Relationship between periodontal inflammation and fetal growth in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

Purpose

Periodontal disease in pregnant women, evaluated by probing pocket depth (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL), significantly increases the risk of subsequent preterm birth (PB) and/or low birth weight (LBW). However, PPD and CAL do not always reflect current periodontal tissue inflammation. Therefore, assessment of bleeding on probing index (BOP), an indicator of periodontal inflammation, may be appropriate. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between periodontal inflammation and fetal growth in pregnant women after periodontal treatment.

Methods

We recruited 203 pregnant women (mean age 31.8 ± 4.5 years), including 20 subjects with periodontal inflammation and 183 periodontally healthy controls, after periodontal treatment. Fetal growth parameters as well as periodontal conditions were recorded.

Results

Perinatal gestational age was 39.4 ± 1.3 weeks; 8 subjects had a PB and 12 had an infant with a LBW. Results of multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that birth length was negatively correlated with BOP% (β = ?0.175; p = 0.002). Fetal femur length, and birth length and weight among mothers with low periodontal inflammation were significantly higher than those among mothers with high periodontal inflammation (p < 0.05). The LBW rate in the high periodontal inflammation group was significantly higher than that in the low periodontal inflammation group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that periodontal inflammation is correlated with fetal femur length, birth weight, and birth length.     

Prevalence of Overt and Subclinical Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pregnant Women and Its Effect on Maternal and Fetal Outcome

Aim

To determine the current prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in normal pregnant women and to study the impact of thyroid dysfunction on maternal and fetal outcome.

Methods

400 pregnant women between 13 and 26 weeks of gestation were registered for the study. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, TSH tests were done. Free T4 and anti-TPO antibody tests were done in patients with deranged TSH. Patients were followed up till delivery. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted.

Results

The prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was 12 and 1.25 %, respectively. Adverse maternal effects in overt hypothyroidism included preeclampsia (16.6 vs. 7.8 %) and placental abruption (16.6 vs. 0.8 %). Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with preeclampsia (22.3 vs. 7.8 %) as compared to the euthyroid patients. Adverse fetal outcomes in overt hypothyroidism included spontaneous abortion (16.6 vs. 2.39 %), preterm birth (33.3 vs. 5.8 %), low birth weight (50 vs. 12.11 %), intrauterine growth retardation (25 vs. 4.9 %), and fetal death (16.6 vs. 1.7 %) as compared to the euthyroid women. Adverse fetal outcomes in subclinical hypothyroidism included spontaneous abortion (5.5 vs. 2.39 %), preterm delivery (11.2 vs. 5.8 %), low birth weight (25 vs. 12.11 %), and intrauterine growth retardation (8.4 vs. 4.9 %) as compared to the euthyroid women.

Conclusions

The prevalence of thyroid disorders was high in our study with associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Routine screening of thyroid dysfunction is recommended to prevent adverse fetal and maternal outcome.     

Assessment of Antepartum Fetal Growth by Customized “GROW” Curves Versus Noncustomized Growth Curves in Correlation with Neonatal Growth Pattern

Objective

To study the antepartum fetal growth between customized “GROW” curves and noncustomized growth curves with neonatal growth pattern.

Method

Fetal growth scans are performed between 30 and 35 weeks to singleton mother. Estimated fetal weights (EFWs) were determined using ultrasound variables (biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length). This EFW is plotted on SONOCARE software [noncustomized growth curves developed by Medialogic solutions (P) Ltd., Chennai, India] and customized “GROW” curves to determine the type of antenatal fetal growth as AGA, small for gestational age (SGA), or large for gestational age (LGA). The fetuses were followed longitudinally till birth, and the newborns’ growth patterns were determined according to birth weight at the gestational age of delivery (<10th percentile for gestational age as SGA and >90th percentile as LGA) and compared to antenatal prediction of fetal growth patterns determined by noncustomized growth curves and customized “GROW” curves.

Results

According to noncustomized growth curve at antenatal period, 93 % fetuses are AGA; 5.6 % are LGA, and 1 % are SGA. According to customized GROW curves, when the same EFW is plotted on GROW curves, 83 % are found to be AGA, 6.8 % LGA, and 10 % SGA. At postnatal period, according to newborn growth curve, 87.8 % are AGA, 8.8 % LGA, 3.4 % SGA. Sensitivity of customized “GROW” curves is more than that of noncustomized growth curves (45.45 vs. 18.18 %) for detection of SGA fetus.

