Development of nerves and vessels in the penis during the human fetal period

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although nerves and vessels of the penis play important role in erection, there are few studies on their development in human fetus. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to analyze, quantitatively, in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, the development of the nerves and vessels in the fetal penis at different gestational ages. Material and Methods: Fifty-six fresh, macroscopically normal human fetuses aged from 13 to 36 weeks post-conception (WPC) were used. Gestational age was determined by the foot length criterion. Penises were immediately fixed in 10% formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding, after which tissue sections from the mid-shaft were obtained. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyze the nerves and vessels in the corpus cavernous and in the corpus spongiosum. These elements were identified and quantified as percentage by using the Image-J software. Results: The quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of nerves varied from 3.03% to 20.35% in the corpora cavernosa and from 1.89% to 23.88% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that nerves growth (incidence) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.9421, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.9312, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. Also, the quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of vessels varies from 2.96% to 12.86% in the corpora cavernosa and from 3.62% to 14.85% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that vessels growth (appearance) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.8722, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.8218, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of nerves in the corpus spongiosum during the 2nd trimester of gestation, when compared with nerves in the corpora cavernosa. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of vessels in the corpus spongiosum when compared with the corpora cavernosa, during the whole fetal period studied. Conclusions: In the fetal period, the human penis undergoes major developmental changes, notably in the content and distribution of nerves and vessels. We found strong correlation between nerves and vessels growth (amount) with fetal age, both in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. There is significant greater proportional number of nerves than vessels during the whole fetal period studied. Also, nerves and vessels grow in a more intense rate than that of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas.

Maternal stress during pregnancy alters circulating small extracellular vesicles and enhances their targeting to the placenta and fetus.

BACKGROUND: Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal development, resulting in long-lasting consequences for the offspring. These effects show a sex bias. The mechanisms whereby prenatal stress induces functional and/or structural changes in the placental-fetal unit remain poorly understood. Maternal circulating small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are good candidates to act as "stress signals" in mother-to-fetus communication. Using a repetitive restraint-based rat model of prenatal stress, we examined circulating maternal sEVs under stress conditions and tested whether they could target placental-fetal tissues. RESULTS: Our mild chronic maternal stress during pregnancy paradigm induced anhedonic-like behavior in pregnant dams and led to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), particularly in male fetuses and placentas. The concentration and cargo of maternal circulating sEVs changed under stress conditions. Specifically, there was a significant reduction in neuron-enriched proteins and a significant increase in astrocyte-enriched proteins in blood-borne sEVs from stressed dams. To study the effect of repetitive restraint stress on the biodistribution of maternal circulating sEVs in the fetoplacental unit, sEVs from pregnant dams exposed to stress or control protocol were labeled with DiR fluorescent die and injected into pregnant females previously exposed to control or stress protocol. Remarkably, maternal circulating sEVs target placental/fetal tissues and, under stress conditions, fetal tissues are more receptive to sEVs. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that maternal circulating sEVs can act as novel mediators/modulators of mother-to-fetus stress communication. Further studies are needed to identify placental/fetal cellular targets of maternal sEVs and characterize their contribution to stress-induced sex-specific placental and fetal changes.

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn-a perspective of immunohematology.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is a public health problem caused by maternal-fetal incompatibility; no prophylaxis is available for most alloantibodies that induce this disease. This study reviews the literature regarding which antibodies are the most common in maternal plasma and which were involved in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. METHOD: Seventy-five studies were included in this review using a systematic search. Two independent authors identified studies of interest from the PubMed and SciELO databases. MAIN RESULTS: Forty-four case reports were identified, of which 11 babies evolved to death. From 17 prevalence studies, the alloimmunization rate was 0.17 % with 161 babies receiving intrauterine transfusions and 23 receiving transfusions after birth. From 28 studies with alloimmunized pregnant women (7616 women), 455 babies received intrauterine transfusions and 21 received transfusions after birth. CONCLUSION: Rh, Kell, and MNS were the commonest blood systems involved. The geographical distribution of studies shows that as these figures vary between continents, more studies should be performed in different countries. Investing in early diagnosis is important to manage the risks and complications of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Mode of delivery according to Robson classification and perinatal outcomes in restricted and small for gestational age fetuses.

