Adverse outcome following selective termination of presenting twin vs non-presenting twin.

OBJECTIVE: Data are lacking on the impact on pregnancy outcome of the position of the abnormal fetus in a discordant twin pregnancy undergoing selective termination (ST). Tissue maceration post ST of the presenting twin may lead to early rupture of membranes, amnionitis and preterm labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy complications and outcome following ST of the presenting vs non-presenting twin. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that underwent ST due to a discordant fetal anomaly (structural or genetic) between 2007 and 2021. The study population was divided into two groups according to the position of the reduced twin (presenting or non-presenting) and outcomes were studied accordingly. The primary outcome was a composite of early complications following ST, including infection, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and pregnancy loss. RESULTS: A total of 190 dichorionic twin pregnancies were included, of which 73 underwent ST of the presenting twin and 117 of the non-presenting twin. The groups did not differ in either baseline demographic characteristics or mean gestational age at the time of the procedure. ST of the presenting twin resulted in a significantly higher rate of early complications compared with the non-presenting twin (19.2% vs 7.7%; P = 0.018). Moreover, the rates of preterm delivery (75.3% vs 37.6%; P < 0.001) and neonatal intensive care unit admission (45.3% vs 17.1%; P < 0.001) were higher, and birth weight was lower (P < 0.001), in those pregnancies in which the presenting twin was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: ST of the presenting twin resulted in a higher rate of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with that of the non-presenting twin. These findings should be acknowledged during patient counseling and, if legislation permits, taken into consideration when planning ST. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sliding sign in third-trimester sonographic evaluation of intra-abdominal adhesions in women undergoing repeat Cesarean section: a novel technique.

OBJECTIVE: Intra-abdominal adhesions are associated with an increased risk of complications during repeat Cesarean section (CS), such as bladder and bowel injury, hemorrhage, infection and hysterectomy. We present a simple sonographic marker, the 'sliding sign' of the uterus, for the prediction of intra-abdominal adhesions in the third trimester of pregnancy in women undergoing repeat CS. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of pregnant women with a history of at least one Cesarean delivery evaluated by transabdominal ultrasound during the third trimester of an ongoing pregnancy. In order to diagnose intra-abdominal adhesions, we assessed a sonographic sign, the sliding of the uterus under the inner part of the fascia of the abdominal muscles during deep breathing. Women were considered to be at high risk for severe adhesions if uterine sliding was absent and at low risk in the presence of obvious or moderate uterine sliding. A comparison between sonographic findings and intra-abdominal adhesions observed during surgery was performed. RESULTS: Of the 63 patients with one or more previous CS examined, 59 completed the study and underwent CS at our institution. In 16 of the 19 cases assigned to the high-risk group for severe adhesions due to absence of sliding of the uterus, the suspicion was confirmed at surgery. The prediction of low risk for adhesions was confirmed in 35 out of 40 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the sliding sign in predicting presence of intra-abdominal adhesions in women undergoing repeat CS were 76.2% and 92.1%, respectively. Inter- and intraobserver correlation using Cohen's kappa coefficient were 0.52 and 0.77, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data show that a simple sonographic sign might be able to discriminate between high and low risk for intra-abdominal adhesions in patients with a history of Cesarean delivery. This technique may aid clinical decisions in patients undergoing repeat CS. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Prenatal diagnosis of isolated abnormal number of ribs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of prenatal isolated abnormal number of ribs, using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. METHODS: This was a prospective study of low-risk women with singleton pregnancy and normal fetal anatomy scan. 3D examinations of the fetal ribs were carried out at the time of the routine anomaly scan at 14-16 or 20-24 weeks of gestation. A 3D volume of the spine was acquired with a mechanical sweep that lasted between 2 and 4 s per volume and was performed when the fetus had a minimally flexed head position. Fetal ribs were reviewed on the rendered image (maximal mode), both while the patient was in the clinic and again later. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-seven pregnant women were evaluated. Twenty-three (6.3%) fetuses were found to have an abnormal number of ribs. Fifteen (4.1%) had 11 ribs unilaterally, with the last (12(th)) rib missing. One patient (0.27%) had 13 ribs unilaterally (with a small extra rib after the last rib). Two (0.5%) patients had 13 ribs bilaterally with an extra rib after the 12(th) rib on each side and two (0.5%) patients had 13 ribs bilaterally with an extra cervical rib on each side. Three (0.8%) patients had an extra unilateral cervical rib. In all, 1.4% of patients had extra cervical ribs. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of abnormal number of ribs in this normal population was 6.3%. When isolated, this finding is a normal variant.

