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Influenza is associated with an increased risk for serious illness, hospitalization, and death in pregnant women and young infants. Our aim was to estimate the effectiveness of a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIV) in pregnant women and their infants during 2019-2020.A QIV vaccine was offered to pregnant women followed in a maternity hospital. Women were contacted weekly during the influenza season and asked about symptoms. Polymerase chain reaction testing in pharyngeal samples was offered to pregnant women and infants with influenza-like illness. A Bayesian beta-binomial model was used.We studied 636 pregnant women (406 vaccinated and 230 unvaccinated) and 474 infants (281 of mothers vaccinated in pregnancy and 193 of unvaccinated mothers). Using a Bayesian beta-binomial model, it was estimated that influenza vaccination of pregnant women reduced their logit to develop laboratory-confirmed influenza by -4.2 (95% CI -3,7 - 4,7) and the logit of their infants to develop laboratory-confirmed influenza by -4.2 (95% CI -3.6, -4.9). The QIV effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza was 43.5% in pregnant women and 31.4% in infants.Maternal influenza vaccination with QIV in pregnancy reduced the odds of pregnant women and their infants to develop influenza.www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT04723771.

Purpose to explore the value of measuring maternal serum PLGF in the prediction of the outcome of microsomic fetuses. Methods Singleton pregnancies referred with suspicion of microsomia were included if they had: no indication for nor signs of imminent delivery, fetal abdominal circumference (AC) at or below the 10th centile and/or estimated fetal weight (EFW) at or below the 10th centile and/or umbilical artery pulsatility index (Umb-PI) at or above the 90th centile for gestation. Women with pre-eclampsia at presentation were excluded. Maternal blood was drawn at the first (index) visit and analyzed retrospectively. Results 51 fetuses were examined. Multiple regression analysis showed that history of microsomia, index EFW and PLGF were significant predictors of the birthweight centile; index femur length centile and PLGF were significant predictors of pre-eclampsia; PLGF and index systolic blood pressure were significant predictors of iatrogenic preterm delivery

Objectives We designed an electronic query that was distributed to healthcare workers in order to evaluate their attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination of women that wish to conceive and those that are pregnant. Methods An electronic survey was designed and distributed through a network of 5.654 e-mails. The query was uploaded in Google Forms. Results Overall, 1,226 answers were retrieved. Ninety percent of respondents replied that they prescribe COVID-19 vaccination in women that wish to conceive, however, the rate falls to 80% for those that have schedules for imminent artificial reproductive techniques. Approximately 1 in 2 physicians (obstetricians and pediatricians) suggests that a delay in assisted reproduction following immunization is not recommended. At least 13% of women of reproductive age and 30% of women wishing to conceive with ART declined to do so according to respondents, report. Only 75% of respondents favored immunization during pregnancy and of those 48% responded that vaccination could be done in all trimesters of pregnancy. Approximately 40% of women decline; however, to receive vaccination. Conclusions Despite the directions provided by international organizations; physician and patient hesitancy towards vaccination during pregnancy (and particularly the first trimester) remains an issue that deserves further attention.

The objective is to examine the incidence of agenesis of fetal ductus venosus (DV) at the routine ultrasound examination at 11-13 weeks.This is a retrospective study on women presenting for screening for chromosomal abnormalities. The fetal DV was routinely examined by color Doppler in the sagittal view.Out of 8,304 fetuses examined, there were 13 cases of DV agenesis (0.15%). The umbilical vein drainage was intra-hepatic in two-thirds of the cases, and all resulted in normal live births. In the remaining one-third of cases, the umbilical vein drained to the inferior vena cava and all had a poor outcome because of aneuploidies, cardiac defects, and Noonan syndrome.Fetal DV agenesis occurs in about one in 650 fetuses and the majority of cases have a benign course and a favorable outcome. Failure to identify the DV should prompt a detailed ultrasound examination, identification of the drainage site of the umbilical vein, and genetic testing.

