Birth weight is related with bone mineral content in adulthood: results of ELSA-Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between birth weight and bone mineral content (BMC), and whether this relationship differs between men and women. METHODS A total of 10,159 participants from the ELSA-Brasil cohort were eligible for this analysis. The outcome was the z-score of the ratio BMC (kg)/height (m). The exposure was the low birth weight (< 2.5kg). The magnitude of the associations was estimated by mean differences and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using linear regression. All analyses were presented for the total population and stratified by sex. RESULTS Most were women (54.98%), and the mean age was 52.72 years (SD ± 6.6). In the crude model, we observed that low birth weight was associated with a lower mean BMC/height z-score, compared to adequate birth weight (mean difference: −0.30; 95%CI: −0.39 to −0.21), and this effect was stronger in men (mean difference: −0.43; 95%CI: −0.56 to −0.30) than in women (mean difference: −0.31; 95%CI: −0.44 to −0.19). After adjusting for age, sex per total population, race/skin color, maternal education, individual education, and current weight, there was a considerable reduction in the magnitude of the association (total population: −0.10; 95%CI: −0.14 to −0.06; men: −0.13; 95%CI: −0.21 to −0.06; women: −0.13; 95%CI: −0.21 to −0.05). CONCLUSION Low birth weight is related to BMC/height z-score in both sexes with no indication of differences by sex. The magnitude of the associations was attenuated after adjustment for the current weight.

Evaluación del cerebro fetal: nuevas herramientas / Fetal brain assessment: new tools

RESUMEN La evaluación del cerebro fetal es un punto imprescindible en el ultrasonido obstétrico, por la gran cantidad de malformaciones que pueden ser diagnosticadas. La guía de ISUOG nos brinda los cortes elementales para la sospecha de la patología cerebral; pero, podemos ampliar y mejorar nuestro ultrasonido con la visualización de estructuras fácilmente reproducibles, tales como el complejo anterior, cuerpo calloso, cisura de Silvio y el cuarto ventrículo. Presentamos algunas herramientas para complementar la evaluación del cerebro fetal.

ABSTRACT The evaluation of the fetal brain is an essential point in obstetric ultrasound due to the large number of malformations that can be diagnosed. The ISUOG guide provides us with the elementary sections for the suspicion of brain pathology; but we can extend and improve our ultrasound with the visualization of easily reproducible structures, such as the anterior complex, corpus callosum, Sylvian fissure and the fourth ventricle. We present some tools to complement the assessment of the fetal brain.

Longitud cráneo raquis: predictora del crecimiento fetal y de la condición trófica del recién nacido / Cranio-spinal length: predictor of fetal growth and the trophic condition of the newborn

RESUMEN Fundamento: la edad y el crecimiento fetal se determinan mediante la longitud céfalo-caudal o cráneo raquis entre las semanas cinco y 10 de la gestación y después se recurre a una combinación de medidas de otras variables biométricas. Objetivo: identificar correlación de las variables biométricas y condición trófica al nacer con la longitud cráneo raquis del primer trimestre. Métodos: se realizó una investigación con diseño analítico longitudinal retrospectivo en la provincia Villa Clara, se recurrió al período comprendido entre enero de 2013 a octubre de 2018. La población estuvo conformada por 6 050 gestantes. La muestra se realizó a través de un muestreo no probabilístico intencional por criterios, constituida por 3 910 gestantes. Se obtuvieron datos de libros, registros de las consultas de genética de áreas de salud seleccionadas. En el análisis, se utilizaron el coeficiente de correlación lineal de Pearson, de Rho de Spearman y diagramas de dispersión. Resultados: existió correlación entre longitud cráneo raquis con las variables y con la condición trófica del recién nacido. Los gráficos que definieron la trayectoria de las variables biométricas desde el segundo trimestre hasta el parto mostraron compactación de los valores hasta la semana 25 y dispersión entre la 25 y la 30 con rasgos diferenciales en las mismas. Conclusiones: la correlación encontrada de la longitud cráneo raquis con las variables biométricas y con la condición trófica del recién nacido demuestra la utilidad del empleo de esta variable en la evolución del embarazo tanto por el obstetra como por el médico general integral; en lo particular en gestantes en las que se sospeche alguna alteración del crecimiento. Los resultados obtenidos motivan a la profundización al subdividir la muestra en subgrupos como las afectadas de diabetes mellitus o hipertensión arterial u otra, porque no existe en la literatura información sobre la misma.

