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Purpose: Pregnancies complicated by prenatally suspected lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) can be associated with high rates of terminations due to potentially poor outcomes. Herein, we assessed autopsy findings of fetuses terminated for suspected LUTO to evaluate the prenatal diagnostic accuracy and spectrum of underlying pathologies., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all pregnancies referred to a high-risk fetal center in a universal access to care health care system for suspected LUTO that opted for termination of pregnancy between 2009 and 2022. Ultrasound features, genetic investigations, placental findings, and distribution of postmortem diagnoses were assessed., Results: Of a total of 190 pregnancies with suspected LUTO evaluated during the study period, 79 (42%) were terminated. We excluded 35 fetuses with incomplete data, resulting in 44 available for analysis. Pregnancies were terminated at a mean gestation of 22 ± 5 weeks. A LUTO diagnosis was confirmed in 37 (84.1%) fetuses (35 males, 2 females), and the remaining 7 showed other pathologies. Pulmonary hypoplasia was found in 62.2% (n = 23) and placental pathologies in 56.8% of confirmed LUTO compared to 33.4% and 71.4% in non-LUTO cases, respectively. Overall, a total of 31 fetuses underwent additional prenatal investigations with genetic anomalies detected only in fetuses with a confirmed LUTO diagnosis (13.6%)., Conclusions: In our health care system, almost half of prenatally suspected LUTO pregnancies are terminated. The sonographic diagnostic accuracy for LUTO is reasonable at 84%. However, the remaining 16% still had significant pathologies. Genetic abnormalities are uncommon and rarely the trigger for pregnancy terminations.

Introduction:  Neonates with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) experience high morbidity and mortality associated with the development of chronic kidney disease. The prenatal detection rate for LUTO is less than 50%, with late or missed diagnosis leading to delayed management and long-term sequelae in the remainder. We aimed to explore the trends in prenatal detection and management at a high-risk fetal center and determine if similar trends of postnatal presentations were noted for the same period., Methods:  Prenatal and postnatal LUTO databases from a tertiary fetal center and its associated pediatric center between 2009 and 2021 were reviewed, capturing maternal age, gestational age (GA) at diagnosis, and rates of termination of pregnancy (TOP). Time series analysis using autocorrelation was performed to investigate time trend changes for prenatally suspected and postnatally confirmed LUTO cases., Results:  A total of 161 fetuses with prenatally suspected LUTO were identified, including 78 terminations. No significant time trend was found when evaluating the correlation between time periods, prenatal suspicion, and postnatal confirmation of LUTO cases (Durbin-Watson [DW] = 1.99, p  = 0.3641 and DW = 2.86, p  = 0.9113, respectively). GA at referral was 20.0 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 12, 35) and 22.0 weeks (IQR 13, 37) for TOP and continued pregnancies ( p  < 0.0001). GA at initial ultrasound was earlier in terminated fetuses compared to continued (20.0 [IQR 12, 35] weeks vs. 22.5 [IQR 13, 39] weeks, p  < 0.0001). While prenatal LUTO suspicion remained consistently higher than postnatal presentations, the rates of postnatal presentations and terminations remained stable during the study years ( p  = 0.7913 and 0.2338), as were GA at TOP and maternal age at diagnosis ( p  = 0.1710 and 0.1921)., Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that more severe cases of LUTO are referred earlier and are more likely to undergo TOP. No significant trend was detected between time and prenatally suspected or postnatally confirmed LUTO, highlighting the need for further studies to better delineate factors that can increase prenatal detection., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To determine simple prenatal imaging parameters that can easily be acquired to predict the need for postnatal CSF diversion (PCD) surgery in fetuses undergoing open fetal surgery for open spina bifida (OSB)., Methods: All fetuses with OSB that underwent open fetal surgery between June 2017 and June 2021 with available follow-up outcomes were included. Imaging parameters including clivus-supraocciput angle (CSA) on magnetic resonance imaging, transcerebellar diameter (TCD) and lateral ventricle size (Vp) on ultrasound (US), were collected pre- and postoperatively. The requirement for PCD surgery was determined at 1 year of age. The predictive strength of each parameter was determined by Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis., Results: Among 36 babies eligible for the analyses, 41.7% required PCD by one year of age. Pre-operative Vp (AUC 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.88; p = 0.03), TCD (AUC 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.89; p = 0.02) and CSA (AUC 0.72; 95% CI 0.51-0.93; p = 0.04) were fair predictors for PCD surgery. After fetal surgery, TCD (AUC 0.93; 95% CI 0.83-1.00; p < 0.0001) and CSA (AUC 0.94; 95% CI 0.83-1.00; p = 0.0005) were outstanding predictors of PCD, whereas post-operative Vp was a fair predictor (AUC 0.71, 95% CI 0.54-0.88, p = 0.03)., Conclusion: Post-operative CSA and TCD were outstanding predictors for the need for PCD surgery., (© 2023 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Macrocephaly means a large head and is defined as a head circumference (HC) above the 98th percentile or greater than +2SD above the mean for gestational age. Macrocephaly can be primary and due to increased brain tissue (megalocephaly), which in most cases is familial and benign or secondary. The latter may be due to various causes, including but not limited to communicating or non-communicating hydrocephalus, cerebral edema, focal and pericerebral increased fluid collections, thickened calvarium and brain tumors. Megalocephaly can be syndromic or non-syndromic. In the former, gyral and structural CNS anomalies are common. It is important to exercise caution when considering a diagnosis of megalocephaly due to limitations in the accuracy of HC measurement, lack of nomograms for specific populations, inconsistencies between prenatal and postnatal HC growth curves and progression over time. The degree of macrocephaly is important, with mild macrocephaly ≤2.5SD carrying a good prognosis, especially when one of the parents has macrocephaly and normal development. Cases in which the patient history and/or physical exam are positive or when parental HC are normal are more worrisome and warrant a neurosonogram, fetal MRI and genetic testing to better delineate the underlying etiology and provide appropriate counseling., (© 2023 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is one of the most common brain malformations, with an incidence estimated to range from 0.5 to 70 in 10,000 among the general population. Prenatal diagnosis is made via ultrasound; however, fetal MRI is useful to confirm or exclude the presence of associated cerebral abnormalities-mostly cortical malformations-that may affect postnatal prognosis. When no additional central nervous system (CNS) or extra CNS anomalies are identified and no genetic cause is found, an isolated ACC is diagnosed. Overall, in cases of ACC, an underlying genetic cause can be identified in up to 12.5% with chromosomal microarray (CMA) and up to 47% with whole exome sequencing (WES). In cases where ACC is the only anomaly detected, the yield of WES is 30%. Postnatal outcomes are variable and depend on whether the condition is isolated or not. In truly isolated ACC, outcomes range from normal in 65% of cases through mild to severe neurodevelopmental impairments in 35% of cases. An interdisciplinary team of medical experts is key in guiding parents toward informed decision-making in pregnancies complicated by ACC. Considering current and expected advancements in genetic testing and imaging technologies in upcoming years, we herein summarize current recommendations for the management and prenatal counseling of expecting parents of fetuses with ACC. Our review pertains primarily to expecting parents of fetuses with complete ACC., (© 2023 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: To determine if the implementation of a posterior urethral valves (PUV) clinic and standardized management pathway improves the short-term kidney outcomes of infants with PUV., Methods: From 2016-2022, 50 consecutive patients were divided into groups after the implementation of the clinic (APUV, n = 29) and before (BPUV, n = 21) during a comparable timeframe. Assessed data included age at initial visit, timing and type of surgery, frequency of follow-up visits, medications, nadir creatinine, and development of CKD/kidney failure. Data are shown as median with interquartile range (IQR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: APUV had higher rates of prenatal diagnoses (12/29 vs. 1/21; p = 0.0037), earlier initial surgical intervention (8 days; IQR 0, 105 vs. 33 days; IQR 4, 603; p < 0.0001), and higher rates of primary diversions (10/29 vs. 0/21; p = 0.0028). Standardized management led to earlier initiation of alpha blockers (326 days; IQR 6, 860 vs. 991; IQR 149, 1634; p = 0.0019) and anticholinergics (57 days; IQR 3, 860 vs. 1283 days; IQR 477, 1718; p < 0.0001). Nadir creatinine was reached at earlier ages in APUV (105 days; IQR 2, 303 vs. 164 days; IQR 21, 447; p = 0.0192 BPUV). One patient progressed to CKD5 in APUV compared to CKD3, CKD5 and one transplant in BPUV., Conclusion: Implementing the PUV clinic with standardized treatment expedited postnatal management and resulted in a higher number of cases detected prenatally, a shift in primary treatment, younger ages at initial treatment, reduced time to nadir creatinine, and timely initiation of supportive medications. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International Pediatric Nephrology Association.)