Objective: To evaluate the mode of delivery according to Robson classification (RC) and the perinatal outcomes in fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. Methods: Retrospective cohort study by analyzing medical records of singleton pregnancies from two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). FGR was defined according to Delphi Consensus. The Robson groups were divided into two intervals (1-5.1 and 5.2-10). Results: Total of 852 cases were included: FGR (n = 85), SGA (n = 20) and control (n=747). FGR showed higher percentages of newborns < 1,500 grams (p<0.001) and higher overall cesarean section (CS) rates (p<0.001). FGR had the highest rates of neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p<0.001). SGA and control presented higher percentage of patients classified in 1 - 5.1 RC groups, while FGR had higher percentage in 5.2 - 10 RC groups (p<0.001). FGR, SGA and control did not differ in the mode of delivery in the 1-5.1 RC groups as all groups showed a higher percentage of vaginal deliveries (p=0.476). Conclusion: Fetuses with FGR had higher CS rates and worse perinatal outcomes than SGA and control fetuses. Most FGR fetuses were delivered by cesarean section and were allocated in 5.2 to 10 RC groups, while most SGA and control fetuses were allocated in 1 to 5.1 RC groups. Vaginal delivery occurred in nearly 60% of FGR allocated in 1-5.1 RC groups without a significant increase in perinatal morbidity. Therefore, the vaginal route should be considered in FGR fetuses.

Development of nerves and vessels in the penis during the human fetal period.

INTRODUCTION: Although nerves and vessels of the penis play important role in erection, there are few studies on their development in human fetus. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to analyze, quantitatively, in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, the development of the nerves and vessels in the fetal penis at different gestational ages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-six fresh, macroscopically normal human fetuses aged from 13 to 36 weeks post-conception (WPC) were used. Gestational age was determined by the foot length criterion. Penises were immediately fixed in 10% formalin, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding, after which tissue sections from the mid-shaft were obtained. We used immunohistochemical staining to analyze the nerves and vessels in the corpus cavernous and in the corpus spongiosum. These elements were identified and quantified as percentage by using the Image-J software. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of nerves varied from 3.03% to 20.35% in the corpora cavernosa and from 1.89% to 23.88% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that nerves growth (incidence) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.9421, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.9312, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. Also, the quantitative analysis showed that the percentage of vessels varies from 2.96% to 12.86% in the corpora cavernosa and from 3.62% to 14.85% in the corpus spongiosum. The linear regression analysis indicated that vessels growth (appearance) in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum correlated significantly and positively with fetal age (r2=0.8722, p<0.0001) and (r2=0.8218, p<0.0001), respectively, during the whole fetal period studied. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of nerves in the corpus spongiosum during the 2nd trimester of gestation, when compared with nerves in the corpora cavernosa. In addition, the linear regression analysis demonstrated a more intense growth rate of vessels in the corpus spongiosum when compared with the corpora cavernosa, during the whole fetal period studied. CONCLUSIONS: In the fetal period, the human penis undergoes major developmental changes, notably in the content and distribution of nerves and vessels. We found strong correlation between nerves and vessels growth (amount) with fetal age, both in the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. There is significant greater proportional number of nerves than vessels during the whole fetal period studied. Also, nerves and vessels grow in a more intense rate than that of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum areas.

Fetal cervical sarcoma: Comparison between virtual and real fetal bronchoscopy.

Fetal cervical tumors are a life-threatening condition if proper diagnosis and perinatal care are inadequate. The most common causes of fetal cervical masses are teratomas and lymphangiomas. Less common tumors may obstruct the fetal airway due to cervical compression. In this case report, a fetus with a cervical sarcoma was evaluated by ultrasound and MRI. The prenatal imaging characteristics of the tumor were described, virtual navigation of the fetal airway was performed and compared with fetal bronchoscopy to evaluate the consistency of the tumor. Neonatal outcome was also described.

