Abnormal Amniotic Fluid Volume Research Articles

Risk Factors and Outcomes for Cerebral Palsy With Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury Patterns Without Documented Neonatal Encephalopathy.

Perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is a leading cause of term-born cerebral palsy, the most common lifelong physical disability. Diagnosis is commonly made in the neonatal period by the combination of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) and typical neuroimaging findings. However, children without a history of neonatal encephalopathy may present later in childhood with motor disability and neuroimaging findings consistent with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. We sought to determine the prevalence of such presentations using the retrospective viewpoint of a large multiregional cerebral palsy registry. Patient cases were extracted from the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry with gestational age >36 weeks, an MRI pattern consistent with hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII, acute total, partial prolonged, or combined), and an absence of postnatal cause for HII. Documentation of NE was noted. Maternal-fetal risk factors, labor and delivery, neonatal course, and clinical outcome were extracted. Comparisons were performed using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression with multiple imputation. Propensity scores were used to assess for bias. Of the 170 children with MRI findings typical for HII, 140 (82.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 75.7%-87.7%) had documented NE and 29 (17.0%, 95% CI 11.7%-23.6%) did not. The group without NE had more abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume (odds ratio [OR] 15.8, 95% CI 1.2-835), had fetal growth restriction (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.0-19.9), had less resuscitation (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.007-0.08), had higher 5-minute Apgar scores (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.0), were less likely to have neonatal seizures (OR 0.004, 95% CI 0.00009-0.03), and did not receive therapeutic hypothermia. MRI was performed at a median 1.1 months (interquartile range [IQR] 0.67-12.8 months) for those with NE and 12.2 months (IQR 6.6-25.9) for those without (p = 0.011). Patterns of injury on MRI were seen in similar proportions. Hemiplegia was more common in those without documented NE (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.5-16.1); rates of preserved ambulatory function were similar. Approximately one-sixth of term-born children with an eventual diagnosis of cerebral palsy and MRI findings consistent with perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury do not have documented neonatal encephalopathy, which was associated with abnormalities of fetal growth and amniotic fluid volume, and a less complex neonatal course. Long-term outcomes seem comparable with their peers with encephalopathy. The absence of documented neonatal encephalopathy does not exclude perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury, which may have occurred antenatally and must be carefully evaluated with MRI.

Tanshinone IIA changed the amniotic fluid volume and regulated expression of AQP1 and AQP3 in amniotic epithelium cells: a promising drug treating abnormal amniotic fluid volume

BackgroundMany studies have confirmed the association of aquaporins (AQPs) with abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AFV). In our previous experiments, we found that Tanshinone IIA was able to regulate the expression of AQP1 and AQP3. However, the exact mechanism by which Tanshinone IIA regulates AQPs protein expression and its effect on AFV remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tanshinone IIA on AFV and the possible molecular mechanism of regulation of AQP1 and AQP3.MethodsThe expression of AQPs protein in the amniotic membranes was compared between pregnant women with normal pregnancy and those with isolated oligohydramnios. The AQP1 knockout (AQP1-KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with saline or Tanshinone IIA (10 mg/kg) at 13.5GD and 16.5GD. Human amniotic epithelium cells (hAECs) from pregnant women with normal AFV and isolated oligohydramnios were incubated with 35 μmmol/L Tanshinone IIA or 25 mmol/L LiCl [inhibitor of glycogen synthetic kinase 3β (GSK-3β)]. The protein expressions of AQPs, GSK-3β, phospho-GSK-3β (Ser9) in fetal membranes of mice and human amniotic epithelium cells were detected by western blotting.ResultsThe expression of AQP1 protein in the amniotic membrane of isolated oligohydramnios was increased compared with normal pregnancy. The AFV in AQP1-KO mice is higher than that in WT mice. In wild-type mice, AFV in Tanshinone IIA group was significantly higher than that in control group, and AQP1 protein expression was significantly lower than that in control group, but in AQP1 knockout mice, Tanshinone IIA reduced amniotic fluid volume and AQP3 protein expression at 16.5GD. Tanshinone IIA reduced AQP1, AQP3 and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) protein expression in normal hAECs, and this effect was inhibited by LiCl. In hAECs with oligohydramnios, the down-regulation of AQP1 and up-regulation of AQP3 by Tanshinone IIA was independent of GSK-3β signaling pathway.ConclusionsTanshinone IIA may increase AFV in normal pregnancy by downregulating AQP1 protein expression in the fetal membranes, which may be associated with p-GSK-3β signaling pathway. But a larger AFV in AQP1-KO mice was significantly attenuated by Tanshinone IIA, which may be related to AQP3. Tanshinone IIA is a promising drug for the treatment of amniotic fluid abnormality.

