Fetal Laryngoscopy and Endoscopic Tracheal Intubation to Avoid ex utero Intrapartum Treatment in the Management of Fetuses with Suspected Airway Obstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Large congenital neck tumors can cause neonatal death due to airway obstruction. The aim of this study was to report outcomes of the first cohort of fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction managed with fetal laryngoscopy (FL) and fetal endoscopic tracheal intubation (FETI) to secure fetal airways and avoid ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort of consecutive fetuses with neck masses that were candidates for an EXIT procedure due to suspicion of laryngeal and/or tracheal occlusion on ultrasonographic (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination were recruited for FL in a tertiary referral center in Queretaro, Mexico. FETI was performed if the obstruction was confirmed by FL. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and March 2023, 35 cases with neck masses were evaluated. Airway obstruction was suspected in 12/35 (34.3%), either by US in 10/35 (28.6%) or by fetal MRI in 2/35 (5.7%). In all cases, FL was successfully performed at the first attempt at a median gestational age (GA) of 36+5 (range, 33+5-39+6) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 22.5 (12-35) min. In 4 cases, airway patency was confirmed during FL and an EXIT procedure was avoided. In 8/12 cases (66.7%), airway obstruction was confirmed during fetoscopy and FETI was successfully performed at a median GA of 36+3 (33+2-38+5) weeks+days, with a median surgical time of 25.0 (range, 12-45) min. No case required an EXIT procedure. All patients underwent conventional cesarean delivery with no maternal complications and all neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a correctly positioned endotracheal tube (ETT) immediately after delivery. Three neonatal deaths (37.5%) were reported due to postnatal unplanned extubation, failed ETT replacement, and tumoral bleeding. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with neck masses and suspected airway obstruction, FL and FETI are feasible and could replace EXIT procedures with good maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Significado clínico del diagnóstico prenatal de la protuberancia corial en el tamizaje del primer trimestre de la gestación / Clinical significance of prenatal diagnosis of chorionic bump in the first trimester screening

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar el significado clínico y el desenlace obstétrico y perinatal luego de la detección de una protuberancia corial en el estudio de tamizaje del primer trimestre de la gestación. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte prospectiva efectuado, de abril del 2019 a diciembre 2021, en pacientes referidas para tamizaje del primer trimestre a una unidad de Medicina y Cirugía Fetal de tercer nivel de referencia (Prenatalia Medicina Fetal San Javier, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México). Criterio de inclusión: pacientes con medición de la longitud cráneo caudal comprendida entre 45 y 84 mm durante el tamizaje prenatal del primer trimestre. Se reportaron los hallazgos ecográficos, se obtuvieron información y datos clínicos relevantes de los expedientes electrónicos y cuando se consideró necesario se contactó al ginecoobstetra tratante y a las pacientes. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva con medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Para el análisis comparativo se utilizó χ2 y U de Mann Whitney para contrastar diferencias entre grupos. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 1359 embarazos y la protuberancia corial se documentó en 19 de ellos. En 9 de 19 casos se asoció con sangrado del primer trimestre, previo a la exploración ecográfica. En 16 de 19 casos se encontraron dimensiones de la protuberancia corial mayores a 10 mm. Además, la protuberancia se asoció con episodios de amenaza de parto pretérmino en 13 de los 19 casos. CONCLUSIONES: La protuberancia corial es un hallazgo poco frecuente durante el tamizaje del primer trimestre que se asocia con sangrado y episodios de amenaza de parto pretérmino.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical significance and obstetric and perinatal outcome after detection of a chorionic protrusion in the first trimester screening study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study performed in patients referred for first trimester screening to a third level referral Fetal Medicine and Surgery unit (Prenatalia Medicina Fetal San Javier, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico) from April 2019 to December 2021. Patients with craniocaudal length measurements between 45 and 84 mm during first-trimester prenatal screening were included. Ultrasound findings were reported, relevant clinical information and data were obtained from electronic records, and the treating obstetrician-gynecologist and patients were contacted when necessary. Descriptive statistics with measures of central tendency and dispersion were used. For comparative analysis, 2 and Mann Whitney U were used to contrast differences between groups. RESULTS: 1359 pregnancies were evaluated and chorionic protrusion was documented in 19 of them. In 9 of 19 cases it was associated with first trimester bleeding prior to ultrasound examination. Chorionic protrusion was found to be larger than 10 mm in 16 out of 19 cases. In addition, the protrusion was associated with episodes of threatened preterm labour in 13 of 19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Chorionic protrusion is a rare finding during first trimester screening that is associated with bleeding and episodes of threatened preterm labour.

