Section For Non-reassuring Fetal Status Research Articles

Assessment of fetal growth trajectory identifies infants at high risk of perinatal mortality.

To analyze perinatal risks associated with three distinct scenarios of fetal growth trajectory in the latter half of pregnancy compared with a reference group. This cohort study included women with a singleton pregnancy that delivered between 32 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks' gestation and had two or more ultrasound scans, at least 4 weeks apart, from 18 + 0 weeks. We evaluated three different scenarios of fetal growth against a reference group, which comprised appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses with appropriate forward-growth trajectory. The comparator growth trajectories were categorized as: Group 1, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses (estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) persistently < 10th centile) with appropriate forward growth; Group 2, fetuses with decreased growth trajectory (decrease of ≥ 50 centiles) and EFW or AC ≥ 10th centile (i.e. non-SGA) at their final ultrasound scan; and Group 3, fetuses with decreased growth trajectory and EFW or AC < 10th centile (i.e. SGA) at their final scan. The primary outcome was overall perinatal mortality (stillbirth or neonatal death). Secondary outcomes included stillbirth, delivery of a SGA infant, preterm birth, emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status and composite severe neonatal morbidity. Associations were analyzed using logistic regression. The final study cohort comprised 5319 pregnancies. Compared to the reference group, the adjusted odds of perinatal mortality were increased significantly in Group 2 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 4.00 (95% CI, 1.36-11.22)) and Group 3 (aOR, 7.71 (95% CI, 2.39-24.91)). Only Group 3 had increased odds of stillbirth (aOR, 5.69 (95% CI, 1.55-20.93)). In contrast, infants in Group 1 did not have significantly increased odds of demise. The odds of a SGA infant at birth were increased in all three groups compared with the reference group, but was highest in Group 1 (aOR, 111.86 (95% CI, 62.58-199.95)) and Group 3 (aOR, 40.63 (95% CI, 29.01-56.92)). In both groups, more than 80% of infants were born SGA and nearly half had a birth weight < 3rd centile. Likewise, the odds of preterm birth were increased in all three groups compared with the reference group, being highest in Group 3, with an aOR of 4.27 (95% CI, 3.23-5.64). Lastly, the odds of composite severe neonatal morbidity were increased in Groups 1 and 3, whereas the odds of emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status were increased only in Group 3. Assessing the fetal growth trajectory in the latter half of pregnancy can help identify infants at increased risk of perinatal mortality and birth weight < 3rd centile for gestation. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The iPREFACE score is useful for predicting fetal acidemia: A retrospective cohort study of 113 patients who underwent emergency cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status during labor

The iPREFACE score may aid in predicting fetal acidemia and neonatal asphyxia in emergency cesarean and vaginal deliveries, which may improve labor management precision in the future. This study aimed to assess the score use of the iPREFACE as an objective indicator of the need for rapid delivery in cases of repeated abnormal waveforms without concurrent indications for immediate medical intervention during labor. This retrospective cohort study was conducted among term (37+ 0 days to 41+6 days) singleton pregnant women who underwent emergency cesarean delivery owing to a nonreassuring fetal status. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery score, calculated from a 30-minute cardiotocography waveform before the decision to perform emergency cesarean delivery, and the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer score, calculated from a 30-minute cardiotocography waveform before cardiotocography transducer removal, were employed. The primary outcome was the assessment of the predictive ability of these scores for fetal acidemia, whereas the secondary outcomes were differences in umbilical artery blood gas findings and postnatal outcomes between the 2 groups, divided by the cutoff values of the integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography score. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery and integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer scores demonstrated the capability to predict an umbilical artery blood pH of <7.2. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-decision of emergency cesarean delivery and -removal of cardiotocography transducer score, with cutoff values of 37 and 46 points, respectively, exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 and 0.87, respectively. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring-removal of cardiotocography transducer group with ≥46 points had higher incidence rates of an umbilical cord artery blood pH of <7.2, <7.1, and <7.0 and neonatal intensive care unit admissions for neonatal asphyxia. The integrated score index to predict fetal acidemia by intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring, derived from cardiotocography during an emergency cesarean delivery, may enable clinicians to predict fetal acidemia in cases of nonreassuring fetal status. Improved prediction of fetal acidemia and facilitation of timely intervention hold promise for enhancing the outcomes of mothers and newborns during childbirth. Prospective studies are warranted to establish precise cutoff values and to validate the clinical application of these scores.

Predictive index for adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction.

