Desempeño predictivo de los criterios diagnósticos de restricción de crecimiento fetal para resultados adversos perinatales en un hospital de Popayán, Colombia / Predictive performance of fetal growth restriction criteria for adverse perinatal outcomes in a hospital in Popayán, Colombia

Objetivos: determinar el desempeño predictivo de la definición de retardo de crecimiento fetal (RCF) de ultrasonografía de la Sociedad de Medicina Materno Fetal (SMMF), consenso Delphi (CD) y Medicina Fetal de Barcelona (MFB) respecto a resultados adversos perinatales en cada una, e identificar si hay asociación entre diagnóstico de RCF y resultados adversos perinatales. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron gestantes con embarazo único de 24 a 36 semanas con 6 días, quienes fueron atendidas en la unidad de medicina materna fetal con evaluación ecográfica de crecimiento fetal y atención de parto en una institución hospitalaria pública de referencia ubicada en Popayán, Colombia. Se excluyeron embarazos con hallazgos ecográficos de anomalías congénitas. Muestreo por conveniencia. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de las gestantes al ingreso, la edad gestacional, el diagnóstico de RCF y el resultado adverso perinatal compuesto. Se analizó la capacidad predictiva de tres criterios diagnósticos de restricción de crecimiento fetal para malos resultados perinatales y la asociación entre el diagnóstico de RCF y mal resultado periantal. Resultados: se incluyeron 228 gestantes, cuya edad media fue de 26,8 años, la prevalencia de RCF según los tres criterios fue de 3,95 %, 16,6 % y 21,9 % para CD, MFB y SMMF respectivamente. Ningún criterio aportó área bajo la curva aceptable para predicción de resultado neonatal adverso compuesto, el diagnóstico de RCF por CD y SMMF se asoció a resultados adversos perinatales con RR de 2,6 (IC 95 %: 1,5-4,3) y 1,57 (IC 95 %: 1,01-2,44), respectivamente. No se encontró asociación por MFB RR: 1,32 (IC 95 %: 0,8-2,1). Conclusiones: ante un resultado positivo para RCF, el método Delphi se asocia de manera más importante a los resultados perinatales adversos.Los tres métodos tienen una muy alta proporción de falsos negativos en la predicción de mal resultado perinatal. Se requieren estudios prospectivos que reduzcan los sesgos de medición y datos ausentes.

Objectives: To determine the predictive performance of fetal growth restriction by Maternal Fetal Medicine Society (MFMS) definition of ultrasound, the Delphi consensus (DC) and the Barcelona Fetal Medicine (BFM) criteria for adverse perinatal outcomes, and to identify whether there is an association between the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and adverse perinatal outcomes. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including women with singleton pregnancies between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation seen at the maternal fetal medicine unit for ultrasound assessment of fetal growth and delivery care in a public referral hospital in Popayán, Colombia. Pregnancies with ultrasound findings of congenital abnormalities were excluded. Convenience sampling was used. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were measured on admission; additional variables were gestational age, FGR diagnosis and adverse composite perinatal outcome. The predictive ability of three fetal growth restriction diagnostic criteria for poor perinatal outcomes was analyzed and asociation between FGR and adverse perinatlal outcomes. Results: Overall, 228 pregnant women with a mean age of 26.8 years were included; FGR prevalence according to the three criteria was 3.95 %, 16.6 % and 21.9 % for DC, BFM and MFMS, respectively. None of the criteria resulted in an acceptable area under the curve for the prediction of the composite adverse neonatal outcome; FGR diagnosis by DC and MFMS were associated with adverse perinatal outcomes with a RR of 2.6 (95 % CI: 1.5-4.3) and 1.57 (95 % CI: 1.01-2.44) respectively. No association was found for BFM RR: 1.32 (95 % CI: 0.8-2.1). Conclusions: Given a positive result for FGR, the Delphi method is significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The proportion of false negative results for a poor perinatal outcome is high for the three methods. Prospective studies that reduce measurement and attrition bias are required.

