=0.009). Diagnosis of preterm labor was significantly higher in patients with leiomyoma size larger than 10 cm when compared to patients with leiomyoma sizes 4-7 cm and 7-10 cm (p =0.005 and p=0.002, respectively). The presentation anomaly rate was significantly higher in patients with leiomyoma sizes bigger than 10 cm when compared to patients with leiomyoma sizes 4-7 cm (p=0.008) and 7-10 cm (p =0.045). The need for transfusion was lower in the group with leiomyoma measuring 4-7 cm when compared to leiomyoma measuring 7-10 cm and those larger than 10 cm (p=0.010 and p = 0.011, respectively). Cesarean delivery rate was higher in patients with leiomyoma localized to the cervix and corpus in comparison to those localized to the corpus only (p =0.008). Vaginal delivery rate (40.9%) was higher in patients with intramural leiomyoma when compared to subserous (p=0.002) and combined (p=0.004) leiomyoma. Conclusion: The prevalence of leiomyoma during pregnancy is increasing due to women planning pregnancy later in life, the increasing incidence of fibroids with age, and the rise of cesarean delivery rates which enables us to diagnose more cases in recent years. Patients with leiomyoma should be placed on close surveillance for possible complications during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum.

Objectives To compare growth trajectories from second trimester to birth of standardized unified estimated fetal weight (EFW) or birthweight (BW) measurements in IVF/ICSI pregnancies obtained after thawed versus fresh blastocyst transfers (BT). Methods Prospective longitudinal cohort study performed in the Fetal Medicine and Obstetric Departments of San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, from 2016 to 2020. Singleton viable gestations conceived by autologous IVF/ICSI conceptions from fresh or thawed BT with BW measurements and ultrasound standard fetal biometry performed at 19-36 weeks by doctors blinded to the employment of cryopreservation. Twins, significant pre-gestational diseases, miscarriages, abnormalities and other types of medically assisted reproduction techniques were excluded. EFW and BW Z-scores and their trajectories were analyzed with general linear model (GLM) and logistic regression (LR) with a unified modelling methodology based upon the Fetal Medicine Foundation fetal and neonatal population weight charts and adjusting for major confounders. Differences between prenatal EFW and postnatal BW centiles were assessed and compared with contingency tables, X2 test and convension of prenatal to postnatal centiles. Results 631 IVF/ICSI pregnancies were considered (fresh BT n=263; thawed BT n=368) with a total of 1795 EFW observations (fresh BT n=715; thawed BT n=1080; median: 3 per patient). EFW and BW small for gestational age (SGA) 90 centile were significantly more frequent in thawed vs fresh BT group (p=0.042 and p=0.003). GLM showed significantly decreasing EFW Z-scores with advancing gestational age (GA) assuming equal effect of GA in both study groups (no significant interaction GA and x group was found). Both smoothed mean EFW Z-scores from 19 weeks to term and smoothed mean BW Z-scores were significantly greater in thawed vs fresh BT (EFW Z-scores: 0.70±1.29 vs. 0.28±1.43; p 90 centile was significantly greater in frozen (p 90th and >97th centile were nearly doubled in thawed vs. fresh (p Conclusions Robust novel unified prenatal-postnatal modelling in IVF/ICSI pregnancies after thawed or fresh BT from 19 weeks to birth showed non-divergent growth trajectories with greater EFW and BW Z-scores in frozen vs. fresh BT. Mean EFW Z-scores in both IVF/ICSI groups were greater as expected for natural conception up to 32 weeks in fresh BT and 35 weeks in thawed BT, with maximum effect at mid-trimester, decreasing with advancing gestation. Mean BW Z-scores were negative in both groups, with lower values in premature fetuses and increasing with advancing gestation. IVF/ICSI conceptions from thawed as compared to fresh BT present increased rate of LGA and reduced rate of SGA both prenatally or postnatally. The proportion of SGA fesuses across gestation increases rapidly in fresh and smoothly in thawed, whereas that of LGA fetuses decreases rapidly in thawed vs smoothly in fresh. Prediction models of SGA-LGA may be improved considering: 1. mode of conception with use of blastocyst cryopreservation; 2.unified prenatal-postnatal curves; 3. greater efficiency of prenatal prediction of SGA for fresh and for LGA in thawed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND With the increasing rate of high-risk pregnancies, there is an increased need for early evaluation of at-risk fetuses. Fetal ultrasound imaging has become a pivotal part of this evaluation. METHODS To evaluate the role played by a fetal ultrasound clinic in promoting comprehensive perinatal care of patients with high-risk pregnancies, we retrospectively analyzed the indications and findings of fetal scans and the outcomes of the examined fetuses collected over the past 7 years (2014-2020) by our institute, which is reorganized as a perinatal medical center. RESULTS During the study period, we conducted 345 fetal scans in high-risk pregnancy cases. Of these, 158 cases (46%) were referrals from other institutes. Eighty-nine neonates were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after being evaluated, of which 10 neonates underwent surgery during their NICU stays. Thirty-nine pregnant women were referred to other tertiary care hospitals mainly due to fetal diagnoses with complex cardiac anomalies. Fourteen cases resulted in intrauterine fetal death or artificial abortion. CONCLUSIONS Fetal ultrasound clinics have established their role in facilitating sophisticated regional perinatal care via multidisciplinary and inter-facility cooperation for high-risk pregnancy cases. In addition, providing psychological support and counseling for pregnant women whose fetuses are diagnosed with severe congenital anomalies should not be neglected.

Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) due to dyshormonogenesis may occur due to mutations in any of the key genes involved in thyroid hormone biosynthesis (TG, TPO, DUOX2, DUOXA2, SLC5A5, IYD, SLC26A4 and SLC26A7). Mutations in the Thyroglobulin gene (TG) are frequently associated with goiter, which may present fetally or neonatally, although a spectrum of phenotypes is reported. We present the case of a woman of Eritrean origin who presented in the third trimester of pregnancy in the early stages of labor. Ultrasound at presentation revealed a fetal neck swelling consistent with a goiter. Following delivery by caesarian section with minimal respiratory support, the infant was found to be hypothyroid with undetectable serum levels of thyroglobulin. Sequencing of the thyroglobulin gene revealed a homozygous donor splice site pathogenic variant (c.5686+1delG) not previously described in the literature. Levothyroxine treatment resulted in normal growth and psychomotor development. Goitrous CH with inappropriately low thyroglobulin has previously been reported in patients harbouring homozygous single nucleotide substitutions at the same TG donor splice site which result in exon skipping and Endoplasmin Reticulum retention of TG. We conclude that the TG c.5686+1delG pathogenic variant is the likely basis for our patient's fetal goiter and congenital hypothyroidism, and that the clinical phenotype associated with TG c.5686+1delG is comparable to that seen with single nucleotide substitutions at the same site.

INTRODUCTION The stillbirth rate (SBR) is an important public health indicator. We studied the distribution of maternal and fetal characteristics and time trends of the SBR at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), Singapore, from 2004 to 2016 based on various definitions of stillbirth. METHODS Data was obtained from the Data Warehouse and Stillbirth Reporting System of KKH from 2004 to 2016. SBRs were calculated based on three definitions (fetal deaths at ≥ 20 weeks, 24 weeks or 28 weeks of gestation per 1,000 total births) and were described with maternal and fetal characteristics, and by year. RESULTS From 2004 to 2016, the SBR declined by 44.7%, 25.5% and 18.9% based on Definitions I, II and III, respectively. The SBR at KKH in 2016 was 5.2 (Definition I), 4.1 (Definition II) and 3.0 (Definition III) per 1,000 total births. The SBR was significantly higher in women aged ≥ 35 years, nulliparas and female fetuses. The number of live births at 24–27+6 weeks of gestation was more than four times higher than that of stillbirths (822 vs. 176). There were 104 (12.7%) neonatal deaths during this gestation period, giving a high survival rate of 87.3%. CONCLUSION The SBR in KKH is relatively lower than that in other developed countries. There is a need to consider revising our hospital and national definitions of the stillbirth lower boundary from 28 weeks to 24 weeks of gestation. This would allow us to make better comparisons with other developed countries, in line with improvements in healthcare.

It is under debate how preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) relates to long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Epigenetic modification of neurotrophic genes by altered fetal oxygenation may be involved. To explore this theory, we performed a follow-up study of 21 FGR children, in whom we prospectively measured the prenatal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) with Doppler sonography. At 4 years of age, we tested their neurodevelopmental outcome using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. In addition, we collected their buccal DNA to determine the methylation status at predefined genetic regions within the genes hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), erythropoietin (EPO), EPO-receptor (EPOR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (NTRK2) by pyrosequencing. We found that FGR children with fetal brain-sparing (CPR n = 8) demonstrated a trend (0.05 < p < 0.1) toward hypermethylation of HIF1A and VEGFA at their hypoxia-response element (HRE) compared with FGR children without fetal brain-sparing. Moreover, in cases with fetal brain-sparing, we observed statistically significant hypermethylation at a binding site for cyclic adenosine monophophate response element binding protein (CREB) of BDNF promoter exon 4 and hypomethylation at an HRE located within the NTRK2 promoter (both p VEGFA was associated with a poorer Performance Intelligence Quotient, while hypermethylation of BDNF was associated with better inhibitory self-control (both p

A 31-year-old woman with a history of stillbirth due to placental abruption at 29 weeks’ gestation and one first trimester miscarriage documented a continuous record of her perceived fetal movements from 28 to 38 weeks’ gestation. Repeated ultrasound examinations confirmed a viable pregnancy, with normal growth, liquor volume and Doppler profile. She delivered a healthy male infant at 38 weeks and 3 days’ gestation. The data collected give a detailed record of fetal activity in a healthy pregnancy. Perceived fetal activity increased as pregnancy progressed and was greatest in the evenings. We also found that clusters of movements, which have previously been reported as protective against stillbirth, were felt earlier on in pregnancy.

Limb body wall complex (LBWC) is a rare, lethal malformation characterised by body wall defects, craniofacial and limb anomalies with or without various other organ anomalies. We report a case of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy discordant for LBWC, diagnosed by ultrasound (US) and confirmed by MRI at 21 weeks’ gestation, managed expectantly and delivered at 35 weeks by emergency caesarean section with a favourable outcome of the unaffected twin. The anomalous twin, who died soon after birth, had a sizeable thoracoabdominal wall defect, eviscerated liver and bowel loops attached to the placenta, short cord, ectopia cordis, lung hypoplasia, kyphoscoliosis, right upper limb amelia and left clubfoot with polydactyly. MRI helps to demonstrate the fetal morphology better when there are limitations to the US due to unfavourable fetal position, multifetal gestation, maternal obesity or reduced liquor. In twin pregnancies, the management will depend on ensuring the survival of the unaffected twin.

Congenital anomalies of the infrarenal inferior vena cava (IVC) are well described in adult life, however, little information exists on their associations in fetal life. Here, we describe a case of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) with an incidental finding of a double IVC in one child. In fetal life, variants of the infrarenal IVC are strongly associated with heart defects, which might suggest haemodynamic alterations or genetic causes, even more so in our case with MCDA twins complicated by sFGR.

