Diagnosis and management of selective fetal growth restriction in monochorionic twin pregnancies: A cross-sectional international survey.

OBJECTIVE: To identify current practices in the management of selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: International. POPULATION: Clinicians involved in the management of MCDA twin pregnancies with sFGR. METHODS: A structured, self-administered survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical practices and attitudes to diagnostic criteria and management strategies. RESULTS: Overall, 62.8% (113/180) of clinicians completed the survey; of which, 66.4% (75/113) of the respondents reported that they would use an estimated fetal weight (EFW) of <10th centile for the smaller twin and an inter-twin EFW discordance of >25% for the diagnosis of sFGR. For early-onset type I sFGR, 79.8% (75/94) of respondents expressed that expectant management would be their routine practice. On the other hand, for early-onset type II and type III sFGR, 19.3% (17/88) and 35.7% (30/84) of respondents would manage these pregnancies expectantly, whereas 71.6% (63/88) and 57.1% (48/84) would refer these pregnancies to a fetal intervention centre or would offer fetal intervention for type II and type III cases, respectively. Moreover, 39.0% (16/41) of the respondents would consider fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) for early-onset type I sFGR, whereas 41.5% (17/41) would offer either FLS or selective feticide, and 12.2% (5/41) would exclusively offer selective feticide. For early-onset type II and type III sFGR cases, 25.9% (21/81) and 31.4% (22/70) would exclusively offer FLS, respectively, whereas 33.3% (27/81) and 32.9% (23/70) would exclusively offer selective feticide. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in clinician practices and attitudes towards the management of early-onset sFGR in MCDA twin pregnancies, especially for type II and type III cases, highlighting the need for high-level evidence to guide management.

Previous preeclampsia and its association with the future development of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Preeclampsia is a multifactorial disease. Among these factors, untreated hypertension during pregnancy can result in high morbidity and mortality rates and may also be related to the future development of cardiovascular diseases.Therefore, this systematic review aimed to determine the association of previous preeclampsia with the future development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies on the association between preeclampsia and future cardiovascular diseases published in the last 10 years (2009-2019) were identified from the PubMed/Medline (207 articles), Embase (nine articles), and Cochrane (three articles) databases using the keywords "preeclampsia" and "future cardiovascular diseases", "preeclampsia" and "future heart attack", and "preeclampsia" and "future cardiac disease". After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were analyzed by systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The meta-analysis and the determination of the quality of the articles were conducted using RevMan software, version 5.3. Statistically significant differences were observed between the control and previous preeclampsia groups with respect to systolic blood pressure (mean difference [MD] 4.32; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 3.65, 4.99; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (MD): 2.11; 95%CI: 1.68, 2.55; p<0.0001), and insulin level (MD: 2.80; 95% CI: 0.50, 5.11; p<0.001). Body mass index (MD: 2.57, 95%CI: 2.06, 3.07; p=0.0001), total cholesterol (MD: 10.39; 95%CI: 8.91, 11.87; p=0.0001), HDL (MD: 2.83; 95%CI: 2.20, 3.46; p=0.0001), and LDL (MD: 1.77; 95%CI: 0.42, 3.13; p=0.0001) also differed significantly between groups. Thus, the results of the present study showed that women with a history of preeclampsia were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Análise de impacto orçamentário do uso da razão dos testes sFlt-1: PlGF na exclusão de pré-eclâmpsia em mulheres com suspeita clínica na perspectiva do sistema de saúde suplementar / Budget impact analysis of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to help rule-out pre-eclampsia in women presenting with clinical suspected in the private healthcare system perspective in Brazil