Prevalencia de patologías fetales que pueden beneficiarse de intervenciones intrauterinas en un hospital de tercer nivel del Occidente de México / Prevalence of fetal pathologies that can benefit from intrauterine interventions in a third level hospital in western Mexico

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de afecciones susceptibles de ser tratadas mediante un procedimiento intrauterino en una unidad de Medicina Materno Fetal de un hospital de tercer nivel del Occidente de México, en un periodo de nueve años. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal y descriptivo, con revisión de los reportes de ultrasonidos obstétricos practicados en la Unidad de Medicina Materno Fetal del Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca del 2013 al 2021, con selección de los casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de alguna afectación susceptible de ser intervenida de manera intrauterina. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio se practicaron y registraron 103,721 ultrasonidos obstétricos, de éstos se integraron al estudio aquí publicado 257 pacientes con diagnóstico de alguna afectación susceptible de ser intervenida in útero. La prevalencia de afectaciones con posibilidad de ser intervenidas por vía intrauterina fue del 0.47% de la totalidad de pacientes valoradas. La media de edad de las pacientes fue de 24.6 años; 162 (63%) multigestas y 95 (37%) primigestas. Embarazos únicos 193 (75%) y 64 (25%) múltiples. Las semanas promedio de gestación al diagnóstico de la afectación fueron 25.6. CONCLUSIONES: En este ensayo se estimó una prevalencia de 0.47 padecimientos que pueden ser intervenidos in útero, dejando de lado muchas otros en los que los estudios no han demostrado beneficio de una cirugía fetal, ni los beneficios superan los riesgos, si se practica la cirugía de manera prenatal o posnatal.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of conditions amenable to treatment by an intrauterine procedure in a Maternal-Fetal Medicine unit of a tertiary hospital in western Mexico over a nine-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, with review of obstetric ultrasound reports performed in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit of the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca from 2013 to 2021, with selection of cases of patients diagnosed with any condition susceptible to intrauterine intervention. RESULTS: During the study period 103,721 obstetric ultrasounds were performed and recorded, of which 257 patients were included in the study published here with a diagnosis of a condition that could be treated in utero. The prevalence of conditions that could be treated in utero was 0.47% of all patients assessed. The mean age of the patients was 24.6 years; 162 (63%) were multigestational and 95 (37%) primigravid. Singleton pregnancies 193 (75%) and 64 (25%) multiple pregnancies. Mean weeks of gestation at diagnosis of involvement was 25.6. CONCLUSIONS: This trial estimated a prevalence of 0.47% of conditions that can be intervened in utero, leaving aside many others where studies have not demonstrated benefit of fetal surgery, nor do the benefits outweigh the risks, whether surgery is performed prenatally or postnatally.

Indicaciones del factor VII recombinante activado en hemorragia obstétrica grave / Use of recombinant activated Factor VII in severe obstetric hemorrhage

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir la situación final de salud de las pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica grave (≥ 1000 mL) en quienes se indicó factor VII recombinante activado como parte del tratamiento e identificar las complicaciones atribuibles a este medicamento. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo efectuado en pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica grave atendidas en el Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I Menchaca entre 2001 y 2017 y tratadas con factor VII recombinante activado. Se identificaron los antecedentes de importancia y se calculó la dosis promedio y cantidad de dosis de factor VII recombinante activado; se valoró la respuesta hemostática y se determinó si la diferencia en cantidad de sangrado, administración de hemoderivados y parámetros hematológicos antes y después de utilizar factor VII recombinante activado fue significativa. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 10 pacientes en quienes se aplicó factor VII recombinante activado. La causa de hemorragia obstétrica grave fue atonía uterina en seis casos. La dosis promedio de factor VII recombinante activado fue de 91 mcg/kg. En 8 pacientes se administró una dosis y 2 dosis en 2 pacientes. En todas las pacientes se logró la hemostasia; el sangrado disminuyó significativamente posterior a la administración del factor VII recombinante activado (5075 vs 928 mL; p = 0.000) lo mismo que la cantidad de concentrados eritrocitarios trasfundidos (7 vs 3; p = 0.006). Una paciente no requirió histerectomía, otra tuvo tromboembolia pulmonar, que se trató sin problemas y ninguna paciente falleció. CONCLUSIÓN: El factor VII recombinante activado como hemostático en hemorragia obstétrica grave mostró resultados favorables y evitó la histerectomía en una paciente. Requiere vigilancia estrecha de las complicaciones trombóticas.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe outcome of patients with severe obstetric hemorrhage (≥ 1000 mL) treated with rFVIIa as part of the management and to detect complications related to its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out in patients with severe obstetric hemorrhage treated at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I Menchaca between 2001 and 2017 and treated with activated recombinant factor VII. We identified relevant antecedents, average dose and number of doses of rFVIIa, and hemostatic response. We determined if quantity of bleeding, administration of blood products and hematological parameters before and after using rFVIIa was significantly different. RESULTS: We identified ten patients with rFVIIa administration. The cause of severe obstetric hemorrhage was uterine atony in six cases. The average dose of rFVIIa was 91 mcg/kg; one dose was administered in eight patients and two doses in two patients. Hemostasis was achieved in all patients, bleeding decreased significantly after administration of rFVIIa (5075 mL vs 928 mL, p = 0.000) and the number of erythrocyte concentrates required 7vs 3, p = 0.006). One patient did not require a hysterectomy after rFVIIa administration; one patient presented pulmonary thromboembolism and recovered without complications, no patient died. CONCLUSION: rFVIIa administration as a hemostatic in severe obstetric hemorrhage had favorable results, preventing hysterectomy in one patient. Follow-up requires close monitoring of thrombosis.