Pregnant women's knowledge and clinical management of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in Pará, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women and the clinical management of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, as well as to describe the gestational profile, risk factors and socio-epidemiological profile of pregnant women treated at two municipal health units in Belém (Pará, Brazil). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study, which consisted in the application of questionnaires to pregnant women who underwent prenatal care at the municipal health units. RESULTS: A total of 104 pregnant women were evaluated; most were aged between 24 and 29 years old, had high school degrees (38 %), family incomes between 1 and 2 minimum wages (45 %) and blood type O+ (43 %). Regarding the gestational profile, the participants were predominantly in the third trimester of pregnancy (49 %), started prenatal care in the first gestational trimester (81 %) and were primiparous (61 %). Failures in the management of prenatal care were observed, especially with regard to access to information about the disease, since most pregnant women did not receive information about blood incompatibility during prenatal care. This led to limited knowledge about the pathology of the disease evidenced by the fact that most of the correct answers were between Questions 0-4, which were significantly associated with the women's education and income. CONCLUSIONS: Although hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is serious, the pregnant women in this study demonstrated little knowledge about the disease and had inadequate care by health professionals, reinforcing the importance of improving care for women's health and prenatal care.

Histogenesis of the Gubernaculum During Testis Descent in the Goat Fetus (Capra marghoz) / Histogénesis del Gubernaculum Durante el Descenso Testicular en el Feto de Cabra (Capra marghoz)

SUMMARY: Testicular descent is a complex process that only occurs in mammals. The role of the gubernaculum during testicular descent has been explained mainly by its capacity for dilatation and contraction. This study tried to investigate the changes in the structure of the fibers and cells of the gubernaculum in different age levels of testicular descent in goat fetuses. Embryo samples were collected and grouped in such a way that 60 male goat fetuses were obtained from 100 pregnant does (Capra marghoz). The samples were classified based on the average length (CRL) of the used embryos into 6 age groups. Tissues of the gubernaculum were stained using Masson's Trichrome method to observe collagen fibers under light microscopy. In the present study, growth and orientation of collagen fibers of gubernaculum were observed from the age of 51 days in a manner that the arrangement and order of fibroblasts and collagens to be associated with the onset of testicular migration order and collagen fibers until the end of the third month. Further, changes in the cell arrays and strings were observed after the age of 111 days in such a way that near the birth date, the gubernaculum converted into atrophy tissue. It can be said that from the beginning of the period of testicular descent until its completion, the tissue of the gubernaculum undergoes cellular changes, such as deformation and increase and secretion in connective fibers.

El descenso testicular es un proceso complejo que solo ocurre en los mamíferos. El papel del gubernaculum durante este proceso se ha explicado principalmente por su capacidad de dilatarse y contraerse. En este trabajo, se investigaron los cambios en la estructura de las fibras y células del gubernaculum en diferentes etapas del descenso testicular y edades en fetos de cabra. Se recolectaron muestras de embriones, agrupándose de manera que se obtuvieron 60 fetos de macho cabrío a partir de 100 hembras preñadas (Capra marghoz). Las muestras se clasificaron según la longitud media (CRL) de los embriones utilizados, dividiéndose en seis grupos de edad. Los tejidos del gubernaculum se tiñeron utilizando la técnica de Tricrómico de Masson para observar las fibras de colágeno bajo microscopía óptica. En el presente estudio, se observó el crecimiento y la orientación de las fibras colágenas del gubernaculum a partir de los 51 días de edad. La disposición y el orden de los fibroblastos y colágeno se asociaron con el inicio de la migración testicular, observándose las fibras colágenas hasta el final del tercer mes. Además, se detectaron cambios en las matrices y cadenas de células después de los 111 días de edad. Cerca de la fecha de nacimiento, el gubernaculum se convirtió en tejido atrofiado. En conclusión, desde el inicio hasta la finalización del período de descenso testicular, el tejido del gubernaculum sufre cambios celulares, como deformación y aumento de secreción en las fibras conectivas.

Fetal ductus arteriosus constriction associated with citronella maternal use.

Constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus is a condition that narrows the ductus arteriosus and can lead to death, so the importance of prior diagnosis. Citronella, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause constriction of the fetal duct.

