Hepatitis E-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States: 2010-2015 and 2015-2017.

Hepatitis E is considered rare in the United States (US) despite its widespread occurrence in Asian and African countries. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of hepatitis E-related pregnancies and acute-on-chronic liver failure and analyse trends for hepatitis E diagnosis among hospitalized patients in the US. We examined data from the 2010-2017 National Inpatient Sample from Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project to determine mortality, morbidity, pregnancy diagnoses, chronic liver disease diagnoses, and other conditions during hospitalization. Data were extracted for hospitalizations with hepatitis E as defined by ICD-9 codes 070.43 and 070.53 and ICD-10 code B17.2. Of 208,462,242 hospitalizations from 2010-2015, we identified 960 hepatitis E hospitalizations. The hospitalization rate of hepatitis E was 3.7 per 10 million in 2010 and 6.4 per 10 million in 2015 (ß = 0.60, p = 0.011). From 2015 to 2017, the hospitalization appeared to increase with slope (ß) of 0.50. Among those hospitalizations, 34 (4%) died and 85 (9%) had acute-on-chronic liver failure. Ninety-five (10%) had a diagnosis of pregnancy, there were no reports of maternal or foetus/neonate deaths, but there was a high proportion of adverse events for both during hospitalization. Having a chronic liver disease was associated with hepatic coma diagnosis (OR = 10.94, p = 0.002). Although the hospitalization rate of hepatitis E in the US is low, it appears to be increasing over time. Further studies are necessary in order to conclude a causal association of hepatitis E with adverse events and mortalities in pregnancy and chronic liver disease in the US.

Significance of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler studies in normally grown fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a relationship between abnormal umbilical artery Doppler studies (UADS) and small for gestational age (SGA) birth weight and other adverse perinatal outcomes in fetuses that appear normally grown by ultrasound. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all women who had UADS performed at or after 26 weeks of gestation at our institution between January 2005 and December 2012. Women were excluded if they had a fetal demise, a fetus with growth restriction, a fetus with congenital anomaly, or a multiple gestation. Women with missing delivery outcomes were excluded. The primary outcome was birth weight below the 10th percentile. RESULTS: There were 2744 women included in the study. Of those, 98 (3.6%) had an abnormal UADS, and 379 (13.8%) had an SGA neonate. Of the 2646 women who had a normal UADS, 353 (13.3%) women had an SGA neonate. Twenty-six (26.5%) of the 98 women who had an abnormal UADS had an SGA neonate. After adjusting for potential confounders, the adjusted odds ratio for an SGA neonate with an abnormal UADS was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.38-3.58; p <  0.05). In examining other adverse perinatal outcomes, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and low 5-min Apgar scores were 12.4 and 2.3%, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for NICU admission was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.06-3.21; p <  0.05). Abnormal UADS was not associated with low Apgar scores (aOR 1.39: 95% CI 0.47-4.07; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that abnormal UADS in fetuses that appear normally grown by ultrasound are associated with SGA neonates and NICU admission.

Prenatal ABO/RHD Genotyping: A New Paradigm to Allow for Fresh Whole Blood for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Immediate Newborn Period.

Compared to standard component therapy, fresh whole blood (FWB) offers potential benefits to neonates undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in the context of open cardiac surgery: decreased blood loss and subsequent risk of volume overload, improved coagulation status, higher platelet counts during and following CPB, circumvention of limited vascular access, and significantly reduced donor exposures. Obtaining FWB, however, entails 2-5 days of preparation, which often precludes its availability for neonates requiring CPB in the immediate newborn period. Using a multidisciplinary approach and molecular ABO/RHD genotyping on amniotic fluid, we developed a protocol to allow procurement of FWB for timed delivery followed by open cardiac surgery. Eligible subjects include patients undergoing genetic amniocentesis following the diagnosis of a fetal cardiac anomaly likely to require open surgical repair in the initial days after birth. This protocol has been successfully implemented following prenatal diagnosis of severe fetal cardiac anomalies. Taking advantage of the prenatal time period and the ability to perform fetal blood typing prenatally using molecular genotyping makes possible a new paradigm for the availability of FWB for CPB to improve perioperative, short-term, and long-term outcomes in a population comprised of some of the smallest and sickest patients who will undergo CPB.

Ultrasound Findings Associated With Antepartum Viral Infection.

