Effects of maternal anxiety on fetal and maternal circulation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between maternal anxiety in the third trimester and changes in fetal and maternal circulation assessed by Doppler velocimetry. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study. The inclusion criteria were good health, a singleton pregnancy, maternal age between 18 and 40 years, and gestational age between 34 and 40 weeks. Doppler measurements included mean uterine artery pulsatility index, fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, peak of systolic velocity, umbilical artery, and umbilical vein. The Beck Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, validated for the Brazilian population, with 21 self-reported items, was applied. RESULTS: The study included 34 pregnant women, and 6 (17.7%) presented a total Beck Anxiety Inventory score showing moderate or severe maternal anxiety. The mean maternal age was 28.1 years (SD 5.7 years); the mean gestational age at interview was 36.5 weeks (SD 1.8 weeks), and the mean Beck Anxiety Inventory total score was 12.3 (SD 9.8). The group with moderate or severe anxiety, compared to the group with minimal or mild anxiety, presented an association with lower maternal age (median 21.5 vs. 29.5 years, p=0.019), lower fetal umbilical vein blood flow (median 189.4 vs. 249.5 mL/min, p=0.047), and lower umbilical vein-corrected blood flow (median 68.5 vs. 84.9 mL/kg/min, p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Maternal anxiety may affect fetal circulation patterns in late pregnancy and is associated with reduced blood flow in the fetal umbilical vein. The underlying physiopathology needs further investigation.

Progress in application of placental and intraplacental circulation Doppler in obstetrics / 中华围产医学杂志

Placental and maternal-fetal circulation Doppler ultrasound are the main noninvasive means for maternal-fetal monitoring. However, Doppler studies on placental abnormalities are not well studied yet. Doppler monitoring of the maternal-fetal circulation, involving uterine arteries, umbilical arteries, and fetal vessels, is still used to screen diseases related to placental dysfunction (such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction) and to guide clinical management. This article reviews the advances in the clinical application of placental and maternal-fetal circulation Doppler in obstetrics to optimize the clinical management of disorders associated with abnormal placental structure and function.

Anastomosis placentarias en embarazos gemelares monocoriales: estudio mediante técnicas de inyección vascular y relación con complicaciones fetales / Placental anastomoses in monochorionic twin pregnancies: study using vascular injection techniques and relationship with fetal complications

RESUMEN Introducción. Los embarazos gemelares son clasificados en dos grupos: monocoriónico (MC) y dicoriónico (DC). Los gemelos MC tienen 5 a 6 veces más riesgo de tener un resultado perinatal adverso. Se publica el estudio de un grupo de 22 placentas de pacientes con embarazo gemelar monocoriónico que presentaron complicaciones como síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF), secuencia de anemia policitemia (TAPS), perfusión arterial reversa (TRAP) y restricción de crecimiento intrauterino selectivo (RCIU-s). Objetivo . Determinar los tipos de anastomosis predominantes en las placentas con síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal, secuencia de anemia policitemia, síndrome de perfusión arterial reversa y restricción de crecimiento selectivo. Metodología . Se aplicó la técnica de inyección vascular placentaria para el reconocimiento de las anastomosis. Resultados . El número medio de anastomosis por placenta en el STFF (que fue la complicación más severa) fue de 8,2 ± 2,2. Las anastomosis AV y VA predominaron en un 83%. Hubo signos de discordancia placentaria en 30% de las placentas, y un 40% de placentas presentaron cordón de inserción velamentosa. Conclusiones. Las anastomosis vasculares no solo están implicadas en la etiología de las principales patologías propias de gestaciones monocoriónicas, sino que también influyen en su manejo. Creemos que un adecuado estudio placentario de cada uno de estos casos mediante la técnica de inyección vascular placentaria sería indispensable en los centros que aspiran a desarrollar manejos diferenciados de terapia fetal para cada una de estas complicaciones.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Twin pregnancies are classified into two groups: monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC). MC twins are 5 to 6 times more likely to have an adverse perinatal outcome. The study of a group of 22 placentas from patients with monochorionic twin pregnancy who presented with complications such as feto-fetal transfusion syndrome (FFTS), twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS), twin reverse arterial perfusion syndrome (TRAP) and selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) is presented. Objective: To determine the predominant types of anastomoses in placentas with feto-fetal transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence, reverse arterial perfusion syndrome and selective intrauterine growth restriction. Methodology: The placental injection technique was applied for the recognition of anastomoses. Results: The mean number of anastomoses per placenta in STFF, which was the most severe complication, was 8.2 ± 2.2. The AV and VA anastomoses predominated in 83%. There were signs of placental discordance in 30% of placentas, and 40% of placentas presented velamentous cord insertion. Conclusions: Vascular anastomoses are not only involved in the etiology of the main pathologies of monochorionic gestations, but also influence their management. We believe that an adequate placental study of each of these cases by means of the placental vascular injection technique would be essential in centers that aspire to develop differentiated fetal management for each of these complications.

Síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal: revisão de literatura / Twin-twin transfusion syndrome: a literature review

A síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal é uma complicação das gestações gemelares monocoriônicas. Além de ocorrer comumente no segundo trimestre, apresenta elevada morbimortalidade fetal e neonatal, e taxas de incidência que variam de 10 a 15% dentre todas as gravidezes monocoriônicas. O objetivo deste estudo é realizar uma revisão de literatura a partir de levantamento bibliográfico acerca dos principais aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos da STFF. A base de dados PubMed foi consultada, uma vez que os termos de pesquisa utilizados foram "síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal", "diagnóstico" e "tratamento". Obtiveram-se sessenta e oito artigos de revisão de literatura e/ou revisão sistemática, sendo que apenas vinte e nove foram selecionados após aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade. Em relação à fisiopatologia, a síndrome é explicada pela transferência sanguínea direta entre os fetos gemelares através de anastomoses arteriovenosas placentárias, conceitualmente determinando a existência de um feto receptor e outro doador. Embora as gestantes comumente se apresentam assintomáticas, as repercussões clínicas fetais costumam ser graves. O diagnóstico é exclusivamente ultrassonográfico e deve ser feito o mais precocemente possível, ressaltando-se a importância da detecção da corionicidade da gestação gemelar, além de acompanhamento ultrassonográfico seriado para rastreio do desenvolvimento da síndrome. Apesar de ainda não haver protocolo de tratamento bem estabelecido, a ablação dos vasos placentários a laser é tida como o padrão-ouro dentre as opções terapêuticas disponíveis. Apresenta elevada taxa de sobrevida de pelo menos um dos fetos e baixos índices de sequelas neurológicas neonatais, podendo ser realizada somente até a 26ª semana de gestação.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is a complication of monochorionic twin pregnancies. In addition to commonly occurring in the second trimester, it has high fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and incidence rates ranging from 10 to 15% among all monochorionic pregnancies. This study aims to perform a literature review based on a bibliographic survey about the main epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of TTTS. The PubMed database was consulted, as the search terms used were "twin-twin transfusion syndrome", "diagnosis", and "treatment". Sixty-eight literature review and systematic review articles were obtained, and only twenty-nine were selected after applying the eligibility criteria. About the pathophysiology, the syndrome is explained by direct blood transfer between the twin fetuses through placental arteriovenous anastomoses, determining the existence of a recipient fetus and another donor. Although pregnant women are usually asymptomatic, the clinical fetal repercussions are often severe. Diagnosis is exclusively ultrasonographic and must be made as early as possible, emphasizing the importance of detecting chorionicity in twin pregnancy, in addition to serial ultrasonographic follow-up to track the development of the syndrome. Although there is still no well-established treatment protocol, endoscopic laser ablation of vascular anastomoses is considered the gold standard among the available therapeutic options. It has a high survival rate for at least one of the fetuses and low rates of neonatal neurological sequelae and can only be performed until the 26th week of pregnancy.

Ligadura del cordón umbilical en recién nacidos prematuros / Umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants

La prematiridad fue aumentando la supervivencia desde hace varios años, y eso produce, sobre todo, una preocupación en los prematuros nacidos antes de las 28 semanas de gestación. El tiempo del clampeo del cordón umbilical puede generar diversos trastornos, principalmente, cuando se realiza temprano (10-15 segundos). Ya desde hace 20 años, a través de varias investigaciones, se pudieron demostrar los notorios beneficios del clampeo demorado del cordón (de 2 a 3 minutos). Esta práctica fue instalada en la asistencia obstétrica y neonatal por las recomendaciones de sociedades científicas y de las revisiones sistemáticas, que señalaron las sólidas evidencias que apoyaban esta conducta para prematuros. En esta revisión, se describen los artículos más relevantes en los últimos años, que sustentan notoriamente la aplicación del clampeo demorado del cordón versus el clampeo temprano. Asimismo, esta práctica genera una disminución de los trastornos graves en prematuros.

For several years now, the survival of preterm infants has been increasing, which has shifted our concern to preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation in particular. The timing of umbilical cord clamping may lead to several disorders, especially when done early (10-15 seconds). In the last two decades, several investigations have shown the considerable benefits of delayed cord clamping (2-3 minutes). Delayed cord clamping has been practiced in obstetrics and neonatal care based on the recommendations made by scientific societies and in systematic reviews, which have provided solid evidence to support this practice in preterm infants. This review describes the most relevant articles from the last years, which strongly support the use of delayed cord clamping versus early cord clamping. In addition, this practice reduces the rate of severe disorders in preterm infants.