To develop and validate an index predictive of adverse perinatal outcome (APO) in pregnancies meeting the consensus-based criteria for fetal growth restriction (FGR) endorsed by the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG). This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive singleton non-anomalous gestations meeting the ISUOG-endorsed criteria for FGR at a single tertiary care center from November 2010 to August 2020. The dataset was divided randomly into a development set (two-thirds) and a validation set (one-third). The primary composite APO comprised one or more of: perinatal demise, Grade III-IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), seizures, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) > 7 days. Regression analysis incorporated clinical factors readily available at the time of FGR diagnosis. The sum of β coefficient-based weights yielded an index score, the performance of which was assessed in the validation set. Score cut-offs were selected to identify 'high-risk' and 'low-risk' ranges for which positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values and positive (LR+) and negative (LR-) likelihood ratios were calculated. Of the 875 consecutive pregnancies that met the criteria for FGR and were included in the study cohort, 405 (46%) were complicated by one or more components of the composite APO, including 54 (6%) perinatal deaths, 22 (3%) neonates with Grade III-IV IVH and/or PVL, nine (1%) with seizures and/or HIE, 91 (10%) with BPD, 57 (7%) with sepsis, 21 (2%) with NEC, and 361 (41%) who remained in the NICU > 7 days. In addition, 270 (31%) pregnancies were delivered by Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 43 (5%) were admitted to the NICU for < 7 days, 79 (9%) had 5-min Apgar score < 7, 125/631 (20%) had a cord gas pH ≤ 7.1 and 35/631 (6%) had a base excess ≥ 12 mmol/L. The predictive index we developed included seven factors available at the time of FGR diagnosis: hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) (+8 points), chronic hypertension without HDP (+4 points), gestational age ≤ 32 weeks (+5 points), absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (+8 points), prepregnancy body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 (+3 points), isolated abdominal circumference < 3rd percentile (-4 points) and non-Hispanic black race (-2 points). The bias-corrected bootstrapped (1000 replicates) area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC) of the predictive index for composite APO in the validation group was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84-0.92), which was similar to that in the development group (AUC, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82-0.89); P = 0.34). In the total cohort, 40% of pregnancies had a low-risk index score (≤ 2), associated with a NPV of 85% (95% CI, 81-88%) and a LR- of 0.21 (95% CI, 0.16-0.27), and 23% had a high-risk index score (≥ 10), associated with a PPV of 96% (95% CI, 93-98%) and a LR+ of 27.36 (95% CI, 14.33-52.23). Of the remaining pregnancies that had an intermediate-risk score, 50% were complicated by composite APO. An easy-to-use index incorporating seven clinical factors readily available at the time of FGR diagnosis is predictive of APO and may prove useful in counseling and management of pregnancies meeting the ISUOG-endorsed criteria for FGR. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Correlation of Cardiotocography with Intraoperative findings and neonatal outcome in caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status

Aims: To demonstrate the correlation of cardiotocography with intraoperative findings and neonatal outcome undergoing emergency cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status.&#x0D; Methods: It is a hospital based cross sectional study at maternity ward of Shree Birendra Hospital in Kathmandu with non-reassuring CTG who underwent cesarean section in a period of one year. Their CTG were correlated with their intraoperative findings and neonatal outcome such as meconium stained liquor, nuchal cord, Apgar score at birth, NICU admission, perinatal mortality and stillbirth.&#x0D; Results: Fifty four patients were recruited. Most common operative finding was meconium stained liquor (35.2%); and cardiotocographic abnormality was variable Deceleration (37%). Variable deceleration and late deceleration had significant correlation with meconium stain liquor and nuchal cord. Apgar score ≤ 7 at 5 minute was 7.4%. NICU admission was 13% with common abnormality as late Deceleration.&#x0D; Conclusion: CTG pattern of variable and late deceleration had correlated with the meconium stained liquor and nuchal cord only. There was no relation with neonatal outcome in terms of Apgar score and admission rate.

Prediction of adverse perinatal outcome by serum placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 in women undergoing induction of labor.

