Fetal thymus in growth-restricted fetuses due to placental insufficiency

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess fetal thymus size by ultrasound in growth-restricted fetuses due to placental insufficiency and compare to high-risk and low-risk pregnancy fetuses with normal placental function. METHODS: This is a nested case-control study of pregnant women followed up at a university hospital (July 2012 to July 2013). In all, 30 pregnant women presenting small fetuses for gestational age (estimated fetal weight <p10) due to placental insufficiency (umbilical artery Doppler >p95) were compared to 30 high-risk and 30 low-risk pregnancies presenting normal Doppler indices. The thymus transverse diameter and perimeter were converted into zeta score according to the normal values for gestational age. Head circumference and femur length were used to calculate ratios. RESULTS: Fetal thymus were significantly lower in pregnancies with placental insufficiency when compared to high-risk and low-risk pregnancies presenting, respectively, transverse diameter zeta score (-0.69±0.83 vs. 0.49±1.13 vs. 0.83±0.85, p<0.001) and P zeta score (-0.73±0.68 vs. 0.45±0.96 vs. 0.26±0.89, p<0.001). There was also a significant difference (p<0.05) in the ratios among the groups: pregnancies with placental insufficiency (TD/HC=0.10, P/FL=1.32, and P/HC=0.26), high-risk pregnancies (TD/HC=0.11, P/FL=1.40, and P/HC=0.30), and control group (DT/HC=0.11, P/FL=1.45, and P/HC=0.31). CONCLUSION: Fetal thymus size is reduced in growth-restricted fetuses due to placental insufficiency, suggesting fetal response as a consequence of the adverse environment.

Doppler Ultrasound of the Umbilical Artery: Clinical Application / Ultrassonografia Doppler da artéria umbilical: Aplicação clínica

Abstract Objective To provide a survey of relevant literature on umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound use in clinical practice, technical considerations and limitations, and future perspectives. Methods Literature searches were conducted in PubMed and Medline, restricted to articles written in English. Additionally, the references of all analyzed studies were searched to obtain necessary information. Results The use of this technique as a routine surveillance method is only recommended for high-risk pregnancies with impaired placentation. Meta-analyses of randomized trials have established that obstetric management guided by umbilical artery Doppler findings can improve perinatal mortality and morbidity. The values of the indices of Umbilical artery Doppler decrease with advancing gestational age; however, a lack of consensus on reference ranges prevails. Conclusion Important clinical decisions are based on the information obtained with umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound. Future efforts in research are imperative to overcome the current limitations of the technique.

Resumo Objetivo Compilar informação relevante proveniente da literatura atual sobre a ultrassonografia Doppler das artérias umbilicais (AUs) na prática clínica, considerações e limitações técnicas e perspectivas futuras. Métodos A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada nos bancos de dados PubMed e Medline e restringiu-se a artigos escritos na língua inglesa. Recorreu-se também à bibliografia dos artigos selecionados, quando necessário, para obter informação relevante. Resultados A utilização desta técnica como método de vigilância de rotina está apenas recomendada emgravidezes de alto risco comdisfunção placentar.Metanálises de estudos randomizados mostraram que o seguimento obstétrico baseado nos achados do Doppler da artéria umbilical pode melhorar a mortalidade e a morbilidade perinatal. É consensual que os valores dos índices Doppler da AU decrescem com o avanço da idade gestacional. No entanto, há ainda muita incerteza quanto aos valores de referência. Conclusão As informações obtidas através da AU Doppler US são a base para muitas decisões clínicas importantes. Trabalhos de investigação nesta área são essenciais para tentar colmatar atuais limitações da técnica.

Doppler de arteria umbilical en fetos con síndrome de Down / Umbilical artery Doppler in fetuses with Down syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN: La aneuploidía más común entre los recién nacidos vivos es el síndrome de Down (SD). En estos niños el crecimiento está disminuido, con una frecuencia del 25% de restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, pero no se ha establecido el papel de la insuficiencia placentaria. El objetivo es estudiar la resistencia placentaria a través del Doppler de arteria umbilical con índice de pulsatilidad (IP) y el tiempo medio de desaceleración (t/2), y el posible efecto de la insuficiencia placentaria en fetos con SD. MÉTODO: Se realizó Doppler en la arteria umbilical en 78 fetos con SD, se midieron el IP y el t/2, y se compararon los resultados con los pesos de nacimiento. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 78 fetos con SD con 214 mediciones Doppler. El t/2 y el IP estaban alterados en el 71,5% y el 65% de las mediciones, respectivamente. La incidencia de t/2 alterado aumenta con la edad gestacional desde un 28,6% a las 15-20 semanas hasta un 89,3% sobre las 36 semanas (p < 0,01); cifras similares se observan para el IP. La clasificación de los pesos fue: 64% adecuados, 12% grandes y 24% pequeños para la edad gestacional. La última medición de t/2 antes del parto era normal en el 17% y estaba alterada en el 83%. En el caso del IP, los valores fueron normales en el 27% y anormales en el 73%. El peso de nacimiento, la edad gestacional y el porcentaje de niños adecuados para la edad gestacional eran significativamente mayores en el grupo con Doppler normal que en el grupo con Doppler alterado. El z-score del t/2 estaba marcadamente alterado (−2.23), pero el del peso de nacimiento solo estaba algo disminuido (−0,39). La mortalidad perinatal fue del 10%, significativamente mayor cuando el flujo diastólico era ausente o reverso. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio demuestra que los fetos con SD tienen una alta incidencia de alteración del Doppler umbilical para el IP y el t/2, lo cual sugiere una insuficiencia placentaria grave. Este deterioro parece iniciarse hacia el final del segundo trimestre y aumenta con la edad gestacional. Sin embargo, en estos fetos, la insuficiencia placentaria produce una ligera caída en el crecimiento fetal. Como hipótesis general pensamos que en los fetos con SD hay datos claros de insuficiencia placentaria, pero habría algún factor que les protegería de una restricción grave del crecimiento.