The Association of Abnormal Doppler and Abnormal Amniotic Fluid Volume in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy with Preterm Birth in Pregnant Women in Agra, India.

Aim This article determines the association and diagnostic effectiveness of abnormal Doppler and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AFV) in the third trimester of pregnancy with preterm births. Methods The third trimester screening protocol of the Samrakshan program of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association utilizes trimester-specific fetal Doppler studies and ultrasound assessments, estimation of the risk for preterm preeclampsia (PE), assessment of the fetal environment, growth, and structure, and staging of fetal growth restriction. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore associations of abnormal Doppler and AFV with preterm birth. The diagnostic effectiveness of Doppler and amniotic fluid measurements for preterm births was assessed. Results One hundred and sixty-one (25.6%) of the 630 women had a preterm birth before 37 gestational weeks. Eighty (21.1%) of the 379 women with normal AFV and normal fetal Doppler studies in the third trimester had a preterm birth. The proportion of preterm birth declined from 35.14% in 2019 to 19.53% in 2022 (chi-square test p = 0.009). Preterm birth was associated with preterm PE (adjusted odds ratio: 3.66, 95% confidence interval: 1.42, 9.44) in a multivariate logistic regression model. Both abnormal fetal Doppler and AFV did not have a good discriminatory ability for preterm births. Conclusion Integration of fetal Doppler studies helped reduce the preterm birth rate by providing an objective measure of fetal well-being, contrary to a common belief that the use of color Doppler in the third trimester may result in iatrogenic increased preterm birth. Preterm births are associated with preterm PE and early identification of high-risk women and early initiation of low-dose aspirin may have an added benefit on preterm birth rates.

Diagnosis of Pregnancy Complications Using Blind Ultrasound Sweeps Performed by Individuals Without Prior Formal Ultrasound Training.

To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of blind ultrasound sweeps performed with a low-cost, portable ultrasound system by individuals with no prior formal ultrasound training to diagnose common pregnancy complications. This is a single-center, prospective cohort study conducted from October 2020 to January 2022 among people with second- and third-trimester pregnancies. Nonspecialists with no prior formal ultrasound training underwent a brief training on a simple eight-step approach to performing a limited obstetric ultrasound examination that uses blind sweeps of a portable ultrasound probe based on external body landmarks. The sweeps were interpreted by five blinded maternal-fetal medicine subspecialists. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for blinded ultrasound sweep identification of pregnancy complications (fetal malpresentation, multiple gestations, placenta previa, and abnormal amniotic fluid volume) were compared with a reference standard ultrasonogram as the primary analysis. Kappa for agreement was also assessed. Trainees performed 194 blinded ultrasound examinations on 168 unique pregnant people (248 fetuses) at a mean of 28±5.85 weeks of gestation for a total of 1,552 blinded sweep cine clips. There were 49 ultrasonograms with normal results (control group) and 145 ultrasonograms with abnormal results with known pregnancy complications. In this cohort, the sensitivity for detecting a prespecified pregnancy complication was 91.7% (95% CI 87.2-96.2%) overall, with the highest detection rate for multiple gestations (100%, 95% CI 100-100%) and noncephalic presentation (91.8%, 95% CI 86.4-97.3%). There was high negative predictive value for placenta previa (96.1%, 95% CI 93.5-98.8%) and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (89.5%, 95% CI 85.3-93.6%). There was also substantial to perfect mean agreement for these same outcomes (range 87-99.6% agreement, Cohen κ range 0.59-0.91, P<.001 for all). Blind ultrasound sweeps of the gravid abdomen guided by an eight-step protocol using only external anatomic landmarks and performed by previously untrained operators with a low-cost, portable, battery-powered device had excellent sensitivity and specificity for high-risk pregnancy complications such as malpresentation, placenta previa, multiple gestations, and abnormal amniotic fluid volume, similar to results of a diagnostic ultrasound examination using a trained ultrasonographer and standard-of-care ultrasound machine. This approach has the potential to improve access to obstetric ultrasonography globally.