A baby with congenital hypothyroidism born to a hypothyroid mother who expressed undiagnosed thyroid stimulation blocking antibody

In adults, hypothyroidism caused by thyroid stimulation blocking antibody (TSB Ab) is rare, and confirmed cases are even fewer, as TSB Ab levels are rarely assayed. However, this may create problems in babies, as the transplacental passage of maternal TSB Ab can cause a rare type of hypothyroidism in the infant. Prompt levothyroxine replacement for the baby starting immediately after birth is important. We describe a congenital hypothyroid baby born to a hypothyroid mother who was not aware of the cause of her hypothyroid condition, which turned out to be associated with the expression of TSB Ab. This cause was confirmed in both the infant and mother using a series of thyroid function tests and measurements of autoantibody levels, including TSB Ab. During periodic follow-up, the TSB Ab and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody titers became negative in the baby at 8 months of age, but remained positive in the mother. Evaluation of hypothyroidism and its cause in mothers during pregnancy is important for both maternal and child health.

A baby with congenital hypothyroidism born to a hypothyroid mother who expressed undiagnosed thyroid stimulation blocking antibody

In adults, hypothyroidism caused by thyroid stimulation blocking antibody (TSB Ab) is rare, and confirmed cases are even fewer, as TSB Ab levels are rarely assayed. However, this may create problems in babies, as the transplacental passage of maternal TSB Ab can cause a rare type of hypothyroidism in the infant. Prompt levothyroxine replacement for the baby starting immediately after birth is important. We describe a congenital hypothyroid baby born to a hypothyroid mother who was not aware of the cause of her hypothyroid condition, which turned out to be associated with the expression of TSB Ab. This cause was confirmed in both the infant and mother using a series of thyroid function tests and measurements of autoantibody levels, including TSB Ab. During periodic follow-up, the TSB Ab and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody titers became negative in the baby at 8 months of age, but remained positive in the mother. Evaluation of hypothyroidism and its cause in mothers during pregnancy is important for both maternal and child health.

Short and long-term outcomes of placental transfusion in very low birth weight infants: a meta analysis / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the risks and benefits of interventions promoting placental transfusion (PT) at delivery [delayed cord clamping (DCC) or umbilical cord milking (UCM)] compared with early cord clamping (ECC) on outcomes among very low birth weight infants (VLBWI).Methods A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, China Academic Journal Network Publishing Database and Wanfang Medical Databases (January 1965 to July 2014) for randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles relating to PT strategies (DCC and UCM) in VLBWI.The Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 was used to evaluate the methodological quality and RevMan 5.3 software from Cochrane Collaboration was used for metaanalysis.The fixed effect or random effect model was adopted according to the result of heterogeneity, Results We identified 14 eligible studies describing a total of 659 neonates with an average birth weight ＜ 1 500 g.There were eight studies for DCC and six studies for UCM.Compared with the control, benefits of greater PT decreased any grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (nine studies, OR=0.49, 95％CI: 0.32-0.77, P ＜ 0.01), increased the blood pressure at four hours of life (eight studies, MD=4.42, 95％CI: 3.85-4.98, P ＜ 0.01), and also showed higher initial hemoglobin (Hb) level (six studies, MD=3.52, 95％CI: 1.67-5.37, P ＜ 0.01) and lower incidence of sepsis during the hospital stay (five studies, OR=0.46, 95％CI: 0.26-0.83, P=0.01).No differences were observed between the groups about the fllowing indicators (all P ＞ 0.05): 5-minute Apgar scores (MD=0.01,95％CI:-0.21-0.22), admission temperature (MD=0.13, 95％CI:-0.15 to 0.41), peak serum bilirubin levels (MD=0.59, 95％CI:-0.13 to 1.31), initial reported hematocrit (MD=3.48, 95％CI:-0.46 to 7.43), mortality before discharge (OR=0.63, 95％CI:0.31-1.25), Bell's stage 2 or greater necrotizing enterocolitis (OR=0.62 ,95％CI: 0.29-1.33), rates of transfusion due to anemia (OR=0.63, 95％CI: 0.35-1.15) and oxygen therapy at 36 weeks of corrected age (OR=0.79, 95％CI: 0.46-1.34).Conclusions It is suggested that enhanced PT (both DCC and UCM) at birth is safe and provide better neonatal outcomes than ECC for those VLBWI, most notably reduces the overall IVH occurrence and lower the incidence of sepsis.The optimal umbilical cord clamping practice and UCM among VLBWI infants remains uncertain and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes are warranted.

