Perinatal Outcomes of Intrauterine Interventions for Fetal Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Based on Different Surgical Techniques-A Systematic Review.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of fetal sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) submitted to prenatal interventions. Methods: We performed a systematic literature review of fetal SCT patients and compared the outcomes between open fetal surgery and percutaneous intervention. In addition, we also compared the results of SCT fetuses who did not undergo any surgical intervention (NI). Results: We identified 16 cases of open fetal surgery (OS), 48 cases of percutaneous fetal intervention (PI), and 93 NI patients. The survival rate was 56.2% in OS, 45.8% in PI (p = 0.568), and 71.0% in NI patients. The gestational age at delivery was earlier in cases where there was no survival compared to cases where the fetuses did survive across all evaluated cohorts (OS: p = 0.033, PI: p < 0.001, NI: p < 0.001). The gestational weeks at delivery in OS and PI fetuses were more similar; however, OS tended to be performed later on in pregnancy, and the affected fetuses had more severe presented findings. In our evaluation, we determined that the presence of fetal hydrops and cardiac failure had no significant impact on survival in SCT cases. In NI patients, polyhydramnios was much higher in fetuses who did not survive compared to their surviving cohorts (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, gestational age at delivery can affect the short-term prognosis of fetuses affected with sacrococcygeal teratomas. Regardless of the mode of delivery or the necessity for intervention during the fetal period, monitoring for complications, including polyhydramnios, can prevent premature delivery.

( G γ A γ δ ß ) 0 $({}

Case 1 presented with severe anemia and received an intrauterine blood cell transfusion at 33 weeks of gestation. The anemia spontaneously improved in early infancy. Case 2, the father of Case 1, had an uneventful birth with no evidence of anemia, though microcytic anemia was observed during childhood. The genetic analysis of the ß-globin gene cluster identified a novel heterozygous deletion of DNA extending from the Gγ-globin gene downstream to the ß-globin gene, confirming a diagnosis of (G γA γδß)0 -thalassemia. In cases where thalassemia is suspected based on blood tests, a genetic diagnosis should be performed for the sake of the offspring.

Placental recruitment after spontaneous single fetal demise in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of single fetal demise in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies is approximately 7.5%. In single fetal demise cases, the placental region of the demised fetus is almost infarcted or necrotic at the time of delivery. Further, it has been reported that in some cases, a surviving fetus uses all regions of the placenta after a single fetal demise. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the incidence and natural prognosis of placental recruitment in spontaneous single fetal demise cases over a period of 11 years. METHODS: All 306 monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that were delivered between 2011 and 2021 in our institution were included in this retrospective cohort study. The placenta and umbilical cord were investigated, and the type of anastomosis was identified by color injection. Furthermore, the number and direction of arteriovenous anastomoses were recorded. RESULTS: There were eight single fetal demise cases, excluding cases of twin-reversed arterial perfusion sequence and after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. The placental region of six demised fetuses had an infarction or necrotic region. In two cases, an infarction or necrosis was not observed, and the surviving fetus used all regions of the placenta. DISCUSSION: The surviving fetus in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with superficial anastomoses can use all regions of the placenta, even after a spontaneous single fetal demise. Further studies are needed to determine the difference between such cases and in those in which only the localized regions of the placenta can be used.

Doppler Waveform Analysis of Intertwin Venous Blood Flow in Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence with a Rudimentary Heart.

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare anomaly in 1% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. Few TRAP sequence cases have a rudimentary heart with cardiac motion in the acardiac twins. Herein, we investigated the venous Doppler waveform in two cases of TRAP sequence with a rudimentary heart with cardiac motion in the acardiac twin. Although both cases had veno-venous anastomoses, the venous Doppler waveforms of the umbilical vein differed. A comparison of the characteristics of the cases indicated that the existence of a ductus venosus, or greater heart pulse power, in the acardiac twin might impact the venous Doppler waveform in the pump twin.

Effect of Superficial Anastomoses on Circulatory Dynamics in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.