Objective: Ultrasound assessment of the fetal anatomy and fetal echocardiography are feasible in the first trimester of pregnancy. This study was designed to assess the performance of a comprehensive fetal anatomy assessment in a high-risk population at a tertiary fetal medicine unit., Methods: A retrospective review of high-risk patients undergoing comprehensive fetal anatomy ultrasound assessment between 11 weeks and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation was conducted. Findings of the early anatomy ultrasound scan were compared with those of the second trimester anatomy scan, and birth outcomes or post-mortem results., Results: Early anatomy ultrasounds were performed in 765 patients. The sensitivity of the scan for detecting fetal anomalies compared to the birth outcome was 80.5% (95% CI 73.5-86.3) and specificity was 93.1% (95%CI 90.6-95.2). Positive and negative predictive values were 78.5% (95% CI 71.4-84.6) and 93.9% (95% CI 91.4-95.8), respectively. The most missed and overdiagnosed abnormalities were ventricular septal defects. The second trimester ultrasound had sensitivity of 69.0% (95% CI 55.5-80.5) and specificity of 87.5% (95% CI 84.3-90.2)., Conclusions: In a high-risk population, early assessments had similar performance metrics as the second trimester anatomy ultrasound. We advocate for a comprehensive fetal assessment in the care of high-risk pregnancies., (© 2023 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: This study assessed the nurses' knowledge of, skills on and attitudes toward health education among nurses working at the University Medical Center Corporate Fund (UMC) in Kazakhstan. The personal and professional factors influencing the nurses' knowledge of, skills on and attitudes toward health education were also investigated., Background: Health education is one of the nurses' fundamental responsibilities. Nurses' role in health education is critical in empowering patients and their families to live healthier lives, thus ensuring optimum health, well-being and quality of life. However, in Kazakhstan, where the nursing profession is still establishing its professional autonomy, data concerning the competence of Kazakh nurses in health education is unknown., Design: A quantitative study, specifically the cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational designs., Methods: The survey was performed at UMC in Astana, Kazakhstan. Using a convenience sampling technique, 312 nurses participated in the survey from March to August 2022. The "Nurse Health Education Competence Instrument" was used to collect data. The personal and professional characteristics of the nurses were also collected. Standard multiple regression analysis examined the personal and professional variables influencing the nurses' health education competence., Results: The respondents' average score in the "Cognitive domain," "Psychomotor domain," and "Affective-attitudinal domain" was 3.80 (SD = 0.66), 3.99 (SD = 0.58) and 4.04 (SD = 0.62), respectively. The nurses' category as a nurse, medical center, attendance to health education training/seminars in the last 12 months, provision of health education to a patient in the last week and perception of health education's significance in nursing practice were significant predictors of the nurses' health education competence contributing an approximately 24.4 %, 29.3 % and 27.1 % of the variance of the health education knowledge (R 2 = 0.273, Adjusted R 2 = 0.244), skills R 2 = 0.320, Adjusted R 2 = 0.293) and attitudes (R 2 = 0.299, Adjusted R 2 = 0.271)., Conclusions: The nurses reported high levels of health education competence (knowledge, attitudes and skills). The personal and professional factors influencing the nurses' competence in health education are essential to consider when developing interventions and healthcare policies to ensure nurses' competent provision of health education to patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is one of the most lethal bacterial pathogens of humans, with increased risk of progression to septic shock and multiorgan failure in the pregnant population. The objective of this study is to systematically review the outcomes and management strategies for pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infections in an effort to provide further guidance for prevention and treatment of a rare but lethal infection worldwide., Material and Methods: A comprehensive search using puerperium and streptococcus pyogenes terms was completed across several registered databases. A total of 902 articles investigating pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infection were identified, with 40 studies fulfilling inclusion criteria of original research articles in humans published from 1990 onwards reporting four or more unique cases of group A streptococcus in pregnancy or postpartum. This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42020198983., Results: A total of 1160 patients with pregnancy and puerperal group A streptococcus infection were identified. Most infections occurred postpartum (91.9%), with 4.7% reported antepartum and 0.6% intrapartum. Bacteremia was present in 49.0% of patients and endometritis in 45.9%. Puerperal sepsis was described in 28.2% of cases and progressed to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in one-third of such cases. Overall, the case fatality ratio was 2.0%, with one-third of the deaths from antenatal cases including 3/22 (13.6%) cases of septic abortion and 10/46 (21.7%) antenatal cases of group A streptococcus infection., Conclusions: Group A streptococcus infection remains an important contributor to pregnancy and puerperal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition, diagnosis and aggressive management are important for favorable outcomes given the serious risk of sepsis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome., (© 2023 The Authors. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NFOG).)

Objective: The optimal timing of an elective cesarean delivery for uncomplicated placenta previa remains controversial. Although the present guidelines recommend an elective cesarean delivery between 36 0/7 and 37 6/7  weeks of gestation, data supporting this recommendation does not differentiate in outcomes between elective and emergent delivery, or between women with and without ante-partum hemorrhage. Recommendations regarding optimal timing of delivery are based on the risks and benefits associated with delivery at a certain gestational week, compared with a reference of 38 weeks. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to assess the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with elective delivery at different gestational weeks from 36 0/7 to 38 6/7  weeks compared with expectant management in women with uncomplicated placenta previa., Methods: A retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary medical center of 251 women with a diagnosis of uncomplicated placenta previa, who delivered between 36 0/7 and 38 6/7  weeks of gestation, who delivered at our center between Jan 2011 and Dec 2019. Maternal and neonatal outcomes at each gestational week were compared with expectant management., Results: At 36 0/7 -36 6/7  weeks, the rate of composite maternal adverse outcome was similar for elective delivery and expectant management (10.5% vs 7.7%, p  = .68). Similarly, at 37 0/7 -37 6/7 the rate of composite maternal adverse outcome was comparable for elective cesarean delivery and expectant management (7.2% vs 6.4%, p  = .54). Maternal bleeding was the main indication of an urgent cesarean delivery, and account for 86% of urgent cesarean delivery at 36 0/7 -36 6/7 , 76.4% of urgent cesarean delivery at 37 0/7 -37 6/7 , and for 70.6% of all urgent cesarean delivery at 38 0/7 -38 6/7  weeks. This group of women who were delivered due to maternal bleeding had a history of maternal bleeding during 2nd and/or 3rd trimester in 75-92.3% of cases. Composite adverse neonatal outcome was similar for elective cesarean delivery at each gestational age compared with expectant management. The risk for lower 5-min APGAR score and hypoglycemia was higher for newborns that were delivered electively a 36th weeks of gestation compared with expectant management., Conclusion: Our study suggests that the optimal time of delivery for women with an uncomplicated placenta previa is between 38 0/7 and 38 6/7  weeks of gestation, especially in women without ante-partum bleeding.

