Placental biophysical model for prediction of early onset fetal growth restriction in first and second trimester of pregnancy: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the placental biometry, placental biomarkers and uterine artery Doppler in each trimester of pregnancy for prediction of early-onset fetal growth restriction (EO FGR). METHODS: In this prospective cohort study placental biometry; biomarkers PAPP-A, sFLT-1, and PlGF along with the uterine artery blood flow evaluation was done serially at 11-14, 20-24 and 28-32 weeks of gestation. The above parameters were compared between women with early onset FGR and controls. RESULTS: Out of 1008 fully followed cases, the small for gestational age fetuses were 227/1008 (22.5 %), and EO FGR were 84/1008(8.3 %).The placental length, volume, and PlGF levels were significantly lower, whereas the uterine artery PI(Ut PI) was significantly higher at all time points among cases. The sFLT-1 level showed a significant increase among cases, whereas it decreased among controls from the first to the second trimester. The detection rate using PV/UtA PI was 60 % in the first trimester and 66.7 % in the second trimester at 30 % FPR. CONCLUSION: The PV/Ut PI in first and the second trimester was a good marker for the prediction of pregnancies at increased risk of developing EO FGR.

Risk factors and outcome of antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia following in-utero transfer in a busy public-sector tertiary care center in North India.

We analyzed the risk factors and outcomes of antenatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) from a tertiary-care children's hospital following in-utero transfer. A total of 41 antenatally detected cases of CDH were included; 30 were live-born and 11 were still-born. The primary outcome was postnatal survival. The secondary outcome was the probable factor affecting survival. No medical termination of the pregnancy was done. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks. The diagnostic accuracy of antenatal ultrasonography was 40/41 (97.5%). Lung-to-head ratio (LHR) was <1 in 20 cases (survived 2), LHR was >1 in 10 cases (survived 8), and LHR was not recorded in 11 cases (survived 4). Overall survival was 14/41 (34.1%). Survival in fetuses with polyhydramnios was 0% (n=3; survived 0), associated anomalies were 33.3% (n=3; survived 1), and liver herniation was 22.2% (n=9; survived 2). Postnatally, significant risk factors included a low Apgar score, the need for ventilation, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) management. Survival in live-born cases was 14/30 (46.6%) and in operated cases was 14/19 (73.6%). We concluded that antenatal ultrasound had a high accuracy rate for detecting CDH. Antenatal risk factors affecting outcomes were low LHR, maternal polyhydramnios, liver herniation, and associated malformations. Postnatal risk factors included a low Apgar score, NICU admission, and a need for ventilation. The overall survival rate, as well as the survival rates for live-borns and those undergoing surgery, were 34.1%, 46.6%, and 73.6%, respectively. This data will guide clinicians in counseling the families of antenatally diagnosed CDH.

Antenatal risk stratification for preeclampsia with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio: Which is the best time to test?

OBJECTIVE: To find out the predictive value of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio for antenatal risk stratification (ARS) of women at high risk of preeclampsia (PE). METHODS: Antenatal women at high risk of PE underwent sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at 20-22, 28-30 and 34-36 weeks and were followed till delivery. Those who developed PE were cases those who had normal outcome were controls, the cases and controls were compared. RESULTS: Hypertension in pregnancy was seen in 116/287 (40.4 %), 46/287(16.0 %) had PE and 21(7.3 %) had early onset PE. Mean arterial pressure at 20-22 weeks was the high in those who developed early onset PE (109.08 ± 9.74 mmHg). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 38 or more at 20-22 weeks resulted in either PE or adverse fetal outcome in all cases. Whereas, the ratio of less than 38 ruled out PE in all cases up to 29 + 6 weeks. At 28-30 weeks, the ratio less than 38 predicted no PE up to 34 weeks and no complication up to 29+6 weeks. The sensitivity for the detection at later gestation further decreased as the gestation advanced however the specificity was above 98 % at all gestations. The positive predictive value of the test increased with the advancing gestation, the negative predictive value was 93 % or higher at all gestations. CONCLUSION: The usefulness of sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥38 for risk stratification was validated in the study, the testing at 28-30 weeks appeared to be the best time to test for PE prediction in high risk women.

