Manejo de Disminución de Movimientos Fetales en pacientes del Área de Urgencias Obstétricas / Management of Decreased Fetal Movements in patients in the Obstetric Emergency Area

Los movimientos fetales son uno de los primeros signos de vitalidad fetal. Durante la gestación, éstos van apareciendo progresivamente. La adecuada adquisición y mantenimiento de los mismos durante la gestación indica un correcto desarrollo neuromuscular, así como de bienestar fetal1. La percepción materna de una Disminución de los Movimientos Fetales (DMF) constituye un motivo de consulta frecuente en los Servicios de Urgencias Obstétricas; toda paciente embarazada debe vigilar los movimientos fetales, mediante un conteo subjetivo de los movimientos del feto, a partir de las 24 semanas de gestación. La DMF constituye el 5 ­ 15% de motivos de consulta en los servicios de Urgencias en el tercer trimestre del embarazo. Hasta un 25% de fetos que presentan una DMF presentarán alguna complicación perinatal (malformaciones, retraso de crecimiento, parto prematuro, hemorragia fetomaterna, y éxitus fetal) incluso en población de bajo riesgo. El manejo inadecuado de la DMF representa un 10-15% de las muertes evitables a término1-3. Es por esto que ninguna paciente que consulte por Disminución de Movimientos Fetales debe ser dada de alta sin asegurarse del adecuado bienestar fetal.

Fetal movements are one of the first signs of fetal vitality. During gestation, they appear progressively. Adequate acquisition and maintenance of fetal movements during gestation indicates correct neuromuscular development, as well as fetal well-being1. Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DMP) is a frequent reason for consultation in Obstetric Emergency Departments; every pregnant patient should monitor fetal movements by subjectively counting fetal movements, starting at 24 weeks of gestation. FMD constitutes 5-15% of the reasons for consultation in the emergency department in the third trimester of pregnancy. Up to 25% of fetuses with FMD will present some perinatal complication (malformations, growth retardation, premature delivery, fetomaternal hemorrhage, and fetal death) even in low-risk populations. Inadequate management of FMD accounts for 10-15% of preventable deaths at term1-3. This is why no patient who consults for decreased fetal movements should be discharged without ensuring adequate fetal well-being.

Fetal echocardiography audit in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria

Delayed detection of congenital heart diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) contributes to the poor outcome of infants with cardiac anomalies. Fetal echocardiography (FE) can detect heart defects in-utero as early as the 18th gestational week (GA), giving parents and medical professionals time to prepare for the baby's delivery and appropriate treatment. University College Hospital, Nigeria, is one of the few centres in Nigeria where FE is performed. Objectives: To examine the indications for referral for FE and the diagnoses made in our first four years of performing FE. Methods: FE was performed in the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, using the GE Voluson P6 machine with a 2-6-RS probe. Demographic information was obtained from the antenatal clinic records of the women who had FE using a semi-structured questionnaire. FE diagnoses were retrieved from the FE register. Results: A total of 129 women whose records were available were studied. The mean age of the women was 31.7±5.5 years. Forty-two women (32.6%) were referred because of echogenic foci, making this the most common indication for FE. Twenty-nine (22.5%) fetuses had structural heart defects, the most common being Ventricular Septal Defect. Conclusion: There is a need for Obstetricians and Paediatricians to be aware of the indications for fetal echocardiography and refer women appropriately

Factors associated with reduced foetal movements in Iringa, Tanzania

Introduction: Maternal perception of foetal movement ensures foetal wellbeing. Reduced foetal movement is associated with foetal hypoxia, stillbirths, and intrauterine foetal growth restriction (IUFGR). This study aimed at assessing factors that are associated with maternal perception of reduced foetal movements. Method: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital from 1st January ­ 30th June 2022. A purposive sampling technique was used, and SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Results: 41.3 % of study participants were aged 24 ­ 34 years, with a mean and SD of 29.08 ±7.53. 75% were not employed, 52.8 % of study participants delivered from 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestational age, 66.1% had a posterior placenta and only 24.0 % had an anterior placenta. Women who delivered at 28 ­ 36 weeks of gestational age were about 4 times more likely to experience reduced foetal movement compared to those who delivered at 37 ­ 42 weeks of gestation (AOR=4.162, 95% CI 2.174 - 7.966, p= =0.0067). Conclusion: Reduced foetal movements are associated with lower gestation age at delivery and decreased antenatal clinic attendance in Iringa, Tanzania. All pregnant women should be encouraged to make early antenatal clinic attendance and should attend adequate visits. Healthcare providers should educate and create awareness on methods of assessing foetal movements.