Objective: Monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies complicated by Type-III selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) are at high risk of fetal death. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of fetal death in these pregnancies., Methods: This was an international multicenter retrospective cohort study. Type-III sFGR was defined as fetal estimated fetal weight (EFW) of one twin below the 10 th percentile and intertwin EFW discordance of ≥ 25% in combination with intermittent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of the smaller fetus. Predictors of fetal death were recorded longitudinally throughout gestation and assessed in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. The classification and regression trees (CART) method was used to construct a prediction model of fetal death using significant predictors derived from the univariable analysis., Results: A total of 308 twin pregnancies (616 fetuses) were included in the analysis. In 273 (88.6%) pregnancies, both twins were liveborn, whereas 35 pregnancies had single (n = 19 (6.2%)) or double (n = 16 (5.2%)) fetal death. On univariable analysis, earlier gestational age at diagnosis of Type-III sFGR, oligohydramnios in the smaller twin and deterioration in umbilical artery Doppler flow were associated with an increased risk of fetal death, as was larger fetal EFW discordance, particularly between 24 and 32 weeks' gestation. None of the parameters identified on univariable analysis maintained statistical significance on multivariable analysis. The CART model allowed us to identify three risk groups: a low-risk group (6.8% risk of fetal death), in which umbilical artery Doppler did not deteriorate; an intermediate-risk group (16.3% risk of fetal death), in which umbilical artery Doppler deteriorated but the diagnosis of sFGR was made at or after 16 + 5 weeks' gestation; and a high-risk group (58.3% risk of fetal death), in which umbilical artery Doppler deteriorated and gestational age at diagnosis was < 16 + 5 weeks' gestation., Conclusions: Type-III sFGR is associated with a high risk of fetal death. A prediction algorithm can help to identify the highest-risk group, which is characterized by Doppler deterioration and early referral. Further studies should investigate the potential benefit of fetal surveillance and intervention in this cohort. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology., (© 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Objectives: To determine the relationship between blood flow in the fetal descending aorta and discordant umbilical arteries (UAs)., Methods: Pulsed wave Doppler of both UAs and the descending aorta was performed at 4-weekly intervals between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation in 209 pregnant women. In datasets with discordant UAs, a linear mixed effects model was used to determine the categorical relationship between the UA pulsatility index (PI) (high, low and average) and the descending aorta PI., Results: Of the 209 cases, 81 had a discordance of greater than 25% in UA PI during one of their visits. There were no differences in birth outcomes between the groups with concordant and discordant UA PIs. In the cases with discordant UA PIs, the descending aorta PI was most strongly associated with both the average UA PI (P = .008), and with the UA with the lower PI (P = .008)., Conclusions: The relationship between blood flow in the descending aorta and UAs is consistent with the law for combining resistances in parallel. Measurements of the descending aorta PI, particularly in a scenario with discordant UAs, may inform the stability of the feto-placental circulation where discordant UA PIs are found., (© 2021 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.)

Purpose:  To describe the postnatal outcome of fetal meconium peritonitis and identify prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery., Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed all fetuses with ultrasound findings suspicious for meconium peritonitis at a single center over a 10-year period. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed pooling our results with previous studies assessing prenatally diagnosed meconium peritonitis and postnatal outcome. Prenatal sonographic findings were analyzed to identify predictors for postnatal surgery., Results:  34 cases suggestive of meconium peritonitis were diagnosed at our center. These were pooled with cases from 14 other studies yielding a total of 244 cases. Postnatal abdominal surgery was required in two thirds of case (66.5 %). The strongest predictor of neonatal surgery was meconium pseudocyst (OR [95 % CI] 6.75 [2.53-18.01]), followed by bowel dilation (OR [95 % CI] 4.17 [1.93-9.05]) and ascites (OR [95 % CI] 2.57 [1.07-5.24]). The most common cause of intestinal perforation and meconium peritonitis, found in 52.2 % of the cases, was small bowel atresia. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 9.8 % of cases. Short-term neonatal outcomes were favorable, with a post-operative mortality rate of 8.1 % and a survival rate of 100 % in neonates not requiring surgery., Conclusion:  Meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites are prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery in cases of meconium peritonitis. Fetuses with these findings should be delivered in centers with pediatric surgery services. Though the prognosis is favorable, cystic fibrosis complicates postnatal outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Little is known regarding fetal growth patterns in monochorionic twin pregnancy complicated by Type-III selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). We aimed to assess fetal growth and umbilical artery Doppler pattern in Type-III sFGR across gestation and evaluate the effect of changing Doppler flow pattern on growth and intertwin growth discordance., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all Type-III sFGR pregnancies managed at nine fetal centers over a 12-year time period. Higher-order multiple pregnancy and cases with major fetal anomaly or other monochorionicity-related complications at presentation were excluded. Estimated fetal weight (EFW) was assessed on ultrasound for each twin pair at five timepoints (16-20, 21-24, 25-28, 29-32 and > 32 weeks' gestation) and compared with singleton and uncomplicated monochorionic twin EFW. EFW and intertwin EFW discordance were compared between pregnancies with normalization of umbilical artery Doppler of the smaller twin later in pregnancy and those with persistently abnormal Doppler., Results: Overall, 328 pregnancies (656 fetuses) met the study criteria. In Type-III sFGR, the smaller twin had a lower EFW than an average singleton fetus (EFW Z-score ranging from -1.52 at 16 weeks to -2.69 at 36 weeks) and an average monochorionic twin in uncomplicated pregnancy (Z-score ranging from -1.73 at 16 weeks to -1.49 at 36 weeks) throughout the entire gestation, while the larger twin had a higher EFW than an average singleton fetus until 22 weeks' gestation and was similar in EFW to an average uncomplicated monochorionic twin throughout gestation. As pregnancy advanced, growth velocity of both twins decreased, with the larger twin remaining appropriately grown and the smaller twin becoming more growth restricted. Intertwin EFW discordance remained stable throughout gestation. On multivariable longitudinal modeling, normalization of fetal umbilical artery Doppler was associated with better growth of the smaller twin (P = 0.002) but not the larger twin (P = 0.1), without affecting the intertwin growth discordance (P = 0.09)., Conclusions: Abnormal fetal growth of the smaller twin in Type-III sFGR was evident early in pregnancy, while EFW of the larger twin remained normal throughout gestation. Normalization of umbilical artery Doppler was associated with improved fetal growth of the smaller twin. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology., (© 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Monoamniotic twin pregnancies are rare, but early diagnosis of such pregnancies is critical, as the incidence of complications in these pregnancies is much higher than in diamniotic or dichorionic twin pregnancies. Overall, only 70% of all monoamniotic twins will survive. Furthermore, approximately half of fetal deaths in these pregnancies are because of the high incidence of fetal anomalies (15%-25%), such as twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence and conjoined twinning. Therefore, early anatomy screening in the first trimester of pregnancy is recommended. Other causes of fetal death in these pregnancies include twin-twin transfusion syndrome, tight cord entanglement, or acute hemodynamic imbalances through the large placental vascular anastomoses. After viability, fetal surveillance can be intensified, as this decreases the risk of in utero death. Both inpatient and outpatient surveillance are reasonable. If otherwise uncomplicated, monoamniotic twins should be delivered at 33 to 34 weeks' gestation. Most centers will deliver by cesarean delivery, but some continue to advocate for vaginal delivery. Lastly, neonatal morbidity is high in monoamniotic twin pregnancies and is mainly related to prematurity., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Antiretroviral therapy-naïve pregnant women living with HIV are at an increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. It remains controversial whether this risk persists with antiretroviral therapy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether pregnant women living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy antenatally, are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with HIV-negative controls., Material and Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, EBM Reviews, PubMed (non-MEDLINE records), EBSCO CINAHL Complete, Clarivate Web of Science, African Index Medicus, LILACS and Google Scholar for all observational studies comparing pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy with HIV-negative controls from 1 January 1994 to 10 August 2021 with no language or geographic restrictions. Perinatal outcomes included preterm birth (PTB), low birthweight, small-for-gestational age and preeclampsia. Using a random-effects model we pooled raw data to generate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each outcome. Sub-analyses for high and low resource countries and time of antiretroviral therapy initiation were performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020182722., Results: Of the 7900 citations identified, 27 were eligible for analysis (12 636 pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and 7 812 115 HIV-negative controls). ORs (95% CI) of PTB (1.88 [1.63-2.17]), small-for-gestational age (1.60 [1.18-2.17]) and low birthweight (2.15 [1.58-2.92]) were significantly higher in pregnant women living with HIV than in HIV-negative women, while the risk of preeclampsia (0.86 [0.57-1.30]) was comparable. The risk of PTB and low birthweight was higher in both high resource and low resource countries, while the risk of small-for-gestational age was higher only in the former. Preconceptional antiretroviral therapy was associated with a higher risk of PTB compared with antenatal initiation., Conclusions: Pregnant women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy have an increased risk of PTB, low birthweight and small-for-gestational age in high resource countries, as well as PTB and low birthweight in low income countries compared with HIV-negative controls., (© 2021 The Authors. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NFOG).)