Monitoría fetal intraquirúrgica: el feto como órgano blanco / Intraoperative fetal monitoring: The fetus as a target organ

RESUMEN Introducción: A partir del artículo «El punto ciego de la anestesia obstétrica: monitoría fetal intraquirúrgica¼ se realiza una reflexión con ejemplos de monitoría no invasiva desarrollada en otros campos y se plantea la expectativa de un nuevo dispositivo que pueda ser de utilidad para monitoría fetal intraquirúrgica. Métodos: Lectura del artículo en mención, búsqueda manual de información respecto a nuevos dispositivos de monitoría no invasiva en desarrollo, aplicables a diversos escenarios y pacientes, que ofrezcan perspectivas a futuro en la monitoría fetal intraquirúrgica. Resultados: Se describen ejemplos de herramientas de monitoría no invasiva que se han desarrollado en los últimos años y que surgen de la necesidad de obtener información fidedigna y en tiempo real del comportamiento de órganos blanco durante el periodo perioperatorio. Conclusión: Aún no existe un dispositivo de monitoría fetal intraoperatoria que sea práctico y confiable en el quirófano para la paciente obstétrica. Se propone la implementación de un dispositivo novedoso como el que ya existe para la detección de arritmias como herramienta posible en el campo de la monitoría fetal intraquirúrgica no invasiva.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A reflection based on the article “The blind spot of obstetric anesthesia: intraoperative fetal monitoring” is made, with examples of non invasive monitoring developed in other fields, and a discussion about the expectation of a new device that could prove to be useful for intra-surgical fetal monitoring. Methods: Reading the above-mentioned article, manual search of information about new non-invasive monitoring devices currently being developed that are applicable to diverse situations and patients, and may open up new avenues for intraoperative fetal monitoring in the future. Results: Description of examples of non-invasive monitoring tools that have been developed in the last few years as a result of the need to obtain reliable and real-time information about target organ behavior during the perioperative period. Conclusion: A practical and reliable intraoperative fetal monitoring device is not yet available for obstetric patients in the OR. We suggest the implementation of a novel device similar to those available for the detection of arrhythmias, as a potential tool for non-invasive intraoperative fetal monitoring.

Placental characteristics in uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the association between placental sharing,vascular anastomoses,cord insertion and perinatal outcome in uncomplicated monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) placentas.Methods Between January 1,2012 and July 31,2013,60 uncomplicated (seclective fetal growth restriction,twin anemia-polycythemia sequence and twin-twin transfusion dyndrome) MCDA placentas were studied.These uncomplicated MCDA placentas were divided into the placenta equally shared group with placental territory discordance (PTD) ＜0.25 and the placenta unequally shared group with PTD ≥ 0.25.Angioarchitecture,cord insertion type and the distance between two cord insertions were compared using the Chi-square test and nonparametric test.Results Mean maternal age was (30.3±4.1) years.There were 39 cases (65％) in the placenta equally shared group and 21 (35％) in the placenta unequally shared group.Vascular anastomoses were observed in all placentas,arterioarterial anastomoses in 58 placentas (97％),and venovenous anastomoses in 17 placentas (28％).The overall diameter and the maximum diameter of arterioarterial anastomoses in the placenta equally shared group were (0.19±0.11) cm and (0.18±0.09) cm,respectively,and were lower than those in the placenta unequally shared group [(0.27±0.11) cm and (0.27±0.12) cm,respectively] (T were-2.39 and-2.94,P＜0.05,respectively).No significant differences in the number,the overall diameter and the maximum diameter of venovenous anastomoses were observed between the two groups (all P＞0.05).The incidence of cord velamentous insertion and cord velamentous insertion plus cord marginal insertion were 14％ (11/78) and 42％ (33/78),respectively,in the placenta equally shared group,and were similar to those in the placenta unequally shared group [14％ (6/42) and 33％ (14/42),x2 were 1.00 and 0.43,P＞0.05,respectively].The mean distance between two cord insertions was shorter in the placenta unequally shared group than in the placenta equally shared group [(14.3±6.3) cm vs (18.2±6.0) cm,T=2.37,P＜0.05].Conclusions In cases with unequally shared placenta,the distance between two cord insertions is shorter and the diameter of arterioarterial anastomoses is larger,which may compensate for their unequal placental territories,leading to no complications in these MCDA twin.