INTRODUCTION: The most common aneuploidy in live newborns is Down syndrome (DS), in these children growth is decreased, with a frequency of 25-36% of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, it is not established the role of placental insufficiency. The objective is to study the Doppler of the umbilical artery with pulsatility index (PI) and half peak systolic velocity (hPSV) deceleration time and the possible role of placental insufficiency in fetuses with DS. METHOD: Doppler was performed in fetuses with DS, the umbilical artery and IP and hPSV were measured, and the results were compared with birth weights. RESULTS: 78 fetuses with DS were studied with 214 Doppler measurements. hPSV and the IP were altered in 71.5% and 65% of the measurements; the incidence of abnormal hPSV increases with gestational age from 28.6% between 15 to 20 weeks, to 89.3% over 36 weeks (p < 0.01), similar figures are observed with respect to the PI. The weight classification was: 24% of FGR, 12% of great for age and 64% of adequate for gestational age (AGA). The last measurement of hPSV before delivery was normal in 17% of the fetuses and was abnormal in 83%, in the case of PI the normal and abnormal values were 27 and 73%, respectively. Birth weight, gestational age, and the percentage of AGA children were significantly higher in the normal Doppler group than in the abnormal Doppler group. The hPSV z-score was markedly altered (−2.23), but the birth weight z-score is slightly decreased (−0.39). Perinatal mortality is 10% and is significantly higher when diastolic flow is absent or reverse. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that DS fetuses have a high incidence of abnormal umbilical Doppler measured with IP and hPSV, which suggests severe placental insufficiency, this deterioration seems to start towards the end of the second trimester and increases with gestational age. However, in these fetuses, placental insufficiency causes a discrete drop in fetal growth. As a general hypothesis, we think that there is clear evidence of placental insufficiency in fetuses with DS, but there would be some factor that would protect these fetuses from severe growth restriction.

Marcadores morfológicos de hipoxia en el riñón fetal con insuficiencia placentaria tratado con neuro-EPO: estudio en ratas / Morphological markers of hypoxia in the fetal kidney with placental insufficiency treated with neuro-EPO: study in rats

RESUMEN Fundamento: la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino constituye una complicación del embarazo. Los recién nacidos con esta condición están expuestos a un mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad perinatal y postnatal. Objetivo: evaluar marcadores morfológicos de hipoxia en el desarrollo fetal y en el riñón, utilizando un modelo de insuficiencia placentaria tratado con eritropoyetina humana con bajo contenido de ácido siálico (neuro-Epo) en ratas. Métodos: se utilizaron tres grupos de ratas gestadas de la línea Wistar. Un grupo control (grupo I) y dos grupos experimentales (grupos II y III) con seis ratas cada uno. A las ratas de los grupos II y III se les realizó ligaduras de arterias uterinas en el día 16 de la gestación (E 16). Al grupo III desde E16 hasta E19 se le administró una dosis de 0,5 mg/kg/día de neuro-Epo por vía subcutánea y al grupo II se les administró placebo. En el día 20 de la gestación se pesaron los fetos y sus placentas. En el feto se midió la talla y los diámetros cefálicos. Las características morfométricas e histológicas en el riñón fetal se estudiaron con tinción de hematoxilina-eosina y PAS. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo histopatológico de sus tipos celulares. Resultados: los fetos con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino no mejoraron los marcadores de crecimiento. Se encontraron lesiones por hipoxia en el riñón fetal del grupo RCIU no tratado que mejoraron al administrar neuro-Epo. Conclusiones: la administración de neuro-Epo solo mostró efectos reparadores y protectores sobre alteraciones histológicas provocadas por la hipoxia en el riñón fetal.

ABSTRACT Foundation: intrauterine growth restriction constitutes a complication of pregnancy. Newborns with this condition are exposed to an increased risk of perinatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to evaluate morphological markers of hypoxia in fetal and kidney development, using a model of placental insufficiency treated with human erythropoietin with low sialic acid content (neuro-Epo) in rats. Methods: three groups of gestated rats from the Wistar line were used. A control group (group I) and two experimental groups (groups II and III) with six rats each. Rats of groups II and III had uterine artery ligation on day 16 of pregnancy (E 16). Group III from E16 to E19 was administered a dose of 0.5 mg / kg / day of neuro-Epo subcutaneously and group II was administered placebo. On the 20th day of gestation the fetuses and their placentas were weighed. The fetuses' size and cephalic diameters were measured. Morphometric and histological features in the fetal kidney were studied with hematoxylin-eosin staining and PAS. A qualitative histopathological analysis of their cell types was performed. Results: fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction did not improve growth markers. Hypoxia lesions were found in the fetal kidney of the untreated RCIU group that improved by administering neuro-Epo. Conclusions: the administration of neuro-Epo only showed reparative and protective effects on histological alterations caused by hypoxia in the fetal kidney.

Prolongation of a pregnancy with second trimester severe oligohydramnios to term: a case report

The occurrence of oligohydramnios complicating a pregnancy is seen in 0.8 to 5.5 % of pregnancies. Severe Oligohydramnios, though not clearly defined, but clinically with an AFI of less than 5 cm appears to be an important predictor for an abnormal fetal outcome. In general, the prognosis of mid trimester oligohydramnios is still poor. Hence we report a case with a very favourable neonatal outcome following severe oligohydramnios documented in early pregnancy. The aim of this case report is to add our experience to the currently limited literature regarding the best treatment of this unique obstetrical problem.