To investigate the additive value of serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), measured within 24 h prior to induction of labor, to the performance of screening for adverse perinatal outcome provided by maternal risk factors and the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). This was a prospective observational study of 795 singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation. Before induction of labor, Doppler ultrasound was used to measure the pulsatility index (PI) in the umbilical artery (UA) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and maternal blood was obtained for measurement of serum PlGF and sFlt-1. The measured UA-PI, MCA-PI and their ratio (CPR) were converted to multiples of the median (MoM) after adjustment for gestational age, and the measured PlGF and sFlt-1 were converted to MoM after adjustment for gestational age, maternal characteristics and the machine used for the assays. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors that provided a significant contribution in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome, defined as the presence of any one of Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status in labor, umbilical arterial or venous cord blood pH ≤ 7 and ≤ 7.1, respectively, 5-min Apgar score < 7 or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for ≥ 24 h. The detection rate (DR) and false-positive rate (FPR) in screening for adverse perinatal outcome were determined. In pregnancies with adverse perinatal outcome, compared to those without, median serum PlGF MoM was lower (0.44; interquartile range (IQR), 0.30-0.82 vs 0.60; IQR, 0.36-1.07; P = 0.003), but median sFlt-1 MoM was not significantly different (P = 0.080). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that, in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome, there was significant contribution from maternal risk factors and CPR MoM but not PlGF MoM or sFlt-1 MoM. The performance of screening for adverse perinatal outcome achieved by maternal risk factors alone (DR of 28.9% at FPR of 10%) was not improved by the addition of CPR (DR of 33.8% at FPR of 10%) (area under the curve, 0.702; 95%CI, 0.654-0.750 vs 0.712; 95%CI, 0.664-0.760; P = 0.233). Serum PlGF and sFlt-1, measured within 24 h prior to induction of labor, do not provide a significant additional contribution to maternal risk factors in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Predictive accuracy of cerebroplacental ratio for adverse perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in suspected fetal growth restriction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has been proposed for the routine surveillance of pregnancies with suspected fetal growth restriction (FGR), but the predictive performance of this test is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of CPR for predicting adverse perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in suspected FGR. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Lilacs were searched from inception to 31 July 2017 for cohort or cross-sectional studies reporting on the accuracy of CPR for predicting adverse perinatal and/or neurodevelopmental outcomes in singleton pregnancies with FGR suspected antenatally based on sonographic parameters. Summary receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves, pooled sensitivities and specificities, and summary likelihood ratios (LRs) were generated. Twenty-two studies (including 4301 women) met the inclusion criteria. Summary ROC curves showed that the best predictive accuracy of CPR was for perinatal death and the worst was for neonatal acidosis, with areas under the summary ROC curves of 0.83 and 0.57, respectively. The predictive accuracy of CPR was moderate to high for perinatal death (pooled sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 76%, respectively, and summary positive and negative LRs of 3.9 and 0.09, respectively) and low for composite of adverse perinatal outcomes, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score < 7, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal acidosis and neonatal morbidity, with summary positive and negative LRs ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 and 0.3 to 0.9, respectively. An abnormal CPR result had moderate accuracy for predicting small-for-gestational age at birth (summary positive LR of 7.4). CPR had a higher predictive accuracy in pregnancies with suspected early-onset FGR. No study provided data for assessing the predictive accuracy of CPR for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. CPR appears to be useful in predicting perinatal death in pregnancies with suspected FGR. Nevertheless, before incorporating CPR into the routine clinical management of suspected FGR, randomized controlled trials should assess whether the use of CPR reduces perinatal death or other adverse perinatal outcomes. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The burden of adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes from maternal smoking in an Australian cohort.

Maternal smoking is associated with a number of adverse outcomes with a dose-dependent increase in risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women who smoked during pregnancy. This was a retrospective cohort study of women who smoked during pregnancy and birthed at a major perinatal centre in Australia between January 2000 and April 2017. The study cohort was compared to a cohort of women who did not smoke in pregnancy. Smoking status was ascertained on history and included all types of smoking. Demographic characteristics and obstetric, intrapartum and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. The study cohort included 20477 (14.6%) women who smoked during pregnancy and 119396 controls. Women who smoked tended to be younger, of higher body mass index (BMI), Caucasian and Indigenous ethnicity. Smokers were less likely to be nulliparous, but more likely to be hypertensive and have a lower socioeconomic status compared to non-smokers. Women who smoked were more likely to have a caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.16, 95%CI 1.07-1.26, P<0.001). The infants of women who smoked were more likely to be born preterm, have a lower median birth weight and birth weights <10th (aOR 1.76, 95%CI 1.66-1.86, P<0.001) and <5th centile (aOR 2.00, 95%CI 1.86-2.16, P<0.001). Neonatal outcomes in the smoking cohort were worse with an increase in neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 1.34, 95%CI 1.27-1.43, P<0.001), severe acidosis (aOR 1.41, 95%CI 1.27-1.43, P<0.001) and a composite of severe neonatal outcomes (18.0% vs 12.0%, aOR 1.35, 95%CI 1.28-1.43, P<0.001). Women who smoke in pregnancy have worse obstetric and perinatal outcomes compared to controls and should be managed as high risk.