ABSTRACT Background: age and fetal growth are determined by head length or cranial-spinal length between weeks 5 and 10 of gestation and then a combination of measurements of other biometric variables is used. Objective: to identify the correlation of biometric variables and trophic condition at birth with the cranial-spinal length of the first trimester. Methods: an investigation with a retrospective longitudinal analytical design was carried out in Villa Clara province; it was appealed in the period from January 2013 to October 2018. The population consisted of 6050 pregnant women. The sample was made through an intentional non-probabilistic sampling by criteria, consisting of 3 910 pregnant women. Data were obtained from genetics consultation record books from selected health areas. In the analysis, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient, Spearman's Rho, and scatter diagrams were used. Results: there was a correlation between the cranial-spinal length with the variables and with the trophic condition of the newborn. The graphs that defined the trajectory of the biometric variables from the second trimester to delivery showed compaction of the values ​​up to week 25 and dispersion between week 25 and 30 with differential features in them. Conclusions: the correlation found of cranial-spinal length with biometric variables and with the trophic condition of the newborn demonstrates the usefulness of the use of this variable in the evolution of pregnancy by both the obstetrician and the comprehensive general practitioner; particularly in pregnant women in whom some growth alteration is suspected. The results obtained motivate further study by subdividing the sample into subgroups such as those affected by diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension or another, particularly because there is no information on it in the literature.

Índice de compactación cardíaca calculado en embriones humanos de los estadios 17 al 23 de Carnegie / Cardiac compaction index calculated in human embryos of Carnegie stages 17-23

RESUMEN Introducción: Aún persisten controversias en los eventos de la morfogénesis cardiovascular y una ausencia, casi total, de parámetros morfométricos en las fases iniciales de su desarrollo. Objetivos: Determinar la razón miocardio no compactado/miocardio compactado (NC/C) en ambos ventrículos y la evolución cronológica de esta razón en el período estudiado. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, con 18 embriones humanos pertenecientes a la Embrioteca de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara (Cuba) clasificados entre los estadios 17 y 23 de Carnegie. Se determinó el índice NC/C, el cual no es más que el cálculo matemático de la razón entre las porciones no compactada y compactada por espécimen y por estadios. Resultados: Los resultados de la aplicación de este índice en el ventrículo derecho de los embriones son: 7,17; 4,26; 3,12; 2,79; 2,36; 2,84 y 2,10 en los estadios de Carnegie 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 y 23, respectivamente. En estos mismos especímenes se obtuvo como resultado en el ventrículo izquierdo: 5,0; 3,80; 2,68; 2,18; 2,50; 2,01 y 1,56, igualmente organizado por estadios. Conclusiones: Los índices NC/C obtenidos sustentan cuantitativamente que la compactación del miocardio ventricular avanza en los estadios evaluados; sus valores, mayores en el vértice, denotan que es posible que aún no haya concluido en esta zona.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Controversies still persist regarding the events of cardiovascular morphogenesis and an almost total absence of morphometric parameters in the initial phases of its development. Objectives: To determine the non-compacted to compacted (NC/C) myocardium ratio in both ventricles and the chronological progression of this ratio in the period studied. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with 18 human embryos belonging to the Embryoteca of the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Villa Clara (Cuba) classified between Carnegie stages 17 and 23. The NC/C ratio -which is simply the mathematical calculation of the ratio between the non-compacted and compacted portions per specimen and per stage- was determined. Results: The application of this ratio in the right ventricle of the embryos obtained the following results: 7.17; 4.26; 3.12; 2.79; 2.36; 2.84 and 2.10 in Carnegie's stages 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23, respectively. In these same specimens, the left ventricle yielded the following results: 5.0; 3.80; 2.68; 2.18; 2.50; 2.01 and 1.56, also organized by stages. Conclusions: NC/C ratios obtained quantitatively support a progression of the ventricular myocardial compaction in the evaluated stages; their higher values at the apex denote that it may still be incomplete in this zone.