As consequências da restrição de crescimento intrauterino na estrutura e fluxo sanguíneo cerebral: uma revisão da literatura / The consequences of fetal growth restriction on brain structure and blood flow: a review

A Restrição de Crescimento Fetal (RCF) é definida como uma incapacidade do feto em alcançar seu potencial de crescimento, afeta 5-10% das gestações e está associada à alta morbimortalidade fetal e neonatal, principalmente a danos neurológicos. O objetivo dessa revisão foi levantar os estudos sobre a alteração cerebral nos fetos com RCF que possam estar relacionados aos danos neurológicos pós-natais já estabelecidos. Nesses fetos, há um crescimento desigual das estruturas cerebrais e reconhece-se que, na dependência de hipoxemia crônica e privação de nutrientes provocados pela insuficiência placentária, o feto tende a preferenciar o fluxo sanguíneo para o cérebro em detrimento de outros órgãos. Os resultados dessa revisão sugerem que o efeito protetor do aumento da perfusão sanguínea cerebral é diferente em cada estágio de deterioração fetal, propondo uma ordem hierárquica na proteção das diferentes funções/áreas cerebrais, e quanto mais severo esse acometimento, maiores mudanças estruturais cerebrais o feto apresentará.(AU)

Fetal growth restriction is defined as an inability of the fetus to reach its growth potential, affects 5-10% of pregnancies and is associated with high fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, mainly neurological damage. The aim of this review was to investigate brain alterations in fetus with fetal growth restriction that may be related to the already established postnatal neurological damage. In these fetus there is an uneven growth of the brain structures and it is recognized that in dependence on chronic hypoxemia and nutrient deprivation caused by placental insufficiency, the fetus tends to prefer the blood flow to the brain in detriment of other organs. The results of this review suggest that the protective effect of increased cerebral blood perfusion is different at each stage of fetal deterioration, proposing a hierarchical order in the protection of the different brain functions / areas and more severe this involvement, bigger structural changes the fetus will present.(AU)

Analysis of the performance of 11 formulae for fetal weight estimation in preterm fetuses with abnormal doppler velocimetry - A retrospective multicenter study / Análise do desempenho de 11 fórmulas de estimativa de peso fetal em conceptos prematuros com Dopplervelocimetria alterada - um estudo retrospectivo multicêntrico

Abstract Objective To assess 11 formulae commonly used to estimate fetal weight in a population of premature fetuses who had abnormal Doppler velocimetry due to early-onset placental insufficiency. The performance of each formula was evaluated in subgroups of fetuses with expected growth and intrauterine growth restriction. Methods Data were collected fromfetuses andmothers who delivered at three Brazilian hospitals between November 2002 and December 2013.We used the following formulae: Campbell; Hadlock I, II, III, IV and V; Shepard; Warsof; Weiner I and II; and Woo III. Results We analyzed 194 fetuses. Of these, 116 (59.8%) were considered appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and 103 (53.1%) were male. The amniotic fluid volume was reduced in 87 (44.8%) fetuses, and the umbilical artery Doppler revealed absence or inversion of diastolic flow in 122 (62.9%) cases, and the analysis of the ductus venosus revealed abnormal flow in 60 (34.8%) fetuses. The Hadlock formulae using three or four fetal biometric parameters had low absolute percentage error in the estimated fetal weight among preterm fetuses with abnormal Doppler studies who were born within 5 days of the ultrasound evaluation. The results were not influenced by the clinical and ultrasound parameters often found in early-onset placental insufficiency. Conclusion In this study, the formulae with the best performance for fetal weight estimation in the analyzed population were Hadlock I and IV, which use four and three fetal biometric parameters respectively to estimate the weight of preterm fetuses with abnormal Doppler studies.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho de 11 fórmulas comumente utilizadas para estimativa de peso fetal em uma população de fetos prematuros com dopplervelocimetria alterada devido a insuficiência placentária de início precoce. O desempenho de cada fórmula foi avaliado em subgrupos de fetos com crescimento adequado e com crescimento intrauterino restrito. Métodos Foram coletados os dados de mães e fetos cujos partos foram acompanhados em 3 instituições brasileiras entre novembro de 2002 e dezembro de 2013. As fórmulas selecionadas para análise foram: Campbell; Hadlock I, II, III, IV e V; Shepard; Warsof; Weiner I e II; e Woo III. Resultados Foram analisados os pesos de 194 fetos, dos quais 116 (59,8%) foram considerados adequados para a idade gestacional, 103 (53,1%) eram do sexo masculino, em 87 (44,8%) havia redução do volume de líquido amniótico, em 122 (62,9%) o Doppler de artéria umbilical demonstrou ausência ou inversão do fluxo na diástole, e em 60 (34,8%) a análise do duto venoso indicou fluxo anormal. A média do erro percentual absoluto (EPA) demonstrou que as fórmulas de Hadlock que utilizam 3 ou 4 parâmetros biométricos fetais apresentaram o melhor desempenho. Os resultados obtidos para essas fórmulas não sofreram influência dos parâmetros clínicos e ultrassonográficos frequentemente encontrados na insuficiência placentária de início precoce. Conclusão O presente estudo demonstrou o melhor desempenho das fórmulas de Hadlock que contêm 3 ou 4 parâmetros da biometria para estimativa de peso de fetos prematuros com anormalidades ao mapeamento Doppler.

¿Se relaciona la obesidad en el embarazo con muerte fetal por insuficiencia placentaria? / Is obesity in pregnancy related to fetal death due to placental insufficiency?