Background: The rate of cesarean delivery is continuously increasing with the leading indication being a previous cesarean delivery. For women with 1 previous cesarean delivery, it is generally agreed that the optimal timing of delivery by elective cesarean delivery is during the 39th week of gestation, whereas for women with ≥2 previous cesarean deliveries, the optimal delivery time remains debatable., Objective: To assess the maternal and neonatal risks associated with elective delivery at different gestational ages ranging from 37 0/7 to 39 6/7 weeks' gestation and to compare it with expectant management among women with at least 2 previous cesarean deliveries., Study Design: This was a retrospective, population-based cohort study of all women with at least 2 previous cesarean deliveries who delivered after 36 6/7 weeks of gestation in Ontario, Canada, between April 2012 and March 2019. Women with multifetal pregnancies or major fetal anomalies were excluded. For each completed gestational week, outcomes of women who had an elective repeat cesarean delivery at that week solely because of 2 previous cesarean deliveries were compared with the outcomes of those who were managed expectantly and delivered at a later gestational age. The primary outcome was a composite of maternal outcomes including mortality and severe maternal morbidity. Secondary outcomes were adverse neonatal outcomes., Results: A total of 26,522 women met the inclusion criteria. The maternal risk was similar for elective delivery at 37 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks of gestation compared with expectant management. However, elective delivery at 39 0/7 to 39 6/7 weeks' gestation was associated with a decreased risk for adverse outcomes when compared with expectant management (adjusted risk ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.91). For the neonate, elective delivery during the 37th week of gestation significantly increased the incidence of the composite adverse outcome than in an ongoing pregnancy (adjusted risk ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.01), but was comparable for elective delivery at 38 0/7 to 39 6/7 weeks' gestation and expectant management. The risk for an unplanned cesarean delivery increased from 6.5% before 38 weeks' gestation to 21.7% before 39 weeks' gestation and to 32.6% before 40 weeks' gestation., Conclusion: For women with ≥2 cesarean deliveries, elective delivery at 38 0/7 to 38 6/7 weeks' gestation likely represents the optimal balance between neonatal and maternal risk while decreasing the likelihood of an unplanned cesarean delivery., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We present an external portable module for transforming bright-field microscopy to differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy and digital holographic microscopy together. The module is composed of simple optical elements, positioned between the microscope output plane and the digital camera plane; thus, it can be integrated externally with existing microscopes. The proposed module enables polarization DIC imaging, without special polarization elements, under either white-light or coherent illumination, providing label-free imaging of biological samples, as recorded directly by the digital camera. In addition, by rotating one element inside the module, an off-axis hologram is created on the camera under coherent illumination, thus providing the possibility for reconstruction of the quantitative phase profile of the same sample. The method is demonstrated for imaging silica microspheres and biological cells.

Introduction: Since 2013, various guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy have been refined, no longer requiring proteinuria as a requisite criterion for preeclampsia. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the new definition on preterm birth (PTB) and adverse pregnancy outcomes., Material and Methods: Women delivering in Ontario between April 2012 and November 2016 were included. Delivery <24+0/7 weeks, major fetal anomalies or preexisting renal disease were excluded. The primary outcome was livebirth <37, <34 or <32 weeks. Rates, adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and ratio of the rate ratio (RRR) were used to compare outcomes in the 2 years after the new Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) guideline (December 2014-November 2016; period 2) vs the 2 years before (April 2012-March 2014; period 1), among women with and without preeclampsia., Results: In all, 268 543 and 267 964 births in periods 1 & 2, respectively, were included. Respective preeclampsia rates increased significantly from 3.9% to 4.4% (p < 0.001), with no change in maternal morbidity rates. In preeclamptic women, respective rates of PTB <37 weeks were 21.0% and 20.7% (aRR 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.02), with significant aRR for PTB <34 (0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96) and <32 weeks (0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.94). A similar aRR was observed in women without preeclampsia. In preeclamptic women, composite severe neonatal morbidity decreased after guideline change (aRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99), a finding not observed in women without preeclampsia (RRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-0.99)., Conclusions: The new definition of preeclampsia was associated with increased disease rates, a modest reduction in adverse neonatal outcomes and no change in maternal outcomes., (© 2021 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology (NFOG). Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Placental growth factor (PlGF) has shown promise in identification of placental fetal growth restriction (FGR). We aimed to investigate the association between PlGF and sonographic markers of placental dysfunction and assess its ability to diagnose FGR secondary to maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM)., Study Design: A retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses, who had PlGF testing at 16-36 weeks. Fetuses with major chromosomal and/or structural anomalies and pregnancies with missing outcomes were excluded. Sonographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes and placental histopathology were compared between pregnancies with normal and low PlGF (<10th percentile for gestational age). The diagnostic accuracy of PlGF for prediction of MVM was calculated., Results: 130 fetuses met inclusion criteria. Compared to normal PlGF (n = 65), pregnancies with low PlGF (n = 65) were associated with an estimated fetal weight < 5th centile (73.8% (48) vs 53% (35), respectively, p = 0.01), abnormal uterine, umbilical and MCA Dopplers (p = 0.001 for all), fetal demise (18.8% (12) vs 0% respectively, p = 0.01) and preterm delivery (100% (65) vs 39% (59), respectively, p < 0.001) . Low PlGF had a 70.1% (58.6-80.0) sensitivity and a 79.6% (64.7-90.2) specificity for identifying MVM, with an AUC of 0.73 (0.63-0.84). Positive and negative predictive values were 85.7% (76.8-91.2) and 60.3% (51.2-68.9), respectively. PlGF outperformed other parameters of placental FGR (uterine, umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and abdominal circumference < 5th centile), in isolation and when combined., Conclusion: PlGF is a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of placental FGR secondary to MVM., (Copyright © 2021 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The umbilical artery (UA) Doppler pulsatility index is used clinically to detect elevated feto-placental vascular resistance. However, this metric is confounded by variation in fetal cardiac function and is only moderately predictive of placental pathology. Our group developed a novel ultrasound methodology that measures wave reflections in the UA, thereby isolating a component of the Doppler signal that is specific to the placenta. The present study examined whether wave reflections in the UA are predictive of placental vascular pathology., Methods: Standard clinical Doppler ultrasound of the UAs was performed in 241 pregnant women. Of these, 40 women met narrowly defined preset criteria for the control group, 36 had maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and 16 had fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Using a computational procedure, the Doppler waveforms were decomposed into a pair of forward and backward propagating waves., Findings: Compared to controls, wave reflections were significantly elevated in women with either MVM (p<0.0001) or FVM pathology (p = 0.02). In contrast, the umbilical and uterine artery pulsatility indices were only elevated in the MVM group (p<0.0001) and there were no differences between women with FVM and the controls., Interpretation: The measurement of wave reflections in the UA, combined with standard clinical ultrasound parameters, has the potential to improve the diagnostic performance of UA Doppler to detect placental vascular pathology. Identifying women with FVM pathology is particularly challenging prenatally and future investigations will determine if women at risk of this specific placental disease could benefit from this novel diagnostic technique., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have nothing to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Although fetal brain injury due to COL4A1 gene mutation is well documented, fetal central nervous system (CNS) and placental histopathology lack description. We report CNS and placental pathology in fetal cases with symptomatic COL4A1 mutation., Methods: We retrieved four autopsy cases of COL4A1 related disease, confirmed by genetic sequencing after fetal brain injury was detected., Results: One case was a midgestation fetus with residua of ventricular zone hemorrhage and normal placental villi. Three cases were 30-32 week gestation fetuses: two demonstrated CNS small vessel thrombosis, with CNS injury. Both demonstrated high grade placental fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). One additionally showed villous dysmorphism, the other demonstrated mild villous immaturity. The fetus whose placenta demonstrated high grade FVM was growth restricted. A fourth fetus demonstrated schizencephaly with a CNS arteriopathy with smooth muscle cell degeneration and cerebral infarcts; the placenta demonstrated severe villous dysmorphism and low grade FVM., Discussion: These cases confirm that small vessel disease is important in producing intracranial pathology in COL4A1 mutation. We report an arteriopathy distinct from microvascular thrombosis and demonstrate that placental pathology is common in fetal COL4A1 related disease. This tentatively suggests that placental pathology may contribute to CNS abnormalities by affecting circulatory sufficiency.