Relative prevalence and outcome of fetal posterior fossa abnormality.

AIM: To find out the relative incidence and outcome of posterior fossa abnormality (PFA) in terms of survival at birth until 2 years of age. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study; all fetuses diagnosed with posterior fossa abnormality were followed-up. The outcome was observed with respect to survival, the presence of associated anomalies, the existence of developmental delay after a telephonic interview. RESULTS: Out of 2703 children with congenital anomalies, 921 (34.1%) had a central nervous system defect; 76 cases of PFA were fully followed. Dandy-Walker malformation (DWM) was present in 50% (38/76), mega cisterna magna 18.4% (14/76), Blake pouch cyst 13.2% (10/76), vermian hypoplasia (VH) 13.2% (10/76) and arachnoid cyst 5.2% (4/76). The diagnosis was possible before 20 weeks in only 12 (15.8%) cases. The mean gestational age at delivery was 34.7 ± 6.7 weeks. Associated anomalies were seen in 35/76 (46.1%) cases. A total of 35/76 (46.1%) survived after 2 years; there was developmental delay in 9.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: There is a large variation in the outcome of PFA depending upon the type of anomaly. Associated anomalies are common in VH and DWM, making their prognosis worse.

Role of sFLT-1/PlGF ratio in predicting severe adverse materno-fetal outcome in high risk women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of angiogenic biomarkers in predicting severe adverse materno-fetal outcome (SAO) among women at high risk of preeclampsia (PE). METHOD: All antenatal women at high risk of PE underwent MAP estimation, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, uterine artery evaluation at 20-22, 28-30 and 34-36 weeks of gestation and were followed until delivery. The severe adverse outcome included severe PE, severe fetal growth restriction with Doppler changes and intrauterine death or early neonatal death. Those who developed SAO were cases and rest were controls, the cases and controls were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In 54/287(18.8 %) SAO was observed, and they comprised of severe PE (21/287, 7.3 %), FGR with absent or reverse diastolic flow on Doppler (23/287, 8.0 %) and intrauterine death or early neonatal death (10/287, 3.5 %). For detecting complications up to 30 weeks, the sFLT-1/PlGF ratio at 20 weeks (cut off ≥ 38) was the best test (accuracy- 97.6 %) followed by MAP and uterine artery Doppler PI. For detecting complications up to 34 weeks, prediction was good (accuracy -80.4 %) when sFLT-1/PlGF ratio was combined with uterine artery PI. The predictive value of the complications before 34 weeks was far superior to that after 34 weeks. Combining the sFLT-1/PlGF ratio with the uterine artery PI improved the accuracy of the test (79 % to 87 %). CONCLUSION: Increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, was a good predictive marker for SAO in the study population. The accuracy of prediction was better for those who developed the complications before 34 weeks.

Correlation of Antenatal Ultrasound Parameters with the Postnatal Outcome of Bilateral Fetal Hydronephrosis.

AIM: To determine the role of antenatal parameters in predicting the outcome of bilateral fetal hydronephrosis. METHODOLOGY: Total 50 antenatal women with bilateral antenatal fetal hydronephrosis (ANH) were included. On ultrasound, amount of liquor, kidney size, pelvic anteroposterior diameter, degree of caliectasis, bladder size, and thickness were observed at 28 and 32 weeks of gestation. For 3 months post-delivery, the babies were evaluated in terms of ultrasound renal parameters, serum creatinine levels, and need for surgery. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.4 ± 1.7. All babies were alive at birth, 48 were alive after 3 months. Surgery was done in 10/50 cases; cystoscopic fulguration was the most common procedure. There was a resolution of bilateral ANH in 27/50 cases, in 5/50 cases there was pylectasis with normal serum creatinine, and in 18/50 cases there was adverse outcome. Most of the parameters had better sensitivity and specificity at 32 weeks than at 28 weeks. At 32-week gestation, the renal pylectasis between 10 and 15 mm had the highest sensitivity (88.9%), and the presence of caliectasis had the highest specificity (90.6%) for adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: Resolution of hydronephrosis took place in the majority of cases, and there was an adverse outcome in only one-third of them. Renal caliectasis was the best marker for the prediction of adverse outcome.