Se presentan 4 casos de muerte fetal en pacientes obesas con embarazos de término, con hallazgos placentarios variados, que sugieren insuficiencia placentaria, que podrían estar asociados a la obesidad. Esta afirmación se basa en evidencias recientes que demuestran que la obesidad por intermedio de la disminución de los mediadores como apelina, leptina, reguladores del tono vascular placentario y de otros reguladores de la angiogénesis, alteran la función placentaria especialmente en embarazos de término y podrían estar implicados con inadecuado crecimiento fetal y con resultados adversos asociados con la obesidad. Comunicamos un mecanismo inusualmente descrito relacionado posiblemente con la obesidad y con resultado desfavorable del embarazo.

We present 4 cases of fetal death in obese pregnant women with term pregnancies, with several placental findings suggesting placental insufficiency, that could be associated with obesity. According to recent evidence obesity could be associated with inadequate fetal growth and adverse outcomes especially at term pregnancies, through the decrease of mediators such as apelin, leptin, regulators of placental vascular tone and other regulators of angiogenesis altering placental function. We report a rarely described mechanism possibly related to obesity and unfavorable outcome of pregnancy.

The Evaluation and Management of Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) occurs due to various reasons and is associated with increased fetal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. FGR has been defined as having birth weight less than the 10th centile. The first clinically relevant step is the detection of true FGR, pathological small fetuses, associated with signs of abnormal placental insufficiency and poorer perinatal outcome. The role of obstetric management is to identify growth restricted fetuses at risk of chronic hypoxia in uterus, to monitor their wellbeing, and to deliver when the adverse outcome is imminent. The purpose of this document is to review the FGR with diagnosis, antenatal surveillance tools, and guidance for management and timing of delivery.

Muertes fetales tardías en la provincia de Cienfuegos / Late Fetal Deaths in Cienfuegos Province

Fundamento: Entre las complicaciones más temidas del embarazo, se encuentra el óbito fetal, llamado también muerte fetal tardía, si ocurre entre las 28 semanas de gestación y el parto. La tasa de muerte fetal tardía es un indicador del avance científico y desarrollo social de un país. Objetivo: describir los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de muerte fetal tardía. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, de una serie de 221 casos de muertes fetales tardías ocurridas en la provincia Cienfuegos, en el período de enero de 2006 a diciembre del 2013. Algunas de las variables estudiadas fueron: momento y lugar de la muerte, causa de la muerte, edad materna, peso materno, número de embarazos enfermedades maternas, complicaciones durante el embarazo, edad gestacional y alteraciones en la placenta y el cordón umbilical. Resultados: la tasa de muerte fetal tardía fue 6,38. Predominaron las muertes fetales de causa desconocida, seguidas de las ocasionadas por enfermedad hipertensiva del embarazo y el crecimiento intrauterino retardado. El mayor número de muertes fetales ocurrieron anteparto, fuera del hospital, en gestantes obesas, pretérmino, con trastornos hipertensivos, diabéticas, y en fetos malformados. La insuficiencia placentaria y la angiopatía obliterante fueron las alteraciones placentarias más frecuentes. Conclusión: a pesar de los avances introducidos en Obstetricia, la tasa de muerte fetal tardía en la provincia de Cienfuegos se mantiene elevada, de forma similar a lo reflejado por otros estudios cubanos.

Background: stillbirth, also called late fetal death if it occurs between 28 weeks’ gestation and birth, is one of the most feared complications of pregnancy. The late fetal mortality rate is an indicator of scientific progress and social development of a country.Objective: to describe the factors associated with late fetal death. Methods: a study of a series of 221 cases of late fetal deaths was conducted in Cienfuegos province from January 2006 to December 2013. The variables studied included: time and place of death, cause of death, maternal age, maternal weight, number of pregnancies, maternal diseases, pregnancy complications, gestational age and placental and umbilical cord abnormalities. Results: late fetal death rate was 6.38. Fetal deaths from unknown cause predominated, followed by those associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and intrauterine growth retardation. The largest number of fetal deaths occurred antepartum, before term, outside the hospital, in obese pregnant women, in women with hypertensive disorders and diabetes, and in malformed fetuses. Placental insufficiency and obliterating angiopathy were the most common placental abnormalities.Conclusion: despite the advances in obstetrics, the late fetal death rate in Cienfuegos province remains high, similar to what have been reflected in other Cuban studies.

Fetal growth according to different reference ranges in twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency

The aim of this study was to compare different fetal growth curves in twin pregnancies with severe placental insufficiency. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 47 twin pregnancies with absent or reverse end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of one fetus was performed. Pregnancies with major fetal abnormalities, twin-twin transfusion or three or more fetuses were not included. The estimated fetal weight zeta-scores were calculated for both fetuses (abnormal Doppler and co-twin) according to the following criteria: Hadlock, Liao and Araújo. The abdominal circumference zeta-scores were calculated according to Hadlock, Liao, Araújo, Ong and Stirrup. The mean estimates of the zeta-score values were calculated using generalized estimating equation regression analysis. The mean gestational age at inclusion was 27.4±4.7 weeks. The fetal sex and the interaction Doppler findings × criteria correlated significantly with the zeta-score values (p <0.001 for both variables). The estimated fetal weight mean zeta-scores (standard error) according to each criteria were as follows: Hadlock - abnormal Doppler: -2.98 (0.18), co-twin: -1.16 (0.15); Liao - abnormal Doppler: -2.89 (0.24), co-twin: -0.58 (0.19); and Araújo - abnormal Doppler: -3.05 (0.29), co-twin: -0.75 (0.18). Values for abdominal circumference were as follows: Hadlock - abnormal Doppler: -3.14 (0.26), co-twin: -1.13 (0.19); Liao - abnormal Doppler: -2.63 (0.27), co-twin: -0.42 (0.19); Araújo - abnormal Doppler: -2.44 (0.22), co-twin: -0.71 (0.14); Ong - abnormal Doppler: -3.36 (0.34), co-twin: -1.48 (0.23); and Stirrup AD -- -2.36 (0.14), co-twin: -1.18 (0.10). Sex- and plurality-specific charts should be used in the evaluation of fetal growth in twin pregnancies with placental insufficiency.