The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive value of low levels of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) during the first trimester on adverse pregnancy outcomes, namely pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and fetal loss.This is a prospective cohort study including 2636 women with singleton pregnancies that attended the Prenatal Diagnosis Unit of the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in "Alexandra Hospital" between 2017 and 2019 for the first trimester combined screening routine scan. The study population was divided into two groups according to their PAPP-A levels. The cut-off value of the PAPP-A level was defined as the 0.4 multiple of median (MoM) which is in correspondence with the fifth centile. The women were followed-up prospectively until delivery and the primary outcome measures were the incidence of PIH, PE, IUGR (10th centile), and fetal loss. Results: PAPP-A levels of ≤0.4 MoM were associated with increased maternal body mass index (BMI), increased uterine arteries pulsatility index (PI), and lower birth weight. Women with PAPP-A levels ≤0.4 MoM were more likely to develop PE (2.3% vs. 0.2%, p0.001), PE or PIH (2.3% vs. 0.4%, p=0.003), IUGR (2.3% vs. 0.4%, p=0.003), and combined adverse outcome (25.5% vs. 1.9%, p0.001) compared to women with PAPP-A0.4 MoM.This study confirms that among women with PAPP-A levels ≤0.4 MoM in the first trimester, there are increased odds for PE or PIH, IUGR, and combined composite pregnancy outcome.

Spontaneous Preterm Delivery (sPTD) is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. The present case–control study aims to detect miRNAs differentially expressed in the first trimester maternal plasma with the view to identify predictive biomarkers for sPTD, between 320/7 and 366/7 weeks, that will allow for timely interventions for this serious pregnancy complication. Small RNA sequencing (small RNA-seq) of five samples from women with a subsequent sPTD and their matched controls revealed significant down-regulation of miR-23b-5p and miR-125a-3p in sPTD cases compared to controls, whereas miR-4732-5p was significantly overexpressed. Results were confirmed by qRT-PCR in an independent cohort of 29 sPTD cases and 29 controls. Statistical analysis demonstrated that miR-125a is a promising early predictor for sPTL (AUC: 0.895; 95% CI: 0.814-0.972; p < 0.001), independent of the confounding factors tested, providing a useful basis for the development of a novel non-invasive predictive test to assist clinicians in estimating patient-specific risk.

In the present study we sought to compare the efficacy of cervical pessary to that of cerclage in terms of reducing preterm birth rates among women with a short (25 mm) and ultra-short (15 and10 mm) cervix during the ultrasonographic second trimester assessment.We retrospectively searched the hospital records for singleton pregnancies diagnosed with cervical insufficiency during the second trimester of pregnancy. The McDonald cerclage was used in all women with the use of a 5mm Mersilene tape. Arabin pessary was used uniformly. In all cases 80 mg of vaginal progesterone gel was administered daily, until 37 weeks of gestation.Overall, 294 women were selected for analysis of whom 124 (42.2%) had a McDonald cerclage and 170 (57.8%) had placement of an Arabin pessary. Preterm birth rates37 weeks were similar in both groups (C: 30/122 vs P: 35:165, p=.581) as well as PTB34 weeks (C: 16/122 vs 15/150, p=.278). Admission to the NICU and need for CPAP were more prevalent in the cerclage group (p.001). Analysis of cases with a cervix15 mm and10 mm indicated that preterm birth rates remained equal among groups whereas an increased risk of NICU admission in cases with cervical length10 mm that were treated with cerclage.Cervical pessary may be an alternative to cervical cerclage for women with second trimester cervical shortening and its effect may persist even among cases with an ultra-short cervix. Future randomized trials are needed to ascertain these findings.

Purpose In the present study we sought to compare the efficacy of cervical pessary to that of cerclage in terms of reducing preterm birth rates among women with a short ( Method We retrospectively searched the hospital records for singleton pregnancies diagnosed with cervical insufficiency during the second trimester of pregnancy. The McDonald cerclage using a 5mm Mersilene tape was used in all women. An Arabin pessary was used uniformly. In all cases 80 mg of vaginal progesterone gel were administered daily until 37 weeks of gestation. Results Overall, 294 women (124 (42.2%) with a McDonald cerclage and 170 (57.8%) with placement of an Arabin pessary) were selected for analysis. Preterm birth rates Discussion and Conclusion Cervical pessary may be an alternative to cervical cerclage for women with second-trimester cervical shortening and its effect may persist even among cases with an ultra-short cervix. Future randomized trials are needed to ascertain these findings.