The influence of light exposure in ambiance during pregnancy in maternal and fetal outcomes: an experimental study / Influência da exposição da luz do ambiente no período gestacional e o resultado fetal: um estudo experimental

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate whether exposure to different environmental lighting conditions affects the reproductive parameters of pregnant mice and the development of their offspring. Methods Fifteen pregnant albino mice were divided into three groups: light/dark, light, and dark. The animalswere euthanized on day 18 of pregnancy following the Brazilian Good Practice Guide for Euthanasia of Animals.Maternal and fetal specimens weremeasured and collected for histological evaluation. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used for comparison of the groups considering p ≤ 0.05 to be statistically significant. Results There was no significant difference in the maternal variables between the three groups. Regarding fetal variables, significant differences were observed in the anthropometric measures between the groups exposed to different environmental lighting conditions, with the highest mean values in the light group. The histological evaluation showed the same structural pattern of the placenta in all groups, which was within the normal range. However, evaluation of the uterus revealed a discrete to moderate number of endometrial glands in the light/dark and light groups, which were poorly developed in most animals. In the fetuses, pulmonary analysis revealed morphological features consistent with the transition from the canalicular to the saccular phase in all groups. Conclusion Exposure to different environmental lighting conditions had no influence on the reproductive parameters of female mice, while the offspring of mothers exposed to light for 24 hours exhibited better morphometric features.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar se a exposição a diferentes luminosidades no ambiente afeta parâmetros reprodutivos de camundongos fêmeas prenhas e o desenvolvimento de sua prole. Métodos Foram selecionados para o estudo 15 camundongos fêmeas albinas prenhas. Os camundongos foram separados em grupos: luz/escuro, luz e escuro. As fêmeas foram eutanasiadas no 18° dia de gestação, seguindo as recomendações do Guia Brasileiro de Boas Práticas para a Eutanásia de animais. Tanto peças maternas como fetais foram mensuradas e coletadas para avaliação histológica. Foi utilizado o teste de Análise de variantes (Anova) para comparação dos grupos, considerando estatisticamente significativo o valor de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados Ao comparar as variáveis maternas entre os três grupos, não foi encontrada diferença estatística significativa. Em relação às variáveis fetais, houve diferenças estatísticas entre as medidas de antropometria dos grupos submetidos a diferentes luminosidades do ambiente, com melhores valores médios no grupo luz. Histologicamente, a avaliação placentária evidenciou em todos os grupos o mesmo padrão estrutural, com todos dentro da normalidade. No entanto, a avaliação de úteros, tanto do grupo luz/escuro quanto do grupo luz,mostrou quantidade discreta amoderada de glândulas endometriais, com pouco desenvolvimento na maioria dos animais. Nos fetos, análise pulmonar evidenciou características morfológicas compatíveis com a transição da fase canalicular para sacular em todos os grupos. Conclusão As exposições a diferentes luminosidades no ambiente não influenciaram nos parâmetros reprodutivos das fêmeas, entretanto, a ninhada das mães que receberam luz em todo período apresentou melhores medidas morfométricas.

Fetal autonomic malfunction as a marker of fetal distress in growth-restricted fetuses: three case reports

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is characterized by fetal compromise and delayed neurological maturation. We report 3 cases of early FGR in the 26th week of gestation, based on hemodynamic Doppler monitoring, conventional cardiotocography, and non-invasive fetal electrocardiography (NI-FECG). Fetal heart rate variability (HRV), beat-to-beat variations, and fetal autonomic brain age scores (fABASs) were normal despite the absence of umbilical diastolic flow in the first case and the pregnancy continued to 30 weeks. NI-FECG helped achieve better fetal maturity. Fetal HRV and fABASs were low in the second and third cases. Fetal demise occurred soon in both cases. We conclude that NI-FECG could be a prospective method for the detection of fetal distress in early FGR.