[Related factors to lack of implementation of antenatal corticosteroids]. / Factores relacionados con la falta de aplicación de glucocorticoides antenatales.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known benefits of antenatal corticosteroids therapy its use in clinical practice is not generalized. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors related to antenatal corticosteroids non administration. METHODS: Cross-sectional and descriptive study that included patients admitted to Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca", who had indication for antenatal corticosteroids therapy but did not receive it. Variables: antenatal corticosteroids therapy prescription, factors related to antenatal corticosteroids therapy non administration and lapsed time between diagnosis and birth. RESULTS: Antenatal corticosteroids therapy were not prescribed in 79 (94%) of 84 patients. Main related factors were imminent birth and severe maternal complication. The longer amount of time from diagnosis to birth was before hospitalization (91 vs. 9%, p <0.0005). CONCLUSION: The biggest and best opportunity for the administration of inducers of fetal lung maturity is during prenatal care, when cases with increased risk of preterm birth are detected.

[Prenatal diagnosis of fetal heterotaxy syndromes: report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Diagnóstico prenatal de los síndromes de heterotaxia fetal: Presentación de dos casos y revisión de la bibliografía.

We describe the prenatal sonographic findings in two cases of fetal heterotaxy syndrome evaluated at the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit of a tertiary hospital over a period of one year and present a review of the literature on the subject.

[Reference tables of fetal biometry for people in the West of Mexico]. / Tablas de referencia de biometria fetal para la población del Occidente de México.

BACKGROUND: Fetal growth has geographical and ethnic variations. Fetuses from different parts of the world show also different growth patterns. Using individualized fetal biometry charts increase the detection of fetuses at risk, probably due to a better identification of intrauterine growth restriction; moreover they correlate better with anthropometric parameters than conventional curves. OBJECTIVE: To determine and describe the reference curves of fetal biometric parameters in the population of western Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, conducted between September 2006 and December 2011 in patients admitted to the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit at Civil Hospital of Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. We included 1,833 patients with single pregnancies without fetal or maternal pathology with established gestational age by the date of the last menstrual period and confirmed by first trimester ultrasound. Percentils 3, 5, 10, 50 and 95 were calculated for every biometric variable. RESULTS: The largest growth rate was seen between 26 to 38 weeks of gestation and a progressive flattening of the growth curve was observed from the 38th week of gestation. CONCLUSION: The percentiles of fetal biometric parameters in the population of western Mexico are lower than those reported in previously published literature.

[Review by expert group in the diagnosis and treatment of anemia in pregnant women. Federación Mexicana de Colegios de Obstetricia y Ginecología]. / Opinión de un grupo de expertos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de la anemia en la mujer embarazada.