Patient Satisfaction after Antenatal Joint Fetal Medicine and Pediatric Surgery Counseling.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find out the level of satisfaction among couples receiving antenatal counseling provided jointly by fetal medicine specialists and pediatric surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based observational study. A total of 110 consecutive couples who were antenatally diagnosed with fetal structural anomaly and received counseling by fetal medicine specialist and pediatric surgeon together, were given a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire (PSQ-18) after delivery to assess their level of satisfaction regarding the antenatal care they received. RESULTS: A total of 120 couple responded to the questionnaire, mean gestational age at delivery was 33.8 ± 7.14 weeks. In PSQ, 75.8% gave high scores for general satisfaction, maximum subjects provided high scores for interpersonal manner (IM) (77.5%) and communication (77.5%), and the least number gave high scores for time spent with the doctor (50.8%) and accessibility (42.5%). The technical quality (TQ) subscale was significantly high for the stillbirth/abortion group compared to live birth (P = 0.020). Significantly high scores for TQ (P = 0.037) and IM (P = 0.023) were obtained in the <20 weeks group. CONCLUSION: The joint counseling provided good interaction opportunity to the couple but still fell short of their expectations regarding time spent with the doctor and their accessibility.

Management of CHAOS by intact cord resuscitation: case report and literature review.

Background: Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a near fatal condition, except when the ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is performed as rescue. After antenatal diagnosis of the condition, counseling regarding prognosis and outcome needs to be provided.Case: We describe here a case with CHAOS due to isolated fetal laryngeal atresia, presented at our center at 33-week gestation. After counseling regarding the uncertain outcome, consent for elective caesarean was not given. Intact cord resuscitation (ICR) was done as a rescue by a well-coordinated team during delivery. Tracheostomy was performed successfully under local anesthesia within five minutes, while the cord was still attached to the placenta. The baby had supraglottic stenosis on CT scan. Reconstructive surgery is planned after 8 months. The literature review showed 24 reports of 28 cases with intrinsic airway obstruction managed by EXIT, laryngeal atresia was the most common cause (18/28). The outcome was poor in tracheal agenesis (1/4 survived) whereas those having laryngeal web or small communication (4/4 survived) had better outcome. Tracheal reconstruction was done in 3/28 cases only.Conclusions: The case emphasizes that ICR and tracheostomy during vaginal delivery can rescue the baby. The literature reviewed provided insight into the outcome of CHAOS cases in world literature.

Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis: Factors Which Predict Outcome.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cause of NIHF cases referred to a tertiary referral center and to analyze the outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 130 cases of fetal hydrops registered during eight-year study period were reviewed. Antenatal ultrasound, blood investigations and postnatal fetal examination were done, and outcome was noted. RESULTS: Out of 130 cases of NIHF, antenatal ultrasound showed the presence of structural malformations in 94/130 (72.3%), cardiac abnormality was the most common (34/130, 26.1%) and cystic hygroma was seen in 15/130 (11.5%). Chromosomal abnormality was observed in 15(11.5%) cases, and Doppler US showed anemia in 4/130 (3.1%) cases only. Live born were 25 (12.9%), and rest all were stillborn or abortion. Later mean gestational age of presentation (p = 0.0001), presence of gastrointestinal malformation (p = 0.0001) and absence of structural malformations (p = 0.0441) were factors significantly associated with live birth; the presence of cystic hygroma (p = 0.0431) or structural heart defect (p = 0.007) was significantly associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSION: Fetal anemia was not a common cause of NIHF in the study population. The early onset of hydrops and presence of structural malformation carry a graver prognosis; type of structural defect also has bearing on outcome.

First-Trimester Inflammatory Markers for Risk Evaluation of Pregnancy Hypertension.