Fetal akinesia deformation sequence with pontocerebellar hypoplasia, and migration and gyration defects

Fetal akinesia deformation sequence (FADS), or Pena-Shokeir phenotype is a constellation of deformational changes resulting from decreased or absent fetal movement, and include arthrogryposis, and craniofacial and central nervous system anomalies. We report an autopsy case of a 36-6/7week female neonate with a normal female karyotype and chromosome microarray demonstrating findings consistent with FADS. We provide a detailed examination of the severe and complex central nervous system abnormalities, including marked pontocerebellar hypoplasia and cortical and cerebellar migration and gyration defects. This case represents a rare detailed examination of the central nervous system of a patient with FADS.

Diagnóstico pré-natal de fibrose cística / Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

A fibrose cística é caracterizada pelo desequilíbrio na concentração de cloro e sódio nas células, mudando a viscosidade das secreções. Uma das primeiras manifestações clínicas consiste em obstrução intestinal perinatal, consequência do mecônio anormalmente espesso. Até 50% dos recém-nascidos com íleo meconial apresentam alguma lesão intestinal associada, como volvo ou perfuração. O caso apresenta uma gestante de 31 semanas, com história pregressa de filha com fibrose cística, que foi encaminhada ao serviço de ultrassom de urgência queixando-se de redução de movimentação fetal. Ao ultrassom, o feto apresentava dilatação em alças intestinais, intestino delgado hiperecogênico e ascite. O parto foi realizado em dois dias e o neonato foi submetido à laparotomia, identificando-se vólvulo de segmento jejunoileal e necrose em segmento intestinal. Com o presente relato, ressalta-se a importância da triagem e do acompanhamento das pacientes com fator de risco, durante o pré-natal, visando ao melhor prognóstico neonatal.(AU)

Cystic fibrosis is characterized by imbalance in the concentration of sodium and chlorine in the cells, changing the viscosity of the secretions. One of the first clinical manifestations consists of perinatal intestinal obstruction, a consequence of abnormally thick meconium. Up to 50% of newborns with meconium ileus have some associated intestinal lesion, such as volvulus or perforation. The case presents a pregnant woman of 31 weeks, a previous history of a daughter with cystic fibrosis, referred to the emergency ultrasound service complaining of reduced fetal movement. At ultrasound, the fetus presented dilation in intestinal loops, hyperechogenic small intestine and ascites. Delivery was performed in two days and the neonate underwent laparotomy, identifying jejunoileal segment volvulus and intestinal segment necrosis. With the present report, the importance of screening and monitoring of patients with a risk factor during prenatal care is emphasized, aiming at a better neonatal prognosis.(AU)

The Isolated Oligohydramnios

Amniotic fluid is an indicator of normal placental function and is essential for normal fetal lung maturation. Amniotic fluid index (AFI) is the most preferred method of amniotic fluid measurement in pregnancy although single deepest pocket (SDP) is also used. To measure AFI, the examiner divides the uterus into four equal quadrants. AFI is the sum of deepest pocket from each quadrant. The normal AFI ranges between 5~24 cm while any value above 24 cm is considered as hydramnios and that below 5 cm is indicated as oligohydramnios. An adequate volume of amniotic fluid is critical to allow normal fetal movement and growth, while also cushioning the fetus and umbilical cord. Regardless of the etiology, oligohydramnios may inhibit these processes and may lead to fetal deformation, umbilical cord compression, and death in some instances. Oligohydramnios can be due to underproduction, loss, or sometimes, isolated. Isolated oligohydramnios has been found to be responsive maternal hydration and is neither a malformation of the urinary system in the fetus, nor a rupture of amnion and due to genetic cause. The author would like to introduce a way to increase amniotic fluid volume in isolated oligohydramnios which is expect to improve the perinatal outcomes.