Measurement of amniotic fluid volume

The qualitative or semi-quantitative assessment of amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is a standard component of every ultrasound in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. AFV abnormalities are associated with various pregnancy complications. In clinical practice, ultrasound (US) assessment of AFV is used in conjunction with other clinical and sonographic parameters (biophysical profile, non-stress test, estimated fetal weight on ultrasound, clinical examination) to make effective medical decisions to maintain fetal well-being in the management of pregnancies with obstetric complications. US is the most common AFV assessment technique, in which AFV is determined on a basis of the opinion of a physician (qualitatively) or on a basis of the value of the maximum vertical pocket (MVP) and amniotic fluid index. These techniques are well suited for detecting fetuses with normal AFV; however, they have insufficient accuracy for diagnosing oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. Furthermore, ultrasound AFV assessment in twins poorly corresponds with the reference values for oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios. Despite this, it is advisable to use qualitative and semi-quantitative (MVP) methods for AFV assessment. Results for each twin are interpreted using the same MVP criteria as those for single fetuses.

Patterns of placental injury in various types of fetal congenital heart disease.

Fetal blood circulation may be modified in congenital heart disease (CHD). This retrospective analysis was performed to study whether the type of CHD is associated with specific placental pathology. Three types of CHD based on presumed proportion of placental and systemic blood distribution in fetal circulation were analyzed: Group 1: 89 cases with low placental blood content (hypoplastic left heart syndrome, transposition of great arteries, coarctation of aorta), Group 2: 71 placentas with intermediate placental and systemic blood content due to increased intracardiac blood mixing (tetralogy of Fallot, truncus arteriosus, double inlet/outlet ventricle), and Group 3: 24 placentas with high placental blood content (tricuspid or pulmonary atresia, Ebstein anomaly). Frequencies of 27 independent clinical and 47 placental phenotypes of 184 placentas in those three groups were statistically compared. The most advanced gestational age at delivery, and large vessel (global) fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) were most common in Group 1, while macerated stillbirths, neonatal mortality, abnormal amniotic fluid volume (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios), other congenital anomalies, distal villous lesions of FVM, placental edema and amnion nodosum were most common in Groups 2 and 3, although the frequencies of placental lesions were statistically not significant. Left heart obstructive lesions potentially associated with brain maldevelopment show increase in lesions of global FVM (in aggregate and individually fetal vascular ectasia, stem vessel obliteration and intramural fibrin deposition) as may be seen in umbilical cord compromise. CHD with increased intracardiac blood mixing or with right heart defects is associated with average preterm gestational age at delivery and placental lesions of distal villous FVM, villous edema and amnion nodosum.

Incidence and Epidemiological Characters of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Lianyungang: Based on Ultrasound Screening: A Retrospective Study.

To explore the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) in Lianyungang and provide a basis for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment. Ultrasound screening was performed on aged 4-6 weeks to collect the incidence and epidemiological profiles of DDH. Graf hip ultrasound imaging was used for screening. DDH was diagnosed with a classification of ≥IIa-. Of the 9803 babies, 4999 were boys and 4687 were girls. There were 117 babies diagnosed with DDH, incidence rate of 1.19%. The incidence of DDH rate at left was higher than that at right (0.89%, 87/9803) vs (0.37%, 36/9803) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that female (OR = 5.059, 95% CI: 3.012-9.109) and first child (OR = 1.871, 95% CI: 1.169-2.832) were the risk factors of DDH. Due to the small number of relevant cases and the absence of DDH cases, improper swaddling, abnormal amniotic fluid volume and confluent malformation could not be included for statistical comparison. The incidence of DDH in infants aged 4-6 weeks in Lianyungang was 1.19% (117/9803). DDH was more prone to occur on the left side. Girl and first-borns were the risk factors of DDH.

Maternal and Perinatal Risk Factors for Infantile Hemangioma: A Matched Case-Control Study with a Large Sample Size.

IntroductionInfantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign tumor in infancy, but information about its pathogenesis is limited. The aim of this study was to determine maternal and perinatal risk factors for IH.MethodsA total of 1033 IH patients were enrolled in the study between 2017 and 2020. IH patients were matched with controls by sex. Trained investigators collected detailed information from the participants. Logistic regression models were used for multivariate analysis.ResultsThe statistical analysis demonstrated that miscarriage history (odds ratio [OR] = 4.275; 95% confidence interval [CI] [3.195, 5.720]), anemia in pregnancy (OR = 4.228; 95% CI [3.083, 5.799]), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (OR = 3.182; 95% CI [1.359, 7.454]), placenta previa (OR = 2.440; 95% CI [1.787, 3.333]), threatened miscarriage (OR = 2.290; 95% CI [1.726, 3.039]), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (OR = 1.785; P < 0.05), progesterone use (OR = 1.614; P < 0.001) and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (OR = 1.499; P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for IH. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR = 0.607; 95% CI [0.464, 0.794]), multiple gestations (OR = 0.407; 95% CI [0.232, 0.713]), hypothyroidism (OR = 0.407; 95% CI [0.227, 0.730]) and uterine fibroids (OR = 0.393; 95% CI [0.250, 0.618]) may reduce the risk of IH.ConclusionsMaternal and perinatal factors are closely associated with IH occurrence. Our study provides reliable clues to guide further exploration of the pathogenesis of IH.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03331744.Plain Language SummaryInfantile hemangioma is the most common benign tumor in children, which seriously affects appearance and function and even threatens life. The pathogenesis is not clear, a detailed case-control study of the maternal and perinatal periods with a large sample size will facilitate the development of individualized and precise treatment, early and timely interventions for high-risk children and improvement of prognosis. Our study found that miscarriage history, anemia in pregnancy, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), placenta previa, threatened miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), progesterone use and abnormal amniotic fluid volume were independent risk factors for IH.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-022-00756-4.

