Displasia mesenquimal placentaria

La displasia mesenquimal placentaria es una entidad poco frecuente, confundida al ultrasonido y macroscopía con mola parcial por las lesiones vesiculares y la presencia de feto. La microscopía revela vellosidades troncales hidrópicas con gran hiperplasia mesenquimal y lesiones vasculares prominentes, pero sin hiperplasia del epitelio trofoblástico. El feto, generalmente femenino, puede ser normal o presentar retardo del crecimiento intrauterino, malformaciones, tumores o cromosomopatías. Presentamos el estudio de cuatro casos de displasia mesenquimal placentaria; tres primigestas de 39 y 20 años de edad, y una segundigesta de 26 años. La mayor, del tercer trimestre, cursó con preeclampsia y mortinato de sexo femenino con anomalías pulmonar y esplénica, las otras dos presentaron sangrado vaginal y dolor pélvico y un caso fue un hallazgo en el control prenatal a las 8 semanas de gestación. En tres casos se observaron feto y embrion, dos de ellos tuvieron necropsia.

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is a rare entity, confused with ultrasound and macroscopy with partial mole due to vesicular lesions and the presence of a fetus. Microscopy reveals hydropic trunk villi with great mesenchymal hyperplasia and prominent vascular lesions but without hyperplasia of the trophoblastic epithelium. The fetus, usually female, may be normal or present malformations, tumors or chromosomopathies. We present the study of four cases of placental mesenchymal dysplasia; three first-pregnancies, aged 39 and 20, and a second-pregnancy, aged 26. The oldest in the third trimester presented with preeclampsia and a female stillbirth with pulmonary and splenic anomalies, the other two presented vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain and one case was a finding in prenatal control at 8 weeks of gestation. In three cases, fetus and embryo were observed, two of them had a necropsy.

Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical examination of changes in the placenta as a result of severe preeclampsia

Purpose: To investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and angiogenetic factor endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in regulating hypoxia and placental development by routine histopathological methods. Methods: Twenty preeclamptic and normal placentas were used. Placenta tissue pieces were examined histopathologically after routine paraffin follow-ups. HIF-1α and ET-1 proteins were examined immunohistochemically, and placental tissues were examined ultrastructurally. Results: Increase in syncytial proliferation, endothelial damage in vessels, and increase in collagen were observed in preeclamptic placentas. As a result of preeclampsia, an increase was observed in HIF-1α and ET-1 protein levels in the placenta. Dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum and loss of cristae in mitochondria were observed in trophoblast cells in preeclamptic placental sections. Conclusion: High regulation of oxygen resulting from preeclampsia has been shown to be a critical determinant of placentagenesis and plays an important role in placental differentiation, changes in maternal and fetal blood circulation, trophoblastic invasion, and syncytial node increase. It has been thought that preeclampsia affects secretion by disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum structure and induces mitochondrial damage, and that ET-1 may potentially help in the induction of stress pathways as a result of hypoxia in preeclampsia.

Massive subchorionic thrombohematoma at umbilical cord insertion: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

This article reported the management and outcome of a pregnant woman diagnosed with massive subchorionic thrombohematoma at the umbilical cord insertion. The patient was found to have a large placental hematoma below the insertion site of the umbilical cord at 28 weeks of gestation by ultrasound and MRI. Fetal growth and the condition of the placenta were closely monitored thereafter. The patient was delivered with good maternal and infant outcomes through emergency cesarean section at 33 +5 weeks of gestation due to a significantly enlarged hematoma with abnormal umbilical blood flow.

Fetoscopic laser coagulation for placental chorioangioma: a report of three cases and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the outcome of laser coagulation under fetoscope for placental chorioangioma (CA).Methods:The clinical data of three pregnant women with giant CA treated by laser coagulation under fetoscope in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Relevant articles up to September 2022 were retrieved from Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed, and the clinical data of all patients were retrospectively summarized. Indications and intervention effects of fetoscopic laser therapy were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data.Results:Thirteen patients were involved in this study including 10 cases retrieved from the databases. The average age of the pregnant women was (30.3±6.2) years old. There were 12 cases of single pregnancy and one case of twin pregnancy (monochorionic diamnionic twin pregnancy). Except for cases for which data were not available in the literatures, at the diagnosis of CA, the average gestational age was (19.9±4.5) weeks ( n=7) and the average maximum diameter of the mass was (6.1±4.1) cm ( n=6). The patients underwent fetoscopic laser therapy at an average gestational age of (25.0±2.0) weeks ( n=13) with the average maximum tumor diameter of (7.6±2.8) cm ( n=9). After treatment, the amniotic fluid volume of three cases decreased to normal. In one case, the amniotic fluid volume decreased but was still above the upper limit of the normal range. Moreover, the maximum tumor diameter decreased in four cases; the peak systolic velocity of the fetal middle cerebral artery decreased to normal in one case; fetal heart function became normal in two cases and fetal edema was relieved in one case. Among the three patients treated in our hospital, the blood supply of CA disappeared after treatment. Intrauterine fetal death occurred in two cases. The other 11 patients gave birth to live babies at the gestational age of (36.6±3.8) weeks with five through cesarean section (5/11), five through vaginal delivery (4/11) and two not reported. The birth weight of the neonates was (2 712±1 023) g and all of them survived. The gender of five neonates were reported and all were females, two of them were monochorionic diamnionic twins. No abnormality was found in the three neonates delivered in our hospital during a six-month follow-up. No abnormality was reported in the other neonates during ten days to six months of follow-up. Conclusions:Fetoscopic laser coagulation may help reduce the size of CA, decrease complications and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Achados na ressonância magnética do espectro do acretismo placentário: ensaio iconográfico / Magnetic resonance imaging findings in placenta accreta spectrum disorders: pictorial essay