Conclusion

Antenatal predictions of SGA baby by ultrasonography can be almost doubled with customized “GROW” curves than noncustomized growth curves. Customized GROW curves also better predict perinatal morbidities like neonatal jaundice and NICU admission. Antenatal serial fetal growth monitoring should be done with customized GROW curves.     

Comparison of fetal outcome in premature vaginal or cesarean breech delivery at 24–37 gestational weeks

Purpose

To compare the fetal outcome of preterm breech infants delivered vaginally (VD) or by cesarean section (CS).

Methods

A monocentric, retrospective consecutive case series of preterm breech deliveries between 24–37 gestational weeks over 10 years from 1/2000 to 12/2009 was performed in a perinatal care center (Level 1) at the University Clinic of Salzburg, Austria. Data from hospital database were statistically analyzed and compared regarding birth weight, head circumference, parity, transfer rate to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), arterial and venous cord blood pH and base excess (BE), arterial cord blood pH ≤ 7.10 and BE ≤ ?11. Special focus was on fetal outcome of elective CS preterm breech deliveries with a non-urgent medical indication compared to VD.

Results

Among 22.115 deliveries, there were 346 live-born preterm singletons and twins in breech presentation (1.56 %), born between 24 + 0 and 37 + 0 gestational weeks. 180 CS and 36 vaginally delivered preterm breech infants were statistically evaluated. On comparing CS vs. VD for premature breech singletons, arterial cord blood pH and BE were lower in the VD group. VD twins had a lower arterial cord blood pH than CS twins. All other parameters were comparable. In preterm breech singletons with non-urgent CS, a statistical analysis was not possible due to small numbers. The VD twin group revealed lower values in birth weight, head circumference, arterial cord blood pH and BE, but no significant difference in venous cord blood pH and BE and transfer rate to NICU.

Conclusions

Although general recommendations regarding a superior mode of delivery for improved fetal outcome of preterm breech infants cannot be given, these data do not support a policy of routine CS.     

Study of Length of Umbilical Cord and Fetal Outcome: A Study of 1,000 Deliveries

Objective

To study the correlation of umbilical cord length with fetal parameters like Apgar score, sex, weight, and length, and its effect on labor outcome.

Design

Prospective study of 1,000 cases.

Setting

Government Hospital

Material and Method

Examination of umbilical cord was done for any loop around neck, trunk, etc; no. of loops of cord and positions; Knots of cord (True or false), any cord abnormalities. Fetal parameters recorded were sex, weight, and length of the newborn. Fetal outcome studied by Apgar score at 1 and 5 min.

Results

In our study, the cord length varied from 24 to 124 cm. The mean cord length was 63.86 cm (±15.69 cm). Maximum cases seen were in the group of cord length between 51 and 60 cm. Lower 5th percentile was considered as short cord and upper 5th percentile was considered as long cord. Short-cord group was associated with significantly higher (p < 0.05) incidence of LSCS cases. Cord length did not vary according to the weight, length, and sex of the baby. The incidence of all types of cord complications increases as the cord length increases (p < 0.001*). Nuchal cords had higher mean cord length than in cases without nuchal cords (p < 0.001). As the number of loops in a nuchal cord increases to more than two loops, the operative interference increases. The significance was tested by using a Chi-square test, and it was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Nuchal cords were seen to be associated with more cases of fetal heart abnormalities (p < 0.001). There is higher incidence of variability in fetal heart rate with extremes of cord length (p < 0.001). The incidence of birth asphyxia was significantly more in long and short cords as compared to cords with normal cord length (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study showed that the length of umbilical cord is variable; however, maximum number of cases had normal cord length. Cases which had short and long cords constituted abnormal cord length. These cases had higher incidence of cord complications, increased incidence of operative interference, intrapartum complications, increased fetal heart rate abnormalities, and more chances of birth asphyxia. But cord length did not vary according to the weight, length, and sex of the baby.     

