Indicadores de calidad de la atención a neonatos con patologías seleccionadas: estudio piloto / Quality care indicators for neonates with selected pathologies: pilot study

Resumen: Objetivo: Desarrollar y pilotar indicadores de calidad de la atención a neonatos con padecimientos relevantes en México (prematuridad, sepsis neonatal, asfixia perinatal e hipoxia intrauterina). Material y métodos: Se construyeron indicadores propios a partir de recomendaciones clave de las guías de práctica clínica nacionales e indicadores encontrados en repositorios internacionales. Previa búsqueda, selección y priorización, los indicadores fueron pilotados en dos hospitales. Se analizó la factibilidad de medición, fiabilidad (índice kappa) y utilidad para detectar problemas de calidad. Resultados: Se seleccionaron y pilotaron 23 indicadores; 12 eran compuestos. Del total, nueve fueron factibles y fiables. La calidad de la información en los hospitales fue diversa y frecuentemente deficiente, limitando tanto la factibilidad como la fiabilidad de los indicadores. Los niveles de cumplimiento identificaron oportunidades de mejora. Conclusiones: Se propone un set de nueve indicadores válidos, factibles, fiables y útiles para la monitorización de la calidad en la atención a neonatos patológicos.

Abstract Objective: Develop and pilot indicators of quality of care to neonates with relevant conditions in Mexico (prematurity, neonatal sepsis, perinatal asphyxia, and intrauterine hypoxia). Materials and methods: Own indicators were built based on key recommendations of national clinical practice guidelines and indicators found in international repositories. With previous search, selection and prioritization, the indicators were piloted within two hospitals. The feasibility of measuring, (kappa index) reliability and usefulness was analyzed to detect quality problems. Results: 23 indicators were selected and piloted, 12 are compounds, of the total, nine were feasible and reliable. The quality of the hospital's information was diverse and often poor, limiting both the feasibility and the reliability of the indicators. Improvement opportunities were identified thorough the compliance levels. Conclusions: A set of nine indicators valid, reliable, feasible and useful indicators is proposed in order to monitor the quality of care of pathological neonates.

Papel do Doppler do ducto venoso na restrição de crescimento intrauterino / Ductus venosus Doppler assessment in intrauterine growth restriction

Objetivo: O crescimento intrauterino restrito (CIUR) por insuficiência placentária persiste como grande desafio obstétrico. A interrupção da gestação representa a única estratégia de condução e baseia-se na predição de desfechos adversos. O Doppler tem valor reconhecido na avaliação seriada das alterações circulatórias nesses fetos, em geral sequenciais e proporcionais à gravidade do insulto hipóxico. Este estudo objetiva revisar as evidências do papel do Doppler de ducto venoso (DV) na predição de morbimortalidade perinatal em gestações complicadas por CIUR placentário grave e precoce. Métodos: Realizou-se revisão narrativa, com busca de artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos nas bases Medline/PubMed, Lilacs e Scielo, sendo encontradas 132 referências. Pesquisas com animais e gestações múltiplas foram excluídas. Dos 115 artigos selecionados, 34 foram excluídos por inadequação ao tema. A revisão baseou-se nas demais 81 referências, além de trabalhos de reconhecida relevância no tema. Resultados: Estudos demonstram evidência consistente do papel do Doppler de DV na avaliação de fetos com CIUR, com bom valor preditivo para acidemia fetal e desfecho perinatal adverso. As principais estratégias de monitorização se baseiam na combinação do Doppler de vasos arteriais/venosos e parâmetros biofísicos, mas o Doppler de DV seria o melhor parâmetro isolado para predição de comprometimento fetal grave. Conclusão: A incorporação do Doppler de DV na monitorização de fetos com CIUR grave e precoce é capaz de predizer desfechos perinatais críticos. A avaliação de múltiplos vasos fetais parece aumentar a acurácia, porém não há evidência para embasar a definição de protocolos para o manejo clínico.(AU)

Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) due to early onset placental insufficiency remains to be a great challenge in obstetrical practice. Delivery is still the only available strategy of management, and timing such intervention depends on prediction of adverse outcomes. Dopplervelocimetry studies have recognized value in the evaluation of the sequential hemodynamic changes that are stablished in the arterial and venous circulation of these fetuses, which correlate with the severity of hypoxemic insult. This study aims to review evidence on ductus venosus (DV) Doppler`s role as a predictor of perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by severe early onset IUGR. Methods: A Medline/PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo search was performed to identify original articles and systematic reviews published in the last 10 years. Eighty-one references were included in this review, in addition to other papers of recognized relevance in the subject. Results: Studies demonstrate consistent evidence on DV Doppler`s role in the longitudinal evaluation of IUGR fetuses, with adequate predictive value for fetal acidemia and adverse outcome. Monitoring strategies are usually based on a combination of arterial and venous Doppler assessment, in addition to biophysical parameters, but DV Doppler seems to be the best single parameter for prediction of severe fetal compromise. Conclusion: Monitoring of fetuses with severe early-onset IUGR through DV Doppler is able to predict critical perinatal outcomes. Evaluation of multiple fetal vessels seems to increase accuracy of prediction, but to this moment there is not enough evidence to recommend protocols of management.(AU)

