Perinatal Center Research Articles

RISK FACTORS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PLACENTAL DYSFUNCTION ON THE BACKGROUND OF PREGNANT WOMEN GENITAL INFECTIONS

The progress of perinatology revealed new problems related to the gestational process and antenatal protection of the fetus. Among indicators of perinatal morbidity in modern conditions, one of the leading places occupied by placental dysfunction, the frequency of which, according to the data of domestic and foreign scientists ranges from 36% to 60%. It is known that among the many factors that affect the complicated course of pregnancy and perinatal morbidity, infectious factors in modern conditions occupy one of the leading places. Despite certain achievements in elucidating the etiological factors and pathogenesis of the development of placental dysfunction (PD), the issues of diagnosis and treatment of this pathology in pregnant women need further improvement. Thus, the study of links in the pathogenesis of manifestations of placental dysfunction, which develops during pregnancy in the early stages of gestation against the background of genital infections, is relevant and promising.The purpose. To assess the risk factors for the development of placental dysfunction in pregnant women with genital infections.Material and methods. The retrospective comparative study included 55 women who gave birth after involuntary childbirth according to the regional perinatal center of Chernivtsi, who had signs of placental dysfunction and genital infections during pregnancy during the period 2021-2022.Research results. One of the most important factors affecting the fetoplacental system, which leads to the development of chronic PD (CPD), are infections of the TORCH group. Infections during pregnancy, depending on the gestational period, lead to miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, malformations of the child, cerebral defects, as well as to acute and chronic neonatal diseases. We conducted a retrospective analysis of risk factors, the frequency and structure of obstetric complications based on the data of 55 birth stories of the regional perinatal center in Chernivtsi for 2021-2022. Manifestations of placental dysfunction against the background of genital infections were studied at different gestational periods. Placental dysfunction occurs at different gestational periods in women of different ages. However, in young people (up to 18 years old) it occurs less often at all stages of gestation, compared to other age categories. A significant number of pregnant women with manifestations of placental dysfunction suffered from infectious diseases in childhood (measles, chicken pox, acute respiratory and viral infections, angina, various disorders of menstrual function (hyperpolymenorrhea, hypomenstrual syndrome, algodysmenorrhea) were quite often observed in pregnant women with manifestations of placental insufficiency. More often, placental dysfunction develops during first births than during repeated births. Cases of stillbirth, spontaneous miscarriages, artificial abortions and ectopic pregnancies often occur in the anamnesis. A number of authors [41] indicate that pregnant women with manifestations of placental insufficiency often experience various complications of the current pregnancy. Modern scientific studies show that almost 80% of pregnant women with genital infections show significant changes in the immune, endocrine and coagulation systems, which lead to a violation of the formation of the fetoplacental complex and a violation of adaptation mechanisms in the mother-placenta-fetus system.Conclusion. Clinical and statistical analysis shows the negative impact of manifestations of genital infections in different gestational periods on the course of pregnancy and the state of the fetus and newborn. The conducted studies on this issue give reason to talk about the need to review the system of obstetric tactics for these pregnant women, and further improvement of medical measures for antenatal protection of the fetus with this complication of pregnancy.

Психотерапевтическая диагностика и психокоррекция как метод диагностики и лечения угрозы невынашивания беременности

The global prevalence of preterm labor (PL) is 6-12%. Despite the large number of studies focused on exploring the options for diagnosis and prevention of PL, there are currently no methods of absolute diagnostic or prognostic value. Methods. The authors of the paper have developed a psychotherapeutic diagnosis and psychocorrection method (PDPM) for the diagnosis of obstetric and neonatal complications, including threatened miscarriage (TM), PL based on psychotherapeutic criteria and for psychocorrection of women’s disorders, which have been used since 2003 and was amended in 2010, at the Perinatal Center in Saratov. Results and discussion. PDPM makes it possible to recognize the disorders in individuals having abnormalities associated with pregnancy and labor, especially at the early stage of the disorder development, when the emerging disorder cannot be detected by standard assessment methods, helps to find the cause of pathological changes, especially in cases when the use of standard therapy has no significant therapeutic effect, perform psychotherapeutic correction of the disorder in the way most positive for mother, fetus, and the newborn, including reducing the consequences in cases of preterm labor. The advantages of PDPM are rapidity, the lack of various equipment, the fact that the diagnosis engages a pregnant woman, puerpera in adjustment of her condition, the fact that PDPM can be used in emergency, stationary, and extreme situations, before and after surgery, in cases of hemorrhage, acute intrauterine hypoxia, and in other cases. PDPM is based on the woman’s subjective assessment of her condition. Conclusion. PDPM can be the main method for diagnosis and treatment of TM, obstetric, neonatal complications; the method can also be combined with conventional treatment and diagnosis measures in pregnancy. The lack of the earlier reported psychotherapeutic criteria during repeated application of PDPM suggests the effectiveness of TM treatment and the lack of obstetric and neonatal complications in the future.