Desarrollo neuroembriológico: el camino desde la proliferación hasta la perfección / Neuronal Embryonic Development: A Pathway from Proliferation to Perfection

El desarrollo neurológico humano requiere una serie de pasos que permitan orientar, regular y diferenciar los diversos componentes cerebrales, para así garantizar, de una manera bastante precisa, la correcta organización y funcionamiento de las estructuras neuronales. La neurogénesis está clásicamente dividida en cuatro etapas consecutivas: proliferación, migración, diferenciación y maduración. En los humanos, estas ocurren desde la tercera semana de gestación hasta la vida adulta y precisan de un complejo grupo de paquetes genéticos, así como de algunos factores asociados, que se han ido descubriendo gracias a los avances en la biología molecular. El artículo es una revisión acerca del desarrollo neuroembriológico humano y los componentes genéticos más relevantes encontrados en la literatura.

The human neuronal development requires a number of concrete steps which lead to orientation, regulation and differentiation of several brain components. They must be done to guarantee, in a very precise way, the correct organization and functioning of the neuronal structures. Neurogenesis is commonly divided into four consecutive stages: proliferation, migration, differentiation and maturation. In humans, those stages take place since the third week of prenatal Iife until the adult Iife. They also require a complex group of genetic packs and associated molecular factors, most of which have been recen tly discovered by the molecular biology technology. A review was made about the human neuronal and embryological development and the most relevant genetic components described by the literature so far.

Intrauterine thrombosis of umbilical artery - case report / Trombose intrauterina de artéria umbilical - relato de caso

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT: Umbilical cord thrombosis is related to greater fetal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is usually associated with umbilical cord abnormalities that lead to mechanical compression with consequent vascular ectasia. Its correct diagnosis and clinical management remains a challenge that has not yet been resolved. CASE REPORT: This study reports a case of umbilical artery thrombosis that occurred in the second half of a pregnancy. The umbilical cord was long, thin and overly twisted and the fetus presented severe intrauterine growth restriction. The clinical and histopathological findings from this case are described. CONCLUSIONS: This case report emphasizes the difficulty in diagnosing and clinically managing abnormalities of intrauterine life with a high chance of perinatal complications.

RESUMO: CONTEXTO: A trombose do cordão umbilical está relacionada com o aumento da morbimortalidade fetal e perinatal. É geralmente associada a alterações do cordão umbilical que levam à compressão mecânica com consequente ectasia vascular. Seu correto diagnóstico e manejo clínico é um desafio que não está ainda bem esclarecido. RELATO DE CASO: Neste relato se descreve caso de trombose da artéria umbilical de ocorrência na segunda metade da gravidez associada a cordão umbilical longo, fino, excessivamente retorcido, associado a feto com restrição de crescimento intrauterino grave. São descritos seus achados clínicos e histopatológicos correlacionados. CONCLUSÃO: Este relato de caso reforça a dificuldade diagnóstica e de manejo clínico em alteração da vida intrauterina com grande possibilidade de complicações perinatais.

The progress of early diagnosis and treatment scheme for embryo damage / 中国医师进修杂志

Embryo damage refers to the pregnancy early embryonic development stops for some reason, and dead fetus in the womb is not yet out. It is clinical common refractory disease in the department of gynecology, and the current prevalence showed significantly increased trend. It had become a high-profil important reproductive health problem, and the research of early diagnosis and treatment scheme for embryo damage was great significance. In this paper, through the summary of the early diagnosis and treatment scheme for embryo damage, we hope that it can provide powerful help for the early detection and treatment of embryo damage and lies a foundation to promote reproductive health.

Técnica de diafanización para describir el desarrollo embrionario del sistema óseo. Revisión de la literatura / Diaphanization technique for the description of the embryonic development of the skeletal system. Systematic literature review

Introduction: The anatomic diaphanization technique consists in the transparency of soft tissues of vertebrate organisms (clearing), in order to dye the mineralized tissue and visualize bone and cartilage (staining). Objective: To review the reports available on specialized literature that describes the embryonic development of mammal ́s skeletal system through the diaphonization technique and simple staining or double staining processes. Materials and methods: A literature review was made on PubMed, Academic Google and SciELO, based on PRISMA, through the association of the term double staining with the health descriptors of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) alizarin red, alician blue, bone and cartilage , and the combination of the Boolean operators + and &. Results: There were included 22 articles that described the diaphanization technique and the simple staining or double staining technique used in the observation, registration and analysis of the embryonic development of mammal ́s skeletal system. Conclusion: The diaphanization technique and simple staining or double staining technique is an anatomic study technique­versatile and of low cost­of the embryonic development of mammal ́s skeletal system, which may be used in toxicology studies, discarding the possibility of developmental anomalies during the cartilage or bone formation (chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, respectively) associated to the exposure to a possible teratogenic agent.