Assessing the association between hypoxia during craniofacial development and oral clefts

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the association between hypoxia during embryo development and oral clefts in an animal model, and to evaluate the association between polymorphisms in the HIF-1A gene with oral clefts in human families. Material and Methods The study with the animal model used zebrafish embryos at 8 hours post-fertilization submitted to 30% and 50% hypoxia for 24 hours. At 5 days post-fertilization, the larvae were fixed. The cartilage structures were stained to evaluate craniofacial phenotypes. The family-based association study included 148 Brazilian nuclear families with oral clefts. The association between the genetic polymorphisms rs2301113 and rs2057482 in HIF-1A with oral clefts was tested. We used real time PCR genotyping approach. ANOVA with Tukey's post-test was used to compare means. The transmission/disequilibrium test was used to analyze the distortion of the inheritance of alleles from parents to their affected offspring. Results For the hypoxic animal model, the anterior portion of the ethmoid plate presented a gap in the anterior edge, forming a cleft. The hypoxia level was associated with the severity of the phenotype (p<0.0001). For the families, there was no under-transmitted allele among the affected progeny (p>0.05). Conclusion Hypoxia is involved in the oral cleft etiology, however, polymorphisms in HIF-1A are not associated with oral clefts in humans.

Óbito polimalformado ocasionado por padre portador de aberración cromosómica equilibrada / Death caused by a balanced-chromosomic-aberration-carrier parent

Introducción: Se define como óbito fetal a la pérdida fetal en el embarazo luego de las 20 semanas de gestación o con un peso al nacimiento mayor de 500 g. Las anomalías congénitas constituyen el 16,5% de los casos, de estas: 9,8% por múltiples malformaciones y el 6,7% por malformaciones de un órgano o sistema. Caso: Óbito fetal polimalformado de 26 semanas. Pareja de padres no consanguíneos sin antecedentes de importancia, producto del primer embarazo. Se encuentran alteraciones: Pie bott bilateral y disrupción facial parcial, hipertelorismo ocular, micrognatia ligera, orejas de implantación baja, escoliosis. El estudio citogenético reveló cariotipo femenino numéricamente normal pero con una aberración cromosómica estructural desequilibrada consistente en la deleción de un fragmento del brazo corto del cromosoma 5 (46, XX del 5pter→p15). Una vez detectada esta anormalidad, se realizó análisis citogenético a ambos padres. El padre era portador de una aberración cromosómica estructural equilibrada: [46, XY, ins (5; 12) (p15.1; pter]. Discusión: Los resultados concuerdan que el cromosoma 5p- es de herencia paterna en el 80% de los casos. Se recalca la importancia de realizar un estudio citogenético en óbitos malformados. En caso de anomalías cromosómicas se vuelve imperativo el estudio citogenético de los padres. En el presente caso, el riesgo de recurrencia es aproximadamente del 5 %.

Introduction: Stillbirth is either a fetus loss after 20 weeks of gestation or with a birth weight greater than 500 g. Congenital malformations accounts for 16.5% of all cases, of which 9.8% have multiple malformations and 6.7% have only a single organ or system affected. Case report: A 26 weeks-old stillbirth affected by multiple malformations. Parents were young, without consanguinity between them. Nothing was remarkable in their past history. Malformations found were: rocker-bottom feet; facial dysruption; hypertelorism; micrognathia; scoliosis; down slanting ears. Femenin karyotype showing a structural chromosomal imbalance: a deletion on the short arm of chromosome 5 (46, XX del 5pter→p15). Since this chromosomal abnormality was found, both parents underwent cytogenetic analysis. The father was found to have an insertion: 46, XY, ins (5; 12) (p15.1 →pter). Discussion: The results agreed that chromosome 5pis of paternal inheritance in 80% of cases. This report highlights the importance of the cytogenetic analysis in fetal dymorphic deaths. It also showed the value of the parental chromosomic studies when a structural aberration is found. In this case, according to the reported chromosomal findings, the risk of recurrence might be 5%.

Antropometría neonatal a término en una población rural y urbana a 3 400 metros de altura / Anthropometry in at-term neonates in a rural and an urban population at 3 400 meters altitude / Antropometria de recém-nascidos a termo em uma população da zona rural e da zona urbana a uma altitude de 3 400 metros