Parameters of physical development of term newborns with Intrauterine Growth Retardation, born in a 3B Level Perinatal Centre of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth retardation of a newborn child is an current problem in neonatology, obstetrics and pediatrics. Due to intrauterine development disorders, these newborns have increased morbidity and mortality rates. In the presence of Intrauterine growth retardation, the likelihood of developing complications in the early neonatal period increases (birth asphyxia, meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, etc.), and the risk of developing infections and neurological disorders) is increased. AIM: The aim of this study is to study the parameters of physical development of term newborns born in the Perinatal Centre 3B level of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year, to determine the frequency and structure of disorders associated with Intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition depending on the gestational age of term newborns for a differential approach in the management of children with Intrauterine growth retardation by neonatologists and paediatricians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were analyzed 1000 hospital neonatal records of newborns children born at the Perinatal Centre of Level 3B of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year. Of these, 55 term babies were born with Intrauterine growth retardation. The study examined the physical development of term newborns, determined the frequency and structure of disorders associated with intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition, depending on the gestational age of term newborns. RESULTS: Retardation of intrauterine growth and development in newborn children born in level 3B centres are represented by low body weight in relation to gestational age in 63.6% of cases, trophic disorders with normal body weight and reduced weight/length ratio in 34.6% of cases, and low height index with normal body weight in 1.8% of cases. Severe physical developmental disorders were found only in children with low body weight: in 13% of cases of low birth weight for gestational age, and in 55% of cases of small fetal size for gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: the distribution of physical development disorders (ICD code P05.2) in term infants, depending on the degree of maturity has a linear trend and occurs with maximum frequency (50%) in late term newborns, which is associated with the onset of aging of the placenta and the intensification of existing, even compensated, placental insufficiency.

Collagens of placenta composition in obese puerperant women who gave birth to сhildren at St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2018–2021

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the problem of obesity is associated with the high frequency and steady growth of this pathology in the population. The epigenetic influence of maternal obesity on the course of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as on the condition of the fetus and newborn, is currently being studied. This article analyzes changes in the composition of the connective tissue of the placenta against the background of obesity in pregnant and puerperas. AIM: The aim of this study is to identify the pathomorphological features of the placenta and the composition of placental collagens in women who were obese before pregnancy and at the time of delivery at the Perinatal Center of St. Petersburg State Medical University from 2018 to 2021 to assess potential fetal risks and to predict possible complications during pregnancy and in the postnatal period for the mother. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A histological examination of the placentas of obese women (18 patients) and the ones with a normal body mass index (18 patients) who gave birth to mature newborns at the Perinatal Center of St. Petersburg State Medical University from 2018 to 2021 was performed followed by immunohistochemical examination. Staining of placenta specimens was carried out in accordance with the standard immunohistochemical protocol, using primary antibodies to type I–IV collagen. RESULTS: Microscopic examination of chorionic villi revealed no significant differences in the presence of chronic inflammation and angiogenesis disorders between the groups. When studying collagen expression levels, the following differences have been found: in the group of pregnant obese patients, the optical luminescence density and distribution area for type I–III collagen in the placenta were significantly higher, while for type IV collagen they were significantly lower compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The following features of the formation of connective tissue in the placenta in obese mothers have been revealed: an increase in type I–III collagen production and a decrease in type IV collagen production. The obtained findings indicate an earlier functional and morphological change in the placenta than those detected by standard histological methods.

High fibrinogen content in pregnant women – pathology or overdiagnosis?