The role of superficial anastomoses in the survival of fetuses with twin-twin transfusion syndrome after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate how superficial anastomoses affect the circulatory dynamics of both fetuses with twin-twin transfusion syndrome using ductus venous Doppler waveforms. We included all twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) patients who underwent fetoscopic laser photocoagulation in our institution from 2006 to 2019; fetal demise cases after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation were excluded. We recorded ductus venous Doppler waveforms on the same day or one day before fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and one day after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation and measured the ductus venous pulsatility index and velocity ratios. We compared these z-scores of donor and recipient twins between a group without superficial anastomoses and the groups with arterio-arterial or veno-venous anastomoses. A total of 115 surviving TTTS placentas after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation were analyzed. The ductus venous pulsatility index and all ratios were better in recipient twins with arterio-arterial anastomoses than in those without. The a-wave-related ratios were better in recipient twins with veno-venous anastomoses than in those without. Superficial anastomoses reduced the blood volume and arterio-arterial anastomoses protected the diastolic cardiac function in recipient twin-twin transfusion syndrome twins before fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. Superficial anastomoses in TTTS equilibrate blood pressure between donor and recipient twins.

Changes in the Ultrasonographical Appearance of Intertwin-Dividing Membrane of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy.

Ultrasound determination of chorionicity in the first trimester has a high accuracy, but it is associated with some pitfalls. This report presents changes in ultrasound findings during a monochorionic pregnancy with chorionic membrane folding (CMF). The patient was a 32-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 0. Her transvaginal ultrasonography identified two gestational sacs (GSs) and two embryos at 7 weeks of gestation. At 9 weeks' gestation, an ultrasound image showed a lambda sign at both sides and the interruption of chorionic membranes, resulting in the diagnosis of a monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancy with CMF. At 11 weeks' gestation, an ultrasound image showed a lambda sign at one portion of the septum and a T sign at another portion. This change suggested that the folded chorionic membrane had partially flattened. At 35 weeks' gestation, an emergency cesarean section was performed. Two healthy male neonates were delivered. Histological placental examination confirmed that the intertwin membrane was composed of two amniotic membranes without a folded chorionic membrane, confirming the diagnosis of a MCDA twin pregnancy. This case presents two important ultrasound chorionicity findings: a monochorionic pregnancy with CMF can show two GSs and a lambda sign and the CMF can flatten or change during the pregnancy.

Abnormal Urine Outflow from the Ureteral Orifice on Cystoscopy Following Vaginal Stump Suture in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Ureteral injuries may occur subsequent to abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy. In total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), we usually check for ureteral damage by confirming urinary outflow from the bilateral ureteral orifices by cystoscopy after vaginal stump suture. In this work, we investigated the causes of urine outflow disruption after TLH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all TLHs performed for benign diseases at our hospital from February 2012 to March 2016. There were 11 cases with no or poor urine outflow from the ureteral orifice after vaginal stump suture. For these cases, we assessed the treatment to recover urine outflow and examined the cases with intraoperative manipulation. EZR version 1.25 was used for statistical analysis. Correlation coefficients were calculated with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The abnormality was on the right and left sides in seven and four cases, respectively. In all cases, apart from one, urine outflow was recovered by removing the sutures at the affected side, where the initial suture had included a small amount of the connective tissue near the urinary bladder. It was inferred that ureteral deviation due to vaginal stump sutures that picked up the connective tissue near the ureter caused ureteral peristaltic disorder and abnormal ureteral orifice outflow. CONCLUSION: TLH without ureter isolation requires sufficient separation of the bladder from the anterior vaginal wall and careful vaginal stump suture without involving the bladder-side tissue to avoid ureteral injury.

Laparoscopic resection of a non-communicating uterine rudimentary horn using intra-operative indigocarmine injection: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: An unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn (UUNCRH) is a very rare uterine malformation which is difficult to diagnose and to decide the surgical plan. We aim to describe the case of pediatric UUNCRH patient and our operative technique of laparoscopic intra-uterus indigo carmine injection (LIUICI) to confirm that the rudimentary horn (RH) is non-communicating before the resection and review the relevant literature to ascertain the most appropriate treatment option in these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 11-year-old girl who developed progressive severe abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea was referred to our hospital. Uterine malformation and right hematosalpinx was confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Pre-operative treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist enabled improvement in the symptoms. Laparoscopic exploration was scheduled. The right fallopian tube was resected laparoscopically and a 3Fr tube was inserted into its cut end. Indigo carmine injected in the RH through the tube. No leakage of indigo carmine was found from the vagina, indicating the diagnosis of the uterine malformation is an UUNCRH and we performed the resection of the RH safely. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In pediatric patients transvaginal detailed examination is not easy to perform. Therefore, diagnostic and operative laparoscopy is critically important for the safe treatment. In addition, laparoscopic removal of a RH can be used to decrease the incidence of adhesions. CONCLUSION: We found LIUICI technique before the resection of the RH is safe, technically feasible and minimally invasive approach for pediatric UUNCRH patients.