RESUMEN Objetivo Averiguar si hay diferencias en las medidas antropométricas de neonatos a término en una población rural y urbana a 3 400 m de altura. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo poblacional de neonatos a término sin enfermedades en el Hospital Nacional Adolfo Guevara Velasco del Cusco (HNAGV) y el Centro de Salud de Huanoquite (CSH), entre 2005 y 2010. Se calcularon medidas de tendencia central, las medias se compararon con la prueba t de Student, el modelo final se ajustó por sexo neonatal y se calcularon las odds ratios (OR) y sus IC95% para estimar la fuerza de la asociación entre tener un neonato pequeño para la edad gestacional (PEG) según el P10 del peso y del índice ponderal (IP) en los recién nacidos de madres que viven en el distrito de Huanoquite y cuyo parto fue atendido en el CSH. Resultados En el HNAGV y el CSH se estudiaron 372 y 368 los neonatos, respectivamente. Las medias de la edad materna fueron 31,7 y 27,0 años, las gestaciones previas, 2,4 y 3,4, los abortos, 0,4 y 0,0, los hijos nacidos vivos, 1,0 y 2,3 (p < 0,001), y el peso, la talla y el IP, 3 311,8 g, 49,5 cm, 2,73 y 3 008,9 g, 48,4 cm, 2,66, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Tras ajustar por sexo, el peso, la talla y el IP por categoría edad gestacional para los dos centros fueron: (37-38 semanas) 3 185,1 g, 49,18 cm, 2,67, y 3 009,8 g, 48,5 cm, 2,64; (39-40 semanas) 3 385,9 g, 49,9, 2,73, y 3 051,8 g, 48,6 cm, 2,66; (41-42 semanas) 3 461, 6 g, 50,2 cm, 2,73, y 3 072,2 g, 49,1 cm, y 2,6, respectivamente (p < 0,001). La OR de nacer PEG en el CSH fue 3,52 (2,4-5,1) según el peso y 2,05 (1,3-3,1) según el IP respecto a nacer en el HNAGV. Conclusión El peso, la talla y el IP de los neonatos del CSH fueron menores que los del HNAGV y las OR de tener un neonato PEG fueron 3,52 según el peso y 2,05 según el IP, respectivamente.

Objective Ascertain whether there are differences in the anthropometric measurements of at-term neonates in a rural population and an urban population at 3 400 m altitude. Material and methods Descriptive population study of healthy at-term neonates in the Adolfo Guevara Velasco National Hospital (HNAGV) in Cusco and in the Huanoquite Health Center (CSH), [both at 3 400 m altitude in Peru], between 2005 and 2010. Measures of central tendency were calculated, the averages were compared with a Student's t-test, the final model was adjusted by neonatal sex, and the odds ratios (OR) and corresponding confidence intervals (CI95%) were calculated to estimate the strength of association between small for gestational age (SGA) infants (according to weight under P10 and ponderal index [PI]) in mothers who live in the Huanoquite district and those who gave birth in the CSH. Results In the HNAGV and the CSH, 372 and 368 neonates were studied, respectively. The average maternal age was 31.7 and 27.0 years; previous pregnancies, 2.4 and 3.4; miscarriages, 0.4 and 0.0; live births, 1.0 and 2.3 (p<0.001); and weight, height and PI, 3 311.8 g, 49.5 cm, 2.73, and 3,008.9 g, 48.4 cm, 2.66, respectively (p<0.001). The weight, height, and PI for the two centers were, after adjusting for sex and by gestational age bracket: (37-38 weeks) 3,185.1 g, 49.18 cm, 2.67, and 3,009.8 g, 48.5 cm, 2.64; (39-40 weeks) 3 385.9 g, 49.9, 2.73, and 3 051.8 g, 48.6 cm, 2.66; (41-42 weeks) 3 461, 6 g, 50.2 cm, 2.73, and 3,072.2 g, 49.1 cm, and 2.6, respectively (p<0.001). The OR of SGA births in the CSH was 3.52 (2.4-5.1) according to weight and 2.05 (1.3-3.1) according to PI, compared to birth in the HNAGV. Conclusion The weight, height, and PI of infants born in the CSH were lower than those born in the HNAGV, and the OR of SGA births was 3,52 according to weight and 2,05 according to PI, respectively.

Resumo Objetivo Examinar se existem diferenças antropométricas em recém-nascidos a termo em uma população da zona rural e da zona urbana vivendo a uma altitude de 3.400 m. Materiais e métodos Estudo descritivo populacional de recém-nascidos a termo sem doenças associadas realizado no Hospital Nacional Adolfo Guevara Velasco, em Cusco (HNAGV), e no Centro de Saúde, em Huanoquite (CSH), entre 2005 e 2010. Foram calculadas as medidas de tendência central e as médias comparadas com o teste t de Student. O modelo final foi ajustado por sexo do recém-nascido e calculados os odds ratios (OR) e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) para estimar a força da associação entre ser pequeno para idade gestacional (PIG) segundo o percentil 10 (P10) do peso e o índice ponderal (IP) nos recém-nascidos de mães que vivem no distrito de Huanoquite cujo parto foi assistido no CSH. Resultados Foram estudados 372 e 368 recém-nascidos no HNAGV e no CSH, respectivamente. A idade média materna foi de 31,7 e 27,0 anos, as mães tiveram em média 2,4 e 3,4 gestações anteriores, 0,4 e 0,0 abortos, 1,0 e 2,3 nascidos vivos (p < 0,001) com peso, comprimento e IP foi de 3 311,8 g, 49,5 cm e 2,73 e 3 008,9 g, 48,4 cm e 2,66, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Após ajuste para o sexo, o peso, o comprimento e o IP por categoria de idade gestacional nos dois centros estudados foram: (37-38 semanas) 3 185,1 g, 49,18 cm e 2,67 e 3 009,8 g, 48,5 cm e 2,64; (39-40 semanas) 3 385,9 g, 49,9 e 2,73 e 3 051,8 g, 48,6 cm e 2,66; (41-42 semanas) 3 461,6 g, 50,2 cm e 2,73 e 3 072,2 g, 49,1 cm e 2,6, respectivamente (p < 0,001). Os OR dos recém-nascidos PIG no CSH foram de 3,52 (2,4-5,1) segundo o peso e 2,04 (1,3-3,1) segundo o IP ao nascimento no HNAGV. Conclusão O peso, o comprimento e o IP dos recém-nascidos no CSH foram menores que os dos recém-nascidos no HNAGV e o OR de ser PIG foi de 3,52 segundo o peso e 2,05 segundo o IP, respectivamente.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1. 5 is upregulated in intrauterine growth retardation rats with exaggerated pulmonary hypertension