The novel COVID-19 global pandemic has raised, among many others, major concerns regarding the impact of infection during pregnancy. Current evidence suggests that vertical transmission from mother to baby, antenatally or intrapartum, does occur, but is uncommon. According to the published reports of infants born to COVID-19-affected mothers, as well as the anecdotal experience of current practices worldwide, it appears that investigations regarding the potential of SARS-COV-2 vertical transmission in pregnancy have so far been based, to a large extent, on PCR testing of neonatal pharyngeal swab samples. Given that the transplacental route of intrauterine transmission for SARS-COV-2 is less likely to immediately involve the upper respiratory tract of the newborn, contrary to what happens after birth, it would be advisable to include appropriate biological samples, such as cord blood, placenta, amniotic fluid and neonatal blood, along with the pharyngeal samples, in order to contribute significantly to such investigations. It is important to point out that negative PCR tests of neonatal pharyngeal samples do not exclude the possibility of intrauterine viral transmission, while positive pharyngeal swabs are more likely to reflect intrapartum or postpartum contaminants, rather than antenatal intrauterine transmission, in the absence of other criteria. Revision and enhancement of the so far prevailing practices appear important, in order to facilitate the development of good clinical practice for managing neonates and ensuring safety of families and healthcare providers.

Background. The coexistence of an intrauterine pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy (heterotopic pregnancy) is an extremely rare, yet major, complication during pregnancy. The early diagnosis of a heterotopic pregnancy is of great importance for fetal viability, maternal safety, and the progression of an uncomplicated intrauterine pregnancy. Case Presentation. We report a case of a naturally conceived heterotopic tubal pregnancy in a 37-year-old primigravida. The patient presented with continuous, dull, lower abdominal pain and a positive urine pregnancy test which was conducted a week prior to the start of the pain. The patient was hospitalized, and based on the clinical image and after strict monitoring, she was diagnosed with a heterotopic pregnancy. She was treated with laparoscopic salpingectomy after the rupture of the ectopic pregnancy while the desired intrauterine gestation continued without any complications. The pregnancy resulted in the birth of a healthy infant through vaginal delivery. Discussion. Strict monitoring with multiple sonographic evaluations should always be conducted in women with abnormal serum beta-hCG, adnexal abnormalities, or clinical symptoms, while heterotopic pregnancy should be in differential diagnosis and treatment should not be delayed since emerge management is important for the progression of the intrauterine pregnancy.

Arachnoid cysts represent 1% of all intracranial lesions and appear on the arachnoid membrane (subarachnoid space). The etiology and pathogenesis of arachnoid cysts remain unclear and in their majority they are asymptomatic. Due to the developmental origin of arachnoid cysts, these formations can be identified on prenatal fetal imaging. In this report we presented a case of an enlarged suprasellar arachnoid cyst detected incidentally during a routine fetal sonographic examination at 33 weeks of gestation. The cyst remained stable in size prenatally and postnatally without compressive symptoms and signs and the patient has been set under expectant management with serial clinical evaluation and serial imaging of the cyst.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as impaired glucose tolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy, which is characterized by increased insulin resistance. GDM affects about 10% of pregnancies and its prevalence is rising worldwide mainly due to the advancing maternal age and the increased prevalence of obesity. GDM is associated with pregnancy-related maternal and fetal morbidity (both antenatal and perinatal). Traditional treatments for the GDM include diet and, if it is necessary, insulin. However, the percentage of macrosomic newborns does not appear to be significantly reduced. Safe and effective preventive interventions are therefore, needed in an attempt to lower the incidence of gestational diabetes. Myo-inositol has been suggested to improve insulin resistance in women with insulin resistant syndromes such as GDM, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several studies report a significant decrease in GDM incidence in women at risk for GDM comparing to the placebo group. However, the option of myo-inositol supplementation needs to be further explored as the current evidence is relatively limited.

An extensive review of the literature on the diagnostic and clinical accuracy of Kurjak’s antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) and the summarized results of the multi-center study involving 10 centers revealed that four-dimensional ultrasonography (4D US) has become a powerful tool and KANET a valuable test that empowers the clinicians worldwide to evaluate the fetal behavior in a systematic way and contribute to the detection of fetuses that might be at high risk for neurological impairments and in particular cerebral palsy (CP). After 10 years of clinical use, many published papers and multi-center studies, hundreds of trained physicians and numerous tests performed all over the world, KANET has proven its value and has been showing encouraging results so far. The aim of this paper is to show the results from the studies done so far and to reveal the clinical value of the KANET. We expect that data from the larger ongoing collaborative study, the short- and long-term postnatal follow-up will continue to improve our knowledge. Ultimately, we all strive to prevent the CP disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurological impairments and we are convinced that KANET might be helpful in the realization of this important aim.