The risk of preterm birth associated with a low cerebroplacental ratio

Objective: This paper investigated whether a cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 10th centile (measured between 23 + 0–36 + 0 weeks gestation) is predictive of any preterm birth, birth within 2 weeks of the ultrasound scan or spontaneous preterm birth. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 8977 women during 2014 and 2015 at a major tertiary referral hospital. Selection criteria included women who had a nonanomalous, singleton fetus and underwent an ultrasound scan between 23 + 0–36 + 6 weeks gestation. Results: A low CPR increased the risk of preterm birth or birth within 2 weeks of the scan with the highest odds of birth within 2 weeks seen at 28-week gestation (odds ratio (OR) 3.78, 95%CI 1.63–8.77) – the mode of delivery was most likely emergency caesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status (aOR 2.11, 95%CI 1.69–2.64, p < .001). Neonatal outcomes were worse in the low CPR cohort particularly with higher odds of death (aOR 2.30, 95%CI 1.46–3.63) and composite adverse outcome (aOR 1.46, 95%CI 1.24–1.73). The low CPR cohort had a significantly shorter interval to delivery (Cox Proportional Hazard – aHR 1.41, 95%CI 1.33–1.51, p < .001) and earlier gestation at birth. Conclusions: A low CPR is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and birth within 2 weeks but not spontaneous preterm birth.

P25.05: Uterine Doppler, cerebroplacental ratio and fetal growth in the late third trimester: association with adverse outcome

To determine the performance of uteroplacental Doppler plus cerebroplacental ratio and fetal growth and its association with adverse perinatal outcome (APO) and birthweight below p3 in pregnancies explored at late third trimester. A retrospective cohort of low risk singleton pregnancies scanned at 37 gestational weeks was reviewed. At inclusion, biometry for estimated fetal weight (EFW) and fetoplacental Doppler evaluation (uterine artery pulsatility index [UtA-PI], cerebroplacental ratio [CPR] normalised by EFW. Estimated fetal weight defining two groups above and below to the 10th centile. APO was defined as the occurrence of composite morbidity including emergent Caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score <7 or neonatal acidosis at birth defined by ph venous below 7.1, admission at NICU and stillbirth. A total of 2272 pregnancies were included. Among these, 65.2% were nulliparous and 34.8% were multiparous , 176 cases of Adverse perinatal outcome APO, 20,6%. Using uterine Doppler above p95 th centile as the predictor of adverse outcome we found 30% of cases within the estimated fetal weight below 10 centile and 14.8% in the above 10th. Odds ratio of 2,28 (1,5-3.4). Regarding CPR within the two groups of EFW the odds ratio for adverse outcome was 2.6 (1.8-3.6) in the group of SGA and 1,52 (1.02-2-44) for the AGA group. The model combining efw plus uterine Doppler above p95 and cpr below p5 had an AUC of 0,58 (0,54-0.61) for the prediction of Adverse perinatal outcome with a sensitivity of 20.2% for a false positive of 9,5%. Using the same model including uterine Doppler and CPR according to estimated fetal weight for the prediction of FGR <P3 birthweight the Sensitivity is 16% for a false positive of 3,2%. The combination of uterine Doppler and Cerebroplacental ratio is associated with adverse perinatal outcome, although significant the predictive values are very low. The performance improves in the cases of estimated fetal weight below the 10th centile.

EP16.09: Cerebroplacental ratio at term and risk of adverse perinatal outcome

To determine the performance of cerebroplacental ratio and its association with adverse perinatal outcome (APO) in pregnancies explored at late third trimester. A retrospective cohort of low risk singleton pregnancies scanned at 37 gestational weeks was reviewed. At inclusion, biometry for estimated fetal weight (EFW) and feto-placental Doppler evaluation (uterine artery pulsatility index [UtA-PI], cerebroplacental ratio [CPR] normalised by EFW according to Baschat were measured. APO was defined as the occurrence of composite morbidity including birthweight below 5th centile, emergent Caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score <7 or neonatal acidosis at birth defined by ph venous below 7.1, admission at NICU and stillbirth. A total of 2272 pregnancies were included. Among these, 65.2% were nulliparous and 34.8% were multiparous. Overall with the definition of APO including SGA 5 centile the total number of APO was 659 (29%). The cerebroplacental ratio below 5th centile according to Baschat was present in a 13.1% of cases. Out of those 47% of APO were in the group with low CPR (<5th centile) rendering an odds ratio of 2,54 (1,98-3,26). The low CPR was also a risk factor for the individual components of the adverse outcome, especially mortality and transfer to NICU. Comparing the CPR according to Estimated Fetal Weight the cpr remained significantly associated with APO, even in the cases of normal estimated fetal weight the odds ratio for adverse outcome with low CPR was 1,58 (1.02-2.44). 11.4 % of the adverse outcome is in the group of normal growth but low CPR. The low Cerebroplacental Ratio has become a proxy of abnormal perinatal outcome when determined in the late third trimester, even in cases with normal growth we have found a significant association with adverse perinatal outcome. There are clear limitations because of the retrospective review and the selection of cases, nevertheless the abnormal ratio seems to be related with an increased risk of abnormal outcome.