Reference ranges of fetal mandible measurements: Inferior facial angle, jaw index, mandible width/maxilla width ratio and mandible length in Thai fetuses at 15 to 23 weeks of gestation.

ObjectivesTo determine the normal distribution of 1) inferior facial angles (IFA), 2) jaw index, 3) mandible width/maxilla width ratio (MD/MX ratio), and 4) mandible length (ML) in second trimester Thai fetuses.MethodsA prospective study was performed between April 1 and October 31, 2020, at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit of Songklanagarind Hospital. Transabdominal ultrasonography was performed on Thai singleton pregnant women at 150/7 to 236/7 weeks of gestation to measure IFA, jaw index, MD/MX ratio and ML. All women received standard antenatal care and were followed up until delivery. The exclusion criteria were multifetal gestation, congenital anomaly, chromosomal abnormality, fetal growth restriction, abnormal amniotic fluid volume, suspected abnormality of fetal mandible, maxilla or jaws based on the proposed criteria from previous studies and suspected neonatal structural or genetic abnormalities postnatally. Quantile regression was used to estimate changes in the median, 5th and 95th percentiles of each parameter across gestational ages and to generate formulas for predicting the 5th percentile value for each parameter.ResultsThe results of 291 women were analyzed. Scatter plots and reference ranges of each parameter were generated. IFA, jaw index and ML values significantly increased, while the MD/MX ratio value significantly decreased, with increasing gestational age. The formulas calculated for predicting the 5th percentile value for each parameter were IFA = 55.12 + 0.045*(GA in days—136) jaw index = 37.272 + 0.01693*(GA in days—136) MD/MX ratio = exp(0.027–0.00110*(GA in days—136)) ML = 20.83 + 0.243*(GA in days—136).ConclusionsThe reference ranges and formulas to calculate the 5th percentile values of mandible parameters in Thai fetuses were developed.Trial registrationThis study has been reviewed and approved by the Thai Clinical Trials Registry with identification number TCTR20210602003.

The clinical outcomes of selective and spontaneous fetal reduction of twins to a singleton pregnancy in the first trimester: a retrospective study of 10\xa0years

BackgroundSingleton pregnancy is encouraged to reduce pregnancy complications. In addition to single embryo transfer (SET), selective and spontaneous fetal reduction (SEFR and SPFR) can also achieve singleton pregnancies. After SEFR or SPFR, an inanimate fetus remains in the uterus. It is unclear whether the inanimate fetus would adversely affect another fetus or the mother. Previous studies have focused on the differences between pre- and post-reduction. However, studies focusing on the influence of SEFR and SPFR on the remaining fetal development and maintenance of pregnancy are rare.MethodsMaterials from 5922 patients whose embryo transfer dates ranged from March 2011 to January 2021 were collected. Both the SEFR group (n = 390) and SPFR group (n = 865) had double embryos transferred (DET) and got twin pregnancies, but subsequent selective or spontaneous fetal reduction occurred. The SET group (n = 4667) had only one embryo transferred. All were singleton pregnancies on the 65th day after embryo transfer. Clinical outcomes, including pregnancy outcomes, pregnancy complications, and newborn outcomes, were compared among the three groups.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, infertility duration, types of infertility, states of embryos, body mass index, and factors affecting SET or DET decisions, multivariate regression analysis revealed that SEFR increased the risk of miscarriage (OR 2.368, 95% CI 1.423–3.939) and preterm birth (OR 1.515, 95% CI 1.114–2.060), and reduced the gestational age (βeta -0.342, 95% CI -0.544– -0.140). SPFR increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 1.657, 95% CI 1.215–2.261), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (OR 1.649, 95% CI 1.057–2.574), and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (OR 1.687, 95% CI 1.075–2.648). Both SEFR and SPFR were associated with reduced live birth rate (OR 0.522, 95% CI 0.330–0.825; OR 0.671, 95% CI 0.459–0.981), newborn birth weight (βeta -177.412, 95% CI -235.115–-119.709; βeta -42.165, 95% CI -83.104–-1.226) as well as an increased risk of low-birth-weight newborns (OR 2.222, 95% CI 1.490–3.313; OR 1.510, 95% CI 1.092–2.087).ConclusionsDET with subsequent fetal reduction was related to poor clinical outcomes. We recommend that DET with subsequent fetal reduction should only be considered as a rescue method for multiple pregnancy patients with potential complications, and SET is more advisable.