Reference range of uterine artery Doppler parameters between the 11th and 14th pregnancy weeks in a population sample from Northeast Brazil / Valores de referência para parâmetros doplervelocimétricos das artérias uterinas entre a 11ª e 14ª semanas de gestação em uma amostra populacional do Nordeste do Brasil

PURPOSE: To establish reference values for the first trimester uterine artery resistance index (UtA-RI) and pulsatility index (UtA-PI) in healthy singleton pregnant women from Northeast Brazil. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study including 409 consecutive singleton pregnancies undergoing routine early ultrasound screening at 11 - 14 weeks of gestation was performed. The patients responded to a questionnaire to assess maternal epidemiological characteristics. The left and right UtA-PI and UtA-RI were examined by color and pulsed Doppler by transabdominal technique and the mean UtA-PI, mean UtA-RI and the presence of bilateral protodiastolic notching were recorded. Quartile regression was used to estimate reference values. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation UtA-RI and UtA-PI were 0.7±0.1 and 1.5±0.5, respectively. When segregated for gestation age, mean UtA-PI was 1.6±0.5 at 11 weeks, 1.5±0.6 at 12 weeks, 1.4±0.4 at 13 weeks and 1.3±0.4 at 14 weeks' gestation and mean UtA-RI was 0.7±0.1 at 11 weeks, 0.7±0.1 at 12 weeks, 0.6±0.1 at 13 weeks and 0.6±0.1 at 14 weeks' gestation. Uterine artery bilateral notch was present in 261 (63.8%) patients. We observed that the 5th and 95th percentiles of the UtA-PI and UtA-RI uterine arteries were 0.7 and 2.3 and, 0.5 and 0.8, respectively. CONCLUSION: Normal reference range of uterine artery Doppler in healthy singleton pregnancies from Northeast Brazil was established. The 95th percentile of UtA-PI and UtA-RI values may serve as a cut-off for future prediction of pregnancy complications studies (i.e., pre-eclampsia) in Northeast Brazil.

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer valores de referência para os índices de resistência (UtA-IR) e de pulsatilidade (UtA-IP) das artérias uterinas em mulheres com gravidezes saudáveis do nordeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Um estudo de coorte observacional prospectivo, incluindo 409 gestações únicas consecutivas submetidas a exame de ultrassonografia de rotina entre 11 e 14 semanas de gestação, foi realizado. As pacientes responderam a um questionário para avaliar características epidemiológicas maternas. Os índices UtA-IR e UtA-IP das artérias uterinas esquerda e direita foram examinadas através de Doppler colorido e pulsátil por técnica transabdominal. A média UtA-IP, a média UtA-IR e a presença de incisura protodiastólica bilateral foram registradas. Regressão quartil foi utilizada para estimar os valores de referência. RESULTADOS: A média±desvio-padrão de UtA-IR e UtA-IP foram de 0,7±0,1 e 1,5±0,5, respectivamente. Quando separadas por idade gestacional, a média de UtA-IP foi de 1,6±0,5 com 11 semanas, 1,5±0,6 com 12 semanas, 1,4±0,4 com 13 semanas e 1,3±0,4 em uma gestação de 14 semanas e a média de UtA-IR foi de 0,7±0,1 com 11 semanas, 0,7±0,1 com 12 semanas, 0,6±0,1 com 13 semanas e 0,6±0,1 com 14 semanas de gestação. Incisura bilateral das artérias uterinas estava presente em 261 (63,8%) pacientes. Observou-se que os percentis 5 e 95 de UtA-IP e UtA-IR foram 0,7 e 2,3 e 0,5 e 0,8, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A curva de valores de referência dos índices de dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas no primeiro trimestre foi estabelecida para gestações únicas e saudáveis do nordeste do Brasil. Os valores do percentil 95 para os índices UtA-IP e UtA-IR podem servir como ponto de corte para estudos de predição de complicações em gravidezes (por exemplo, pré-eclampsia) no nordeste do Brasil.

Clampeo tardío de cordón umbilical: saturación de oxígeno en recién nacidos / Delayed umbilical cord clamping: oxygen saturation in newborn and value the presence of maternal and neonatal

Introducción: el retraso del clampeo de cordón umbilical tiene como beneficios la reducción del número de transfusiones de sangre y de la incidencia de hemorragia intraventricular en recién nacidos prematuros, además de la prevención de la anemia infantil. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar los efectos del clampeo tardío sobre la saturación de oxígeno capilar y valorar la presencia de complicaciones maternas y neonatales en las primeras horas de adaptación a la vida extrauterina. Material y método: en 19 neonatos en los que se realizó el pinzamiento de cordón al cese de latidos umbilicales, se demostró el pasaje de sangre mediante el control continuo de la variación de peso. El tiempo promedio de cese del latido del cordón umbilical fue 2' 39" (±2' 27 "). Se controló de manera específica la saturación de oxígeno capilar, alcanzando 89% (± 4,6%), 94% (± 4,1%) y 96% (± 3,8%) a los 5, 10 y 15 minutos de vida respectivamente. La temperatura a los 10 minutos de vida fue de 36,6° ± 0,6°C. A las 48 horas de internación no se comprobó ictericia que requiriera fototerapia ni complicaciones cardiovasculares o respiratorias. Tampoco se comprobaron diferencias en los valores hematimétricos maternos, antes del parto y en el puerperio inmediato ni en el alumbramiento. Conclusiones: esperar el cese de latido de cordón umbilical no se asoció a complicaciones en las madres ni en la adaptación a la vida extrauterina de los recién nacidos en las primeras 48 horas de vida.