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o impacto econômico da incorporação da razão dos testes tirosina quinase-1 solúvel (sFlt-1):fator de crescimento placentário (PlGF) no auxílio da exclusão da pré-eclâmpsia na perspectiva do Sistema de Saúde Suplementar do Brasil (SSS). Métodos: Foi desenvolvido um modelo de decisão com o intuito de simular as decisões clínicas do manejo das pacientes com suspeita de pré-eclâmpsia entre a 24ª semana e a 36ª semana + 6 dias de gestação utilizando a razão dos testes sFlt-1:PlGF em comparação com cenário sem o teste. Os dados clínicos utilizados no modelo foram derivados do estudo PROGNOSIS. A análise incluiu apenas custos diretos que foram baseados na Tabela CBHPM (Classificação Brasileira Hierarquizada de Procedimentos Médicos) e na Tabela CMED PF 18% (Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos). Uma análise de sensibilidade univariada foi conduzida com variação de 15% dos parâmetros. Resultados: A razão dos testes sFlt-1:PlGF apresentou um potencial de economia de -R$ 4.532,04 por paciente comparado ao cenário sem teste. Considerando a incorporação no SSS, a razão dos testes sFlt-1:PlGF pode promover uma economia de -R$ 6.375.865,68 em 2021 e um acumulado de -R$ 136.495.533,87 em cinco anos. Conclusão: O uso da razão sFlt-1:PlGF no auxílio da exclusão da pré-eclâmpsia tem potencial de melhorar as decisões clínicas e, consequentemente, evitar hospitalizações desnecessárias. A incorporação do teste pode promover uma economia substancial para o sistema de saúde suplementar

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic impact of the incorporation of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio test in the private healthcare system in Brazil (SSS). Methods: A decision model was developed in order to simulate the clinical decisions of the management of women with suspected pre-eclampsia between 24 weeks and 36 weeks plus 6 days with sFlt-1:PlGF ratio test, compared with no test scenario. The clinical data used in the model were derived from PROGNOSIS study. The analysis included only direct costs that were based on CBHPM (Classificação Brasileira Hierarquizada de Procedimentos Médicos) and CMED PF 18% (Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos). A univariate sensitivity analysis was conducted with a variation of 15%. Results: The sFlt-1:PlGF ratio test has the potential to save -R$ 4.532,04 per patient compared to no test scenario. Considering the incorporation of the test in SSS, the sFlt1:PlGF ratio test can promote an economy of -R$ 6.375.865,68 in 2021 and -R$ 136.495.533,87 in accumulated five years of. Conclusion: The use of sFlt-1:PlGF ratio test to help rule-out pre-eclampsia has the potential to improve clinical decision and therefore to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. The incorporation of the test can promote a substantial saving to the private healthcare system.

Acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence phenotypic characterization using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound between 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days of gestation.

The study presents a pictorial essay of acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence using two-(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography, documenting the different phenotypic characterization of this rare disease. Normal and abnormal fetuses were evaluated during the first trimester scan. The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology practice guidelines were adopted to standardize first trimester anatomical ultrasound screening. The guidelines outline the importance of systematic fetal head and brain examination including the formation of cranial bones, choroid-plexus and ventricles. Acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence and/or other neural tube defects, such as meningoencephalocele, may be identified during a routine 11-14 week scan. Early first trimester detection of acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence with the characterization of different related phenotypes, 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging as well as differential diagnosis are also presented in this pictorial essay. The main diagnostic ultrasound features of the disease may be characterized by findings of acrania with increased amniotic fluid echogenicity; "Mickey-Mouse" bi-lobular face, cystic, elongated, irregular and overhanging head morphology. Lightening techniques have also been added to 3D ultrasound to enhance anatomical details. Moreover, discordant amniotic fluid echotexture in the setting of twin pregnancies may be the first sign of acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence. Extracranial malformations, aneuploidy and genetic syndromes associated with acrania-exencephaly-anencephaly sequence are also reported and described. First trimester neuroscan by an expert sonographer with appropriate training together with the application of standardized protocol are essential for a high detection rate of this rare type of neural tube defect malformation during a scan performed at 11 and 13 weeks and 6 days.