The Inconsistency Between Women's Preference and Actual Mode of Delivery in China: Findings From a Prospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundPrevious studies have found that the rates of cesarean preference were much lower than the actual rates of cesarean births in China. We aimed to observe this inconsistency between preferred and actual modes of delivery and the factors associated with the inconsistency.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study at the maternity hospital with the largest number of deliveries in Beijing. We collected data through a questionnaire applied in the outpatient department, and medical records from the hospital's information system. Unconditional logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing the inconsistency between preferred and actual delivery mode.ResultsThe rates of actual cesarean section and of cesarean preference were 41 and 17%, respectively (χ2 = 82.9, P < 0.0001). The overall inconsistency rate was 31%, with 119 women preferred vaginal delivery but experienced cesarean section, accounting for 67% women undergoing cesarean section. Risk factors for this inconsistency between preferred vaginal delivery and actual cesarean section included: maternal obesity, receiving assisted reproduction, having an abnormal amniotic fluid volume, and fetal distress. Pre-labor rupture of membranes was a unique factor associated with such inconsistency between cesarean section preference and vaginal delivery at delivery.ConclusionsThe inconsistent rate between preferred delivery at late pregnancy and actual delivery is high in China. Further research is needed to understand how to lower cesarean rates in China, taking maternal preferences for vaginal deliveries into account.

Evaluation of prenatal central nervous system anomalies: obstetric management, fetal outcomes and chromosome abnormalities

ObjectiveTo study the outcomes of fetuses who were diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies during prenatal period and to describe the obstetric management of those pregnancies.MethodsIn this retrospective study, fetuses who were detected to have central nervous system anomalies by prenatal ultrasound from January 2010 to December 2019 were recruited. Data regarding prenatal diagnosis and obstetric outcomes were retrieved from maternal and paediatric records. The prognosis of fetuses who were born alive was classified based on their neurodevelopmental outcome within two years of life.ResultsThere were a total of 365 fetuses with CNS anomalies within the 10-year study period, with a mean gestational age of 24.65±7.37 weeks at diagnosis. Ventriculomegaly (23.36%) was the commonest CNS anomalies seen. 198 (54.20%) of these fetuses had associated extra-CNS anomalies, with cardiovascular being the most common system involved. Fetal karyotyping was performed in 111 pregnancies, with chromosomal aberrations detected in 53 (49.07%) cases and culture failure in 3 cases. Majority of the chromosomal abnormalities were Edward syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). Fetuses with congenital CNS anomalies and abnormal chromosomal karyotyping were more likely to be diagnosed earlier by prenatal ultrasound and tend to have poorer obstetric and neurocognitive prognosis. Prenatally, 86 (23.56%) of the cases were lost to follow up and likely to deliver elsewhere. Among the 279 cases whom their pregnancy outcomes were available, 139 (49.82%) pregnancies resulted in live births, 105 (37.63%) pregnancies were electively terminated, while the remaining 35 (12.54%) pregnancies ended in spontaneous loss. The decision of termination of pregnancy largely depends on mean diagnostic gestational age, presence of chromosomal aberrations and abnormal amniotic fluid volume in those fetuses. Two years after delivery, only 75 (53.96%) children out of 139 live births were still alive, 43 (30.93%) died and 21 (15.11%) cases were lost to follow-up. 32 (23.02%) children with prenatally diagnosed CNS anomalies had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. The presence of multiple CNS anomalies and involvement of extra-CNS anomalies indicated a poorer neurodevelopmental prognosis.ConclusionLess than 50% of fetuses with prenatally diagnosed CNS anomalies resulted in live births. Even if they survive till delivery, 36.45% of them passed away within 2 years and 62.79% of children who survived till 2 years old had neurodevelopmental disability.