To report the clinical course and treatment outcomes of a patient with central retinal vein occlusion with severe macular edema in early pregnancy.Interventional case report.A 39-year-old woman with gestational diabetes mellitus and a 15-pack year smoking history presented at 7 weeks gestation with decreased vision due to central retinal vein occlusion with marked macular edema. One month later, visual acuity had decreased to 20/400, and macular edema had worsened to a central subfield thickness of 1,432 μ m. She was treated with a single intravitreal dexamethasone implant at 16 weeks gestation. She responded well with visual acuity improving to 20/40+ and complete resolution of macular edema. At 33 weeks gestation, the cystoid macular edema recurred, but the patient refused treatment. The cystoid macular edema spontaneously resolved 3 weeks postpartum but recurred 3 months later with visual acuity worsening to 20/50. This macular edema resolved completely after a single 1.25 mg bevacizumab injection. She required no further treatment, and 23 months later, her macula was dry with visual acuity of 20/25. Her baby was healthy.Although pregnancy seems to aggravate central retinal vein occlusion -associated macular edema, the visual loss may be reversible. Intravitreal steroid seems to be effective during pregnancy with no apparent systemic or fetal complications. Young patients with retinal vein occlusion and center-involving macular edema may stabilize with minimal treatment.

The mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa (MAIVF) is an avascular, fibrous structure that provides continuity between the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve and the aortic valve. Pseudoaneurysms of this area are rare and more commonly have been described in adult patients following trauma, cardiac surgery, or endocarditis.1,2 Limited case studies describe the occurrence in children following cardiac surgery3, 9 or endocarditis,4,5 with few case reports describing the congenital nature of these pseudoaneurysms.4,6-9 Here, we describe 5 cases of congenital pseudoaneurysms in the MAIVF area identified prenatally, with an additional 6 cases diagnosed postnatally. This is an unusual finding of varying clinical significance that can be isolated or associated with complex congenital heart disease, but importantly, can be identified and monitored in the fetus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background: : COVID-19 pandemic caused by single-stranded RNA containing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) started in early December 2019 from the Wuhan city of China and has been affected millions of people, including pregnant women worldwide. Research from all over the world has shown that the SARS-CoV-2 infection can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus but is very rare. Neonatal infection with COVID-19 accounts for only a small proportion of the total population infected. Furthermore, very few studies have observed the impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonatal outcomes. Thus, the literature about neonatal transmission and outcomes in COVID-19 infected antenatal women is very scattered and limited. The present review briefs on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection from mother to fetus and its impact on perinatal outcomes. Methodology: : English language articles from various databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Scholar, MedRxiv, and Web of Science and from the World Health Organization site were searched from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic up to June 2021. The search terms used were “SARS-CoV-2 and pregnancy outcome, “COVID-19 and neonatal outcome”, “Placental changes in COVID-19 infected pregnant women”, “Vertical transmission of COVID-19”. Conclusion: : Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection can be transmitted to the fetus, though uncommon, and can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm births, intrauterine growth restriction, NICU admission, stillbirths. The data on transmission and the adverse neonatal outcome is sparse, and many more studies are needed to fully understand the mechanism by which maternal COVID-19 infection can affect fetuses and neonates.

To review our experience with fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (CAS) and evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (eHLHS), including short- and medium-term postnatal outcome, and to refine selection criteria for FAV by identifying preprocedural predictors of biventricular (BV) outcome.This was a retrospective review of all fetuses with CAS and eHLHS undergoing FAV at our center between December 2001 and September 2020. Echocardiograms and patient charts were analyzed for pre-FAV ventricular and valvular dimensions and hemodynamics and for postnatal procedures and outcomes. The primary endpoints were type of circulation 28 days after birth and at 1 year of age. Classification and regression-tree analysis was performed to investigate the predictive capacity of pre-FAV parameters for BV circulation at 1 year of age.During the study period, 103 fetuses underwent 125 FAVs at our center, of which 87.4% had a technically successful procedure. Technical success per fetus was higher in the more recent period (from 2014) than in the earlier period (96.2% (51/53) vs 78.0% (39/50); P = 0.0068). Eighty fetuses were liveborn after successful intervention and received further treatment. BV outcome at 1 year of age was achieved in 55% of liveborn patients in our cohort after successful FAV, which is significantly higher than the BV-outcome rate (23.7%) in a previously published natural history cohort fulfilling the same criteria for eHLHS (P = 0.0015). Decision-tree analysis based on the ratio of right to left ventricular (RV/LV) length combined with LV pressure (mitral valve regurgitation maximum velocity (MR-Vmax)) had a sensitivity of 96.97% and a specificity of 94.44% for predicting BV outcome without signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension at 1 year of age. The highest probability for a BV outcome was reached for fetuses with a pre-FAV RV/LV length ratio of 1.094 (96.4%) and for those fetuses with a RV/LV length ratio ≥ 1.094 to 1.135 combined with a MR-Vmax of ≥ 3.14 m/s (100%).FAV could be performed with high success rates and an acceptable risk with improving results after a learning curve. Pre-FAV RV/LV length ratio combined with LV pressure estimates were able to predict a successful BV outcome at 1 year of age with high sensitivity and specificity. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in ObstetricsGynecology published by John WileySons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The present study aimed to clarify the alternations in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), phosphorus (Ph), calcium (Ca), and metabolic hormones (Growth hormones (GH), insulin, and thyroid gland hormones) in singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancy in goats. Animals were examined for pregnancy ultrasonographically during mid-pregnancy (6-14 weeks of gestation), and were classified conferring to litter size into singleton (n =55), twin (n=25) and triple (n=6) pregnancy, and non-pregnant status (n=64). Blood samples (5 ml) were collected before ultrasound examination and serum was separated for analysis of alpha-fetoprotein, phosphorus, calcium, and GH, insulin, T3, and T4. The current data showed that the fetal numbers markedly influenced AFP, Ph, Ca, GH, insulin, T3 levels, but did not affect T4 and Ph/Ca ratio. AFP levels were higher in twin (P< 0.05) and triple (P< 0.001) bearing does than in non-pregnant does (56.00±5.00 and 87.00±1.90 vs 3.80±.051 ng/ml). Phosphorus and Ca levels declined with pregnancy, with the substantial decreased in multiple feti compared with non-pregnant does. Growth hormone imminently raised in twine and triple fetuses than non-pregnant does. Insulin levels elevated in triple compared to non- pregnant and singleton (P< 0.005). Serum free T3 levels were lower in single and twin bearing does than non-pregnancy. In conclusion, fetal number markedly influenced the dam metabolic profile and mineral homostatis through altering AFP and metabolic hormones levels during pregnancy in goats.

