Uterocervical angle as a predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of uterocervical angle (UCA) compared with cervical length (CL) to predict the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in twin pregnancies and its performance when it was included in a combined predictive model of clinical and ultrasonographic parameters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies undergoing transvaginal ultrasound between 19+0-21+6 weeks to measure CL during routine second trimester scan from January 2015 through December 2016. Recorded ultrasound images of CL were reassessed to evaluate UCA. Medical and obstetric data were also collected for statistical analysis. A logistic regression model was created for predicting sPTB including UCA and other variables. RESULTS: A total of 177 women were included. The rates of sPTB rate below 28, 32 and 34 weeks of gestation were 4.5%, 6.8% and 12.4%, respectively. ROC curves showed a better area under the curve (AUC) for UCA at all gestational ages compared with CL (AUC for sPTB <28 weeks 0.840 (p = .005) vs 0.627 (p = .388); AUC for sPTB <32 weeks 0.706 (p = .022) vs 0.619 (p = .255); AUC for sPTB <34 weeks 0.674 (p = .008) vs 0.568 (p = .344). UCA >117 degrees was significantly associated with sPTB <28 weeks (p = .002; OR 15.3; CI 1.66-142.37; NPV, 99.2%), <32 weeks (OR 3.84; p = .031) and <34 weeks of gestation (OR 3.10; p = .016). Based on multivariate analyses, the best predictive model included uterocervical angle (p = .032), cervical length (p = .002) and maternal height (p = .001) (Nagelkerke R2 0.944). CONCLUSION: In our study, an UCA > 117 degrees allowed to identify those women with twin pregnancies at risk of sPTB and performed better than CL measurement. Our combined prediction model was able to adequately predict the risk of sPTB in the twin pregnancies of our research.

Uterocervical angle at 20 weeks: A promising predictor of spontaneous preterm birth in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of uterocervical angle (UCA) and cervical length (CL) measurement at 20 weeks of pregnancy for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 424 twin pregnancies who delivered in our center from October 2014 to December 2018 and who underwent transvaginal ultrasound between 19+0-22+0 weeks to measure CL during routine second trimester scan. Recorded ultrasound images of CL were reassessed to evaluate UCA. Medical and obstetric data were also collected for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 424 women were included. The rates of sPTB rate below 28, 32 and 34 weeks of gestation were 2.8 %, 5.4 % and 10.4 %, respectively. ROC curves showed a better area under the curve (AUC) for UCA at all gestational ages compared with CL (AUC for sPTB <28 weeks 0.902 (p < 0.001) vs 0.620 (p 0.175); AUC for sPTB <32 weeks 0.740 (p 0.001) vs 0.620 (p 0.058); AUC for sPTB <34 weeks 0.676 (p 0.001) vs 0.632 (p 0.047). UCA > 120 degrees was significantly associated with sPTB <28 weeks (p < 0.001; OR 39.17; CI 4.81-319.23; NPV, 99.65 %), <32 weeks (OR 4.23; p 0.002) and <34 weeks of gestation (OR 2.66; p 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our study, an UCA > 120 degrees allowed to identify those women with twin pregnancies at risk of sPTB and performed better than CL measurement.

Ultrasound-guided intrasacular injection of methotrexate in the management of ectopic pregnancies with embryo. A 12 year experience report in a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined-therapy with ultrasound guided intrasacular injection of 50 mg of methotrexate (MTX) and a 50 mg/m2 dose of systemic MTX in uncomplicated ectopic pregnancies with ultrasonographic evidence of embryonic structures in the gestational sac. STUDY DESIGN: We designed a retrospective study including 60 patients to assess the efficacy of combined MTX treatment and to determine which clinical or ultrasonographic variables could be associated with successful medical treatment. Failed medical treatment was defined when surgery was needed. For statistical analysis, we developed a descriptive analysis and a univariate logistic regression study. RESULTS: Medical approach was effective in 73.3 % of patients. MTX treatment was successful in 32 (68.1 %) out of 47 tubal pregnancies None of the 4 cervical or 2 abdominal pregnancies required surgery. Six (85.7 %) out of 7 cornual pregnancies were successfully treated. No statistically significant differences were found in the success rates according to clinical data, ultrasound or analytic characteristics of women. CONCLUSION: Combined MTX therapy could be an effective and safe alternative in ectopic pregnancies with embryo in hemodynamically stable women. Clinical, ultrasound or analytic characteristics of patients should not entail a contraindication. In locations where surgery implies a technical difficulty, this option may decrease morbimortality rates frequently associated to a more invasive alternative.