Resumo Acretismo placentário é uma condição caracterizada pela implantação anormal da placenta, que pode ser subdividida em três espectros de acordo com o seu grau de invasão: placenta acreta (ultrapassa a decídua basal e adere ao miométrio), placenta increta (penetra o miométrio) e placenta percreta (invasão da serosa uterina ou de tecidos/órgãos adjacentes). A incidência de acretismo placentário aumentou significativamente nas últimas décadas, principalmente em função da elevação das taxas de cesarianas, sendo este o seu principal fator de risco. A sua identificação pré-natal precisa permite um tratamento ideal com equipe multidisciplinar, minimizando significativamente a morbimortalidade materna. Os exames de escolha são a ultrassonografia e a ressonância magnética (RM), sendo a RM um método complementar indicado quando a avaliação ultrassonográfica é duvidosa, para pacientes com fatores de risco para acretismo placentário ou quando a placenta tem localização posterior. A RM é preferível também para avaliar invasão de órgãos adjacentes, oferecendo um campo de visão mais amplo, o que melhora o planejamento cirúrgico. Diversas características na RM são descritas no acretismo placentário, incluindo bandas hipointensas em T2 intraplacentárias, protuberância uterina anormal e heterogeneidade placentária. O conhecimento desses achados e a combinação de mais de um critério aumentam a confiabilidade do diagnóstico.

Abstract Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are characterized by abnormal adhesion of the placenta that can be subdivided into three categories according to degree of invasion: placenta accreta (passing through the decidua basalis and adhering to the myometrium); placenta increta (penetrating the myometrium); and placenta percreta (invading the uterine serosa or adjacent tissues or organs). The incidence of placenta accreta has increased significantly in recent decades, mainly because of an increase in the rates of cesarean section, which is its main risk factor. Accurate prenatal identification makes it possible to institute the ideal treatment with a multidisciplinary team, significantly minimizing maternal morbidity and mortality. The examinations of choice are ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). When the ultrasound evaluation is inconclusive, as well as when the patient has risk factors for the condition or the placenta is in a posterior location, MRI is indicated. In cases of placental invasion of the adjacent pelvic organs, MRI is also preferable because it provides a broader field of view, which improves surgical planning. Numerous features of placenta accreta spectrum disorders are discernible on MRI, including dark intraplacental bands, uterine bulging, and heterogeneous placenta. Knowledge of these findings and the combination of two or more of them increase confidence in the diagnosis.

Analysis of factors associated with infantile hemangioma: a multicenter case-control study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To analyze demographic and clinical characteristics of infantile hemangioma (IH) , and to explore related risk factors for IH.Methods:A multicenter case-control study was conducted. IH patients (case group) and healthy children (control group) were collected from West China Hospital of Sichuan University, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and Yulin Community Central Hospital of Chengdu from October 2018 to December 2020. The data on patients′ demographic characteristics, and risk factors during their mothers′ pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and perinatal period were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using binary logistic regression.Results:A total of 1 479 patients with IH and 1 086 healthy children were included in this study. There were 456 males and 1 023 females in the case group, with the age being 3.74 ± 2.82 months, and there were 359 males and 727 females in the control group, with the age being 3.95 ± 2.77 months. There was no significant difference in the gender ratio, age, ethnic composition, birth weight or birth height between the case group and control group (all P > 0.05) . IH lesions mostly affected the head and face (564 cases, 38.1%) , followed by the trunk (449 cases, 30.6%) and limbs (356 cases, 24.1%) . At the visit, 1 109 (75.0%) patients presented with proliferating IH, 1 059 (71.6%) with superficial IH, and 1 306 (88.3%) with focal IH. The IH lesion area ranged from 0.01 to 168.00 (6.24 ± 12.91) cm 2, and the segmental IH area ranged from 7.50 to 168.00 (32.17 ± 26.94) cm 2. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed some factors influencing the occurrence of IH (all P < 0.05) , including pre-pregnancy factors (delivery history and miscarriage history) , pregnancy factors (fetal distress, cord entanglement, history of threatened abortion, placenta previa, oligohydramnios, gestational hypothyroidism, gestational anemia, history of progesterone supplementation, history of thyroxine drug use, history of uterus myomas) , and perinatal factors (including fetal position, gestational weeks, premature rupture of membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes) . Multivariate binary logistic regression adjusted analysis showed that fetal breech presentation, preterm birth, cord entanglement and history of thyroxine drug use during pregnancy did not influence the occurrence of IH (all P > 0.05) ; the delivery history was the strongest independent risk factor for IH (adjusted OR = 5.624, 95% CI: 4.275 to 7.398, P < 0.001) , and gestational hypothyroidism and history of uterus myomas were protective factors for IH. Conclusions:In this study, the average age of IH patients at visit was 4 months, skin lesions mostly occurred on the head and face, and most were superficial and focal in the proliferative stage. The occurrence and development of IH may be associated with placental diseases, hypoxia, maternal hormone levels during pregnancy, etc.