Introduction: delayed umbilical cord clamping has the benefit of reducing the number of blood transfusions and the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in pre-term infants, including the prevention of childhood anemia. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of late clamping on capillary oxygen saturation and value the presence of maternal and neonatal complications in the early hours of adaptation to extra-uterine life. Material and methods: in 19 infants who underwent the cord clamping the umbilical cessation of heartbeat, showed the passage of blood through the continuous monitoring of changes in weight. The average time of cessation of the heartbeat of the umbilical cord was 2'39" (±2' 27"). It is controlled specifically capillary oxygen saturation, reaching 89% (± 4,6%), 94% (± 4,1%) and 96% (± 3,8%) at 5, 10 and 15 minutes of life respectively. The temperature after 10 minutes of life was 36,6°C ± 0,6°C. After 48 hours of hospitalization were not found jaundice requiring phototherapy or cardiovascular or respiratory complications. Nor are differences found in maternal hematimetric values before delivery and the postpartum period or immediate delivery. Conclusions: waiting for the cessation of heartbeat umbilical cord was not associated with complications in mothers or in adapting to extra-uterine life of newborn babies within 48 hours of life.

Expressão imunoistoquímica de diferenciação e crescimento celular em cardiomiócitos de neonatos / Immunohistochemical expression of cell differentiation and growth in neonate cardiomyocytes

FUNDAMENTO: As alterações cardíacas na fase de transição do coração fetal para a vida extrauterina vêm sendo exploradas por inúmeras pesquisas em animais, e os mecanismos celulares responsáveis por essas modificações ainda não estão bem documentado em seres humanos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o mecanismo de diferenciação celular em cardiomiócitos ocorridas nos primeiros dias de vida, por meio da análise imunoistoquímica de proteínas envolvidas com processos de proliferação e contração muscular, em amostras de miocárdio de recém-natos humanos. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de amostras parafinadas de miocárdio provenientes de banco de necropsias de recémnascidos humanos, divididos em dois grupos amostrais: recém-nascidos a termo que foram a óbito com no máximo dois dias de vida (NEO1) com 10 casos, e recém- nascidos a termo que foram a óbito entre três e 10 dias de vida (NEO2) com 14 casos, a fim de seguir uma linha de tempo que contemplasse a fase de transição da circulação fetal a vida extrauterina. As amostras foram estudadas em tissue microarray e os anticorpos utilizados foram o Ki67, PCNA, PTEN, Bcl2 (proliferação) e HHF35 e actina sarcomérica (proteínas contráteis). RESULTADOS: Foi encontrada diferença com o Ki67 p = 0,02, HHF35 p < 0,01 e actina sarcomérica p = 0,02, e a expressão do Ki67 foi mais alta no grupo NEO1 e a expressão do HHF35 e da actina sarcomérica foi mais alta no grupo NEO2. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que os cardiomiócitos apresentam uma característica proliferativa (Ki67) nos NEO1 e que essa vai, seguindo uma linha temporal, sendo substituída por um caráter de diferenciação (HHF35 e actina sarcomérica) nos NEO2.

BACKGROUND: The cardiac alterations during the fetal heart transition to extrauterine life have been explored by several animal studies and the cell mechanisms responsible for these modifications are not well documented in humans. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanism of cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes that occur in the first days of life, through immunohistochemical analysis of proteins involved in proliferation and muscle contraction processes, in samples of human neonate myocardium. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of paraffin-sample sections of myocardium from an autopsy database of human neonates, divided into two sample groups: full-term neonates who died after a maximum of two days of life (NEO1) with 10 cases, and full-term infants who died between 3 and 10 days of life (NEO2) with 14 cases, in order to follow a temporal line that would contemplate the transition from fetal circulation to extrauterine life. The samples were studied in tissue microarray and the antibodies used were Ki67, PCNA, PTEN, Bcl2 (proliferation), HHF35 and sarcomeric actin (contractile proteins). RESULTS: Difference was observed regarding Ki67, p = 0.02; HHF35, p <0.01 and sarcomeric actin, p = 0.02, with Ki67 expression being higher in NEO1 group, whereas HHF35 and sarcomeric actin expression was higher in the NEO2 group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cardiomyocytes have a proliferation characteristic (Ki67) in NEO1 which, following a temporal line, will be replaced by a differentiation characteristic (HHF35 and sarcomeric actin) in NEO2.