Uterine artery doppler in screening for preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction / Doppler das artérias uterinas no rastreamento para pré-eclâmpsia e restrição do crescimento fetal

Abstract Objective To perform a comprehensive review of the current evidence on the role of uterine artery Doppler, isolated or in combination with other markers, in screening for preeclampsia (PE) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the general population. The review included recently published large cohort studies and randomized trials. Methods A search of the literature was conducted usingMedline, PubMed, MeSH and ScienceDirect. Combinations of the search terms "preeclampsia," "screening," "prediction," "Doppler," "Doppler velocimetry," "fetal growth restriction," "small for gestational age" and "uterine artery" were used. Articles in English (excluding reviews) reporting the use of uterine artery Doppler in screening for PE and FGR were included. Results Thirty articles were included. As a single predictor, uterine artery Doppler detects less than 50% of the cases of PE and no more than 40% of the pregnancies affected by FGR. Logistic regression-based models that allow calculation of individual risk based on the combination of multiple markers, in turn, is able to detect ~ 75% of the cases of preterm PE and 55% of the pregnancies resulting in small for gestational age infants. Conclusion The use of uterine artery Doppler as a single predictive test for PE and FGR has poor accuracy. However, its combined use in predictive models is promising, being more accurate in detecting preterm PE than FGR.

Resumo Objetivo Realizar revisão da literatura científica acerca do uso do Doppler das artérias uterinas, de forma isolada ou em combinação com outros marcadores, no rastreamento para pré-eclâmpsia (PE) e restrição do crescimento fetal (RCF) na população geral. A revisão incluiu estudos de coorte e ensaios clínicos randomizados recentemente publicados. Métodos Realizou-se uma pesquisa da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, PubMed, MeSH e ScienceDirect. Diferentes combinações dos termos "preeclampsia," "screening," "prediction," "Doppler," "Doppler velocimetry," "fetal growth restriction," "small for gestational age" e "uterine artery" foram utilizadas. Artigos eminglês, (excluindo-se artigos de revisão) em que o Doppler das artérias uterinas é reportado como ferramenta no rastreamento para PE e RCF foram incluídos. Resultados Trinta artigos foram incluídos. Como teste preditivo isolado, o Doppler das artérias uterinas tem sensibilidade inferior a 50% na detecção de casos de PE e inferior a 40% para identificação de gestações afetadas por RCF. Modelos matemáticos preditivos baseados em equações de regressão logística que permitem o cálculo de risco individual, por sua vez, são mais promissores, permitindo a detecção de 75% dos casos de PE pré-termo, e 55% das gestações que resultarão emparto de recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional. Conclusão O uso do Doppler das artérias uterinas tem baixa acurácia na identificação de gestações afetadas por PE e RCF. No entanto, seu uso combinado com outros marcadores é mais promissor, apresentando maior acurácia para detecção de PE do que para RCF.

Three-dimensional imaging of the uterus: The value of the coronal plane.

Advent in three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology has seen 3D ultrasound establish itself as a useful adjunct complementary to traditional two-dimensional imaging of the female pelvis. This advantage largely arises from its ability to reconstruct the coronal plane of the uterus, which allows further delineation of many gynecological disorders. 3D imaging of the uterus is now the preferred imaging modality for assessing congenital uterine anomalies and intrauterine device localization. Newer indications include the diagnosis of adenomyosis. It can also add invaluable information to delineate other endometrial and myometrial pathology such as fibroids and endometrial polyps.

Analysis of pulmonary function in high-risk pregnancies: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pulmonary function in high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study on 60 pregnant women, of whom 30 were high-risk and 30 were low-risk cases, with gestational age ≥28 weeks. For the high-risk group, preeclampsia and/or gestational diabetes were the conditions taken into consideration. To evaluate pulmonary function, the following parameters were assessed: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index (FVC/FEV1) and forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75%). Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test was used to analyze the variables. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the pulmonary function parameters according to gestational age (p > 0.05). Similarly, there were no statistical differences in the pulmonary function tests for the variables of smoking habit, birth weight, Apgar index, duration of gestation, childbirth type and need for the newborn to go to the intensive care unit (p > 0.05). For the pregnant women with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, only FEF25-75% presented statistical significance (p = 0.01 and 0.034, respectively). CONCLUSION: In high-risk pregnant women, pulmonary function suffered alterations characterized by limitations regarding airflow through the airways, although without repercussions on gestational outcome.