Hemoptysis as the first symptom in the diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma in the third trimester of pregnancy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Choriocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm (1/40000 pregnancies). In the context of a viable pregnancy, the incidence is even lower (1/160000). CASE REPORT: A woman in her second pregnancy was admitted at 31 + 6 weeks of gestation with hemoptysis and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Numerous placental venous lakes, bilateral pulmonary nodules and a pleural effusion were found. Pleural fluid ß-HCG levels were elevated and a brain-chest-abdominal-pelvic CT scan led to the diagnosis of a high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. A caesarean section at 32 + 1 weeks of gestation was performed. Six cycles of an EMA-CO chemotherapy regime were administered. ß-HCG levels normalized after 3 cycles. Placental histopathology confirmed the presence of a gestational choriocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Choriocarcinoma is a highly aggressive tumor. In high-risk tumors, combination chemotherapy is the first-line treatment, offering high remission rates. Treatment response is evaluated by monitoring blood ß-HCG levels, which should be long-term.

Early prenatal diagnosis of fetal abdominal cyst. Differential diagnosis of choledochal cyst / Diagnóstico prenatal temprano de quiste abdominal fetal. Diagnóstico diferencial de quiste del conducto colédoco

OBJECTIVE: To improve differential diagnosis of choledochal cyst, a rare pathology but whose prenatal diagnosis improves neonatal prognosis. CASE REPORT: Choledochal cysts are a rare congenital abnormality of biliary ducts that present as an anechoic mass in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. In sonographic examination, a connection between the cyst and the common bile duct must be observed to confirm this diagnosis. It is more frequently diagnosed in females and in Asian countries. We describe a pregnant woman diagnosed of an intra-abdominal fetal cyst at 17-weeks of gestation. Ultrasound assessment showed a cystic mass separated from the stomach, moving other abdominal organs from its normal location and growing progressively. Postnatal study confirmed a choledochal cyst of 8-centimeters in diameter. Surgical treatment was recommended and post-surgical evolution was favourable. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal diagnosis of choledochal cyst allowed to intensify controls to check the growth. Early surgical treatment improved neonatal prognosis and reduced the risk of sequelae

OBJETIVO: mejorar el diagnóstico diferencial del quiste de colédoco, una patología rara pero cuyo diagnóstico prenatal mejora el pronóstico neonatal. CASO CLÍNICO: los quistes de colédoco son una anormalidad congénita rara de los conductos biliares que se presentan como anecoicos, una masa en el cuadrante superior derecho del abdomen. En el examen ecográfico hay una conexión entre el quiste y se debe observar el conducto biliar común para confirmar este diagnóstico. Se diagnostica con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y en países asiáticos. Describimos a una mujer embarazada diagnosticada de un quiste fetal intrabdominal a las 17 semanas de gestación. La evaluación por ultrasonido mostró una masa quística separada del estómago, moviendo otros órganos abdominales desde su ubicación normal y creciendo progresivamente. El estudio posnatal confirmó un quiste de colédoco de 8 centímetros de diámetro. Se recomendó tratamiento quirúrgico y la evolución posquirúrgica fue favorable. CONCLUSIONES: el diagnóstico prenatal del quiste de colédoco permitió intensificar los controles para supervisar el crecimiento temprano. El tratamiento quirúrgico mejoró el pronóstico neonatal y redujo el riesgo de secuelas

Low-dose vaginal misoprostol vs vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor beyond 41st week: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a low-dose protocol of vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert for induction of labor in women with post-term pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a prospective, randomized, open-labeled trial with evaluators blinded to the end-point, including women of at least 41 weeks of gestational age with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies and a Bishop score <6. They were randomized into dinoprostone or misoprostol groups in a 1:1 ratio. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for statistical analysis. Successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours was the primary outcome variable. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (number NTC03744364). RESULTS: We included 198 women for analysis (99 women in each group). Vaginal birth rate within 24 hours did not differ between groups (49.5% vs 42.4%; P = 0.412). When the Bishop score was <4, dinoprostone insert showed a higher probability of vaginal delivery within 12 hours (17.8% vs 4%; P = 0.012). In the dinoprostone group, removal of the insert was more likely to be due to an adverse event (5.1% vs 14.1%; P = 0.051) and an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern during active labor (44.4% vs 58.6%; P = 0.047). Both groups were similar in neonatal outcomes including Apgar score, umbilical cord pH and neonatal intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose vaginal misoprostol and vaginal dinoprostone insert seem to be equally effective and safe for induction of labor in pregnant women with a gestational age beyond 41 weeks.

Delayed-interval delivery in twin pregnancies: report of three cases and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed delivery is sometimes performed in selected multifetal pregnancies when the first twin birth occurs inevitably. The aim of this procedure is to improve the prognosis and decrease the morbidity and mortality of the second twin. We report three cases of delayed-interval delivery of dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies assisted in our center between 2015 and 2017. After the first twin delivery, the second twin was left in utero and the patient received tocolytic therapy and antibiotics. Cervical cerclage was not performed. RESULTS: Our patients were admitted between 21 + 3 and 23 + 6 weeks of gestation. We achieved an average interval delivery of 6.33 d. Four out of six twins did not survive the delayed interval procedure. The average stay of the first and second twins that were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was of 72 d (28-116) and 39.5 d (12-67), respectively. The first twin birth was vaginal in all cases, while the second twin delivery was performed by cesarean section in two out of our three patients. Our neonatal results are not favorable, probably due to the extreme prematurity. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed delivery of the second twin before 28 weeks of gestation can be an alternative for the obstetrician since it could prolong the pregnancy until a gestational age which confers a better prognosis and a better perinatal outcome for the second twin.

Síndrome de Ballantyne: segundo episodio en una embarazada. Reporte de caso y revisión de la bibliografía / Ballantyne syndrome: Second episode in a pregnant woman. Case report and literature review

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome de Ballantyne es un cuadro poco frecuente asociado con hidrops fetal, en el que la madre refleja los síntomas fetales. Es decisivo diferenciarlo de la preeclampsia porque comparten signos de hipertensión y proteinuria. Su etiopatogenia se desconoce pero se han propuesto teorías asociadas con el desequilibrio entre factores angiogénicos y antiangiogénicos. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 29 años, controlada en la consulta de Medicina Materno-Fetal debido al antecedente de síndrome de Ballantyne en el embarazo previo. En la ecografía de control a las 26 semanas se detectaron placentomegalia, ascitis fetal e incremento del líquido amniótico. Las ecografías posteriores demostraron polihidramnios e hidrops a las 28 semanas. Enseguida de la aparición del edema se estableció el diagnóstico de síndrome del espejo recidivante e hidrops no inmunitario. Se hospitalizó para drenaje del líquido. La amniorrexis se produjo a las 29 + 6 semanas. Una semana después se inició la dinámica uterina y el embarazo finalizó a las 31 semanas, después de la ruptura prematura de membranas. El neonato fue un varón de 3200 g, Apgar 2-6-8 al minuto, 5 y 10 minutos, respectivamente. Después del estudio postnatal se estableció el diagnóstico de perforación ileal múltiple. El recién nacido requirió 5 intervenciones quirúrgicas, con posoperatorio tórpido y se dio de alta a los 3 meses de vida. CONCLUSIONES: El síndrome del espejo es infradiagnosticado, a pesar de su potencial para complicar gravemente el embarazo asociado con hidrops. La recuperación de la madre suele ser favorable a los pocos días de posparto aunque la morbilidad y la mortalidad fetal son elevadas.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ballantyne syndrome is characterized by the triad: fetal, placental and maternal edema. It is an uncommon condition associated with fetal hydrops, in which mother reflects fetal symptoms. It is essential to differentiate from preeclampsia, since there are common signs such as hypertension and proteinuria. Etiopathogenesis is unknown, although theories associated with an imbalance between angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors have been postulated. Treatment consists of ending the pregnancy or improving the fetal situation. CLINICAL CASE: We present the case of a 29-years pregnant woman controlled in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit due to the history of Ballantyne Syndrome in the previous gestation. In the follow-up ultrasound performed at 26-weeks, placentomegaly, fetal ascites and increased amniotic fluid were detected. Subsequent ultrasounds showed polyhydramnios and fetal hydrops at 28-weeks. After maternal edema began, she was diagnosed with recurrent Mirror Syndrome and non-immune hydrops. Admission was indicated and amniodrainage was performed due to symptomatic polyhydramnios. Finally, premature rupture of membranes occurred at 29+6-weeks. She started uterine dynamic after one week, ending in a preterm delivery at 31-weeks after premature rupture of membranes. A 3200gr male was born with Apgar Scores 2-6-8 at 1, 5 and 10min respectively and, after postnatal study, he was diagnosed with multiple ileal perforation. Five surgical interventions were necessary, with a complicated postoperative period and could be discharged at 3 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Mirror syndrome is an underdiagnosed pathology of unknown incidence that can seriously complicate gestation associated with fetal hydrops. Maternal recovery is favorable few days after delivery, but it leads to high fetal morbi-mortality.