Statistical analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 effect on the gestation and childbirth course

Summary. Pregnancy is known to increase the risk of obstetric and neonatal sequelae in many viral complications. COVID-19, according to the WHO, is a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Coronavirus disease in 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, has spread rapidly around the world and has become a pandemic. Today, data on the impact of this disease on pregnancy and the development of possible complications for the fetus are being actively studied. The aim of the study – to learn the effect of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women on the subsequent gestation and childbirth course; to conduct a comparative analysis of the incidence of these complications with the overall average for the Perinatal Center "MUNICIPAL NON-PROFIT ENTERPRISE "TERNOPIL MUNICIPAL CITY HOSPITAL No. 2". Materials and Methods. The archived medical records including pregnancy and childbirth record form No. 096/o were analyzed in 33 parturient women, who labored in the Perinatal Center "MUNICIPAL NON-PROFIT ENTERPRISE "TERNOPIL MUNICIPAL CITY HOSPITAL No.2" in 2021–2022 and had SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus during this pregnancy. The incidence of pregnancy and childbirth complications in this group was analyzed in comparison with the overall average for this maternity hospital in 2021. The overall average for the Perinatal Center "MUNICIPAL NON-PROFIT ENTERPRISE "TERNOPIL MUNICIPAL CITY HOSPITAL No.2" for 2021 was calculated for 2218 childbirths that took place during this period. Results. The results showed that there was an increase in the incidence of pregnancy and childbirth complications in parturient women who had SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus during pregnancy compared with the average group. Thus, in the study group of women after coronavirus disease, the incidence of pregnancy complications was (compared to the average): placental dysfunction – 75.7 % (33.6 %), gestational toxicosis development – 51.5 % (24.3 %), abnormal amniotic fluid volume – 27.2 % (18.5 %), urinary tract infections – 15.1 % (8.8 %). The incidence of childbirth complications in the group of women who had SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus also increased significantly. Thus, in this group of women the number of physiological childbirths was 45 % (with an average of 51 %), the number of cesarean sections was 36.3 % (with an average of 25.2 %), dystocia and abnormal labors occurred in 18 % of women (with an average of 4.4 %), vacuum extraction was used in 6 % of women (with 2.2 % in the average group). The number of premature babies (15 %) and low birth-weight babies (21.2 %) increased among newborns in the group of women who had SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Conclusions. As a result of the analysis it was found that parturient women after SARS-CoV-2 had a significantly higher incidence of pregnancy and childbirth complications compared with the average. Timely prevention and diagnosis of complications after SARS-CoV-2 allows to treat effectively and perform on time delivery in this group of women and has positive consequences for both women and newborns

Association between antenatal ultrasound findings and neonatal outcomes in rural Uganda: a secondary analysis

BackgroundAlthough the use of prenatal ultrasound services has increased in low- income and lower middle-income countries, there has not been a concurrent improvement in perinatal mortality. It remains unknown whether individual ultrasound findings in this setting are associated with neonatal death or the need for resuscitation at delivery. If associations are identified by ultrasound, they could be used to inform the birth attendant and counsel the family regarding risk, potentially altering delivery preparedness in order to reduce neonatal mortality.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data collected from a prospective cohort. Data was gathered at Nawanyago Health Centre III in Kamuli District, Uganda. Participants included pregnant women who received second and third trimester prenatal ultrasound scans and delivered at that center between July 2010 and August 2018. All ultrasounds were performed at Nawanyago and deliveries were attended solely by midwives or nurses. Predictor variables included the following ultrasound findings: fetal number, fetal presentation, and amniotic fluid volume. The primary outcome was bag-mask ventilation (BMV) of the neonate at delivery. The secondary outcome was stillbirth or neonatal death in the delivery room.ResultsPrimary outcome data was available for 1105 infants and secondary outcome data was available for 1098 infants. A total of 33 infants received BMV at delivery. The odds of receiving BMV at delivery was significantly increased if amniotic fluid volume was abnormal (OR 4.2, CI 1.2-14.9) and there were increased odds for multiple gestation (OR 1.9, CI 0.7-5.4) and for non-vertex fetal presentation (OR 1.4, CI 0.6-3.2) that were not statistically significant. Stillbirth or neonatal death in the delivery room was diagnosed for 20 infants. Multiple gestation (OR 4.7, CI 1.6-14.2) and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (OR 4.8, CI 1.0-22.1) increased the odds of stillbirth or neonatal death in the delivery room, though only multiple gestation was statistically significant.ConclusionCommon findings that are easily identifiable on ultrasound in low- and lower middle-income countries are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Education could lead to improved delivery preparedness, with the potential to reduce perinatal mortality. This was a preliminary study; larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Semiquantitative Assessment of Amniotic Fluid Among Individuals With and Without Diabetes Mellitus.

