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Fetal growth restriction is an important part of monitoring a pregnancy. Because guidelines or diagnostic criteria for either minor or major thrombophilia are scarce, this systematic review aims to summarize the present knowledge in the field. We performed the CRD42022376006 protocol in Prospero with a systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Science databases and included original full-text articles (randomized control trials and clinical trials) from the last 10 years, published in English, and with the "thrombophilia AND (pregnancy OR diagnostic criteria) AND fetal growth restriction" criteria. After two researchers extracted the articles of interest, they were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and eight articles were included. The elements from the thrombophilia diagnostic predict IUGR, factor V Leiden mutation, MTHFR C667T mutation, protein S deficiency, antithrombin deficiency, factor VII polymorphism, and antiphospholipid antibodies, while the association of protein C, PAI-1 and certain combinations of mutations are still under debate and require the collection of more data. The present systematic review provides an extensive picture of the actual knowledge about thrombophilia diagnosis and its links with pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth restriction, despite its limitation in the inclusion of other actually debated disorders such as PAI-1 mutation, protein C deficiency and other thrombophilia types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spina bifida aperta is one of the most frequent open neural tube defects and consists in a closure defect in the fetal spine and the subsequent skin, leaving the spinal cord vulnerable. Since folic acid supplementation has been recommended periconceptionally, the incidence of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, has been reduced dramatically. Unfortunately, spina bifida is usually diagnosed in the second trimester, more frequently between 18 and 20 weeks of gestation, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), by visualizing the spinal defect, as well as well-known intracranial signs. There have been attempts in finding the right intracranial sign or measurement that can predict a future positive diagnosis of spina bifida or at least alert the sonographer to further investigate. The early diagnosis of spina bifida represents the subject of interest of this paper, as this congenital neural tube defect carries the burden of a significant morbidity. The mothers should be counseled, informed about the fetal complications of this pathology and about the therapeutic possibilities, including intrauterine fetal surgery, and they should also be given the possibility of pregnancy termination, if the patient decides in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy, gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder, characterized by altered glucose tolerance. The prevalence of gestational diabetes is increasing, which is linked to the rise in maternal obesity rates in recent years. Despite numerous large-scale studies on the topic, there is still ongoing debate about the screening and treatment of gestational diabetes. The fetal and neonatal complications associated with gestational diabetes include fetal macrosomia, hyperinsulinemia, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, increased risk of respiratory distress, and shoulder dystocia, especially in macrosomic babies. Additionally, children born to diabetic mothers are at a higher risk of developing obesity and diabetes in adolescence and adulthood. Maternal complications of gestational diabetes include an increased risk of developing hypertensive syndromes and the likelihood of requiring a caesarean section. Screening and treatment of gestational diabetes are crucial in ensuring healthy outcomes for both mother and child. In this article, we will explore the importance of early detection and effective management of gestational diabetes, highlighting the benefits of timely intervention, and the potential risks of untreated gestational diabetes. Furthermore, we will present the latest international guidelines and recommendations for the screening and management of gestational diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]