Hiperenrollamiento con torsión del cordón umbilical como causa de muerte fetal: reporte de caso / Hypercoiled umbilical cord torsion as a cause of fetal death: case report

Resumen La torsión del cordón umbilical como causa de muerte fetal es rara, con pocos casos reportados. No se conoce con claridad la causa y se presenta principalmente en el segundo trimestre de embarazo. Los factores de riesgo descritos son la longitud del cordón umbilical y el aumento del número de giros. Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 37 años, grávida 2, para 1 con embarazo de 23 semanas, con hallazgo ecográfico de muerte fetal. En el estudio de histopatología se evidenció el cordón umbilical con hiperenrollamiento y torsión a nivel de la unión feto-umbilical con oclusión de la luz de los vasos umbilicales como causa de muerte fetal. Se requiere la investigación de esta patología para determinar los factores de riesgo y el riesgo de recurrencia en futuros embarazos con el fin de establecer métodos de vigilancia fetal antenatal.

Abstract Torsion of the umbilical cord as a cause of fetal death is a rare occurrence, with few reported cases. The cause is not clearly known, and it transpires mainly in the second trimester of pregnancy; the risk factors described are the length of the umbilical cord with increased number of twists. The case of a 37-year-old woman is reported, gravida 2 para 1, 23 weeks pregnant with ultrasound diagnosis of fetal death. Histopathology revealed hypercoiled umbilical cord torsion at the point where the umbilical cord attaches to the fetus, with occlusion of the lumen of the umbilical vein, as a cause of fetal death. Further research of this pathology is required to determine the risk factors and risk of recurrence in future pregnancies that will allow the preparation of antenatal fetal surveillance methods.

Vasa previa: a case report

Vasa previa is defined as a condition where fetal vessels traverse the membranes in the lower segment below the presenting part unsupported by placental tissue or umbilical cord. Rupture of the membranes leads to fetal exsanguinations and even neonatal death. The etiology is uncertain, but risk factors include bilobed or succenturiate lobed placenta, velamentous insertion of cord, placenta previa, pregnancies resulting from In vitro fertilization (IVF) and multiple pregnancies. We report here a case of 24 year old woman, G3A2 at 34 weeks of gestation and history of 2 previous spontaneous abortions with vasa previa which was successfully managed. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis has the potential to improve or prevent the poor obstetric and neonatal outcome associated with it.

Expectant management of incomplete miscarriage, anembryonic pregnancy and early fetal demise: a comparative study

Background: Expectant management as first line management of early pregnancy miscarriages is less accepted due to failure and increased complications reported in few studies. Proper selection of cases improves outcome of expectant management. Aim of this study was to compare success rate and complications in expectant management in three groups of early pregnancy miscarriages- Incomplete miscarriage, anembryonic pregnancy and early fetal demise.Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in tertiary care centre for 3 years, including 107 patients with USG confirmed pregnancy miscarriage <13 weeks. Patients preferring expectant management were managed as outpatient without intervention for 2 weeks after which repeat USG was done to ascertain complete miscarriage. Failed expectant management patients underwent planned surgical uterine evacuation. Emergency admission and evacuation was done, if symptomatic during waiting period. Success rate and complications like emergency evacuation, vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, limitation of physical activity and patient satisfaction were assessed and compared in subgroups of anembryonic pregnancy, early fetal demise and incomplete miscarriage. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square test.Results: Incomplete miscarriage group had highest success rate of 88.46%. followed by anembryonic pregnancy (72.5%) and EFD (47.83%) p value = 0.007. Complication rate was highest in EFD, followed by anembryonic and the least in incomplete miscarriage all of which was statistically significant except vaginal bleeding.Conclusions: Expectant management should be offered as first line choice for all types of early pregnancy miscarriages. Proper selection of case as to type of miscarriage especially incomplete miscarriage and selected cases of anembryonic pregnancy and EFD ensures higher success rate with lesser complications. Reserving medical and surgical management for unsuitable/failed cases.

