Normal Fetuses Research Articles

Exome sequencing for structurally normal fetuses-yields and ethical issues.

The yield of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is well established in structurally normal fetuses (0.4-1.4%). We aimed to determine the incremental yield of exome sequencing (ES) in this population. From February 2017 to April 2022, 1,526 fetuses were subjected to ES; 482 of them were structurally normal (31.6%). Only pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants, per the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) classification, were reported. Additionally, ACMG secondary findings relevant to childhood were reported. Four fetuses (4/482; 0.8%) had P/LP variants indicating a moderate to severe disease in ATP7B, NR2E3, SPRED1 and FGFR3, causing Wilson disease, Enhanced S-cone syndrome, Legius and Muenke syndromes, respectively. Two fetuses had secondary findings, in RET and DSP. Our data suggest that offering only CMA for structurally normal fetuses may provide false reassurance. Prenatal ES mandates restrictive analysis and careful management combined with pre and post-test genetic counseling.

Folate Receptor Alpha is Decreased in Pregnancy Affected with Fetal Neural Tube Defect: A Case Control Study.

Neural tube defect (NTD) is a multifactorial disorder. Decrease transfer of folate to the developing embryo is one of the etiologies. It could be due to decrease folate receptors resulting in NTD in fetus. To analyze serum folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) concentration in women having fetus with NTD and compare it with women having normal fetus during and after pregnancy. This was a prospective case control study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Pregnant women with detected isolated NTD in fetus were enrolled as cases and equal number of matched pregnant women without any fetal congenital malformation were recruited as controls. Serum FOLR1 levels were analyzed in cases and controls during pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. Mean serum FOLR1 concentration during pregnancy was 70.5 pg/mL (range: 23.8-98.5 pg/mL) and 103.9 pg/mL (range: 70-110 pg/mL) in cases and controls, respectively. Serum level of FOLR1 was 448.9 pg/mL (range: 133.5-475) and 414.5 pg/mL (range: 269.7-412.5) in cases and controls at 6 weeks postpartum, respectively. There was statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) between cases and control during pregnancy but not in postpartum (P = 0.092). There was significant increase in level of FOLR1 in both cases and control at 6 weeks postpartum as compared to antenatal period. Maternal serum FOLR1 is significantly reduced in pregnancy with fetal NTD as compared to normal pregnancy. The level is significantly increased in postpartum period in both groups. FOLR1 level being similar in both groups in postpartum indicates that it is not influenced by the history of fetal NTD.

Assessment of left ventricular function by spatio-temporal image correlation in fetuses with fetal growth restriction.

To compare the evaluation of left ventricular function by spatio-temporal image correlation (STIC) between fetal growth restriction (FGR) fetuses and normal fetuses. Forty-two FGR fetuses and 50 normal fetuses with gestational age ranging from 28 to 35weeks, were chosen for the study group and control group, respectively. The fetal heart was acquired using the STIC modality, beginning with a four-chamber view. A 7.5-12.5 s acquisition time and 20-35°angle of the acquisition were used for the acquisition. The resulting STIC dataset was saved for offline analysis. Ventricular volumes were measured using the Virtual Organ Computer-aided Analysis (VOCAL) mode, where the observer defines the contours of the ventricle and traces the endocardia. Stroke volume (SV)=end diastolic volume (EDV)-end systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction (EF)=SV/EDV × 100%. The data of the two groups were analyzed. (1) SV increased with fetal growth in both groups and was positively correlated with gestational age (p <.01), whereas EF remained constant throughout gestation and had no correlation with gestational age (p >.05). (2) There was no difference found in EF between the two groups, (p >.05), SV was significantly lower in FGR group than those in the normal group (p <.01). The STIC is a precise method for calculating fetal ventricular volume changes and functions. Reduced SV occurred at the initial stage of fetal deterioration before the discovery of abnormal EF in FGR fetuses, indicating cardiac dysfunction. SV could be a sensitive indicator of cardiac dysfunction. The use of EF to assess fetal cardiac function is not perfect.

Sheep recombinant IGF-1 promotes organ-specific growth in fetal sheep.