BACKGROUND: According to data from the World Health Organization and UNICEF from year 2009, iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional deficiency worldwide. This deficiency causes an imbalance between needs and iron supply, which consequently results in anemia. Around the world, two million people suffer from anemia, half of which is due to iron deficiency. The most impacted groups are children and teenagers, due to their highest requirements derived from the growing process, and women in their reproductive age, due to their loss of iron derived from menstruating or to their highest iron needs during pregnancy. This increase in needs is not satisfied by the regular diet, since it includes an insufficient amount and/or low bioavailability of iron. PURPOSE: To share with the medical community treating pregnant women the experience of an expert group so that they always bear in mind the repercussions caused by anemia during pregnancy, know more about the diagnostic possibilities and have a reference point for prescribing iron supplements. METHOD: The consensus method was used through the expert panel group technique. Two rounds were taken for structuring the clinical questions. The first one was to facilitate working groups their focusing in the clinical topics and the population of interest; the second one was to aid in posing specific questions observing the Patient, Intervention, Compare and Outcome (PICO) structure. The primary and clinical secondary study variables were defined by the working groups from the previously developed questions and during the face-to-face working period, according to the natural history of the disease: risk factors, diagnostic classification, (either pharmacological or non pharmacological) treatment and prognosis. The level of evidence and clinical recommendation was classified based on the Evidence Classification Level and Clinical Recommendation of the Medicine Group based on Evidence from Oxford University. RESULTS: In Mexico, 20.6% of pregnant women suffer from anemia, especially those between 15 and 16 years old, who prevail in 42.4% and 34.3% percent, respectively. Almost half the cases are due to iron deficiency. This type of anemia is associated with a higher risk of pre-term delivery, of low birth weight and perinatal death. The first assessment of an anemic pregnant woman shall include the medical history, a physical examination and the quantification of the erythrocyte indices, serum concentrations of iron and ferritin. The measurement of this last one has the highest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing iron deficiency. Daily oral iron supplementation, at a 60-to-120 mg dosage, may correct most of mild-to-moderate anemias. The most appropriate treatment is with iron salts (iron sulfate, polimaltose iron complex or iron fumarate). In case of intolerance to iron sulfate or fumarate, polimaltose iron is a better tolerated option. Treatment shall be administered until the hemoglobin values are > 10.5 g and ferritin is between 300 and 360 microg/dL, and such levels shall be observed for at least one year. Parenteral administration is an alternative for patients with a severe intolerance to oral administration; even when the possibility of anaphylaxis shall be considered it is lower when using ferrous sacarate. Transfusion is reserved for patients with hemoglobin lower than 7 g/dL or having an imminent cardio-respiratory decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: Iron deficiency is the highest prevailing nutritional deficiency worldwide and its consequences during pregnancy may be highly risky for both the mother and her child. Anemia diagnosis may easily be achieved through a blood analysis including the serum ferritin determination. Serum iron measurement shall not be used as the only marker to set the diagnosis. It is important to rule out other causes, in addition to the deficiencies, which produce anemia in a patient. It is essential to suggest the administration of iron supplements not only during the antenatal period but also after birth o even after a miscarriage to fulfill the need for depleted iron. In severe anemias (hemoglobin being lower than 9.0 g/L), iron doses higher than 120 mg a day may be required. Treatment shall always begin orally, and if this is not well tolerated, parenteral administration shall be used.

[Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in congenital heart block]. / Anticuerpos anti-Ro/SSA y bloqueo cardiaco congénito.

Describe a case of a female patient having anti-Ro/SSA antibodies without any other risk factor or collagen disease. In her first pregnancy a congenital heart block and hydrops in the fetus were diagnosed, and these caused stillbirth. In a second pregnancy an in utero treatment resulted in the succesful delivery of a normal child.

[Evidence-based Obstetrics and Gynecology practice]. / La práctica de la Ginecoobstetricia basada en evidencias.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decision about the care of individual patients in which we identify the question, find the available evidence, and then appraise and apply that evidence. This article introduces obstetricians and gynecologists to the basic concepts and the sources available for an evidence-based practice.

Polihidramnios y su relación con malformaciones congénitas: diagnóstico ultrasonográfico / Polyhydramnios and its relationship with congenital malformations: ultrasonographic diagnosis

Se analizó la ocurrencia de polihidramnios durante el embarazo y su asociación con malformaciones congénitas del producto y alteraciones maternas. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y transversal, que incluyó 6087 pacientes embarazada a la cuales se les realizó estudio ultrasonográfico de enero 1 de 1991 a diciembre 31 de 1993. Se incluyeron en la muestra final 72 pacientes que reunieron el criterio de polihidramnios más expediente clínico completo; se recabaron datos con la finalidad de conocer historia reproductiva y factores de riesgo asociados a polihidramnios y malformaciones congénitas del producto. La ocurrencia de polihidramnios durante el embarazo fue de 1.1 por ciento y su asociación con malformaciones congénitas de 13.8 por ciento sobresaliendo los defectos del tubo neural. Las alteraciones maternas fueron relacionadas en 13.7 por ciento con polihidramnios la diabetes gestacional fue una causa primaria; la anencefalia presentó una asociación estadísticamente significativa (P < 0.05). La ocurrencia de polohidramnios es baja en la población obstétrica; los defectos del tubo neural como la anencefalia son causas primarias de este trastorno. La diabetes gestacional y la gestación múltiple son los estados maternos principalmente asociados