Obstetric outcome in twin pregnancies complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise

Background: It has been reported that single intrauterine fetal death in twin pregnancy occurs in 3.7-6.8% all twin pregnancies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the maternal and fetal demographic features and feto-maternal outcomes in twin pregnancies complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise and evaluation of available management guidelines.Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at obstetrics and gynecology department of SGRRIM and HS, Dehradun, Uttarakhand between January 2015 and December 2019. There was a total of 182 twin deliveries at study hospital during this period and 35 of these cases were complicated with single intrauterine fetal demise. Maternal age, parity, chorionicity of twin gestation, gestational age at single intrauterine fetal demise, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar Score at birth, neonatal intensive care unit stay of newborn,  maternal fibrinogen levels during pregnancy and delivery time and associated obstetric complications were analyzed in these cases of single intrauterine fetal demise with twin gestation. All monochorionic twin pregnancies were included in the study Group A and dichorionic twin in Group B.Results: The mean age of 32 patients included in study was 29.7±4.6 years. Twenty (62.5%) of these patients were dichorionic and 12 (37.5%) of these were monochorionic twin gestation. Single intrauterine fetal demise occurred in first trimester in 8 (25%) patients, during the second trimester 20 (62.5%) and 4 (12.5%) patients had third trimester single intrauterine fetal demise. Preterm deliveries occurred in 18 (56.3%) of patients and 8 (44.4%) of patients were of monochorionic and 10 (55.6%) of dichorionic twin patients. Among thirty-two patients, 11 (34.4%) patients had caesarean delivery and 21 (65.6%) patient had vaginal birth. No maternal or fetal mortality noted and none of the patients had maternal coagulation disorder.Conclusions: This study indicates that in cases of twin pregnancies with single fetal intrauterine demise with individualized management plan at higher centre and close maternal and fetal surveillance live fetus can be saved without any maternal risk.

A study of intrauterine fetal death in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Intrauterine fetal death is a major obstetrical complication and a devastating experience for parents as well as obstetricians. If the causes of IUFD can be found, an effective strategy for prevention of IUFD can be formed and maternal complications can thus be prevented. This study aims at identifying the various causes, etiological factors and complications of IUFD.Methods: Prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital from 1st January 2016 to 31st July 2017.Results: Total number of deliveries during the study period was 3944 and still birth was 170. Still birth percentage was 4.31.Majority of patient belonged to maternal age group of 21-30 year of age that is 138 out of 170 around  68.5%. Only 8.82% of patients presenting with IUFD were having more than three antenatal visits. Among 61 cases (35.8%) cause was not identified while 109 cases cause was identified. Hypertensive disorder contributed to major cause of IUFD i.e. 34 out of 170 (20%) Maternal complications like hypovolemic shock occurred in 13 out of 170 (7.6%), Acute Renal failure 7 out of 170 (4.11), Sheehan syndrome. Maternal mortality was 3 out of 170 cases.Conclusions: Despite availability of modern interventions like ultrasonography, Non stress test, majority of the causes of IUFD remains unknown. Early diagnosis and delivery is important in cases of IUFD to prevent various complications like septicaemia, acute renal failure, DIC, hypovolemic shock etc.

Prognostic Analysis of Posterior Delivery in Single Intrauterine Fetal Demise / 实用妇产科杂志