IGF-1 is a critical fetal growth-promoting hormone. Experimental infusion of an IGF-1 analog, human recombinant LR3 IGF-1, into late gestation fetal sheep increased fetal organ growth and skeletal muscle myoblast proliferation. However, LR3 IGF-1 has a low affinity for IGF binding proteins (IGFBP), thus reducing physiologic regulation of IGF-1 bioavailability. The peptide sequences for LR3 IGF-1 and sheep IGF-1 also differ. To overcome these limitations with LR3 IGF-1, we developed an ovine (sheep) specific recombinant IGF-1 (oIGF-1) and tested its effect on growth in fetal sheep. First, we measured in vitro myoblast proliferation in response to oIGF-1. Second, we examined anabolic signaling pathways from serial skeletal muscle biopsies in fetal sheep that received oIGF-1 or saline infusion for 2 hours. Finally, we measured the effect of fetal oIGF-1 infusion versus saline infusion (SAL) for 1 week on fetal body and organ growth, in vivo myoblast proliferation, skeletal muscle fractional protein synthetic rate, IGFBP expression in skeletal muscle and liver, and IGF-1 signaling pathways in skeletal muscle. Using this approach, we showed that oIGF-1 stimulated myoblast proliferation in vitro. When infused for 1 week, oIGF-1 increased organ growth of the heart, kidney, spleen, and adrenal glands and stimulated skeletal myoblast proliferation compared to SAL without increasing muscle fractional synthetic rate or hindlimb muscle mass. Hepatic and muscular gene expression of IGFBPs one to three was similar between oIGF-1 and SAL. We conclude that oIGF-1 promotes tissue and organ-specific growth in the normal sheep fetus.

Cavum septum pellucidum nomogram during the second trimester of pregnancy

This study aimed to determine cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) nomogram values between 15–28 weeks of gestation. Routine biometric measurements and CSP width were measured by transabdominal ultrasonography in 6042 structurally normal foetuses between 15–28 weeks of gestation. Distribution of CSP width by the week of pregnancy and percentile values were calculated. The mean week of gestation (GW) was 21 ± 1.7, and the mean biparietal diameter (BPD) was 50.2 ± 5.8 mm. The CSP width range was 1.6–7.7 mm at 15–28 weeks, and the mean CSP width was 4.1 ± 0.8 mm. CSP width was found to have a significant correlation between a gestational week (CSP = GW X 0.2705–1.6121; R = 0.62; p < .01) and BPD (CSP = BPD X 0.0859–0.273; R = 0.651; p 0.01). CSP width was found to differ significantly according to gestational weeks, and percentile distributions were calculated. Between 15 and 28 weeks of gestation, the 95th percentile values of CSP width were found to be 3.7–7 mm. Our study was determined that CSP width increased linearly between 15–28 weeks of gestation. For this reason, we think that it would be more appropriate to use CSP width percentile values in the examination of the foetus. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The cavum septum pellucidum can be easily identified and evaluated by ultrasonography after 18 weeks of pregnancy. CSP can be associated with severe brain anomalies if it is not visualised or deformed. Moreover; large CSP may be associated with chromosomal abnormalities. What do the results of this study add? Our study showed that CSP width increased linearly between 15–28 weeks of gestation. CSP width was found to differ significantly according to gestational weeks, and between 15 and 28 weeks of gestation, the 95th percentile values of CSP width were found to be 3.7–7 mm. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We reported that it would be more appropriate to use CSP percentile values according to the gestational week in the definition of abnormal CSP.

Fetal adrenal gland size and umbilical artery Doppler in growth-restricted fetuses.

In fetal growth restriction (FGR), Doppler ultrasound is the most important method for the detection and management. However, additional parameters are needed to improve the distinction between constitutionally small fetuses and fetuses affected by FGR. A total of 445 singleton pregnancies between 23 and 40weeks of gestation were included in our retrospective study, of which 67 with FGR and 378 normal fetuses. A 2D-plane of the fetal adrenal gland was obtained and the adrenal gland ratio was measured. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the association of fetal Doppler and adrenal gland ratio with outcome parameters. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the statistical significance of "PI of the umbilical artery" and "adrenal gland ratio" as prognostic factors for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). PI of the umbilical artery was shown to correlate with outcome parameters (WG_Delivery: r=-0.125, p=0.008; birth weight: r=-0.268, p<0.001; birth weight centile: r=-0.248, p<0.001; APGAR at 5min: r=-0.117, p=0.014). Adrenal gland ratio showed no correlation with any of the outcome parameters. In logistic regression however, both PI of the umbilical artery and the adrenal ratio were shown to be significantly associated with fetal IUGR. When combining the two parameters, predictive value was superior to the predictive value of each individual parameter (AUC 0.738 [95% CI 0.670; 0.806]). The adrenal gland ratio can be a useful addition to Doppler ultrasound when it comes to the detection of fetal FGR. Prospective studies are needed to establish references ranges and cut-off values for clinical decision-making.

