[The weekly growth variations of the principal fetal echographic biometric parameters in pregnancy]. / Variazioni di crescita settimanali dei principali parametri ecobiometrici fetali in gravidanza.

The aim of this study was to describe the normal range for the measurement of sonographic fetal parameters in our population, analyzed growth trend in different periods of pregnancy and establish the optimal time interval between scans. The study was performed in 2336 normal pregnant women between 14-40 weeks of gestation. Polynomial regression analysis was used to describe growth curves. A persistent increment of all ultrasonographic parameters throughout pregnancy was observed with a very high correlation with gestational age. A flattening of growth curves was observed after the 30th week of gestation for cephalic parameters and after the 28th week for the other parameters, particularly for fetal limb measurements. Considering inter- and intra-operator error and the physiological weekly increment, a correct growth evaluation of single parameters requires at last a two weeks time span from the last scan performed. Only the biparietal diameter and femur length allow a correct growth evaluation weekly, before the 30th week and the 28th week, respectively.

[Ultrasonic study of the predictability of fetal macrosomia]. / Studio ultrasonografico per la predittività della macrosomia fetale.

Main fetal echobiometric parameters have been considered in 643 pregnant patients and evaluated for fetal macrosomia predictivity. Deliveries occurs within seven days after ultrasound examination. Malformative or other pathologic conditions with could have interfered with a correct ultrasound evaluation of the disease have been excluded. The single parameters are not reliable for a screening of fetal macrosomia. The A. suggest, for a greater accuracy, sequential ultrasound examination during pregnancy or mathematical correlation of several echobiometric parameters.

[Fetal growth reduction in relation to location in the uterine horn. Experimental model in the rabbit]. / Ridotta crescita fetale in rapporto alla localizzazione nel corno uterino. Modello sperimentale nel coniglio.

We studied the differences in weight of fetal body and organ growth in 35 pregnant rabbits in which intrauterine fetal growth retardation was induced with a microsurgical technique, in relation to fetal position in the uterine horn, and compared with a control group (88 rabbit). No differences was found in control group between gestational age and in relation to fetal position. There is a highly significant difference (p less than 0.001) in weight between siblings in middle and ovarian or vaginal positions in the rabbit uterine horn in intrauterine growth retardation group after the 24th day of gestation.

[Proposal of a detoxication program for drug dependency in pregnancy]. / Proposta di un programma di disintossicazione nella farmacodipendenza in gravidanza.

One of the main problems the physician has to handle in managing pregnancy complicated by the maternal intake of opiates is represented by the programming of adequate detoxication treatment that allows in particular for possible pharmacological repercussions on the foetus. On the basis of many years' experience, a therapeutic proposal is put forward as a general guideline, from which an individual approach can be obtained for the treatment of drug dependency in pregnancy.

Growth retardation in pregnancy: experimental model in the rabbit employing electrically induced thermal placental injury.

Intrauterine growth retardation involves haemodynamic modifications in the uterus and placenta. In order to study intrauterine growth retardation we obtained an electrically induced thermal placental injury in a rabbit experimental model. The effects on weight of fetuses, placentas and single organs were recorded and statistically analysed. Fetal growth retardation was recorded in 71% of fetuses exposed to 15 mA direct current per 40 seconds, and resulted in only 7.9% of normal fetuses. The data presented in this study have shown a retardation of fetal growth particularly evident in the liver weight with a relative sparing of brain development. Kidney and heart do not present a statistically significant reduction in growth. This growth retardation model is simple and readily reproducible.

[Use of ultrasonography to estimate fetal weight in premature infants. Development of a new mathematical formula]. / Valutazione ultrasonografica del peso in feti pretermine. Elaborazione di una nuova formula matematica.

In 73 pregnant patients at a gestational age under 36 weeks, who gave birth within 72 hours from the last US examination, mathematical equations were elaborated. The equations were aimed at predicting fetal weight by measuring the main US biometric parameters; the results were compared to the actual birth weight. A statistical analysis was performed using the "backward elimination" method. The linear equation that has provided with the best estimation of fetal weight is the following: fetal weight = 12.9875 BPD +29.5642 AD +28.8023 FL -3496.1265. According to this equation, about 95.22% of the variability of the unknown quantity (i.e. birth weight) can be ascribed to its correlation to the variables: biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal diameter (AD) and femur length (FL). Estimated fetal weight by US, as calculated on the basis of biparietal diameter, abdominal diameter and femur length measurements, showed, in our study, a standard error of 143 g (9.02%) (R = 0.95).