Clinical characteristics of pregnancies complicated by congenital myotonic dystrophy

OBJECTIVE: Although the conventional prevalence of myotonic dystrophy is 1:8,000, the prevalence in Korean population was recently reported as 1:1,245. With higher domestic result than expected, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pregnancies complicated by congenital myotonic dystrophy in our institution. METHODS: We have reviewed 11 paired cases of neonates diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy and their mothers between July 2004 and May 2014, with clinical features including maternal history of infertility, prenatal ultrasonographic findings, and neonatal outcomes. Cytosine-thymine-guanine (CTG) repeat expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene of both neonates and their mothers was also examined. RESULTS: None of mother was aware of their myotonic dystrophy traits before pregnancy. History of infertility followed by assisted reproductive technology accounted for 57.1% (4/7). Distinctive prenatal ultrasonographic finding was severe idiopathic polyhydramnios (66.7%, 4/6) with median amniotic fluid index of 43 (range, 37 to 66). In 37.5% (3/8) cases, decreased fetal movement was evident during prenatal ultrasound examination. For neonatal outcomes, more than half (6/11) were complicated with preterm birth and the proportion of 1-minute Apgar score <4 and 5-minute Apgar score <7 was 44.4% (4/9) and 66.7% (6/9), respectively. Most of neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (9/10) because of hypotonia with respiratory problems and there was one infant death. Median number of cytosine-thymine-guanine repeats in mothers and neonates was 400 (range, 166 to 1,000) and 1,300 (range, 700 to 2,000), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that severe idiopathic polyhydramnios with decreased fetal movement in pregnant women, especially with a history of infertility, requires differential diagnosis of congenital myotonic dystrophy.

Computerized Cardiotocography Analysis: Comparison among Several Parental Ethnic Origins / Análise de cardiotocografia computadorizada: comparação entre diversas origens étnicas

ABSTRACT Objective: We speculate that genetic racial disparity exists in fetal life and can be detected by modern computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) . Methods: This is a retrospective study comparing the results of the cCTG of pregnant patients at 37-42 weeks according to the parental ethnicity (black versus white). A cCTG was performed to analyze the variables of fetal heart rate (FHR). The cCTG variables analyzed were: percentage of signal loss; number of contractions; basal FHR; number of accelerations; number of decelerations; length of high variation episodes; short-term variability (STV); total trace duration time; and number of fetal active movements. Non-stress test (NST) parameters in the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: We found a significantly lower number of active fetal movements (p 1/4 0.007) and longer periods of low variation (p 1/4 0.047) in the cCTG of black patients when compared with white patients. Conclusions: In conclusion, identifying the factors responsible for the variance in the objective analysis of CTG results is important to improve the outcomes of patients. Our study lends further evidence as to the importance of ethnicity in clinical cCTG interpretation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Especulamos que disparidade genética racial exist ana vida do feto, e que possa ser detectada por moderna cardiotocografia computadorizada (cCTG). Métodos: Estudo retrospective comparando resultados do cCTG de gestantes entre 37-42 semanas de gestação de acordo com etnicidade dos pais (negro vs. brancos). cCTG foi usado para analisar as variáveis a frequência cardíaca do feto (FHR). As variáveis abalizadas do cCTG foram o % de perda de sinal, número de contrações, basal FHR, número de acelerações, número de desacelerações, comprimento dos episódios de alta variação, viabilidade de curto prazo, tempo total de duração do rastreamento, e número de movimentos de atividade fetal. Os parâmetros do teste de não estresse (NST) em dois grupos foram comparados usando o teste de Mann-Whitney para dados contínuos e teste qui-square para variáveis categóricas. Resultados: Encontramos números significativamente mais baixos de movimentos de atividade fetal (p 1/4 0,007) e períodos mais longos de baixa variação (p 1/4 0,047) no cCTG de pacientes negros se comparados a pacientes brancos. Conclusões: Identificar fatores responsáveis pela variação na análise objetiva dos resultados de CTG é importante em resultados de pacientes que apresentam melhora. Nosso estudo fornece evidências adicionais à importância de estudos clínicos da etnicidade interpretada pelo cCTG.