An increased fibrinogen (FG) concentration during pregnancy is considered a protective mechanism against bleeding during childbirth. An enlarged amount of FG increases the aggregation of erythrocytes, blood plasma viscosity, microvascular resistance – permanent elements of the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease. It is also associated with an increased likelihood of development of preeclampsia and stroke with subsequent neurological disorders.In addition to its undeniable importance for hemostasis, FG is directly related to several physiological and pathophysiological conditions, such as infection, wound healing, tumorigenesis, and the severity of atherosclerosis. It also has a decisive role in the development of pregnancy. Maternal FG is necessary for the progress of pregnancy, as it stabilizes the utero-placental connection at the fibrinoid layer of the fetal-maternal junction. No reports on the study of pathological forms of FG in Ukraine were found.The objective: to compare the indicators of FG concentration and related elements of the blood coagulation system of pregnant and parturient women in different gestational periods and after childbirth.Materials and methods. Blood components from the ulnar vein of 30 women in labor at a gestation period of 22–27 weeks (extremely preterm birth (EPB) – I group), 37 women in labor at a term of 28–34 weeks (early preterm birth (PB) – II group) and 40 women with gestational period 37–41 weeks (control group (CG) – III group) was studied. In the collected samples the content of FG, D-dimer (Dd), prothrombin index (PI), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), as well as the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht) and total protein (TP) of the blood plasma were determined.All women in labor were hospitalized in the active phase of the I labor period and did not receive infusion therapy. In terms of gestation, corresponding to EPB, early PB and CG, 10 pregnant women who were on outpatient registration at the Perinatal Center were examined for comparison of the studied indicators outside of labor.Indicators of the biochemical coagulogram were studied on a Helena C-2 semi-automatic coagulometer (Helena Biosciences, Great Britain).Results. The FG concentration increased from 4.2±0.56 g/l in the term 22–27 weeks to 4.4±0.57 g/l before delivery with a diapason of 3.5 to 5.0 g/l. In all parturients, the FG concentration was lower than 4.5 g/l, respectively by group: 4.5±0.81; 4.1±0.74 and 4.1±0.65 g/l (р<0.05). In 24 hours after delivery the FG concentration increased in CG to 5.0±0.82 g/l, and after 48 hours – to 5.3±1.19 g/l, which exceeded the indicators of parturients of the EPB and early PB groups and pregnant women of these same terms, in which the highest indicator was 4.5±0.81 g/l in the EPB group (p<0.05).An increase in the Dd index with growing gestational age was observed in all pregnant women (from 274±133.3 to 501±174.7 μg/l). It continued during the first postpartum day – up to 685±157.5 μg/l, decreased on the second day – 429±198.9 μg/l (p<0.05), approaching the indicators of the EPB and early PB groups (487±267.0 and 397±202.3 μg/l; p>0.05) and pregnant women of the same term.Hb decreased to 106±8.9 g/l, and Ht – to 35±6.1% with the progression of pregnancy. In parturients of the PB group, they were probably higher than the indicators of pregnant women of the corresponding terms, increasing on the second day after delivery – 110±6.7 g/l and 41±3.1%.There was no significant blood loss in the clinical groups. In all pregnant and parturient women the APTT and PI indicators varied from 27.0±3.51 s to 35.4±3.43 s and from 88±4.8% to 101±5.2%, respectively.Conclusions. 1. A gradual increase in the fibrinogen (FG) concentration with increasing gestational age from 4.2±0.56 g/l in 22–27 weeks to 4.4±0.57 g/l by the time of delivery indicates an increase in the level of FG in healthy pregnant women as an adaptive response of the body to the formation of an additional vascular system.2. An excessive FG increase is a consequence of hemoconcentration, not absolute hyperfibrinogenemia, and may be a sign of pathological processes underlying hypovolemia. In case of extremely preterm birth (EPB), the concentration of FG in the parturient was 4.5±0.81 g/l. Higher values of FG, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in parturients with EPB than in pregnant women at the same term are evidence of insufficient hemodilution, which can be considered as one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of premature labor.3. Laboratory indicators of the blood coagulation system – APTT, PI – in the absence of bleeding have no diagnostic value.