Acretismo placentário e suas complicações / Placental accretism and its complications

Acretismo é um termo genérico que significa uma invasão trofoblástica anormal da placenta em parte ou, mais raramente, na totalidade do miométrio, podendo inclusive chegar à serosa. Esse evento ocorre mais comumente em uma região de cicatriz uterina prévia, onde há um defeito na decidualização. A principal consequência disso é a necessidade frequente de histerectomia puerperal, acarretando grande morbidade materna. Este artigo apresenta o caso de uma gestante com placenta percreta, com acometimento vesical e de colo uterino que necessitou de histerectomia total. Além disso, no pós-operatório, apresentou fístula vesicoabdominal. O objetivo deste artigo é demonstrar as complicações do acretismo placentário e as maneiras de tentar reduzi-lo. O aumento nas proporções de nascimentos via parto cesariana, sem que haja evidências claras de que isso interfira na queda da mortalidade e/ou morbidade materna e neonatal, sugere que estejam sendo indicadas muito mais cesarianas que o necessário. Para redução nas taxas de cesariana e, consequentemente, das complicações dela, como nos casos de acretismo, é necessário repensar a cultura do cuidado da prática clínica em obstetrícia.(AU)

Accretism is a generic term that means an abnormal trophoblastic invasion of the placenta in part or, more rarely, in the entire myometrium, which may even reach the serosa. This event most commonly occurs in a region of previous uterine scar, where there is a decidualization defect. The main consequence of this is the frequent need for puerperal hysterectomy, causing great maternal morbidity. This article presents the case of a pregnant woman with placenta percreta, with bladder and uterine cervix involvement, who required hysterectomy. In addition, postoperatively, presented a vesico-abdominal fistula. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the complications of placental accretism and ways to try it. The increase in the proportion of births via cesarean delivery, without clear evidences that this interferes with the decrease in maternal and neonatal mortality and/or morbidity, suggests that much more cesarean sections are being indicated than necessary. To reduce cesarean rates and consequently, its complications, as in cases of accretism, it is necessary to rethink the culture of care in clinical practice in obstetrics.(AU)

Placenta percreta com invasão de bexiga: um relato de caso / Percretal placenta with bladder invasion: a case report

O acretismo placentário consiste na aderência anormal da placenta na parede uterina. Ao aderir-se diretamente ao miométrio, denomina-se placenta acreta; ao estender-se mais profundamente, placenta increta, e ao invadir a serosa uterina ou órgãos adjacentes, percreta. O fator de risco mais frequente constitui cesarianas anteriores. Paciente 27 anos, G3P1CA1 (cesariana há 8 anos/ parto prematuro 25 sem há 4 anos), IG: 25sem3d; com alteração da vitalidade fetal e placenta prévia com sinais de acretismo (sugerindo placenta percreta). Foi indicada a interrupção da gestação com 27 semanas e 1 dia. No período intraoperatório foi evidenciada, por meio de ultrassom, presença de acretismo placentário com invasão miometrial e invasão de serosa vesical sendo posteriormente realizado a histerectomia subtotal e rafia das lacerações da mucosa vesical. A placenta percreta é mais frequente em grávidas com placenta prévia no local da cicatriz de cesariana e o órgão mais frequentemente acometido é a bexiga; estando associada a maior morbimortalidade materna. O diagnóstico definitivo é anatomopatológico, porém é presumível durante a cirurgia abdominal com a visualização da invasão placentária, devendo ser confirmado por Histopatologia.