Movimientos anormales y embarazo / Abnormal movements and pregnancy

Los movimientos anormales corresponden a una de las patologías neurológicas que con menor frecuencia se presentan durante el embarazo. A excepción del temblor esencial y el síndrome de piernas inquietas, los demás son raros. Los estudios en este grupo de pacientes son escasos y antiguos dada la baja prevalencia. Se busca con este artículo dar a conocer al personal médico en general las características clínicas de patologías como la corea gravidarum, la distonía y la enfermedad de Huntington entre otros, y su relación con el embrazo, la frecuencia y las opciones adecuadas de tratamiento, dada la susceptibilidad de las pacientes y el alto riesgo de efectos adversos en el feto con sus respectivas complicaciones a corto y largo plazo. Para la revisión de la literatura se estructuró una estrategia de búsqueda utilizando los términos movimientos anormales, embarazo, corea gravidarum, síndrome de piernas inquietas, distonía, enfermedad de Parkison (MeSH y no Mesh), los cuales se articularon con operadores booleanos en las siguientes bases de datos: pubmed, ebscohost y embase, filtrando los resultados por artículos de revisión.

Abnormal movements are one of the rare neurological conditions that present during pregnancy. With the exception of essential tremor and restless legs syndrome, the rest are rare. Studies on this patient group are limited and old, given the low prevalence. With this article, it is sought to provide information to general medical professionals on the clinical characteristics of diseases including, among others, chorea gravidarum, dystonia, and Huntington's disease, as well as their relationship with pregnancy, their frequency, and appropriate treatment options, given the susceptibility of the patients and the high risk of adverse effects in the foetus with their respective short and long-term complications. A structured strategy was employed for the review of the literature, using the terms, abnormal movements, pregnancy, chorea gravidarum, restless legs syndrome, dystonia, Parkinson's disease (MeSH and non-MeSH), which were formulated with Boolean operators in the following data bases: PubMed, EBSCOhost and Embase, filtering the results for review articles.

Effect of Music Intervention on Maternal Anxiety and Fetal Heart Rate Pattern During Non-Stress Test

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cross-over experimental study was to examine effects of music intervention on maternal anxiety, fetal heart rate pattern and testing time during non-stress tests (NST) for antenatal fetal assessment. METHODS: Sixty pregnant women within 28 to 40 gestational weeks were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=30) or control group (n=30). Music intervention was provided to pregnant women in the experimental group during NST. Degree of maternal anxiety and fetal heart rate pattern were our primary outcomes. State-trait anxiety inventory, blood pressure, pulse rate, and changes in peripheral skin temperature were assessed to determine the degree of maternal anxiety. Baseline fetal heart rate, frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate, fetal movement test and testing time for reactive NST were assessed to measure the fetal heart rate pattern. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly lower scores in state anxiety than the control group. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure and pulse rate between the two groups. Baseline fetal heart rate was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate was significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in fetal movement and testing time for reactive NST between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Present results suggest that music intervention could be an effective nursing intervention for alel viating anxiety during non-stress test.

Transient accelerations of fetal heart rate analyzed by computerized cardiotocography in the third trimester of pregnancy / Acelerações transitórias da frequência cardíaca fetal analisada pela cardiotocografia computadorizada no terceiro trimestre da gestação

Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of transient FHR accelerations (10 bpm and 15 bpm) in the third trimester of pregnancy, comparing the occurrence of this event before and after the 32nd gestational week. Methods: This is a prospective study comparing the results of the computerized cardiotocography of 46 low-risk women with singleton pregnancies, maternal age between 18 and 40 years, gestational age between 28 and 40 weeks, absence of maternal morbidity and adequate fetal growth according to ultrasound. Computed Cardiotocography (8002 Sonicaid System and Fetal Care System) was performed for 30 minutes to analyze the variables of FHR. Results: twenty-three pregnant women underwent cardiotocography before 32 weeks (mean = 29.9 weeks, SD = 1.4 weeks) and were compared with 23 pregnant women who were examined after 32 weeks (mean = 36.3 weeks, SD = 2.5 weeks). Regarding the characteristics of FHR, fetuses evaluated between 32 1/7 weeks and 40 weeks showed a significantly greater number of accelerations above 15 bpm (median = 5, variation 0-18) than the group of pregnant women from 28 to 32 weeks (median = 4, variation 0 to 10; P = 0.048). There was a significant positive correlation between the number of accelerations above 15 bpm and the gestational age at examination (rho = 0.33; P = 0.026). Conclusion: computerized cardiotocography showed an association regarding the number of transient accelerations greater than 15 bpm in the assessment of both periods before and after 32 weeks of gestational age, suggesting the influence of the maturation of the fetal autonomic nervous system with pregnancy progression. .