Z-score model of foetal ascending aorta diameter distensibility.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to establish Z-scores models of normal fetal ascending aorta diameter and diameter distensibility.MethodsThe maximum systolic diameter (Dmax), minimum diastolic diameter (Dmin), and diameter distensibility of the sinotubular junction were measured and taken as dependent variables in 490 normal fetuses at 18–40 gestational weeks, and gestational age (GA), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femoral length (FL) were taken as independent variables. The data were subjected to regression analysis, and the best-fitting equations for the dependent variables based on the independent variables were determined. The fitting equations were then applied to construct the Z-scores models.ResultsThe Dmax, Dmin and Diameter Distensibility in normal fetuses between 18 and 40 weeks of GA could be evaluated by utilizing the Z-scores models. Dmax and Dmin increased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL. Diameter distensibility, assessed as (Dmax–Dmin)/Dmin, decreased significantly with increasing GA, BPD, and FL.ConclusionThe Z-scores are valuable, and can be utilized as a potent supplement to the conventional approach as they can indirectly reflect the development of fetal ascending aortic elastic property.

Amniotic fluid sludge caused by intraamniotic bleeding

A 30-year-old gravida 4, para 1021 woman at 24+5 weeks of gestation presented to the labor and delivery unit because of the onset of vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramps 5 hours before admission. Her antenatal care was complicated by a threatened abortion and subchorionic hemorrhage diagnosed with ultrasound at 5 weeks of gestation. Her previous child was delivered vaginally at term with appropriate birthweight for gestational age. The patient’s ultrasound screening at 23 weeks of gestation revealed a normal female fetus, a sonographic short cervix (cervical length, 24.7 mm), and the presence of amniotic fluid sludge.

A preliminary study on fetal cardiac morphology and systolic function of normal and anemic pregnant women by fetal heart quantification technology.

BackgroundMaternal anemia is a common nutritional problem during pregnancy. Fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) technology is used to quantitatively evaluate the size, shape, and contractile function of the fetal heart, which can reflect the development of the fetus in the uterus.MethodsWe used fetal HQ technology to evaluate the basal-apical length (BAL), the transverse width (TW) and the area (A) of the four chamber view at end-diastole in 77 normal fetuses and 40 fetuses of women with anemia. We analyzed the changes of fetal heart size and measured the global sphericity index (GSI), the fraction area change (FAC), and the global longitudinal strain (GLS). The sphericity index (SI) and the fractional shortening (FS) of 24 segments were analyzed to identify any changes of fetal heart morphology and systolic function. The normal range of Z value was set at −2 to 2.ResultsFetal BAL, TW, A, and gestational age (GA) were positively linearly correlated, while GSI, GLS, and FAC had no significant correlation with GA. There was no significant difference in fetal BAL, TW, A, GLS, and FAC between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the FS of the 24 segments of the left and right ventricles between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the SI of the 1-24 segments of the right ventricle between the two groups (P>0.05). The difference in fetal GSI between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SI between the 1–22 segments of the left ventricle between the two groups (P>0.05), but there was a statistically significant difference between the 23–24 segments (P<0.05).ConclusionsThe fetal HQ analysis technology can quickly and simply quantitatively assess the size, shape, and contractility of the fetal heart. Anemia in pregnant women has no significant effect on fetal heart size and systolic function; it only affects the morphology of the heart, showing that the heart tends to be spherical as a whole and some segments of the apical segment of the left ventricle are abnormal.