The relationship of maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with early onset severe preeclampsia in different gestational age / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate affect of maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with early onset severe pre-eclampsia in different gestational age .Methods 70 pregnant women with early onset severe preeclampsia were selected to divided into 28-31 weeks group(n=33) ,32-34 weeks group(n=37) ,then the clinical conditions ,the complications of pregnant women and the perinatal outcomes were compared .Results The termination of pregnancy time (31 .8 ± 0 .9)weeks ,expectant treatment time(12 .4 ± 4 .1)d ,neonatal weight gain (493 .5 ± 20 .3)g of 28 -31 weeks group had significant difference with 32 -34 weeks group[(33 .5 ± 1 .2)weeks ,(8 .1 ± 3 .9)d ,(302 .2 ± 18 .6)g](P<0 .05) .Perinatal outcomes of expectant treatment time over one week was significantly better than expectant treatment time under one week (P<0 .05) .Perinatal mortality (27 .3% ) ,Neonatal in-tensive care unit(NICU ) occupancy rate (36 .4% ) of 28 -31 weeks group were significantly higher than 32 -34 weeks group (8 .1% ,13 .5% )(P< 0 .05).The proportion of renal dysfunction(51 .5% ),HELLP syndrome(6 .1% ),placental dysfunction (45 .5% ) in 28-31 weeks group had significant difference with 32-34 weeks group(21 .6% ,24 .3% ,21 .6% )(P<0 .05) .Conclu-sion Early onset severe preeclampsia can cause high perinatal mortality ,high NICU occupancy ,and prone to complications ,and positive treatment should be taken according to the condition .

Dopplervelocimetria da artéria cerebral média fetal e outros parâmetros de vitalidade fetal na sobrevida neonatal em gestações com insuficiência placentária / Doppler velocimetry of the fetal middle cerebral artery and other parameters of fetal well-being in neonatal survival during pregnancies with placental insufficiency

OBJETIVO: Estudar a dopplervelocimetria da artéria cerebral média fetal em gestações complicadas pela insuficiência placentária e verificar o seu papel no prognóstico de sobrevida neonatal. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo prospectivo de 93 gestantes com diagnóstico de insuficiência placentária estabelecida antes da 34ª semana. A insuficiência placentária foi caracterizada pelo Doppler de artéria umbilical (AU) alterado (> p95). Foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: índice de pulsatilidade (IP) da artéria umbilical (AU), IP da artéria cerebral média (ACM), relação cerebroplacentária -RCP(IP-ACM/IP-AU), pico de velocidade sistólicada ACM (PVS-ACM) e IP para veias (IPV) do ducto venoso (DV). Os parâmetros foram analisados pelos valores absolutos, em escores zeta (desvios padrão a partir da média) ou múltiplos da mediana (MoM). O desfecho investigado foi o óbito neonatal no período de internação após o nascimento. RESULTADOS: Nas 93 gestações analisadas, ocorreram 25 (26,9%) óbitos neonatais. No grupo que evoluiu com óbito neonatal, quando comparado com o grupo com sobrevida, houve associação significativa com o diagnóstico de diástole zero ou reversa (88% vs. 23,6%, p < 0,001), com maior mediana do IP da AU (2,9 vs. 1,7, p < 0,001) e seu escore zeta (10,4 vs. 4,9, p < 0,001); maior valor do PVS-ACM MoM (1,4 vs. 1,1, p = 0,012); menor valor da RCP (0,4 vs. 0,7, p < 0,001); maior valor do IPV-DV (1,2 vs. 0,8, p < 0,001) e no escore zeta do DV (3,6 vs.0,6, p<0,001). Na regressão logística, as variáveis independentes para a prediçãodoóbito neonatal foram a idade gestacional no parto (OR = 0,45; IC95% 0,3 a 0,7, p < 0,001) e o escore zeta do IP-AU (OR 1,14, IC95% 1,0 a 1,3, p = 0,046). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da associação verificada pela análise univariada entre a morte neonatal e os parâmetros da dopplervelocimetria cerebral fetal, a análise multivariada identificou a prematuridadeeograude insuficiência da circulação placentária como fatores independentes relacionados com o óbito neonatal em gestações complicadas por insuficiência placentária.