Placental accretism consists of abnormal placental adherence to the uterine wall. When adhering directly to the myometrium it is called placenta accreta; when extending more deeply, placenta increta; and when invading the uterine serosa or adjacent organs, percrete. The most frequent risk factor is previous cesarean sections. The patient is 27 years old with altered fetal vitality and placenta previa with signs of accreation (suggesting percretal placenta). Pregnancy termination at 27 weeks and one day was indicated. In the intraoperative period, the presence of placental accretion with myometrial invasion and bladder serous invasion was evidenced by ultrasound, with subtotal hysterectomy and raffia of lacerations of the bladder afterwards. The percretal placenta is more frequent in pregnant women with placenta previa at the site of the scar of a cesarean section and the organ most frequently affected is the bladder; being associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality. The definitive diagnosis is anatomopathological, but it is presumed during abdominal surgery with the visualization of the placental invasion and must be confirmed by Histopathology

Clinical features and perinatal outcomes of 48 cases of pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy with placental cystic lesions.Methods:A retrospective study was carried out on 48 pregnant women diagnosed as pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions from January 2000 to January 2020 at the Women′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The clinical features, pathological diagnosis and perinatal outcome were analyzed.Results:The age of 48 cases was (30±5) years, and the diagnostic gestational week of ultrasound was (24±8) weeks. Twenty-five cases in which showed a cystic mass at the fetal surface were diagnosed as placental cyst. The live birth rate was 100% (25/25) and the premature birth rate was 20% (5/25). Twenty-three cases showed “honeycomb like” cystic echo. Cystic lesions of 10 cases were located in the uterine cavity connected with the margin of the normal placenta, and finally diagnosed as hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus (HMCF). Six cases of HMCF terminated pregnancy, and the live birth rate was 4/10, the premature delivery rate was 2/4. Cystic lesions of 13 cases were located in the placenta substance, and finally diagnosed as 4 cases of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) and 9 cases of focal chorionic edema; the live birth rate was 6/13 and the premature delivery rate was 4/6. The median hCG was lower in focal chorionic edema group [80 kU/L (60-110 kU/L)] than in the groups of HMCF [240 kU/L (180-430 kU/L)] and PMD [360 kU/L (210-700 kU/L)], and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusions:For pregnancy complicated with placental cystic lesions, prenatal ultrasound should be performed to evaluate the shape, location and blood flow of the lesions. Maternal serological examination and invasive prenatal diagnosis are helpful for prenatal diagnosis and treatment. Due to the difference of perinatal outcomes, maternal and fetal complications, individualized pregnancy management should be carried out.

Tratamiento de pacientes con placenta anormalmente adherida, con hemorragia. Revisión sistemática / Treatment of patients with abnormally attached placenta, with hemorrhage. Systematic review

Resumen OBJETIVO: Reportar la evidencia quirúrgica, disponible en la bibliografía actual, acerca de la conducta médica que debe seguirse en pacientes con placenta anormalmente adherida en embarazos mayores de 20 semanas, según la pérdida hemática que se correlaciona con la morbilidad y mortalidad materna. METODOLOGÍA: Revisión sistemática de la bibliografía asentada en PubMed, Google Scholar, Uptodate y SciELO de artículos publicados en inglés y español, entre 2002 y 2019, con las palabras clave Mesh (Medical Subject Headings): placenta acreta; placenta previa; uterine repair; caesarean hysterectomy; placenta percreta; uterine conservation; uterine compression suture; hemorragia obstétrica; placentación anómala; placenta anormalmente adherida. Criterios de inclusión: artículos de casos y controles, y series de casos que incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de placenta anormalmente adherida, con apartados de la técnica quirúrgica utilizada y descripción de su desenlace. RESULTADOS: Se encontraron 40 artículos y se seleccionaron 34 que describían casos con diagnóstico de placenta anormalmente adherida y descripción de la técnica quirúrgica aplicada para disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad materna. Se compararon las distintas técnicas quirúrgicas; se encontraron 9 artículos con técnicas quirúrgicas distintas para el control de la hemorragia obstétrica, en 2 de ellos no hubo reporte de la pérdida hemática, útil para esta revisión. CONCLUSIONES: Se demuestra que la técnica vascular integral avanzada (VIVA) y de Bautista son las que mejor se relacionan con disminución de la morbilidad y mortalidad materna. La búsqueda de técnicas quirúrgicas y estrategias para abatir la muerte materna, por placenta anormalmente adherida y la aplicación y comprensión de lo aquí expuesto, puede contribuir a disminuir la incidencia de desenlaces fatales.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Report the surgical evidence available in the current literature about the medical behavior to be followed in patients with abnormally attached placenta in pregnancies older than 20 weeks, according to blood loss that correlates with maternal morbidity and mortality. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review of the literature available on PubMed, Scholar.google.com, Uptodate, SciELO, of articles published in English and Spanish, from 2002 to the present (August 2019), with the following keywords Mesh (Medical Subject Headings ): placenta acreta; previous placenta; uterine repair; Caesarean Hysterectomy; placenta percreta; uterine conservation; uterine compression suture; obstetric hemorrhage; anomalous placentation; abnormally attached placenta. Inclusion criteria: articles of control cases and case series that included pregnant patients with abnormally adhered placental diagnosis and sections of the surgical technique used, the outcome of which is described in the manuscript. RESULTS: 40 articles were found but only 34 studies were described that described cases with abnormally adhered placental diagnosis and description of the surgical technique used to achieve a decrease in maternal morbidity and mortality, so the different surgical techniques were compared, 9 articles were found with techniques different surgical procedures for the control of obstetric hemorrhage, in 2 of them there was no report of blood loss, useful for this review. CONCLUSIONS: It is shown that the advanced integral vascular technique (VIVA) and that of Bautista are the ones that are best related to a decrease in maternal morbidity and mortality. The search for surgical techniques and strategies to reduce maternal death, due to an abnormally attached placenta and the application and understanding of what is stated here, can contribute to reducing the incidence of fatal outcomes.