Objective This study evaluates whether clinical phenotypes of small for gestational (SGA) fetuses can be identified and used for adverse perinatal outcome risk stratification to facilitate decision-making. Methods This multicentre observational cohort study was conducted in two tertiary care university hospitals. It included 17,631 consecutive singleton pregnancies, among which 1274 (7.2%) were defined as SGA at birth according to INTERGROWTH-21st standards. The main outcome was the development of clinical clusters of SGA phenotypes. Results Nine SGA clinical phenotypes were identified using a predefined conceptual framework. Every delivery and perinatal outcome analysed showed statistically significant differences between phenotypes. The total SGA cohort had a 3 times increased risk of perinatal mortality than non-SGA fetuses (1.4% vs 0.4%; pConclusions We identified nine SGA clinical phenotypes associated with different patterns of risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. Our results suggest that adding clinical characteristics to ultrasound results would improve risk stratification and decision-making for SGA fetuses. Future clinical trials on the control of fetuses with SGA should take into account, in addition to Doppler and estimated fetal weight, this clinical information.

How does progesterone improve fetal outcome and change the expression of placental glucose transporters (GLUT) in dexamethasone-induced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?A total of 64 rats were divided randomly into four different treatment groups based on daily i.p. injections of either saline or dexamethasone in the presence or absence of progesterone. Injections started on the 15th day of gestation (15dg) and lasted until the day of sacrifice at 19dg or 21dg. Maternal plasma progesterone concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene and protein expression of placental GLUT1 and GLUT3 were evaluated in the placental labyrinth and basal zones by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The localization of GLUT1 and GLUT3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Dexamethasone induced significant decreases in maternal serum progesterone concentrations (P = 0.029) and placental (P 0.001) and fetal body (P = 0.009) weights. Dexamethasone also reduced the expression of GLUT1 in the labyrinth zone (P = 0.028) and GLUT3 in both the labyrinth (P = 0.002) and basal zones (P = 0.026). Coadministration of dexamethasone and progesterone prevented the reduction in fetal body weight, placental weight and placental GLUT expression compared with that seen in dexamethasone-treated groups.These results suggest that progesterone prevents the significant reduction in fetal and placental weights in dexamethasone-induced IUGR, possibly through improving the expression of placental GLUT.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether a significant difference exists in maternal and fetal outcomes between planned cesarean delivery (PCD) compared to emergency cesarean delivery (ECD) in placenta previa (PP) patients without placenta accreata spectrum (PAS) in a tertiary referral hospital. Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study included 237 singleton pregnant women who were diagnosed with PP without PAS at the time of delivery. PP patients who were delivered at the scheduled time were included in the PCD group. Patients with PP delivered in an emergency setting before the scheduled date were assigned to the ECD group. We recorded demographic and clinical characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: Of the 237 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 157 patients (66.8%) underwent PCD, and 80 patients required ECD (33.2%). Patients’ hospitalization and pre-discharge hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in the ECD group (11.25 ± 1.97 g/dL and 9.74 ± 2.09 g/dL, respectively) than in the PCD group (10.77 ± 2.67 g/dL and 9.27 ± 2.70, p = 0.002 and p = 0.004, respectively). While six patients (7.5%) were required intensive care unit (ICU) admission in the ECD group, no patient was required to follow up in ICU in the PCD group (p < 0.001). The hospital length of stay (LOS) was tended to be significantly longer in the ECD group (2.8 ± 0.7 days) than in the PCD group (2.4 ± 0.6 days, p < 0.001). Neonatal outcomes of birth weight, Apgar scores, NICU admission, and neonatal death were significantly better in the PCD group than in the ECD group. Conclusions: The PCD group has better maternal outcomes, including preoperative and discharge hemoglobin levels, ICU admission and hospital LOS, and better neonatal outcomes than the ECD group. Clinicians should pay regard to that scheduling the delivery to advanced pregnancy weeks has a failure possibility, and patients could not reach the scheduled day due to the emergency states.

Objectives: Based on the current state of knowledge, elevated levels of oxidative stress markers may be considered as risk factors for pregnancy complications. The aim of the research was to assess the correlation between selected oxidative stress biomarkers with the occurrence of foetal chromosomal aberration and congenital malformations. Material and methods : This retrospective research lasted for two years. The purpose was to determine serum levels of selected oxidative stress markers, including total protein (TP), glutathione (GSH), S-nitrosothiols (RSNO), nitric oxide (NO), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) at 11–13 + 6 gestational weeks in 38 women with confirmed foetal developmental abnormalities and in 34 healthy pregnancies in order to assess their utility as predictors of abnormal foetal development. Results: Serum concentrations of TP (56.90 ± 5.30 vs 69.1 ± 15.30 mg/mL), TEAC (4.93 ± 0.82 vs 5.64 ± 0.74 μM/mL) and GST (15.94 ± 4.52 vs 21.72 ± 6.81 nM/min/mg) were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the group of patients with developmental abnormalities in the fetus, whereas GSH levels (6.43 ± 1.24 vs 4.98 ± 1.88 nM/mg) were significantly higher, compared to the group of healthy fetuses. There were no differences in the concentration of these markers between chromosomal aberrations and fetal dysmorphia in subjects. A significant difference in odds ratio obtained for GSH (OR = 0.57, 95% CL: 0.40–0.80) indicates that its higher concentration can relate to reduced risk of developmental abnormalities, whereas odds ratio for TP (OR=1.11, 95% CL: 1.04–1.17), TEAC (OR = 3.54, 95% CL: 1.56–8.05) and GST (OR = 1.18, 95% CL: 1.03–1.17) indicate that their elevation may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities Conclusions: Elevated levels of TP, GST, TEAC and low GSH level may be relevant to predict congenital defects.