Artrogriposis en un hospital de alta complejidad de Pereira, Colombia / Arthrogryposis in a high complexity hospital in Pereira city, Colombia

La artrogriposis es un hallazgo clínico poco común, consistente en contracturas articulares congénitas, no progresivas, que pueden asociarse a otras entidades clínicas, afectando a 1 de cada 3000 nacidos vivos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 29 años atendido en un hospital de alta complejidad de Pereira, diagnosticado al año de edad con artrogriposis. Ninguna especialidad se hizo cargo del manejo integral de paciente, en lugar de fisioterapia y ortesis durante su crecimiento osteomuscular, se realizaron más de 14 intervenciones quirúrgicas a la fecha. Actualmente presenta limitación funcional articular, atrofia muscular generalizada, fibrilación auricular, degeneración mixomatosa de la válvula mitral, estado de ánimo crónicamente disminuido y pobre inclusión social y laboral. Se pretende orientar el manejo adecuado de estos casos, para que pacientes con artrogriposis puedan ser diagnosticados y tratados oportunamente, y ser parte integral de la sociedad.

Arthrogryposis is a rare clinical finding that consists in not progressive, congenital joint contractures that can be associated with other clinical entities, affecting 1 in 3000 live births. It is presented the case of a male patient aged 29, treated at a high complexity hospital in Pereira city, diagnosed a year old, as arthrogryposis. No medical specialty took full patient management. Instead of physiotherapy and splinting during his musculoskeletal growth, it was performed more than 14 surgeries to date. Currently has a joint functional limitation, generalized muscle atrophy, significant atrial fibrillation, myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, chronically decreased mood and poor social and occupational inclusion. This article aims to guide the appropriate management of these cases, for patients with Artrogriposis may be diagnosed and treated promptly, and be an integral part of society.

Pregnant women knowledge about prenatal development: support for health education

INTRODUCTION: there is a series of studies related to intrauterine development, with significant advances in the elucidation of its molecular regulation and signalization, it is possible to notice that the perception by the pregnant woman about the development of the conceptus is not addressed in literature. The current studies on the pregnant woman perceptions about the conceptus are related to psychological aspects involving the fetus personification. A better understanding about the pregnant woman representations related to conceptus development can support the elaboration of educative actions, aiming at a qualified and humanized prenatal and puerperal care. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the knowledge, worries and beliefs of a group of pregnant women regarding the prenatal development. METHODS: a qualitative study was carried out, through semi structured individual interviews. The answers from the pregnant women were evaluated by the content analysis technique, under the thematic modality. RESULTS: i t was observed that certain prenatal development processes are known by the pregnant women. This knowledge involves the following categories: physical characteristic and organic functions of the conceptus, the conceptus sex, establishment of the mother-conceptus bond, revelations of the ultrasound screening, concerns during the pregnancy and influence of superstitious beliefs in the pregnancy. Probably this knowledge has been transmitted by society, family, health team or through previous pregnancy experiences. However, this knowledge is misunderstood in its whole, presenting little correlation between the information accessed by the pregnant and, how much and how it was understood and assimilated. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, interventions are needed, by means of health education...