Nitrogen Dioxide pollution and hazardous household environment: what impacts more congenital malformations.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is a product of fuel combustion originating mainly from industry and transportation. Studies suggest an association between NO2 and congenital malformations (CM). We investigated an independent effect of NO2 on CM by adjusting to individual factors and household environment in 1024 Bedouin-Arab pregnant women in southern Israel. This population is characterised by high rates of CMs, frequent consanguineous marriages, paternal smoking, temporary housing and usage of open fire for heat cooking. Information on household risk factors was collected during an interview. Ambient measurements of 24-h average NO2 and meteorological conditions were obtained from 13 local monitors. Median value of daily NO2 measured in the area was 6.78ppb. CM was diagnosed in 8.0% (82) of offspring. Maternal NO2 exposure during the 1st trimester >8.6ppb was significantly associated with minor CM (RR=2.68, p=0.029). Major CM were independently associated with maternal juvenile diabetes (RR=9.97, p-value=0.002) and heating by open fire (RR=2.00, p-value=0.049), but not NO2 exposure. We found that NO2 emissions had an independent impact only on minor malformations, whereas major malformations depended mostly on the household environment. Antepartum deaths were associated by maternal morbidity.

Comparison study between induced and spontaneous term and preterm births of small-for-gestational-age neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal and maternal outcome between induced and spontaneous small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates at term and preterm deliveries. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was designed and two groups were identified at each gestational age: study group - SGA neonates born after induction of labor, comparison group - SGA neonates born after spontaneous onset of labor. SGA was decoded as birth weight below 10th percentile. The population consisted of 367 consecutive SGA singleton preterm neonates (24-36 weeks' gestation) and 3921 term SGA neonates (37-42 weeks' gestation) delivered between 1990 and 1997. Patients with antepartum death and congenital anomalies were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The prevalence of SGA neonates among preterm deliveries was significantly higher than among term deliveries (9.3 versus 6.1%, P<0.001). The rate of induction of labor among preterm SGA deliveries was significantly higher than term SGA deliveries (17.7 versus 13.4%, P=0.002). The rates hypertensive disorders, suspected IUGR, placental abruption, cesarean section, chorioamnionitis and endometritis were significantly higher among preterm SGA than in term SGA. A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that suspected IUGR, severe PIH (but not mild PIH), chronic hypertension and placental abruption were independent risk factors for induction of labor among preterm SGA neonates. In addition to these factors, oligohydramnios was considered to be an independent risk factor only among term SGA. No significant differences were found in the mean birthweight and post-partum death rates between the induced and spontaneous preterm and term SGA. The incidence of Apgar score < 7 at 5 min was significantly lower only among induced term SGA. CONCLUSIONS: Induction of labor in preterm SGA neonates is performed mainly due to maternal severe hypertension disorders. The indications for induction of labor among term SGA include maternal hypertensive disorders (mild or severe) as well as neonatal status, represented mainly by oligohydramnios. In addition, induction of labor in preterm or term SGA neonates does not change neonatal outcome. Moreover, since no evidence of improved neonatal outcome was demonstrated in either indicated group, preterm or term, the question of timing and indications for induction of labor should be discussed.

Risk factors associated with true knots of the umbilical cord.

OBJECTIVE: To determine obstetrical risk factors and pregnancy outcome of fetuses with true knot of the umbilical cord. METHODS: Study population included 69,139 singleton deliveries occurring between the years 1990-1997. Data were retrieved from the database of the Soroka University Medical Center. Fetuses with malformations were excluded. RESULTS: The incidence of true knots was 1.2% (841/69,139). In a multivariate analysis the following factors were found to be significantly associated with true knot of cord: grandmultiparity, chronic hypertension, hydramnios, patients who undergone genetic amniocentesis, male gender and cord problems (prolapse of cord and cord around the neck). The incidence of fetal distress and meconium stained amniotic fluid was significantly higher among patients with true knots of cord (7% versus 3.6%, P<0.001 and 22% versus 16%, respectively, P<0.0001). Moreover, there was a four-fold higher rate of antepartum fetal death among those fetuses (1.9% versus 0.5%, P<0.0001). In addition, fetuses with true knots of the umbilical cord were more often delivered by a cesarean section (130/841 versus 711/68,298, P<0.0001). The following obstetrical factors were found to be significantly correlated to true knots of the umbilical cord in a multiple logistic regression model: gestational diabetes, hydramnios, patients undergoing genetic amniocentesis, male fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hydramnios, who underwent genetic amniocentesis and those carrying male fetuses are at an increased risk for having true knots of the umbilical cord. Thus, careful sonographic and Doppler examinations should be seriously performed in these patients for detection of the complication of the umbilical cord.