To describe clinical and molecular findings in a French multicenter cohort of fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of congenital abnormality and suspicion of a localized overgrowth disorder (LOD) suggestive of genetic variants in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.We analyzed retrospectively data obtained between 1 January 2013 and 1 May 2020 from fetuses with brain and/or limb overgrowth referred for molecular diagnosis of PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway genes by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using pathological tissue obtained by fetal autopsy. We also assessed the diagnostic yield of amniotic fluid.During the study period, 21 subjects with LOD suspected of being secondary to a genetic variant of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway were referred for analysis. Of these, 17 fetuses had brain overgrowth, including six with isolated megalencephaly (MEG) and 11 with hemimegalencephaly (HMEG). Of the six with MEG, germline variants were identified in four cases, in either PIK3R2, AKT3 or MTOR, and a postzygotic PIK3R2 variant was found in the other two cases. Of the 11 with HMEG, a postzygotic PIK3CA variant was found in three fetuses with extracerebral features of PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, and in seven fetuses with isolated HMEG. No pathogenic variant was identified in the 11Isolated MEG or HMEG may lead to identification of genetic variants in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Cases of limb overgrowth and LM or isolated HMEG are likely associated with PIK3CA variants. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Aim : to analyze and summarize the available data of studies aimed at deepening knowledge in the field of the influence of alcohol on the course of pregnancy, possible consequences; to study the prevalence of alcohol consumption by Russian women, as well as possible preventive measures. Materials and Methods . The results of Russian and foreign studies on the effect of alcohol on the fetus and pregnancy outcome, published in the international databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, have been analyzed. The search for scientific publications was limited to the period from 2012 to 2021. We used search queries in Russian ("alcohol", "pregnancy", "prevention", "fetus", "fetal alcohol syndrome") and English ("alcohol", "pregnancy", "prophylaxis", "fetus", "fetal alcohol syndrome"). Results . The presented data analysis indicates an extremely negative effect of alcohol on the body of pregnant women, as well as on the health of our future generation. This article proves the importance of the problem, the need for further research on the mechanisms of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and the development of effective prevention measures, possible methods of treatment, and assistance for alcoholic fetal syndrome. Today in Russia there is an acute lack of information on the real extent of the problem with maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. There is still no exact data on the prevalence of FAS in Russia. Conclusion . From the analysis of domestic and foreign literature, it can be concluded that the problem of preventing fetal alcohol syndrome is an urgent and unexplored problem in Russia. There is a need for doctors to conduct pregravid preparation of a married couple when they plan to conceive a healthy child. It is necessary to raise awareness and improve the quality of training for obstetricians and gynecologists in order to identify women with high risk factors for alcohol abuse and childbirth with FAS in the early stages of pregnancy management. It is also necessary to identify new or use already known biomarkers of maternal blood to verify excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Background: The paratenon is a sheath-like connective tissue that allows the tendon to move with minimal friction. The careful removal of the paratenon along the cruciate ligaments is a critical step of knee surgery. Thus, orthopedic surgeons and interventional radiologists consider the paratenon as a basic anatomical tissue along a ligament, not along a tendon. Materials and methods: We performed macroscopic and histological observations of cruciate ligament-associated paratenons in 43 human fetuses. Results: This tissue usually had a thick armor-like appearance that was distant from the infrapatellar fat pad. The anterior cruciate ligament, rather than the posterior ligament, was deeply embedded in the paratenon. The paratenon contained abundant arteries and veins and, at and near the crossing between the cruciate ligaments, had a well-developed venous plexus. Notably, there were abundant fused veins in the paratenon venous plexus, and prenatal knee movements (especially rotation) seemed to restrict its blood supply, leading to the development of a large cavity by way of advancing fusion of veins in the degenerating plexus. This unique manner of cavitation likely expanded the joint cavity. Conclusions: Differences in knee movements in utero seemed to cause differences in the thickness of the paratenon among fetuses. New-borns might have limited knee flexion due to a mass-effect of the thick paratenon around the cruciate ligaments. A slight twisting or rotation at the knee may help to release the knee, because it can break the fetal paratenon and accelerate cavitation.

BACKGROUND: Many women enter pregnancy with iron stores that are insufficient to maintain maternal iron balance and support fetal development and, consequently, often require iron supplements. However, the side effects associated with many currently available iron supplements can limit compliance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the safety and efficacy of a novel nanoparticulate iron supplement, a dietary ferritin analogue termed iron hydroxide adipate tartrate (IHAT), in pregnant mice. METHODS: Female C57BL/6 mice were maintained on either an iron deficient or a control diet for two weeks prior to timed mating to develop iron deficient or iron sufficient pregnancy models respectively. Mice from each model were then gavaged daily with 10 mg iron/kg body weight as either IHAT or ferrous sulfate, or with water only, beginning on embryonic day (E) 4.5. Mice were euthanized on E18.5 and maternal iron and hematological parameters were measured. The expression of genes encoding iron transporters and oxidative stress markers in the duodenum and placenta were determined, along with hepatic expression of the gene encoding the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin and fetal iron. RESULTS: Oral IHAT and ferrous sulfate were equally effective at increasing maternal hemoglobin (20.2% and 16.9% respectively) and hepatic iron (30.2% and 29.3% respectively), as well as total fetal iron (99.7% and 83.8% respectively), in iron deficient pregnant mice compared to those gavaged with water only, with no change in oxidative stress markers seen with either treatment. However, there was a significant increase in the placental expression of the oxidative stress marker heme oxygenase 1 in iron replete pregnant mice treated with ferrous sulfate when compared to iron replete pregnant mice gavaged with IHAT (96.9%, P