A number of energy sources are used in gynecologic laparoscopy. Monopolar electrosurgery, bipolar electrosurgery, advanced bipolar devices, ultrasonic energy and various types of lasers are some of the technologies used nowadays to facilitate surgeons tasks during laparoscopic operations. A lack of basic knowledge or ignorance of principles of electrosurgery and equipment among obstetricians and gynecologists is reported. As a result thermal injuries during laparoscopic electrosurgery occur, which frequently lead to significant morbidity and mortality and medicolegal actions. It is important though that surgeons have an understanding of the biophysics of these technologies in order to understand their limitations and potential dangers and to utilize the most appropriate energy source in the appropriate clinical setting to minimize the risk of a potential complication. This review provides an overview of the basic principles of these energy sources, the tissue effects and the complications that may arise. It aims to highlight any potential advantages or disadvantages of various energy sources and help surgeons to achieve better knowledge of their instrumentation.

Maternal immunization during pregnancy provide protection for the mother and the fetus against certain pathogens. Immunizations during pregnancy are divided to routine immunizations recommended for all pregnant women, immunizations for certain medical indications and vaccines that are potentially harmful during pregnancy and should be avoided. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature regarding immunizations during pregnancy. The search terms used were immunization, vaccine, pregnancy, influenza, pertussis, safety and efficacy. We gathered all available guidelines on vaccination during pregnancy. Generally, vaccines are allowed during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the risks. Tdap and inactivated flu vaccines are routinely recommended during pregnancy. Vaccines containing live attenuated viruses are contraindicated during pregnancy. These are LAIV influenza, MMR, Varicella, Zoster, BCG and smallpox pre-exposure. All other vaccines are given when medically indicated and the possible benefits outweigh the risks. Obstetricians and gynecologists should be familiar with the indications of vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccination coverage of pregnant women with routinely recommended vaccines has increased but further efforts are needed. Our aim is to review vaccination practices during pregnancy, demonstrate the benefits and dangers of different vaccines, evaluate their effectiveness and define the proper timing of vaccination.

Objectives The aim of our study is to present the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy and evaluate its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all COVID-19 positive pregnant women who were admitted to “Alexandra” maternity hospital from March to December 2020 (n=40). The infection status was determined via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab specimen. We documented the demographic features, clinical status, pregnancy characteristics and maternal and fetal outcomes. Results Forty COVID-19 positive pregnant women were admitted to our clinic during the study period. Mean maternal age was 27.6 years. Gestational age (GA) ranged from 10–42 weeks of pregnancy with mean GA calculated at 38+3 weeks. Associated comorbidities included hypertension, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hepatitis B and asthma. Thirty-five out of 40 women delivered within the study period. Cesarean section was performed in 57.1% of the cases. Most of the cases (87.5%) were asymptomatic while ventilation was required for only one patient. All neonates tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Neither maternal nor neonatal deaths occurred. Conclusions In alignment to other studies, our data show that the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during pregnancy in the majority of cases is mild and neonatal outcomes also appear favorable.

Assessing fetal behavior is a great challenge in fetal medicine and especially to assess whether there is a difference in the behavior of fetuses of pregnant women with diabetes under treatment with insulin, compared to fetuses of pregnancies without diabetes. Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) is a method that by application of 4D ultrasound assesses fetal behavior in a similar way that neonatologists perform a neurological assessment in newborns. Specifically, the application of KANET on diabetic pregnancies with preexisting diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) requiring insulin appears to offer valuable information regarding the differences in fetal neurobehavior compared to otherwise low-risk pregnancies. By the application of KANET, it is shown there are differences in the fetal behavior between diabetic and nondiabetic fetuses and that nondiabetic fetuses have higher scores. The specific parameters—movements that are different between the two groups are also detected.

IntroductionOver the last decades, a large body of literature has shown that intrapartum clinical digital pelvic estimations of fetal head position, station and progression in the pelvic canal are less accurate, compared with ultrasound (US) scan. Given the increasing evidence regarding the advantages of using US to evaluate the mechanism of labour, our study protocol aims to develop sonopartograms for fetal cephalic presentations. They will allow for a more objective evaluation of labour progression than the traditional labour monitoring, which could enable more rapid decisions regarding the mode of delivery.Methods/analysisThis is a prospective observational study performed in three university hospitals, with an unselected population of women admitted in labour at term. Both clinical and US evaluations will be performed assessing fetal head position, descent and rotation. Specific US parameters regarding fetal head position, progression and rotation will be recorded to develop nomograms in a similar way that partograms were developed. The primary outcome is to develop nomograms for the longitudinal US assessment of labour in unselected nulliparous and multiparous women with fetal cephalic presentation. The secondary aims are to assess the sonopartogram differences in occiput anterior and posterior deliveries, to compare the labour trend from our research with the classic and other recent partogram models and to investigate the capability of the US labour monitoring to predict the outcome of spontaneous vaginal delivery.Ethics and disseminationAll protocols and the informed consent form comply with the Ministry of Health and the professional society ethics guidelines. University ethics committees approved the study protocol. The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and at the conference presentations. The study will be implemented and reported in line with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02326077).

Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant extracranial solid tumor in infancy with an incidence rate of 58 per million infants younger than one year old. It originates from the neural crest during fetal development and may arise from the sympathetic ganglia or the adrenal medulla (Gurney JG, et al. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 1997; 19: 428). Prenatal detection of neuroblastoma was first described in 1983 (Fenart D, et al. Journalde Radiologie 1983; 64: 359). In the majority of antenatally diagnosed cases, neuroblastomas are adrenal in origin and right-sided. Differentiating neuroblastomas from other fetal suprarenal masses such as extralobar pulmonary sequestration, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, renal duplication, urinoma, gastric duplication cyst, and splenic cyst may be very difficult. However, improvements in ultrasound technology have made early detection possible and, combined with fetal MRI, facilitate differential diagnosis. Finally, prenatal diagnosis of a neuroblastoma is associated with a better prognosis, as it can resolve spontaneously either in utero or shortly after birth (Maki E, et al. J Ultrasound Med 2014; 33:895–904). This is a case of a mixed cystic and solid suprarenal tumor that was identified during a routine antenatal visit in the third trimester of pregnancy and was diagnosed as an adrenal neuroblastoma. Case description A 27-year-old pregnant woman presented to the outpatient clinic of Alexandra Maternity Hospital in Athens, Greece during the third trimester of her pregnancy. The woman was Gravida 2 Para 0 (G2P0). The gestational age of the pregnancy was 38 weeks and 2 days. The woman’s past medical history was uneventful. During her pregnancy, she underwent prenatal testing including first trimester scan, anomaly scan, 3 rd trimester Doppler scan without any abnormal findings. During the initial ultrasound scan we detected one fetus in occiput anterior position. All growth parameters (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length, estimated fetal weight) and the amniotic fluid index were within normal range for the gestational age. During the scan a well circumscribed mass was detected over the left kidney ( Fig. 1 ). The mass appeared to have both cystic and solid areas and appeared to originate from the left adrenal gland ( Fig. 1 ). The anatomy of the left kidney was not altered. The mass measured 4.40 × 4.12 cm ( Fig. 2 ). Doppler evaluation did not reveal increased blood flow towards the mass nor a single feeding vessel ( Fig. 3 ). The right kidney and right adrenal gland appeared normal ( Fig. 4a and b). Extensive ultrasound examination of the fetus revealed no other abnormalities. After careful evaluation of the ultrasound appearance of the tumor, the diagnosis of adrenal neuroblastoma was suggested. Open in a separate window Fig. 1 The mass is well circumscribed with both cystic and solid areas and appears to originate from the left adrenal gland.

Objective To evaluate the compliance of healthcare professionals with national guidelines and the hesitancy of pregnant women to be immunized against influenza and pertussis. Study design We conducted a two-stage study. The first stage of our study included all women (n = 197) who gave birth in Alexandra Maternity Hospital in Athens, Greece during a 3-month period (April–June) 2018. They completed a questionnaire regarding their immunization status against influenza and pertussis. If pertinent, they detailed their reasons for not getting immunized. During the second stage of our study, we actively recommended both vaccines to the outpatients of Alexandra Maternity Hospital (n = 195) between September 2018 and January 2019. Results The majority of women (92.9%) were immunized during childhood according to Greek national immunization guidelines. Almost all the women (98%) stated that they will vaccinate their children. More than half (65.5%) responded that they would have been vaccinated during pregnancy if their doctor had recommended it, but in 73.6% of cases, their doctor did not do so. Only a small proportion of women (16.2%) were immunized against influenza during pregnancy while none of them (0%) received the Tdap vaccine. In most cases (65%), study participants stated they were not immunized because their doctor did not recommend vaccination. Additionally, 9.7% of participants feared possible side effects. During the second stage of our study 94.9% out of 195 women agreed to get vaccinated against influenza and 92.8% against pertussis. Conclusions It is apparent that the compliance with the immunization guidelines during pregnancy is surprisingly low. However, health professionals appear to be reluctant to recommend vaccination during pregnancy. Women appear to trust their doctors and usually agree with their recommendations.

