Interleukins IL33/ST2 and IL1-ß in Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Seropositivity of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is the causal agent of toxoplasmosis. It may produce severe damage in immunocompromised individuals, as well as congenital infection and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Previous reports have associated interleukin IL-33 with miscarriage, fetal damage, and premature delivery due to infections with various microorganisms. However, IL-33 has not been associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. The sST2 receptor has been reported in patients who have had recurrent miscarriages. On the other hand, IL-1ß was not found in acute Toxoplasma infection. Our aim was to analyze the associations between the serum levels of IL-33 and IL-1ß in IUGR and toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Eighty-four serum samples from pregnant women who had undergone 26 weeks of gestation were grouped as follows: with anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, without anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, IUGR, and the control group. IgG and IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, as well as IL-33, ST2, and IL-1ß, were determined using an ELISA assay. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson and Chi-square correlation coefficients, as well as the risk factors and Odds Ratios (ORs), with a confidence interval of 95% (CI 95). The results showed that 15/84 (17.8%) of cases were positive for IgG anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and 2/84 (2.38%) of cases were positive for IgM. A statistically significant difference was found between IUGR and IL-33 (p < 0.001), as well as between ST2 and IUGR (p < 0.001). In conclusion, IUGR was significantly associated with IL-33 and ST2 positivity based on the overall IUGR grade. No significant association was found between IUGR and the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. There was no association between IL-1ß and IUGR. More research is needed to strengthen the utility of IL-33 and ST2 as biomarkers of IUGR.

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.

Management of atypical cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Up to 20% of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies can be complicated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This complication is diagnosed by ultrasound demonstrating amniotic fluid discordance between both amniotic sacs, with polyhydramnios in the recipient's sac and oligohydramnios in the donor's, secondary to an imbalance in blood volume exchange between twins. Ultrasound evaluation of the amniotic fluid volume, bladder filling, and assessment of fetal Doppler parameters provide the basis for classification of TTTS, allowing severity assessment. The Quintero's staging system provides a standardized prenatal estimate on the risk of intrauterine fetal demise of one or both twins and the need for fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental vascular anastomoses or delivery depending on the gestational age. However, a proportion of TTTS cases may present without a linear progressive deterioration and no ultrasound signs of preceding staging, in rare situations, they arise even without amniotic fluid discordance. Thus, these unusual clinical presentations of TTTS have long been grouped into the category of atypical TTTS. In this review, we show the clues for diagnosis and management of different atypical cases of TTTS highlighting their underlying mechanism to improve the clinical understanding of such atypical situations, avoid misdiagnosis of TTTS, and allow a timely referral to a fetoscopic center.

Diagnóstico prenatal de aneurisma del septo interauricular: reporte de dos casos / Prenatal diagnosis of atrial septal aneurysm: report of two cases

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: El aneurisma del septo interauricular es una deformación sacular del tejido delgado del septo interatrial situado, generalmente, en la zona del foramen oval, cuya deformación puede ocurrir hacia las aurículas derecha, izquiera o ambas. Es un hallazgo raro durante la exploración ecocardiográfica fetal, con prevalencia del 0.6 al 1.7%. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Caso 1: Paciente de 20 años. En la exploración ecográfica cardiaca a las 36 semanas se encontró un situs solitus con eje cardiaco a 40 grados, área cardiotorácica 0.25-0.35 normal, frecuencia cardiaca fetal de 134 latidos por minuto, ritmo regular, sin derrame pericárdico. En la ecocardiografía transtorácica posnatal se encontraron: situs solitus, conexiones concordantes, sin evidencia de cortocircuitos intra o extracardiacos. Caso 2: Paciente de 20 años. En la exploración ecográfica cardiaca avanzada a las 37 semanas se encontraron: situs solitus, eje cardiaco a 47 grados, área cardiotorácica normal, frecuencia cardiaca fetal de 140 latidos por minuto, ritmo regular, sin derrame pericárdico. La ecocardiografía transtorácica posnatal reportó: situs solitus, conexiones concordantes, sin evidencia de cortocircuitos intra o extracardiacos. CONCLUSIONES: Si bien los aneurismas del septo interauricular suelen ser un hallazgo aislado en la ecocardiografía fetal, se consideran un proceso benigno y transitorio. Algunas veces se asocian con otras anomalías cardiacas, por lo que al tener la sospecha diagnóstica debe practicarse una ecocardiografía básica y avanzada para descartar anomalías asociadas.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Atrial septal aneurysm is a saccular deformation of the thin tissue of the interatrial septum usually located in the foramen ovale, whose deformation can occur toward the right atrium, left atrium or both. It is a rare finding during fetal echocardiographic examination, with a prevalence of 0.6 to 1.7%. CLINICAL CASES: Case 1: 20-year-old female patient. On cardiac echocardiographic examination at 36 weeks a situs solitus was found with cardiac axis at 40 degrees, cardiothoracic area 0.25-0.35 normal, fetal heart rate 134 beats per minute, regular rhythm, no pericardial effusion. Postnatal transthoracic echocardiography showed: situs solitus, concordant connections, without evidence of intra or extracardiac shunts. Case 2: 20-year-old patient. Advanced cardiac ultrasound examination at 37 weeks found: situs solitus, cardiac axis at 47 degrees, normal cardiothoracic area, fetal heart rate of 140 beats per minute, regular rhythm, no pericardial effusion. Postnatal transthoracic echocardiography reported: situs solitus, concordant connections, without evidence of intra or extracardiac shunts. CONCLUSIONS: Although interatrial septal aneurysms are usually an isolated finding in fetal echocardiography, they are considered a benign and transient process. Sometimes they are associated with other cardiac anomalies, so when the diagnosis is suspected, basic and advanced echocardiography should be performed to rule out associated anomalies.

Unusual retrospective prenatal findings in a male newborn with Timothy syndrome type 1.

Timothy syndrome 1 (TS1) is a multisystem disorder characterized by severe QT prolongation and potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias in the first years of life, plus other cardiac and extracardiac manifestations caused by mutation in the CACNA1C gene, a CaV1.2 L-type calcium channel. Here, we report retrospectively an unusual fetal presentation on a second patient with TS1 with fetal hydrops due to a congenital AV block and its postnatal diagnosis by a marked prolongation of the corrected QTc interval of 570 ms and a missense mutation, p.Gly406Arg, in exon 8A of CACNA1C gene. The observed manifestations in our patient during fetal period indicate a severe form and they were probably exacerbated by the maternal use of amitriptyline during the first 4 months of pregnancy. Unfortunately, he died at 3 months-old due a ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation related to a septic event. Although difficult to diagnose, possibly most fetuses with TS1 have symptoms of long QT syndrome. Despite the fatal outcome for our patient, an early diagnosis of TS may help to prevent life-threatening events or early death in future patients, especially in developing countries where availability of therapies such as cardioverter defibrillator are very limited, or require time for its funding.

[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.

[Modified Misgav-Labach at a tertiary hospital]. / Cesárea Misgav Ladach modificada en un hospital de tercer nivel.

BACKGROUND: According to several studies from around the globe, the modified Misgav Ladach technique simplifies the surgical procedure for cesarean section, reduces operation time, costs, and complications, and optimizes obstetric and perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Compare obstetric outcomes between patients operated on using traditional cesarean section technique and those operated on using modified Misgav Ladach technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 49 patients operated on using traditional cesarean section technique and 47 patients operated on using modified Misgav Ladach technique to compare the outcomes in both surgical techniques. RESULTS: The modified Misgav Ladach technique was associated with more benefits than those of the traditional technique: less surgical bleeding, less operation time, less analgesic total doses, less rescue analgesic doses and less need of more than one analgesic drug. CONCLUSION: The modified Misgav Ladach surgical technique was associated with better obstetric results than those of the traditional surgical technique; this concurs with the results reported by other national and international studies.

[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.

[IgM antiphospholipical antibodies in preeclampsia-eclampsia]. / Anticuerpo antifosfolípido IgM en preeclampsia-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid antibodies are associated with thrombocytopenia and fetal loss, and have been reported elevated in patients with preeclampsia-eclampsia. Site: Preeclampsia-Eclampsia Research Unit, Instituto Materno Infantil del Estado de Mexico, Toluca, Mexico and the Specialty Hospital Research Unit, La Raza Medical Center, Mexico City, Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG-IgM) as markers of acute endothelial damage in patients with preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized case control study composed of two groups: Group A (cases), 18 patients with preeclampsia-eclampsia and group B (control), 18 normal pregnancies. Antiphospholipid (anticardiolipin) antibodies were determined in both groups in addition to with coagulation tests and clinical variables in mother and newborn in day of admission and nine weeks after obstetrical resolution. We excluded patients with anticoagulant or dialysis therapy, taking NSAIDs or who recently required transfusion or plasmaferesis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in levels of IgM and in weights and mortality among newborns between the two groups. In terms of maternal complications, we found HELLP syndrome as leading cause. We also observed in the case group significant differences in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and IgM levels between admission day and nine weeks later. Our results lead us to the conclusion that there must be exist immunologic mechanism that induces synthesis of anticardiolipin antibodies (IgM isotype) during acute state of the disease, accounting for vascular changes and prothrombotic state responsible for maternal and neonatal complications.