Prediction of delivery of small-for-gestational-age neonates and adverse perinatal outcome by fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation.

To explore the predictive capacity of fetoplacental Doppler at 37 weeks' gestation in identifying small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and adverse perinatal outcome. This was a prospective cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing ultrasound assessment at 37 weeks. At study inclusion, biometry for estimated fetal weight (EFW), and fetoplacental Doppler variables (uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and umbilical vein blood flow (UVBF) normalized by EFW) were measured. SGA was defined as a customized birth weight between the 3rd and 10th centiles, and FGR was defined as a birth weight < 3rd centile, according to local standards. Adverse perinatal outcomes included emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score < 7 and neonatal acidosis at birth. A total of 946 pregnancies were included in the study. Of these, 89 (9.4%) were classified as SGA and 40 (4.2%) as FGR, with an overall rate of adverse perinatal outcome of 4.9%. At a fixed 10% false-positive rate (FPR), the detection rate of SGA by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR, UVBF and by a combination of Doppler variables (UtA-PI and CPR) and EFW was 59.2%, 10.5%, 13.7%, 3.2% and 61.0%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of FGR by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR, UVBF and a combination of CPR and EFW centile was 83.3%, 13.9%, 27.8%, 13.9% and 88.6%, respectively. At a fixed 10% FPR, the detection rate of adverse perinatal outcome by EFW, UtA-PI, CPR and UVBF was 19.2%, 9.2%, 23.1% and 16.9%, respectively, while combining EFW with Doppler variables (including CPR and UVBF normalized by EFW) improved the detection rate to nearly 30%. In low-risk pregnancies, Doppler evaluation at 37 weeks' gestation did not improve the prediction of SGA and FGR compared with that given by EFW alone, however, combining Doppler variables with EFW improved the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes given by these parameters alone, although not markedly. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

D4. MCA/UtA ratio at first observation is associated with birthweight in late onset IUGR

Introduction: MCA and uterine artery Doppler PI are commonly used in the evaluation of IUGR.Targets: This retrospective pilot study aims to investigate whether MCA/UtA ratio may identify adverse outcome in late onset IUGRs. A cohort of 69 pregnancies affected with late IUGR which underwent labor induction according to local protocols was retrospectively revised on the relationship between MCA/UtA ratio at first observation and the following adverse outcomes: cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status, birthweight (expressed as percentile and continuous values, umbilical artery pH, NICU admission and Apgar score < 7 after 1 and 5 min.Results: The study population included 75.4% nulliparous women. Mean gestational age was 36.7 and 38.7 weeks’ gestation for diagnosis and induction, respectively. MCA/UtA ratio resulted significantly associated with a lower trend in birthweight, with a variation of 109.72 g for each unit considered (p = 0.040). The other outcomes considered showed no association.Conclusions: MCA/UtA ratio at first observation may be associated with lower birthweight in late onset IUGRs. Further prospective studies are expected.

