Prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonate by third-trimester fetal biometry and impact of ultrasound-delivery interval.

OBJECTIVES: To compare third-trimester ultrasound screening methods to predict small-for-gestational age (SGA), and to evaluate the impact of the ultrasound-delivery interval on screening performance. METHODS: In this prospective study, data were collected from a multicenter singleton cohort study investigating the links between various exposures during pregnancy with birth outcome and later health in children. We included women, recruited in the first trimester, who had complete outcome data and had undergone third-trimester ultrasound examination. Demographic, clinical and biological variables were also collected from both parents. We compared prediction of delivery of a SGA neonate (birth weight < 10th percentile) by the following methods: abdominal circumference (AC) Z-score based on Hadlock curves (Hadlock AC), on INTERGROWTH-21st Project curves (Intergrowth AC) and on Salomon curves (Salomon AC); estimated fetal weight (EFW) Z-score based on Hadlock curves (Hadlock EFW) and on customized curves from Gardosi (Gardosi EFW); and fetal growth velocity based on change in AC between second and third trimesters (FGVAC). We also assessed the following ultrasound-delivery intervals: ≤ 4 weeks, ≤ 6 weeks and ≤ 10 weeks. RESULTS: Third-trimester ultrasound was performed in 1805 patients with complete outcome data, of whom 158 (8.8%) delivered a SGA neonate. Ultrasound examination was at a median gestational age of 32 (interquartile range, 31-33) weeks. The ultrasound-delivery interval was ≤ 4 weeks in 17.2% of cases, ≤ 6 weeks in 48.1% of cases and ≤ 10 weeks in 97.3% of cases. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) were 0.772 for Salomon AC, 0.768 for Hadlock EFW, 0.766 for Hadlock AC, 0.765 for Intergrowth AC, 0.708 for Gardosi EFW and 0.674 for FGVAC (all P < 0.0001). The screening method with the highest AUC for an ultrasound-delivery interval ≤ 4 weeks was Salomon AC (AUC, 0.856), ≤ 6 weeks was Hadlock AC (AUC, 0.824) and ≤ 10 weeks was Salomon AC (AUC, 0.780). At a fixed 10% false-positive rate, the best detection rates were 60.0%, 54.1% and 42.1% for intervals ≤ 4, ≤ 6 and ≤ 10 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: Third-trimester ultrasound measurements provide poor to moderate prediction of SGA. A shorter ultrasound-delivery interval provides better prediction than does a longer interval. Further studies are needed to test the effect of including maternal or biological characteristics in SGA screening. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prediction of neonatal outcome of TTTS by fetal heart and Doppler ultrasound parameters before and after laser treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prognostic value of fetal Doppler and echocardiographic parameters for neonatal survival up to 30 days after laser coagulation in monochorionic pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: Fetal echocardiography and outcome data of consecutive cases of TTTS treated by laser were retrospectively reviewed. Hemodynamic and cardiac function parameters were collected before and after laser. RESULTS: Between February 2006 and January 2015, 106 fetoscopic laser were performed. The final analysis was limited to cases with ultrasound within 2 days before laser (n = 77) and 4 weeks after laser (n = 86). Overall neonatal survival rate was 64.9% (135/208) and 77.9% of pregnancies (81/104) had at least one baby alive. For the recipient twin, the preoperative predictors of neonatal survival were umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI), cerebro-placental PI ratio, UA end diastolic flow (EDF), ductus venosus a-wave, right ventricular myocardial performance index (RV-MPI) and CHOP score. The postoperative predictors of donor survival were donor RV-MPI and recipient UA EDF, umbilical vein pulsations, tricuspid regurgitation, cardiac hypertrophy and CHOP score. CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic predictors of postnatal survival after laser were preoperative signs of recipient cardiomyopathy and postoperative signs of cardiac overload in both twins. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence of rosacea in the general population of Germany and Russia - The RISE study.