Overestimation and underestimation of labor pain.

OBJECTIVE: To define factors affecting the ability of the medical staff to estimate the level of pain during labor. METHODS: The study population consisted of 255 consecutive women. All parturients were asked to rate their pain level, using a visual analog scale. At the same time, the caregivers estimated the degree of pain as was exhibited by the parturients, using the same scale. Patients whose pain level was either overestimated or underestimated were compared to patients whose pain was correctly estimated. RESULTS: In about half of the women (50.6%) enrolled in our study the level of pain was estimated correctly by the caregivers, while similar proportions of women had their pain level overestimated (24.3%) and underestimated (25.1%) by the caregivers. While the majority (54.5%) of patients who were in their second or third deliveries were equally estimated by the personnel with regard to their pain intensity levels, most of the grandmultiparous women had their labor pain underestimated by the medical staff. (57.1%, P<0.001). None of the caregivers had more than five children. Although the mostly secular medical staff could properly estimate the pain levels of most secular patients (52.3%), the labor pain of 44% of the religious parturients was underestimated (P=0.003). The ability to estimate properly the patients' suffering was found to be unaffected by age, family status, educational level, presence of companion during labor and participation in childbirth preparation course. CONCLUSION: The wider the cultural gap between the caregiver and the patient, the less accurate was the interpretation of patient's pain.

Meconium stained amniotic fluid in preterm delivery is an independent risk factor for perinatal complications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical significance of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in women with preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of consecutive patients who arrived with intact membranes and delivered preterm, singleton neonates at the Soroka Medical Center between 1 January 1985 and 31 December 1995. Only vertex presentation was included. Antepartum death was excluded from the study. Patients were classified according to the color of amniotic fluid into two groups: MSAF and clear amniotic fluid. Maternal puerperal complications were defined in our study as the presence of at least one of the next variables: clinical chorioamnionitis; major puerperal infection including endometritis, cesarean section or postpartum hemorrhage. Perinatal complications were defined in our study as: (1) intrapartum death (IPD) or postpartum death (PPD); (2) one or more of the following: 1-min Apgar score <3, 5-min Apgar score <7 or small for gestational age. Rates of perinatal complications were assessed at: (1) 24-27 weeks; (2) 28-31 weeks; (3) 32-36 weeks. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship of MSAF to perinatal complications and maternal morbidity in a multivariate model. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 96 566 deliveries occurred in our institution and 4872 (5.0%) deliveries were preterm. Among the women delivering preterm meeting eligibility criteria, 276 (5.7%) women had intrapartum MSAF. A higher rate of IPD and PPD was observed only between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation in patients with MSAF in comparison with patients with clear amniotic fluid [6.1% (14/230) vs. 2.1% (85/4045), respectively, P=0.0001]. A statistically significant higher rate of perinatal complications was found between 28 and 31 weeks' gestation, and even a higher rate was noted between 32 and 36 weeks' gestation in the MSAF group in comparison with patients with clear amniotic fluid [51% (18/35) vs. 27.2% (93/341), respectively, P=0.003; 20% (46/230) vs. 9.8% (396/4045), respectively, P=0.0004]. CONCLUSIONS: (1) MSAF is an independent risk factor for perinatal complications in preterm deliveries (OR=1.73, CI: 1.057-2.43, P=0.001; OR=2.35, CI:1.34-4.12, P=0.002, respectively). (2) MSAF was not found to be an independent risk factor for maternal morbidity.

Obstetric risk factors for failure to progress in the first versus the second stage of labor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare obstetric risk factors for failure of labor to progress in the first versus the second stage. STUDY DESIGN: A comparison was performed of all singleton, vertex and term deliveries with an unscarred uterus, complicated with non-progressive labor during the first and the second stages. Deliveries occurred between the years 1988 and 1999 in a tertiary university medical center. RESULTS: Patients with non-progressive labor in the first stage (n = 1197) were significantly older, of higher birth order, and were more likely to have complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, premature rupture of membranes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, hydramnios and oligohydramnios (p < 0.001 for all variables) as compared to patients with non-progressive labor in the second stage (n = 1545). In addition, pregnancies complicated with non-progressive labor in the first stage had a significantly higher rate of fetal macrosomia as compared to patients with non-progressive labor in the second stage (11.6% vs. 8.8%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of fetal macrosomia and high-risk pregnancies were noted among pregnancies complicated with non-progressive labor during the first vs. the second stage. The significant increase in Cesarean deliveries during the first stage of labor among high-risk pregnancies might reflect exaggerated concern of caregivers. This concern may influence an overall conservative attitude leading to the seemingly simpler mode of direct intervention by Cesarean delivery.