Neonatal Hemochromatosis: Evaluation of the Neonate with Hepatic Failure

1. Hepatic failure in a newborn infant should raise the suspicion of neonatal hemochromatosis. 2. The diagnosis of neonatal hemochromatosis has implications for future pregnancies. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the pathophysiology underlying neonatal hemochromatosis. 2. Identify the characteristic presentation of neonates with neonatal hemochromatosis. 3. Understand the diagnostic evaluation of neonates presenting with acute liver failure. 4. Outline general pre- and postnatal management strategies for infants with or at high risk for neonatal hemochromatosis. An 1,870-g female infant is delivered at 32 6/7 weeks’ gestational age by a 25-year-old gravida 3, para 3 mother by emergency cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status, anhydramnios, and a biophysical profile score of 2/10. The infant has Apgar scores of 7 and 8 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively. She is transported back to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) while receiving 4 L/min of high-flow nasal cannula, at a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.30. On admission, blood-tinged secretions are noted after placement of the nasogastric tube, along with oozing from the umbilical lines, which had been placed. Chest and abdominal radiographs are obtained and dilated bowel loops are noted, so a Replogle tube is placed and copious bloody secretions are removed. The infant becomes hypotensive (mean arterial pressure, 20 mm Hg), so normal saline bolus is given (×3) and blood products are empirically ordered for concerns about coagulopathy. Admission laboratory studies are notable for a hematocrit of 27%, international normalized ratio (INR) more than 10, partial thromboplastin time (PTT) greater than 100 seconds, fibrinogen less than 25 mg/dL (0.74 μmol/L), total protein 2.4 g/dL (24 g/L), albumin 1.7 g/dL (17 g/L), aspartate aminotransferease (AST) 40 IU/L (0.68 μkat/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 10 IU/L (0.17 μkat/L), total bilirubin 3.5 mg/dL (60 μmol/L, and conjugated bilirubin 0.7 mg/dL [12 μmol/L]). The infant is …

Newborn outcomes in british columbia after caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status.

To assess the incidence in British Columbia of severe morbidity in neonates delivered by Caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status, and to examine the accuracy of Apgar score and umbilical cord gas values in predicting severe neonatal morbidity. We assessed rates of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, NICU admission, and ventilator days, individually and as a composite outcome with neonatal death, among a total of 8466 term singletons delivered by Caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011. We calculated the predictive accuracy of Apgar scores and umbilical cord blood gas values using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the sensitivity and specificity for each outcome. The incidence of Apgar score at one minute < 4 was 8.0%, and for Apgar score at five minutes < 4 it was 0.6%. The incidence of umbilical cord pH < 7.10 was 6.5%, and for base-excess < -12 it was 2.9%. Apgar score at one minute < 7 had the greatest predictive accuracy for the composite outcome (81% for both sensitivity and specificity). The area under the ROC curve for Apgar score at one minute and at five minutes, umbilical cord pH, and base-excess was 0.87, 0.86, 0.76, and 0.78, respectively. The incidence of abnormal Apgar score and abnormal umbilical cord gas values is very low among neonates in British Columbia delivered by Caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status. Apgar score at one minute < 7 is a good predictor of severe neonatal morbidity. Electronic fetal monitoring remains a non-specific method for detection of fetal compromise in the intrapartum period.

Clinical utility of third-trimester uterine artery Doppler in the prediction of brain hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

To assess the clinical value of third-trimester uterine artery (UtA) Doppler ultrasound in the prediction of hemodynamic deterioration and adverse perinatal outcome in term small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses. UtA Doppler parameters, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) were evaluated weekly, starting from the time of SGA diagnosis until 24 h before induction of labor, in a cohort of 327 SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery PI (< 95th centile), delivered at > 37 weeks' gestation. Differences in the sequence of CPR and MCA-PI changes < 5th centile, between the group with normal UtA Doppler indices at diagnosis and those with abnormal UtA indices, were analyzed by survival analysis. In addition, the use of UtA Doppler value, alone or in combination with a brain Doppler scan before delivery, to predict the risk of Cesarean section, Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), neonatal acidosis and neonatal hospitalization was evaluated by logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age at birth and birth-weight percentile. Abnormal UtA Doppler at diagnosis of SGA was associated with a higher risk of developing abnormal brain Doppler indices before induction of labor than in those with a normal UtA at diagnosis (62.7% vs 34.6%, respectively; P < 0.01). Compared to those with normal UtA Doppler indices, those with abnormal UtA Doppler findings were associated with a higher risk of intrapartum Cesarean section (52.2% vs 37.3%, respectively; P = 0.03), Cesarean section for NRFS (35.8% vs 23.1%, respectively; P = 0.03), neonatal acidosis (10.4% vs 7.7%, respectively; P = 0.47) and neonatal hospitalization (23.9% vs 16.5%, respectively; P = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis indicated that UtA Doppler findings were not significantly associated with adverse perinatal outcome independent of brain Doppler findings. UtA Doppler indices predict adverse perinatal outcome, but do not help to improve the predictive value of brain Doppler indices. However, at the time of SGA diagnosis they identify the subgroup of fetuses at highest risk of progression to abnormal brain Doppler findings.