BACKGROUND: There is an unmet need for general population-based epidemiological data on rosacea based on contemporary diagnostic criteria and validated population survey methodology. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of rosacea in the general population of Germany and Russia. METHODS: General population screening was conducted in 9-10 cities per country to ensure adequate geographic representation. In Part I of this two-phase study, screening of a representative sample of the general population (every fifth person or every fifth door using a fixed-step procedure on a random route sample) was expedited with use of a questionnaire and algorithm based on current diagnostic criteria for rosacea. Of the subjects that screened positive in the initial phase, a randomly selected sample (every third subject) t`hen underwent diagnostic confirmation by a dermatologist in Part II. RESULTS: A total of 3052 and 3013 subjects (aged 18-65 years) were screened in Germany and Russia respectively. Rosacea prevalence was 12.3% [95%CI, 10.2-14.4] in Germany and 5.0% [95%CI, 2.8-7.2] in Russia. The profile of subjects with rosacea (75% women; mean age of 40 years; mainly skin phototype II or III, majority of subjects with sensitive facial skin) and subtype distribution were similar. Overall, 18% of subjects diagnosed with rosacea were aged 18-30 years. Over 80% were not previously diagnosed. Within the previous year, 47.5% of subjects had received no rosacea care and 23.7% had received topical and/or systemic drugs. Over one-third (35% Germany, 43% Russia) of rosacea subjects reported a moderate to severe adverse impact on quality of life. CONCLUSION: Rosacea is highly prevalent in Germany (12.3%) and Russia (5.0%). The demographic profile of rosacea subjects was similar between countries and the majority were previously undiagnosed.

Preeclampsia: effect on newborn blood pressure in the 3 days following preterm birth: a cohort study.

Maternal hypertension and preeclampsia are associated with greater risk of hypertension in childhood, and cardiovascular events in adulthood. However, whether preeclampsia affects blood pressure (BP) in the newborn period is unclear. Previous neonatal studies were based on small sample sizes, very low birth weight or gestational age or limited duration (h). To delineate hemodynamic repercussions of maternal preeclampsia on preterm infants (gestational ages ⩾29 weeks) with/without intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the first 3 postnatal days, we conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study of singleton births at 29-35 weeks of gestation in Montreal, Canada, from 2008 to 2011. Data were obtained from medical charts. Exclusion criteria included congenital anomalies, infections, pre-pregnancy maternal hypertension and gestational diabetes. IUGR was defined as birth weight <10th percentile. Of the 338 eligible neonates, 230 were included: 75 preeclampsia-IUGR, 72 preeclampsia-only and 83 controls. The preeclampsia-IUGR group had longer gestations than the preeclampsia-only or control groups (32.4±1.8 vs. 31.3±1.6 vs. 31.7±1.6 weeks, respectively; P<0.001). Mean BPs increased over the first 3 days for all newborns (P<0.001). Infants with preeclampsia-associated IUGR had the highest systolic and diastolic BPs, even after adjustment for birth weight, and preeclampsia-only the next highest. Systolic BP progression showed significant differences between groups (P<0.05). We conclude that impact of preeclampsia on children blood pressure was manifest within days of birth, over and above coexisting IUGR. Long-term cardiovascular follow-up and targeted preventive strategies are advised for this underrecognized high-risk population.

[Adverse effects and hemodynamic effects of nifedipine as a tocolytic]. / Effets indésirables et effets hémodynamiques de la nifédipine utilisée comme tocolytique.

OBJECTIVES: To describe maternal and fetal adverse effects, in particular cardiorespiratory, of nifedipine as tocolytic, as well as effects on hemodynamic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective evaluative study describing the use of nifedipine as tocolytic at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal. Demographic data as well as maternal blood pressure and adverse effects, and maternal and fetal heart rate were collected from medical records of women treated with nifedipine following our tocolysis protocol between January 1st 2004 and March 1st 2007. RESULTS: The medical records of 213 pregnant women were included in the study. Cardiorespiratory adverse effects were noted in 69 (32.4%); of these, 19 (8.9%) had serious cardiorespiratory adverse events, including 6 acute pulmonary edema or overload. Mean maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased and mean maternal and fetal heart rates were significantly increased after the bolus dose. Other adverse effects were reported for 100 (46.9%) women. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine may cause cardiorespiratory adverse effects warranting a close monitoring.