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with the development of adult-onset diseases, including pulmonary hypertension. However, the underlying mechanism of the early nutritional insult that results in pulmonary vascular dysfunction later in life is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of voltage-gated potassium channel 1.5 (Kv1.5) in this prenatal event that results in exaggerated adult vascular dysfunction. A rat model of chronic hypoxia (2 weeks of hypoxia at 12 weeks old) following IUGR was used to investigate the physiological and structural effect of intrauterine malnutrition on the pulmonary artery by evaluating pulmonary artery systolic pressure and vascular diameter in male rats. Kv1.5 expression and tyrosine phosphorylation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) were determined. We found that IUGR increased mean pulmonary artery pressure and resulted in thicker pulmonary artery smooth muscle layer in 14-week-old rats after 2 weeks of hypoxia, while no difference was observed in normoxia groups. In the PASMCs of IUGR-hypoxia rats, Kv1.5 mRNA and protein expression decreased while that of tyrosine-phosphorylated Kv1.5 significantly increased. These results demonstrate that IUGR leads to exaggerated chronic hypoxia pulmonary arterial hypertension (CH-PAH) in association with decreased Kv1.5 expression in PASMCs. This phenomenon may be mediated by increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.5 in PASMCs and it provides new insight into the prevention and treatment of IUGR-related CH-PAH.

Relation Between Absoute Nucelated Red Blood Cell Count at Birth and Retinopathy of Prematurity

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to prove the association between potential fetal hypoxia and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development and absolute nucleated red blood cell (aNRBC) is used to evaluate it in premature infants without any hypoxic or ischemic history. METHODS: Medical records of 43 premature infants with ROP who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Wonkwang University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. We excluded 15 infants who had a confounding medical condition that could have increased the aNRBC count. Finally, 28 premature infants affected by ROP were enrolled and compared with 28 pair-matched controls. The aNRBC counts at birth in these infants were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with a paired t-test for continuous data, and a Fisher's exact test for categorical data. P24 hours), prenatal betamethasone, surfactant or respiratory distress syndrome between the ROP and the control infants. In addition, neither group differed in major morbidities such as patent ductus arteriosus, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage (> or =Grade 2), or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Regardless of the severity of ROP, the aNRBC counts at birth in premature infants with ROP were not higher than in the control infants. CONCLUSION: The aNRBC counts at birth may not be related directly to the development of ROP.

Biometría fetal e Índice de líquido amniótico de 14 a 41 semanas a 3400 msnm y su comparación con tablas de otros niveles de altura fetal / Fetal biometry and amniotic fluid index from the 14th to the 41st week at 3400 meters altitude and comparing these parameters with those obtained at other altitude levels

Objetivos: Determinar tablas normales de biometría fetal e índice de líquido amniótico a 3400 m sobre el nivel del mar y su comparación con tablas de diferentes niveles de altura. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo realizado por un sólo ecografista desde enero del 2007 a diciembre del 2010, en 1188 mujeres normales con gestaciones únicas en el Hospital Nacional Adolfo Guevara Velazco de EsSalud del Cusco. Resultados: Obtuvimos tablas con los percentiles 5 y 95 así como la media del diámetro biparietal, diámetro frontoccipital, circunferencia cefálica, circunferencia abdominal, longitud femoral e índice de líquido amniótico. Conclusiones: La biometría fetal se incrementa a través de la gestación a 3400 m sobre el nivel del mar y se muestra menor en los extremos del embarazo en relación a Londres, mientras que sigue la misma tendencia con relación a Lima pero en forma inversa y mayor durante toda la gestación respecto a Cerro de Pasco.

Objectives:To know normal biometry tables and amniotic fluid index at 3400 m above sea level by ultrasound and comparation with others tables from different levels of altitude. Design: Prospective and descriptive study performed by one ultrasonographer from January of 2007 to December of 2010. 1188 normal women with singleton pregnancies National Hospital Adolfo Guevara Velazco of EsSalud in Cusco. Results: We obtained tables with 5th and 95th centiles and median of fetal biometrical parameters from 14 to 41 weeks of gestational age of biparietal diameter, frontoccipital diameter, cephalic circumference, abdominal circumference, femur length and amniotic fluid index. Conclusions: The fetal biometry increases throughout the pregnancy at 3400 m above sea level. It shows lower at the end of pregnancy in relation to London, while following the same trend in relation to Lima but in reverse and increased throughout gestation in relationship to Cerro de Pasco.