Prevalence of Renal Pathologies in Fetuses Detected on Ultrasound in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy in Females with Oligohydramnios

Background: Common fetal renal abnormalities due to oligohydramnios are deficiency in the renal tissue congenitally, obstruction in the flow of urine, and reduced perfusion of renal tissue can also cause pathologies. Oligohydramnios is responsible for causing various serious fetal complications. Due to this reason, ultrasound screening in the second trimester of pregnancy is a common practice to rule out these complications. Objective: Assessment of fetal renal pathologies on ultrasound in the second trimester of pregnancy in patients with oligohydramnios Methodology: The current study is a descriptive study that was conducted in Gilani Ultrasound Centre, Ferozpur Road, Lahore from August 12, 2021, to December 14, 2021. The duration of the study was four months. A total of 149 participants were considered as a sample in the study. All the participants were in their second trimester of pregnancy and all of them were detected with oligohydramnios. According to the exclusion criteria, the patients with already present renal pathology were excluded from the study. Transabdominal ultrasound was done in all the patients with a 2-5MHz concave probe. The parameters considered for the assessment of the outcomes were gestational age (GA), estimated fetal weight (EFW), amniotic fluid index (AFI), umbilical artery Systolic/Diastolic (S/D) ratio, and findings of the fetal renal system on ultrasound. Results: A total of 149 patients in the second trimester of pregnancy, having oligohydramnios, underwent transabdominal ultrasound. 123 (82.55%) patients were not found with any fetal renal abnormalities. The remaining 26 (17.45%) had different renal pathologies such as hydronephrosis in 9 (6.04%) and infantile polycystic kidneys (PKD) in 17 (11.41%). Conclusion: The present study suggests that most of the patients with oligohydramnios had normal fetuses. Only 17.4% were detected with fetuses with renal pathologies. The most common abnormality seen was PKD and then hydronephrosis. Keywords: Second Trimester, Oligohydramnios, Infantile Polycystic Kidneys, Hydronephrosis

Perinatal changes of right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling and its value in predicting persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling is an independent predictor of outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertensionin adults. Here, we aimed to investigate the changes in RV-PA coupling during the perinatal period, and to evaluate its performance on predicting persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). A total of 1196 fetuses underwent a dedicated echocardiography screening for foetal heart defects during second trimester (24-27 weeks' gestation), third trimester (34-37 weeks' gestation) and neonatal period (within 14 days after delivery) with the measurement of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP). The RV-PA coupling (TAPSE/MPAP ratio) was calculated. Six fetuses were diagnosed as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn(PPHN). In normal fetuses, RV-PA coupling had been increasing from the second trimester to the third trimester and then to the neonatal period (0.12 ± 0.02 vs. 0.18 ± 0.05 vs. 0.23 ± 0.08 mm/mmHg, p < 0.05), while it had been decreasing during the same period of time in abnormal fetuses (0.18 ± 0.02 vs. 0.17 ± 0.02 vs. 0.17 ± 0.01 mm/mmHg, p < 0.05). There was a strong positive correlation between RV-PA coupling and gestational age (GA) in normal fetuses (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.989 for RV-PA coupling during second trimester was superior to that for RV-PA coupling during third trimester (AUC: 0.536) in predicting PPHN. The optimal cutoff value was 0.16 mm/mmHg, with a sensitivity of 100.00%, a specificity of 96.36%and an accuracy of 97.73%. RV-PA coupling had close relation with GA in normal fetuses. It was a strong predictor of PPHN.

Quantitative Evaluation of a Cross-Sectional Area of the Fetal Straight Sinus by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Its Clinical Value

ObjectiveThe intracranial venous system plays an important role in ensuring blood circulation and a stable blood supply to the fetal brain. In the present study, a cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus was quantitatively evaluated by fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the method's clinical value.MethodsThe clinical and MRI data of 126 normal fetuses in mid-to-late stage pregnancies were retrospectively analyzed. The “dominant” sequence of the fetal straight sinus was selected, and the cross-sectional area of the lumen was measured at each gestational age to obtain the normal range at different ages and to analyze the developmental pattern and characteristics of the fetal straight sinus.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences in the cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus among different gestational ages (P < 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus was positively correlated with gestational age (coefficient of determination = 0.6892, P < 0.05). That is, the cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus grew with increasing gestational age, and the regression equation was y = 0.27 x – 2.14 (P < 0.05). Additionally, there were five fetuses with cerebral venous abnormalities, including four with heart failure and one with venous sinus thrombosis.ConclusionQuantitative measurement of a cross-sectional area of the fetal straight sinus by MRI enhanced understanding of the anatomical features and developmental pattern of fetal cerebral veins and provided a reference for the clinical diagnosis of related diseases and investigation concerning pathogenesis.

