Perforation of cavum septi pellucidi in open spina bifida and need for hydrocephalus treatment by 1 year of age.

OBJECTIVE: In-utero repair of an open neural tube defect (ONTD) reduces the risk of developing severe hydrocephalus postnatally. Perforation of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) may reflect increased intraventricular pressure in the fetal brain. We sought to evaluate the association of perforated CSP visualized on fetal imaging before and/or after in-utero ONTD repair with the eventual need for hydrocephalus treatment by 1 year of age. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic ONTD repair between 2014 and 2021 at a single center. Eligibility criteria for surgery were based on those of the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS), although a maternal prepregnancy body mass index of up to 40 kg/m2 was allowed. Fetal brain imaging was performed with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at referral and 6 weeks postoperatively. Stored ultrasound and MRI scans were reviewed retrospectively to assess CSP integrity. Medical records were reviewed to determine whether hydrocephalus treatment was needed within 1 year of age. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used as appropriate to compare outcomes between cases with perforated CSP and those with intact CSP as determined on ultrasound at referral. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive performance of various imaging markers for the need for hydrocephalus treatment. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients were included. Perforated CSP was identified in 20.6% and 22.6% of cases on preoperative ultrasound and MRI, respectively, and in 26.6% and 24.2% on postoperative ultrasound and MRI, respectively. Ventricular size increased between referral and after surgery (median, 11.00 (range, 5.89-21.45) mm vs 16.00 (range, 7.00-43.5) mm; P < 0.01), as did the proportion of cases with severe ventriculomegaly (ventricular width ≥ 15 mm) (12.7% vs 57.8%; P < 0.01). Complete CSP evaluation was achieved on preoperative ultrasound in 107 cases, of which 22 had a perforated CSP and 85 had an intact CSP. The perforated-CSP group presented with larger ventricles (mean, 14.32 ± 3.45 mm vs 10.37 ± 2.37 mm; P < 0.01) and a higher rate of severe ventriculomegaly (40.9% vs 5.9%; P < 0.01) compared to those with an intact CSP. The same trends were observed at 6 weeks postoperatively for mean ventricular size (median, 21.0 (range, 13.0-43.5) mm vs 14.3 (range, 7.0-29.0) mm; P < 0.01) and severe ventriculomegaly (95.0% vs 46.8%; P < 0.01). Cases with a perforated CSP at referral had a lower rate of hindbrain herniation (HBH) reversal postoperatively (65.0% vs 88.6%; P = 0.01) and were more likely to require treatment for hydrocephalus (89.5% vs 22.7%; P < 0.01). The strongest predictor of the need for hydrocephalus treatment within 1 year of age was lack of HBH reversal on MRI (odds ratio (OR), 36.20 (95% CI, 5.96-219.12); P < 0.01) followed by perforated CSP on ultrasound at referral (OR, 23.40 (95% CI, 5.42-100.98); P < 0.01) and by perforated CSP at 6-week postoperative ultrasound (OR, 19.48 (95% CI, 5.68-66.68); P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The detection of a perforated CSP in fetuses with ONTD can reliably identify those cases at highest risk for needing hydrocephalus treatment by 1 year of age. Evaluation of this brain structure can improve counseling of families considering fetal surgery for ONTD, in order to set appropriate expectations about postnatal outcome. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Effect of preoperative low-normal cervical length on perinatal outcome after laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if preoperative cervical length in the low-normal range increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcome in patients undergoing fetoscopic spina bifida repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent fetal spina bifida repair between September 2014 and May 2022 at a single center. Cervical length was measured on transvaginal ultrasound during the week before surgery. Eligibility for laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair was as per the criteria of the Management of Myelomeningocele Study, although maternal body mass index (BMI) up to 40 kg/m2 was allowed. Laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair was performed, with carbon dioxide insufflation via two 12-French ports in the exteriorized uterus. All patients received the same peri- and postoperative tocolysis regimen, including magnesium sulfate, nifedipine and indomethacin. Postoperative follow-up ultrasound scans were performed either weekly (< 32 weeks' gestation) or twice a week (≥ 32 weeks). Perinatal outcome was compared between