Correlation between histological signs of placental underperfusion and perinatal morbidity in late-onset small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

To investigate whether signs of placental underperfusion (PUP), defined as any maternal and/or fetal vascular pathology, confer an increased risk of neonatal morbidity in late-onset small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses with normal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler indices. A cohort of 126 SGA singleton fetuses with normal UA Doppler indices that were delivered after 34 weeks' gestation was studied. For each case, the placenta was evaluated histologically for signs of PUP using a hierarchical and standardized classification system. Neonatal morbidity was assessed according to the score calculated from the morbidity assessment index for newborns (MAIN), a validated outcome scale. The independent association between PUP and neonatal morbidity was evaluated using multivariable median regression analysis. In 84 (66.7%) placentae, 97 placental histological findings that qualified as signs of PUP were observed. These PUP cases had a significantly higher incidence of emergency Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (44.1% vs 21.4%, respectively; P = 0.013) and neonatal metabolic acidosis at birth (33.3% vs 14.3%, respectively; P = 0.023), than did those without PUP. The median MAIN score differed significantly between those with PUP and those without (89 vs 0, respectively; P = 0.025). This difference remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders. The proportion of cases with scores indicative of mild to severe morbidity was also significantly higher in the PUP group (31% vs 14.3%, respectively; P = 0.043). In late-onset SGA fetuses with normal UA Doppler indices, signs of PUP imply a higher neonatal morbidity. These findings allow the phenotypic profiling of fetal growth restriction among the general population of late-onset SGA.

Fetal pulse oximetry for fetal assessment in labour.

The use of conventional cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring of fetal well-being during labour is associated with an increased caesarean section rate, compared with intermittent auscultation of the fetal heart rate, resulting in a reduction in neonatal seizures, although no differences in other neonatal outcomes. To improve the sensitivity of this test and therefore reduce the number of caesarean sections performed for nonreassuring fetal status, several additional measures of evaluating fetal well-being have been considered. These have demonstrated some effect on reducing caesarean section rates, for example, fetal scalp blood sampling for pH estimation/lactate measurement. The adaptation of pulse oximetry for use in the unborn fetus could potentially contribute to improved evaluation during labour and therefore lead to a reduction in caesarean sections for nonreassuring fetal status, without any change in neonatal outcomes. To compare the effectiveness and safety of fetal intrapartum pulse oximetry with other surveillance techniques. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 May 2014), contacted experts in the field and searched reference lists of retrieved studies. In previous versions of this review, we performed additional searches of MEDLINE, Embase and Current Contents. These searches were discontinued for this review update, as they consistently failed to identify any trials that were not shown in the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register. All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials that compared maternal and fetal outcomes when fetal pulse oximetry was used in labour, (i) with or without concurrent use of conventional fetal surveillance, that is, cardiotocography (CTG), compared with using CTG alone or (ii) with or without concurrent use of both CTG and other method(s) of fetal surveillance, such as fetal electrocardiography (ECG) plus CTG. At least two independent review authors performed data extraction. We sought additional information from the investigators of three of the reported trials. We included seven published trials: six comparing fetal pulse oximetry and CTG with CTG alone (or when fetal pulse oximetry values were blinded) and one comparing fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG with fetal ECG plus CTG. The published trials, with some unpublished data, were at high risk of bias in terms of the impractical nature of blinding participants and clinicians, as well as high risk or unclear risk of bias for outcome assessor for all but one report. Selection bias, attrition bias, reporting bias and other sources of bias were of low or unclear risk. The trials reported on a total of 8013 pregnancies. Differing entry criteria necessitated separate analyses, rather than meta-analysis of all trials.Systematic review of four trials from 34 weeks not requiring fetal blood sampling (FBS) prior to study entry showed no evidence of differences in the overall caesarean section rate between those monitored with fetal oximetry and those not monitored with fetal pulse oximetry or for whom the fetal pulse oximetry results were masked (average risk ratio (RR) 0.99 using random-effects, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.86 to 1.13, n = 4008, I² = 45%). There was evidence of a higher risk of caesarean section in the group with fetal oximetry plus CTG than in the group with fetal ECG plus CTG (one study, n = 180, RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.29). Neonatal seizures and neonatal encephalopathy were rare in both groups. No studies reported details of long-term disability.There was evidence of a decrease in caesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status in the fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG group compared to the CTG group, gestation from 34 weeks (average RR (random-effects) 0.65, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90, n = 4008, I² = 63%). There was no evidence of differences between groups in caesarean section for dystocia, although the overall incidence rates varied between the trials. The addition of fetal pulse oximetry does not reduce overall caesarean section rates. One study found a higher caesarean section rate in the group monitored with fetal pulse oximetry plus CTG, compared with fetal ECG plus CTG. The data provide limited support for the use of fetal pulse oximetry when used in the presence of a nonreassuring CTG, to reduce caesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status. A better method than pulse oximetry is required to enhance the overall evaluation of fetal well-being in labour.