OBJECTIVE: To study the Doppler velocimetry of the fetal middle cerebral artery in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency, and to verify its role in the prognosis of neonatal survival. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 93 pregnant women with diagnosis of placental insufficiency detected before the 34th week of pregnancy. Placental insufficiency was characterized by abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler (> 95th percentile). The following parameterswere analyzed: umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI); middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI; brain-placenta ratio - BPR (MCA-PI/UA-PI); MCA peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV); and PI for veins (PIV) of ductus venosus (DV). The parameters were analyzed in terms of absolute values, z-scores (standard deviations from the mean), or multiples of the median (MoM). The outcome investigatedwas neonatal death during the hospitalization period after birth. RESULTS: Of the 93 pregnancies analyzed, there were 25 (26.9%) neonatal deaths. The group that died, when compared to the survival group, presented a significant association with the diagnosis of absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (88% vs. 23.6%, p < 0.001), with a higher median of UA PI (2.9 vs. 1.7, p < 0.001) and UA PI z-score (10.4 vs. 4.9, p < 0.001); higher MCAPSV MoM (1.4 vs. 1.1, p = 0.012); lower BPR (0.4 vs. 0.7, p < 0.001); higher PIV-DV (1.2 vs. 0.8, p < 0.001) and DV z-score (3.6 vs. 0.6, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression, the independent variables predictive of neonatal death were: gestational age at birth (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.7; p < 0.001) and UA PI z-score (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.3, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Despite the association verified by the univariate analysis between neonatal death and the parameters of fetal cerebral Doppler velocimetry, the multivariate analysis identified prematurity and degree of insufficiency of placental circulation as independent factors related to neonatal death in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency.

Clinical study of 12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To discuss the clinical features,management,pregnancy outcome and prognosis of obstetric mirror syndrome.Methods The clinical data of 12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from April 2008 to December 2010 were collected to retrospectively analyze the clinical features, management,pregnancy outcome and prognosis.Results ( 1 ) Etiology:12 cases with obstetric mirror syndrome included 9 cases of Bart's hydrops fetalis,2 cases with fetal complicated congenital cardiac anomalies,and 1 case of unknown etiology.(2)Gestational age at diagnosis and at delivery:gestational age at diagnosis ranged from 28 to 36 weeks [ mean (31.5 ±4.7) weeks],and gestational age at delivery ranged from 28+3 to 38 weeks [ mean (32.9 ±2.9)weeks].There were no significant differences between the gestational age at diagnosis and at delivery in consistented with severe preeclampsia group and mild preeclampsia group [ (31.8 ± 2.3 ) weeks vs.(30.9 ± 7.2) weeks,(32.5 ± 2.3 ) weeks vs.(33.5 ± 3.9 ) weeks,P ＞ 0.05 ].( 3 ) The patients with obstetric mirror syndrome can present a preeclampsia-like syndrome:maternal extremity edema in 12 cases,headache and visual disturbance in 1 case,proteinuria in 11 cases,elevated blood pressure in 5 cases,elevated uric acid in 9 cases,hypoproteinemia in 12 cases,elevated creatinine in 3 case,elevated liver enzyme in 1 case,thrombocytopenia in 2 cases.The major complications included 1 case of HELLP syndrome,acute pulmonary edema,placental abruption,amnionic fluid embolism,DIC respectively,3 cases of acute kidney failure and 6 cases of postpartum hemorrhage.(4) Sonographic findings:① Hydrops fetalis:fetal ultrasound revealed pleural fluid,fetal ascites,skin edema,scalp edema,encephalocolele enlargement, hydropericardium and increased cardio-chest ratio.②Placenta megaly:the placental pathological examination revealed edematous and large in 12 cases.Placental thickness was beyond 4 cm in all cases [ (6.3 ± 1.9) cm ].③Hydramnios:hydramnios could be found in 11 cases [ amniotic fluid index ( 19.7 ± 3.1 ) cm ]. (5) Postnatal conditions:all blood pressure and laboratory findings including urine protein normalized within 5 to 7 days after delivery. (6) Pregnancy outcome:all 12 patients survived,however the perinatal mortality rate was 100％.Two of 12 cases with mirror syndrome underwent cesarean section,and 10 were vaginal delivery,of which 1 need uterine artery embolisom due to postpartum hemorrhage.Conclusions Obstetric mirror syndrome seems to simulate preeclampsia although there are distinguishing features,such as hemodilution,placental edema,and polyhydramnios.When the specific cause of obstetric mirror syndrome can not be identified and corrected,the decision for delivery should be made as soon as possibly.

Restricción del Crecimiento Intrauterino Diagnosticado Durante el Embarazo / Intrauterine Growth Restriction Diagnosed During Pregnancy

RESUMEN Introducción: la Restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU) es una patología caracterizada por una limitación del potencial del crecimiento fetal. Esta afección aumenta 6 a 10 veces el riesgo de mortalidad. Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia de la RCIU e investigar los resultados perinatales adversos que se presentan con mayor frecuencia. Metodología: estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transverso. Población de estudio: gestantes que acudieron a la Cátedra de Ginecología y Obstetricia, en el periodo comprendido entre enero 2000 y diciembre 2003. Resultados: entre 8991 partos se hallaron 48 casos de RCIU. Fue más frecuente en las mujeres con más de 3 embarazos y con insuficiente control prenatal. La mayoría de los recién nacidos tenían bajo peso (menos de 2500 gr). El 62% eran recién nacidos a término con la prueba de Capurro. El 20,8% fueron hospitalizados por enfermedades respiratorias y hubo una muerte. La principal enfermedad de la madre fue la hipertensión arterial severa. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de RCIU fue del 0,53 %.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a disorder characterized by limited potential of fetal growth. This condition has a 6 to 10 fold increased mortality risk. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of IUGR and investigate adverse perinatal outcomes that occurs more frequently. Methodology: An observational, retrospective cross-sectional study. Study population: pregnant women attending the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics during the period between January 2000 and December 2003. Results: 48 cases of IUGR were found among 8991 deliveries. It was more common in women with more than 3 pregnancies and inadequate prenatal care. Most infants had low birth weight (less than 2500 gr). 62% were term infants with the Capurro test. 20.8% were hospitalized due to respiratory disease and there was one death. The main maternal disease was severe hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of IUGR was 0.53%.