Cervical Pessary Compared With Vaginal Progesterone for Preventing Early Preterm Birth: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone to prevent spontaneous preterm births in pregnant women with cervical lengths 25 mm or less as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized, noninferiority trial. Women with singleton pregnancies and a short cervix (25 mm or less) measured transvaginally at the second-trimester ultrasonogram were invited to participate. They were computer-randomized (one to one) into cervical pessary placement or treatment with vaginal progesterone (200 mg/24 hours). The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. The noninferiority margin was set at 4% with a 0.025 one-sided α level and a statistical power of 80%. That is, if the 95% CI upper bound exceeded 4%, the pessary could not be deemed noninferior. A sample size of 254 women was required to show noninferiority of the pessary to progesterone. RESULTS: The trial was conducted from August 2012 to April 2016 with the participation of 27 Spanish hospitals. A total of 254 patients were enrolled and 246 included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Demographic and baseline characteristics were similar across groups. The rate of spontaneous delivery before 34 weeks of gestation was 14% (n=18/127) in the pessary group and 14% (n=17/119) in the progesterone group with a risk difference of -0.11% (95% CI -8.85% to 8.62%; P=.99), that is, noninferiority was not shown for the pessary. The incidence of increased vaginal discharge (87% vs 71%, P=.002) and discomfort (27% vs 3%, P<.001) was significantly higher in the pessary group. CONCLUSION: A cervical pessary was not noninferior to vaginal progesterone for preventing spontaneous birth before 34 weeks of gestation in pregnant women with short cervixes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EU Clinical Trials Register, 2012-000241-13; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01643980.

Double-balloon catheter for induction of labour in women with a previous cesarean section, could it be the best choice?

INTRODUCTION: We analysed the efficacy and safety of double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean section and which were the most important variables associated with an increased risk of repeated cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed an observational retrospective study of 418 women with unfavourable cervices (Bishop Score <5), a prior cesarean delivery, and induction of labour with a double-balloon catheter. Baseline maternal data and perinatal outcomes were recorded for a descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most women improved their initial Bishop Score (89.5%) although only a 20.8% of them went into spontaneous active labour. Finally, 51.4% of the women achieved a vaginal delivery. Five cases of intrapartum uterine rupture (1.2%) occurred. After multivariate analysis, main risk factors for repeated cesarean section were dystocia in the previous pregnancy (OR 1.744; CI 95% 1.066-2.846), the absence of previous vaginal delivery (OR 2.590; CI 95% 1.066-6.290), suspected fetal macrosomia (OR 2.410; CI 95% 0.959-6.054), and duration of oxytocin induction period (OR 1.005; CI 95% 1.004-1.006). The area under the curve was 0.789 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Double-balloon catheter seems to be safe and effective for cervical ripening in women with a previous cesarean delivery and unfavourable cervix. In our study, most women could have a vaginal delivery in spite of their risk factors for cesarean delivery. A multivariate model based on some clinical variables has moderate predictive value for intrapartum cesarean section.

[Massive gestational vulvar edema. A case report and review of literature]. / Edema vulvar masivo gestacional. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la bibliografía.

We report the case of a 22-year-old primiparous, admitted to our hospital with a 2-week history of vulvar edema that had evolved within 24 hours to the point of stopping urine flow and hindering ambulation. The only remarkable finding in relation with the edema was hypoalbuminemia for no apparent cause. The correction of hypoalbuminemia and the establishment of diuretic treatment, with the drainage of the edema allowed for a complete resolution of the edema.