Clinical value of MRI in the diagnosis of placental implantation / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To determine imaging features that may help predict the presence of placenta accreta, placenta increta or placenta percreta on prenatal MRI scanning in order to identify the most diagnostic findings.@*Methods@#The prenatal MRI scan data of placenta accreta, placenta increta or placenta percreta (placenta implantation group, n=15) and normal placenta(placenta normal group, n=15) diagnosed and treated by surgical pathology from January 2010 to December 2017 in the People's Hospital of Huadu District were retrospectively analyzed.Two expert MRI doctors were blinded to the patients' true diagnosis and were asked to score a total of 10 MRI features of the placenta and adjacent structures.The interrater reliability was assessed using kappa statistics.The features with a moderate kappa statistic or better(kappa>0.40 ) were then compared with the true diagnosis for each observer.@*Results@#Eight of the scored features had an interobserver reliability of kappa>0.40: placenta previa(κ=0.89); abnormal uterine bulging(κ=0.57); intraplacental hemorrhage(κ=0.45); the presence of dark intraplacental bands on T2W imaging(κ=0.76); flow-empty blood vessels in placenta(κ=0.67); border on placenta and uterus blurring(κ=0.63); heterogeneity of signal intensity on T2-weighted(T2W) imaging(κ=0.53); and continuity of myometrium was interrupted(κ=0.64). Using Fisher's two-sided exact test, there were statistically significant differences between the proportion of patients with placental invasion and those without placental invasion for three of the features: abnormal uterine bulging(P=0.015, P=0.011); heterogeneity of T2W imaging signal intensity(P=0.006, P=0.013); and presence of dark intraplacental bands on T2W imaging(P=0.032, P=0.010).@*Conclusion@#MRI can be a useful adjunct to ultrasound in diagnosing placenta accreta prenatally.Three features that are seen on MRI in patients with placental invasion appear to be useful for diagnosis: uterine bulging; heterogeneous signal intensity within the placenta; and the presence of dark intraplacental bands on T2W imaging.

Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta-mediated pregnancy complication / 中华围产医学杂志

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC), including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss, is caused by inadequate trophoblast invasion and abnormal remodeling of maternal spiral arteries in early pregnancy, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes and affecting the long-term maternal and child health. However, the molecular mechanisms of PMPC remain unclear. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is highly expressed in human placenta and plays an important role in the development of a normal placenta through promoting placental angiogenesis and inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion. EG-VEGF dysregulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of PMPC. This review described recent advances in EG-VEGF for better understanding of the underlying mechanism of PMPC and providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PMPC.

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia: a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To summarize the clinical, sonographic and pathological characteristics, and the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD).@*Methods@#We reported the diagnosis and treatment of a case of PMD in Tianjin Union Medical Center. Pertinent Chinese literatures on PMD were reviewed to analyze the clinical features and the outcomes for mothers and infants.@*Results@#(1) Case report: The patient was admitted to our hospital with elevated blood pressure in July 2011 and underwent caesarean section at 30+1 gestational weeks indicated by severe preeclampsia and fetal distress. PMD was diagnosed by placental pathological examination. The patient was discharged from the hospital after oral antihypertensives treatment with stabilized blood pressure. Both the mother and the child were healthy during follow-ups until August 2018. (2) Literature review: A total of 14 cases of PMD were reported domestically including the index case. The average maternal age was 27.9(23-42). Of all the 14 fetuses, half were born alive and half were died in the uterus; two were male, 10 were female and two of unknown sex. Sonographic findings of 10 cases showed thickened placenta with hypoechoic areas. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was tested in five cases, and the results were all normal. One case was tested for maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), which was increased. Among the 14 cases, there were two of preeclampsia, six of intrauterine death, three of fetal distress and one of the premature rupture of fetal membranes. Four out of the seven live births were born prematurely. According to the medical record, the average weight of placentas of seven gravidas was 665 g, and eight placentas were larger than the gestational age in size. Pathological examinations showed 11 placentas were covered with grape-like cystic vesicles. No trophoblastic proliferation or stromal trophoblastic inclusion was observed in 12 cases under the microscope.@*Conclusions@#PMD is mainly characterized by enlarged and cystic placenta with hypoechoic areas in sonographic findings as well as elevated AFP and normal hCG concentrations in serum. It is more likely to occur in female fetuses with normal karyotype. Placentas with significantly increased size and weight and grape-like cystic vesicles are typical features of PMD that can be detected by pathological examinations. Some gravidas may develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and deliver prematurely due to fetal distress, but the maternal and neonatal outcomes are usually good. Close monitoring of the gravidas and fetuses with PMD may help to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta-mediated pregnancy complication / 中华围产医学杂志