Kallistatin prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by regulating vascular leakage.

Angiogenesis and increased permeability are essential pathological basis for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Kallistatin (KS) is an endogenous anti‐inflammatory and anti‐angiogenic factor that participates in a variety of diseases, but its role in OHSS remains unknown. In this study, treating a human ovarian granulosa‐like tumour cell line KGN and human primary granulosa cells (PGCs) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) reduced the expression of KS, but increased the expression of VEGF. Furthermore, we found that KS could attenuate the protein level of VEGF in both KGN cells and human PGCs. More interestingly, we observed that exogenous supplementation of KS significantly inhibited a series of signs of OHSS in mice, including weight gain, ovarian enlargement, increased vascular permeability and up‐regulation of VEGF expression. In addition, KS was proved to be safe on mice ovulation, progression of normal pregnancy and fetus development. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that KS treatment prevented OHSS, at least partially, through down‐regulating VEGF expression. For the first time, these results highlight the potential preventive value of KS in OHSS.

Identification by RNA-Seq of let-7 clusters as prenatal biomarkers for nonsyndromic cleft lip with palate.

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with palate (nsCLP) is a common congenital malformation; however, early prenatal diagnosis is challenging and pathogenesis remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic potential of miRNAs in plasma-derived exosomes and whole plasma of pregnant women to identify nsCLP and an underlying mechanism. Combined RNA sequencing analysis was performed on samples from plasma exosomes and whole plasma of pregnant women carrying normal fetuses or fetuses with nsCLP in an ongoing birth cohort, in addition to lip samples from nsCLP fetuses and healthy controls. Eight let-7 cluster miRNAs (hsa-let-7a-3p, hsa-let-7a-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p, hsa-let-7d-3p, hsa-let-7d-5p, hsa-let-7e-5p, hsa-let-7f-5p, and hsa-miR-98-5p) in plasma exosomes from pregnant women provided higher sensitivity/specificity for diagnosing fetal nsCLP than those in plasma. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of the eight miRNAs from plasma exosomes was 0.992. Among them, hsa-let-7a-3p showed better diagnostic capability and was downregulated in nsCLP fetal lip tissues. Upstream and downstream target genes of hsa-let-7a-3p were screened and confirmed. Our work highlights the potential clinical application value of let-7 clusters in predicting nsCLP and associates as a new regulatory axis (EN2-LIN28A-hsa-let-7a-3p-HHIP-GLI2) with human nsCLP pathogenesis.

Improved differentiation between hypo/hypertelorism and normal fetuses based on MRI using automatic ocular biometric measurements, ocular ratios, and machine learning multi-parametric classification.

To differentiate hypo-/hypertelorism (abnormal) from normal fetuses using automatic biometric measurements and machine learning (ML) classification based on MRI. MRI data of normal (n = 244) and abnormal (n = 52) fetuses of 22-40 weeks' gestational age (GA), scanned between March 2008 and June 2020 on 1.5/3T systems with various T2-weighted sequences and image resolutions, were included. A fully automatic method including deep learning and geometric algorithms was developed to measure the binocular (BOD), inter-ocular (IOD), ocular (OD) diameters, and ocular volume (OV). Two new parameters, BOD-ratio and IOD-ratio, were defined as the ratio between BOD/IOD relative to the sum of both globes' OD, respectively. Eight ML classifiers were evaluated to detect abnormalities using measured and computed parameters. The automatic method yielded a mean difference of BOD = 0.70 mm, IOD = 0.81 mm, OD = 1.00 mm, and a 3D-Dice score of OV = 93.7%. In normal fetuses, all four measurements increased with GA. Constant values were detected for BOD-ratio = 1.56 ± 0.05 and IOD-ratio = 0.60 ± 0.05 across all GA and when calculated from previously published reference data of both MRI and ultrasound. A random forest classifier yielded the best results on an independent test set (n = 58): AUC-ROC = 0.941 and F1-Score = 0.711 in comparison to AUC-ROC = 0.650 and F1-Score = 0.385 achieved based on the accepted criteria that define hypo/hypertelorism based on IOD (< 5th or > 95th percentiles). Using the explainable ML method, the two computed ratios were found as the most contributing parameters. The developed fully automatic method demonstrates high performance on varied clinical imaging data. The new BOD and IOD ratios and ML multi-parametric classifier are suggested to improve the differentiation of hypo-/hypertelorism from normal fetuses. • A fully automatic method for computing fetal ocular biometry from MRI is proposed, achieving high performance, comparable to that of an expert fetal neuro-radiologist. • Two new parameters, IOD-ratio and BOD-ratio, are proposed for routine clinical use in ultrasound and MRI. These two ratios are constant across gestational age in normal fetuses, consistent across studies, and differentiate between fetuses with and without hypo/hypertelorism. • Multi-parametric machine learning classification based on automatic measurements and the two new ratios improves the identification of fetal ocular anomalies beyond the accepted criteria (<5th or >95th IOD percentiles).