Background Abnormal umbilical, cerebral and uterine artery Doppler findings and fetal biometry below the 3rd percentile have been proposed as risk factors for perinatal complications in late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR). Recent evidence has allowed to reach a consensus on the clinical use of Doppler ultrasound for the monitoring and timing of delivery in early-onset FGR, however there is limited data on the relationship between abnormal Doppler and severity of the growth restriction and adverse outcome when a diagnosis of late-onset FGR is made. Objective To evaluate the relationship between the ultrasound parameters measured at diagnosis and perinatal adverse outcome within a cohort of late-onset FGR fetuses. Methods This is a multicentre retrospective study between 2014 and 2019 including non-anomalous singleton pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR, which was defined either by abdominal circumference (AC), estimated fetal weight (EFW) Results Overall, 468 cases with full biometry and umbilical, middle cerebral, and uterine artery (UtA) Doppler data were included, among whom CAO was recorded in 53 (11.3%). At logistic regression analysis, only the EFW percentile proved to be independently associated with CAO (p=0.01) and NICU admission (p 95th percentile at diagnosis proved to be independently associated with obstetric intervention due to intrapartum distress (p Conclusions Retrospective data on a large cohort of late-onset FGR fetuses shows that at diagnosis the EFW is the only sonographic parameter independently associated with the occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes, while a mean UtA PI MoM >95th percentile at diagnosis is independently associated with intrapartum distress leading to obstetric intervention. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

To determine the effect of 3 distinct comparison groups on associations between placental abnormalities and neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).This single-center, prospective case-control study of singletons of gestational age ≥36 weeks with predefined criteria for HIE (n = 30) and 3 control groups was conducted from June 2015 to January 2018. The control groups were infants born by repeat cesarean delivery (n = 60), infants born small for gestational age (SGA; n = 80), and infants receiving positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) at birth (n = 70). One pathologist blinded to infant category reviewed placental sections using the Amsterdam Placental Workshop criteria. Logistic regression with group contrasts relative to HIE was used to analyze primary placental pathologies, and ORs with 95% CIs provided effect sizes.The odds of maternal vascular malperfusion were increased among HIE group placentas compared with placentas of the repeat cesarean delivery (OR, 4.50; 95% CI, 1.45-14.00) and PPV (3.88; 1.35-11.16) groups, but not those of the SGA group. The odds of fetal vascular malperfusion were increased in the HIE group compared with the SGA group (OR, 9.75; 95% CI, 1.85-51.51). The odds of acute chorioamnionitis were higher in the HIE group compared only with the repeat cesarean delivery group, reflecting a similar incidence of chorioamnionitis in SGA group and PPV group placentas. The absence of placental findings was lowest in the HIE group (6.7%), followed by the SGA (18.8%), PPV (31.4%), and repeat cesarean delivery (75%) groups.Associations with placental abnormalities among infants with HIE varied based on the specific placental abnormality and the control group. Potentially important associations between placental pathology and HIE may be obscured if control groups are not well designed.

The impact of fetal echocardiography on the diagnosis and outcomes of vascular ring has not been well examined. We hypothesized that prenatal detection of vascular ring has improved over time and that prenatal diagnosis of vascular ring is associated with earlier intervention and favorable outcomes.This is a single-center, retrospective study of the evolution and outcomes of prenatal diagnosis of vascular ring from 2000 to 2020. We compared clinical presentation, timing of surgical intervention, and outcomes between the prenatally and postnatally diagnosed cases during the same study period.A total of 170 patients were included: 50 with prenatal and 120 with postnatal diagnosis of vascular ring. Prenatal diagnoses included 42 patients (84%) with right aortic arch (RAA), aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSCA), and a left-sided ductus arteriosus and eight (16%) patients with double aortic arch (DAA). The postnatal cohort consisted mainly of 90 patients (75%) with DAA and 22 (18%) with RAA-ALSCA. None of the postnatally diagnosed cases had undergone a fetal echocardiogram. Numbers (percentage) of prenatally diagnosed cases of vascular ring compared with the postnatal cases improved from 4/31 (13%), to 10/29 (34%), to 14/25 (56%), and to 22/35 (69%), respectively, during 2000-2005, 2005-10, 2010-15, and 2015-20 (P = .032). Vascular ring was an isolated abnormality in 84% and 85% of the prenatal and postnatal cohorts, respectively. Compared with the prenatal cohort, postnatally diagnosed patients with an isolated vascular ring were more frequently symptomatic (66% vs 48%, P .03) and underwent cross-sectional imaging (69% vs 44%, P = .009) and surgery more frequently (79% vs 48%, P = .003). Surgery was performed at a later patient age (18 [2-147] months vs 4.8 [0.5-42] months, P = .01) and was more often associated with residual symptoms (27/81 [33%] vs 1/20 [5%], P = .01) in the postnatal cohort than in the prenatal cohort.The diagnosis of vascular ring by fetal echocardiography has improved over time. A significantly higher incidence of RAA-ALSCA in the prenatal compared with the postnatal cohort suggests that patients with this form of vascular ring often do not present to medical attention with significant symptoms postnatally. Prenatal diagnosis of vascular ring was associated with a lower incidence of symptoms, less frequent use of cross-sectional imaging, earlier age at surgical intervention, and lower likelihood of residual symptoms.