Concentração de lactato e glicemia em cadelas e neonatos nascidos de cesariana / Lactato concentration in bitch and canine neonates born through cesarean section

Avaliaram-se a concentração de lactato e a glicemia em sete cadelas em trabalho de parto submetidas à cesariana e em seus respectivos neonatos. O lactato materno foi mensurado utilizando-se medidor portátil e pelo método enzimático colorimétrico. Nos neonatos avaliou-se também o peso ao nascimento. Os valores de lactato materno e neonatal foram estatisticamente diferentes, sendo mais elevado nos neonatos. Ao nascimento, as cadelas e os neonatos encontravam-se normoglicêmicos, e não se observou correlação entre a glicemia de ambos. Os valores de lactato obtidos pelo o analisador portátil (3,5±0,6mmol/L) foram mais altos do que os obtidos pelo método enzimático colorimétrico (1,6±0,6mmol/L). Observou-se correlação significativa entre o peso do neonato e a concentração de lactato, isto é, os filhotes de menor peso apresentaram maior concentração de lactato.

This work evaluated the concentration of lactate and blood glucose in seven bitches in labor subject to caesarean section and in their newborns. The lactate concentration was measured using a portable analyzer and enzymatic colorimetric method. In neonates, the birth weight was evaluated. The maternal and neonatal lactate values were statistically different, being higher in newborns. At birth, the bitches and the newborns had normal glucose status, and no correlation was observed between blood glucose in either. The lactate concentration obtained by the portable analyzer (3.5±0.6mmol/L) was higher than that obtained with the enzymatic colorimetric method (1.6±0.6mmol/L). There was significant correlation between the neonate weight and lactate concentration and in puppies with lighter weight there was a higher concentration of lactate.

Distócia de ombro / Shoulder dystocia

A Distócia de Ombro é definida, de acordo com os Colégios Americano e Britânico de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, como parto que necessita de manobras obstétricas adicionais, após falência da tração da cabeça fetal para liberar os ombros. Apesar de sua baixa incidência, é uma complicação com importante morbidade para o recém nascido e que pode levar a intercorrências maternas, sendo entretanto passível de ser evitada. Esse artigo de revisão se propõe a sumarizar a epidemiologia, fisiopatologia, conduta e complicações, enfocando os fatores de risco e as manobras mais utilizadas, dada a importância de ambos na prevenção dessa complicação. (AU)

The Shoulder Dystocia is defined, according to British and American Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as delivery which requires additional obstetric maneuvers after failure of traction of the fetal head to release the shoulders. Despite its low incidence, it is a complication with significant morbidity for the newborn and wich can lead to maternal complications. Despite of this, is able to be avoided. This review aims to summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, management and complications, focusing on risk factors and the most commonly used maneuvers, due to the importance of both in preventing this complication. (AU)

Vasculosyncytial membrane in relation to syncytial knots complicates the placenta in preeclampsia: a histomorphometrical study / 대한해부학회지

The vasculosyncytial membrane (VSM), primary site of fetomaternal exchange is formed when syncytiotrophoblast surrounds the terminal villi and make a close contact with capillaries. Some syncytiotrophoblast forms thin single layer of villous and some syncytial nuclei become piled up to form the syncytial knots (SKs). Undoubtedly there is a clear-cut inverse relation between villous VSM and fetal hypoxia. In preeclampsia (PE) the hypoxia injury disrupts the syncytial architecture which in turn initiates other complications of PE. Present study was designed to observe the morphological and histomorphometric features of 84 placentas from control and PE (42 each) collected from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Neonatal weight and placental weight were reduced in PE than the controls but the feto-placental index did not differ. The SK density and VSM thickness was found to be increased and was statistically significant in PE cases. In relation to SKs, the VSM thickness was twofold increased than the controls and was statistically significant. The SKs in the present study were classified as type-1, 2a, 2b, and 3. Type 1 was found to be 62% in control and 47% in PE, type 2a and 2b were 38% in control and 37% in PE, and type 3 was in 8% of PE cases. All the parameters of present study reveal the adverse effects of PE influencing on both morphological and microscopical features of the placenta resulting in fetal hypoxia.

Vasculosyncytial membrane in relation to syncytial knots complicates the placenta in preeclampsia: a histomorphometrical study / 대한해부학회지

The vasculosyncytial membrane (VSM), primary site of fetomaternal exchange is formed when syncytiotrophoblast surrounds the terminal villi and make a close contact with capillaries. Some syncytiotrophoblast forms thin single layer of villous and some syncytial nuclei become piled up to form the syncytial knots (SKs). Undoubtedly there is a clear-cut inverse relation between villous VSM and fetal hypoxia. In preeclampsia (PE) the hypoxia injury disrupts the syncytial architecture which in turn initiates other complications of PE. Present study was designed to observe the morphological and histomorphometric features of 84 placentas from control and PE (42 each) collected from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Neonatal weight and placental weight were reduced in PE than the controls but the feto-placental index did not differ. The SK density and VSM thickness was found to be increased and was statistically significant in PE cases. In relation to SKs, the VSM thickness was twofold increased than the controls and was statistically significant. The SKs in the present study were classified as type-1, 2a, 2b, and 3. Type 1 was found to be 62% in control and 47% in PE, type 2a and 2b were 38% in control and 37% in PE, and type 3 was in 8% of PE cases. All the parameters of present study reveal the adverse effects of PE influencing on both morphological and microscopical features of the placenta resulting in fetal hypoxia.