Assessment of the frequency of cesarean section according to the criteria of M. Robson in the Regional perinatal center №1 of Turkestan region

Objective. To identify and analyze the groups of women who contribute the greatest and least to the frequency of caesarean sections in general. Conducting an assessment of the frequency of caesarean sections in the Regional Perinatal Center №1 of the Turkestan region according to the classification of M. Robson.Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the history of 5286 births in the Regional Perinatal Center No. 1. The history of childbirth of women who gave birth in 2022 was taken into account. According to the history of each birth to complete the table: method of delivery (delivery through the birth canal, caesarean section); parity (first time , repeated); number of fetuses (one, two, three or more); delivery period (up to 37 weeks., 37-40 weeks., 41-42 or more); type of fetal malformation (head, pelvis, transverse/ oblique); induction of labor (induction was carried out, induction was not carried out); spontaneous childbirth; the number of caesarean sections in the history (one or more) was taken into account.Results and discussion. The group contributed the most to the total CS frequency were 5 groups – with a history of one or more CSs, one fetal head arrival, ≥37 weeks – 24.1%; the group contributed the least to the total CS frequency was 9 groups – single fetal pregnancy, women with a horizontal or oblique fetal position, including women with a history of one or more CSs – 2.2%.Conclusion. The largest share of the group in the total frequency of CSwas Group 5 – 22.1% of all births, 888 (75.9%) of 1,170 women in this group underwent surgery, all pregnant women with scars on the uterus ; group 9 – 0.7% of births accounted for the smallest share of the group in the total frequency of CS, 100% of 38 women gave birth with CS.

Clinical implications of a Couvelaire uterus with placental abruption: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to clarify the maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the presence or absence of a Couvelaire uterus with placental abruption. This single-center retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary perinatal center in Japan, including patients diagnosed with acute placental abruption who delivered live births via cesarean section between 2016 and 2023. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of a Couvelaire uterus during surgery: the Couvelaire and normal uterus groups. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed. This study included 76 patients: 24 in the Couvelaire group and 52 in the normal uterus group. No patients underwent hysterectomies. The Couvelaire group had significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (median 1152 vs 948 g, P = 0.010), blood transfusion rates (58% vs 31%, P = 0.022), fibrinogen administration rates (38% vs 13%, P = 0.038), intensive care unit/high care unit admission rates (29% vs 7.7%, P = 0.013), and disseminated intravascular coagulation complication rates (25% vs 7.7%, P = 0.038). There were no differences in birth weight, gestational age (median 2387 vs 2065 g, P = 0.082), Apgar score <4 at 5 min (4.2% vs 3.9%, P = 0.95), umbilical artery blood pH <7.1 (25% vs 22%, P = 0.82), and neonatal death (4.2% vs 1.9%, P = 0.57). A Couvelaire uterus indicated adverse maternal outcomes but not neonatal ones. Its presence necessitates preparation for blood transfusions and/or intensive patient follow-up.

Early prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely premature infants: a cohort study

Objective. To develop the model for early prediction of clinically significant bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely premature infants. Materials and methods. 226 premature infants with gestational age less than 31 weeks, birth weight from 490 to 999 g, age from 0 to 7 days, and respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support (ventilator support) were included into a retrospective study conducted in the Perm Regional Perinatal Center. Machine learning algorithms such as logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest method, and gradient boosting method were used for the prognostic model building. Five variables were used: birth weight, Apgar score in the 5th minute of life, Silverman score, number of days of invasive ventilatory support, median oxygen fraction in the inhaled air measured daily during the first seven days of life. Results. In the 36th week of postconceptional age 148 out of 182 infants (81.3%) in the study cohort developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), among them 15.4% had a mild form, 29.7% a moderate one, and in 36.3% of patient it was severe. Among the four studied prediction algorithms, logistic regression model was chosen as the final model with metrics: AUC=0.840, accuracy 0.818, sensitivity 0.972, specificity 0.666. The practical application of the modeling results was implemented in the form of a probability calculator. Conclusions. In the early neonatal period of extremely premature infants, a combination of clinical predictors such as birth weight, Apgar score in the 5th minute of life, Silverman score, number of days of invasive ventilatory support, median oxygen fraction in the inhaled air measured during the first seven days of life can be used to predict the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The logistic regression model shows high sensitivity that minimizes the probability of an error of second kind. Thus, its application is useful in the early prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants.