Placental Thickness: Its Correlation with Ultrasonographic Gestational Age in Normal and Intrauterine Growth-Retarded Pregnancies in the Late Second and Third Trimester

Objective

The aim was to study the correlation of placental thickness, measured at the level of the umbilical cord insertion, with the ultrasonographic gestational age in normal and IUGR pregnancies in the late second and third trimester.

Materials and Methods

A total of 498 patients were observed for correlation of the placental thickness with ultrasonographic gestational age and their outcomes by dividing them into Group A (outcome fetal weight < 2,500 g, n = 122) and Group B (fetal weight > 2,500 g, n = 376). The mean placental thickness was calculated at the umbilical cord insertion in both groups along with ultrasonographic fetal age and estimated fetal weight. The mean values of placental thickness along with respective standard deviation were calculated from the 24th to 39th week of gestational age.

Results

A positive correlation was observed between placental thickness and ultrasonographic gestational age in both groups (p value of 0.01), with Pearson’s correlation coefficient (“r”) values of 0.325 in Group A and 0.135 in Group B. Regression analysis yielded linear equations of relationship with placental thickness and gestational age in both groups. The placental thickness was also found to be lower in Group A between 26 and 27 weeks and 30 and 31 weeks, having mean values of 2.48 ± 0.063 cm (p value of 0.042) and 2.76 ± 0.552 (p value of 0.05) in Group A as compared to 3.04 ± 0.25 and 3.13 ± 0.183 cm in Group B.

Conclusions

Placental thickness measured at the level of umbilical cord insertion can be used as an accurate sonographic indicator in assessment of gestational age in singleton pregnancies because of its linear correlation.     

An Induced Abortion Complicated by Fallopian Tube Incarceration in the Uterine Cavity

Objective(s)

We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of amniotic fluid index (AFI) (<5) for adverse perinatal outcome in terms of cesarean section for fetal distress, birth weight, meconium staining, Apgar scores, and cord pH at birth.

Method(s)

This was a prospective study of 200 antenatal women booked at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital during the years 2009–2011 with gestational age between 34 and 41 weeks. The women’s history, clinical examination recorded, and AFI were measured and the perinatal outcome was compared between two groups, i.e., AFI < 5 and >5.

Result(s)

The cesarean section rate for fetal distress and low birth weight babies, <2.5 kg, was higher in patients with oligohydramnios (p = 0.048, 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in meconium staining, Apgar score at 5 min <7, and cord pH at birth between the two groups (p = 0.881, 0.884, 0.764, respectively).

Conclusions

Oligohydramnios has a significant correlation with cesarean section for fetal distress and low birth weight babies.     

An Analysis of Pregnancy Outcome in Dichorionic and Monochorionic Twins Given Special Antenatal and Intranatal Care: A Four-Year Survey

Objective

The present study aims to analyze perinatal outcomes in twins given special care during pregnancy and labor and to compare fetal and neonatal outcomes in dichorionic twins with monochorionic twins.

Study Design

Eighty eight (88) twin pregnancies booked for care at a tertiary care Fetal Medicine centre were included in this study. The maternal demographic variables, course of pregnancy, fetal problems, and specialized fetal therapeutic and diagnostic interventions were noted. The above parameters were compared in the sub-groups of dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies and related to the perinatal outcome. Statistical analysis was done using the student’s t test and the two-tailed chi sqaure tests with Yate’s continuity correction. A p value <0.05 was considered as significant.

Results

Mean maternal age was 30.34 + 4.81 years (range 19–48). 81 % of the twins were DCDA, and 19 % were MCDA. The mean gestational age at delivery was 34.4 ± 3.5 weeks, and this was not significantly different in MCDA and DCDA groups. Serious fetal problems warranting intervention at the time of initial referral were significantly higher in MCDA twins although overall perinatal outcome in both groups were not different.

Conclusion

Specialized care during pregnancy and labor including active fetal surveillance and therapeutic intervention when indicated improves the perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies and ensured at least one healthy live birth in over 90 % cases, although with an increase in late prematurity.     

The impact of different sides of the absent umbilical artery on fetal growth in an isolated single umbilical artery

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether laterality of an absent umbilical artery (AUA) is associated with fetal growth in fetuses with isolated single umbilical artery (SUA).