[Comparative study between pregnancies induced for premature rupture of membranes and for prolonged pregnancy]. / Estudio comparativo entre gestaciones finalizadas electivamente por rotura prematura de membranas y por gestación cronológicamente prolongada.

BACKGROUND: To decrease maternal and fetal morbidity oftem is indicated the elective termination of pregnancy; when the cervix is unfavourable, it is possible to try to artificially reproduce these changes with exogenous prostaglandins. OBJECTIVES: Comparative evaluation of maternal and fetal results between patients in which cervical ripening is practiced with indication of premature rupture of membranes and those with prolonged pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Historic cohorts study about pregnancies requiring cervical ripening, either for premature rupture of membranes or for gestational age > or = 41 weeks, in the "Miguel Servet" Hospital (Zaragoza, Spain), from 15/11/2005 to 15/05/2008. In all the cases dinoprostone (slow release vaginal system) was employed and the initial Bishop score was < 7. The main analysed outcomes were: intrapartum fetal heart monitoring characteristics, type of delivery, umbilical artery pH, Apgar score, hospitalization in neonatal unit requirement and time from cervical ripening start to delivery. RESULTS: Neonatal hospitalization was significantly more frequent in the ruptured membranes cohort (11.70% vs 2.33%); p = 0.001. This difference could be justified by gestational age (OR: 2,623. IC: 0.515-13.353. P = 0.246). It was observed more time cervical ripening - delivery in prolonged pregnancies cohort (25.96h vs 20.11h); p < 0.001. Umbilical cord medium pH was significantly superior in ruptured membranes group (7.25 vs 7.23); p = 0.017. No significant differences were observed in the rest of analyzed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancies electively ended for premature rupture of membranes are associated with a shorter time to delivery and a slightly superior umbilical cord pH than induced prolonged pregnancies. Neonatal hospitalization requirement is determined by gestational age but not by the rupture of the membranes. Cervical ripening in those patients has been demonstrated to be secure and effective.

Repercusión en los resultados neonatales del intervalo de tiempo de nacimiento entre gemelos / Effect of twin-to-twin delivery time interval on neonatal outcome

Objetivo. Evaluar los factores que pueden influir sobre el intervalo de tiempo de nacimiento entre gemelos y sobre el resultado neonatal a corto plazo del segundo gemelo. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo a través de la base de datos informatizada y la revisión de las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas en el Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet desde enero de 2005 hasta diciembre de 2007. Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico para determinar los factores que potencialmente pueden afectar el intervalo de tiempo de nacimiento entre gemelos incluyendo: características maternas, edad gestacional, tipo de parto, discordancia de pesos fetales, pH de arteria umbilical y puntuaciones en el test de Apgar. Resultados. De los 13.340 partos registrados durante el periodo de estudio, 206 gestaciones gemelares se ajustaron a los criterios de inclusión. La mayoría de los segundos gemelos (79,6%) nacieron en los 5 min siguientes al parto del primer gemelo. Las características maternas como la edad, la paridad, la obesidad y el tabaquismo no se relacionaron con el incremento del intervalo al nacimiento. Un mayor intervalo se asoció a un aumento de riesgo de puntuaciones bajas en el test de Apgar y a un descenso de los valores de pH de arteria umbilical. El parto instrumental se asoció a un incremento del intervalo de tiempo. Conclusión. Basándonos en nuestros datos y los reflejados por estudios previos podemos decir que el intervalo de tiempo al nacimiento entre gemelos parece ser un factor de riesgo independiente para un resultado neonatal adverso (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the factors influencing twin-to-twin delivery time interval and the short-term outcome of the second twin. Material and methods. We performed a retrospective, descriptive study by reviewing a computerized database and the medical records of pregnant women attending the Miguel Servet University Hospital from January 2005 to December 2007. A statistical analysis was performed to determine the factors potentially affecting twin-to-twin delivery time interval, including maternal characteristics, gestational age, mode of delivery, fetal weight discordance, umbilical artery pH and Apgar score. Results. Of the 13,430 deliveries registered during the study period, 206 twin pregnancies met the inclusion criteria. Most (79.6%) of the second twins were born within 5min of delivery of the first twin. Maternal characteristics such as age, parity, obesity and smoking were not related to twin-to-twin delivery time interval. A longer time interval was associated with an increased risk of low Apgar scores and a decline in umbilical artery pH in the second twin. Vaginal operative delivery was associated with an increased time interval. Conclusion. Based on our data and the results of previous studies, twin-to-twin delivery time interval seems to be an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome (AU)