The spectrum of infections identified in pregnant women with different types of fetal growth restriction

BACKGROUND: Bacterial, viral and protozoal infections can cause miscarriage, antenatal death, congenital organ abnormalities or other limited consequences depending on the pathogen. The role of infection processes identified during pregnancy on placental pathology and fetal growth restriction. AIM: The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of infections identified in pregnant women with different types of fetal growth restriction, as well as to assess a potential impact of identified infections on the outcomes of fetal growth restriction in newborns in the same groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes for 394 pregnant women with an established diagnosis of fetal growth restriction, who had given birth from 2018 to 2022 in the Perinatal Center of the Arkhangelsk Regional Clinical Hospital. Maternal and neonatal case histories were obtained using a continuous sampling method. Considering the transition to new criteria for establishing the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction in Russia, we formed four study groups, of which only 139 cases met the Delphi criteria of clinical guidelines by Russian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2021. In the selected groups, we analyzed the results of microscopic and microbiological tests of various localizations in mothers during antepartum examination, as well as postpartum examination of the placenta and culture tests in newborns in their relation to adverse outcomes. RESULTS: A high prevalence (25–70.4%) of positive bacteriological findings was revealed in all of the study groups. The frequency was highest in the group of pregnant women with fetal growth restriction before 32 weeks (90–92%). Combined infections (two or more localizations) were noted in 59.2% of pregnant women in groups with early fetal growth restriction compared to 23.3% in late fetal growth restriction groups. In all cases, we observed a direct relationship between the severity of fetal growth restriction and the prevalence of infections. The range of infections identified during routine examination of pregnant women is quite limited; Candida spp. (from 40.8% in the control group to 75% in the comparison group), Escherichia coli (from 22.9 to 33.3%, respectively), and Chlamydia trachomatis (from 4.5 to 23.5%, respectively) being identified most commonly. In a morphological study of the placenta, infectious and inflammatory lesions were the most significant and ranged from 100 to 81.4% of cases in groups with early and late fetal growth restriction, respectively, with signs of hematogenous transmission prevailed. When analyzing infectious lesions in fetuses, we have found the presence of three and more localizations of the infectious process in 90 to 45% of cases with a fatal outcome for early and late fetal growth restriction, respectively. In the control groups, similar rates were 40 and 15.8%. When assessing the distribution of various types of infectious process in newborns, Candida spp., Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis also took the lead in all cases. However, the percentage of the same etiology of maternal and neonatal infections turned out to be very low (from 0 to 31% for individual pathogens), which makes it difficult to apply preventive treatment during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Authors identified indirect but numerous signs of significant involvement of infectious processes in the development of fetal growth restriction, especially its early type, as well as the influence of infections on the outcomes for such newborns. In most cases, infectious processes during pregnancy are subclinical. Current screening of pregnant women is insufficient to identify high-risk groups. Examination of pregnant women for infections carried out by culture tests provide low-component and, most likely, incomplete information.

Interaction of high-tech perinatal and ophthalmological centers as the basis for favorable outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity

Interaction of high-tech perinatal and ophthalmological centers as the basis for favorable outcomes of retinopathy of prematurity

Assessment of Uterine Contraction and Atonic Bleeding during the Third Stage of Labor Using Shear Wave Elastography.

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between fluctuations in uterine stiffness during the third stage of labor and blood loss upon placenta delivery using shear wave elastography. This prospective cohort study enrolled consecutive singleton pregnant women above 37 weeks of gestation who delivered infants transvaginally at a single perinatal center. Shear wave velocities (SWV) were continuously measured during the third stage of transvaginal labor using transabdominal ultrasound and these values were compared between groups with large (≥500 g) and small amounts of bleeding during this stage. In total, 8 cases of large bleeding and 47 cases of small bleeding were compared. The large amount of bleeding group had a significantly lower median of minimum SWV values (0.97 [0.52-1.01] m/s than the small amount of bleeding group (1.25 [1.04-1.48] m/s p = 0.02). However, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of median, mean, and maximum SWV values. The time from delivery of the infant to placental delivery was significantly longer in the large amount of bleeding group (median time: 370.5 s vs. 274 s, p < 0.05). Ultrasound quantification of uterine stiffness using shear wave elastography demonstrated that uterine contractions may influence the biological hemostasis of the uterus during the third stage of labor. Baseline uterine stiffness was weak and a longer duration of placental separation might be associated with cases of large amounts of bleeding during this stage.