Methods

Fifty singleton pregnancies were studied, including 26 cases with a right AUA and 24 cases with a left AUA in isolated SUA, and 200 singleton pregnancies with a three-vessel cord. Delivery data, including gestational age and birth weight and height, were recorded. Compare the birth weight and height in fetuses between the different sides of an AUA and the three-vessel cord by covariance analysis.

Results

The mean difference was 0.25 kg (SD 0.05; P < 0.05) in birth weight between fetuses with a left AUA and a three-vessel cord. The mean difference was 1.03 cm (SD 0.56; P < 0.05) in birth height between fetuses with a left AUA and a three-vessel cord. No significant differences were observed in birth weight and height between fetuses with a right AUA and those with a three-vessel cord.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the birth weight and height of fetuses with a left AUA in isolated SUA are lower than those with a three-vessel cord.     

Fetal mid-thigh soft-tissue thickness: a novel method for fetal weight estimation

Purpose

To derive a novel formula for fetal weight estimation utilizing the linear measurement of mid-thigh soft-tissue thickness (STT).

Methods

300 women, with singleton uncomplicated pregnancy, were included in a prospective cross-sectional study. The study included four consecutive phases: phase (1) validated the original Scioscia’s formula, phase (2) derived a novel modified formula for fetal weight estimation, phase (3) validated the novel modified formula, and phase (4) evaluated the agreement between the modified and original formulae.

Results

A statistically significant correlation was found between actual fetal weight (AFW) and various sonographic biometric measurements including mid-thigh STT (r ² = 0.656, p < 0.001), femur length (FL) (r ² = 0.573, p < 0.001), bi-parietal diameter (BPD) (r ² = 0.250, p < 0.001), abdominal circumference (AC) (r ² = 0.310, p < 0.001), and estimated fetal weight (EFW) using the original Scioscia’s formula (r ² = 0.644, p < 0.001). The modified formula showed a better signed % difference (median = ?0.41 %, IQR ?1.88 to 2.03) than the original formula (median = ?0.51 %, IQR ?2.33 to 2.00). It was noted that, using the original formula, 88.7 % of the sample had absolute error below 5 and 98.3 % of the sample had absolute error below 10 %. On the other hand, using the modified formula, 87.3 % of the sample had absolute error below 5 %, while 97.3 % had absolute error below 10 %. The agreement between the two formulae was moderate as 134 patients out of 150 had similar ranking (κ = 0.57).

Conclusion

Fetal mid-thigh SST is a simple, useful, and easily applicable parameter for fetal weight estimation.     

Normal range for fetal urine production rate customized by biometry

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for fetal urine production (UPR) using biometric parameters.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed in 110 normal singleton fetuses with gestational ages ranging from 20 to 40 weeks. UPR was measured using tridimensional ultrasound (3-DUS) virtual organ computer-aided analysis. UPR (ml/h) was calculated during the filling phase using the equation, UPR = (VFB2?VFB1)/time. The values for UPR were plotted as a function of fetal biometry (femur, humerus, abdominal circumference, and head circumference and biparietal diameter) to obtain a nomogram for each parameter.

Results

A total of 110 normal singleton fetuses with gestational age between 20 and 40 weeks were investigated. Five of them were excluded because the image quality was insufficient for correct visualization of the bladder contour. Linear regression analysis of UPR as a function of femur, humerus, abdominal circumference, and head circumference and biparietal diameter generated curves that represents the normal range for UPR by fetal biometry, and expressed by the following equations: (1) Humerus length (HL): ln (UPR) = ?5.9546 + 0.0958 × HL (mm); (R ² 0.6422); (2) abdominal circumference: ln (UPR) = ?1.0981 + 0.158 × AC (mm); (R ² 0.6328); (3) femur length: ln (UPR) = ?1.5133 + 0.0803 × FL (mm); (R ² 0.6611); (4) biparietal diameter ln (UPR) = ?7.8779 + 0.2368 × BPD?0.0012 × DBP²; (R ² 0.7066). Although BPD has the highest correlation coefficient (R ² 0.7066) there was no statistical significant difference between the parameters investigated for UPR prediction.