Complicaciones obstétricas y perinatales de la amniocentesis genética del segundo trimestre en las gestaciones gemelares / Obstetrical and perinatal complications of mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis in twin pregnancies

Objetivo: Evaluar el resultado de la amniocentesis del segundo trimestre en las gestaciones gemelares. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Institución: Unidad de Diagnóstico Prenatal, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza, España. Participantes: Mujeres con gestaciones gemelares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio mediante la base de datos informatizada y la revisión de las historias clínicas de las pacientes atendidas entre enero de 2004 y febrero de 2008. Las gestaciones gemelares sometidas a amniocentesis fueron comparadas con las gestaciones simples también sometidas a la técnica y con las gestaciones gemelares no sometidas a amniocentesis. Principales medidas de resultados: Complicaciones obstétricas y perinatales. Resultados: Durante los cuatro años del estudio se realizaron 4 263 amniocentesis, de las cuales 112 casos correspondieron a gestaciones gemelares y 4 151 a gestaciones simples. La edad materna avanzada y la ansiedad fueron las indicaciones más frecuentes de amniocentesis. La pérdida fetal durantelas 4 semanas posteriores al procedimiento fue de 1,78% para las gestaciones gemelares y 0,40% para las gestaciones únicas. Las gestaciones gemelares que se sometieron a una amniocentesis genética no presentaron otras complicaciones obstétricas ni peores resultados perinatales. Conclusiones: Basándonos en nuestros datos y los reflejados por estudios previos podemos decir que las gestaciones gemelares sometidas a una amniocentesis del segundo trimestre tienen un riesgo de pérdida fetal ligeramente superior a las gestaciones simples. No obstante, en manos de operadores experimentados, la amniocentesis es una técnica segura y efectiva para el diagnóstico prenatal en las gestaciones gemelares.

Objectives: To determine genetic mid-trimester amniocentesis outcomes in twin gestations. Design: Descriptive retrospective study. Setting: Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Instituto Aragones de Ciencias de la Salud, Zaragoza, España. Patients: Women with twin gestations. Methods: Computerized database and medical records of pregnant women attended from January 2004 to February 2008 were reviewed. Twin pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis were compared with singleton pregnancies also exposed to amniocentesis and with unexposed twin pregnancies. Main outcome measures: Obstetrical and perinatal complications. Results: During the four years study 4 263 amniocentesis were performed, 112 in twin gestations and 4 151 in singleton gestations. Advanced maternal age and anxiety were the most common indications for amniocentesis. Fetal loss within four weeks after the procedure was 1,78% for twin pregnancies and 0,40% for singleton pregnancies.Twin gestations exposed to amniocentesis did not present other obstetrical complications or worse neonatal results. Conclusions: Based on our data and previous studies, we can advise patients undergoing mid-trimester twin amniocentesis that fetal loss rate may be slightly higher than for singleton amniocentesis. Although in hands of experienced operators amniocentesis is a safe and effective technique for prenatal diagnosis in twin gestations.

Embarazo ectópico abdominal. Diagnóstico y tratamiento médico con metotrexato / Abdominal pregnancy. Diagnosis and medical treatment with methotrexate

El embarazo ectópico abdominal es uno de los tipos menos frecuentes de embarazos extrauterinos. Está asociado a una alta morbimorbilidad materna y fetal. El diagnóstico de esta entidad es difícil y suele realizarse de forma tardía. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con una gestación ectópica abdominal, diagnosticada mediante ecografía transvaginal, en el primer trimestre de gestación. Se realizó un tratamiento médico con metotrexato hasta la resolución del cuadro. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura científica de los factores de riesgo de embarazo ectópico abdominal, métodos diagnósticos y opciones terapéuticas (AU)

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The diagnosis of this entity is difficult and is generally delayed. We report the case of a patient with an abdominal pregnancy diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy. The patient was treated with methotrexate until complete resolution. We provide a review of the literature on the risk factors, diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for abdominal pregnancy (AU)

[Prenatal diagnosis of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma. Case report]. / Diagnóstico prenatal de neuroblastoma retroperitoneal. Reporte de un caso.