Objective:To analyze the prognosis of twin intrauterine fetal death intrauterine surgery(SIUFD),and to investigate the pregnanct outcomes of SIUFD after different gestational weeks and chorionic twins,and to improve the monitoring and management of SIUFD.Methods:Data from January 1,2013 to December 31,2015 in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of SIUFD delivered 37 cases(excluding twin transfusion syndrome,11 cases)were retrospectively analyzed,including the incidence of SIUFD gestational weeks,save work time to look for the cause of death,different gestational weeks and chorionic deposit work the prognosis,followed up neonatal growth by telephone.Results:The time of occurrence of SIUFD in this 37 cases of early pregnancy was common,accounted for 64.86％ (24/37);The period of expectant treatment after SIUFD was 1 day(the shortest),231 days(the longest),and 116 days (average);among the death-caused factors,umbilical cord and placenta abnormality accounted for 32.43％ (12/37) and fetal malformation accounted for 8.11％ (3/37);the survival of premature fetus(gestational age less than 37 weeks) were 9 cases,of which a minimum of 32 weeks of gestation,28 cases of full-term birth;premature birth,neonatal asphyxia,emergency caesarean section,pregnancy complications in monochorionic twins were significantly higher than those of in dichorionic twins;SIUFD gestational weeks ＞13 weeks survival fetal premature delivery,neonatal asphyxia,emergency cesarean section rate of less than≤13 weeks more than SIUFD.Conclusions:After SIUFD and survival fetal incidence of fetal gestational weeks and chorionicity,although not yet the study found that SIUFD occurred after the adverse neurological sequelae of child survival than dichorionic diamniotic twins higher in monchorionic twin dichorionic twinw,but still need long-term follow-up.

Maternal and perinatal outcome in antenatal women with hypothyroidism

Background: Oral cancer being one of the most common malignancies in the low-income group in India. It usually presents in an advanced stage limiting treatment options. The mainstays of treatment being surgery and radiotherapy both being lifestyle changing procedures. Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life for oral cancer survivors after surgery in comparison with radiotherapy using ICF questionnaire Materials and methods: Oral cancer patients who underwent surgery (25 patients) and Radiotherapy (25 patients) in Stanley medical college for stage 1 and stage 2 lesions of oral carcinoma for past 3 Years (2013-2015) were enrolled. Results: The study showed that surgery as primary therapy provided a better quality of life than radiotherapy alone in the treatment of oral cancer patients. Conclusion: After comparing the results primary surgery for oral malignancy seems to be the treatment of choice as long as the tumor is amenable to surgical resection. Radiotherapy though resulting in a lower quality of life is very efficacious for unresectable tumors.

Identificación de las causas de muerte fetal en una institución hospitalaria de atención materna de Cartagena, Colombia, 2012-2014 / Identification of the causes of foetal demise in a maternal care institution in Cartagena, Colombia, 2012-2014

Objetivo: determinar las causas de las muertes fetales registradas en una institución pública de referencia en Cartagena, Colombia, durante los años 2012-2014. Materiales y métodos: serie de casos. Se incluyeron los óbitos fetales que fueron sometidos a autopsia en la Clínica Maternidad Rafael Calvo de Cartagena, institución pública de segundo nivel de complejidad, que atiende a pacientes afiliadas al régimen subsidiado por el Estado. Se realizó muestreo consecutivo. Se evaluaron la edad gestacional, el sexo y la causa clínica de la muerte mediante el sistema ReCoDe que permite clasificar la muerte fetal mediante nueve categorías. Los resultados se presentan mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: se evaluaron 458 fetos con reporte de autopsia. Se estableció la causa de la muerte de manera probable o posible en 440 casos (97 %). Las principales condiciones asociadas a la muerte fetal fueron la insuficiencia placentaria (44,7 %), seguidas de las alteraciones relacionadas con el líquido amniótico (18,6 %), la causa materna (12,8 %), y las causas fetales (12 %). El 2,8 % de los casos fueron clasificados como inexplicados. Conclusiones: el sistema de clasificación ReCoDe permitió la adecuada clasificación de la causa de muerte en el 97 % de los óbitos fetales sometidos a autopsia.