This article reviews the sonographic manifestations of fetal infection and the role of ultrasound in the evaluation of the fetus at risk for congenital infection. Several ultrasound findings have been associated with in utero fetal infections. For the patient with a known or suspected fetal infection, sonographic identification of characteristic abnormalities can provide useful information for counseling and perinatal management. Demonstration of such findings in the low-risk patient may serve to identify the fetus with a previously unsuspected infection. The clinician should understand the limitations of ultrasound in the prenatal diagnosis of congenital infection and discuss them with the patient.

Multidisciplinary consensus on the classification of prenatal and postnatal urinary tract dilation (UTD classification system).

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract (UT) dilation is sonographically identified in 1-2% of fetuses and reflects a spectrum of possible uropathies. There is significant variability in the clinical management of individuals with prenatal UT dilation that stems from a paucity of evidence-based information correlating the severity of prenatal UT dilation to postnatal urological pathologies. The lack of correlation between prenatal and postnatal US findings and final urologic diagnosis has been problematic, in large measure because of a lack of consensus and uniformity in defining and classifying UT dilation. Consequently, there is a need for a unified classification system with an accepted standard terminology for the diagnosis and management of prenatal and postnatal UT dilation. METHODS: A consensus meeting was convened on March 14-15, 2014, in Linthicum, Maryland, USA to propose: 1) a unified description of UT dilation that could be applied both prenatally and postnatally; and 2) a standardized scheme for the perinatal evaluation of these patients based on sonographic criteria (i.e. the classification system). The participating societies included American College of Radiology, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, the Society for Fetal Urology, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the Society for Pediatric Urology, the Society for Pediatric Radiology and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasounds. RESULTS: The recommendations proposed in this consensus statement are based on a detailed analysis of the current literature and expert opinion representing common clinical practice. The proposed UTD Classification System (and hence the severity of the UT dilation) is based on six categories in US findings: 1) anterior-posterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD); 2) calyceal dilation; 3) renal parenchymal thickness; 4) renal parenchymal appearance; 5) bladder abnormalities; and 6) ureteral abnormalities. The classification system is stratified based on gestational age and whether the UT dilation is detected prenatally or postnatally. The panel also proposed a follow-up scheme based on the UTD classification. CONCLUSION: The proposed grading classification system will require extensive evaluation to assess its utility in predicting clinical outcomes. Currently, the grading system is correlated with the risk of postnatal uropathies. Future research will help to further refine the classification system to one that correlates with other clinical outcomes such as the need for surgical intervention or renal function.

Extracorporeal fetal support: a new animal model with preservation of the placenta.

BACKGROUND: Previous models of support for premature sheep fetuses have consisted of cesarean delivery followed by catheterization of umbilical or central vessels and support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The limitations of these models have been insufficient blood flow, significant fetal edema, and hemorrhage related to anticoagulation. METHODS: We performed a gravid hysterectomy on 13 ewes between 135 and 145days gestational age. The uterine vessels were cannulated bilaterally and circulatory support was provided via ECMO. Successful transition was defined as maintenance of fetal heart rate for 30minutes after establishing full extracorporeal support. Circuit flow was titrated to maintain mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) of 70-75%. RESULTS: Seven experiments were successfully transitioned to ECMO, with an average survival time of 2hours 9minutes. The longest recorded time from cannulation to death was 6hours 14minutes. By delivering a circuit flow of up to 2120ml/min, all but one of the transitioned uteri were maintained within the desired SvO2 range. CONCLUSION: We report a novel animal model of fetal ECMO support that preserves the placenta, mitigates the effects of heparin, and allows for increased circuit flow compared to prior techniques. This approach may provide insight into a technique for future studies of fetal physiology.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure for management of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome in a vertex/breech twin gestation.

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is one indication for the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT), which is used to secure the fetal airway, while fetal oxygenation is maintained by uteroplacental circulation. We report a successful EXIT procedure in a twin gestation in which one child had CHAOS while the other was a healthy child without any congenital abnormalities. After version of Twin B to allow for delivery of Twin A, Twin B underwent airway evaluation and tracheostomy for laryngeal atresia prior to delivery.

Isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts do not affect child development.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of isolated prenatal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) on child cognitive, behavioral, motor, and autonomic development at 18 months of age. METHODS: A prospective design was implemented to identify CPC cases and controls in mid-pregnancy. Cases (n = 25) and controls (n = 45) participated in a follow-up visit when children were 18 months of age. Child mental and motor development was assessed using standard developmental assessments, socioemotional and behavioral functioning during testing was rated by examiners, and accelerometers provided measures of motor activity and energy expenditure. Cardiac patterns were collected using a three-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and quantified as indicators of autonomic control of the heart, including vagal tone. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in any outcome measure between children with prenatal CPC detection and those without. CONCLUSION: Findings should provide reassurance to practitioners and parents that isolated CPCs in fetuses with normal karyotypes do not affect child development after birth.

Intrahepatic vein for fetal blood sampling: one center's experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to examine 1 center's experience with fetal blood sampling via the fetal intrahepatic vein (IHV) and cordocentesis. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive IHV and cordocentesis procedures between July 1987 and February 2006 were compared with respect to success rates, streaming at the sampling site, nonreassuring fetal heart rate (NRFHR), or need for urgent delivery post procedure. A subanalysis of cases with fetal thrombocytopenia was performed. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and Student t tests. RESULTS: Two hundred ten procedures (130 IHV samplings and 110 cordocenteses) were identified. Success rates were significantly higher with IHV sampling than with cordocentesis (84.6% vs 69.1%, P = .004). Streaming from the sampling site occurred after 0.79% of IHV procedures vs 30.8% of cordocenteses (P < .0001). There was no difference between IHV and cordocentesis in the incidence of NRFHR or need for immediate delivery. Twenty-five cases of fetal thrombocytopenia (20 sampled via IHV, 5 by cordocentesis) were identified. Streaming from the sampling site occurred in 0 of 20 IHV cases vs 2 of 5 cordocentesis cases (40%) (P = .03). CONCLUSION: IHV has a significantly lower rate of streaming from the sampling site, compared with cordocentesis. Our data suggest that IHV sampling conveys a particular advantage when fetal thrombocytopenia is suspected.

A dilated fetal stomach predicts a complicated postnatal course in cases of prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether dilation of the fetal stomach is associated with increased perinatal complications in infants with prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis. STUDY DESIGN: From 34 newborn infants with gastroschisis who were delivered at our institution over a 10-year period, 2 groups were analyzed on the basis of the presence or absence of a dilated fetal stomach. Reactive versus nonreactive nonstress test results were recorded, when performed. Neonatal outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-one fetuses had no evidence of gastric dilation. Thirteen fetuses had a dilated fetal stomach that was identified by ultrasound scanning. Within this group there was a higher incidence of nonreactive nonstress tests (P=.01). Infants with a prenatally dilated stomach had a higher incidence of volvulus and neonatal death, a significantly delayed time to full oral feeds, and a longer hospitalization than those infants who did not have a prenatally dilated stomach (P

Fetal anatomic and functional echocardiography: a 5-year review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the concordance of fetal and postnatal echocardiography when congenital heart disease is suspected prenatally. METHODS: The perinatology and pediatric cardiology ultrasound databases were searched for fetal echocardiograms obtained between June 1995 and June 2000. All cases with abnormal fetal echocardiographic findings in which postnatal echocardiography was performed were included. A perinatologist, pediatric cardiologist, or both interpreted all fetal echocardiograms; a pediatric cardiologist interpreted all postnatal echocardiograms. The fetal and postnatal echocardiograms were compared for the presence of 25 specific components. The kappa statistic was calculated to evaluate concordance between fetal and postnatal studies. Positive and negative predictive values for fetal studies were calculated under the assumption that the postnatal study yielded the correct diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included. Congenital heart disease ranged from an isolated atrial septal defect to complex disease. Images adequately showed all 25 components in more than 85% of the fetal studies. Concordance between fetal and postnatal echocardiograms was excellent (kappa > 0.75) for 20 of the 25 components evaluated. Four of the remaining 5 components had fair concordance (kappa = 0.4-0.75) between fetal and postnatal studies. Structural abnormalities without excellent concordance included partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, secundum atrial septal defects, and heart malposition. Concordance between fetal and postnatal right and left ventricular function was fair; however, differences may have been due to physiologic changes that occurred after birth rather than to inferior diagnostic accuracy of fetal echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal echocardiography is an extremely useful and accurate clinical tool for prenatal and postnatal evaluation of congenital heart disease.