Diagnóstico de malformación del desarrollo cortical en embarazo gemelar monocorial: reporte de caso / Diagnosis of malformation of the cortical development in a monochorial twin pregnancy: case report

Introducción: Las malformaciones del desarrollo cortical se deben a alteraciones en la migración del neuroblasto durante la formación de la corteza cerebral. Se desconoce su frecuencia en embarazos monocoriales. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de un embarazo monocorial con diagnóstico de malformación del desarrollo cortical en uno de los fetos y revisar la literatura referente a su diagnóstico y pronóstico. Método: Mujer de 19 años, embarazo monocorial biamniótico de 26 semanas, que acudió con estudio ecográfico y resonancia fetal que evidenció en uno de los fetos asimetría de los hemisferios cerebrales, hipoplasia de la cisura de Silvio izquierda con simplificación del patrón giral por focos de paquigiria y polimicrogiria, con confirmación posnatal de alteración en la migración neuronal asociada a hipoplasia vermiana. Resultados: Se encontraron en la literatura tres casos de embarazo múltiple monocorial con trastorno de la migración neuronal con recién nacidos vivos. Los hallazgos más comunes fueron microcefalia, lisencefalia e hipoplasia cerebelosa. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico prenatal del trastorno de la migración neuronal se realiza con ecografía y resonancia fetal. La más frecuente es la alteración de la migración neuronal tipo II. El pronóstico depende del tipo de alteración; sin embargo, la mayoría de los casos presentan trastornos epileptiformes con alteraciones del neurodesarrollo.

Introduction: Malformations of cortical development are the result from alterations in the neuroblast migration during the cerebral cortex formation. Its frequency in monochorial multiple pregnancies remains unknown. Objective: To report a case of monochorial multiple pregnancy with diagnosis of malformation of the cortical development in one of the fetuses. In addition, to review the literature regarding the diagnosis and prognosis of this entity. Method: A 19-year-old female with a monochorial diamniotic pregnancy of 26 weeks gestation, arrived with an ultrasound anatomy scan visit, and fetal magnetic resonance imaging, we detected asymmetry in the cerebral hemispheres one of the fetuses, hypoplasia of the left sulcus of Sylvius with simplification of the gyrus pattern due to clusters of pachygyria and polymicrogyria. Those findings were confirmed afterbirth, with a definite diagnosis of neuronal migration disorder associated with vermian hypoplasia. Results: Three cases of monochorial pregnancy with neuronal migration disorder with live newborn, common findings like microcephaly, lissencephaly and vermian hypoplasia. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis with neuronal migration disorder is done via ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Neuronal migration disorders type II are the most common of them. Prognosis depends on the type of disorder; however, most patients have epileptiform activity and neurodevelopment impairment.

Fetal tetralogy of Fallot: Three-dimensional virtual and physical models from ultrasound scan data findings.

Three-dimensional reconstructions provide a spatial view of the congenital heart disease with a better understanding of the pathology for parents and allow interactive discussion among the medical team (maternal-fetal medicine specialist, neonatology, pediatric cardiology, and cardiovascular surgeon) and improve both objective knowledge and learner satisfaction for medical students.

Intestinal alterations and mild glucose homeostasis impairments in the offspring born to overweight rats.

The gut plays a crucial role in metabolism by regulating the passage of nutrients, water and microbial-derived substances to the portal circulation. Additionally, it produces incretins, such as glucose-insulinotropic releasing peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like derived peptide 1 (GLP1, encoded by gcg gene) in response to nutrient uptake. We aimed to investigate whether offspring from overweight rats develop anomalies in the barrier function and incretin transcription. We observed pro-inflammatory related changes along with a reduction in Claudin-3 levels resulting in increased gut-permeability in fetuses and offspring from overweight rats. Importantly, we found decreased gip mRNA levels in both fetuses and offspring from overweight rats. Differently, gcg mRNA levels were upregulated in fetuses, downregulated in female offspring and unchanged in male offspring from overweight rats. When cultured with high glucose, intestinal explants showed an increase in gip and gcg mRNA levels in control offspring. In contrast, offspring from overweight rats did not exhibit any response in gip mRNA levels. Additionally, while females showed no response, male offspring from overweight rats did exhibit an upregulation in gcg mRNA levels. Furthermore, female and male offspring from overweight rats showed sex-dependent anomalies when orally challenged with a glucose overload, returning to baseline glucose levels after 120 min. These results open new research questions about the role of the adverse maternal metabolic condition in the programming of impairments in glucose homeostasis, enteroendocrine function and gut barrier function in the offspring from overweight mothers and highlight the importance of a perinatal maternal healthy metabolism.

Mechanistic Framework to Predict Maternal-Placental-Fetal Pharmacokinetics of Nifedipine Employing Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach.