Introduction: Hypertension in pregnancy is one of the potential causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It complicates 7-10% of pregnancies. As of today, prediction of pregnancy hypertension is not possible. Aim and Objectives: Evaluation of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), free ß-human chorionic gonadotropin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) in establishing a biomarker or combination of biomarkers for the early identification of pregnancy hypertension. Methodology: This prospective study was carried out in two phases. Phase I was a cohort study in which 2000 pregnant women were enrolled in their first trimester (11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation) and followed till delivery. Women who developed hypertension were compared with normotensive cohort (women who remained normotensive till term). Phase II was a case-control study. The women who were diagnosed with hypertension in phase I were cases and their controls were matched for gestational age and sample storage time from normotensive cohort population. Two additional proinflammatory markers TNF-α and INF-γ were evaluated in this case-control population. Results: Out of 2000 women, 199 women developed hypertension and 1454 women remained normotensive throughout their pregnancy. Among 199 hypertensive women, 151 (9.13%) cases had gestational hypertension, 45 (2.72%) had preeclampsia (PE) and 3 (0.18%) had eclampsia (E). First trimester mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001) were found significantly higher in hypertensive women when compared with normotensive women. Maternal serum levels of PAPP-A (p < 0.001) were significantly low in hypertensive women as compared to normotensive women, while free ß-hCG (p = 0.59) was high, but the difference was not statistically significant. TNF-α (p < 0.001) and INF-γ (p = 0.014) both were high in hypertensive women. When all biomarkers were combined we found the positive predictive value (PPV) of 51.6% an negative predictive value (NPV) of 71.4%. Conclusion: Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines suggest the role of underlying inflammation in pathogenesis of pregnancy hypertension, and low PAPP-A may be attributed to impaired implantation. Combining biomarkers may improve the prediction of pregnancy hypertension in the early stages of gestation. NPV of 71.4% depicts that if woman has all biomarkers in normal ranges during first trimester, she will have 71.4% chances of remaining normotensive during pregnancy.

Reference centile charts of first-trimester aneuploidy screening & Doppler parameters for Indian population.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The risk estimation for foetal aneuploidies in the first trimester of pregnancy uses reference curves based on western data. The objective of this study was to construct the reference curves of first-trimester foetal aneuploidy screening parameters for the Indian women. METHODS: : Cross-sectional data were obtained from 1204 singleton pregnancies between the crown-rump length (CRL) of 40-84 mm. Linear regression models were constructed; the mean, median and standard deviation were derived as a function of CRL. RESULTS: The mean value of CRL was 61.3 mm. The regression analysis showed a significant correlation between all variables and CRL (P< 0.001). There was a positive correlation of CRL with nuchal translucency (NT) (y=0.010x+0.629, R2=0.116) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) (y=0.107x-1.079, R2=0.173), whereas inverse correlation was seen with free ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) (y=-0.409x+75.025, R2=0.018) and Doppler parameters pulsatility index (PI) (y=-0.008x+1.924 R2=0.053). The centile charts of NT, PAPP-A, free ß-hCG and uterine artery (Ut A) Doppler PI were constructed. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The reference centile charts of first trimester aneuploidy screening along with Doppler parameters were derived in Indian pregnant women. These centile charts may be used as a reference for clinical use in Indian population.

Adverse fetal outcome: is first trimester ultrasound and Doppler better predictor than biomarkers?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of first trimester biomarkers and ultrasound in determining adverse fetal outcomes in a low risk Asian population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All low risk, singleton pregnancies between 11 and 14 weeks gestation underwent ultrasound with uterine artery Doppler along with PAPP-A and free ß-hCG estimation, and were followed till delivery to observe the outcome. The adverse fetal outcomes detected were structural anomaly, aneuploidy, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth (SB). RESULTS: Out of 3500 women screened, 417 cases had adverse fetal outcome in the absence of maternal complication, 2151 had normal outcome. Major structural anomaly was detected in first trimester in 17/28 (60.7%) cases. The most important markers for adverse fetal outcome were increased uterine artery pulsatility index (UPI) (p = 0.028, OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.05-2.38, AUC 0.56) for IUGR, nuchal translucency (p = 0.001, OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.11-2.77, AUC 0.60) for major anomaly and low PAPP-A (p = 0.017, OR -0.075, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98, AUC 0.621) for SB. CONCLUSION: UPI, NT and PAPP-A in the first trimester are significant markers of adverse fetal outcome, although the sensitivity and specificity are not high they have a high negative predictive value.

