Obstetric outcomes in pregnancies with normal nuchal translucency and abnormal ductus venosus Doppler in the first trimester ultrasonography.

In the present case-control study, we evaluated obstetric outcomes of pregnancies with normal nuchal translucency (NT) and abnormal ductus venosus (DV) Doppler findings in the first trimester combined screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. All study patients underwent DV Doppler examination, concurrent with the combined screening test. DV Doppler revealed pathologic findings in 14 pregnant women despite normal NT after the elimination of lost to follow-up and foetal anomaly. Obstetric outcomes of the case patients were compared with a control group that were matched for mean gestational age, and Crown-rump length with normal NT and DV Doppler measurements was selected comprising 88 pregnant women. Regarding maternal outcomes, women with abnormal DV Doppler findings had a higher rate of placental abruption, delivered at an earlier mean gestational age (preterm delivery). Interestingly, a higher rate of spontaneous vaginal delivery rate was observed in these patients. From the foetal perspective, pregnancies with abnormal DV Doppler had lower birth weight and received lower Apgar scores. In conclusion, an abnormal DV Doppler test in the first trimester was associated with poor maternal and foetal obstetric outcomes. These findings should be elucidated in future studies.

Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels in the amniotic fluid as indicators of preterm delivery in Turkish women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the value of amniotic fluid interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the prediction of preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies without any known risk factors for preterm delivery in Turkish women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in the present perinatology department who underwent mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis due to evidence of increased risk of aneuploidy in their prenatal serum screening tests were included in the study. A sample of amniotic fluid from each patient was assessed for IL-6 and CRP. Concentrations of IL-6 and CRP in the amniotic fluid of preterm delivery and term delivery groups were compared. RESULTS: Of 151 singleton pregnancies, 142 participants were included in the study. The participants were assigned to either the preterm or term delivery group based on pregnancy outcome. IL-6 levels in the amniotic fluid were significantly higher in the preterm delivery group, and there was a statistically significant negative correlation between IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid and gestational age at delivery (correlation coefficient (CC): -18.5%, p < 0.05). A negative correlation was also detected between CRP levels in the amniotic fluid and gestational age at delivery, but the correlation was not statistically significant (p = 0.068). CONCLUSION: Measuring IL-6 in the amniotic fluid can identify women at risk of preterm delivery. Because it is not acceptable to perform amniocentesis for this screening, it is more convenient for patients in whom genetic amniocentesis is performed.