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling of a paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2 microdeletion in a Chinese family

BackgroundProximal region of chromosome 15 long arm is rich in duplicons that, define five breakpoints (BP) for 15q rearrangements. 15q11.2 microdeletion has been previously associated with developmental delay, mental retardation, epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia and congenital heart defects. The literature on this microdeletion is extensive and confusing, which is a challenge for genetic counselling.Case presentationWe have performed prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling of a paternally inherited 15q11.2 microdeletion. In this family, father with normal phenotype and fetus with abnormal phenotype have the same microdeletion.ConclusionChromosomal microdeletions and microduplications are difficult to detect by conventional cytogenetics, combination of prenatal ultrasound, karyotype analysis, CMA and genetic counseling is helpful for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal microdeletions/microduplications.

The Frequency of Single Umbilical Artery in Fetal Ultrasound Among Neonates With Congenital Heart Disease Compared to Neonates Without Congenital Heart Disease

Background and Aim: The need for more fetal echocardiography by a specialist in isolated single umbilical artery (SUA) pregnancies is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of SUA in fetal ultrasound in neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) compared to neonates without CHD referred to Hazrat Masoumeh Hospital in 2019. Materials and Methods: The files of all the neonates who underwent fetal ultrasound and echocardiography in 2019 were reviewed. Based on the results of the fetal echocardiography, these neonates were divided into two groups with/without cardiac abnormalities. Then, the results of fetal ultrasound performed in terms of the frequency of SUA were examined in the groups, and variables, such as birth, weight, gestational age, and gender were entered into the checklist. Finally, the frequency of SUA in fetuses with/without cardiac abnormalities was compared between the two groups. Results: The mean age of mothers in the SUA group was 32.47±8.7 years and in the normal group was 32.07±11.5 years. A total of 135 boys (54%) and 115 girls (46%) were examined in this study. No statistically significant relationship was found between maternal age (P=0.72), fetal gender (P=0.92), gestational age (P=0.42), and parity (P=0.92) despite the finding of a SUA. In the group of patients with CHD, 12 out of 125 patients (4.8%), and in the group without CHD, five out of 125 patients (2%) had an SUA. Although this number was highest in the group who had CHD, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (0.07). Conclusion: The relationship between SUA in a fetus with normal ultrasound and CHD varies significantly with population selection criteria. The risk of CHD after diagnosing SUA in a normal fetus from an unselected population appears to be low and may not warrant specialized fetal echocardiography.

Obstetric ultrasonography as a screening tool for the diagnosis of GDM: Detection of raised AFI and large for gestational age fetus