Objective: To determine the causes of foetal demise documented in a public referral institution in Cartagena, Colombia between 2012-2014. Materials and methods: Case series including foetal demises taken to autopsy at the Rafael Calvo Maternal Clinic in Cartagena, a level II public institution that sees patients affiliated to the State subsidised healthcare regime. A consecutive sampling was used. Gestational age, sex and the clinical cause of death were analysed using the ReCoDe system in which 9 categories are used to classify foetal demise. Descriptive statistics are used to present the results. Results: Overall, 458 foetuses with an autopsy report were assessed. Possible or probable cause of death was established in 440 cases (97 %). The main conditions associated with foetal death were placental insufficiency (44.7 %), followed by amniotic fluid abnormalities (18.6 %), maternal causes (12.8 %), and foetal causes (12 %). Of all the cases, 2.8 % were classified as unexplained. Conclusions: The ReCoDe classification system was useful for classifying the cause of death in 97 % of foetal demises taken to autopsy.

Role of MRI in Detecting Cerebral Anomalies and Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Surviving Twin after the Co Twin Demise of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy.

Aim: To demonstrate the role of MRI in detecting cerebral anomalies and cerebral hypo perfusion in surviving twin after the co twin demise of monochorionic twin pregnancy. Case Presentation: 28 year old second gravida came for routine antenatal sonography at 29 weeks. Her routine anomaly scan at 20 weeks for her twin gestation was unremarkable. Present antenatal sonography revealed monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with demise of one of the twins at 23 weeks. Ultrasound and doppler evaluation did not exhibit abnormality in surviving twin whereas MR evaluation revealed changes in feral brain due to ischaemia. Discussion: Mono chorionic twin pregnancies are associated with numerous complications due to vascular anastomotic channels in the shared placenta. Complications include Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, Anaemia - polycythemia sequence, selective intra uterine growth retardation, cotwin demise, neurological damage in surviving twin. Though prenatal Doppler sonography is often used for neurological assessment of the surviving twin, in utero Magnetic Resonance Imaging of foetal brain aids in definitive diagnosis of cerebral pathologies. Conclusion: MRI plays an important role in assessing cerebral hypo perfusion injuries and cerebral anomalies.

Asociación entre edad materna avanzada y los resultados perinatals adversos en una clínica universitaria de Cartagena (Colombia), 2012: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva / Association between older maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes in a university clinic in Cartagena, Colombia, 2012: a retrospective cohort study

Objetivo: evaluar la posible asociación entre la edad materna avanzada y los resultados perinatales adversos.Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional de cohortes históricas con gestantes que tuvieron parto en la Clínica Universitaria San Juan de Dios en Cartagena (Colombia), durante el 2012; esta es una institución general de carácter privado, de tercer nivel de complejidad. Tamaño muestral: 160 pacientes por grupo con base en una frecuencia esperada de muerte fetal en el grupo expuesto del 22%, en el grupo no expuesto del 10 %, con un nivel de confianza del 95% y un poder del 80 %. Muestreo aleatorio simple. Se midieron las variables demográficas, la edad gestacional al momento del parto, peso y talla de los recién nacidos, Apgar a los 5 minutos y vía del parto. Se consideraron los resultados perinatales adversos; como resultado primario, la muerte fetal in utero, y secundarios el parto pretérmino y la asfixia perinatal. Se hace una descripción de las características basales de los dos grupos; para evaluar la asociación con los resultados se estimó el riesgo relativo (RR) y el respectivo intervalo de confianza del 95%.Resultados: el riesgo relativo (RR) de muerte fetal intrauterina dada la edad avanzada de la gestante fue de 1,33 (IC 95 %: 0,59-2,99). El RR de prematurez, dada la edad materna avanzada, fue de 0,94 (IC 95 %: 0,42-2,05) y, finalmente, el RR de asfixia perinatal dada la edad materna avanzada fue de 0,96 (IC 95 %: 0,66-1,39).Conclusiones: no se encontró que la edad materna sea un factor de riesgo para malos resultados perinatales.