Placenta-mediated pregnancy complication (PMPC), including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction and recurrent pregnancy loss, is caused by inadequate trophoblast invasion and abnormal remodeling of maternal spiral arteries in early pregnancy, resulting in adverse perinatal outcomes and affecting the long-term maternal and child health. However, the molecular mechanisms of PMPC remain unclear. Endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is highly expressed in human placenta and plays an important role in the development of a normal placenta through promoting placental angiogenesis and inhibiting trophoblast migration and invasion. EG-VEGF dysregulation is closely related to the pathogenesis of PMPC. This review described recent advances in EG-VEGF for better understanding of the underlying mechanism of PMPC and providing a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PMPC.

Placental mesenchymal dysplasia: a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To summarize the clinical, sonographic and pathological characteristics, and the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD). Methods We reported the diagnosis and treatment of a case of PMD in Tianjin Union Medical Center. Pertinent Chinese literatures on PMD were reviewed to analyze the clinical features and the outcomes for mothers and infants. Results (1) Case report: The patient was admitted to our hospital with elevated blood pressure in July 2011 and underwent caesarean section at 30+1 gestational weeks indicated by severe preeclampsia and fetal distress. PMD was diagnosed by placental pathological examination. The patient was discharged from the hospital after oral antihypertensives treatment with stabilized blood pressure. Both the mother and the child were healthy during follow-ups until August 2018. (2) Literature review: A total of 14 cases of PMD were reported domestically including the index case. The average maternal age was 27.9(23-42). Of all the 14 fetuses, half were born alive and half were died in the uterus; two were male, 10 were female and two of unknown sex. Sonographic findings of 10 cases showed thickened placenta with hypoechoic areas. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was tested in five cases, and the results were all normal. One case was tested for maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), which was increased. Among the 14 cases, there were two of preeclampsia, six of intrauterine death, three of fetal distress and one of the premature rupture of fetal membranes. Four out of the seven live births were born prematurely. According to the medical record, the average weight of placentas of seven gravidas was 665 g, and eight placentas were larger than the gestational age in size. Pathological examinations showed 11 placentas were covered with grape-like cystic vesicles. No trophoblastic proliferation or stromal trophoblastic inclusion was observed in 12 cases under the microscope. Conclusions PMD is mainly characterized by enlarged and cystic placenta with hypoechoic areas in sonographic findings as well as elevated AFP and normal hCG concentrations in serum. It is more likely to occur in female fetuses with normal karyotype. Placentas with significantly increased size and weight and grape-like cystic vesicles are typical features of PMD that can be detected by pathological examinations. Some gravidas may develop hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and deliver prematurely due to fetal distress, but the maternal and neonatal outcomes are usually good. Close monitoring of the gravidas and fetuses with PMD may help to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Clinical value of MRI in the diagnosis of placental implantation / 中国基层医药

Objective To determine imaging features that may help predict the presence of placenta accreta , placenta increta or placenta percreta on prenatal MRI scanning in order to identify the most diagnostic findings . Methods The prenatal MRI scan data of placenta accreta,placenta increta or placenta percreta (placenta implantation group,n＝15) and normal placenta (placenta normal group,n＝15) diagnosed and treated by surgical pathology from January 2010 to December 2017 in the Peopleˊs Hospital of Huadu District were retrospectively analyzed.Two expert MRI doctors were blinded to the patientsˊtrue diagnosis and were asked to score a total of 10 MRI features of the placenta and adjacent structures.The interrater reliability was assessed using kappa statistics.The features with a moderate kappa statistic or better ( kappa ＞0.40 ) were then compared with the true diagnosis for each observer. Results Eight of the scored features had an interobserver reliability of kappa ＞0.40:placenta previa (κ＝0.89);abnormal uterine bulging(κ＝0.57);intraplacental hemorrhage (κ＝0.45);the presence of dark intraplacental bands on T2 W imaging( κ＝0.76); flow －empty blood vessels in placenta ( κ＝0.67); border on placenta and uterus blurring(κ＝0.63);heterogeneity of signal intensity on T 2 －weighted( T2 W) imaging(κ＝0.53);and continuity of myometrium was interrupted ( κ＝0.64).Using Fisherˊs two －sided exact test, there were statistically significant differences between the proportion of patients with placental invasion and those without placental invasion for three of the features:abnormal uterine bulging ( P＝0.015,P＝0.011);heterogeneity of T2 W imaging signal intensity ( P＝0.006,P＝0.013);and presence of dark intraplacental bands on T 2 W imaging(P＝0.032,P＝0.010).Conclusion MRI can be a useful adjunct to ultrasound in diagnosing placenta accreta prenatally.Three features that are seen on MRI in patients with placental invasion appear to be useful for diagnosis : uterine bulging; heterogeneous signal intensity within the placenta;and the presence of dark intraplacental bands on T 2 W imaging.