Objective: To establish the role of determining increased amniotic fluid index (AFI) and large for gestational age (LGA) fetus on ultrasound for the screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Study Design: Descriptive Observational study. Place and Duration: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Pakistan Railway Hospital, Rawalpindi from 1st September 2021 till 28th February 2022. Methodology: The pregnant women, between 20-30 weeks of gestation, suspected of having excessive AFI or LGA fetuses on routine clinical examination, were advised to have an obstetric ultrasound scan. AFI &gt; 20 cm or LGA on ultrasound (&gt;90th percentile for that gestation) were considered abnormal. These participants were then subjected to 75-gram Oral Glucose Tolerance test (OGTT). Based on OGTT, the sample population was divided into two groups at the post-stratification stage: with and without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Chi-square test was applied to compare the frequency of increased AFI and LGA between patients having GDM or not having GDM. Results: The study population (n=75) showed the frequency of LGA as 37.3 % and increased AFI as 65.3%. Women with increased AFI were at a significantly greater risk of GDM (65%), as compared to those with normal AFI (27%) with p-value of 0.002. Also, patients having LGA fetuses (60.7%) were at a greater risk of having GDM, as compared to those with normal weight fetuses (34%) with p-value of 0.024. Conclusion: Women with Increased AFI and LGA fetuses between 20-30 weeks of gestation are at a greater risk to develop GDM. Hence these ultrasound parameters can be used as reliable screening tools for the detection of GDM. Keywords: Adverse pregnancy outcome, Fetal macrosomia, Gestational diabetes mellitus, Increased Fetal weight, Polyhydramnios

Fetal biometry is assessment of fetal growth restriction in Telangana region

Background: Intrauterine increase restriction (IUGR) is most common complication in pregnancy and affects morbidity and mortality in any respect degrees of life. With current Doppler research of the fetal important circulation, inclusive of intracardiac flows and the ductus venosus, higher timing of shipping to decrease morbidity can be possible. Serial ultrasound measurements can offer an inexpensive estimate of fetal gestational age and weight primarily based totally on person and composite fetal biometric measurements. Materials and methods: This study consists of pregnant women who are attending OP /IP in department of OBG, SVS medical college, Mehabubnagar, Telanagana. All the retrospective USG quantitative data was noted in case proforma. Sample size was 100 in our study and was divided into cases and controls. Results: In 2nd trimester FGR parameters like FL (30.32), BPD (41.74), AC (136.34), HC (185.36) , GA (20.22) and EFW (310.04) were less when compared to normal fetus. In 3nd trimester we observed FL (61.44), BPD(79.64), AC(287.54) , HC(314.06) , GA (32.06) and EFW (1695.60) which were less when compared to normal fetus. Conclusion: that all the parameters in FGR from 2nd and 3rd trimester were less when compared to normal.

Prenatal treprostinil reduces the pulmonary hypertension phenotype in the rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

SummaryBackgroundPersistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes significant mortality and morbidity in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Since pulmonary vascular abnormalities in CDH develop early during foetal development, we hypothesized that prenatal maternal administration of treprostinil, through its anti-remodelling effect, would improve the PH-phenotype in the nitrofen rat model of CDH.MethodsIn a dose-finding study in normal, healthy pregnant rats, we demonstrated target-range foetal plasma treprostinil concentrations without signs of toxicity. Next, an efficacy study was performed assessing the effects of treprostinil administration at 900 and 1500ng/kg/min from gestational day (GD) 16 until term (GD 21) in CDH and control pups. Pulmonary vascular and airway morphometry, lung mechanics, and expression patterns of genes implicated in the prostaglandin vasoactive pathway were studied.FindingsIn rats maternal administration of 1500ng/kg/min treprostinil reached target foetal concentrations, with no detrimental maternal or foetal side-effects. Prenatal exposure to 900 and 1500 ng/kg/min treprostinil reduced the medial wall thickness (%MWT) (CDH·900, 38.5± 8·4%; CDH.1500, 40·2±9·7%; CDH, 46·6±8·2%; both p < 0·0001) in rat pups with CDH, however increased the %MWT in normal foetuses (C.T.900, 36·6±11·1%; C.T.1500, 36·9±9·3%; C.P., 26·9±6·2%; both p < 0·001). Pulmonary airway development, lung hypoplasia and pulmonary function were unaffected by drug exposure.InterpretationIn pregnant rats maternally administered treprostinil crosses the placenta, attains foetal target concentrations, and is well tolerated by both mother and foetuses. This report shows a significant reduction of pulmonary arteriole muscularization with prenatal treprostinil in a nitrofen rat model, supporting the promise of this treatment approach for PH of CDH.FundingUnited Therapeutics Corporation provided treprostinil and financial support (ISS-2020-10879).