To compare the rate and severity of abnormal amniotic fluid volumes (oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios), as well as the distribution of amniotic fluid levels, in pregnancies with and without diabetes. We performed a retrospective cohort study of singleton nonanomalous pregnancies receiving an ultrasound examination (USE) in the third trimester. Pregnancies were categorized into those with and without diabetes and subcategorized by diabetes type. The primary outcomes were oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. Polyhydramnios was also examined by severity. The association between maternal diabetes status and oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios was assessed using logistic regression. In addition, we computed gestational age-specific amniotic fluid index (AFI) and deepest vertical pocket (DVP) centiles for pregnancies with and without diabetes. There were 60,226 USEs from 26,651 pregnancies that met inclusion criteria. There were 3992 (15.0%) pregnancies with diabetes and 22,659 (85.0%) without diabetes. Using AFI, the rate of polyhydramnios was 10.5 versus 3.8% (odds ratio [OR] 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.62-3.32) for pregnancies with versus without diabetes, respectively; using DVP, the rate of polyhydramnios was 13.9 versus 5.4% (OR 2.84; 95% CI 2.56-3.15). Rates of oligohydramnios were also increased in pregnancies with diabetes (3.3 versus 2.6%; OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.04-1.52). The AFI and DVP were significantly higher in the cohort with diabetes between 28 and 36 weeks. Within our study population, pregnancies with diabetes had increased rates of oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios as well as increased gestational age-specific amniotic fluid volumes between 28 and 36 weeks. A higher prevalence of polyhydramnios was observed using DVP as compared to AFI; nevertheless, associations were similar using either method.

453 The vaginal fluid index (VFI), a hidden 5th amniotic fluid pocket

Abnormal amniotic fluid volume has been associated with a variety of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Transabdominal ultrasound is used to assess quantitatively the amniotic fluid volume, by either the amniotic fluid index (AFI) or the maximum vertical pocket (MVP) methods. The fore-bag is a pocket of hidden amniotic fluid preceding the fetal presenting part. Its dimensions and significance have not been studied. In this feasibility study, we described the transvaginal measurements of the this fore-bag, and assessed its correlation with the standard AFI and MVP. A prospective observational study between July 2018 and July 2020. Eligible cases were non-laboring women with singleton pregnancies, vertex presentation and normal AFI at 36-41 weeks’ gestation. The AFI and MVP were obtained abdominally from the biophysical profile. Feasibility was assessed by using the transvaginal ultrasound to measure the three orthogonal planes of the fore-bag (Figure 1). The vaginal fluid index (VFI) was defined as the volume composite of the vertical, horizontal and axial vaginal measurements. Correlations of the fore-bag measurements with both AFI and MVP were then calculated. During the recruitment process, 292/305 (95.7%) women were enrolled. Their demographic and ultrasound characteristics are given in table 1. All participants completed both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, of which the vaginal pocket was demonstrated in 266/292 (91.1%) of cases. We found a significant correlation, for nulliparous and multiparous, between the individual vaginal pocket measurements and the VFI, to both the AFI and MVP measurements (R=0.35, p<0.001; R=0.34, p<0.001, respectively). We introduced a new transvaginal ultrasound variable, the VFI, which was feasible to measure in the majority of women. The VFI may provide invaluable information into the future decision-making around the time of delivery, especially in women with suspected oligohydramnios. A multicenter trial is currently being launched to implement our findings into the traditional AFI.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

What is the Impact of Abnormal Amniotic Fluid Volumes on Perinatal Outcomes in Normal Compared with At-Risk Pregnancies?

ObjectiveAssessing amniotic fluid volume is an integral part of obstetric practice. Data are sparse on at-risk pregnancy and amniotic fluid volumes. The aim of our study was to determine if there is a difference in perinatal outcomes based on complications of pregnancy and amniotic fluid volumes. We hypothesized that at-risk pregnancies with abnormal amniotic fluid volumes would have worse perinatal outcomes than normal pregnancies with abnormal amniotic fluid volumes.Study DesignThis retrospective cohort study evaluated both normal and at-risk singleton pregnancies with intact membranes on admission for delivery. Amniotic fluid volumes were estimated using both the amniotic fluid index (AFI) and single deepest pocket (SDP) techniques. All sonograms were performed by trained ultrasound technicians or obstetrician/gynecologists. We placed 3365 women into 6 separate groups (at-risk versus normal, then further stratified by oligohydramnios by SDP, normal fluid, or polyhydramnios by AFI).ResultsAt-risk pregnancies with normal fluid and at-risk pregnancies with polyhydramnios have significantly increased risk of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission [OR 2.06 (95% CI 1.63,2.60), OR 2.74 (95% CI 1.54, 4.87)]. Birthweight is significantly higher in at-risk and normal pregnancies with polyhydramnios than those with normal pregnancies and normal fluid (p<0.0001). Birthweight is significantly lower in at-risk pregnancies with oligohydramnios (p<0.0001). There were no significant differences in need for amnioinfusion in labor, variables or lates influencing delivery, meconium staining, or umbilical artery pH <7.1.ConclusionOur study attempted to further define risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes by defining the pregnancy as normal or at-risk and amniotic fluid volumes. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not find an increased risk of many of the adverse perinatal outcomes we studied amongst at-risk pregnancies with abnormal fluid. There was an increased risk of NICU admission associated with polyhydramnios in normal and at-risk pregnancies.