INTRODUÇÃO: há série de estudos referentes ao desenvolvimento intrauterino, com significativos avanços na elucidação de sua regulação e sinalização molecular, constatando-se que na literatura não existe abordagem da percepção que as gestantes possuem acerca do desenvolvimento do concepto. Os estudos existentes sobre a percepção da gestante com relação ao concepto perpassam por aspectos psicológicos, envolvendo a personificação do feto. A melhor compreensão sobre as representações que as gestantes possuem sobre o desenvolvimento do concepto poderá amparar a elaboração de ações educativas, visando uma atenção pré-natal e puerperal qualificada e humanizada. OBJETIVO: analisar o conhecimento, as preocupações e as crenças de um grupo de gestantes acerca do desenvolvimento pré-natal. MÉTODO: realizou-se estudo qualitativo, por meio de entrevista individual semiestruturada. Os discursos das gestantes foram analisados pela técnica de análise de conteúdo, modalidade temática. RESULTADOS: observou-se que determinados processos do desenvolvimento pré-natal são conhecidos pelas gestantes. Esses conhecimentos perpassaram pelas categorias: característica física e funções orgânicas do concepto, o sexo do concepto, estabelecimento do vínculo mãe-concepto, revelações do exame de ultrassom, preocupações ao longo da gestação e influência de crenças supersticiosas na gestação. Parece que estes conhecimentos foram transmitidos pela sociedade, familiares, equipe de saúde ou a experiência da gestação prévia. Contudo, se tratam de conhecimentos incompreendidos em sua plenitude, havendo pouca correlação entre a informação que a gestante teve acesso e, quanto e como ela a compreendeu e se apropriou. CONCLUSÕES: há reforçando assim a necessidade de realização de intervenções, por meio de educação em saúde...

Symphysis-fundal height curve in the diagnosis of fetal growth deviations / Curva de altura uterina por idade gestacional e diagnóstico de desvios do crescimento fetal / Curva de altura uterina por edad de gestación y diagnóstico de desvíos del crecimiento fetal

OBJECTIVE: To validate a new symphysis-fundal curve for screening fetal growth deviations and to compare its performance with the standard curve adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. METHODS: Observational study including a total of 753 low-risk pregnant women with gestational age above 27 weeks between March to October 2006 in the city of João Pessoa, Northeastern Brazil. Symphisys-fundal was measured using a standard technique recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Estimated fetal weight assessed through ultrasound using the Brazilian fetal weight chart for gestational age was the gold standard. A subsample of 122 women with neonatal weight measurements was taken up to seven days after estimated fetal weight measurements and symphisys-fundal classification was compared with Lubchenco growth reference curve as gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. The McNemar χ2 test was used for comparing sensitivity of both symphisys-fundal curves studied. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the new curve for detecting small for gestational age fetuses was 51.6% while that of the Brazilian Ministry of Health reference curve was significantly lower (12.5%). In the subsample using neonatal weight as gold standard, the sensitivity of the new reference curve was 85.7% while that of the Brazilian Ministry of Health was 42.9% for detecting small for gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of the new curve for detecting small for gestational age fetuses was significantly higher than that of the Brazilian Ministry of Health reference curve.

OBJETIVO: Validar curva de referência de altura uterina por idade gestacional para o rastreamento de desvios do crescimento fetal e comparar sua performance com a curva-padrão adotada pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional que envolveu 753 gestantes de baixo risco de João Pessoa, PB, entre março e outubro de 2006, com idade gestacional acima de 27 semanas. A altura uterina foi medida de acordo com técnica preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. O padrão-ouro foi o peso fetal, estimado pelo ultrassom com base na curva de referência brasileira por idade gestacional. Uma subamostra de 122 casos com pesos neonatais obtidos até sete dias depois da estimativa do peso fetal, a classificação da altura uterina foi comparada com a curva de Lubchenco como padrão-ouro. A sensibilidade, a especificidade e os valores preditivos positivo e negativo foram calculados. Para comparar o desempenho da sensibilidade entre ambas as curvas de altura uterina, utilizou-se o teste χ2 de McNemar. RESULTADOS: A sensibilidade da nova curva para a detecção de fetos pequenos para a idade gestacional foi de 51,6 por cento, enquanto a da curva do padrão-ouro foi significativamente menor (12,5 por cento). Na subamostra que teve o peso neonatal como padrão-ouro, a sensibilidade da nova curva de referência foi de 85,7 por cento, enquanto a do Ministério da Saúde exibiu 42,9 por cento de sensibilidade para a detecção de fetos pequenos para a idade gestacional. CONCLUSÕES: A capacidade diagnóstica da nova curva de referência para detectar fetos pequenos para a idade gestacional foi significativamente melhor do que a da curva recomendada pelo Ministério da Saúde.