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os padrões das acelerações transitórias da FCF (de 10 e 15 bpm) no terceiro trimestre da gestação, comparando a ocorrência desse evento antes e após a 32ª semana gestacional. Métodos: trata-se de estudo prospectivo comparando os resultados do exame de cardiotocografia computadorizada de 46 gestantes de baixo risco, com feto único, idade materna entre 18 e 40 anos, idade gestacional entre 28 e 40 semanas, ausência de morbidades maternas e crescimento fetal adequado pela ultrassonografia. Foi realizada a cardiotocografia computadorizada (Sonicaid System 8002 e Fetal Care System) por 30 minutos para análise das variáveis da FCF. Resultados: vinte e três gestantes que realizaram a cardiotocografia antes da 32ª semana (média = 29,9 semanas, DP = 1,4 semanas) foram comparadas com 23 que realizaram o exame após a 32ª semana (média = 36,3 semanas, DP = 2,5 semanas). Quanto às características da FCF, os fetos avaliados entre 32 1/7 semanas e 40 semanas apresentaram número significativamente maior de acelerações acima de 15 bpm (mediana = 5, variação 0 a 18) que o grupo de gestantes de 28 a 32 semanas (mediana = 4, variação 0 a 10; P = 0,048). Houve correlação significativa e positiva entre o número de acelerações transitórias acima de 15 bpm e a idade gestacional no momento do exame (rho = 0,33; P = 0,026). Conclusão: a cardiotocografia computadorizada revelou associação entre o número de acelerações transitórias acima de 15 bpm quando avaliados os períodos antes e após 32 semanas de idade gestacional, sugerindo influência da maturação do sistema nervoso autônomo fetal com a progressão da gestação. .

Current Status of Women's Health Nursing Practicum and Direction

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine current status of women's health nursing practicum and identify necessary core nursing skills in this practicum area. Moreover, one syllabus and evaluation sheets for women's health nursing clinical practicum at one university were reviewed. METHODS: A survey design was used with 81 educators who were teaching maternity or women's health nursing and its practicum. RESULTS: Most clinical sites for practicum were university hospitals (43.0%), women's hospitals (32.7%), or general hospitals (17.3%); but the majority (77.8%) of educators expressed difficulty in finding appropriate practicum places. Common teaching and learning methods were clinical guides for practicum (44.6%), e-learning content (30.2%), and simulation (23.6%). Core nursing skills for this practicum included assessment of stages of labor, preparation of uterine-fetal monitoring devices and interpretation of results, monitoring uterus and fetal activity, and performing Leopold's maneuver. For postpartum care, the following were included; postpartum fundal massage, assessment of breast engorgement, fundus height, and episiotomy sites, inserting urinary catheter, and teaching the use of patient-controlled analgesia. CONCLUSION: To improve the quality of clinical practicum, development of a clear course syllabus, standardized clinical guidebook, and core nursing skills is required and should be shared with all relevant nurse educators.

Avaliação do comportamento fetal por meio da ultrassonografia de quarta dimensão: conhecimento atual e perspectivas futuras / Assessment of fetal behavior using four-dimensional ultrasonography: current knowledge and perspectives