Prenatal exposure to isolated amniotic fluid disorders and the risk for long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring.

Amniotic fluid abnormalities may be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, some of which are endocrine related. To evaluate whether in utero exposure to amniotic fluid abnormalities is associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring. In this cohort study, the incidence of long-term endocrine disorders was compared between singletons exposed and non-exposed to oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios. During the study period, 195 943 newborns were included in the study, of them 2.0% (n = 4072) and 2.9% (n = 5684) were exposed to oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios, respectively. Long-term endocrine morbidity was higher among children exposed to isolated amniotic fluid disorders, as was also noted in the Kaplan-Meier survival curve (log-rank test p < 0.001). Abnormal amniotic fluid volume was found to be independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity of the offspring according to a Cox regression model controlled for clinically related confounders. In utero exposure to isolated amniotic fluid abnormalities is independently associated with long-term endocrine morbidity in the offspring.

Maternal factors associated with prematurity in public maternity hospitals at the Brazilian Western Amazon

ObjectiveTo analyse maternal factors associated with prematurity in public maternity hospitals. DesignRetrospective unmatched case-control study on two public maternity hospitals in the State of Acre, Brazil. Setting and ParticipantsA sample of 341 newborn infants of premature birth (< 37 weeks; case group) and 388 newborn infants of term delivery (≥ 37 weeks; control group). MethodsA validated instrument was used for interviews, and information was collected from hospital records. The variables were divided into five blocks: (1) maternal sociodemographic and economic characteristics, (2) maternal biological and reproductive characteristics, (3) maternal habits, (4) pregnancy complications, and (5) neonatal characteristics. The hierarchical analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. ResultsThe risk factors associated with premature birth were as follows: newborn infants of mothers who were born premature (p = 0.005), with low BMI (p = 0.006), history of a previous preterm child (p<0.003), who had stress (p = 0.020) and physical injury during pregnancy (p = 0.025), with quality of prenatal care classified as inadequate II (p = 0.001), which presented abnormal amniotic fluid volume (p<0.001), pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (p<0.001), bleeding (p = 0.013) and hospitalization during pregnancy (p = 0.001). ConclusionThe variables that were associated with premature birth were mother born preterm, low BMI, previous premature child, stress and physical injury during pregnancy, prenatal care inadequate II, bleeding, abnormal amniotic fluid volume, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia and hospitalization during pregnancy. It is important to properly perform prenatal care, having a multidisciplinary approach as support, with the objective of keep up with changes in nutritional classification and monitoring of adverse clinical conditions.

Risk factors associated with preterm birth: a retrospective study in Mukalla Maternity and Childhood Hospital, Hadhramout Coast/Yemen.

Preterm birth (PTB) is a major determinant of neonatal mortality, morbidity and childhood disability. It has long-term adverse consequences for health. The causes of preterm delivery (PTD) are multifactorial. This study was conducted to determine the most common risk factors for PTB at Mukalla Maternity and Childhood (MCH) Hospital, Yemen. A retrospective case-control study was conducted. It involved the records of 100 women with live PTD as cases and 400 women with live term delivery as controls at Mukalla MCH Hospital in 2018. All the data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 24). The statistical relationship between independent variables and PTB was studied by the Chi-square test in bivariate analysis and logistic regression in multivariate analysis. The strength of association was confirmed by using odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Risk factors with statistically significant association with premature birth were a family history of PTD (adjusted OR [AOR] 2.353; CI 1.3-4.258, p-value 0.005), pre-eclampsia (AOR 4.120; CI 1.818-9.340, p-value 0.001), parity (AOR 2.139; CI 1.249-3.662, p-value 0.006), premature rupture of membranes (AOR 4.161; CI 2.323-7.456, p-value 0.000) and abnormal amniotic fluid volume (AOR 4.534; CI 1.364-15.071, p-value 0.014). An early recognition of preterm risk factors will help medical staff and healthcare workers to identify women with a high-risk pregnancy.