Conclusion

The use of biometric parameters for prediction of fetal UPR seems to be useful and can avoid the necessity of building local nomograms for different populations. The same strategy should be considered to other fields in fetal medicine.     

Is thrombophilia a risk factor for placenta-mediated pregnancy complications?

Purpose

To determine if thrombophilia is a risk factor for placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (PMPC) (i.e., preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death and recurrent pregnancy loss).

Methods

A 5-year retrospective cohort study. Ongoing pregnancies in women with an antecedent PMPC with thrombophilia were compared with the pregnancies in similar women without thrombophilia. The main outcome measures were mean birth weight deviations, corrected for gestational age, and recurrence of PMPC. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was employed for thromboprophylaxis only. Mann?CWhitney??s, Fisher??s and Chi-square tests were employed for comparison.

Results

PMPC recurred in 10/43 (23?%) in the thrombophilia group and in 7/41 (17?%) in the non-thrombophilia group, P?P?Conclusion Thrombophilia does hardly increase the risk of IUGR/PMPC or if so, it can be prevented by LMWH.     

An Observational Study of Various Predictors of Success of Vaginal Delivery Following a Previous Cesarean Section

Objectives

To study the various predictors of success for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and to study the maternal and fetal outcomes in them and their comparison with control group.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 100 women with previous cesarean section in the study group and 100 primigravidas in the control group. Various predictors for success of VBAC were analyzed and maternal and fetal outcomes were compared with the control group using student t test, Pearson χ ² test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Of 100 women with prior cesarean Sect. 65 had successful trial of labor, while 35 underwent a repeat cesarean section. Maternal complications in the previous CS group were 15 % as compared to only 2 % in the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, non-recurring indications of previous cesarean section, good Bishop’s score at the time of admission, spontaneous onset of labor, and neonatal birth weight were significantly related to high chances of success of vaginal birth after previous cesarean section. Maternal complications were more common in study group, but the fetal outcomes were similar.     

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins during pregnancy and related pregnancy outcomes

Purpose

To study the effect of maternal lipid profile changes in pregnancy in relation to fetal growth and development, prognosis, and complications of pregnancy.

Methods

One thousand pregnant women between 17 and 48 years of age were included in this prospective longitudinal and uni-center study. Lipid profile tests [triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL)] were first requested as part of the routine pregnancy follow-up in first antenatal visit (<14 weeks) then repeated in the last trimester (>28 weeks). The analysis included the medical, social-demographic, and nutritional status of the women as well. Primer outcome measures were defined as the association of the pregnancy-related lipid profile change to neonatal weight, the weight of the infant in third month and pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, IUGR, and preterm birth).

Results

The levels of TG, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL increased significantly as pregnancy progressed. The percentage of the change in the TG levels were higher in patients with well nutritional parameters (p = 0.033). As the percentage of change in the TG levels increased, the neonatal weight increased (p = 0.033) but no effect on the placental weight and the third month weight of the infant was seen. As the percent change in TG levels decreased, the risk of the preterm birth significantly increased. In women who were positive in 50 g screening test, but were uncomplicated with gestational diabetes mellitus, the percent change in cholesterol was lower (p = 0.010), the percent change in LDL was lower (p = 0.015), and the percent change in TG was higher (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

In pregnancy, complex alterations occur in lipid metabolism. Percent change in TG is affected positively by the nutrition level. The neonatal weight also increases as well but postnatal weight is unaffected. Conversely TG levels significantly decrease in preterm birth. No association between preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus with lipid profile changes were noted except in patients with glucose intolerance (>140 mg/dl in 50 g screening test) in which change in cholesterol, LDL was low and TG was high.     

Elevated umbilical artery systolic/diastolic ratio in the absence of fetal growth restriction

Purpose

To evaluate whether patients with isolated elevation of umbilical artery (UA) systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio are at increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of 330 patients who underwent routine evaluation at our maternal fetal medicine center. We regularly perform UA S/D ratio analysis with every third trimester sonogram. All identified patients were included and divided into four groups based on estimated fetal weight (EFW) and UA S/D ratio. Perinatal outcome was compared between the groups.