Chronic Uterine Inversion Presenting as a Painless Vaginal Mass at 6 Months Post Partum: A Case Report.

Uterine inversion is an abnormal protrusion of internal surface of relaxed uterus through the vaginal orifice. Its causes can be broadly classified as puerperal and non-puerperal with puerperal uterine inversion more common than non-puerperal uterine inversion. Acute inversions occurring immediately, or within 24 hours post-partum are the most common type. Chronic Uterine Inversions (CUI) occurring more than four weeks after the delivery are rare identities. There differential diagnosis includes prolapsed fibroids and endometrial polyp. Chronic nature of these inversions makes the restoration of the normal position of the uterus per vaginal difficult contrary to acute inversions which can be reposited more easily. We hereby present a case of 28-year-old lady who presented with a painless vaginal mass at 6 months post-partum. She was diagnosed as a case of CUI based on clinical and sonographic examination. Inverted uterus was successfully restored through per abdominal approach. The presentation of CUI as a painless vaginal mass at delayed post-partum period is rare and therefore reported.

Approach to the diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias: Experience at a center with limited resources.

PURPOSE: A fetus with skeletal disorder poses diagnostic challenges in a resource-poor setting with limited management options. The objective of the study was to develop a step-by-step approach for the diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia in light of the limited resources available. METHODS: An algorithmic approach was used. The assessment for lethality was the first step, followed by the evaluation for fractures. In cases without evidence of fracture, severe constriction of thorax or associated polydactyly were searched for. In cases without severe thoracic constriction, the severity of micromelia was evaluated. After delivery, fetal examination was done to ascertain the etiology. RESULTS: During the 6-year period, 41 cases with shortened long bones were fully evaluated. Lethality was suspected in 30 cases. Fracture and beading were present in eight cases, and severe thoracic constriction with polydactyly was observed in seven cases. Mild micromelia was seen in 19 cases and severe micromelia in 7 cases. Among lethal skeletal dysplasias, thanatophoric dysplasia was most common (six cases). Among nonlethal skeletal dysplasias, achondroplasia was seen in eight cases. CONCLUSIONS: Lethality of skeletal dysplasia could be predicted on prenatal ultrasound with 100% accuracy. The step-by-step approach was helpful to characterize skeletal dysplasias. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:529-539, 2016.

Early prediction of hypertension during pregnancy in a low-resource setting.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of maternal factors, biomarkers, and uterine-artery Doppler in the prediction of hypertension during pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed between December 2012 and November 2014. All singleton pregnancies between 11 weeks and 13 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy were included. Patients had their body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), mean arterial pressure, uterine-artery Doppler pulsatility index, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free ß-human chorionic gonadotropin levels recorded. Any patients diagnosed with hypertension during follow-up were assigned to the case cohort; all other patients were assigned to the control group. RESULTS: Hypertension during pregnancy was observed in 198 (9.7%) of 2042 patients that attended follow-up. The mean BMI, mean arterial pressure, uterine-artery Doppler pulsatility index, and the PAPP-A level at study enrollment were all significantly correlated with the later development of hypertension (P<0.001 for all variables). The combined sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of using the investigated parameters to predict hypertension was 76%, 80%, 31%, and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patient BMI, mean arterial pressure, PAPP-A, and pulsatility index were found to be effective predictors of hypertension during pregnancy. Combining these predictors may be beneficial in selecting individuals for close monitoring and early intervention during pregnancy.

Fetal ascites and hydrometrocolpos due to persistent urogenital sinus and cloaca: a rare congenital anomaly and review of literature.

Fetal ascites can occur due to many heterogeneous disorders. Its association with hydrometrocolpos because of persistent urogenital sinus and cloaca is extremely rare. A 29-year-old primigravida presented at 32 weeks of gestation with ultrasonographic evidence of fetal ascites, a cystic pelvic mass, hydronephrosis and oligohydramnios. Fetal ascites in this case was due to fetal urine draining through fallopian tubes into the abdomen as a result of vesicovaginal fistula and distal vaginal atresia. The antenatal ultrasound results along with autopsy findings are discussed. Though rare, a persistent urogenital sinus is to be suspected in isolated fetal ascites cases where the viral tests are negative and there is no evidence of cardiac anomalies as this is a treatable anomaly if diagnosed at early gestational age.