Objective: To evaluate the potential association between older maternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes.Materials and methods: Observational historical cohort study of pregnant women delivered during 2012 at the San Juan de Dios University Clinic in Cartagena, a private, level III general care institution. Sample size: 160 patients per group based on an expected frequency of foetal demise of 22% in the exposed group and 10% in the non-exposed group, a 95% confidence interval, and a power of 80%, the number of patients required in each group was 160. A simple random assignment was used. Demographic variables, gestational age at the time of delivery, weight and height of the neonates, 5 minute Apgar, and route of delivery were measured. Foetal death in utero was considered as the primary perinatal adverse outcome, and preterm delivery and perinatal asphyxia were considered as secondary adverse outcomes. The baseline characteristics of the two groups are described. Relative risk (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval were estimated in order to assess the association with the outcomes.Results: The relative risk (RR) of intrauterine foetal demise given older maternal age was 1.33; 95% CI (0.59-2.99). The RR of prematurity given older maternal age was 0.94; 95% CI (0.42-2.05); and the RR of perinatal asphyxia given older maternal age was 0.96; 95% CI (0.66-1.39).Conclusion: Maternal age was not found to be a risk factor for poor perinatal outcomes.

Muerte fetal única en la gestación múltiple

La muerte fetal única en el contexto de una gestación múltiple es un evento poco frecuente pero con severas consecuencias para el cogemelo. Es más frecuente en el primer trimestre, denominándose el cuadro clínico como feto evanescente, pudiendo afectar el normal desarrollo del otro feto. El entendimiento de la complejidad de las anastomosis vasculares en la gestación monocorial ha ayudado a dilucidar la fisiopatología de la muerte fetal y del daño cerebral, siendo la explicación la exsanguíneo transfusión de un gemelo a otro. Ello determina la probabilidad de muerte del feto sobreviviente y/o daño neurológico, que están estrechamente relacionados a la edad gestacional de ocurrencia del evento, prematuridad al nacimiento y monocorionicidad. Estos casos exigen un seguimiento individualizado del feto sobreviviente, con neurosonografía y resonancia magnética.

Single twin demise in the context of multiple pregnancy is rare but with severe consequences for the other twin. This event is more common in the first trimester and is clinically called vanishing twin; it may affect the normal development of the other twin. Understanding the complexity of vascular anastomosis in monochorionic gestation has helped to elucidate the pathophysiology of fetal death and brain damage, explained by exchange transfusion from one twin to the other, and determining the probability of death of the surviving fetus and neurological damage related to gestational age of occurrence, premature birth and monochorionicity. These cases require individual monitoring of the su rviving fetus, neurosonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Discrepancy between Non-stress Test Result and Umbilical Artery Doppler Study in a Pregnancy Complicated by Diabetes; A Case Report / 대한주산의학회잡지

Pregestational diabetes is a well-known risk factor for perinatal mortality, and regarded as an important cause of stillbirth. Unfortunately, more than half of stillbirths remain unexplained. Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing and content of antepartum testing in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. A 32-year-old primigravida presented with diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. Antenatal fetal surveillance tests including nonstress test, biophysical profile, and Doppler waveforms of umbilical arteries were performed twice weekly, beginning at 32 weeks gestation. At 37(+4) weeks' gestation, a discrepancy in the surveillance test results arose when reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical arteries was seen, despite a reactive nonstress test. A male baby was delivered by cesarean section. The umbilical arterial pH at delivery was 7.171. Antenatal fetal surveillance in pregnancies complicated by diabetes should include evaluation of Doppler waveforms in the umbilical vessels, regardless of the presence or absence of maternal vasculopathy.

Muerte fetal anteparto: ¿es una condición prevenible? / Fetal death syndrome: could it be prevented?

El síndrome de muerte fetal se define como la muerte del feto que se presenta después de la semana 20 de gestación, en ausencia de trabajo de parto instaurado. Constituye un tercio de toda la mortalidad fetal e infantil y más de 50% de todas las muertes perinatales en los países desarrollados. Las causas de muerte fetal raramente se reportan y la mayoría se desconoce. Se pretende con este artículo hacer una revisión que permita entender la fisiopatología de la entidad, evaluar los factores de riesgo y tratar de brindar a nuestras pacientes la posibilidad de un embarazo exitoso. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura existente de acuerdo con las bases de datos PubMed, EBSCO, Ovid y Proquest, desde el año 2000 hasta 2008. A pesar de la disminución significativa de los óbitos fetales en las últimas décadas, sigue siendo un serio problema de salud pública, no sólo por ser una condición prevalente, sino por el subregistro y la ausencia de reportes confiables.