Perinatal findings of women with pregnancy related haemolytic uremic syndrome: a case series from a single Italian tertiary perinatal care centre

Perinatal findings of women with pregnancy related haemolytic uremic syndrome: a case series from a single Italian tertiary perinatal care centre

Maternal perception of decreased fetal movements is independent of infant size.

Fetal movements are often used as a surrogate for fetal wellbeing. Previous research suggests a link between maternal perception of decreased fetal movements (DFM) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between maternal presentation with DFM and birthweight centile categories at a large Australian perinatal center. This was a 5-year cohort study (January 2016 to October 2020) of non-anomalous singleton infants born at the Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane, Australia at 28+0 weeks gestation or later. The primary outcome for this study was the rate of DFM by birthweight centile categories. Maternal demographics included age, body mass index, ethnicity, parity, medical conditions, and previous stillbirths. The effect of decreased fetal movements on birthweight centile was evaluated with adjusted multinomial regression models. Adjusted logistic regression models were then used to evaluate whether decreased fetal movements resulted in birthweight centiles <5 and <10. Robust standard errors were used to account for clustering at the patient level. Wald tests, Hosmer and Lemeshow's goodness of fit tests, Akaike's and Bayesian Information Criteria were used to evaluate models. Over the 5-year study period, 45042 women met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 6690 (14.9%) women presented with DFM. Of the DFM cohort, 80.9% (5411/6690) had only one presentation with DFM, whilst 19.1% (1279/6690) had >2 presentations. The overall stillbirth rate was similar in women with DFM (0.1%, 8/6690) and without DFM (0.1%, 50/38352). There was no difference in rates of DFM (either single or multiple) vs. no DFM and infant birthweight centile categories. There was no association between DFM (either single or multiple) and infant birth weight centile. The results of this study suggest that presentation with DFM is not associated with infant size. Clinicians should consider additional risk factors and the overall clinical context in deciding appropriate management. DFM is not necessarily an indication for an immediate or urgent ultrasound scan to assess fetal size. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Trial and error − Outcome of breech presentation depending on birth mode and root cause analysis of severe adverse events

ObjectivesThe debate about the safest birth mode for breech presentation at term remains unresolved. The comparison of a vaginal breech birth (VBB) with an elective caesarean section (CS) regarding fetal outcomes favors the CS. However, the question of whether attempting a VBB is associated with poorer fetal outcomes is examined in this study. Additionally, the study evaluates factors contributing to a successful VBB and illustrates possible errors in VBB management.Study design: We performed a retrospective analysis of term breech births over 15 years in a Perinatal Center Level I regarding fetal, maternal, and obstetric outcomes by comparing successful with unsuccessful VBB attempt and all attempted VBB vs. CS including a multivariate analysis of predictors for a successful VBB. A root cause analysis of severe adverse events (SAE) was conducted to evaluate factors leading to poorer fetal outcomes in VBB. ResultsOf 863 breech cases, in 78 % a CS was performed and in 22 % a VBB was attempted, with 57 % succeeding. Comparing successful with unsuccessful VBB attempts, successful VBB showed significantly lower maternal blood loss (p < 0.001) but poorer umbilical arterial pH (UApH) (p < 0.001), while other fetal outcome parameters showed no significant differences. Predictive factors for a successful VBB attempt were a body mass index (BMI) below 30.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.010) and multiparity (p = 0.003). Comparing all attempted VBB to CS, maternal blood loss was significantly higher in CS (p < 0.001), while fetal outcomes were significantly worse in VBB attempts, included poorer Apgar scores (p < 0.001), poorer UApH values (p < 0.001), higher transfer rate to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (p < 0.001) and higher rate of respiratory support in the first 24 h (p = 0.003). ConclusionThe failed attempt of VBB indicates significantly worse UApH without lower Apgar scores or higher transfer rate to the NICU. The likelihood of a successful VBB is 9% lower with obesity and 2.5 times higher in multiparous women. Attempting a VBB should include detailed pre-labor counseling, regarding predictive success factors, an experienced team, and consistent management during birth.