A treatment for severe nodular acne: a randomized investigator-blinded, controlled, noninferiority trial comparing fixed-dose adapalene/benzoyl peroxide plus doxycycline vs. oral isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: Oral isotretinoin (ISO) is the gold standard for severe nodular acne. However, as some patients are unwilling or unable to take, or are intolerant to, ISO, other options are needed. OBJECTIVES: To compare efficacy and safety of oral ISO vs. doxycycline 200 mg plus adapalene 0·1%/benzoyl peroxide 2·5% gel (D+A/BPO) in severe nodular acne over 20 weeks. METHODS: This was a multicentre, randomized, controlled, noninferiority investigator-blinded study involving 266 subjects. RESULTS: D+A/BPO showed a significantly earlier onset of action in reducing nodules, papules/pustules and total lesions at week 2. ISO was superior in reducing nodules (95·6% vs. 88·7%), papules/pustules (95·2% vs. 79·6%) and total lesions (92·9% vs. 78·2%; all P < 0·01) at week 20. Half as many subjects for D+A/BPO compared with ISO had treatment-related, medically relevant adverse events (33 events in 18·0% of subjects vs. 73 in 33·8% of subjects, respectively). D+A/BPO was noninferior to ISO in the intent-to-treat population [95% confidence interval (CI) -2·7 to 20·8 (P = 0·13); 63·9% vs. 54·9% of subjects, respectively] and per-protocol population [95% CI 3·9-28·6 (P = 0·01); 74·3% vs. 58% of subjects, respectively), based on the composite efficacy/safety end point. CONCLUSIONS: D+A/BPO showed a favourable composite efficacy/safety profile compared with ISO. This combination is an alternative to ISO in patients intolerant to, or unable or unwilling to take, oral ISO, and is an option for treatment of severe nodular acne.

[Prenatal corticosteroids: short-term and long-term effects of multiple courses. Literature review in 2013]. / Corticoïdes anténataux : effet à court et à long terme des cures uniques ou multiples. Revue de la littérature en 2013.

Prenatal corticosteroids administration is one of the major advances in obstetrics and neonatology for the prevention of preterm-birth related complications. However, concerns have been raised about its safety regarding neonatal growth and children development. Therefore, some obstetricians have restricted the use of corticosteroids to precisely defined indications. It remains some uncertainty regarding the choice of antenatal corticosteroids, the interval between injections, the timing of effectiveness and the maximum number of courses per pregnancy that is acceptable without causing complications among children. Thus, we performed a current literature review in 2013 regarding short- and long-term efficacy and safety in order to give clear recommendations to practitioners.

[Progesterone and preterm delivery: back to the future?]. / Progestérone et prévention de l'accouchement prématuré: retour vers le future?

Progesterone was widely used in France during the 1980s and 1990s to prevent preterm birth until some published cases of cholestasis suddenly stopped its prescription. Since then, multiple randomized controlled trials have emerged and demonstrated the efficiency of the treatment but also its safety at low doses. In order to clarify its indications, we performed a current literature review. We analyzed literature data according to different categories of risk and different routes of administration. Results confirm that progesterone is an efficient treatment to prevent preterm birth in singleton gestation with short cervical length, and in singleton gestation with prior preterm birth with or without short cervical length. Apart from these indications, progesterone, especially 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), should not be used outside research protocols.