Results

Regardless of the EFW, fetuses with persistent elevated UA S/D ratio showed significantly more preterm deliveries (p < .001), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (p < .001), longer stay in the NICU (p < .001) and lower birth weight (p < .001) relative to controls. Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that being a member in any study group significantly and independently predicted birth weight less than the 10th percentile and preterm delivery. Patients with persistently elevated S/D ratio were significantly and independently from other factors, more likely to have a newborn admitted to the NICU.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a suboptimal perinatal outcome in all pregnancies with an elevated UA S/D ratio. These fetuses may benefit from intensive monitoring.     

Influence of fetal birth weight on perinatal outcome in planned vaginal births

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide information for better obstetric counseling by analyzing the impact of fetal birth weight (BW) on fetal and maternal outcome when vaginal birth is planned in a university hospital.

Methods

In this retrospective study from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2011, 5,177 singleton, alive deliveries at or >37 gestational weeks were assessed with regard to the fetal BW when vaginal birth was attempted. The normal BW group was defined as ≥2,500 <4,500 g. For comparison, further BW groups were defined as: group 1 <2,500 g, group 2 ≥4,000 <4,250 g, group 3 ≥4,250 <4,500 g and group 4 ≥4,500 g. Outcome criteria were mode of delivery and perineal lacerations as well as the pH and base excess of the umbilical cord artery, the Apgar score after 5 min and occurrence of shoulder dystocia. The set of controlling variables included maternal height, maternal weight, maternal age, gestational age, neonatal sex and parity.

Results

Second stage caesarean section is significantly more likely when fetal BW is under 2,500 g (30.7 vs. 15.5 % in the normal BW group, odds ratio 3.01, 95 % confidence interval 2.03–4.46, p value < 0.001). Shoulder dystocia occurred significantly more often when fetal BW was over 4,250 g (group 3: odds ratio 4.95, 95 % confidence interval 1.74–14.10, p value 0.003, group 4: odds ratio 19.96, 95 % confidence interval 7.61–52.38, p value < 0.001). The risk of an Apgar score after 5 min below 7 increased, when fetal BW was below 2,500 g (odds ratio 9.28, 95 % confidence interval 3.15–27.35, p value < 0.001) or above 4,500 g (odds ratio 5.65, 95 % confidence interval 1.22–26.24, p value 0.027). All groups were comparable to the normal group regarding pH and base excess of the umbilical cord artery as well as the risk for severe (third and fourth degree) perineal lacerations.

Conclusion

Although a fetal birth weight under 2,500 g and a birth weight over 4,250 g are associated with some risks, there is no general contraindication for an attempt to deliver vaginally in a university hospital with regard to fetal birth weight.     

Diagnostic biomarkers of pro-inflammatory immune-mediated preterm birth

Purpose

Pro-inflammatory immunity, either infectious or sterile-derived, is one of the major causes of preterm birth and associated with enhanced maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Diagnosing intrauterine inflammation at an early stage is tremendously important. Amniotic fluid interleukin (IL)-6 concentration is currently the most investigated diagnostic tool for detecting intrauterine inflammation.

Methods

Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from women with no signs of intrauterine infection [amniocentesis (n = 82), cesarean section (n = 110), spontaneous delivery (n = 20) and those with clinical signs of intrauterine infection or inflammation (AIS, n = 16)]. Amniotic fluid was screened by commercial ELISAs for IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, growth regulated oncogene-α (gro) α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP) 1α, MIP1β, histone, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, proIL1β and interferon γ-induced protein (IP) 10.

Results

ProIL-1β, MIP1β, IL-10 and IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in the AIS group, whereas IL-4 levels were significantly lower in the AIS group. No significant differences were found regarding IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-15, IL-17, GROα, MIP1α, histone, TNFα, ProIL1β and IP10.

Conclusion

MIP1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10 and proIL-1β might be potential singular biomarkers in diagnosing intrauterine inflammation. The combinations of elevated levels of IL-17/GROα, MIP1β/IL-15 and histone/IL-10 are new potentially advantageous biomarker combinations.     

Reliability of sonographic fetal weight estimation in triplet pregnancies: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose

To review our experience in ultrasound fetal weight estimation in our large population of triplet pregnancies.