Relação cerebroplacentária e acidemia ao nascimento em gestações com insuficiência placentária detectada antes da 34ª semana de gestação / Cerebroplacental ratio and acidemia to the birth in placental insufficiency detected before 34th week's gestation

OBJETIVO: avaliar a hipótese de que a relação cerebroplacentária (RCP) fetal relaciona-se com acidemia no nascimento, em gestações complicadas pela insuficiência placentária detectada antes da 34ª semana de gestação. MÉTODOS: trata-se de coorte prospectiva de 55 pacientes entre a 26ª e a 34ª semanas de gestação, com diagnóstico de insuficiência placentária caracterizada pelo Doppler de artéria umbilical alterado (índice de pulsatilidade >p95). Para cada paciente foi realizada avaliação da vitalidade fetal pela doplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical, artéria cerebral média e ducto venoso, e pelo perfil biofísico fetal. Foi calculada a RCP pela razão entre os valores do índice de pulsatilidade da artéria umbilical e da artéria cerebral média, bem como o cálculo de seu z-score (número de desvios padrão que se afasta da média para a idade gestacional). A acidemia no nascimento foi caracterizada quando pH<7,2. RESULTADOS: das 55 pacientes, 29 (52,7 por cento) apresentaram acidemia no nascimento. O grupo com acidemia, comparado ao grupo com pH>7,2, apresentou associação significativa com os valores da RCP (mediana 0,47 versus 0,58; p=0,009), índice de pulsatilidade da artéria umbilical (mediana 2,45 versus 1,93; p=0,003), índice de pulsatilidade para veias (IPV) do ducto venoso (mediana 1,08 versus 0,85; p=0,034) e perfil biofísico fetal suspeito ou alterado (37 versus 8 por cento; p=0,031). A análise da RCP pelo seu z-score demonstrou tendência de maior afastamento negativo da média, mas sem atingir valor significativo (p=0,08). Foi constatada correlação significativa entre o pH no nascimento e a RCP (r=0,45; p<0,01), o z-score da RCP (r=0,27; p<0,05) e o IPV do ducto venoso (r=-0,35 p<0,01). CONCLUSÃO: A RCP associa-se à presença de acidemia no nascimento nas gestações com insuficiência placentária antes da 34ª semana, e esse parâmetro pode configurar potencial fator para avaliação da gravidade do comprometimento fetal.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the hypothesis that the fetal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is related to acidemia at birth in pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency detected before 34 weeks of gestation. METHODS: this is a prospective cohort study of 55 patients between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placental insufficiency characterized by abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (pulsatility index>95p). Fetal assessment was performed for each patient by dopplervelocimetry of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus, and by the fetal biophysical profile. CPR was calculated using the ratio between middle cerebral artery pulsatility index and umbilical artery pulsatility index, and the z-score was obtained (number of standard deviations of the mean value at each gestational age). Acidemia at birth was characterized when pH<7.2. RESULTS: of 55 patients, 29 (52.7 percent) presented acidemia at birth. In the group of fetal acidemia, when compared with the group with pH>7.2, a significant association was observed with CPR values (median 0.47 versus 0.58; p=0.009), pulsatility index of the umbilical artery (median 2.45 versus 1.93; p=0.003), ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (PIV) (median 1.08 versus 0.85; p=0.034) and suspected or abnormal fetal biophysical profile (37 versus 8 percent; p=0.031). CPR analysis by z-score showed a negative tendency, but was not statistically significant (p=0.080). Significant correlations were found between pH at birth and CPR (r=0.45; p<0.01), z-score of CPR (r=0.27; p<0.05) and ductus venosus PIV (r=-0.35 p<0.01). CONCLUSION: CPR is associated with the presence of acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency detected before 34 weeks of gestation and this parameter could potentially represent a factor for assessing the severity of fetal involvement.

Gravidez prolongada: subsídios da literatura médica para uma defesa / Prolonged pregnancy: medical literature support for a defense

A conduta para o atendimento de gestantes com gravidez prolongada sofre variações conforme o serviço pesquisado. Trabalhos de meta-análise mostram que o atendimento ideal da gravidez com mais de 41 semanas ainda requer mais estudos, alguns mostrando vantagens na indução do trabalho de parto e outros não. Por outro lado, observa-se, cada vez mais, processos judiciais contra médicos nas áreas de Ginecologia e Obstetricia, em decorrência de negligência, imperícia e imprudência, muitas vezes de difícil caracterização, no atendimento dessas pacientes. A gestação prolongada, que ocorre, aproximadamente, em torno de 10% das gestações, pode causar acometimentos irreversíveis tanto maternos quanto fetais, aumentando a morbimortalidade de ambos, além de ser um dos motivos de denúncia de erro médico. Este trabalho teve como objetivo buscar evidências científicas na literatura que ofereçam diretrizes para o melhor atendimento dessas pacientes, na tentativa de se evitar danos maternos e fetais e ainda oferecer subsídios para uma defesa profissional, caso o médico sofra denuncia por má pratica quando do atendimento de uma gestante nessa condição

Procedures for the care of pregnant women with prolonged pregnancy can vary according to the service. Meta-analysis show that the ideal treatment of pregnancy over 41 weeks still demands more studies, some of them showing advantages in the induction of delivery and others not. On the other hand, it can be increasingly observed lawsuits against doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology as a result of negligence, malpractice and imprudent acts - which are difficult to characterize - in the care of these patients.The prolonged gestation, which occurs roughly in around 10% of pregnancies, can cause irreversible maternal and fetal attacks, increasing morbidity and mortality of both. It is also one of the reasons for denunciation of medical error. This work had the purpose of seek evidence in the scientific literature that provide guidelines to ensure a better management of these patients, in an attempt to prevent maternal and fetal damage and give subsidies for a professional defense if the doctor is accused of malpractice in the treatment of a woman in this condition