Analysis on the association of risks related to maternal factors and placental inflammation with necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants / 中国医师杂志

Objective To investigate the association of risks related to maternal factors with the subsequent development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants and to determine whether the placental inflammatory lesions were also related to the NEC.Methods This retrospective cohort study examined newborns born at ＜ 32 weeks (n =180) between July 2006 and July 2015 and their mothers at our hospital,recorded the maternal age,body mass index (BMI),multiparity situation,and the usage of prenatal steroids or antibiotics.Medical records of eligible newborns and their mothers were reviewed.Maternal blood white blood cell and differential counts were measured at admission and the placentas were examined histologically after delivery.The primary outcome measure was NEC Bell Stage Ⅱ a.Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression were used for the statistical analyses.Results NEC was diagnosed in 14 of 180 very preterm infants (7.8％),including 11 Stage Ⅱ and 3 Stage Ⅲ infants,and the overall mortality rate of these infants was 7.1％ (n =1).Multivariate regression analysis identified maternal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (OR =1.07,P =0.002),muhiparity (OR =3.39,P =0.013),and birth weight (OR =0.06,P =0.01) were significantly associated with an increased risk of NEC development.Neonatal neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as measured within 24 hours of birth (P =0.65) was not associated with NEC development.Clinical chorioamnionitis (P≥0.99) and histological chorioamnionitis (P =0.46) and funisitis (P =0.21) could not be used as significant predictors of NEC.Conslusions The development of NEC in very preterm infants is associated with the maternal NLR,parity,and birth weight,not with clinical and histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis.

Risk factors for massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies in which incomplete placenta previa are located on the posterior uterine wall

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with massive postpartum bleeding in pregnancies complicated by incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed. We identified 210 healthy singleton pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, who underwent elective or emergency cesarean section after 24 weeks of gestation between January 2006 and April 2016. The cases with intraoperative blood loss (≥2,000 mL) or transfusion of packed red blood cells (≥4) or uterine artery embolization or hysterectomy were defined as massive bleeding. RESULTS: Twenty-three women experienced postpartum profuse bleeding (11.0%). After multivariable analysis, 4 variables were associated with massive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH): experience of 2 or more prior uterine curettage (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 15.48; P=0.018), short cervical length before delivery (<2.0 cm) (aOR, 7.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 50.25; P=0.049), fetal non-cephalic presentation (aOR, 12.48; 95% CI, 1.29 to 121.24; P=0.030), and uteroplacental hypervascularity (aOR, 6.23; 95% CI, 2.30 to 8.83; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study of cases with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall, which were complicated by massive PPH. Our findings might be helpful to guide obstetric management and provide useful information for prediction of massive PPH in pregnancies with incomplete placenta previa located on the posterior uterine wall.

O papel do DOPPLER da artéria cerebral média nos fetos com Crescimento Restrito Tardio / The role of middle cerebral artery Doppler in late onset fetal growth restriction

Ocrescimento intrauterino restrito (CIUR) é uma inibição patológica do crescimento fetal, acometendo 5-10% das gestações e está associado ao aumento da morbimortalidade perinatal. Este estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão não sistemática sobre os eventos adversos perinatais dos fetos com CIUR tardio e alteração seletiva do Doppler da artéria cerebral média (ACM). A pesquisa bibliográfica foi realizada através da base de dados do PubMed, obtendo um total de 25 referências, que serviram de base para o presente artigo. Conclui-se que a artéria cerebral média possui valor particular na identificação e predição de resultados adversos nestes fetos, os quais possuem risco aumentado de desenvolvimento neurológico anormal ao nascimento e aos dois anos de idade.(AU)

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathological inhibition of the fetal growth that affects 5-10% of pregnancies and it is associated with an increase of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to conduct a non-systematic review of perinatal adverse events of fetuses with late-onset IUGR and selective changes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler. A literature search was performed using the PubMed database. A total of 25 references, which were the basis for this article was obtained. It concludes the middle cerebral artery has a particular value in the identification and prediction of adverse outcomes in these fetuses, which has an increased risk of abnormal neurological performance at birth and at two years of age.(AU)