Durante as últimas décadas, o desenvolvimento da ultrassonografia em tempo real tem possibilitado a visibilização direta do feto no útero, bem como a avaliação de sua atividade. Com o advento da ultrassonografia tridimensional (3D) no final dos anos 1980, iniciou-se uma nova era no diagnóstico por imagem em Obstetrícia, ampliando-se sobremaneira a possibilidade do estudo fetal. Recentemente, uma técnica que permitiu que a imagem 3D fosse transformada em um modo em tempo real foi introduzida e tem sido chamada de ultrassonografia em quarta dimensão (4D), a qual permite o monitoramento contínuo da face fetal e de outras áreas da superfície do feto, como, por exemplo, suas extremidades. Alguns estudos já se ocuparam em avaliar esta nova metodologia na observação do comportamento fetal durante diferentes estágios da gestação, na tentativa de melhor entender as relações entre a maturação do sistema nervoso central do feto e suas implicações em seu padrão de comportamento. No presente artigo, os autores realizam uma revisão sobre o uso atual da ultrassonografia 4D na avaliação do comportamento fetal, discorrendo sobre as perspectivas da técnica em espelhar, por meio da observação de padrões de movimentos e expressões faciais, o desenvolvimento neurológico do feto, destacando as potenciais aplicabilidades dessa tecnologia como nova área de pesquisa em medicina fetal.

In the last decades, the development of real-time ultrasonography has allowed the direct view of the fetus in the uterus, as well as assessing its activity. The advent of threedimensional ultrasonography (3D) at the end of the 80s initiated a new era in diagnostic imaging for Obstetrics, dramatically increasing the possibility of studying the fetus. Recently, a new technique allowing the 3D image to be transformed into real-time was introduced: the four-dimensional (4D) ultrasonography. It allows the continuous monitoring of fetal face and other surface areas, such as the extremities. Some studies have already assessed this new methodology for fetal behavior observation during different stages of pregnancy, trying to understand better the relationship between fetal central nervous system maturation and the implications for its behavior. In this article, the authors review the current use of 4D ultrasonography in the assessment of fetal behavior, and discuss the possibilities of the technique to show the neurological development of the fetus, by means of watching movement and facial expressions. They also highlight the potential applicability of this new method in this new research area of fetal medicine.

Role of Non Stress Test in Monitoring High Risk Pregnancy.

Background : Heart rate variations in fetus subjected to adverse environment provides assessment of health status. Aim : The present study is conducted to assess the efficacy of this tool in selecting high risk mother with compromised fetus at an early stage. Methods and Material : Hospital based case control study. High risk pregnancies attending hospital over a period of one year were considered for purpose of test. Normal patient were served as control. 80 high risk and 20 normal patient were considered for the study. The subjects were explained the test, need of the test, done after 28 wks. of gestation. Statistical Analysis : Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive and positive predictive value, false positive and false negative rate were assessed. Result : Test has high sensitivity and specificity with high negative predictive value.

Concordância entre a percepção materna dos movimentos fetais e a visualização pela ultrassonografia / Agreement between maternal perception of fetal movements and visualization by ultrasound

OBJETIVO: Verificar, em gestantes de baixo risco, a concordância entre a percepção materna dos movimentos fetais e os movimentos constatados simultaneamente pela ultrassonografia. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 20 gestantes com os seguintes critérios de inclusão: feto único e vivo; idade materna entre 18 e 35 anos; idade gestacional entre 36 e 40 semanas completas; morfologia fetal normal ao exame ultrassonográfico; ausência de morbidades clínicas ou obstétricas. A gestante foi avaliada por dez minutos, período em que foi monitorada com aparelho de cardiotocografia para registro dos movimentos fetais acionados com o marcador de eventos, com a velocidade do papel ajustada para 3 cm/min. Simultaneamente foi realizada observação dos movimentos fetais pela ultrassonografia. RESULTADOS: A análise de concordância interobservador pela análise de kappa obteve o índice de 0,62, caracterizando boa concordância (IC95% 0,45 - 0,79). O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi de 0,82 (IC95% 0,61 - 0,92). A análise pelo gráfico de Bland & Altman indicou boa concordância. A análise pela regressão linear demonstrou correlação significativa entre a percepção materna (x) e a observação pela ultrassonografia (y) (r²=0,71; p<0,001; equação: y= 5,31+0,66x). CONCLUSÕES: A concordância da percepção materna e ultrassonográfica dos movimentos fetais é boa, o que permite o uso da contagem de movimentos fetais na avaliação da vitalidade fetal.