Fetal death syndrome is one third of all fetal and infant mortality by over 50% of all perinatal deaths in developed countries. The causes of fetal death are rarely reported and most of them are unknown. This article intends to review and to understand the pathophysiology of the entity, to assess risk factors and to try to give our patients the possibility of a successful pregnancy. A review the literature was made according to the PubMed database, EBSCO, Proquest and Ovid from 2000 to 2008. Despite the significant decrease in fetal deaths in the last decades, fetal death syndrome remains a serious public health problem not only because it is a prevalent condition, but by underreporting and the lack of reliable reporting.

A fadiga e seus transtornos: condições de possibilidade, ascensão e queda da neurastenia novecentista / Fatigue and its disturbances: conditions of possibility and the rise and fall of twentieth-century neurasthenia

Analisa alguns dos elementos sociohistóricos que configuraram condições de possibilidade para a emergência da neurastenia como categoria nosológica, na segunda metade do século XIX, bem como os aspectos que influenciaram seu declínio em meios médicos e leigos. Propõe breve apresentação dessa categoria médica e discussão mais detalhada sobre alguns debates em que ela encontra sustentação, tais como a ideia do desgaste do suprimento nervoso, os estudos e as preocupações novecentistas sobre a fadiga e a pressuposição da somatogênese da doença. Analisa, por fim, o processo de declínio da categoria ressaltando alguns elementos que alteraram seu estatuto e sua utilidade como diagnóstico.

The article first analyzes some of the social and historical components underlying the conditions of possibility that allowed neurasthenia to emerge as a nosological category in the latter half of the nineteenth century and then explores the elements that influenced its demise in medical and lay circles. It offers a brief introduction to this medical category and a more detailed discussion of some supporting debates, including the idea of nervous exhaustion, twentieth-century studies and concerns on fatigue, and the malady's presumed somatogenesis. The concluding analysis of how the category met its demise highlights elements that altered its status and its diagnostic usefulness.

Infecciones por Listeria monocytogenes en mujeres embarazadas: experiencia del Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Listeria monocytogenes infection in pregnaney: experience of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile University Hospital

Listeria monocytogenes is Gram-positive facultative intracellular pathogen often foodborne and found elsewhere. It is an uncommon cause of illness in the general population. However, it is an important cause of severe infection in neonates, pregnant women, elderly and immunosuppressed patients. Listeriosis has unique preference for pregnant women. Maternal listeriosis is a diagnostic challenge, and intrauterine infection can lead to severe complications such as amnionitis, preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and neonatal sepsis. From 2001 to 2005, 16 patients with L. monocytogenes were identified in this hospital; four (25 percent) were pregnant women. Clinical and laboratory findings are described. There were 3 preterm deliveries and 1 spontaneous second trimester abortion. Three women with listeriosis had no predisposing factors other than pregnaney. One patient was on immunosupressive drugs for ulcerative colitis. Fever was the most common symptom. Infected neonates were most commonly diagnosed with early-onset listeriosis (two cases) or fetal demise (one case). Pregnaney can be the only risk factor for listeriosis. Listeriosis should be considered during the evaluation of febrile syndrome in pregnaney as this condition can be the only risk factor. Blood and amniotic fluid cultures are useful diagnostic tests. Perinatal complications remains high.