The Incidence of Dichorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancy After Single Blastocyst Embryo Transfer and Zygosity: 8 Years of Single-Center Experience.

Dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies after single blastocyst embryo transfer have been reported recently, although a blastocyst ovum is generally believed to divide into monochorionic twin pregnancy. We investigated the incidence of DCDA twin pregnancy after single blastocyst embryo transfer and their zygosity. This prospective cohort study included 655 consecutive twin pregnancies that were managed from 2006 to 2014 at our institution. Chorionicity and amnionicity were determined using first-trimester ultrasonography and/or placental pathology. Zygosity was analyzed if the cases were DCDA twins after single blastocyst embryo transfer. Among 655 twin pregnancies, there were 348 DCDA cases, 295 monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) cases and 12 monochorionic monoamniotic cases. Single blastocyst embryo transfer was performed in 43 cases. Six out of the 43 (14%) cases involved DCDA twin pregnancies and the other 37 cases involved MCDA twin pregnancies. Three DCDA twins born after single blastocyst embryo transfer, wherein frozen embryo transfer (FET) was performed in the natural cycle, were dizygotic, and the other three cases, wherein FET with hormone replacement therapy was performed, were monozygotic. DCDA twin pregnancy occurred in 14% (7% for monozygotic and 7% for dizygotic) of twin pregnancies after single blastocyst embryo transfer cases.

[Evaluation of Rheological Properties of Cohesive Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices Composed of Sodium Hyaluronate with High Molecular Weight-2019].

Ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), mainly containing sodium hyaluronate (HA), are used in cataract surgeries to protect the cornea endothelium. In this study, the rheological properties of 9 launched products (containing 1% HA) were evaluated. The molecular weights (MWs) of HA estimated based on intrinsic viscosity varied widely, between 1100-2500 kDa, and showed a particular value for each product. Of the 9 products, 6 are classified as cohesive OVDs and their product specifications show the same value for intrinsic viscosity (25-45 dL/g), with high MW HA (>2000 kDa); however, the MW of each HA showed a particular value (2200-2500 kDa) within the range of the product specification. As with the MW of HA, apparent viscosity and dynamic rheological parameters showed particular values for each OVD. The product Opegan-Hi exhibited the highest value of apparent viscosity at low shear rate, and a solid-like behavior among the OVDs. In a questionnaire survey among 198 cataract surgeons, 42% of surgeons had experienced a difference in ability to maintain the depth of anterior chamber during surgery among the different cohesive OVDs used. This suggested that surgeons select OVD properties based on surgical procedure and patient cases. In conclusion, we demonstrated that each OVD has particular rheological properties within the range of the product specification defined by the intrinsic viscosity. The results might provide useful information for surgeons in their selection of OVDs based on their experience.

The roles of superficial anastomoses in twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether types of vascular anastomoses affect fetal demise (FD) in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) after fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP). METHODS: All TTTS patients who underwent FLP in our institution from 2005 to 2017 were included. We described vascular anastomoses during FLP as either arterio-arterial (AA), veno-venous (VV), or arterial-venous (AV), and abnormal fetal Doppler waveforms before FLP. We also analyzed risk factors for FD following FLP. RESULTS: In total, 184 TTTS placentas following FLP were analyzed (36 cases of donor-only FD, 12 cases of recipient-only FD, 3 cases of double FD, and 133 cases of both alive). AA anastomoses prevalence, absent or reverse end-diastolic velocity of umbilical artery (UAAREDV) of donor before FLP, gestational age at the time of FLP and operation time of FLP were independent risk factors for donor FD. VV anastomoses prevalence and UAAREDV of recipient before FLP were independent risk factors for recipient FD. VV anastomoses prevalence was higher in double FD cases than in FD of one twin or both alive (p = 0.002). AV anastomoses number and number of cases with more AV anastomoses from donor to recipient were not significantly different between FD and non-FD cases. DISCUSSION: AA anastomoses are associated FD of the donor following FLP and may protect the donor from hypovolemia before FLP. VV anastomoses are detected more frequently in FD of the recipient and double FD placentas following FLP and may rescue hypervolemia of the recipient or circulations of both fetuses before FLP.