Longitudinal vitamin D status in pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVE: Whether vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy is a cause of pre-eclampsia remains controversial. Most previous studies to date have assessed exposure at only one time-point in pregnancy. We assessed longitudinal vitamin D status during pregnancy and the risk of pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Seventeen urban obstetric hospitals, Canada. POPULATION: Pregnant women who were participants in a trial of vitamin C and E supplementation for the prevention of pre-eclampsia. Canadian participants who consented to participate in a biobank with plasma specimens available at the baseline visit were included (n = 697). METHODS: Maternal plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were measured at 12-18 and 24-26 weeks of gestation using chemiluminescence immunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: Of the women, 39% were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). A strong positive correlation was observed in maternal 25(OH)D concentrations between the two gestational age windows (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001). Mean maternal 25(OH)D concentrations at 24-26 weeks of gestation were significantly lower in women who subsequently developed pre-eclampsia compared with those who did not (mean ± SD: 48.9 ± 16.8 versus 57.0 ± 19.1 nmol/l, P = 0.03). Women with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l at 24-26 weeks gestation experienced an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 3.24, 95% confidence interval 1.37-7.69), whereas the association was not statistically significant for maternal 25(OH)D level at 12-18 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Lower maternal 25(OH)D levels at late mid-trimester were associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia.

Comparison of two different sites of measurement for transabdominal uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at 11-13 weeks.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the feasibility of two transabdominal approaches for performing first-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler and to evaluate the correlation with pulsatility index (PI) in the second trimester. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal Doppler study of the uterine arteries at 11-13 and 21-22 weeks' gestation. Transabdominal ultrasound and color Doppler were used to measure the UtA-PI of the ascending branch of the uterine artery at the level of the internal cervical os (Site A) and at the level of the apparent crossover with the external iliac artery (Site B) at 11-13 weeks, and at Site B only at 21-22 weeks. In all cases the measured left and right PI were converted to a multiple of the median (MoM) for gestational age, and the intercorrelation between the measurements at different sites and gestational ages was calculated using non-parametric analysis (Spearman's rank correlation). RESULTS: Satisfactory measurements were obtained at 11-13 weeks from both uterine arteries in all 81 women at Site A and in 50 (62%; 95% CI, 50-72%) at Site B (P < 0.01). Measurements were obtained at Site B at 21-22 weeks in all cases. In the 50 cases with measurements from both sites at 11-13 weeks, the correlation of PI-MoMs between Sites A and B at 11-13 weeks was only moderate (ρ = 0.61). The correlation between first-trimester UtA-PI MoMs at Site A and second-trimester UtA-PI MoMs was stronger than that between first-trimester UtA-PI MoMs at Site B and second-trimester UtA-PI MoMs (ρ = 0.73 vs ρ = 0.47, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of UtA-PI at 11-13 weeks can be achieved at the level of the internal cervical os in a greater proportion of women than at the level of the apparent crossover with the external iliac vessels, and the measurements obtained correlate better with second-trimester UtA-PI.

Blood pressures in newborns with twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to unbalanced flow through placental anastomoses, evidence suggests that transfer of circulating vasoactive elements from the donor to the recipient contribute to the pathological process of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that TTTS recipients have higher blood pressure (BP) at birth than donors. STUDY DESIGN: Chart review of all TTTS infants born from 1996 to 2007 with both twins alive 24 h (51 pairs; average gestational age 30±3 weeks). RESULTS: Both systolic and diastolic neonatal BPs were significantly higher in recipients. When expressed relative to predicted BP for birth weight (BW), BP were lower than expected in donors and higher in recipients. CONCLUSIONS: Data indicate that TTTS recipients have BP significantly higher than donors and than BP expected for BW. The long-term impact of these early hemodynamic perturbations remains to be determined.

[Neonatal issues and duration of expulsive efforts: Observationnal data in 138 French maternity units]. / Etat néonatal et durée des efforts expulsifs chez les primipares à bas risque : données observationnelles dans 138 maternités françaises.

OBJECTIVES: In agreement with national guidelines published in 2007, limiting duration of expulsive efforts to 30 minutes is a common obstetrical practice in France. In many other countries, there is no fixed limit for pushing duration. The objective of our work is to analyze mode of delivery and neonatal issues according to duration of expulsive efforts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a secondary analysis of an observational prospective study, among low-risk primiparous women, in 138 French maternity units. According to duration of expulsive efforts, we determined proportions of spontaneous and instrumental vaginal deliveries. Then, we analyzed the risk of neonatal asphyxia (defined by pH