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a combined management with cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone of women with a singleton pregnancy and a short cervix in both low and high risk-cases based on their previous obstetrical history and maternal factors.This was a prospective cohort study of women with a singleton pregnancy and a sonographically detected mid-trimester cervical length ≤ 25 mm. The high-risk group consisted of women with a history of a previous spontaneous preterm birth (PB), or a second-trimester miscarriage, or a loop electrosurgical excision procedure of the cervix (LEEP) while the low-risk group of women without such a history. All women were managed with cervical pessary and daily vaginal administration of 200 mg of progesterone. The primary outcome measure was spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks (238 days) of gestation.One hundred ninety-six cases with a CL ≤ 25 mm were detected during the study period. Fifty-two women declined to participate in the study. The remaining 144 women were divided into two groups based on the presence (The combined treatment of cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone has a similar influence on preterm delivery rate34 weeks, in both low and high-risk women, with a mid-trimester short cervix.

The aim is to provide an overall view of the association of low pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) levels with adverse perinatal outcomes. The available literature in PubMed/Medline regarding PAPP-A and adverse pregnancy outcomes was searched for related articles, including terms such as "PAPP-A," "intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)," "small for gestational age (SGA)," "stillbirth," "adverse outcome," and others. The fifth percentile is supported by many recent studies to be PAPP-A's cutoff for adverse outcome detection and the increased risk seems to be extremely high below 0.2 PAPP-A MoM (multiple of the median). Apart from chromosomal abnormalities, preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal demise, and pregnancy loss have been associated with maternal serum PAPP-A. For results below the first centile, PAPP-A has a strong positive predictive value for SGA and IUGR. Except for its vital role on the cleavage of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP), PAPP-A has proven to be a reliable marker for prenatal screening. Even though PAPP-A as a single predictor proved to be valuable for the prediction of some adverse perinatal outcomes, in some cases, a combination of PAPP-A to other maternal serum markers led to an increase in detection rates. PAPP-A is a promising maternal serum marker for pregnancy outcome prediction with more studies needed in order for its potentials to be fully understood and exploited.

The Kurjak's antenatal neurodevelopmental test (KANET) is currently used by many centers in everyday clinical practice as the investigational tool for normal and high-risk fetuses. It has acceptable sensitivity and specificity, adequate positive and negative predictive vales, inter- and intra-observer realiability, and can be easily learned by US specialists with access to 4D US machines. The aim of the KANET is to be widely applied in clinical practice for the selective screening of fetuses with moderate and high neurological risk; hopefully, the early detection of these fetuses would allow at last the diagnosis of severe cases in utero and also an early intervention that could improved the outcome for these neonates. How to cite this article Kurjak A, Antsaklis P, Stanojevic M, Porovic S. Fetal Behavior assessed by Four-dimensional Sonography. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017;11(2):146-168.

Background Delayed interval intertwin delivery rates are expected to rise during the next years as potent and targeted tocolytic agents are employed and antenatal surveillance methods become more sophisticated and specific in predicting the critical delivery timepoint of optimal perinatal outcome. Case presentation We present a case of delayed intertwin delivery after delivery of the first twin due to premature prelabor rupture of the membranes. Maternal serum White Blood Cells and C-Reactive Protein levels remained high until delivery of the second twin (34 days after the first was delivered), although maternal temperature remained constant. The mother underwent close antenatal surveillance and she was hospitalized. She had an uncomplicated delivery of the second twin at 29+ 2 weeks by cesarean section due to an abnormal Non-Stress Test. Conclusion We strongly suggest future evaluation of maternal serum inflammatory markers among these rare cases as these could predict intraamniotic infection.

Background. Uterocervical angle (UCA) has been recently proposed as a potential marker that could accurately predict preterm birth (PTB). The purpose of the present systematic review is to accumulate current evidence and provide directions for future research. Materials and Methods. We used the Medline (1966–2018), Scopus (2004–2018), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008–2018), EMBASE (1980-2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2018), and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases in our search. Results. Eleven studies were finally included in the present systematic review that evaluated data from 3,018 women. The significant heterogeneity in terms of outcome reporting and outcome reporting measures (use of optimal cut-off values) precluded meta-analysis. However, existing data support that second trimester UCA measurement might be used as a predictive factor of PTB Conclusions. UCA measurement during the second trimester of pregnancy may be a useful method of determining women at risk of delivering preterm. However, more studies are needed to assess the reproducibility of these findings and reach conclusive evidence.