PURPOSE: To determine the agreement between maternal perception of fetal movements and the movements recorded simultaneously by ultrasound in low-risk pregnancies. METHODS: Twenty pregnant women were evaluated with the following inclusion criteria: single pregnancy, alive fetus, maternal age between 18 and 35 years; between 36 and 40 weeks gestation; normal fetal morphology at ultrasound, and absence of maternal comorbidities. The pregnant women were evaluated for 10 minutes, during which cardiotocography was used to record fetal movements triggered with the event marker, with the paper speed set at 3 cm/min. At the same time, fetal movements were observed by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The kappa index for interobserver agreement analysis was 0.62, showing good agreement (95%CI 0.45 - 0.79). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.82 (95%CI 0.61 - 0.92). Analysis by the Bland & Altman graph indicated good agreement. A linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation between maternal perception (x) and ultrasound (y) observation (r²=0.71, p<0.001; equation: y=5.31+0.66x). CONCLUSIONS: The agreement between ultrasound and maternal perception of fetal movement is good, allowing the use of fetal movement counting in the assessment of fetal wellbeing.

Neonatal Presentation of Prader-Willi Syndrome / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: In Korea, neonatal clinical features and feeding pattern are not reported systematically. So we report the neonatal presentation of Prader-Willi syndrome. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 14 neonate with Prader-Willi syndrome whose diagnosed in neonatal intensive care unit, Samsung Medical Center between January 1st 1997 and December 30th 2011. RESULTS: The birth characteristics of patients, maternal age was 31.5+/-4.5 years and 5 (35.7%) were primiparous. Oligohydramnios were reported in 2 cases (14.2%), polyhydramnios were reported in 4 cases (28.5%). 5 pregnancies (35.7%) had complained that decreased fetal movements. Mean gestational age were 38.1+/-2.2 weeks and 12 patients (85%) were term infants, one patient (7.1%) was post term infant, the other patient was preterm infants (7.1%). The average weight at birth were 2509.0+/-442.5 grams. All 14 patients (100%) had hypotonia and a weak cry at birth. 9 patients (64.5%) had the characteristic facial dysplasia. In all, nine male patients (100%) had cryptorchidism. All patients had weak sucking power, so they started to eat via nasogastric tube at birth. The mean duration of use nasogastric tube were 3.2+/-2.0 months. The median age of diagnosis were 1.5 months. 7 cases (50%) were diagnosed within one month of life. Median time of starting GH treatment was 2.0 years. The mean interval of from diagnosis to treatment of growth hormone were 2.2+/-2.0 years. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome is a very important to improve long-term prognosis.

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

Very severe spinal muscular atrophy [type 0]: a report of three cases

We describe three patients with very severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy [SMA] presented with reduced fetal movement in utero, profound hypotonia, severe weakness and respiratory insufficiency at birth. In all infants, electrodiagnostic studies were compatible with a neurogenic pattern. In genetic studies, all cases had homozygous deletions of exons 7 and 8 of Survival Motor Neuron [SMN] and exon 5 of Neuronal Apoptosis Inhibitory Protein [NAIP] gene. SMA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of reduced fetal movement and respiratory insufficiency at birth

Predição e prevenção do crescimento intrauterino restrito / Prediction and prevention of intrauterine growth restriction

O termo pequeno para a idade gestacional (PIG) define o concepto que, ao nascer, apresenta peso inferior ao percentil 10 para a idade gestacional. Na maioria das vezes, esta alteração decorre do crescimento intrauterino restrito (CIUR), entendido como disfunção no crescimento que não permite ao feto atingir, em massa corporal, seu alvo genético. As razões para o crescimento fetal dificultado podem ser: desordens genéticas, infecções e insuficiência placentária. Os autores fizeram uma revisão das evidências atuais sobre a predição do CIUR por meio de métodos clínicos e laboratoriais. As evidências sobre prevenção do CIUR inluindo métodos comportamentais, drogas e controle da hipertensão também foram abordadas.

The term small for gestational age (SGA) defines the concept that gives birth weight below the 10 percentile for gestational age. In most of the time, this change follows by the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), perceived as dysfunction in growth that does not allow the fetus reaches genetic target in body mass. The reasons for the impaired fetal growth must be: genetic disorders, infections and placental insufficiency. The authors performed a revision with the objective to review the current evidence on the prediction of IUGR through clinical and laboratory methods. The evidences on prevention of IUGR including behavioral methods, drugs and hypertension control were approached.