Embryo transfer is a risk factor for severe postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion requirement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and blood transfusion requirement that are recognizable during any period of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of 4829 pregnant women who received care and delivered at our institution between July 2010 and March 2015. The cohort was divided into patients with and without severe PPH. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors associated with severe PPH. The same analysis was repeated for blood transfusion requirement. RESULTS: A total of 127 (2.7%) patients had severe PPH and 43 (0.87%) required blood transfusion. The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that embryo transfer (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; p < .001), uterine myoma (OR 2.0; p < .01), prior uterine surgery (OR 1.9; p = .03), prior cesarean section (OR 1.8; p = .01), and maternal age (OR 1.5; p = .03) were independent risk factors for severe PPH. Embryo transfer was an independent risk factor for blood transfusion requirement (OR 3.1, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Embryo transfer is a risk factor for both severe postpartum hemorrhage and blood transfusion requirement.

Repeat epidural blood patch at the level of unintentional dural puncture and its neurologic complications: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Autologous epidural blood patch (AEBP) is effective for post-dural-puncture headache (PDPH). In some cases, repeat procedures are required for complete cure. In rare instances, severe adverse effects can occur. We present a case of neurologically complicated AEBPs, one of which was performed at the interspace of unintentional dural puncture (UDP). CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old primigravida sustained UDP at the L2-3 interspace during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia for a scheduled cesarean section. She developed PDPH and underwent a single AEBP at L3-4. The PDPH recurred and she required another AEBP at L2-3, after which she reported radicular pains. A diagnosis of subdural hematoma and adhesive arachnoiditis was made. Her symptoms partially resolved in the following months. CONCLUSION: It may be prudent to reconsider the use of repeated AEBP and to avoid the interspace of UDP. A thorough evaluation is warranted to exclude treatable lesions when adverse effects occur.

Roles of venovenous anastomosis and umbilical cord insertion abnormalities in birthweight discordance in monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies without twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

AIM: We evaluated risk factors for birthweight discordance in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies without twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: We investigated all MCDA twin placentas injected with colored dye at our institution between 2007 and 2015. We excluded pairs of twins with TTTS, fetal demise, or severe fetal malformation. All pairs of twins were assigned to the discordant group (birthweight discordance ≥ 25%) or the concordant group (birthweight discordance < 25%). In each pair of twins, we described vascular anastomoses as either arterioarterial, venovenous (VV), or arterial-venous, and abnormal umbilical cord insertion as either marginal or velamentous. We also recorded placental sharing discordance. RESULTS: A total of 150 placentas were analyzed. The incidence of VV anastomosis in the discordant group (40%) was significantly higher than that in the concordant group (12%, P = 0.005). Unilateral abnormal umbilical cord insertion was significantly more common in the discordant group (85%) than in the concordant group (38%, P < 0.001). Placental sharing discordance was seen more frequently in the discordant group than in the concordant group. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that VV anastomosis (odds ratio: 4.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-18.6, P < 0.01) and unilateral abnormal umbilical cord insertion of the smaller twin (odds ratio: 5.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.4-22.9, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for birthweight discordance. CONCLUSION: VV anastomoses and unilateral abnormal umbilical cord insertion of the smaller twin are independent risk factors for birthweight discordance in MCDA twin pregnancies without TTTS.

Case with a Nonreassuring Fetal Status Induced by Massive Hematemesis due to Mallory-Weiss Tear That Required Emergency Cesarean Section at 38 Weeks' Gestation.

We describe a rare case of Mallory-Weiss tear with massive hematemesis at 38 weeks' gestation. A 35-year-old woman presented with epigastralgia followed by massive hematemesis. An emergency endoscopy indicated active pulsatile bleeding at the esophagocardial junction. Although an emergency endoscopic hemostasis was successful, late decelerations without acceleration on cardiotocogram were observed. Therefore, the patient underwent emergency cesarean section, along with blood transfusion, following the endoscopic hemostasis. The hemoglobin level just before the operation was 5.1 g/dL. We suspected that massive hematemesis induced maternal acute anemia and hypovolemia, which resulted in a nonreassuring fetal status. Hence, urgent endoscopic hemostasis, adequate blood transfusion, and emergency cesarean section were needed. Mallory-Weiss tear during the third trimester may have a possibility of massive hematemesis and urgent blood transfusion, emergency endoscopic hemostasis, and emergency cesarean section may be needed.