Methods

Ninety-seven triplet pregnancies were retrospectively included between January 2003 and January 2017. Sonographic fetal weight estimation using Hadlock’s and Schild’s formulas was compared to actual birth weight in a tertiary-care center in Vienna, Austria. Statistical analyses were performed using a stepwise linear regression model and crosstabs.

Results

The median discrepancy between the sonographically estimated fetal weight by Hadlock’s formula and the actual birth weight was 106 g (IQR 56–190). The percentage error and its standard deviation were ??2.5?±?12.1%, and the median percentage error was ??3.6%. Concerning the use of Hadlock’s formula, estimated fetal weight was the most important factor predictive of actual birth weight with an estimate of 0.920 (p?<?0.001). Female neonates had been overestimated by a mean of 50.473 g per fetus. The sonographic prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates was significantly reliable (p?<?0.001), with positive and negative predictive values ranging from 81.3 to 100.0%. Similar results were obtained for Schild’s formula.

Conclusion

Even if sonographically estimated fetal weight in triplet pregnancies has a high overall accuracy of fetal weight estimation, there are some limitations in prediction of intrauterine growth restrictions, especially in female fetuses.

     

The diagnostic accuracy of pelvic measurements: threshold values and fetal size

Purpose

This study aimed to correlate pelvic dimensions and fetal size to the risk for cesarean section caused by protracted labor.

Methods

This is an observational, retrospective cohort study on pregnant women with an increased risk of labor dystocia. After pelvimetry, pelvic adequacy was clinically tested in a trial of labor. A multivariable regression analysis was made to identify the risk factors for cesarean section. Two subgroups were established according to the size of the estimated fetal head circumference (HC) (arbitrary cutoffs of ≤340 and >340 mm), and the pelvic measurements were compared by the mode of delivery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated.

Results

Altogether, 274 patients were ultimately included. The mean size of the maternal inlet was 1.0 cm larger in fetal HC >340 mm group compared with ≤340 mm. In the vaginal delivery group, the difference was 1.3 cm. In the multivariable modeling, maternal age (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.17), fetal HC (OR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.02–1.09), and maternal inlet circumference (OR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.92–0.97) had significance for the risk of cesarean section. In the ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) value for the pelvic inlet was 0.736 (p < 0.001, 95 % CI 0.656–0.816), and in the subgroups with fetal HC ≤340 and >340 mm, AUCs were 0.634 (p < 0.11, 95 % CI 0.493–0.775) and 0.836 (p < 0.001, 95 % CI 0.751–0921), respectively.

Conclusions

Labor arrest was associated with the linear relationship between the maternal pelvic dimensions and the fetal size. Therefore, the approach should be changed from standardized pelvimetric threshold values to passenger–passageway ratio analyzed by multivariable modeling to find more accurate methods to predict cephalopelvic disproportion.     

Abnormal fetal movements, micrognathia and pulmonary hypoplasia: a case report. Abnormal fetal movements

Background

Maternal weight and maternal weight gain during pregnancy exert a significant influence on infant birth weight and the incidence of macrosomia. Fetal macrosomia is associated with an increase in both adverse obstetric and neonatal outcome, and also confers a future risk of childhood obesity. Studies have shown that a low glycaemic diet is associated with lower birth weights, however these studies have been small and not randomised [1, 2]. Fetal macrosomia recurs in a second pregnancy in one third of women, and maternal weight influences this recurrence risk [3].

Methods/Design

We propose a randomised control trial of low glycaemic index carbohydrate diet vs. no dietary intervention in the prevention of recurrence of fetal macrosomia. Secundigravid women whose first baby was macrosomic, defined as a birth weight greater than 4000 g will be recruited at their first antenatal visit. Patients will be randomised into two arms, a control arm which will receive no dietary intervention and a diet arm which will be commenced on a low glycaemic index diet. The primary outcome measure will be the mean birth weight centiles and ponderal indices in each group.

Discussion

Altering the source of maternal dietary carbohydrate may prove to be valuable in the management of pregnancies where there has been a history of fetal macrosomia. Fetal macrosomia recurs in a second pregnancy in one third of women. This randomised control trial will investigate whether or not a low glycaemic index diet can affect this recurrence risk.

Current Controlled Trials Registration Number

ISRCTN54392969