Neuroblastoma is the foremost malignant neoplasm of the fetus and neonate. It is a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system that originates from the neural crest which etiology is largely unknown. Due to its general variability in outcome, neuroblastoma has long been considered one of the most enigmatic of cancers. Although technological advances in ultrasonography have possible intrauterine detection, prenatal diagnosis is still a rare event. This kind of tumor has a high morbidity and mortality rate due to the metastatic risk. Early detection of the tumor is critical to improve outcome. We report a case of retroperitoneal neuroblastoma diagnosed at 32 week of gestation.

Adenocarcinoma de pulmón en gestante / Lung cancer in pregnancy

El cáncer de pulmón es la neoplasia más frecuente en los países desarrollados y la primera causa de mortalidad por cáncer en el varón, con un alarmante incremento en la mujer en los últimos años. Su diagnóstico durante el embarazo es infrecuente, pero su incidencia está aumentando en los últimos años. Parece tener un comportamiento más agresivo y diagnosticarse en estadios más avanzados durante la gestación. La elección del tratamiento más apropiado es difícil y no existe suficiente información para establecer su manejo. Presentamos el caso de una gestante de 38 años diagnosticada de cáncer de pulmón estadio IIIA, a las 27 semanas. Se decidió finalizar gestación en la semana 29 y, al tratarse de una tumoración no resecable, se le realizó un tratamiento combinado con quimioterapia y radioterapia (AU)

Lung cancer is the most common neoplasm in developed countries and the first cause of cáncer related death in men, although currently there has been a significant increase in women. It remains arare condition during pregnancy, but the association of lung cancer and gestation has been increasing in recent years. It seems to be more aggressive and diagnosed mainly at advances stages during pregnancy. Choosing the most appropriate treatment is very difficult and there is not enough information to establish the management. We report a case of a 38 year-old pregnant woman with stage IIIA lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed in the 27th week. At week 29 a decision was made to terminate the pregnancy. As the tumour was unrespectable, she subsequently underwent combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy (AU)

[Cervical preinduction and oligoamnios]. / Preinducción cervical y oligoamnios.

BACKGROUND: Twelve percent of women with 41 weeks of gestation and more had oligoamnios. Physiopathological mechanism of this disease still is under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perinatal result of patients with more than 41 weeks of gestation oligoamnios-preinduced. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Analytic-observational and retrospective cohorts study. Patients with more than 41 weeks of gestation, oligoamnios-preinduced, were included. All patients received dinoprostone and had a Bishop score lower than seven. Amniotic fluid index of five or lower suggests diagnosis of oligoamnios. Preinduction indication, characteristics of intrapartum fetal monitoring, umbilical artery pH, Apgar score, neonatal weight, and admission in a neonatal unit were the variables analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 96 patients, 28 (29.2%) constituted the exposed cohort and 68 (70.8%) the non-exposed one. Both groups were homogeneous in maternal age, parity and initial Bishop score. There weren't significant differences for way of delivery, cesarean section indications, meconium-stained amniotic fluid and umbilical cord pathology. Frequency of bradycardia was significantly higher in oligoamnios group (14.3 vs 1.5%), as well as Apgar score at first (mean of 8.86 vs 8.38) and fifth birth minute (mean of 9.89 vs 9.69). Fetal weight was significantly lower (3,298 vs 3,546 g) in oligoamnios group. Admission in neonatal unit was higher in the non-exposed cohort (1.47%). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns of patients with oligoamnios had a better Apgar score, lower fetal weight and higher frequency of intrapartum bradycardia (without neonatal damage). A further study may offer new conclusions.

Hemorragia intracraneal secundaria a rotura de malformación arteriovenosa cerebral en la gestación: caso clínico / Intracranial hemorrhage due to cerebral arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy

Las hemorragias intracraneales secundarias a un aneurisma arterial o malformación arteriovenosa son infrecuentes, pero grave complicación del embarazo. Exponemos a continuación el caso clínico de una primigesta, controlada en nuestro servicio, que sufrió una hemorragia subaracnoidea en la semana 15 de embarazo; fue tratada de modo conservador. La extracción fetal se realizó en la semana 37 mediante cesárea. Unos meses después se procedió al tratamiento del nido de la malformación con radiocirugía