Exploring the clinical utility of exome sequencing/Mono, Duo, Trio in prenatal testing: a retrospective study in a tertiary care centre in South India.

With the availability of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) diagnosis of genetic disorders has improved significantly. Its use is also applicable to ascertain diagnosis and management in a perinatal setting. The study aims to detect the genetic aetiology of various congenital structural and functional defects using NGS technology in the reproductive cohort at a tertiary centre. The secondary objective is to address challenges in the interpretation of variants. This was a retrospective study of couples who underwent exome sequencing (Mono-testing proband only or Duo-testing parents only or Trio-testing proband and parents) for suspected single gene disorders between years 2020-2022 at a tertiary care perinatal center in the South India. American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines were followed to classify the pathogenicity of the variants identified by exome sequencing. The overall diagnostic yield as defined by pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants obtained was (23/43) 53.4 %. The individual subsets have the following diagnostic yield viz., Mono 5/6 (83 %); Carrier 16/32 (50 %); Trio 2/5 (40 %). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher in consanguineous couples. However, miscarriage history, and organ system involvement did not have a significant effect on the diagnostic yield. Prenatal diagnosis was offered for seven patients based on the exome result. One fetus was confirmed with a compound heterozygous pathogenic variant. Diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in our cohort was 53 %. The detection of pathogenic variants was maximum in those cases undergoing Mono exome sequencing. In places where there is a high prevalence of consanguinity and endogamy, NGS may be offered as first line test in the context of prenatal diagnosis.

New approaches to solving old problems: history lessons

The aim of this review was to demonstrate the significant successes of domestic neonatology, thanks to which infant mortality rates have dropped unprecedentedly, mostly due to a decrease in early neonatal and overall neonatal mortality in the last 3 decades. The noted achievements are primarily due to the implementation of the National Project “Health”. Within this project, a large number of perinatal centers were commissioned and a multi-level system of providing care to pregnant women from high-risk groups was introduced, equipped with high-quality diagnostic and treatment equipment and life-saving drugs.Conclusion. Over the past decades, significant successes have been noted by domestic manufacturers in the creation of high-tech medical equipment, consumables and medications used in neonatology, some of which are one-of-a-kind on the global arena.

Clinical case of delivery of a pregnant woman with Placenta previa/percreta 3с by modified cesarean section technique

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a severe obstetric pathology, in which placental tissue invades the myometrium. According to the current classification of FIGO (2019), depending on the depth of placental tissue invasion, PAS is divided into Placenta accreta – about 75% of cases, Placenta increta – 15% and Placenta percreta – up to 10% of all cases.The most severe cases associated with the delivery of pregnant women with Placenta percreta, especially with placental tissue sprouting not only the myometrium of the front wall of the uterus, but also the back wall of the urinary bladder or parametrial and paracervical tissue, which according to the FIGO classification are defined as cases of Placenta percreta with a degree of severity 3b and 3c. These are the most dangerous cases of the development of severe hemorrhagic complications, coagulopathic disorders, and the occurrence of intraoperative complications with damage to adjacent organs, primarily the bladder and intestines due to hysterectomy.This article presents for the general public of obstetricians and gynaecologists the analysis of a clinical case in a pregnant woman with complete presentation and placental ingrowth into the prostatic parametrial tissue and partial adhesion to the posterior bladder wall (Placenta previa/percreta 3c).The use of a modified interiliac incision of the anterior abdominal wall, medical and technical support with the use of modern energies (radio wave scalpel, argon plasma tissue coagulation) to minimize the volume of blood loss were described. The intervention was carried out at the main clinical base of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology No. 1, the Kyiv Regional Perinatal Centre.