Endodermal sinus tumor of vagina posing a diagnostic challenge and managed by chemotherapy and novel posterior sagittal surgical approach: lessons learned.

Vaginal germ cell tumor (GCT) is a rare gynecological malignancy with no more than 100 reported cases in the international medical literature. It is an unusual, but an important, cause of premenarchal vaginal bleeding in a child. This article describes a 2-year-old child with vaginal GCT, initially misdiagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma (on imprint smear cytology) and then as clear cell adenocarcinoma. The authors highlight the salient differentiating clinical, radiological and histological features to prevent misdiagnosis in future. The report emphasizes the need for increased awareness and screening for vaginal GCT by estimation of serum α-fetoprotein levels, in all patients with premenarchal vaginal bleeds, to prevent inadvertent operative interventions.

Postnatal outcome of congenital anomalies in low resource setting.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the postnatal outcome of congenital malformations in a tertiary care hospital of India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective study of all women with prenatally detected major congenital malformations. Postnatal follow-up of live born babies was carried out for 1 year. RESULTS: There were 574 cases with major congenital anomalies, 523 of which were fully followed. Only 69 women (13.6%) had the initial scan before 20 weeks of gestation. Craniospinal defects were the most common (42.7%), followed by genitourinary anomalies (28%). There was no live birth in cases such as anencephaly, iniencephaly, bilateral renal agenesis, gastroschisis, and cystic hygroma. Survival at 1 year was less than 25% in spina bifida, bilateral cystic kidneys, complex cardiac disease, and non-immune hydrops fetalis. In cases with mild hydrocephalus or unilateral and mild renal disease, the survival was over 75%. CONCLUSION: In India, the majority of congenital anomalies present late in gestation. Although fetal outcome is invariably poor for severe defects, existing legislation in the country leaves pregnancy continuation as the only option.

Iatrogenic urethrovaginal fistula with transverse vaginal septum presenting as cyclical hematuria.

We present a case of iatrogenic urethrovaginal fistula with transverse vaginal septum. The patient presented with cyclical hematuria and infertility. The vagina was blind-ending. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed normal uterus with transverse vaginal septum. The cystoscopic examination during cyclical hematuria revealed bloody efflux through a small fistula below the internal urethral sphincter. Vaginoplasty and repair of the urethrovaginal fistula was done. The vagina was reconstructed using an amniotic mould. The report emphasizes the importance of MRI and cystoscopy in diagnosing such rare and complex anomalies.

Comparison of cuffed, uncuffed tracheal tubes and laryngeal mask airways in low flow pressure controlled ventilation in children.

BACKGROUND: The use of low flow circle systems necessitates a 'leak free' breathing system which is commonly achieved by using a cuffed tracheal tube (TT). We hypothesized that low flow circle system anesthesia can equally effectively be achieved by using the LMA in pediatric anesthesia. METHODS: Following local ethics committee approval we randomly recruited 45 patients scheduled for elective surgery and requiring mechanical ventilation into three groups (cuffed TT, uncuffed TT and LMA group, n = 15). The size of the TT was determined by means of the formula (age/4) + 4.5 for uncuffed and (age/4) + 4 for cuffed TT whereas the size of the LMA size was dependent on weight. Following induction of anesthesia and muscle paralysis patients were ventilated with pressure controlled ventilation through a pediatric circle system and the lowest fresh gas flow (FGF) determined. RESULTS: The FGF achieved were (median and range) 0.20 (0.2-0.25) l.min(-1) for the LMA group, 0.20 (0.2-0.4) l.min(-1) for the cuffed TT group and 1.15 (0.2-4.75) l.min(-1) for the uncuffed group. The differences between the LMA and cuffed TT compared with the uncuffed TT were significant (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0002, respectively). The difference in FGF between LMA and cuffed TT was not significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that pressure controlled ventilation using an LMA is an alternative to a cuffed TT during low flow circle system anesthesia in children. Low FGF is unlikely to be achieved consistently using an uncuffed TT because of a substantial leak.