OBJETIVO: Validar la curva de referencia de altura uterina por edad de gestación para el rastreo de desvíos del crecimiento fetal y comparar su performance con la curva estándar adoptada por el Ministerio de la Salud de Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional que envolvió 753 gestantes de bajo riesgo de Joao Pessoa, Noreste de Brasil, entre marzo y octubre de 2006, con edad de gestación por encima de 27 semanas. La altura uterina fue medida de acuerdo con técnica recomendada por el Ministerio de la Salud. El patrón-oro fue el peso fetal, estimado por el ultrasonido con base en la curva de referencia brasilera por edad de gestación. Una sub-muestra de 122 casos con pesos neonatales obtenidos hasta siete días después de la estimación del peso fetal, la clasificación de la altura uterina fue comparada con la curva de Lubchenco como estándar-oro. La sensibilidad, la especificidad y los valores predictivos positivo y negativo fueron calculados. Para comparar el desempeño de la sensibilidad entre ambas curvas de altura uterina, se utilizó la prueba chi-cuadrado de McNemar. RESULTADOS: La sensibilidad de la nueva curva para la detección de fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación fue de 51,6%, mientras que la curva del patrón-oro fue significativamente menor (12,5%). En la sub-muestra que tuvo el peso neonatal como estándar-oro, la sensibilidad de la nueva curva de referencia fue de 87,7%, mientras que la del Ministerio de la Salud exhibió 42,9% de sensibilidad para la detección de fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación. CONCLUSIONES: La capacidad diagnóstica de la nueva curva de referencia para detectar fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación fue significativamente mejor que la curva recomendada por el Ministerio de la Salud.

Modelo experimental para restrição do crescimento fetal em ratos: efeito sobre o glicogênio hepático e morfometria intestinal e renal / Experimental rat model for fetal growth restriction: effects on liver glycogen and intestinal and renal morphometry

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia do modelo de RCIU por ligadura da artéria uterina simulando insuficiência placentária em ratos. MÉTODOS: fetos de ratas prenhes Sprague-Dawley foram divididos em três grupos: RCIU (restrição de crescimento intrauterino), com fetos submetidos à ligadura da artéria uterina com 18,5 dias de gestação (termo = 22 dias), C-RCIU (controle da restrição), com fetos do corno contralateral à ligadura, CE (Controle Externo), com fetos de ratas sem manipulação. Com 21,5 dias de gestação, foi realizada cesárea, os fetos foram pesados e dissecados para análise morfométrica e histológica do fígado, intestino e rins. RESULTADOS: os dados morfométricos avaliados mostraram o peso corpóreo (PC), hepático (PH) e intestinal (PI) dos fetos com RCIU menor que C-RCIU e CE (p<0,001). O peso placentário (PP), renal (PR) e as relações PH/PC, PI/PC e PR/PC não se alteraram. A espessura renal foi menor nos fetos com RCIU (p<0,001) e houve diminuição da camada mucosa e submucosa intestinal (p<0,05). A avaliação histológica mostrou diminuição do glicogênio hepático nos fetos com RCIU em relação aos grupos C-RCIU e CE. CONCLUSÕES: o modelo descrito foi eficiente e causou RCIU fetal simétrica com diminuição da maioria dos órgãos, especialmente do peso hepático, e alteração nos depósitos de glicogênio.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effectiveness of the IUGR model by uterine artery ligation mimicking placental insufficiency in rats. METHODS: sprague-Dawley rat fetuses were divided into three groups: IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction), with fetuses in the right horn of pregnant rats subjected to right uterine artery ligation at 18.5 days of gestation (term = 22 days); C-IUGR (control of restriction), with control fetuses in the left horn, and EC (external control), with fetuses of intact rats. Animals were harvested by cesarean section at day 21.5 days of gestation. Fetuses were weighed and then sacrificed. The intestine, liver, kidney and placenta were weighed and dissected for morphometric and histological analysis. RESULTS: the morphometric data showed decreased body weight (BW), liver weight (LW) and intestinal weight (IW) of fetuses with IUGR compared to C-IUGR and EC (p<0.001). The placental weight (PW), renal weight (RW) and LW/BW, IW/BW, and RW/BW ratios did not change. IUGR fetuses had decreased kidney thickness (p<0.001) and decreased thickness of the intestinal mucosa and submucosa (p<0.05). Histological evaluation showed reduction of liver glycogen storage in fetuses with IUGR compared to C-IUGR and CE. CONCLUSIONS: the model described was efficient and caused symmetric fetal IUGR with decreased size of most organs, especially the liver, and changes in glycogen stores.

