Development of fetal intestinal length during 2nd-trimester in normal and pathologic pregnancies.

Linear growth of the human fetal gastrointestinal tract is not often discussed in the literature, and little is known about the effects of chromosomal abnormalities and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on intestinal length, especially during the 2nd trimester. Accurate evaluation of intestinal length and knowledge of normal and reference values are of clinical importance. For example, intestinal resection may be necessary in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis or mid-gut volvulus, and the surgeon should use data to be judicious in the amount removed. Linear measurements are essential in evaluating fetal development ultrasonographically and are an integral part of the postmortem examination. The intestinal lengths of 203 2nd-trimester fetuses and premature infants were measured. Small intestine length (SIL), colon length (CL), total bowel length (TBL; TBL  =  SIL + CL), and the length of the appendix (AL) increased with gestational age. No differences between the genders were observed. Colon length increased secondary to maceration, but no such effects were shown on SIL, TBL, or AL. No differences were shown in relation to IUGR. Small intestine length, CL, and TBL, but not AL, were shorter in fetuses with trisomy 21. Appendix length was not affected by any of the studied factors. We propose that the measurement of the length of the appendix may be used as an additional parameter for the postmortem evaluation of gestational age. Furthermore, its assessment may have potential as an ultrasonographic indicator of gestational age, particularly for the 2nd trimester.

The number of CD68(+) (Hofbauer) cells is decreased in placentas with chorioamnionitis and with advancing gestational age.

Hofbauer cells are placental macrophages found in chorionic villous stroma; they express classic monocyte/macrophage markers, such as CD68. Little is known about their participation in placental disease and immunologic interactions at the placental interface. The aim of this study was to quantify the amount of Hofbauer cells in placentas complicated, or not, by chorioamnionitis and in placentas from different gestational ages. Fifty-eight 2nd- and 3rd-trimester placentas with the histologic diagnosis of acute chorioamnionitis were compared with 42 control placentas matched according to gestational age. Immunohistochemistry evaluation was performed with a monoclonal anti-CD68 antibody. Five areas of each placenta were photographed and 5 investigators, with the help of a computerized image analysis program, independently evaluated the number of CD68(+) cells. Our results showed that there are significantly fewer CD68(+) cells per villous area in placentas diagnosed with chorioamnionitis than in those of controls (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant overall decrease in the number of these cells in 3rd as compared with 2nd trimester placentas (P  =  0.02), as well as in placentas from term as compared to preterm pregnancies (P  =  0.004). Our data indicate that CD68(+) Hofbauer cells may be involved in placental infection and possibly associated with the developmental maturation of the fetoplacental unit.

The Stockholm classification of stillbirth.

OBJECTIVE: To design and validate a classification system for audit groups working with stillbirth. The classification includes well-defined primary and associated conditions related to fetal death. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: All delivery wards in Stockholm. POPULATION: Stillbirths from 22 completed weeks in Stockholm, Sweden. METHODS: Parallel to audit work, the Stockholm stillbirth group has developed a classification of conditions related to stillbirth. The classification has been validated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The classification and the results of the validation are presented. RESULT: The classification with 17 groups identifying underlying conditions related to stillbirth (primary diagnoses) and associated factors which may have contributed to the death (associated diagnoses) is described. The conditions are subdivided into definite, probable and possible relation to the death. An evaluation of 382 cases of stillbirth during 2002-2005 resulted in 382 primary diagnoses and 132 associated diagnoses. The most common conditions identified were intrauterine growth restriction/placental insufficiency (23%), infection (19%), malformations/chromosomal abnormalities (12%). The 'unexplained' group together with the 'unknown' group comprised 18%. Validation was done by reclassification of 95 cases from 2005 by six investigators. The overall agreement regarding primary diagnosis was substantial (kappa=0.70). CONCLUSIONS: The Stockholm classification of stillbirth consists of 17 diagnostic groups allowing one primary diagnosis and if needed, associated diagnoses. Diagnoses are subdivided according to definite, probable and possible relation to stillbirth. Validation showed high degree of agreement regarding primary diagnosis. The classification can provide a useful tool for clinicians and audit groups when discussing cause and underlying conditions of fetal death.

Correlation between ultrasound and autopsy findings after 2nd trimester terminations of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasound (US) and fetal autopsy findings in 2(nd) trimester termination of pregnancy because of structural fetal anomalies. METHODS: A total of 112 terminations of pregnancy (TOP) between 1999-2003 were reviewed retrospectively. The cases originated from a secondary and a tertiary Fetal Medicine unit in the south Stockholm area, using a common specialized perinatal pathology service. Karyotype was not known at the time of US examination. The findings were compared and classified into four groups according to the degree of agreement between US and autopsy. RESULTS: In 45% of cases there was total agreement between US and autopsy. In 40%, autopsy confirmed all US findings but provided additional information of clinical importance. Partial or total lack of agreement was noted in 11% and 4% of the cases, respectively. Areas of discrepancy involved mainly CNS- and cardiovascular abnormalities and, to a lesser extent, renal anomalies, abdominal wall defects and hydrops/hygroma. Regarding CNS abnormalities the overall rate of agreement was 62%; it was highest in acrania/anencephaly (92%) and lowest in hydrocephaly (39%). CONCLUSION: We find an overall high degree of agreement between US and autopsy findings. Autopsy often provided additional information of clinical value and it should always follow US examination and TOP. Fixation of CNS is crucial for optimal results. Specific limitations of autopsy, i.e., detection of CNS abnormalities, may be reduced by complementary imaging techniques, such as MRI. The ability of US to detect cardiac anomalies is enhanced with the close contact to specialized fetal cardiology.