Fatores de risco associados à retenção de peso seis meses após o parto / Risk factors associated with weight retention in postpartum period

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores de risco para retenção de peso em mulheres após o parto. MÉTODOS: Foi um estudo prospectivo observacional que acompanhou durante seis meses mulheres adultas que realizaram o parto em uma maternidade terciária. Aplicou-se um questionário estruturado antes da alta hospitalar e no período de seis semanas e seis meses após o parto, por meio de visitas domiciliares. O desfecho considerado foi retenção de peso após o parto (se risco >7,5 kg). As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, cor da pele, trabalho na gravidez e atual, renda, escolaridade, estado civil, idade da menarca, idade da mãe no primeiro parto, paridade, tipo de parto, intervalo interpartal, peso pré-gravídico, ganho de peso gestacional, percentual de gordura corpórea e estado nutricional. A verificação dos dados se iniciou com análises bivariadas entre prevalência de retenção de peso aos 6 meses e as diversas covariáveis (p<0,2). Foram calculados os valores da Odds Ratio (OR) bruta e seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A última etapa da análise compreendeu a regressão logística multivariada para controle dos fatores de confusão, com estimativa de OR e IC95%. RESULTADOS: A frequência de retenção de peso >7,5 kg após 6 meses após o parto foi de 15%. Na análise bivariada, a retenção de peso se associou às seguintes variáveis: idade da menarca <12 anos (OR=3,7; IC95% 1,1−13,2), ganho de peso gestacional ≥16 kg (OR=5,8; IC95% 1,8−18,6), percentual de gordura corporal no início do seguimento >30% (OR=5,0; IC95% 1,1−23,6) e estado nutricional 6 semanas após o parto >25 kg/m2 (OR=7,7; IC95% 1,6−36,1). A partir da análise multivariada, somente o ganho de peso gestacional excessivo ...

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for weight retention in women after childbirth. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study that followed for six months adult women who delivered at a tertiary center. Were applied a structured questionnaire before hospital discharge and at six weeks and six months after childbirth, through home visits. The outcome was weight retention after childbirth (if risk >7.5 kg). The variables analyzed were: age, skin color, working during pregnancy, income, education, marital status, age at menarche, maternal age at first birth, parity, mode of delivery, birth interval, pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, percent body fat, and nutritional status. Data were first analyzed by bivariate analysis between prevalence of weight retention at six months and several covariates (p<0.2). We then calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) and their respective gross confidence intervals of 95% (95%CI) and finally performed multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors and to estimate the OR and 95%CI. RESULTS: The frequency of weight retention >7.5 kg by 6 months after delivery was 15%. In bivariate analysis, weight retention was associated with the following variables: age at menarche <12 years (OR=3.7; 95%CI1.1-13.2), gestational weight gain ≥16 kg (OR=5.8; 95%CI 1.8-18.6), percent body fat at baseline >30% (OR=5.0; 95%CI 1.1-23.6), and nutritional status by 6 weeks postpartum >25 kg/m2 (OR=7.7; 95%CI1.6-36.1). In multivariate analysis, only excessive gestational weight gain (OR=74.1; 95%CI 9.0-609.6) remained as a risk factor. CONCLUSION: Excessive weight gain during pregnancy should receive special attention in prenatal care in view of its association with weight retention and excess weight in women after childbirth. .