Listeria monocytogenes es un bacilo grampositivo, intracelular facultativo, que se encuentra ampliamente difundido en la naturaleza, frecuentemente en alimentos. Las infecciones afectan principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos, ancianos, mujeres embarazadas y neonatos. La infección intrauterina puede producir importantes complicaciones como corioamnionitis, parto de pre-término, aborto espontáneo de primer o segundo trimestre, mortinatos y sepsis neonatal. En el período 2001-2005, 16 pacientes con infección por L. monocytogenes fueron identificados en nuestro hospital. Cuatro de ellos (25 por ciento) se presentaron en mujeres embarazadas; se describen sus características clínicas y de laboratorio. Hubo tres partos de pre-término y un aborto espontáneo de segundo trimestre. En tres de las cuatro pacientes, el único factor de riesgo fue el embarazo. Una paciente recibía terapia inmunosupresora por una colitis ulcerosa. Fiebre fue el síntoma más frecuente. El compromiso feto-neonatal se manifestó por listeriosis neonatal precoz (dos casos) y mortinato (un caso). El embarazo puede ser el único factor predisponente a desarrollar listeriosis. Ésta debe considerarse en la evaluación del síndrome febril de una mujer embarazada. Los cultivos de sangre y líquido amniótico son útiles para su diagnóstico. La tasa de complicaciones perinatales permanece elevada.

A case of one fetal demise of twin pregnancy by umbilical artery stricture / 대한주산의학회잡지

A death of one fetus in twin pregnancy is a rare obstetric complication. And the stenosis of umbilical cord artery is a very rare complication of cord abnormalities. The umbilical cord showed a false knot due to accentuation of a vascular spiral with a dilated vein and two arteries with incomplete patency of the lumen. This is the first report of single demise of twin pregnancy due to umbilical artery stenosis and umbilical vein varix.

A case of multicystic encephalomalacia in a surviving twin after intrauterine death of co-twin / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The antepartum death of a fetus in a twin pregnancy may cause significant risk of mortality and morbidity in the surviving infant. Especially, one fetal demise of a twin pregnancy in the second or third trimester is an uncommon and difficult problem in the management of pregnancy. In this report, we present a case of single intrauterine death in a twin gestation diagnosed in the 27th week of pregnancy and the surviving fetus exhibits multicystic encephalomalacia three weeks later, antenatally.

A Case of Twin Pregnancy with Ine Fetal Demise(Turner's Syndrome) / 대한주산의학회잡지

Chromosomal abnormalities are higher in twin gestations than in the singleton population. Turner's syndrome(gonadal dysgenesis) variety may result from chromosome loss during gametogenesis in either parent or a mitotic error during one of the early cleavage divisions of the fertilized zygote. The vast majority of 45, XO conceptions result in first or second-trimester miscarriage. Fetuses with Tumer's syndrome commonly exhibit posterior nuchal cystic hygromas and generalized edema. Recently we experienced one fetal demise in twin pregnancy. The affected fetus was associated with Turner's syndrome which was diagnosed by amniocentesis and karyotyping. The fetus was associated with cystic hygroma which was antenatally diagnosed by ultrasonogram. The unaffected fetus had normal karyotype and was delivered through cesarean section without any abnormalities. we report this case with brief review of literatures.

A Clinical Study of Twin Pregnancies with One Fetal Demise / 대한주산의학회잡지

One fetal demise of twin pregnancy in the second or third trimester is an unusual and difficult problem in the managemcnt of pregnancy. It can be associated with an increased risk for mortality and morbidity in the remaining fetus and with maternal DIC. 255 twin gestations were delivered at our hospital between December 1984 and August 1998. 8 cases of twin pregnancies with one fetal demise were observed. We reviewed 8 cases of twin pregnancies with one fetal demise that had been managed conservatively. The incidence of twin pregnancies with one fetal demise was 3.14% in the study population. The incidence of preterm delivery was 87.5%. The perinatal mortality rate of surviving twins was 25%. There were no cases of maternal disseminated intravascular coagulation or infection. There were no cases of neurologic damages in the surviving twins. The main cause of neonatal death was prematurity. An expectant approach to the twin pregnancies with one fetal demise seems reasonable.