Avaliação biofísica complementar da vitalidade fetal / Additional biophysical evaluation of fetal surveillance

O nascimento de um feto saudável sempre constituiu um dos principais objetivos da Obstetrícia. Nos dias atuais, vários procedimentos têm sido utilizados com esta finalidade, porém, apesar da evolução dos métodos diagnósticos e da melhor compreensão da fisiopatologia do sofrimento fetal, ainda existem lacunas no conhecimento sobre o comportamento do feto frente à hipóxia. Outro fator complicador na avaliação do sofrimento fetal é o grande número de doenças maternas com diferentes fisiopatologias que podem interferir no bem-estar fetal. Esta revisão tem como objetivo descrever os principais métodos de avaliação biofísica da vitalidade fetal, com base nas melhores evidências científicas correntemente disponíveis na literatura, e incluindo níveis de evidências e graus de recomendação. Será abordada a avaliação da vitalidade fetal nos casos de insuficiência placentária, não sendo estudadas as situações especiais, como diabetes e gestação múltipla. Evidencia-se uma falta de consenso sobre qual procedimento deve ser utilizado na avaliação da vitalidade fetal, na prática clínica diária. As sociedades internacionais recomendam a realização da doplervelocimetria, da cardiotocografia e do perfil biofísico fetal apenas em gestantes de alto risco, com suspeita de insuficiência placentária ou com restrição de crescimento intrauterino

The birth of a healthy baby has always been an important goal of Obstetrics. Nowadays, many procedures have been used for this purpose, but despite great development in diagnostic methods and better understanding of pathophysiology of fetal distress, there are still gaps in knowledge about fetal behavior in situations of hypoxia. Another complicating factor in the assessment of fetal distress is the large number of maternal diseases with different pathophysiology, which can compromise fetal well-being. This review aims at describing the main methods for fetal assessment, based on the best scientific evidence currently available, including levels of evidence and grades of recommendation. Only fetal evaluation in cases of placental insufficiency will be addressed, and special situations such as diabetes and multiple pregnancies will not be studied. Current evidences show a lack of consensus on what is the best procedure to assess fetal well-being in clinical practice. International societies recommend the performance of Doppler velocimetry, cardiotocography, and fetal biophysical profile only in high-risk pregnancies with suspected placental insufficiency or restricted intrauterine growth

Hemorragia fetomaterna masiva con patrón cardiotocográfico sinusoidal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage with cardiotocographic sinusoidal rhythm: a case presentation and literature review

Introducción: la transfusión fetomaterna masiva (TFM) es una entidad con una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad fetal, suele cursar con una disminución en la percepción de los movimientos fetales por parte de la madre, y la presencia de un patrón cardiotocográfico sinusoidal fetal, asociado a la anemia fetal. No obstante, ambas situaciones tienen muy baja especificidad. Se presenta un caso clínico con el objetivo de revisar la exactitud del patrón sinusoidal en el diagnóstico de anemia fetal. Materiales y metodos: se presenta el caso de una gestante de 36 semanas que fue atendida en el Hospital Universitario La Paz (complejo hospitalario de tercer nivel que forma parte del conjunto de hospitales públicos en España), en la que tras presentarse un patrón cardiotocográfico no tranquilizador, se realizó una inducción del parto en el que las pruebas habituales de bienestar fetal resultaron insuficientes para el diagnóstico de sufrimiento fetal. Tras un parto eutócico se comprobó la presencia de una anemia neonatal grave, comprobándose la presencia de un gran volumen de sangre fetal en la sangre materna mediante el test de Kleihauer Betke. Se hace una revisión de los artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años en las base de datos Medline vía PubMed, en español e inglés.Conclusión: la monitorización fetal intraparto podría ser útil en el diagnóstico de la hemorragia fetomaterna masiva, aunque se deben hacer estudios más amplios para determinar la exactitud diagnóstica...

Introduction: massive fetomaternal transfusion (MFT) is an entity having high fetal morbidity and mortality; it usually involves the mother’s reduced perception of fetal movements and the presence of a cardiotocographic fetal sinusoidal rhythm, associated with fetal anemia. However, both situations have very low specificity. A clinical case is presented here to arouse interest in reviewing the precision of the sinusoidal rhythm when diagnosing fetal anemia. Materials and methods: the case of a 36-weeks pregnant mother is presented; she attended La Paz teaching hospital (a third-level hospital forming part of the Spanish public hospital system). After presenting a non-reassuring cardiotocographic heart rate pattern, birth was induced in which the usual fetal wellbeing tests proved insufficient for diagnosing fetal suffering. The presence of serious neonatal anemia was shown following a eutocic delivery, the Kleihauer-Betke test proving the presence of a large volume of fetal blood in the mother’s blood. Articles published in both Spanish and English during the last 10 years in the Medline database were reviewed via PubMed. Conclusion: intradelivery fetal monitoring could be useful in diagnosing massive fetal-maternal hemorrhage, even though broader studies should be carried out for determining diagnostic precision...

