Identification Of Fetal Anomalies Research Articles

Ensemble feature extraction-based prediction of fetal arrhythmia using cardiotocographic signals

The classification of Cardiotocography (CTG) signal abnormalities is critical in the identification of fetal anomalies. The non-stationary nature of CTG, as well as the dataset asymmetry, make this classification task complicated. Manual CTG analysis interpretation can easily result in a low diagnosis rate, which is mainly caused by a variety of subjective variables. Hence, in this research a new Ensemble Feature Extraction (EFE) model is implemented to analyze the nonlinear cardiotocographic signals. First, the collected signal artifacts are removed with interpolation operation, then down sampled to eliminate the complexity during classification. Followed by, a new EFE module is applied to extract the features, here learning model SE-ResNet-50 (Squeeze and Excitation -ResNet-50) is applied to separate the features from the regular and Time-Frequency data transformed (via CWT transform) signal. Wavelet Packet Transform is exploited to extract T-F signals. Then the enhanced feature set dimension is lessened by using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) model. Finally, the features are fused and fed to the XG-booster for classification, and the patient is advised to seek therapy based on the outcome. The proposed method achieved 96.34% accuracy, 96.7% precision, 97.3% recalls, and 95.64% Quality Index (QI) on two-class classifications. This ensemble feature extraction increases the classification results and proves very advantageous to cardiotocographic signal classification. The results of the experiments show how effective the suggested EFE is.

Spectrum of Chromosomal Abnormalities Detected by Conventional Cytogenetic Analysis Following Invasive Prenatal Testing of Fetuses with Abnormal Ultrasound Scans.

The frequent association between malformations and chromosomal abnormalities is now well-established. This study looks at the incidence and type of chromosomal abnormalities detected by conventional cytogenetic analysis in women undergoing invasive tests following detection of fetal anomalies on antenatal scans as well as incidence of other genetic abnormalities detected by DNA analysis of fetuses with congenital anomalies that had a normal karyotype. A retrospective, observational study of pregnant women undergoing invasive testing following identification of fetal anomalies by ultrasonography was carried out in a tertiary care facility, Vellore, India, between 2011 and 2018. 169 women underwent an invasive diagnostic procedure following detection of fetal anomalies. The most common indication for doing fetal karyotype was the presence of major fetal structural anomalies (142/169, 84%) with over a third (48/142, 34%) having multisystem involvement. Fetal hydrops was the next most common indication, detected in 18/169 (10%) fetuses. Aneuploidy was seen 19 of 25 fetuses (76%) with an abnormal karyotype with autosomal aneuploidy accounting for 13 (68%) and sex chromosome aneuploidy for seven (37%) of the fetuses. One fetus had double aneuploidy. In fetuses with normal karyotype, no additional information was obtained from further genetic testing. The overall detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in our study using conventional cytogenetic analysis was 14.8%, the majority (72%) being associated with structural malformations, 20% with non-immune hydrops and 4% with soft markers. Abnormal karyotypes were seen in 12.7% of fetuses with structural malformations.

Determination of Fetal Transcerebellar Diameter Nomogram in the Second Trimester

AbstractThe aim of the study was obtain nomogram of fetal transcerebellar diameter at 18–24 weeks of gestation with known prognosis of normal pregnancies. The study included 1236 healthy fetuses in the 18th–24th gestational week of women aged from 18 to 40 years (mean: 28.70 ± 5.26). The transcerebellar diameter, bi-parietal diameter, femur length and abdominal circumference of the fetuses were measured. Additionally, groups were divided according to maternal age and according to body mass index. The transcerebellar diameter of fetuses from 18 to 24 weeks gestation varied from 18.13 ± 2.16 to 26.42 ± 1.91 mm (mean: 22.12 ± 2.57 mm). Additionally, the mean and standard deviation of transcerebellar diameter and fetal parameters were determined according to gestational week, maternal age and maternal body mass index. Later, the correlations between transcerebellar diameter with pregnancy week, maternal age, maternal body mass index and fetal parameters were examined. Transcerebellar diameter was correlated with pregnancy week and fetal parameters (p < 0.01) but was not correlated with maternal age (p > 0.01). Additionally, transcerebellar diameter and fetal parameters were determined to show negative correlation with maternal body mass index (p < 0.01). Comparison of transcerebellar diameter with pregnancy week determined differences between weeks (p < 0.05), but no differences for age groups and body mass index groups (p > 0.05). Maternal age and maternal body mass index are significant factors affecting fetal development. We believe our data related to the transcerebellar diameter obtained at the end of the study will be beneficial for assessment of fetal development and identification of fetal anomalies.

Advances in Fetal Surgery

Advances in prenatal screening and diagnosis, combined with an understanding of the pathophysiology of congenital anomalies, have brought incredible impetus to the field of fetal surgery. Identification of fetal anomalies can lead to counseling of the affected family so that informed decisions can be made on how to proceed with the pregnancy. Counseling may lead to pregnancy termination, changes in the timing or mode of delivery, and, in select cases, prenatal intervention. Open fetal surgery may be considered in severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital chest lesions, sacrococcygeal teratoma, urinary tract obstruction, and myelomeningocele. The ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure may be lifesaving for fetuses with giant neck masses. Finally, fetoscopic surgery may be offered for select cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. Fetal intervention in all of these cases depends on a team approach to the patient and on the objective comparis...

Advances in Fetal Surgery

Advances in prenatal screening and diagnosis, combined with an understanding of the pathophysiology of congenital anomalies, have brought incredible impetus to the field of fetal surgery. Identification of fetal anomalies can lead to counseling of the affected family so that informed decisions can be made on how to proceed with the pregnancy. Counseling may lead to pregnancy termination, changes in the timing or mode of delivery, and, in select cases, prenatal intervention. Open fetal surgery may be considered in severe cases of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital chest lesions, sacrococcygeal teratoma, urinary tract obstruction, and myelomeningocele. The ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure may be lifesaving for fetuses with giant neck masses. Finally, fetoscopic surgery may be offered for select cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence. Fetal intervention in all of these cases depends on a team approach to the patient and on the objective comparison of outcomes with and without fetal therapy. In the future, further understanding of the genetic basis of congenital diseases may enable minimally invasive treatments such as stem cell transplantation or gene therapy.