Fatores de risco materno associados a necessidade de unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Maternal risk factors associated with the necessity of neonatal intensive care unit

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores de risco materno que levam recém-nascidos à necessidade de cuidados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) neonatal. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo observacional tipo caso-controle com 222 (proporção 1:1 de casos e controles) gestantes atendidas em maternidade pública. As variáveis analisadas das puérperas foram: idade da menarca, idade da primeira relação sexual, história de doenças crônicas, hábitos, assistência pré-natal, antecedentes obstétricos, intercorrências clínicas na gestação e parto e variáveis sociodemográficas. As variáveis dos recém-nascidos foram: índice de Apgar, idade gestacional, peso ao nascimento, presença ou não de malformação, necessidade de reanimação e complicações nos recém-nascidos nas primeiras 24 horas. As proporções foram comparadas por meio do teste exato de Fisher ou do γ2 de Pearson. Por intermédio de regressão logística, foram elaborados modelos multivariados utilizando Odds Ratio ajustado com intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. RESULTADOS: Em relação à história reprodutiva, foi observado que ≥3 gravidezes e 2 ou 3 cesáreas prévias apresentaram significância estatística (p=0,0 e 0,0, respectivamente). Dentre as complicações que necessitaram de cuidados em UTI neonatal, a prematuridade foi responsável por 61 casos (55,5%), seguido de risco de infecção intraparto, com 46 casos (41,8%). Dentre a história materna, a doença hipertensiva apresentou significância estatística (p=0,0). A ruptura prematura de membranas se associou fortemente à necessidade de UTI neonatal (Odds Ratio - OR=6,1; IC95% 2,6-14,4). CONCLUSÕES: A ruptura prematura de membranas ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the maternal risk factors that require newborn assistance in neonatal Intensive Care Units (ICU). METHODS: A prospective observational case-control study was conducted on 222 pregnant women (1:1 case-control ratio) attended at a public maternity. The following variables were analyzed in the puerperae: age at menarche, age at first sexual intercourse, history of chronic diseases, habits, prenatal care, obstetric history, clinical complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and sociodemographic variables. The variables of the newborns were: Apgar scores, gestational age, birth weight, presence or absence of malformation, need for resuscitation, and complications during the first 24 hours. Proportions were compared using the Fisher exact test or the Person γ2 test. Multivariable models were developed by logistic regression analysis using adjusted Odds Ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Regarding reproductive history, ≥3 pregnancies and 2 or 3 previous cesareans were sytatistically significant (p=0.0 and 0.0, respectively). Among the complications that required assistance in the neonatal ICU, prematurity was responsible for 61 cases (55.5%), followed by risk of intrapartum infection in 46 cases (41.8%). Regarding the maternal history, the presence of hypertensive disease showed statistical significance (p=0.0). Premature rupture of membranes was strongly associated with the need for the neonatal ICU (Odds Ratio - OR=6.1, 95%CI 2.6-14.4). CONCLUSIONS: Premature rupture of membranes and hypertensive disease should receive special attention in prenatal care due to their strong association with newborns requiring assistance in the neonatal ICU. .

[Consumption of medications, alcohol and smoking in pregnancy and assessment of teratogenic risks]. / Consumo de medicamentos, álcool e fumo na gestação e avaliação dos riscos teratogênicos.

Medications, alcohol and smoking can cause fetal damage. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 326 mothers of the Fortaleza General Hospital to evaluate the use of drugs, alcohol and smoking during pregnancy and its relation to teratogenic potential in different population characteristics, between 2006 and 2007. Postpartum women who had their babies in the research site were included and those whose babies were not admitted as hospital inpatients were excluded. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used in the analysis, with a p value <0.05 considered significant. 96.6% of the mothers took medications (2.8 drugs/ pregnancy) and self-medication occurred in 11.3% of the cases. Single women took more drugs with high teratogenic potential (p=0.037). 11 cases of fetal malformation were observed, five of them were exposed to high teratogenic risks. Smoking occurred in 11.3% and alcohol use in 16%. Being single was found to be a risk factor for exposure to high teratogenic potential. Quality of prenatal care and other sociodemographic variables weren't related to exposure to teratogenic risks.