Fatores preditores para o óbito neonatal em gestações com diástole zero ou reversa na doplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical / Predictor parameters of neonatal death in gestations with absent or reverse end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery doppler velocimetry

OBJETIVO: avaliar os fatores de risco antenatais e pós-natais para o óbito neonatal em gestações com diástole zero (DZ) ou reversa (DR) na doplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, retrospectivo, inferencial, a partir de 48 prontuários de gestações únicas com DZ ou DR, idade gestacional entre 24 e 34 semanas, em uma maternidade no Nordeste do Brasil. A média de idade foi de 27,3 anos (DP: 7,9). Vinte (41,7 por cento) eram primigestas. Síndromes hipertensivas foram observadas em 44 (91,7 por cento) casos. Trinta e cinco (72,9 por cento) apresentavam DZ e 13 (27,1 por cento) DR. Procedeu-se inicialmente à análise univariada (teste t de Student e teste Exato de Fisher), relacionando os parâmetros com o desfecho avaliado (óbito neonatal). As variáveis que apresentaram associação significativa foram incluídas no modelo de regressão logística (Estatística de Wald). O nível de significância utilizado foi de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: a mortalidade perinatal foi de 64,6 por cento (31/48). Ocorreram cinco óbitos fetais e 26 neonatais. A média de idade gestacional no momento do diagnóstico foi de 27,9 (DP: 2,8) semanas. A resolução da gestação antes de 24 horas após o diagnóstico ocorreu em 52,1 por cento dos casos. Parto abdominal foi realizado em 85,4 por cento dos casos. Os recém-nascidos pesaram em média 975,9 g (DP: 457,5). Vinte e quatro (57,1 por cento) apresentaram Apgar menor que 7 no primeiro minuto e 21,4 por cento, no quinto. A idade gestacional no momento do diagnóstico, o peso ao nascer e o Apgar de primeiro minuto revelaram-se variáveis significativamente relacionadas com o óbito neonatal (valores de p foram, respectivamente, 0,008; 0,004 e 0,020). As razões de chance foi de 6,6; 25,3 e 13,8 para o óbito neonatal, quando o diagnóstico foi estabelecido até a 28ª semana, peso <1000 g e Apgar < 7, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: idade gestacional no momento do diagnóstico, peso ao nascer e Apgar de primeiro minuto foram fatores capazes de predizer o óbito neonatal em gestações com DZ ou DR na doplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the antenatal and postnatal risk factors of neonatal death in pregnancies with absent (DZ) or reverse (DR) end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery. METHODS: a cross-sectional retrospective study based on data from 48 medical records of singleton pregnancies with DZ or DR, and gestational age of 24 to 34 weeks, at a maternity in the Brazilian Northeast. Mean age was 27.3 (SD: 7.9) years. Twenty (41.7 percent) patients were primiparas. Hypertensive disorders were found in 44 (91.7 percent) cases. Thirty-five women (72.9 percent) had DZ and 13 (27.1 percent) had DR. Univariate analysis was firstly done (Student's t-test and Fisher's exact test) correlating the parameters with the assessed outcome (neonatal death). Variables that showed significant association were included in the logistic regression model (Wald statistics). The level of significance was set at 5 percent. RESULTS: The perinatal mortality rate was 64.6 percent (31/48). There were five stillbirths and 26 neonatal deaths. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 27.9 (SD: 2.8) weeks. Deliveries before 24 hours after diagnosis occurred in 52.1 percent of the cases. Cesarean section was performed in 85.4 percent of the sample. The newborns weighed 975.9 g on average (SD: 457.5). Twenty-four (57.1 percent) presented Apgar scores below 7 in the first minute and 21.4 percent in the fifth minute. Gestational age at diagnosis, birth weight and Apgar of the first minute proved to be variables significantly related to neonatal death (p values were: 0.008, 0.004, and 0.020, respectively). The Odds Ratio was 6.6, 25.3 and 13.8 for neonatal death, when the diagnosis was established at the 28th week, weight was <1000 g and first minute Apgar score was <7, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: gestational age at diagnosis, birth weight and Apgar score at the first minute were factors that could predict neonatal death in pregnancies with DV or DR determined by umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.

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.

Recent advances in management of fetal growth restriction / 대한산부인과학회지

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) is associated with poor perinatal outcomes. The term SGA is descriptive and means that the fetal size and weight at birth are less than expected (in general, 10th percentile using standard curves for gestational age) regardless of the cause. It was estimated that about 50~70% of fetuses born weighing less than the 10th percentile for gestational age are constitutionally small, with fetal growth appropriate for parental size and ethnicity; these are usually associated with normal placental function and have a normal outcome. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) describes a decrease in the fetal growth rate that prevents an infant from obtaining the complete genetic growth potential. It is common with placental dysfunction occurring in about 3% of pregnancies despite advances in obstetric care. In human pregnancies, placental insufficiency is the leading cause of FGR and is usually due to poor utero-placental blood flow and placental infarcts. The reduction of placental supply of nutrients to the fetus has been associated with several adaptive changes taking place in both the placenta and fetus. Adaptive changes can be followed by pathology leading to fetal death, and therefore staging of the disease is fundamental to timing delivery. Thus, it is responsible for the obstetricians to distinguish SGA from intrauterine growth restriction, correct the causes if possible, and if not, accurately stage the disease progress so as to deliver at the most suitable time. In this review, the management of fetal growth restrictions is summarized based on the diagnosis, etiologic factors, antenatal surveillance, and their possible therapeutic approaches.