Background: Fetal sex is known to affect pregnancy outcomes. In current clinical practice, monitoring of fetal well-being is based on Doppler ultrasound measurements of major placental and fetal vessels. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fetal sex on Doppler parameters throughout gestation in healthy pregnancy., Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 240 pregnant women with ultrasound examinations at a 4-weekly interval between 12 and 38 weeks of gestation. Pulsed Doppler spectra were collected for the umbilical arteries (UAs), middle cerebral artery (MCA), descending abdominal aorta (DAo), and ductus venosus (DV). Linear mixed effects models were used to determine if the pulsatility indices (PIs) of these vessels depended on gestational age and fetal sex., Results: While there were no differences in the MCA PI and DV PIV over gestation between female and male fetuses, the trajectory of the UA and DAo PIs differed by fetal sex (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively)., Conclusions: Doppler ultrasound parameters were found to be dependent on fetal sex for some vessels and not for others in healthy pregnancies. Further investigations are needed to understand the physiological mechanisms for these sex differences and the relevance for disease processes in pregnancy.

Objective: This study was aimed to assess the utility of diagnostic tests of maternal and fetal infection in the evaluation of stillbirth., Study Design: A single-center retrospective study from January 2011 to December 2016 of all women presenting to the hospital with intrauterine fetal death at or after 20 weeks of gestation. Standard evaluation included review of medical records, clinical and laboratory inflammatory workup, maternal serologies, fetal autopsy, placental pathology, and fetal and placental cultures. A suspected infectious etiology was defined as meeting at least two diagnostic criteria, and only after exclusion of any other identifiable stillbirth cause., Results: During the 7-year study period, 228 cases of stillbirth were diagnosed at our center. An infectious etiology was the suspected cause of stillbirth in 35 cases (15.3%). The mean gestational age of infection-related stillbirth was 28 1/7 (range: 22-37) weeks, while for a noninfectious etiology, it was 34 0/7 (range: 25-38) weeks ( p  = 0.005). Placental histological findings diagnostic of overt chorioamnionitis and funisitis were observed in 31 (88.5%) cases. In 16 (45.7%) cases the placental and fetal cultures were positive for the same pathogen. Serology of acute infection was positive in three (8.5%) of the cases., Conclusion: Maternal and fetal infectious workup is valuable in the investigation of stillbirth, particularly before 30 weeks of gestation and should be considered a part of standard evaluation., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is growing evidence of sex differences in placental vascular development. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fetal sex on uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) throughout gestation in a cohort of normal and complicated pregnancies., Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in 240 pregnant women. Pulsed wave Doppler ultrasound of the proximal uterine arteries was performed at a 4-weekly interval between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation. The patients were classified retrospectively as normal or complicated (one or more of maternal preeclampsia, preterm birth, or small for gestational age). To assess if the change in uterine artery PI during gestation differed between normal and complicated pregnancies and between fetal sexes, the uterine artery PI was modeled using a linear function of gestational age and the rate of change was estimated from the slope., Results: While the uterine artery PI did not differ over gestation between females and males for normal pregnancies, the trajectory of this index differed by fetal sex for pregnancies complicated by either preeclampsia, preterm birth, or fetal growth restriction (p < 0.0001). The male fetuses in the complicated pregnancy group had an elevated slope compared to the other groups (p < 0.0001), suggesting a more progressive deterioration in uteroplacental perfusion over gestation., Conclusions: The uterine artery PI is widely used to assess uteroplacental function in clinical settings. The observation that this metric changes more rapidly in complicated pregnancies where the fetus was male highlights the importance of sex when interpreting hemodynamic markers of placental maturation.

Objective: To compare perinatal outcomes associated with three methods of selective reduction in complicated monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies: bipolar cord coagulation (BC), fetoscopic or ultrasound guided laser cord occlusion and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)., Methods: Retrospective cohort study of complicated MC twin pregnancies undergoing selective fetal reduction at a tertiary fetal center over a 20-year period. Obstetric and perinatal outcomes were compared., Results: 105 procedures met inclusion criteria: 74 RFAs, 17 lasers and 14 BCs. Procedure duration was significantly shorter for RFA (27.4 ± 15.8 minutes) compared to BC (91.7 ± 38.7 minutes) and laser (83.4 ± 40.4 minutes), P < .0001). The incidence of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and co-twin demise did not differ between groups, however preterm delivery <34 weeks occurred less frequently following RFA (29.7%), compared to laser (64.7%) or BC (42.9%) (P = .02); delivery <37 weeks was also less frequent following RFA (45.9%), compared to laser (76.5%) or BC (78.6%)(P = .01). The difference in preterm birth<34 weeks between RFA and laser was maintained after adjusting for cord occlusion indication and amnionicity (OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.27-12.31)., Conclusions: In our experience, RFA procedures were simpler, faster and associated with a lower risk of preterm delivery <34 and <37 weeks, compared to laser or BC., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Maternally administered corticosteroids are routinely used to accelerate fetal lung maturation in pregnancies at risk of early preterm delivery. Although, among the subgroup with growth restriction, a majority show a temporary improvement in umbilical artery Doppler waveforms that may be sustained up to 7 days, a minority will acutely decompensate in response to corticosteroids in association with deteriorating umbilical and fetal Doppler waveforms. The basis for such acute Doppler changes is presently unknown. Our group has developed a noninvasive ultrasound methodology to measure wave reflections in the umbilical artery and have established that wave reflection metrics are sensitive to structural changes in the placental vasculature and to acute changes in vascular tone. Using this approach, we demonstrated in healthy pregnant mice that fetoplacental vascular resistance decreased in betamethasone-treated mice compared with saline-treated controls., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of betamethasone administration on the wave reflection metrics in a mouse model of fetal growth restriction and to compare these findings with equivalent measurements in human fetuses., Study Design: Pregnant CD-1 mice were housed from embryonic day 14.5 to embryonic day 17.5 in either a normoxic (21% O 2 , n=24) or hypoxic environment (11% O 2 , n=22), the latter being an established mouse model of fetal growth restriction. To investigate the effect of maternally administered betamethasone on the fetoplacental vasculature, ultrasound imaging was performed at baseline and 4 hours after treatment (either betamethasone or sterile saline). Umbilical artery wave reflection metrics were compared between the groups and for the effect of fetal sex. In addition, a cohort of 10 pregnant women with elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index and evidence of fetal growth restriction and 6 controls were imaged before and after corticosteroid administration., Results: In the mouse model, after betamethasone administration, the female fetuses from the hypoxia group showed a 15% increase in umbilical artery diameter, a 98% increase in umbilical artery blood flow, and a 27% decrease in umbilical artery reflection coefficient, whereas the males from the hypoxia group showed no substantial changes. In agreement with our mouse findings, umbilical artery reflections were found to be larger in human growth-restricted fetuses than controls in women at risk of preterm birth., Conclusion: Our studies provide insight into the mechanism whereby the human growth-restricted fetus may exhibit a temporary favorable fetoplacental vascular response to maternally administered corticosteroids. Further investigations are needed to understand why the male growth-restricted fetus seems unable to mount this favorable vascular response., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to identify the frequency of potentially preventable causes of stillbirth in a large heterogeneous population., Study Design: This is a retrospective study of all stillbirth cases between January 2011 and December 2016 at a single tertiary medical center. Deliveries resulting from a nonviable fetus prior to 24 weeks of gestation, intrapartum fetal death, and incomplete stillbirth workup were excluded. Potentially preventable stillbirth was defined as that of a nonanomalous fetus that most likely resulted from one or more of the following: (1) placental-mediated complications, (2) postterm pregnancy, (3) monochorionicity-associated complications, (4) cholestasis of pregnancy, (5) preventable or treatable infections, and (6) isoimmunization., Results: During the study period, 312 stillbirths were identified, 228 of which met the inclusion criteria. Of the 110 cases with a recognized cause, 47 (20.6%) were potentially preventable. The most common causes were placental-mediated complications and preventable or treatable infections, accounting for 75 and 9% of all potentially preventable causes, respectively. There were no recognizable maternal risk factors for potentially preventable stillbirth., Conclusion: One-fifth of all causes of stillbirth are potentially preventable. Due to the significant contribution of placental-mediated complications to preventable stillbirth, close sonographic surveillance and timely delivery may decrease risk substantially., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: Our aim was to examine the effect of the number of catheterizations during labor on the development of overt postpartum urinary retention (PUR) in women who had a vaginal delivery with epidural anesthesia., Methods: A single-center retrospective matched case-control study between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. Women who developed overt PUR were compared with those who did not following a singleton vaginal delivery with epidural anesthesia. For each study two controls, matched for maternal age, gestational age at delivery, and parity, were selected. Each woman's controls were the immediate subsequent or previous delivery that met matching criteria., Results: Two hundred parturients with overt PUR were matched with 400 parturients without overt PUR. In univariate analysis, women with PUR underwent significantly more catheterizations during labor, had an epidural for a longer period of time, and were more likely to have undergone a vacuum-assisted delivery and a mediolateral episiotomy (p < 0.01 for all). In multivariate analysis controlling for epidural duration, episiotomy, and vacuum-assisted delivery, the risk of PUR among women with at least two catheterizations was greater when fewer catheterizations were performed (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.61-0.99). When controlling for the number of catheterizations overall, episiotomy, and vacuum-assisted delivery, PUR risk significantly increased with a longer epidural duration (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.17-1.29). Episiotomy and vacuum-assisted delivery had no significant effect on PUR., Conclusions: The risk of PUR decreases as the number of catheterizations increases. Although longer epidural duration independently increases the risk of PUR, episiotomy and vacuum-assisted delivery do not.