Alteration of placental haemostatic mechanisms in idiopathicintrauterine growth restriction / Alteración de los mecanismos hemostáticos de la placenta en restricción de crecimiento intrauterino idiopático / Alteração dos mecanismos hemostáticos da placenta em restrição de crescimento intra-uterino idiopático

La restriccióndel crecimiento intrauterino es una complicación del embarazo con alta probabilidad de morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal, que pareceser causada por desarrollo anormal de la vasculatura placentaria. Los procesos hemostáticos son importantes para el desarrollo de laplacenta y el desequilibrio entre factores procoagulantes y anticoagulantes se ha asociado con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino.Objetivo. Evaluar el compromiso hemostático en la placenta de los embarazos complicados con restricción del crecimiento intrauterinoidiopática. Materiales y métodos. Se estudiaron cinco placentas de embarazos con restricción de crecimiento intrauterino idiopática y 19controles. Se realizó examen macroscópico e histológico, y análisis de la expresión de factor tisular y trombomodulina a nivel de ARNmpor PCR en tiempo real y proteínas por ELISA. Resultados. Se evidenció compromiso hemostático en las placentas de embarazos conrestricción de crecimiento intrauterino idiopática, siendo la trombosis de los vasos coriales el hallazgo histológico más importante. Seencontró aumento en la expresión de la proteína del factor tisular (p=0,0411) y en la razón de factor tisular/trombomodulina a nivel deARNm (p=0,0411) y proteína (p=0,0215). No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos en los niveles de ARNmde factor tisular o trombomodulina, ni de trombomodulina a nivel de proteína. Conclusión. Se presenta evidencia de alteración de losmecanismos hemostáticos de la placenta, incluyendo la expresión anormal de factor tisular y de la razón factor tisular/trombomodulina,en embarazos complicados con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino idiopática...

Intrauterine growth restriction is a complication of pregnancy with a high probability of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It appears tobe caused by abnormal development of placental vasculature. Haemostatic processes are important for the development of the placenta,and an imbalance between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors has been associated with risk of intrauterine growth restriction.Objective. To evaluate coagulation abnormalities in placenta of pregnancies complicated with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction.Materials and methods. Five placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction were compared to 19 controls.We performed gross and histological examination of the placenta. Analysis was made of both mRNA expression by real-time PCRand protein by ELISA of tissue factor and thrombomodulin in placental tissue. Results. Results based on histological evaluation wereconsistent with an increased prothrombotic state in placentas from pregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction, andthrombosis of chorionic vessels was the most important finding. The study showed an increased expression of tissue factor protein(p=0.0411) and an increase in the ratio of tissue factor/thrombomodulin mRNA (p=0.0411) and protein (p=0.0215) in placentas frompregnancies with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction. There were no statistically significant differences neither between cases andcontrols in the mRNA levels of tissue factor or thrombomodulin nor at the protein level of thrombomodulin. Conclusion. Evidence ofalteration of local haemostatic mechanisms at the level of the placenta, including abnormal expression of tissue factor and tissue factor/thrombomodulin ratio, in pregnancies that occur with idiopathic intrauterine growth restriction is presented...

A restrição do crescimentointra-uterino é uma complicação da gravidez com alta probabilidade de morbidade e mortalidade perinatal, que parece ser causada pelodesenvolvimento anormal da vasculatura placentária. Os processos hemostáticos são importantes para o desenvolvimento da placenta,e o desequilíbrio entre fatores pró-coagulantes e anticoagulantes têm sido associadas com a restrição de crescimento intra-uterino.Objetivo. Avaliar o compromisso hemostático na placenta com gestações complicadas com restrição de crescimento intra-uterinoidiopático. Materiais e métodos. Foram estudadas cinco placentas de gestações com restrição de crescimento intra-uterino idiopáticoe 19 controles. Foi realizada uma análise macroscópica e histológica e análise da expressão do factor tecidual e trombomodulina emARNm por PCR em tempo real e de proteína pelo método de ELISA. Resultados. Foi evidente o compromisso hemostático nas placentasde gestações com restrição de crescimento intra-uterino idiopático; a trombose dos vasos coriônicos é o descobrimento histológico maisimportante. Aumentaram a expressão de proteína do fator tecidual (p= 0,0411) e a proporção do fator tecidual/ trombomodulina aonível de ARNm (p= 0,0411) e de proteína (p= 0,0215). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos nos níveisde ARNm do fator tecidual ou trombomodulina, nem de trombomodulina ao nível de proteína. Conclusão. Se apresenta evidência dealteração dos mecanismos hemostáticos da placenta, incluindo a expressão anormal de fator tecidual e da proporção do fator tecidual/trombomodulina, em gestações complicadas com restrição de crescimento intra-uterino idiopático...