Fetal congenital heart disease (CHD) is a prevalent and highly complicated fetal deformity. Furthermore, the number of infants with CHD accounts for as high as 6‰–8‰ among all the living newborns in China. For the early diagnosis and screening of the fetal CHD, echocardiography technology plays a vital role in assessing anatomical structures and functions of the fetal heart. However, the prenatal detection rate of CHD is still meager due to the particularity of the fetal cardiac structures and the diversity of the fetal CHD. Hence, we propose a simple yet effective residual learning diagnosis system (RLDS) for diagnosing fetal CHD to improve diagnostic accuracy, which adopts convolutional neural networks to extract discriminative features of the fetal cardiac anatomical structures. To enhance the credibility of the RLDS, we provide a global visualizing explanation for the diagnosis process of our RLDS. Moreover, we visually explain the local feature map of the residual feature learning, making the residual learning more transparent. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed RLDS is very effective in diagnosing fetal CHD. Furthermore, the proposed RLDS achieves a precision of 93% and a recall of 93% on the test set, which significantly improves the prenatal detection rate for the fetal CHD.

Objective In this brief review, the authors focus on the effects of gestational exposures to urban air pollution on fetal development and neonatal outcomes. Source of data In this review the authors used PubMed, Web of Science and SciELO research platforms, analyzing papers from the last 30 years. Summary of the findings Epidemiological and experimental evidence agree that gestational exposure to air pollution in urban increases the risks for low birth weight, preterm birth, congenital malformation, intrauterine growth restriction, and neonatal mortality. Furthermore, exposures are associated with increased risks for preeclampsia, hypertension, gestational diabetes. Conclusions Therefore, it is time for greater involvement and engagement of the health sector in the discussion of public policies that may affect the quality of the environment, and that directly or indirectly impact the health of those who were not yet born.

Physiologic, mechanical and immunologic alterations in pregnancy could potentially affect susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Due to lack of comparable incidence data and challenges with disentangling differences in susceptibility from different exposure risks, data are insufficient to determine whether pregnancy increases susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data support pregnancy as a risk factor for severe disease associated with COVID-19; some of the best evidence comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) COVID-19 surveillance system, which reported that pregnant persons were more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), require invasive ventilation, require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and die compared with nonpregnant women of reproductive age. Although intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been documented, it appears to be rare, possibly related to low levels of SARS-CoV-2 viremia and decreased co-expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) needed for SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells in the placenta. Evidence is accumulating that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is associated with a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth, especially among pregnant persons with severe COVID-19 disease. In addition to the direct impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy outcomes, there is evidence that the pandemic and its effects on healthcare systems have had adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes, such as increased stillbirths and maternal deaths. These trends may represent widening disparities and an alarming reversal of recent improvements in maternal and infant health. All three COVID-19 vaccines currently available under an Emergency Use Authorization by the United States Food and Drug Administration can be administered to pregnant or lactating persons, with no preference for vaccine type. Although safety data in pregnancy are rapidly accumulating and no safety signals in pregnancy have been detected, additional information about birth outcomes, particularly among persons vaccinated earlier in pregnancy, are needed.

AIMS : We sought to assess variability and concordance between fetal MRI and ultrasound (USS) in the evaluation of fetal body abnormalities. METHODS : All fetal body anomalies reported on F-MRI within the iFIND database (http://www.ifindproject.com) were included. Differences in findings regarding anomalies on contemporaneous USS were explored. Three clinical specialists evaluated each case independently, and the anomaly severity was graded: as “insignificant” to “lethal”. The value of MRI in alteration of either antenatal or postnatal care was established. RESULTS : Fifty-four cases were identified consisting of 5 healthy controls, 37 with USS-identified body anomalies, and 12 with known CNS or cardiac anomalies. In fetuses with a known body anomaly, information on the MRI was relevant to change the clinical course in 59% of cases. There was also an incidental detection rate of 7% in fetuses with known cardiac or CNS anomalies, or 1.5% of normal control, although these were rarely clinically relevant. Importantly, fetuses undergoing MRI for cardiac concerns did have major anomalies that were missed (one case of oesophageal atresia and two cases of ARM). CONCLUSIONS : In cases where fetal anomalies are suspected, F-MRI is a valuable means of further characterising anomalies and may detect additional anomalies in fetuses with recognised cardiac or CNS anomalies. In fetuses with a recognised body anomaly, over half of those scanned by MRI had information available which changed clinical management. Importantly there were also incidental findings in healthy control fetuses, so the management of these needs to be recognised in fetal MRI research.

STUDY OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the rate of incidental pregnancy, pregnancy screening frequency, and factors associated with pregnancy screening in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). DESIGN A cross-sectional, descriptive study. SETTING The research was conducted at Penn State Health Children's Hospital evaluating PICU admissions between January 1, 2011, and January 31, 2019. PARTICIPANTS Female adolescents 14-21 years of age who were admitted to the PICU. INTERVENTIONS The study population was divided into 2 groups (Presence and Non-Presence of Pregnancy Screening), and data were collected from the electronic health record. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We evaluated for patient characteristics and for presence and results of urine pregnancy screening. RESULTS A total of 431 patients were included in the study. Of these, 275 patients (63.8%) had a pregnancy screen performed. No patients with incidental pregnancy were found. There was a statistically significant relationship between pregnancy screening and patient age, type of admission, and origin of transfer (P < .01). Analysis of secondary diagnoses (co-morbidities) indicated lower screening rates in patients with developmental delay, cerebral palsy, and/or mental retardation (15, 5.5%) [p < 0.0001] and chromosomal abnormalities (9, 3.3%) [p =0.021]. CONCLUSION Incidental pregnancy is uncommon in female adolescents of childbearing age who are admitted to the PICU, but not all patients were screened, thus potentially jeopardizing maternal and fetal care. Clinicians should consider routine pregnancy screening of female patients of childbearing age admitted to the PICU and should be cognizant of individual factors that could preclude screening prior to or during their presentation.

Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is an established environmental risk factor for schizophrenia. Timing of immune activation exposure as well as sex of the exposed offspring are critical factors in defining the effects of MIA. However, the specificity of MIA on the component structure of schizophrenia, especially cognition, has been difficult to assess due to a lack of translational validity of maze-like testing paradigms. We aimed to assess cognitive domains relevant to schizophrenia using highly translational touchscreen-based tasks in male and female mice exposed to the viral mimetic, poly(I:C) (5mg/k, i.p.), during early (gestational day (GD) 9-11) and late (GD13-15) gestational time points. Gene expression of schizophrenia candidate pathways were assessed in fetal brain immediately following poly(I:C) exposure and in adulthood to identify its influence on neurodevelopmental processes. Sex and window specific alterations in cognitive performance were found with the early window of MIA exposure causing female-specific disruptions to working memory and reduced perseverative behaviour, while late MIA exposure caused male-specific changes to working memory and deficits in reversal learning. GABAergic specification marker, Nkx2.1 gene expression was reduced in fetal brains and reelin expression was reduced in adult hippocampus of both early and late poly(I:C) exposed mice. Neuregulin and EGF signalling were initially upregulated in the fetal brain, but were reduced in the adult hippocampus, with male mice exposed in the late window showing reduced Nrg3 expression. Serine racemase was reduced in both fetal and adult brain, but again, adult reductions were specific to male mice exposed at the late time point. Overall, we show that cognitive constructs relevant to schizophrenia are altered by in utero exposure to maternal immune activation, but are highly dependent on the timing of infection and the sex of the offspring. Glutamatergic and epidermal growth factor pathways were similarly altered by MIA in a timing and sex dependent manner, while MIA-induced GABAergic deficits were independent of timing or sex.

Buschke Lownestein's tumour is a giant acuminate condyloma characterised by its degenerative potential, its invasive nature and its recurrence after treatment. It is a rare condition, transmitted mainly by sexual transmission and induced by to the human papillomavirus (HPV). The discussion will be illustrated by a clinical case The treatment is still under discussion but surgery seems to be the best option. Management during pregnancy is more complex since it must take into account the mother and her fetus. The delivery route is still debated. The post-treatment evolution was satisfactory and without recurrence until the delivery which, due to the antecedent of 3 caesarean sections, was carried out by cesarean section. HPV vaccination, sex education and early treatment of condyloma lesions should prevent and in any case improve the prognosis of this disease.

Objectives: To evaluate the perinatal outcomes of antenatally diagnosed omphalocele cases. Material and methods: This was a retrospective study conducted between July 2014 and February 2020 at the prenatal diagnosis center of a university clinic. Gestational week of diagnosis, associated anomalies, karyotype analysis results, complications during pregnancy, termination/delivery characteristics, and postnatal results were evaluated. Results: The analysis was performed on 58 patients. The median diagnosis time was 14.5 weeks of gestation. Thirty-three cases (57%) were defined in the first trimester. 33 (57%) of 58 patients had one or more concomitant anomalies, while 25 patients (43%) had isolated omphalocele. The most common associated anomaly was a cardiac anomaly which was observed in 17 fetuses (30% of all omphalocele cases). Karyotype analysis was performed in forty-five patients (41 in the prenatal period, 4 in the postnatal period). A normal karyotype was detected in 27 cases (60%). Trisomy 18 was the most common chromosomal anomaly (n = 15, 33.3%). Thirty of 58 patients (52%) requested termination of pregnancy (TOP) in the early pregnancy period. Thirteen of the cases died in-utero (22%). Fifteen pregnancies resulted in live births (26%), of those eight were lost in the first year of life (six of them had additional anomalies, while two of them had isolated omphalocele but the omphalocele pouch was containing the liver in those two babies). Conclusions: Most of the cases with an omphalocele can be diagnosed in the first trimester. Cardiac anomalies were the most common associated anomalies, while trisomy 18 is the most common chromosomal anomaly. Thus, earlier and effective counseling can be made about the prognosis of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: One key factor proven to increase quality of pregnancy outcome has been antenatal care (ANC) service. The perinatal triad of mother, placenta and fetus becomes functionally complete with a functional umbilical cord. The objective of the study was to establish mathematical models to predict the outcome of umbilical cord morphometric parameters using maternal first antenatal care visit biometric indices. METHOD: This analytical descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 pregnant women who attended antenatal care for the first time in their first trimester at the Victory Maternity Home and Clinic in the Kumasi Metropolis, between April 2016 and October 2019. Umbilical cord length, diameter, area, volume and weight were measured after delivery. Maternal first antenatal care visit blood pressure was taken and their non-fasting blood samples were collected and lipid profile done. RESULTS: Mean values for umbilical cord measurements were; cord length, 38.10±7.86 cm; diameter, 1.04±0.17 cm; area, 66.10±24.49 cm2 and volume was 34.02±11.16 cm3 respectively while mean cord weight was 65.01±21.35 g. The study found that a unit increase in total cholesterol led to an increase of 2.33 units in umbilical cord length, high-density lipoprotein also resulted in 0.06 units increase in cord diameter while low-density lipoprotein decreases cord length by 3.31 units. Also, a unit increase in maternal booking total cholesterol resulted in 2.33 units increase in umbilical cord length. CONCLUSION: Maternal first antenatal care visit total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein could influence the outcome of umbilical cord length, diameter and area.

BACKGROUND: The intrauterine environment is a key determinant for long-term health outcomes. Adverse fetal environments, such as maternal diabetes, obesity and placental insufficiency are strongly associated with long-term health risks in children. Little is known about differences in fetal cardiac output hemodynamics of diabetic mothers (DM) vs. non-diabetic mothers (NDM). Our study aims to investigate the left-sided, right-sided, and combined cardiac output (CCO) in fetuses of DM vs. NDM. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected in fetuses of DM (N = 532) and NDM (103) at mean gestational age 24 weeks. Examination included 2D echo and pulse wave Doppler. Wilcoxon rank sum tests and Chi-square tests were used to test for distribution difference of maternal and fetal continuous and categorical measures respectively between DM and NDM. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to assess intra-observer reliability of fetal cardiac measurements. RESULTS: DM mothers had higher mean weight (89.7±22.2 kg) than NDM (76.8±19.8 kg), p