To study the effect of very advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes. A retrospective cohort study of women aged 45 years and above, who delivered ≥22 weeks of gestation in a single tertiary center between 1/ 2011 and 12/ 2018. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between women ≥50 years and women of 45-49 years at delivery. Of 83,661 parturients, 593 (0.7%) were 45-49 years old and 64 (0.07%) were ≥50 years old. Obstetrical characteristics were comparable, though the rate of chronic hypertension and preeclampsia with severe features were greater in women ≥50 years (6.2% vs 1.4%, p = 0.04, 15.6% vs 7.0%, p = 0.01, 95% CI 0.19-0.86, respectively). Elective cesarean deliveries were independently associated with advanced maternal age ≥50 (OR 2.63 95% CI 1.21-5.69). Neonatal outcomes were comparable for singletons, but rates of ventilatory support and composite severe neonatal outcomes were higher in twin pregnancies of women ≥50 years (42.8% vs 13.5%, p = 0.01, and 21.4% vs 4.0%, p = 0.03, respectively). Healthy women ≥50 have higher elective cesarean rates, despite similar maternal and neonatal characteristics.

Objective: To perform a systematic review of success rates of trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) and maternal and neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancy versus elective repeat cesarean delivery (ERCD)., Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from data inception to May 2018 with no language or regional restrictions, to identify all studies that compared twin TOLAC and ERCD for maternal and/or neonatal outcomes. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. We assessed the pooled relative risk and mean difference using a random-effects model. The pooled event rates for successful VBAC, cesarean delivery for twin B after vaginal delivery of twin A, and uterine rupture were determined., Results: Of the 841 citations identified, 10 were eligible for analysis (2336 TOLAC cases and 5763 ERCD cases). The pooled event rates for successful VBAC and uterine rupture during TOLAC were 72.2% (95% CI 59.7%-83.2%) and 0.87% (95% CI 0.51%-1.31%), respectively. TOLAC was associated with a significantly higher risk of neonatal death (RR 3.02 [95% CI 1.07-8.54]) with no significant differences in mean gestational age at birth, NICU admission rates, or 5-minute Apgar <7. Although the risk for maternal infectious morbidity was significantly lower with TOLAC (RR 0.48 [95% CI 0.25-0.90]), risks of uterine dehiscence, blood transfusions, and hysterectomy were comparable., Conclusions: Twin TOLAC is associated with a relatively high rate of successful vaginal delivery and a low risk of uterine rupture. The finding of higher neonatal mortality rates may be influenced by prematurity, but requires further investigation., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Hyponatremia during labor and delivery may result in severe maternal and neonatal sequelae. Our aim was to describe the direct effect of hyponatremia in labor on pregnancy outcome., Methods: A case series of parturients diagnosed with hyponatremia during labor and their neonates. Clinical presentation, laboratory workup, and maternal and neonatal outcomes are presented., Results: Four parturients and their corresponding six neonates were diagnosed with hyponatremia. Of these, two cases were caused by water intoxication and two were preeclampsia induced. While two were identified due to maternal or neonatal symptoms, two were diagnosed by routine laboratory testing. In all cases, low maternal sodium resulted in similarly low neonatal sodium. Neonatal symptoms included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), lethargy, and jaundice., Conclusion: Psychogenic drinking during labor and preeclampsia may predispose to maternal hyponatremia, resulting in neonatal hyponatremia. Early recognition and treatment can prevent further maternal deterioration and adverse neonatal sequelae.

Background: Intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring is well recommended during labor to assess fetal wellbeing. Though commonly used, the external Doppler and fetal scalp electrode monitor have significant shortcomings. Lately, non-invasive technologies were developed as possible alternatives., Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of FHR trace using novel Electronic Uterine Monitoring (EUM) to that of external Doppler and fetal scalp electrode monitor., Material and Methods: A comparative study conducted in a single tertiary medical center. Intrapartum FHR trace was recorded simultaneously using three different methods: internal fetal scalp electrode, external Doppler, and EUM. The latter, a multichannel electromyogram (EMG) device acquires a uterine signal and maternal and fetal electrocardiograms. FHR traces obtained from all devices during the first and second stages of labor were analyzed. Positive percent of agreement (PPA) and accuracy (by measuring root means square error between observed and predicted values) of EUM and external Doppler were both compared to internal scalp electrode monitoring. A Bland-Altman agreement plot was used to compare the differences in FHR trace between all modalities. For momentary recordings of fetal heart rate <110 bpm or >160 bpm level of agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were also evaluated., Results: Overall, 712,800 FHR momentary recordings were obtained from 33 parturients. Although both EUM and external Doppler highly correlated with internal scalp electrode monitoring (r 2  = 0.98, p < .001 for both methods), the accuracy of EUM was significantly higher than external Doppler (99.0% versus 96.6%, p < .001). In addition, for fetal heart rate <110 bpm or >160 bpm, the PPA, sensitivity, and specificity of EUM as compared with internal fetal scalp electrode, were significantly greater than those of external Doppler (p < .001)., Conclusion: Intrapartum FHR using EUM is both valid and accurate, yielding higher correlations with internal scalp electrode monitoring than external Doppler. As such, it may provide a good framework for non-invasive evaluation of intrapartum FHR.

Objective: To measure the difference between first-trimester and postpartum visceral adipose tissue (VAT), the agreement of this difference with change in body mass index, and whether a difference in VAT is associated with insulin resistance or glucose mishandling., Methods: Prospective study of 93 women with singleton pregnancies without a history of diabetes. Visceral adipose tissue depth was sonographically assessed at 11 to 14 weeks and at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. Metabolic measures, sampled at 24 to 28 weeks and 6 to 12 weeks postpartum, included homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index composite, and area under the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test curve., Results: First-trimester VAT depth explained only 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22-52) of the variation in postpartum VAT depth. There was limited agreement between the net change in postpartum minus first-trimester VAT depth and that same net change for body mass index (Cohen's kappa, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.05-0.47). Those with a net gain in VAT depth demonstrated poorer insulin sensitivity index postpartum than women with a net regression in VAT depth-a difference of -2.0 (95% CI, -3.3 to -0.69)., Conclusion: Sonographic assessment of postpartum VAT is feasible and may provide insight to metabolic changes between pregnancy and postpartum, beyond body mass index., (© 2018 by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess risk factors and complications of manual placental removal., Materials and Methods: An historical prospective study of all parturients undergoing manual placental removal between 2012 and 2014. Parturients were matched by time of delivery with parturients delivering vaginally with spontaneous placental separation. Multiple gestations, preterm deliveries, incomplete placental separation and uterine malformations were excluded. Delivery characteristics and short-term complications were studied. Telephone questionnaires were conducted to assess the likelihood of invasive procedures performed for retained products of conception (RPOC) up to 12 weeks postpartum., Results: Overall 293 (1.5% of all vaginal deliveries) were complicated by manual placental removal. Independent risk factors included advanced maternal age (odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.12), previous manual removal (OR 9.27, 95% CI 3.15-27.31), regional anesthesia (OR 3.49, 95% CI 2.14-5.70), and labor induction (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.12-2.88). Short-term complications included blood product transfusions (OR 18.26 95% CI 5.37-62.13) and prolonged hospitalization (OR 1.51 95% CI 1.06-2.16). Invasive procedures for removal of RPOC occurred in 12.2% of women in the study groups and in none of the women in the control group (p < .001)., Conclusions: Manual placental removal harbors short- and long-term complications, including a high likelihood of RPOC necessitating further invasive procedures.