Diagnóstico pré-natal utilizando material fetal isolado do sangue periférico materno / Prenatal diagnosis using fetal material isolated from maternal peripheral blood

As anomalias cromossômicas apresentam grande incidência entre os nativivos e natimortos, constituindo a maior causa de morte fetal em países desenvolvidos, no período perinatal. Tradicionalmente, o diagnóstico dessas cromossomopatias é feito por procedimentos invasivos, que não são isentos de complicações materno-fetais. O desenvolvimento de técnicas que permitem identificação e o isolamento de células fetais e de DNA fetal livre no sangue periférico materno tem permitido o diagnóstico precoce das anomalias cromossômicas, tornando-se, desse modo, uma área de intensas pesquisas. Estudos mais recentes também envolvem a identificação e quantificação de mRNA fetal na circulação materna, o que torna possível a análise da expressão gênica fetal durante a gestação. O resgate de material fetal em sangue periférico materno e sua utilização no diagnóstico de várias doenças fetais é uma área de grande interesse na medicina fetal atual. Estudos são necessários para se avaliar melhor o papel propedêutico dessas novas técnicas, assim como sua aplicabilidade na prática clínica rotineira.

Chromosomal abnormalities show great incidence among live birth and stillbirth, becoming the major fetal death cause during the perinatal period in developed countries. Traditionally, the diagnosis of these chromosomal abnormalities is performed through invasive techniques which are not free from maternal-fetal complications. The development of techniques that allows identification and isolation of fetal cells and free fetal DNA in peripheral maternal blood has afforded the early diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and, therefore, become an intensive area of research. Recent studies describe the identification and qualification of fetal mRNA in the maternal circulation, which makes possible fetal gene expression analysis during pregnancy. The identification of fetal material in maternal circulation and its value on the diagnosis of several fetal diseases is a great area of interest in the current fetal medicine. Studies are necessary to evaluate the best propedeutic role of these new techniques, as well as their applicability in the routine clinical practice.

Embriopatía por isotretinoína: Un daño evitable / Isotretinoin embryophaty: Report of one case

Retinoic acid is a widely used drug in the treatment of cystic acné. It has teratogenic effects that depend on the gestational period in which it is used. We report a seven months of female whose mother was exposed to retinoic acid in both pregestational and gestational periods. She had a retardation of psychomotor development and a brain MRI showed frontal atrophy and a malformation of the posterior fossa. We discuss the mechanisms ofthe teratogenic effeets of retinoic acid.

Protective effect of transection of cervical sympathetic trunk on fetal brain in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effect of transection of cervical sympathetic trunk (TCST)on the fetal brain in rats with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods Thirty-two pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups(n=8 each):A control group;B PIH group;C TCST+PIH group and D sham operation+PIH group,PIH was produced by L-NAME 12.5 mg?100g~(-1) given subcutaneously from 14~(th)-20~(th) day of gestation.In group A normal saline was given instead of L-NAME.In group C TCST was performed on the 14~(th) day of gestation and L-NAME was injected asin group B.In group D the cervical sympathetic trunk was only exposed but not cut.Caesarean section was performed and fetus was taken on the 21~(st) day of gestation.The ultrastructure of fetal brain was examined.The content of ATP,ADP and AMP in the fetal brain and the Na~+-K~+-ATPase and Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity in neuronal plasmalemma were determined.Results The ultrastructure of the fetal brain was almost normal in group A and C,but was seriously damaged in group B and D.The ATP and adenylic acid content in the brain tissue and the Na~+-K~+-ATPase and Ca~(2+)-ATPase activity in neuronal plasmalemma were significantly lower in group B and D than in group A and C.Conclusion TCST has protective effect on the fetal brain in rats with PIH by improving energy supply and enhancing pump function of neuron.