Nifedipine is used for treating mild to severe hypertension and preventing preterm labor in pregnant women. Nevertheless, concerns about nifedipine fetal exposure and safety are always raised. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a maternal-placental-fetal nifedipine physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and apply the model to predict maternal, placental, and fetal exposure to nifedipine at different pregnancy stages. A nifedipine PBPK model was verified with nonpregnant data and extended to the pregnant population after the inclusion of the fetoplacental multicompartment model that accounts for the placental tissue and different fetal organs within the Simcyp Simulator version 22. Model parametrization involved scaling nifedipine transplacental clearance based on Caco-2 permeability, and fetal hepatic clearance was obtained from in vitro to in vivo extrapolation encompassing cytochrome P450 3A7 and 3A4 activities. Predicted concentration profiles were compared with in vivo observations and the transplacental transfer results were evaluated using 2-fold criteria. The PBPK model predicted a mean cord-to-maternal plasma ratio of 0.98 (range, 0.86-1.06) at term, which agrees with experimental observations of 0.78 (range, 0.59-0.93). Predicted nifedipine exposure was 1.4-, 2.0-, and 3.0-fold lower at 15, 27, and 39 weeks of gestation when compared with nonpregnant exposure, respectively. This innovative PBPK model can be applied to support maternal and fetal safety assessment for nifedipine at various stages of pregnancy.

Partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus after frozen embryo transplantation: a case report.

Hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus is a very rare condition of which etiology is still inconclusive. It may occur after assisted reproduction, often leading to the death of normal embryos and other serious complications. We report a case of partial hydatidiform mole and coexisting fetus after frozen embryo transplantation. More than two months after the patient underwent transplantation with two blastocysts (scored 4AB and 4BC), B-ultrasound showed a single live fetus with a large dense dotted strong echo area. The patient was treated with chemotherapy after the termination of pregnancy due to persistently increased human chorionic gonadotropin levels. Many studies have described trophoblast quality as a strong predictor of pregnancy. In the case in question, in addition to partial hydatidiform mole caused by multiple sperm entering the egg, we also speculate that the condition may be related to the poor quality of the trophoblastic ectoderm of the transferred embryo. In the process of assisted reproduction, the transfer of embryos with poor trophoblastic ectoderm in multiple embryo transfers may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

Antepartum Fetal Surveillance and Optimal Timing of Delivery in Diabetic Women: A Narrative Review.

Antepartum fetal surveillance (AFS) is essential for pregnant women with diabetes to mitigate the risk of stillbirth. However, there is still no universal consensus on the optimal testing method, testing frequency, and delivery timing. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the evidence concerning AFS and the most advantageous timing for delivery in both gestational and pregestational diabetes mellitus cases. This review's methodology involved an extensive literature search encompassing international diabetes guidelines and scientific databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The review process meticulously identified and utilized pertinent articles for analysis. Within the scope of this review, a thorough examination revealed five prominent international guidelines predominantly addressing gestational diabetes. These guidelines discuss the utility and timing of fetal well-being assessments and recommendations for optimal pregnancy resolution timing. However, the scarcity of clinical trials directly focused on this subject led to a reliance on observational studies as the basis for most recommendations. Glucose control, maternal comorbidities, and the medical management received are crucial in making decisions regarding AFS and determining the appropriate delivery timing.

Description of the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament in fetal specimens and its potential clinical implications.

PURPOSE: The increase in ankle sprains in children is a reflection of the greater inclusion of this population in sports. This places the calcaneofibular (CFL) and the anterior talofibular (ATFL) ligaments in focus for study. In adults, the presence of arcuate fibers extending between these two ligaments suggests the existence of a new anatomical and functional complex called the lateral fibulotalocalcaneal ligament of the ankle (LFTCL), which can be associated with the persistence of instability of the talocrural joint in ankle sprains. This study aimed to verify the presence of arciform fibers between the CFL and ATFL in human fetuses and to study the topography of the lateral ankle region. METHODS: Forty matched fetal ankles aged between 28 and 38 weeks, fixed in 4% formalin, were macroscopically, chemically and mesoscopically dissected and analyzed in stereoscope. RESULTS: The ATFL was characterized as a capsular ligament consisting of two fascicles (proximal and distal). The CFL was characterized as an extracapsular ligament. The LFTCL complex was verified in all specimens, characterized by the arcuate fibers between the ATFL and the CFL. CONCLUSION: Such results suggest that this functional unit is congenital and that it should be taken into consideration in the treatment of persistent ankle instabilities in the pediatric population.