Aims: The study aimed to compare the clinical course and disease severity between culture positive and culture negative patients with intra-uterine devices (IUD)-associated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)., Methods: A retrospective study of all IUD-associated PID patients admitted to tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2015. All patients received standard empiric antibiotic therapy upon admission. The study cohort was divided into 2: patients with culture positive IUDs and patients with negative cultures. Electronic medical records and culture results were analyzed from the time of admission., Results: During the study period, 480 hospitalized patients were diagnosed with PID. Of these, 94 patients had IUD-associated PID, 59 with positive cultures and 35 with negative cultures. While fever was more common in the latter (p = 0.01), no significant differences were found in disease severity in patient outcomes (i.e., length of stay, rates of invasive treatment, and total abdominal hysterectomies). In a sub-analysis of patients with IUD cultures of established PID pathogens only, there were no differences in disease severity and outcome in patients with antibiotic susceptible or resistant strains., Conclusions: IUD removal for culture in PID patients is probably unnecessary. Alteration of treatment according to the culture results may have little impact on disease course and outcome., (© 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Introduction: Pericallosal lipomas (PCL) are congenital soft masses of adipose cells encapsulated by a thin layer of fibrous tissue, appearing adjacent to the corpus callosum (CC). The lipomas are usually diagnosed prenatally during the third trimester. The purpose of this study was to identify 2nd trimester ultrasound findings that may hint to a later diagnosis of PCL and to evaluate their MRI evolution., Methods: A multicenter study of fetuses diagnosed during the 3rd trimester with a PCL in 7 fetal ultrasound units between 2001 and 2017. We reevaluated the ultrasound and MRI images starting from the referral examination and until the time of diagnosis, searching for clues that could have prompted an earlier diagnosis. Parents were contacted at the end of the study period to obtain information regarding development and neurological examination., Results: Fifteen patients with PCL were diagnosed during the study period; fourteen had second trimester scans. A 2nd trimester diagnosis was established in only 2 (13.3%). Anomalies of the CC were evident in 8/14 patients during the 2nd trimester scan and included: short length (n = 4), increased thickness (n = 1), complete agenesis (n = 2) and partial agenesis (n = 1). Third trimester ultrasound scans were considered diagnostic of PCL in all 12 remaining cases, in eight it was considered an isolated finding. Postnatal neurological evaluation in the isolated cases revealed normal development in all children. One child was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder., Conclusions: Non visualization of a PCL during the 2nd trimester is common, and should not be considered a diagnostic error. An underlying PCL should be included in the differential diagnosis of CC anomalies during this time period, necessitating further follow up into the 3rd trimester., (Copyright © 2018 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Increased birthweight is a risk factor for early neonatal complications, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disease later in adulthood. We aimed to assess birthweight trends and the rate of large for gestational age newborns in women in their third delivery according to birthweight in the first and second deliveries., Study Design: A retrospective cohort study of all women who delivered their first three consecutive deliveries in a single medical center (1994-2013). Only non-diabetic women with term (≥ 37 weeks) singleton deliveries in all three deliveries were included. BW centile (according to local gender- and gestational age-specific birth curves) trends between deliveries was assessed. In addition, the risk for large for gestational age (≥ 90th centile) infants in the third delivery was assessed according to the presence or absence of large for gestational age in previous deliveries. Pregnancies complicated by multiple gestations, preeclampsia, chronic or gestational hypertension or fetal anomalies were excluded., Results: Of the 121,728 deliveries during the study period, 3521 women (10,563 deliveries [8.6%]) met inclusion criteria. Mean birthweight centile in the first, second and third deliveries were 47.2 ± 26.3, 58.3 ± 25.8 and 61.5 ± 24.7, respectively (p < 0.001). While 45.9% women had their maximal birthweight centile in the third delivery, only 16.5% had it in the first delivery (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, adjusted for maternal age, gestational age at delivery and neonatal gender, the rate of large for gestational age infants in the third delivery was increased as the number of previous large for gestational age deliveries increased in a dose-dependent pattern (aOR = 4.37, CI  2.89-6.61 for women with large for gestational age infant only in the first delivery, aOR = 5.31, CI   4.15-6.79 for women with large for gestational age infants only in the second delivery, aOR = 10.62, CI  6.89-16.38 for women with large for gestational infants age in the first and second deliveries; women with no large for gestational age infants in both the first and second delivery served as reference group)., Conclusion: In women with repeated term deliveries, birthweight centile is frequently increased in the third delivery compared to the previous two deliveries. Moreover, the number and order of previous large for gestational age deliveries in the first two deliveries are major risk factors for large for gestational age in the third delivery.

The present literature review was conducted to evaluate early diabetes screening in pregnancy. The review focuses on the various guidelines for early screening, the target populations for screening, and the assessment of various early screening targets and strategies. The advantages and disadvantages of each screening method are highlighted. The review emphasizes that there are no validated criteria for selecting high-risk pregnant women for early screening. The different early screening modalities, including fasting plasma glucose, random plasma glucose, postload glucose, and hemoglobin A1c, lack concordance and have not been validated for the early diagnosis of diabetes in pregnancy. Moreover, the benefit of early screening by earlier initiation of treatment has not been shown. Until a randomized controlled trial demonstrates benefit to screening and validates a particular screening method, it is not possible to provide evidence to support any single strategy for early diabetes screening in pregnancy., (© 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Objective: To assess the benefit of a hemoglobin cutoff of 105 g/L as a trigger for anemia evaluation during the second trimester of pregnancy., Methods: The present cross-sectional study, conducted at a health center in Israel between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, included pregnant women with hemoglobin values below 105 g/L who were assessed for anemia. Anemia workup included complete blood count, serum ferritin and vitamin B12 measurements, and hemoglobin electrophoresis. The primary outcome was the incidence of nondilutional anemia, defined by a positive workup, across predefined hemoglobin thresholds. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created to identify the best hemoglobin threshold for predicting anemia, mandating further evaluation., Results: In total, 651 women with singleton and 300 women with twin pregnancies were evaluated for nondilutional anemia. Of these, 340 (52.2%) and 127 (42.3%) women, respectively, had positive workup results. The most common cause was iron deficiency. The hemoglobin values that best predicted positive workup results were 100 g/L in singleton pregnancies and 97 g/L in twin pregnancies., Conclusion: Anemia evaluation could be unnecessary in pregnant women with a hemoglobin value of 100-105 g/L. Consideration should be given to redefining anemia in singleton and twin pregnancies., (© 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Objective:  The objective of this study was to assess the hemodynamics of labor, delivery, and 48 hours postpartum in women undergoing vaginal and cesarean deliveries by utilizing a whole body bioimpedance-based device., Materials and Methods:  A prospective longitudinal single-center observational study was performed between September 2014 and September 2015. The hemodynamics of low-risk women undergoing spontaneous vaginal delivery were compared with those undergoing elective cesarean sections. Cardiac index (CI), stroke index, total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed at different time points during delivery and in the immediate postpartum period (1, 24, and 48 hours postpartum)., Results:  Eighty-seven women were evaluated, 63 parturients in the vaginal delivery group and 24 in the cesarean delivery group. Normal vaginal delivery was characterized by a reduction in MAP and CI after epidural anesthesia, whereas elective cesarean sections were characterized by a rise in MAP and CI after spinal anesthesia. As labor progressed, CI increased reaching its peak during the second stage. Immediately following delivery, TPRI declined to its nadir with no significant change in CI. As opposed to vaginal delivery, in cesarean delivery, TPRI peaked within 1-hour postpartum resulting in a significant decline in CI., Conclusion:  Whole body bioimpedance can be used effectively to assess the hemodynamics of vaginal and cesarean deliveries., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: S.L. is a consultant for NI Medical, and all other authors report no potential conflict of interest., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Objective: To assess the efficacy of doubling the daily dose of iron supplement in iron-deficient women with twin pregnancies., Study Design: Using a prospective randomized controlled trial, iron-deficient women with twin gestations were randomized to receive a single or a double dose of daily iron from 16 weeks of gestation until 6 weeks postpartum. The primary outcome was hemoglobin at 32 weeks. Secondary outcomes included ferritin at 32 weeks, hemoglobin during pregnancy and postpartum, birth weights, preterm birth rate, gastrointestinal side effects, intravenous iron administration, and compliance with treatment., Results: Eighty-five and 87 women were randomized to receive one capsule (group A) or two capsules (group B) of 34 mg of ferrous sulfate, respectively. Mean hemoglobin (9.6 g/dL and 9.7 g/dL) and ferritin (8.6 ng/ml and 8.5 ng/ml) were similar in both groups A and B, respectively, at allocation. Hemoglobin in group B was significantly higher from 32 weeks onward, until 6 weeks postpartum. There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes examined., Conclusions: In twin pregnancies complicated by iron deficiency anemia, doubling the dose of iron increases hemoglobin and ferritin without worsening gastrointestinal side effects.