Complicações maternas decorrentes das cirurgias endoscópicas em Medicina fetal / Maternal complications following endoscopic surgeries in fetal Medicine

OBJETIVO: descrever as complicações maternas decorrentes dos procedimentos endoscópicos terapêuticos em Medicina fetal, realizados em um centro universitário no Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional retrospectivo que incluiu gestantes atendidas no período de Abril de 2007 a Maio de 2010. Esses casos foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: ablação vascular placentária com laser (AVPL) por síndrome de transfusão feto-fetal (STFF) grave; oclusão traqueal fetal (OTF) e retirada de balão traqueal por via endoscópica por hérnia diafragmática congênita (HDC) grave e AVPL, com ou sem cauterização bipolar do cordão umbilical, por síndrome da perfusão arterial reversa (SPAR) em gêmeo acárdico. As principais variáveis descritas para cada condição clínica/tipo de cirurgia foram as complicações maternas e a sobrevida (alta do berçário) do neonato/lactente. RESULTADOS: cinquenta e seis gestantes foram submetidas a 70 procedimentos: STFF grave (34 pacientes; 34 cirurgias); HDC grave (16 pacientes; 30 cirurgias) e SPAR (6 pacientes; 6 cirurgias). Entre as 34 gestantes tratadas com AVPL por STFF, duas (2/34=5,9 por cento) apresentaram perda de líquido amniótico para a cavidade peritoneal e sete (7/34=20,6 por cento) tiveram abortamento após os procedimentos. A sobrevida de pelo menos um gêmeo foi de 64,7 por cento (22/34). Entre as 30 intervenções realizadas para HDC, houve perda de líquido amniótico para a cavidade peritoneal materna em um caso (1/30=3,3 por cento) e rotura prematura pré-termo de membranas após três (3/30=30 por cento) fetoscopias para retirada do balão traqueal. A sobrevida com alta do berçário foi de 43,8 por cento (7/16). Entre os seis casos de SPAR, houve sangramento materno para a cavidade peritoneal após uma cirurgia (1/6=16,7 por cento) e a sobrevida com alta do berçário foi de 50 por cento (3/6). CONCLUSÕES: em concordância com os dados disponíveis na literatura, em nosso centro, os benefícios relacionados às intervenções endoscópicas terapêuticas em casos de STFF, HDC e SPAR parecem superar os riscos de complicações maternas que, raramente, foram consideradas graves.

PURPOSE: to describe the maternal complications due to therapeutic endoscopic procedures in fetal Medicine performed at an university center in Brazil. METHODS: retrospective observational study including patients treated from April 2007 to May 2010 who underwent laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV) for severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS); fetal tracheal occlusion (FETO) and endoscopic removal of tracheal balloon in cases of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); LAPV with or without bipolar coagulation of the umbilical cord in cases of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence. The main variables described for each disease/type of surgery were maternal complications and neonatal survival (discharge from nursery). RESULTS: fifty-six patients underwent 70 procedures: Severe TTTS (34 patients; 34 surgeries); severe CDH (16 patients; 30 surgeries), and TRAP sequence (6 patients; 6 surgeries). Among 34 women who underwent LAPV for TTTS, two (2/34=5.9 percent) experienced amniotic fluid leakage to the peritoneal cavity and seven (7/34=20.6 percent) miscarried after the procedure. Survival of at least one twin was 64.7 percent (22/34). Among 30 interventions performed in cases of CDH, there was amniotic fluid leakage into the maternal peritoneal cavity in one patient (1/30=3.3 percent) and premature preterm rupture of membranes after three (3/30=30 percent) fetoscopies for removal of the tracheal balloon. Infant survival with discharge from nursery was 43.8 percent (7/16). Among six cases of TRAP sequence, there was bleeding into the peritoneal cavity after surgery in one patient (1/6=16.7 percent) and neonatal survival with discharge from nursery was 50 percent (3/6). CONCLUSIONS: in agreement with the available data in literature, at our center, the benefits related to therapeutic endoscopic interventions for TTTS, CDH and TRAP sequence seem to overcome the risks of maternal complications, which were rarely considered severe.

Centralização de fluxo sanguíneo fetal: comparação entre os índices diagnósticos / Brain-sparing effect: comparison of diagnostic indices

