Investigation of Serum Amphiregulin Concentrations in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Isolated Fetal Growth Restriction in the Third Trimester.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate serum amphiregulin (AREG) concentrations in pregnant women with isolated fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the third trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The FGR group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR in the third trimester, and the control group consisted of 45 healthy pregnant women matched with the FGR group in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. As a primary outcome, the two groups were compared for maternal serum AREG concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics (p>0.05). While fetal BPD, AC, and FL measurements in the group diagnosed with FGR were significantly lower than in the control group, umbilical artery Doppler PI and S/D were higher (p=0.000, for all). Gestational age at birth, newborn birth weight, birth height, and 1-minute Apgar score were significantly lower and the NICU admission rate was higher in the FGR group (p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.027, p=0.011 respectively). Gestational age at blood sampling for AREG was similar in both groups (p=0.869). While maternal serum AREG concentration was 969.39 ng/L in the FGR group, it was 795.20 ng/L in the control group (p=0.018). AUC analysis of AREG for estimation of FGR in ROC analysis was 0.57 (p<0.247, 95% CI=0.44-0.69). The optimal threshold value for FGR estimation of maternal serum AREG concentration was determined as 874.03 ng/L with 55% sensitivity and 55% specificity. CONCLUSION: High maternal serum AREG concentrations appear to be associated with isolated FGR in the third trimester. The pathways through which AREG modulates fetal growth remain to be investigated.

Maternal Serum Gasdermin D Concentrations in Pregnancies Complicated by Isolated Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the relationship between the isolated intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and maternal serum gasdermin D (GSDMD) concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 2022 and May 2022. The IUGR group consisted of 40 pregnant women diagnosed with IUGR in the third trimester, and the control group consisted of 40 healthy pregnant women matched with the IUGR group in terms of age and BMI. Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and neonatal outcomes were noted. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum GSDMD concentrations. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. Fetal biometric measurements were found to be significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to the control group, and umbilical artery Doppler PI and SD were found to be higher. Gestational age, newborn birth weight, birth height, and Apgar scores were significantly lower and NICU admission rate was higher in the IUGR group. Gestational age at blood sampling for GSDMD was similar in both groups (p=0.805). While maternal serum GSDMD concentration was 11.14 ng/ml in the IUGR group, it was 6.66 ng/ml in the control group (p=0.000). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of GSDMD concentration in terms of IUGR estimation. AUC analysis of GSDMD for IUGR estimation was 0.88 (p<.001, 95% CI=0.80-0.95). The optimal cutoff value for GSDMD concentration was determined as 8.84 ng/ml with 80% sensitivity and 75% specificity. CONCLUSION: Maternal serum GSDMD concentrations were found to be higher in pregnant women whose pregnancy was complicated by isolated IUGR. We think that high GSDMD concentrations may be a reflection of increased GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in placental tissue in isolated IUGR cases.