Evaluation of cardiac contractility of fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate cardiac contractility in fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 40 fetuses from nondiabetic pregnancies and 28 pregestational diabetic pregnancies between 20 and 33 weeks and 6 days. Cardiac contractility was assessed by measuring the ventricular myocardial area in diastole subtracted from the ventricular myocardial area in systole. RESULTS: Pregestational diabetic pregnancies had a lower maternal age than nondiabetic pregnancies (26.7 vs. 39.9 years, p=0.019). Cardiac contractility in fetuses from diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancies was similar (p=0.293). A moderately positive and significant correlation was observed between gestational age and cardiac contractility (r=0.46, p=0.0004). A 1-week increase in gestational age was responsible for a 0.1386 cm2 increase in cardiac contractility. CONCLUSION: Cardiac contractility as evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode showed no significant differences across fetuses with and without pregestational diabetes.

Mode of delivery according to Robson classification and perinatal outcomes in restricted and small for gestational age fetuses

Abstract Objective To evaluate the mode of delivery according to Robson classification (RC) and the perinatal outcomes in fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. Methods Retrospective cohort study by analyzing medical records of singleton pregnancies from two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). FGR was defined according to Delphi Consensus. The Robson groups were divided into two intervals (1-5.1 and 5.2-10). Results Total of 852 cases were included: FGR (n = 85), SGA (n = 20) and control (n=747). FGR showed higher percentages of newborns < 1,500 grams (p<0.001) and higher overall cesarean section (CS) rates (p<0.001). FGR had the highest rates of neonatal resuscitation and neonatal intensive care unit admission (p<0.001). SGA and control presented higher percentage of patients classified in 1 - 5.1 RC groups, while FGR had higher percentage in 5.2 - 10 RC groups (p<0.001). FGR, SGA and control did not differ in the mode of delivery in the 1-5.1 RC groups as all groups showed a higher percentage of vaginal deliveries (p=0.476). Conclusion Fetuses with FGR had higher CS rates and worse perinatal outcomes than SGA and control fetuses. Most FGR fetuses were delivered by cesarean section and were allocated in 5.2 to 10 RC groups, while most SGA and control fetuses were allocated in 1 to 5.1 RC groups. Vaginal delivery occurred in nearly 60% of FGR allocated in 1-5.1 RC groups without a significant increase in perinatal morbidity. Therefore, the vaginal route should be considered in FGR fetuses.

The impact of a biocellulose-based repair of fetal open spina bifida on the need to untether the cord: is it time to unify techniques for prenatal repair?

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the need for cord untethering after prenatal repair of open spina bifida using a unique biocellulose-based technique performed at a later gestational age. Methods: An observational cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of tethered cord syndrome. Between May 2013 and May 2022, we performed 172 procedures using the percutaneous fetoscopic approach in fetuses at 26-28 weeks of gestation. After placode dissection, a biocellulose patch was placed to cover the placode, a myofascial flap (when possible) was dissected, and the skin was closed. Owing to death or loss to follow-up, 23 cases were excluded. Cord tethering syndrome was defined as symptoms of medullary stretching, and the infants were evaluated and operated on by local neurosurgeons after an magnetic resonance imaging examination. Infants over 30-month had ambulation and neurodevelopment evaluations (PEDI scale). Results: Among 172 cases operated at a median gestational age of 26.7 weeks and delivered at 33.2 weeks, 149 cases were available for postnatal follow-up, and cord untethering was needed in 4.4% of cases (6/136; excluding 13 cases younger than 12 months). Cerebrospinal fluid diversion and bladder catheterization were needed in 38% and 36% of cases, respectively. Of the 78 cases evaluated at 30 months, 49% were ambulating independently, and 94% had normal social function. Conclusion: The biocellulose-based technique was associated with a low rate of cord tethering, wich may be attributed to the lack of the duramater suture during prenatal repair, the formation of a neoduramater and/or later gestational age of surgery.