OBJETIVO: descrever os resultados perinatais adversos em pacientes com centralização de fluxo sanguíneo fetal, utilizando a relação entre os índices de pulsatilidade das artérias cerebral média e umbilical (IPACM/IPAU) e entre os índices de resistência das artérias cerebral média e umbilical (IRACM/IRAU), assim como comparar os dois índices diagnósticos. MÉTODOS: foram incluídas 151 gestantes com diagnóstico de centralização de fluxo sanguíneo atendidas na maternidade da Universidade Estadual de Campinas, cujo parto ocorreu até 15 dias após o diagnóstico ultrassonográfico. Foram considerados como resultados perinatais adversos: índice de Apgar inferior a sete no quinto minuto, internação em UTI neonatal, concepto pequeno para a idade gestacional, sofrimento fetal agudo, mortalidade perinatal, hipoglicemia, policitemia, enterocolite necrosante, hemorragia cerebral, hemorragia pulmonar, anemia, septicemia, doença de membrana hialina, síndromes convulsivas, síndrome de hiper-reflexia e insuficiência renal. As frequências dos resultados perinatais adversos (RPA) para as relações cérebro-placentária foram comparadas utilizando-se o teste exato de Fisher ou o do χ2 de Pearson, considerando-se como estatisticamente significativo o nível de 5 por cento. Os resultados perinatais adversos foram avaliados de acordo com a idade gestacional, utilizando-se o teste de tendência de Cochrane-Armitage. RESULTADOS: os resultados perinatais adversos para o grupo em que os dois índices apresentaram-se alterados constatou que 62,5 por cento dos recém-natos necessitaram de internação em UTI, conceptos pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) ocorreram em 75,2 por cento, sofrimento fetal agudo em 35,3 por cento, hipoglicemia em 84,4 por cento, policitemia em 8,3 por cento, enterocolite necrosante em 4,2 por cento e hemorragia cerebral em 2,1 por cento. Constatou-se associação significativa das relações IPACM/IPAU e IRACM/IRAU, no decorrer da idade gestacional, ...

PURPOSE: to describe adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with fetal blood flow centralization, using the relationship between the pulsatility indexes of the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries (MCAPI/UAPI), and between the resistance indexes of the middle cerebral and umbilical arteries (MCARI/UARI), as well as to compare both diagnostic indexes. METHODS: 151 pregnant women with diagnosis of blood flow centralization, attended to at the maternity hospital of Universidade Estadual de Campinas, whose delivery occurred up to 15 days after the ultrasonographic diagnosis, were included. It was considered as adverse perinatal outcomes: Apgar index lower than 7 at the fifth minute, permanence in neonatal ICU, small fetus for the gestational age, severe fetal suffering, perinatal death, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, brain hemorrhage, lung hemorrhage, anemia, septicemia, hyaline membrane disease, convulsive syndromes, hyperreflexia syndrome and kidney insufficiency. Rates of the perinatal adverse outcomes (PAO) for the brain-placentary ratios have been compared, using Fisher's exact or Pearson's χ2 tests, at 5 percent significance level. Adverse perinatal outcomes according to the gestational age have been evaluated using the Cochrane-Armitage test for trend. RESULTS: the adverse perinatal outcomes for the group with the two indexes altered were: 62.5 percent of the newborns needed to be placed in an ICU, 75.2 percent were small for the gestational age (SGA), 35.3 percent were under severe fetal suffering, 84.4 percent had hypoglycemia, 8.3 percent polycythemia, 4.2 percent necrotizing enterocolitis, and 2.1 percent brain hemorrhage. There has been significant association between the MCAPI/UAPI and MCARI/UARI ratios along the gestational age, and the need for neonatal intensive care, small fetuses for the gestational age, septicemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, kidney insufficiency, hyaline membrane disease, ...

Mecanismo de centralização: da insuficiência placentária à adaptação circulatória fetal: [review] / Brain sparing effect: from placental insufficiency to fetal circulatory adaptation: [review]

A aplicação e o desenvolvimento da doplervelocimetria obstétrica apresentam base para conhecimento da insuficiência placentária e comprovam o comportamento dinâmico da circulação fetal em regime de hipóxia. Na prática clínica, tornou-se quase rotineira a necessidade de se avaliar a hemodinâmica em três territórios vasculares envolvidos na gestação: artérias uterinas, umbilical e cerebral média. Em linhas gerais, a artéria cerebral expressa o balanço entre a oferta de oxigênio nas uterinas e a captação pelas umbilicais. Atualmente, quando este balanço é desfavorável, procura-se ainda conhecer a reserva cardíaca fetal pelo estudo do ducto venoso. Contudo, precisar e interpretar índices de resistência vascular nem sempre é tarefa fácil. O ponto de partida é ter em mente os fundamentos sobre os quais se assenta o papel da doplervelocimetria para a avaliação do bem-estar fetal.

The application and development of obstetric Dopplervelocimetry provide a basis for the investigation of placental insufficiency and demonstrate the dynamic behavior of fetal circulation during hypoxia. In clinical practice, assessing hemodynamics in three vascular regions involved in pregnancy, namely the uterine, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, has become routine. Roughly, the cerebral artery expresses the balance between uterine artery oxygen supply and umbilical artery oxygen uptake. Currently, when such balance is unfavorable, the fetal cardiac reserve is investigated by assessing the venous duct. However, determining and interpreting vascular resistance indexes is not an easy task. The starting point is to know the physiopathology of placental insufficiency and fetal circulatory adaptation through which Doppler confirmed its role in the assessment of fetal well-being.