Association of Doppler parameters with placental signs of underperfusion in late-onset small-for-gestational-age pregnancies

To elucidate the association between Doppler parameters and histological signs of placental underperfusion in late-onset small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies. Umbilical, fetal middle cerebral and uterine artery pulsatility indices and umbilical vein blood flow (UVBF), which had been recorded within 7 days prior to delivery, were analyzed from a cohort of SGA singleton pregnancies delivered after 34 weeks' gestation and confirmed as having a birth weight < 10(th) percentile by local standards. In each case, the placenta was histologically evaluated for signs of placental underperfusion using a hierarchical and standardized classification system. The independent association of the Doppler parameters with placental underperfusion was evaluated using logistic regression and decision tree analysis. In 51 cases (53.7%), there were 61 placental histological findings indicative of placental underperfusion. These cases had a significantly higher incidence of Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status (52.1% vs 11.9%; P < 0.001) and neonatal metabolic acidosis at birth (21.6% vs 0%; P = 0.001). Significant and independent contributions to the presence of placental underperfusion lesions were provided by increased mean UtA pulsatility index (PI) (P = 0.018; odds ratio (OR) 2 (95% CI, 1.1-3.7)) and decreased UVBF normalized to estimated fetal weight (P = 0.027; OR 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99)). The combination of both parameters revealed three groups with differing risks for placental underperfusion: normalized UVBF > 82 mL/min/kg (risk 31.3%), normalized UVBF ≤ 82 mL/min/kg and mean UtA-PI ≤ 95(th) percentile (risk 65.5%), and normalized UVBF ≤ 82 mL/min/kg and UtA-PI > 95(th) percentile (risk 94.4%). In late-onset SGA pregnancies, uterine Doppler and UVBF are surrogates for placental underperfusion. These findings facilitate phenotypic profiling of cases of fetal growth restriction among the general population of late-onset SGA babies.

Intrapartum Amniotic Fluid Volume Estimation in Low-risk Pregnancy as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome

ABSTRACT Objectives The study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of routine estimation of amniotic fluid volume using the amniotic fluid index (AFI) as a means of predicting an adverse perinatal outcome in low-risk pregnancies. Materials and methods Five hundred and three singleton lowrisk pregnancies with cephalic presentation between 37 and 40 weeks and 6 days of gestation with intact or ruptured membranes had AFI estimations within 36 hours of delivery. Results The frequency of nonreassuring fetal heart patterns and perinatal outcomes among patients with oligohydramnios (&lt;5 cm), borderline oligohydramnios (5 to 8 cm) and normal (&gt;8 cm) liquor were compared and not found to be different. Cesarean section for nonreassuring fetal status was also similar in the three groups. Conclusion This study suggests that AFI estimation during labor in low-risk pregnancies does not predict adverse perinatal outcomes. Further studies are needed to verify this impression. How to cite this article Jeanet J, Benjamin SJ, Mathews JE, Rathore S, Sebastian A, Thomas E. Intrapartum Amniotic Fluid Volume Estimation in Low-risk Pregnancy as a Predictor of Perinatal Outcome. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2014;6(3):156-158.

Ductus venosus velocimetry in monitoring pregnancy in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus

The purpose of this research was to assess the ability of ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry to predict adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by pre-existing diabetes mellitus. This was a prospective study conducted at a tertiary referral obstetric facility in Brisbane, Australia. The study group included women with pregestational diabetes mellitus who delivered in the hospital between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2006. The DV Doppler index was defined as abnormal if the DV peak velocity index for veins (PVIV) was equal to or greater than the 95(th) percentile for gestation. Adverse perinatal outcome included one or more of the following criteria: small-for-gestational-age infant; Cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status; fetal acidemia at delivery; a 1-min Apgar score of <or= 3; a 5-min Apgar score of < 7; hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy; and stillbirth or neonatal death. The maternal characteristics and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies with normal or abnormal DV Doppler indices were compared. Eighty-two pregestational diabetic pregnancies were studied and an abnormal DV-PVIV was identified in 25 (30.5%). Adverse perinatal outcome was identified in eight of 25 (32.0%) pregnancies with an abnormal DV-PVIV compared to seven of 57 (12.3%) pregnancies with a normal DV-PVIV (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of the DV-PVIV in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in pregestational diabetic pregnancies was 53.3%, the specificity was 74.6%, the positive predictive value was 32.0% and the negative predictive value was 87.7%. It may be useful to include DV-PVIV in the antenatal screening of pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes.