Cooperation of aquaporin 5 and the adrenergic system in the initiation of birth in rat model.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in the process of implantation, regulate myometrial contractions and cervical ripening, and maintain appropriate placental functioning. The molecular mechanism of these functions is not fully understood. Our study aimed to investigate the physiological significance of AQP5 during pregnancy and to determine the cooperation between the adrenergic system and the AQP5 in uterine contraction in the late-pregnant rat uterus. After administering AQP5 siRNA intraperitoneally to Sprague-Dawley rats, the length of the gestational period was determined and the changes in uterine contractions were measured in an isolated organ bath system. Pharmacological influence on AQP5 expression and uterine contraction was investigated by treatment with terbutaline (10 mg/kg, subcutaneously) and doxazosin (5 mg/kg, orally) in vivo; and mercuric chloride (HgCl2), in vitro. Moreover, the levels of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) were measured in the uterus by an ELISA kit. The gestational period became shorter, AQP5 expression significantly decreased and rat uterus contraction increased after AQP5 siRNA treatment compared to the control. Treatment with terbutaline significantly increased AQP5 mRNA and protein expression after 30 min and continuously reduced it until 90 min, whereas doxazosin treatment did not significantly alter AQP5 expression. Treatment with the AQP5 antagonist HgCl2 increased spontaneous uterus contraction and decreased norepinephrine-induced uterus contraction with decreasing AQP5 expression in pregnant rat uterus. Moreover, the tocolytic effect through the adrenergic system was amplified in the presence of an AQP5 antagonist, presumably via the changes in cAMP level. In conclusion, our findings elucidate the collaborative role of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and adrenergic systems in the regulation of uterine contractions in late-pregnant rats. Our findings suggest this may be a good starting point for developing a new tocolytic therapy.

Effect of Obesity on Aquaporin5 Expression in Human Placental and Uterus Tissues.

Background: Obesity and overweight are also becoming more prevalent among women of childbearing age and pregnant women. In maternal obesity, the activation of metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress pathways is proven, which appears to be a key step in the pathological changes observed in placental and uterine function. Several recent studies have evidenced that aquaporins (AQPs) are critical players in adipose tissue biology and are involved in the onset of obesity. Methods: Our studies aimed to investigate the changes in placental volume and vascularization and measure the AQP5 expression and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the placenta and uterus tissues in obese and typical-weight mothers. We also aim to measure the AQP5 plasma concentration. Results: We found AQP5 dominance in the uterus and plasma at 34 weeks of normal pregnancy. The placental volume increased and the vascularization decreased in obese mothers compared to the control. The AQP5 expression increased in the uterus of the obese group and did not change in the placenta. The TAC decreased in the plasma of overweight mothers. Conclusions: We hypothesize that increased AQP5 expression prolongs the length of pregnancy and inhibits the onset of contractions. Based on our findings, we can develop diagnostic tests and provide new targets for tocolytic drug development.

Galectin-13 and Laeverin Levels Interfere with Human Fetoplacental Growth.

Galectin-13 (Gal-13) is predominantly produced by the syncytiotrophoblast, while laeverin is expressed on the outgrowing extravillous trophoblast, and both are thought to be biomarkers of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between concentrations of Gal-13 and laeverin measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at 16-22 weeks of gestation and the sonographic assessment of the fetoplacental measurements. Fetal biometric data and placental volume and perfusion indices were measured in 62 singleton pregnancies. Serum and amniotic levels of Gal-13 and laeverin levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA. Both amniotic fluid and serum Gal-13 levels expressed a negative correlation to the plasma laeverin level in mid-pregnancy. Serum laeverin level correlated positively with the gestational length at delivery (ß = 0.39, p < 0.05), while the amniotic laeverin level correlated well with the abdominal circumference of the fetus (ß = 0.44, p < 0.05). Furthermore, laeverin level in the amnion correlated positively with the estimated fetal weight (ß = 0.48, p < 0.05) and with the placental volume (ß = 0.32, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analyses revealed that a higher circulating Gal-13 level represents a slightly significant risk factor (OR: 1.01) for hypertension-related diseases during pregnancy. It is a novelty that laeverin can be detected in the amniotic fluid, and amnion laeverin concentration represents a potential biomarker of fetoplacental growth.

How the Soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen-G levels in Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Serum Correlate with the Feto-Placental Growth in Uncomplicated Pregnancies.

Introduction: Trophoblast-derived angiogenic factors are considered to play an important role in the pathophysiology of various complications of pregnancy. Human Leukocyte Antigen-G (HLA-G) belongs to the non-classical human major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I) molecule and has membrane-bound and soluble forms. HLA-G is primarily expressed by extravillous cytotrophoblasts located in the placenta between the maternal and fetal compartments and plays a pivotal role in providing immune tolerance. The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between concentrations of soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at 16-22 weeks of gestation and the sonographic measurements of fetal and placental growth. Materials and methods: sHLA-G in serum and amniotic fluid, as well as fetal biometric data and placental volume and perfusion indices, were determined in 41 singleton pregnancies with no complications. The level of sHLA-G (U/mL) was tested with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: The sHLA-G levels were unchanged both in amniotic fluid and serum during mid-pregnancy. The sHLA-G level in serum correlated positively with amniotic sHLA-G level (ß = 0.63, p < 0.01). Serum sHLA-G level was significantly correlated with abdominal measurements (ß = 0.41, p < 0.05) and estimated fetal weight (ß = 0.41, p < 0.05). Conversely, amniotic sHLA-G level and placental perfusion (VI: ß = -0.34, p < 0.01 and VFI: ß = -0.44, p < 0.01, respectively) were negatively correlated. A low amniotic sHLA-G level was significantly associated with nuchal translucency (r = -0.102, p < 0.05). Conclusions: sHLA-G assayed in amniotic fluid might be a potential indicator of placental function, whereas the sHLA-G level in serum can be a prognostic factor for feto-placental insufficiency.

Predictive Capabilities of Human Leukocyte Antigen-G and Galectin-13 Levels in the Amniotic Fluid and Maternal Blood for the Pregnancy Outcome.

Background and Objectives: Increasing evidence points to the significant role of the angiogenic factor levels in screening for pregnancy outcome. To examine the potential relationship between concentrations of placental protein 13 (PP13) and soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G) in maternal serum and amniotic fluid at 16-23 weeks of gestation and the sonographic features of pregnancy as well as pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: PP13 and sHLA-G in serum and amniotic fluid, fetal biometrical data, and placental volume and perfusion indices were determined in 71 euploid, singleton pregnancies. Results: The serum sHLA-G level exhibits a negative correlation with the serum PP13 level (r = -0.186, p < 0.001) and a positive correlation with the sHLA-G level in amniotic fluid (r = 0.662, p < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between serum sHLA-G level and placental volume (r = 0.142, p < 0.05) and between amniotic sHLA-G level and placental perfusion (r = -0.450, p < 0.001). A low amniotic PP13 level significantly predicted the birth weight (r = -0.102, p < 0.05), the duration of pregnancy (r = -0.155, p < 0.05), and the fetal abdominal circumference (r = -0.098, p < 0.05). Conclusions: PP13 assayed in amniotic fluid might be a potential marker of fetal growth, and sHLA-G can be an adjunct modality reflecting placental sonographic parameters.

The High-Risk Profile of Selective Growth Restriction in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies.

The present review aims to provide a critical appraisal of the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up and to evaluate the optimal clinical management of monochorionic twin pregnancies where one of the twins is complicated by selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR). The classification is based on the umbilical artery (UA) diastolic flow reflecting the outcome. If the sFGR twin has positive diastolic flow (Type I) then the prognosis is good, and it does not require close surveillance. Biweekly or weekly sonographic and Doppler surveillance and fetal monitoring are recommended strategies to detect unpredictable complications in type II and type III forms, which are defined by persistently absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (AREDF) or cyclically intermittent absent/reverse end-diastolic flow (iAREDF) in the umbilical waveforms, respectively. The latest forms are associated with an increased risk of unexpected fetal demise of the smaller twin and 10-20% risk of neurological injury in the larger twin in addition to the overall risk of prematurity. The clinical course can be affected by elective fetal therapy ('dichorinization' of the placenta with laser or selective fetal reduction) or elective delivery in the presence of severe fetal deterioration. The prediction of the clinical outcome in complicated cases of type II and III sFGR cases remains elusive. Novel routines in fetal and placental scans in order to predict neurological impairments and unexpected fetal death to optimize the delivery time-point are needed.

[Correlation between placental perfusion measured in the entire placenta versus assessed by sonobiopsy]. / Milyen az összefüggés a lepényi perfúzió vizsgálata során a teljes placenta vizsgálata és a szonobiopsziás módszer között?

INTRODUCTION: Placental perfusion can be evaluated using three-dimensional power-Doppler (3DPD) indices with sonobiopsy acquisition in a sphere or throughout the entire placenta. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the relation between these two measurement methods. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted among normal pregnant women recruited at 11 to 40 gestational weeks. Placental vascularization was evaluated using the 3DPD indices (vascularization index [VI]; flow index [FI]; vascularization flow index [VFI]) with the application of the sphere ultrasound technique or scanned from the entire placenta. RESULTS: A total of 150 women were recruited at a mean gestational age of 20.8 ± 7.22 weeks. We observed that scanned 3DPD indices using sphere technique decrease by gestational age between 11 and 40 weeks, whereas whole placental volume scanning yielded stable, non-decreasing indices during gestation. The indices were correlated to each other at least moderately, irrespectively of the method of scanning (r≥0.30). LIMITATIONS: As gestation advances, less and less placentas can be visualized in one sweep for a whole view and at late period of gestation only a minority of placentas can be visualized as a whole. CONCLUSION: 3DPD indices acquired in a sphere of the placenta at umbilical cord insertion may reflect more to the decreasing vascularity of the exponentially growing placenta during gestation. Hence, sphere technique may have a greater screening opportunity in pathological pregnancies. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(8): 300-307.

Mean arterial blood pressure values of complaint-free pregnant women in the first and second trimesters / Panaszmentes várandósok artériás nyomásértéke a várandósság elso és második trimeszterében

Introduction: The cardiovascular system of women adapts to pregnancy to maintain the growth of the fetus. Objective: The aim of this prospective study is to measure the mean arterial pressure of each gestational week. Hemo-dynamical changes in pregnancy are different in every trimester. Normally the mean arterial pressure decreases at the beginning of the pregnancy, and starts to increase in the third trimester. Method: We have examined 185 pregnant women between May 2020 and July 2020. We used a validated device, TensioMed Arteriograph 2020, which can monitor blood pressure parameters non-invasively. We measured the following parameters: mean arterial pressure, central systolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, ankle-brachial index. Results: We found that the mean arterial pressure and the central systolic blood pressure decrease from the 12th to the 15th week, and then start to rise. We did not find significant difference considering the ankle-brachial index and pulse wave velocity. Discussion: The change at the 15th gestational week is the result of circulatory redistribution, histological change when the placenta replaces the chorion. Thus, a high-flow and low-resistance blood flow is created. Compared to the reference values in non-pregnant women, we can say that the values vary significantly within the normal range. Conclusion: Hereafter, we would like to extend our studies to the third trimester as well as to include not only healthy pregnant women, but also pregnant women at risk of developing hypertension. This would create a Hungarian database, which could become a useful pillar in national prenatal care in screening for gestational hypertension.

Utilizing Synergism between the Transverse Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Muscles at Different Postures in Nulliparous Women: A Randomized Case-Control Study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training (PFM-T) in combination with transverse abdominal (TRA) muscle activation (cPFM-T) in female urinary incontinence. METHODS: We enrolled nulliparous women in supine (SUG) (n = 22), sitting (SIG) (n = 19), and control (COG) (n = 14) groups. We conducted an 8-week cPFM-T programme. We examined the effect of training on the parameters with the Kruskal-Wallis test, the pairwise comparisons with the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Wilcoxon rank test with the Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Before training, 15 participants reported occasional urinary leakage. After cPFM-T, 7 participants reported that urinary leakage had disappeared. Maximal isometric contraction of the PFMs until fatigue improved significantly in the SUG (p < 0.001) and SIG (p = 0.015) groups but not significantly in the COG group (p = 0.499). Holding time increased in the SUG (p = 0.972) and the SIG (p = 0.717) groups and decreased in the COG group (p = 0.132). The dynamic endurance of the PFM improved significantly in the SUG group (p < 0.001) but not in the SIG (p = 0.798) and the COG (p = 0.153) groups. The number of maximal fast contractions within 1 min increased in both the SUG (p < 0.001) and SIG (p = 0.813) groups and decreased in the COG group (p = 0.257). Relaxation improved significantly in the SIG group (p = 0.011). TRA mucle thickness increased in both training groups. CONCLUSION: Slow-twitch fibres of the PFM can be trained effectively with PFM-T in both the body positions.

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Glycemic Control Effect on Placental Vascularization in Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the effect of glycemic control on placental vascularization in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to compare dataset of optimal/suboptimal glycemic control to normal placental 3-dimensional power Doppler (3-DPD) indices in 2nd and 3rd trimester. METHODS: Placental vascularization of pregnant women was prospectively evaluated by 3-DPD ((vascularization-index (VI); flow-index (FI); vascularization-flow-index (VFI)) ultrasound technique. The normal pregnancies (n=214) were compared to those complicated by T1DM (n=53) with optimal (HbA1C≤6%;≤ 42 mmol/mol) and suboptimal (HbA1C>6%;>42 mmol/mol) glycemic control. RESULTS: Pregnancies complicated by T1DM expressed lower placental vascularization indices as compared with normal pregnancies (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for VI:0.86; FI:0.94; VFI:0.76). Placental 3-DPD indices have a significant correlation with HbA1C and optimal glycemic control is associated with lower placental perfusion (AOR for VI:1.64; FI:1.13; VFI:2.34). Short-term adverse neonatal outcome was predicted by lower 3-DPD indices (AORVI:0.83, AORFI:0.93, AORVFI:0.66, p<0.05 for each index). Besides the glycemic control, the pregestational body mass index (BMI), had significant influences on placental perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: VI displayed the best screening ability for suboptimal glycemic control with a sensitivity of 90.9%. The suboptimal glycemic control has a direct deteriorating effect on placental vasculature. Therefore the ultrasound examination could be an adjunct diagnostic modality for pregnant women with T1DM.

Maternal Hematological Parameters and Placental and Umbilical Cord Histopathology in Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the placental and umbilical cord histopathology in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and their relation to second-trimester maternal hematological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were selected for the IUGR group based on estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile. Patients were recruited into the control group randomly. Patients were followed up with ultrasound, and blood samples were taken between the 20th and 24th gestational weeks. After delivery and formalin fixation, weight and volume of the placenta were recorded and histologic samples were processed. RESULTS: Maternal platelet count strongly correlates with placental weight (r = 0.766). On the other hand, neonatal weight correlates with placental volume (r = 0.572) rather than with placental weight (r = 0.469). Umbilical arterial lumen cross-sectional area correlates with birth weight (r = 0.338). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal hematological parameters do not seem to affect neonatal outcome. Our main findings are the correlation of maternal platelet count with placental weight, the correlation of placental volume with birth weight being stronger than the correlation of placental weight with birth weight, and the correlation of umbilical artery lumen cross-sectional area with neonatal weight. Mild histopathologic alterations might occur in normal pregnancies; however, sufficient fetal nutrition can be maintained. This compensatory function of the placenta seems to be insufficient when two or more pathologies are present, which is characteristic for IUGR.

Examination of the vascularization of fetal kidney with three-dimensional power Doppler technique in pregnancies complicated by increased maternal blood pressure.

The goal of this study was to investigate the fetal renal vascularization during the third trimester of gestation and the perinatal outcome in pregnancies diagnosed with hypertension. Depending on the medical history, the cases were divided into two groups: chronic hypertension (CHT) group and gestational hypertension (GHT) group. The vascularization and the volume of kidneys were observed in prenatal period by three-dimensional ultrasound. We monitored gestations and perinatal complications. Renal volume and vascularization were detected in 45 cases complicated by GHT and 21 cases with CHT during the 20-month study period. The alteration in fetal renal volume and vascularization may be an in utero cause of subsequent intrauterine and neonatal complications, such as cesarean section because of fetal distress (36%), perinatal infection (24%), treatment in neonatal intensive care unit (39%), or increased perinatal mortality (1%) in affected cases. The results demonstrate that fetuses with depressed vascularization of medullae had 1.5 times the risk of an abnormal outcome compared with the control group. The volume of kidneys had a strong correlation with their vascularization. Detailed ultrasound examinations of renal parenchyma appear to be useful for the prenatal diagnosis of intrauterine hypoxia, allowing the detection of potential pathological fetal conditions in utero.

Evaluation of placental vascularization indices in monochorionic diamniotic and dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate and compare placental vascularization indices between monochorionic-diamniotic, dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies, and normal singular pregnancies. We hypothesized that there is correlation between placental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices and birth weight in case of twin pregnancies, and that normal singular pregnancies have higher placental vascularization indices than normal twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Placental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices, such as vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization-flow index were measured in monochorionic-diamniotic (N = 15) and dichorionic-diamniotic (N = 36) normal twin pregnancies, and in normal singular (N = 109) pregnancies. Correlations were analyzed between vascularization indices, and birth weight, APGAR score, umbilical pH, umbilical venous bicarbonate, lactate, and base excess. RESULTS: Vascularization indices and birth weight were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in normal singular gestations (vascularization index = 10.36, flow index = 46.08, vascularization-flow index = 4.08, average birth weight = 3377 g at 38.2 weeks average gestational age) compared to monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies. No significant differences were found in vascularization indices between monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twins. There were no significant differences in APGAR score, umbilical pH, umbilical venous bicarbonate, lactate, and base excess between groups examined (p < 0.01). We found strong linear correlations between placental vascularization indices and birth weight in both twin groups. CONCLUSION: Placental three-dimensional power Doppler vascularization indices seem appropriate for predicting birth weight in monochorionic-diamniotic and dichorionic-diamniotic normal twin pregnancies. Our pilot study revealed reference values for vascularization indices in case of twin pregnancies examined.

Efficacy of anchoring the four-arm transvaginal mesh to the mid-urethra vs original surgery as a surgical correction for stress urine incontinence in coexisting anterior vaginal prolapse grades II and III: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity with aging is escalating alarmingly; and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are now becoming a growing epidemic among the elderly. Synthetic transvaginal mesh has been employed with increasing popularity in the treatment of POP and is usually highly effective in controlling the principal symptoms of prolapse. However, studies have reported that mesh operations provide fairly unfavorable SUI cure rates. Therefore, additional anti-incontinence surgical strategies are increasingly being scrutinized to achieve better postoperative continence without any significant side-effects for patients with both POP and SUI. We hypothesize that the modification with the fixing of the mesh to the mid-urethra is superior to the original transvaginal mesh operation (TVM) with regard to anti-incontinence. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients diagnosed with POP-Q II-III and concomitant SUI requiring surgical treatment will be included in this prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. Patients will be randomly allocated to receive either original TVM (TVM group, n = 65) or modified TVM surgery (mTVM group, n = 65). As the primary outcome parameter, we will evaluate the objective SUI and POP cure rates. Secondary endpoints include postoperative morbidity as assessed with the International Urogynaecological Association classification and subjective prolapse and incontinence cure rates reported by questionnaires. DISCUSSION: Recognizing the importance of an additional surgical procedure for anti-incontinence management, we aim to investigate whether a stabilizing suturing of the mesh to the mid-urethra delivers superior SUI correction compared to the original prosthesis surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02935803. Registered on 20 May 2016.

[Examination of placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices and perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction]. / A háromdimenziós power Doppler-indexek és a perinatalis kimenetel vizsgálata méhen belüli növekedési restrikcióval szövodött terhességekben.

INTRODUCTION: Development of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can be traced back to maternal or fetal factors, but in many cases we find placental factors (reduced placental circulation) in the background. AIM: Our aim was to examine whether the reduced placental bloodperfusion and vascularity show any correlation with cesarean section frequency and the clinical outcome in IUGR pregnancies. The aim of the present study was also to use a properly calibrated and reproducible method for evaluating placental blood flow, that can later be incorporated into the routine examination. METHOD: 254 women were recruited in our prospective case-control study. The 3 dimensional power Doppler (3DPD) ultrasound indices; vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were measured on each participant. RESULTS: Median VI was 3.7% (interquartile range [IQR] 3.2%-4.2%) in the IUGR group and 10.1% (IQR 8.6%-10.9%) in the control group (p = 0.001). Median FI value was 40.0 (IQR 39.7-42.5) in the IUGR group and 45.1 (IQR 44.1-53.1) in the control group (p = 0.012). Median VFI was 2.2 (IQR 2.1-2.4) in the IUGR group and 4.8 (IQR 4.4-5.3) in the control. CONCLUSIONS: The 3DPD indices may be useful for examining changes in circulation in IUGR pregnancies to characterize the underlying pathology. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(26): 1008-1013.

Evaluation of placental vascularization by three-dimensional ultrasound examination in second and third trimester of pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess three-dimensional placental power Doppler indices in second and third trimester of pregnancies complicated by chronic-, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. METHODS: We analyzed 226 pregnancies prospectively measuring three-dimensional placental power Doppler indices (vascularization index, flow index, vascularization flow index) in cases of normal blood pressure (N=109), chronic hypertension (N=43), gestational hypertension (N=57) and pre-eclampsia (N=17). We evaluated the correlation among vascularization indices, flow characteristics of uterine arteries and perinatal outcome. We assessed the influence of maternal factors (pregestational body mass index, previous pregnancies/deliveries, maternal age) on vascularization indices, and analyzed histological findings of placenta from pregnancy hypertension groups. RESULTS: Vascularization index was significantly higher (p=0.010) in pregnancies with chronic- and lower (p=0.152) in pregnancies with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia compared to the normal group. Flow index was significantly lower in all three pathological groups compared to normal group. Placental volume was significantly smaller (p<0.001) in all three pathological groups than in normal pregnancies at the time of delivery, and there was no significant difference between the three affected groups. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes showed no significant difference between the normal and chronic hypertension groups. We observed significantly lower 1', 5' and 10' APGAR scores (p<0.,001), and birth weight in preeclampsia compared to chronic-, gestational hypertension, and normal groups. Maternal factors had no influence on the development of the power Doppler indices. CONCLUSION: Vascularization indices seem good markers for the prediction of risks and adverse outcomes in case of pregnancy hypertension.

Use of placental vascularization indices and uterine artery peak systolic velocity in early detection of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes, chronic or gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia at risk.

AIM: We aimed to investigate correlations between uterine artery peak systolic velocity (AUtPSV), and placental vascularization in groups of normal blood pressure (NBP) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (chronic hypertension (CHT), gestational hypertension (GHT) and preeclampsia (PE)) alone or in combination with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and hypothesized that AUtPSV rises when GDM complicates pregnancy hypertension. METHODS: Placental 3-dimensional power Doppler indices, such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization-flow index (VFI), and uterine artery peak systolic velocity (AUtPSV) were measured in CHT (N=43), CHT+GDM (N=15), GHT (N=57), GHT+GDM (N=23) and PE (N=17) pregnancies, and compared to NBP (N=109). Correlations were analyzed between vascularization indices, AUtPSV, pregestational BMI and adverse pregnancy outcome rates. RESULTS: In our results VI was higher in CHT (P=0.010), while FI was lower in CHT (P=0.009), GHT and PE (P=0.001) compared to NBP. In case of VFI, significant difference was found between CHT and GHT (P=0.002), and NBP and PE (P=0.001). FI was found prognostic for umbilical pH and neonatal birth weight. Pre-gestational BMI was significantly higher in GHT+GDM compared to GHT, and in CHT+GDM compared to the CHT group. As for AUtPSV, significant difference was found between NBP and CHT (P=0.012), NBP and CHT+GDM (P=0.045), NBP and GHT+GDM (P=0.007), NBP and PE (P=0.032), and GHT and GHT+GDM (P=0.048) groups. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that vascularization indices and AUtPSV show significant differences due to gestational pathology, and can be useful in detection of pregnancies at risk.

Postnatal outcome and placental blood flow after plasmapheresis during pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Plasmapheresis in pregnancy adversely affects maternal hemodynamics, however there are studies suggesting it to reduce pregnancy loss in immunological diseases when medication is more harmful to the fetus. The overall optimal plasmapheresis treatment protocol remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A pregnant with neuromyelitis optica was followed up after receiving six volumes of fresh frozen plasma via plasmapheresis. RESULTS: The placenta compensated the hemodynamic change until the 33rd week of gestation, resulting a small for gestational age, otherwise healthy girl. CONCLUSIONS: More research is needed on plasma exchange during pregnancy because in our observation placental circulation can adapt to the change in blood pressure.

Placental volume relative to fetal weight estimated by sonography in diabetic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to analyze the fetal weight and placental volume (PV) ratio in diabetic pregnancies during mid-pregnancy. METHOD: One hundred and forty nine diabetic pregnancies [75 gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 74 diabetes mellitus type I (T1DM) with good glycemic control] and 232 healthy patients were analyzed by three-dimensional sonographic volumetry of the placenta, while fetal weight was estimated by two-dimensional technique. RESULTS: The gestational age-specific estimated fetal weight (EFW) [EFWGDM: 1840.8 ± 932.82 g; EFWT1DM: 1475.6 ± 914.7 g (mean ± standard deviation) and placental ratio (PR)] was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in pregnancies complicated by GDM and T1DM (PRGDM: 5.5 ± 1.67 g/cm(3), PRT1DM: 4.56 ± 3.2 g/cm(3)) compared to control group (Q) (EFWQ: 532 ± 186.49 g; PRQ: 2.2 ± 0.8 g/cm(3)), whereas PV was significantly higher (p < 0.05) only in GDM (PVGDM: 334.3 ± 111.5 cm(3)) compared to control data (PVQ: 232 ± 78.9 cm(3)). In contrast to GDM, T1DM with good glycemic control did not predispose to any changes in placental sonographic volumetric differences compared to control values. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal weight related to the PV is already elevated in second trimester in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus and type I diabetes mellitus compared to normal pregnancies.