Association between fetal echogenic and/or dilated bowel and adverse perinatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Echogenic and/or dilated bowel is uncommonly encountered on prenatal ultrasound and may represent either a panel of differential diagnoses or a transient normal variant with excellent outcome. Prenatal differentiation between the two entities remains uncertain. Here, we aimed to review prenatal cases associated with echogenic and/or dilated bowel and analyze their prospective perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, carried out at a single center. All relevant data was retrieved from the hospital electronic records. Bowel echogenicity is defined as grade 0-3, in relation to the surrounding liver or bone echogenicity. Bowel dilatation is defined as the largest diameter >7 mm with the length >15 mm. RESULTS: Out of 59 cases with prenatal echogenic and or dilated bowel, 32 cases were analyzed, and 10/32 (31%) neonates among all categories showed intestine related pathologies that required postnatal care. Two out of 19 (11%) cases with echogenic bowel and one out of three (34%) cases with bowel dilatation revealed structural abnormality that required postnatal surgery. All cases were in stable conditions upon discharge from the hospital. There were no cases of perinatal death associated with bowel abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Echogenic bowel in isolation carries a low risk for structural bowel anomalies that require surgery. Dilated bowel represents an increased risk for intestinal obstruction. Combination of two ultrasonographic features, echogenicity and dilatation of the intestine should be considered as a suspicious sign of a genetic syndrome which may alter bowel function but may not require surgery.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Impact on Perinatal Outcomes between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Women.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been increasing among pregnant women worldwide. Its impact on maternal, fetal, and neonatal health is still scarce in the published literature. As a routine COVID-19 prenatal screening has been established for all women requiring hospitalization, it is not clear whether symptomatic women carry worse pregnancy outcomes than those without symptoms. We aimed to analyze perinatal outcomes between symptomatic and asymptomatic women admitted to our center. Materials and Methods. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted for fourteen months. All pregnant women with positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were enrolled, and their perinatal outcomes were analyzed in two groups based on whether they were symptomatic or not. The primary outcomes were composite adverse fetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes and their comparison between study groups. Results. Out of 209 included COVID-19 positive pregnant women, 62 (30%) presented with one or more infection-related symptoms. Symptomatic women were older, multiparous, carried ≥1 comorbid condition, and attained infection at earlier gestational age (44% vs. 28%; 82% vs. 69%; 28% vs. 16%; and 34 vs. 36 weeks, respectively) (p < 0.05), when compared to asymptomatic women, respectively. Maternal composite adverse outcomes were higher in the symptomatic group and showed either one or more outcomes, positive chest radiological findings, requiring hospitalization with oxygen supplementation, or maternal death (8% vs. 0.7%) (p < 0.05). Composite fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, fetal or neonatal death, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal COVID-19 infection were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) between symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Conclusion. COVID-19 infection among symptomatic pregnant women may carry a higher risk for adverse maternal outcomes. It may be associated with their advanced age and comorbid conditions. Maternal infection-associated symptoms per se likely do not pose an increased risk for adverse fetal or neonatal outcomes.

Possible vertical transmission of corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) from infected pregnant mothers to neonates: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly contagious with various possible routes of transmission, resulting in high mortality globally. Controversy exists regarding the vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection to fetuses of COVID-19-infected women. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from COVID-19-infected mothers to their neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected demographical and clinical characteristics of 31 COVID-19 positive pregnant women and their neonates. All mothers and neonates were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection using the real-time polymerase chain reaction on nasopharyngeal swabs and breast milk samples. Antenatal and placental abnormalities were ultrasonically and histopathologically examined. In cord blood samples, the immunoglobins (Ig) M and IgG were estimated qualitatively. RESULTS: The women's mean age and gestational age were 31 years and 38 weeks, respectively, with 58% undergoing an elective cesarean section. Gestational diabetes was reported in 29% of cases, 64.5% of women were medically free and only 16.12% were symptomatic. A normal antenatal ultrasound was observed in 77.42% of cases. Nine cord blood samples were positive for IgG. Villous infarction (24%), villous agglutination, and chorangiosis (51%), accelerated villous maturation (21%) and reduced and hypercoiling were reported for 6.97% of the umbilical cords. Three newborns had possible vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, of which, two were preterm and IUFD. The third neonate was born full-term, admitted to NICU and later discharged in good health. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the possibility of the direct vertical transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection to neonates from infected mothers. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to validate the current findings.

Fetal aortic valvuloplasty: first report of two cases from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Fetal aortic stenosis may progress to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), which carries a poor prognosis. We report two infants with fetal aortic stenosis successfully treated with fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) using balloon dilatation. CASE PRESENTATION: Of five fetuses with aortic stenosis fulfilling the FAV criteria of severe aortic stenosis with a left ventricular length Z-score of ≥ - 2, retrograde flow in the transverse aortic arch, left-to-right flow across the foramen ovale, monophasic mitral inflow, and significant left ventricular dysfunction, we obtained permission for FAV in two fetuses. FAV was performed successfully under echocardiographic guidance using balloon dilatation. Both fetuses survived to birth. During FAV, mild pericardial effusion developed when introducing the stylet needle in the second fetus, and this resolved within 48 h. No intraprocedural complications occurred in the first patient, and no maternal complications occurred. The first infant underwent the Ross procedure after birth and is currently 7 years old and doing well. The second patient underwent aortic and mitral valve repair with endocardial fibroelastosis resection approximately 2 weeks after birth, which temporarily addressed the mitral valve stenosis; high doses of inotropes were subsequently required. The infant died of sepsis at 2 months of age. CONCLUSION: FAV using balloon dilatation to treat fetal aortic stenosis was successful in our two patients, with subsequent neonatal biventricular repair resulting in long-term survival in one patient and death secondary to sepsis in the second patient.

Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of a Rare Central Tendon Defect Type of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia with a Massive Pericardial Effusion.

The central tendon defect type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is extremely rare and usually associated with a significant pericardial effusion. Prenatal diagnostic ultrasound features of this quite rare entity remain often overlooked or misdiagnosed. There is a dearth of literature about the role of prenatal intervention, often through an elective pericardiocentesis, for the prevention of lung hypoplasia and to decrease the overall neonatal morbidity and mortality. To the best of our knowledge, till date, there is only one case that was subjected to a prenatal intervention. Here, we present a second case of a central tendon defect type of CDH with a large pericardial effusion that was subjected to a prenatal transthoracic pericardiocentesis. Although smooth intubation and ventilation were performed immediately after birth, the infant suffered for several months from respiratory instability. Laparoscopic central tendon hernia repair was performed, and neonate was discharged home at seven months of age. Although prenatal pericardiocentesis may facilitate smoother postnatal intubation and ventilation, its broader effect on respiratory function is uncertain and still remains elusive.

Intraplacental Villous Artery Doppler as an Independent Predictor for Placenta-Mediated Disease and Its Comparison with Uterine Artery Doppler and/or Placental Biochemical Markers in Predictive Models: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To validate intraplacental villous artery (IPVA) Doppler as a predictor for placenta-mediated diseases (PMDs), to compare its predictive value with uterine artery (UtA) Doppler and placental biochemical markers, and to assess its value in predictive PMD models. METHODS: IPVA and UtA indices (pulsatility index [PI] and resistance index [RI]) were recorded at 18-24 weeks of gestation in a cohort of 117 women. The predictive values of IPVA, UtA, and placental biochemical markers were analyzed and compared between the PMD group (the women who developed preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction) and the non-PMD group (the women who remained healthy throughout pregnancy and 3 months postpartum) using the receiver-operating characteristic curves. Logistic regression was used to compare predictive models for PMDs based on IPVA, UtA, and/or biochemical markers. RESULTS: 31 (26.5%) women developed PMD (17 preeclampsia and 14 intrauterine growth restriction). IPVA PI was significantly higher in the PMD group than in the non-PMD group (p = 0.001). UtA PI and RI values remained nonsignificant between both groups (p = 0.066 and 0.104, respectively). IPVA PI from the 3 main branches of the placenta, and specifically the central main stem villi, showed a strong association with PMDs in comparison to UtA (p = 0.03 and 0.001 vs. 0.29). Model prediction including IPVA and UtA PI with or without placental biomarkers did not add any further significance to IPVA PI alone (p = 0.03, 0.41, and 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: IPVA PI appears superior to UtA PI or RI and placental biomarkers in PMD prediction. Model prediction for PMDs including IPVA, UtA Doppler, and biochemical markers did not enhance prediction values compared to IPVA Doppler alone.

A detailed study of patients and tumor characteristics of epithelial ovarian cancer in Saudi women.

BACKGROUND: The Saudi population is characterized by high parity and intermarriages that may impact ovarian carcinogenesis. Herein, we analyzed the tumor characteristics and outcomes in Saudi patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). METHODS: Patients with EOC treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center during 1995-2007 were identified retrospectively through a review of their medical records. Patients' and tumor characteristics were collected including age at diagnosis, marital status, parity, histology, stage, treatment rendered, and follow-up data. RESULTS: One hundred-ninety-three patients with EOC were identified in this cohort. The mean age of the patients was 55 ± 15 years, the mean ± SD body mass index was 27.0 ± 5.6 kg/m, and the median parity was approximately 7.0. Whereas 4 patients reported a family history of cancer, 164 women reported negative family history; and it was unknown in 27 cases. Tumor distribution by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was the following: 12 patients (6.2%) had stage I disease at diagnosis, 1 patient (0.5%) stage II disease, 130 patients (67.4%) stage III disease, 39 patients (20.2%) stage IV disease, and that of 11 patients (5.7%) was unknown. Information on residual disease after surgery was available on 98 patients with optimal debulking (<1 cm) achieved in 61 cases. Median progression-free survival from end of chemotherapy to recurrence/progression was 11.9 months (95% confidence interval, 9.4-15.2). Tumor histology, size of residual disease, and stage at diagnosis were significant prognostic factors. The patients' age, body mass index, tumor histology, and grade had no impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with advanced-stage disease are higher among Saudis than those reported in global literature. Despite high intermarriage rates, reported family history for related cancers was quite low in this cohort. Notably, this is the first study evaluating EOC in Saudi patients.

Spontaneous resolution of chylous ascites following delivery: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Chyloascites or chyloperitoneum, which can be caused by different factors, is a process of eruption of one or many lymphatic vessels spontaneously. Malignant processes, inflammation or trauma can cause a sudden burst in a lymphatic vessel which will lead to a collection of milky fluid in any space of the human body with the abdominal cavity being the most common location. Chyloperitoneum is rare during pregnancy and this case is the fifth described worldwide. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of chyloascitis in a 27-year-old primigravida Middle Eastern woman, found coincidentally during cesarean section. Free fluid was found in the abdominal cavity with no source of trauma or masses. An abdominal drain remained in situ for six days. The milky fluid was sent for biochemical analysis and found to be positive for triglycerides. Her postoperative course was uneventful. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was negative for fluid collection, tumors or other lesions. While this is the fifth case of chylous ascitis associated with pregnancy, it is the second found to be spontaneous with no obvious cause described to date. CONCLUSION: Chylous ascitis is not always associated with tumors, inflammation or trauma. It can, although rarely, be associated with pregnancy. The course of pregnancy is usually uncomplicated in the cases published to date. This fifth case serves as a reminder for obstetricians, when presented with similar findings, to consider chylous ascitis as one of the differential diagnoses. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is vital for improved outcomes for the mother and the fetus.

Antenatal embolization of a large placental chorioangioma: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: A chorioangioma is the most common benign tumor of the placenta. The majority of pregnancies with chorioangiomas are asymptomatic. Pregnancies with large chorioangiomas are associated with maternal and fetal complications, such as growth restriction, cardiomegaly, congestive heart failure, fetal anemia, thrombocytopenia, nonimmune hydrops and intrauterine fetal death. There are several modalities of treatment published to date with various results. Our case was the third such case report published on the successful treatment with antenatal embolization of the feeding vessel of the chorioangioma. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no published cases about antenatal treatment of placental chorioangiomas in Saudi Arabia, or any other Gulf state. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 28-year-old Arab woman diagnosed at 22 weeks of gestation with a chorioangioma. A glue material - enbucrilate (Histoacryl) - was used for embolization of the feeding vessel. Intrauterine fetal blood transfusions were performed twice, as a treatment for fetal anemia. The fetus developed heart failure at 30 weeks of gestation. A Cesarean section was performed and the outcome was a live baby with right ventricular hypertrophy. The baby was admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit and discharged at 42 days following birth in a stable condition,with follow-up with our cardiology team. CONCLUSION: In this case, we found that intrauterine embolization of the feeding vessel of a chorioangioma with Histoacryl was a valid treatment option that carried a small risk considering the good pregnancy outcome.