Conduta obstétrica na centralização da circulação fetal / Obstetric management in fetal brain sparing effect

A centralização do fluxo sanguíneo fetal é um fenômeno de compensação vascular bastante estudado na atualidade. Trata-se de alterações na resistência da circulação fetal, caracterizada pela redistribuição hemodinâmica do fluxo sanguíneo, com perfusão preferencial para órgãos nobres (cérebro, coração e glândulas adrenais) em detrimento dos pulmões, rins, baço e esqueleto, o que pode ser diagnosticado pelo estudo dopplervelocimétrico. O momento ideal para intervenção obstétrica ainda não é consenso. Uma das grandes preocupações, em relação à avaliação da vitalidade fetal, diz respeito ao momento ideal para interrupção da gravidez, uma vez que alguns dos métodos utilizados apresentam uma alta frequência de resultado falso-positivos, podendo ocasionar um nascimento prematuro, por vezes, desnecessário. Em fetos muito prematuros a opção pela interrupção da gravidez pode trazer consequências irreversíveis. Na tentativa de minimizar os danos, optou-se pela realização de uma revisão, baseada nas melhores evidências sobre a conduta nos fetos centralizados.

Fetal brain-sparing effect is a vascular compensation phenomenon widely studied today. Diagnosed by Doppler study it consists of changes on resistance in the fetal circulation characterized by hemodynamic redistribution of blood flow, with preferential perfusion to brain, heart and adrenal glands compared to the lungs, kidneys, spleen and skeleton. There is no consensus over ideal time for obstetric intervention. Ideal time for pregnancy termination is of major concern when assessing fetal vitality since methods used today have high false positives rate, leading to unnecessary prematurity. In extreme prematurity the decision to terminate pregnancy can lead to irreversible consequences. In an attempt to minimize damage, it was decided to carry out a review, based on the best evidence regarding conduct in fetal brain sparing effect.

Fetal biophysical profile; as a tool to predict fetal outcome

To evaluate fetal Biophysical Profile as an effective technique for the assessment of fetal condition and to improve fetal outcome by early detection of fetal hypoxia. Co relational study: The study was carried out for a period of one year from Oct 2004-Oct 2005 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Fatima memorial hospital Lahore. All patients with history of sluggish fetal movements and clinical suspicion of IUGR, were underwent BPP from 32-42weeks. 100 patients were selected and their BPP score was recorded and were followed till delivery. Those who went into spontaneous labor and who were induced monitored during labor and at any sign of fetal distress immediate caesarean section performed. APGAR score of newborn was noted at one and five minutes and those having poor APGAR score were resuscitated and were followed till one week after delivery. APGAR score was compared with BPP score, During this study 100 BPP were performed. 34patients were primigravidas and 66 were multigravidas. Among 100 patients 73hada BPP score of 9-10/10,21 patients had a score of 7-8/10 and 6 patients had 4-6/10. In 2 patients with 4/10 score emergency caesarean section led to the delivery of neonates with APGAR score of 8 at 5 minutes. Majority of patients with normal BPS of 8-9/10 had good APGAR score of 7-8/10.0nly 8 patients having BPP of 9-10/10 had poor APGAR score 6/10 or <6/10. The fetal BPP appears to be an effective technique for assessment of fetal condition

Efeitos da hipóxia-isquemia perinatal sobre o comportamento motor, distribuição da Tirosina Hidroxilase na substância negra e da NADPH diaforase no hipocampo durante o desenvolvimento em ratos / Effects of hypoxia-ischemia under motor behavior, tyrosine hydroxylase distribution in the nigra substantia and the diaphorase NADPH in hippocampus in rats

A hipóxia isquemia (HI) pré-natal é uma das principais causas de mortalidade e doenças neurológicas crônicas em neonatos, que podem apresentar déficits remanentes como: retardamento, paralisia cerebral, dificuldade de aprendizado ou epilepsia. Estes prejuízos, provavelmente, estão relacionados com o atraso no desenvolvimento neural, astrogliose e com a perda de neurônios e oligodendrócitos. Déficits funcionais e cognitivos estão associados à degeneração de vias dopaminérgicas e de estruturas hipocampais. A enzima tirosina hidroxilase (TH) é a enzima limitante na síntese de dopamina e seus níveis são alterados em eventos de HI. O óxido nítrico (NO) é um gás difusível que atua modulando diferentes sistemas, participando de eventos como plasticidade sináptica e neuromodulação no sistema nervoso central e é produzido em grandes quantidades em eventos de injúria e inflamação, como é o caso da HI. O presente estudo teve por objetivos avaliar, utilizando o modelo criado por Robinson e colaboradores em 2005, os efeitos da HI sobre o comportamento motor e avaliar o desenvolvimento de estruturas encefálicas relacionadas a este comportamento como a substância negra (SN) e o complexo hipocampal. A HI foi induzida a partir do clampeamento das artérias uterinas da rata grávida, por 45 minutos no décimo oitavo dia de gestação (grupo HI). Em um grupo de fêmeas a cirurgia foi realizada, mas não houve clampeamento das artérias (grupo SHAM). A avaliação do comportamento motor foi realizada com os testes ROTAROD e de campo aberto em animais de 45 dias. Os encéfalos foram processados histologicamente nas idades de P9, P16, P23 e P90, sendo então realizada imunohistoquímica para TH e histoquímica para NADPH diaforase (NADPH-d), para avaliação do NO. Nossos resultados demonstraram redução da imunorreatividade para a TH em corpos celulares na SN aos 16 dias no grupo HI e aumento na imunorreatividade das fibras na parte reticulada aos 23 dias, com a presença de corpos celulares...