Background: To evaluate the association between gestational age at presentation and interval to delivery in women with early spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD)., Methods: A retrospective cohort study of women who presented with threatened preterm labor (tPTL) and intact membranes and had a spontaneous PTD <34 weeks in a university-affiliated hospital (2009-2015). The interval from presentation to delivery was compared between different gestational age subgroups., Results: Of 67 550 deliveries during the study period, 252 met inclusion criteria. This cohort was divided to three gestational age subgroups at presentation: 24-28 6/7 weeks (n = 83), 29-31 6/7 weeks (n = 61) and 32-33 6/7 weeks (n = 108). Median time from presentation to delivery was 24.5 h. An inverse relation was observed between gestational age at presentation and admission-delivery interval (group A: 74.7 h, group B: 21.0 h, group C: 14.0 h, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Gestational age at presentation is inversely related to admission-delivery interval in women with tPTL and intact membranes.

Objective: In patients with pre-gestational and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), insulin requirements often increase during the third trimester of pregnancy in order to maintain proper glycemic control. However, a fraction of patients demonstrate a significant decrease in insulin requirements in late gestation. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of decreasing insulin requirements in patients with pre-gestational diabetes and GDM with respect to fetal wellbeing and pregnancy outcome., Study Design: We performed a retrospective cohort study in a single referral center for gestational diabetes between 1/2010 and 12/2014. Healthy pregnant women with pre-gestational diabetes and GDMA2 and a decrease of at least 30% in insulin requirements over a period of two weeks during the third trimester (group A) were compared to women with stable or increasing insulin requirements (group B). The primary outcome was a composite of situations associated with feto-placental dysfunction (fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios and cesarean section due to category 2-3 monitor). Secondary outcomes were maternal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results 6 weeks postpartum, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates, Apgar scores ≤7 at 5min, arterial blood pH≤7.1, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia and a composite adverse neonatal outcomes (defined as one or more of the following: respiratory morbidity, cerebral morbidity, phototherapy, need for blood transfusion, necrotizing enterocolitis or death)., Results: Group A consisted of 101 women and group B - of 203 women. There were no differences between the groups in demographic characteristics or diagnostic characteristics of diabetes. The frequency of conditions related to feto-placental dysfunction did not differ between the groups (7.9% vs. 8.4%, p=0.61). Secondary outcome measures also did not differ between the groups, regardless of insulin requirements., Conclusion: Decreasing insulin requirements during the third trimester are not associated with adverse perinatal outcome related to placental dysfunction., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective  To assess the role of placental cultures in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicated by chorioamnionitis and to determine the effect of positive cultures on short-term neonatal outcomes. Design  A retrospective single-center study. The medical records of all women with PPROM between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, were reviewed. Cases were divided into placental culture positive (group A) and placental culture negative (group B) groups. Maternal and pregnancy characteristics as well as short-term neonatal outcomes were compared between groups. Results  During the 5-year study period, 61 cases of clinical chorioamnionitis complicating PPROM were diagnosed: 25 cases were culture positive (group A) and 36 were culture negative (group B). Neonatal outcome measures, including Apgar score at 5 minutes ( p  = 0.028; odds ratio [OR]: 5.27; confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-23.34), respiratory distress syndrome ( p  = 0.026; OR: 4.11; CI: 1.18-14.25), and neonatal infection ( p  < 0.0001; OR: 11.59; CI: 3.37-39.87) were significantly more common in group A newborns, regardless of gestational age at delivery as was the composite neonatal outcome ( p  = 0.017; OR: 7.35: CI: 1.42-37.79). Placental isolates were primarily Streptococci and Escherichia coli . Conclusion  Placental cultures may be an essential predictor of neonatal morbidity in PPROM and may contribute to the modification of neonatal treatment., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: None., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Purpose: Sterilization via bilateral total salpingectomy is slowly replacing partial salpingectomy, as it is believed to decrease the incidence of ovarian cancer. Our objective was to compare short-term intra and post-operative complication rates of bilateral total salpingectomy versus partial salpingectomy performed during the course of a cesarean delivery., Methods: A large series of tubal sterilizations during cesarean sections were studied in a single tertiary medical center between 1/2014 and 8/2016 before and after a policy change was made, switching from partial salpingectomy to total salpingectomy. Patients who underwent bilateral partial salpingectomy using the modified Pomeroy technique were compared with those who underwent total salpingectomy. Operative length, estimated blood loss, postpartum fever, wound infection, need for re-laparotomy, hospitalization length, and blood transfusions were compared., Results: During the study period, 149 women met inclusion criteria. Fifty parturients underwent bilateral total salpingectomy and 99 underwent partial salpingectomy in the course of the cesarean section. Demographic, obstetrical, and surgical characteristics were similar in both groups. Mean cesarean section duration was comparable for partial salpingectomy and total salpingectomy (a median of 35 min in both groups, P = 0.92). Complications were rare in both groups with no significant differences in rates of postpartum fever, wound infection, re-laparotomy, hospitalization length, estimated blood loss, transfusions, and readmissions within 1-month postpartum., Conclusion: Rates of short-term complications are similar in patients undergoing bilateral partial salpingectomy and total salpingectomy during cesarean deliveries, making the latter a feasible alternative to the former.

Objective: To estimate the risk of placenta-mediated complications in women in their third delivery according to their obstetric history in the first and second deliveries., Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all women with singleton pregnancies who delivered their first three consecutive deliveries in a single medical center over a 20-year period (1994-2013). The risk of placenta-mediated complications in the third delivery, that is, hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, placental abruption, and small for gestational age (SGA less than the 10th percentile), was assessed according to the presence or absence of complications in previous deliveries. Pregnancies complicated by multiple gestations or fetal anomalies were excluded., Results: Of the 121,728 deliveries during the study period, 4,472 women (13,416 deliveries [11.0%]) met inclusion criteria. The rate of placenta-mediated complications in the third delivery was 5.9% (n=264). The most prevalent placenta-mediated complication was SGA. The risk of each placenta-mediated complication was greater the higher the incidence of placenta-mediated complications in prior pregnancies. In multivariate analysis, that risk was significantly associated with the number and order of complications in previous deliveries in a dose-dependent pattern: with no complications in either their first or second deliveries as a reference (n=3,650), the adjusted odds ratio (and 95% confidence intervals) was 4.35 (3.03-6.24) for complications in the first delivery but not the second delivery (n=532); 6.41 (3.95-10.38) for complications in the second delivery but not the first delivery (n=179); and 8.28 (4.72-14.58) for complications in both first and second deliveries (n=111), (P<.001)., Conclusion: The number and order of previous placenta-mediated complications in the first two deliveries are major risk factors for recurrence in the third delivery. Previous SGA was the strongest risk factor for recurrence of SGA and other placenta-mediated complications.