Polyhydramnios and adverse perinatal outcome - what is the actual cutoff?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between amniotic fluid index (AFI) and adverse perinatal outcome, and whether a critical cutoff can be defined. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Included were patients who were admitted to the ultrasound unit of the tertiary medical center between the years 1988 and 2010. Parturients were classified into five groups according to their AFI: <20 (n = 9974; comparison group), 20-23 (n = 2771), 24-27 (n = 1315), 28-31 (n = 494) and 32 + (n = 260). Pregnancy and the perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis included the chi-square tests for trends, and multivariable models to control for confounders (with AFI as a dummy variable). RESULTS: A significant linear association was found between AFI and adverse perinatal outcomes including hypertensive disorders, diabetes mellitus, preterm labor, macrosomia, placental abruption and low birth weight. Furthermore, using multivariable logistic regression models, controlling for confounders such as maternal and gestational age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc., the significant association between all four subgroups of AFI > 20 and adverse perinatal outcomes remained. CONCLUSION: A significant linear association exists between AFI > 20 and perinatal complications such as perinatal mortality, low Apgar scores and preterm labor. Hence, the critical cutoff for polyhydramnios should be re-evaluated.

Tightening McDonald cerclage suture under sonographic guidance.

OBJECTIVE: The technical factors contributing to failure of cerclage are not fully understood. The aims of this study were to assess the possibility of tightening the McDonald cerclage under ultrasound guidance and to examine the width and shape of the cervical canal before and after tightening the suture. METHODS: A prospective study was performed. The sole indication for cerclage placement was clinical history of cervical insufficiency. Cervical length and canal width were measured by transvaginal ultrasound, at 12-14 weeks' gestation, with the patient's bladder empty, after which the cerclage was performed. Tightening of the suture was performed under sonographic guidance (transabdominal or transrectal) until the cervical canal disappeared from view. After tying the suture, cervical length and the canal width were assessed sonographically. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in the study; 50 patients had singleton pregnancies and eight patients carried twins. The mean cervical length at the beginning of the procedure was 31 +/- 13 mm (median 30 mm, range 15-48 mm). The mean cervical canal width was 2.1 +/- 0.9 mm (median 2.0 mm, range 0.9-4.5 mm). The mean addition to the length of the cervical canal after the procedure was 11 +/- 0.8 mm (median 1.0, range 8-19 mm). No complications were noted during the procedures. An interesting sonographic finding was an hourglass shape of the cervical canal after the procedure in 16 patients. Of 58 patients, 47 delivered at term, 10 delivered preterm and one miscarried at 18 weeks. Nine of 10 patients with preterm delivery had an hourglass-shaped sonographic appearance of the cervical canal after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: McDonald cerclage can be tightened under ultrasound guidance. The sonographic appearance of an hourglass shape of the cervical canal following suture tightening may be a risk factor for preterm delivery.

Early sonographic prenatal diagnosis of seizures.

Fetal seizures are an unusual phenomenon. When diagnosed by ultrasonography, they are frequently associated with malformations and carry a poor prognosis. We describe first trimester seizures in two siblings with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. In both cases, convulsions appeared before other sonographic signs of the disease. Review of the literature revealed 11 other cases of fetal seizures diagnosed by ultrasound, all later in gestation. Fetal seizures may be the first manifestation of defective neural and motor development. Therefore, in pregnancies at high risk for neuromuscular disease, early sonographic evaluation of fetal motility, in addition to the anatomical survey, is advised.

Cervical length assessment in women with idiopathic polyhydramnios.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to determine cervical length among patients with polyhydramnios and to assess the relationship between the severity of polyhydramnios, cervical length and gestational age at delivery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was designed including 92 consecutive singleton pregnancies with polyhydramnios between 24 and 40 weeks' gestation. Cervical length was measured using transvaginal sonography. Polyhydramnios was defined when amniotic fluid index (AFI) was equal to or greater than 20 cm. A single sonologist performed all the examinations of the cervical length and the AFI. RESULTS: The median cervical length and AFI were 37.5 (range, 7-52) mm and 28.8 (range, 20-43) cm, respectively. A significant gradual shortening of the cervical length was observed with advancing gestational age (P=0.027). No significant association was found between AFI and cervical length (P=0.24). A cut-off of 15 mm (n=5) was associated with a significantly lower gestational age at delivery (30+/-2.6 weeks vs. 37.2+/-4.2 weeks, respectively, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with polyhydramnios have a gradual shortening of cervical length with advancing gestational age. However, this finding is not related to the severity of polyhydramnios.