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is one of the major causes of mortality and chronic neurological diseases in newborns that can show permanent effects such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, learning difficulty and epilepsy. It is probable that these impairs may be related to a delay in the neural development, astrogliosis and to the death of neurons and oligodendrocytes. Cognitive and functional deficits are related to degeneration of dopaminergic pathways and hippocampus. The enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a limiting step in the dopamine synthesis and its levels are impaired in HI insults. Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible gas that acts by modulating different systems and participates in several phenomena such as synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation in the central nervous system and is produced in higher levels in events of injury and inflamation as in the case of HI. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HI on the motor behavior and to evaluate the development of brain structures related to this behavior as the substantia nigra (SN) and the hippocampal complex, using the model developed by Robinson and colleagues in 2005. HI was induced by clamping the uterine arteries of pregnant rats, for 45 minutes, on the eighteenth day of gestation (group HI). In a group of females, the surgery was performed, but no clamping of the arteries (group SHAM) was made. Assessment of motor behavior was performed with the ROTAROD test and open field test in animals of 45 days (P45) of age. The brains were processed histologically at ages P9, P16, P23 and P90, and then submitted to immunohistochemistry for TH and NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry for evaluation of NOS. Our results demonstrated an apparent decrease in TH immunoreactivity in cell bodies in the SN at P16 in the HI group and an increase in immunoreactivity of the fibers in the SN pars reticulata at P23 with the presence of TH immunoreactive cell bodies at this same region in the HI group...

Unexpected Death by Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Misconceived as Feeding Problem / 대한법의학회지

Aspiration of amniotic fluid, whether being meconium-stained or not, can cause a respiratory distress in neonates. This disorder may result in fatal consequence including unexpected death. Fetal hypoxia stimulates fetal gasping respiration, which can provoke massive amniotic fluid aspiration. A new born male-baby was found dead on the next day after vaginal delivery, and according to the statement of care-giver there was no serious event to the baby except for poor feeding. The diagnosis of amniotic fluid aspiration was confirmed at autopsy. The authors present the autopsy findings, clinical features and courses, failing medicolegal system and medical negligence, with literature review.

Análise crítica dos métodos de avaliação da vitalidade fetal com base em evidências científicas / Critical analysis of methods for fetal vitality assessment based on scientific evidences

Tem-se observado incremento nas taxas de mortalidade perinatal, especialmente em países de baixa e média renda. Com o intuito de se reduzir esses índices, devem ser obtidas informações sobre as condições fetais durante a gestação e o parto. Vários métodos têm sido utilizados para monitorizar fetos durante a gestação. Dentre eles, podem-se citar a contagem de movimentos fetais, a cardiotocografia, o estímulo vibroacústico fetal, perfil biofísico fetal, oximetria de pulso, eletrocardiograma fetal e doplervelocimetria. A associação dos métodos de avaliação da vitalidade fetal é a melhor opção para se estudar os estados hipóxicos fetais. Entretanto, é importante o conhecimento de cada método para que haja indicação adequada durante a propedêutica de fetos com hipóxia. Reunimos, no mesmo trabalho, os métodos de avaliação da vitalidade fetal e suas indicações baseadas em revisões sistemáticas de literatura, trials e ensaios clínicos randomizados, com níveis de evidência 1. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer revisão sistemática dos métodos de avaliação da vitalidade fetal com base em evidências científicas.

An increase in perinatal mortality rates has been observed especially in low and medium income countries. Data regarding fetal conditions during pregnancy and delivery are important to reduce these rates. Several methods have been used for fetal monitoring during pregnancy, including the determination of the number of fetal movements, cardiotocography, fetal vibroacoustic stimulation, fetal biophysical profile, pulse oximetry, fetal electrocardiogram, and dopplervelocimetry. A combination of methods for the assessment of fetal vitality is the best option to evaluate fetal hypoxic states. However, knowledge about each method is important for adequate indication during the assessment of fetuses with hypoxia. We combined, in the same study, methods for the assessment of fetal vitality and their indications based on a systematic review of randomized clinical trials reporting level 1 evidence. Thus, the objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review of methods for the assessment of fetal vitality based on scientific evidence.