Neurodevelopment of children with fetal growth retardation in women with hypertension disorders

The article presents data on the neurodevelopment of children with fetal growth retardation (FGR) who were born from mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Such children are at increased risk of developing motor, neurological, cognitive and learning disorders, as well as cerebral palsy. Delayed speech development (DSD) is one of the most common long-term consequences of neurodevelopmental disorders in the fetus and, later, in the child. Speech and language delay is a delay in the timely development of sound and speech skills relative to the established average statistical norms depending on age. The objective: to determine the frequency and assess the potential association between the presence of FGR in women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the development of a perinatal complication – neurodevelopmental delay in children under 4 years of age (different degrees of DSD). Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 1295 outpatient pregnancy cards of pregnant women and birth histories performed at the Odesa Regional Perinatal Centre was performed. FGR was diagnosed in 130 (10.03%) cases of singleton pregnancies in women with hypertensive disorders. Additionally, a prospective study and analysis of neurodevelopmental data of children under 3.5 (±3 months) years of age was conducted by questioning parents of children in the selection group for hypertensive disorders. The criteria for the presence of a deviation were the delay in motor adaptation of children relative to age and DSD in different degrees of severity.Results. DSD was found in 43.24% of children in the selection group. Depending on the degree of severity, they were distributed as follows: I degree – 9 (15.48%) children had complete absence of speech at the age of 3 years; II degree – 8 (13.76%) children; III degree – 16 (27.52%) children. The following data were obtained regarding the development of locomotor skills according to age: 18.92% of children had a delay in the development of the skill of fixing the head within the permissible time period; 32.68% had a delay in the skill of pulling up the legs; 8.6% of children over the age of 12 months cannot stand even with an additional fixation point. Thus, the group with neurodevelopmental delay is registered with a pediatric neurologist – 25 (43.24%) children. Conclusions. It has been established that children who were born with fetal growth retardation from mothers with hypertensive disorders are at high risk of long-term adverse perinatal outcomes. It was noted that the most significant deviations from age-related norms were found in children with FGR who were born from mothers whose pregnancy was complicated by severe preeclampsia.The results obtained are in line with world statistical data and once again confirm the need to prevent the development of this complication of pregnancy.

Lower Uterine Segment Corrugated Sutures in Hemorrhage during Cesarean Section because Previal and/or Placenta Accreta Spectrum: Case Reports Series and Literature Review.

We present the original technique of compression hemostatic sutures on the lower uterine segment due to early postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean section, with a literature review. A retrospective clinical case study was conducted at the tertiary perinatal center. Twelve patients had nine planned and three urgent cesarean sections due to antenatally verified placenta previa and/or placenta accreta spectrum and defined early postpartum hemorrhage > 1000 mL during cesarean section. As the use of uterotonics failed to produce any effect and hemorrhage persisted, compression sutures of the lower uterine segment were made by our own technique, as follows: below the hysterotomy, a horizontal corrugated suture is placed from the right to the left corner and after 2-3 cm vertically and backwards at several sites from the left to the right corner, where it is tightened. Seven patients had one cesarean section, three patients had two cesarean sections, and seven patients had pregnancy from the in vitro fertilization procedure in their history. There were six patients with placenta previa and six patients with anterior invasive placenta accreta or increta. Original hemostatic procedure was applied successfully in ten cases, and after placement of O'Leary suture and persistent bleeding in two cases. In this group, no hysterectomy was performed, and patients received blood transfusion of 440-880 mL. Three patients later had spontaneous pregnancies. Our own hemostatic method with a simple technique, fast learning, and minimal logistics contributes to successful management of this currently global problem of morbidly adherent placenta previa.

The use of in-hospital guidelines for prevention of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse: A national survey.

Sudden unexpected postnatal collapse is a life-threatening event and may occur in any newborn infant. Safe skin-to-skin contact, and awareness of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse are key to its prevention. The aim of this study was to survey the presence of skin-to-skin contact and/or sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols in the 70 perinatal centres in the Netherlands. We performed a survey among Dutch paediatricians to examine the safe skin-to-skin contact and sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols. We received data from 59/70 (85%) perinatal centres. At least one case of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse was reported in 35/59 (59%) of these centres. Nearly half the centres had safe skin-to-skin contact and/or sudden unexpected postnatal collapse protocols. Ultimately, 16 protocols were available for analysis. They showed considerable differences in the type of perinatal care provided. Most protocols lacked recently published insights on safe skin-to-skin contact. Besides, protocols failed to incorporate awareness of and knowledge on how to prevent sudden unexpected postnatal collapse. This study underlines the importance of drawing up uniform, multidisciplinary guidelines containing recommendations for the prevention of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse in the Netherlands.