patients with a preoperative cervical length of 25-30 mm vs those with a cervical length > 30 mm. Logistic regression analyses and generalized linear mixed regression analyses were used to predict delivery at less than 30, 34 and 37 weeks' gestation. RESULTS: The study included 99 patients with a preoperative cervical length > 30 mm and 12 patients with a cervix 25-30 mm in length. One further case which underwent spina bifida repair was excluded because cervical length was measured > 1 week before surgery. No differences in maternal demographics, gestational age (GA) at surgery, duration of surgery or duration of carbon dioxide uterine insufflation were observed between groups. Cases with low-normal cervical length had an earlier GA at delivery (median (range), 35.2 (25.1-39.7) weeks vs 38.2 (26.0-40.9) weeks; P = 0.01), higher rates of delivery at < 34 weeks (41.7% vs 10.2%; P = 0.01) and < 30 weeks (25.0% vs 1.0%; P < 0.01) and a higher rate of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) (58.3% vs 26.3%; P = 0.04) at an earlier GA (mean ± SD, 29.3 ± 4.0 weeks vs 33.0 ± 2.4 weeks; P = 0.05) compared to those with a normal cervical length. Neonates of cases with low-normal cervical length had a longer stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (20 (7-162) days vs 9 (3-253) days; P = 0.02) and higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome (50.0% vs 14.4%; P < 0.01), sepsis (16.7% vs 1.0%; P = 0.03), necrotizing enterocolitis (16.7% vs 0%; P = 0.01) and retinopathy (33.3% vs 1.0%; P < 0.01). There was an association between preoperative cervical length and risk of delivery at < 30 weeks which was significant only for patients with a maternal BMI < 25 kg/m2 (odds ratio, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.07-0.81); P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Low-normal cervical length (25-30 mm) as measured before in-utero laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic spina bifida repair may increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, including PPROM and preterm birth, leading to higher rates of neonatal complications. These data warrant further research and are of critical relevance for clinical teams considering the eligibility of patients for in-utero spina bifida repair. Based on this evidence, patients with a low-normal cervical length should be aware of their increased risk for adverse perinatal outcome. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Association between ambulatory skills and diffusion tensor imaging of corpus callosal white matter in infants with spina bifida.

OBJECTIVES: To assess brain white matter using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 1 year of age in infants diagnosed with open neural tube defect (ONTD) and explore the association of DTI parameters with ambulatory skills at 30 months of age. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at an average of 12 months of age and included an echo planar axial DTI sequence with diffusion gradients along 20 non-collinear directions. TORTOISE software was used to correct DTI raw data for motion artifacts, and DtiStudio, DiffeoMap and RoiEditor were used for further postprocessing. DTI data were analyzed in terms of fractional anisotropy (FA), trace, radial diffusivity and axial diffusivity. These parameters reflect the integrity and maturation of white-matter motor pathways. At 30 months of age, ambulation status was evaluated by a developmental pediatrician, and infants were classified as ambulatory if they were able to walk independently with or without orthoses or as non-ambulatory if they could not. Linear mixed-effects method was used to examine the association between study outcomes and study group. Possible confounders were sought, and analyses were adjusted for age at MRI scan and ventricular size by including them in the regression model as covariates. RESULTS: Twenty patients with ONTD were included in this study, including three cases that underwent postnatal repair and 17 cases that underwent prenatal repair. There were five ambulatory and 15 non-ambulatory infants evaluated at a mean age of 31.5 ± 5.7 months. MRI was performed at 50.3 (2-132.4) weeks postpartum. When DTI analysis results were compared between ambulatory and non-ambulatory infants, significant differences were observed in the corpus callosum (CC). Compared with non-ambulatory infants, ambulatory infants had increased FA in the splenium (0.62 (0.48-0.75) vs 0.41 (0.34-0.49); P = 0.01, adjusted P = 0.02), genu (0.64 (0.47-0.80) vs 0.47 (0.35-0.61); P = 0.03, adjusted P = 0.004) and body (0.55 (0.45-0.65) vs 0.40 (0.35-0.46), P = 0.01, adjusted P = 0.01). Reduced trace was observed in the CC of ambulatory children at the level of the splenium (0.0027 (0.0018-0.0037) vs 0.0039 (0.0034-0.0044) mm2 /s; P = 0.04, adjusted P = 0.03) and genu (0.0029 (0.0020-0.0038) vs 0.0039 (0.0033-0.0045) mm2 /s; P = 0.04, adjusted P = 0.01). In addition, radial diffusivity was reduced in the CC of the ambulatory children at the level of the splenium (0.00057 (0.00025-0.00089) vs 0.0010 (0.00084-0.00120) mm2 /s; P = 0.02, adjusted P = 0.02) and the genu (0.00058 (0.00028-0.00088) vs 0.0010 (0.00085-0.00118) mm2 /s; P = 0.02, adjusted P = 0.02). There were no differences in axial diffusivity between ambulatory and non-ambulatory children. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant association between white matter integrity of connecting fibers of the corpus callosum, as assessed by DTI, and ambulatory skills at 30 months of age in infants with ONTD. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prenatal brain imaging for predicting need for postnatal hydrocephalus treatment in fetuses that had neural tube defect repair in utero.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if brain imaging in fetuses that underwent prenatal repair of neural tube defect (NTD) can predict the need for postnatal hydrocephalus treatment (HT) in the first year postpartum. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of fetuses diagnosed with open NTD that had in-utero myelomeningocele repair between April 2014 and April 2016. Independent variables were collected from four chronological sets of fetal images: presurgery ultrasound, presurgery magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 6-week postsurgery MRI and predelivery ultrasound. The following independent variables were collected from all image sets unless otherwise noted: gestational age, head circumference, mean ventricular width, ventricular volume (MRI only), hindbrain herniation (HBH) score (MRI only), and level of lesion (LOL), defined as the upper bony spinal defect (presurgery ultrasound only). Based on these measurements, additional variables were defined and calculated including change in degree of HBH, ventricular width growth (mm/week) and ventricular volume growth (mL/week). The need for HT (by either ventriculoperitoneal shunt or endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization) was determined by a pediatric neurosurgeon using clinical and radiographic criteria; a secondary analysis was performed using the MOMS trial criteria for hydrocephalus. The predictive value of each parameter was assessed by receiver-operating characteristics curve and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Fifty affected fetuses were included in the study, of which 32 underwent open hysterotomy and 18 fetoscopic repair. Two neonates from the open hysterotomy group died and were excluded from the analysis. The mean gestational ages for the presurgery ultrasound, presurgery MRI, postsurgery MRI and predelivery ultrasound were 21.8 ± 2.1, 22.0 ± 1.8, 30.4 ± 1.6 and 31.0 ± 4.9 weeks, respectively. A total of 16 subjects required HT. The area under the curve (AUC) of predictive accuracy for HT showed that HBH grading on postsurgery MRI had the strongest predictive value (0.86; P < 0.01), outperforming other predictors such as postsurgery MRI ventricular volume (0.73; P = 0.03), MRI ventricular volume growth (0.79; P = 0.01), change in HBH (0.82; P = 0.01), and mean ventricular width on predelivery ultrasound (0.73; P = 0.01). Other variables, such as LOL, mean ventricular width on presurgery ultrasound, mean ventricular width on presurgery and postsurgery MRI, and ventricular growth assessment by MRI or ultrasound, had AUCs < 0.7. Optimal cut-offs of the variables with the highest AUC were evaluated to improve prediction. A combination of ventricular volume growth ≥ 2.02 mL/week and/or HBH of 3 on postsurgery MRI were the optimal cut-offs for the best prediction (odds ratio (OR), 42 (95% CI, 4-431); accuracy, 84%). Logistic regression analyses showed that persistence of severe HBH 6 weeks after surgery by MRI is one of the best predictors for HT (OR, 39 (95% CI, 4-369); accuracy, 84%). There was no significant change in the results when the MOMS trial criteria for hydrocephalus were used as the dependent variable. CONCLUSIONS: Persistence of HBH on MRI 6 weeks after prenatal NTD repair independently predicted the need for postnatal HT better than any ultrasound- or other MRI-derived measurements of ventricular characteristics. These results should aid in prenatal counseling and add support to the hypothesis that HBH is a significant driver of hydrocephalus in myelomeningocele patients. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Imágenes cerebrales prenatales para predecir el tratamiento postnatal de la hidrocefalia en fetos con reparación de defectos del tubo neural OBJETIVOS: Determinar si las imágenes cerebrales en fetos que se sometieron a reparación prenatal de defectos del tubo neural (DTN) pueden predecir la necesidad de tratamiento postnatal de la hidrocefalia (TH) en el primer año después del parto. MÉTODOS: Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de fetos diagnosticados con DTN aun abierto cuyo mielomeningocele fue reparado en el útero, entre abril de 2014 y abril de 2016. Se recolectaron variables independientes de cuatro conjuntos cronológicos de imágenes fetales: ecografía prequirúrgica, imágenes por resonancia magnética (IRM) prequirúrgica, imágenes por resonancia magnética (IRM) posquirúrgica a las seis semanas y ecografía previa al parto. Las siguientes variables independientes se recolectaron de todos los conjuntos de imágenes, a menos que se indique lo contrario: edad gestacional, perímetro cefálico, ancho ventricular medio, volumen ventricular (IRM solamente), puntaje de hernia del rombencéfalo (HR) (IRM solamente) y nivel de lesión (NDL), definido como el defecto espinal óseo superior (ecografía prequirúrgica solamente). A partir de estas mediciones se definieron y calcularon variables adicionales, como el cambio en el grado de HR, el aumento del ancho ventricular (mm/semana) y el aumento del volumen ventricular (mL/semana). La necesidad de TH (ya sea por derivación ventriculoperitoneal o por ventriculostomía endoscópica del tercer ventrículo y cauterización del plexo coroideo) fue determinada por un neurocirujano pediátrico utilizando criterios clínicos y radiográficos; se realizó un análisis secundario utilizando los criterios del estudio MOMS para la hidrocefalia. El valor predictivo de cada parámetro se evaluó mediante un análisis de la curva de la característica operativa del receptor y de la regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 50 fetos afectados, de los cuales 32 se sometieron a histerotomía abierta y 18 a reparación fetoscópica. Dos de los recién nacidos del grupo de histerotomía abierta murieron y fueron excluidos del análisis. Las edades gestacionales medias para la ecografía prequirúrgica, la IRM prequirúrgica, la IRM postoperatoria y la ecografía previa al parto fueron 21,8 ±2,1; 22,0 ±1,8; 30,4 ±1,6 y 31,0 ±4,9 semanas, respectivamente. Un total de 16 sujetos requirieron TH. El área bajo la curva (ABC) de precisión predictiva para la TH mostró que la clasificación de la HR en la IRM postoperatoria tuvo el valor predictivo más fuerte (0,86; P<0.01), por encima de otros valores predictivos como el volumen ventricular en la IRM posquirúrgica (0,73; P=0,03), el crecimiento del volumen ventricular en la IRM (0,79; P=0,01), cambios en la HR (0,82; P=0,01), y el ancho ventricular medio en la ecografía previa al parto (0,73; P=0,01). Otras variables, como el NDL, la anchura ventricular media en la ecografía prequirúrgica, la anchura ventricular media en la IRM prequirúrgica y posquirúrgica, y la evaluación del crecimiento ventricular mediante ecografía o IRM, tuvieron AUC <0,7. Para mejorar la predicción se evaluaron los límites óptimos de las variables con las AUC más altas. Los límites óptimos para la mejor predicción (razones de momios [RM], 42 [IC 95%: 4-431]; precisión, 84%) fueron una combinación de crecimiento del volumen ventricular ≥2,02 mL/semana y/o HR de 3 en la IRM postoperatoria. Los análisis de regresión logística mostraron que la persistencia de la HR grave a las 6 semanas después de la cirugía en IRM es uno de los mejores predictores de la TH (RM, 39 (IC 95%: 4-369); precisión, 84%). Los resultados no cambiaron de forma significativa cuando se utilizaron los criterios del estudio MOMS para la hidrocefalia como variable dependiente. CONCLUSIONES: La persistencia de la HR en la IRM 6 semanas después de la reparación prenatal de DTN predijo independientemente la necesidad de la TH postnatal mejor que cualquier ecografía o que otras mediciones de las características ventriculares a partir de IRM. Estos resultados deberían ayudar en el asesoramiento previo al parto y a apoyar la hipótesis de que la HR es un impulsor significativo de la hidrocefalia en pacientes con mielomeningocele.

Does fetoscopic or open repair for spina bifida affect fetal and postnatal growth?

OBJECTIVE: The effect of fetoscopic myelomeningocele (MMC) repair on fetal growth is unknown. Fetal surgery itself and/or exposure to a carbon dioxide (CO2 ) environment during spina bifida repair may affect placental function and impair fetal growth. Our aim was to assess and compare growth in fetuses, neonates and infants who underwent prenatal fetoscopic or open MMC repair. METHODS: Fetal biometrics were obtained serially using ultrasound after fetoscopic (n = 32) or open hysterotomy (n = 34) MMC repair in utero at a single institution between November 2011 and July 2017. Measurements obtained during growth scans on initial evaluation prior to surgery, and those taken at 6 weeks post-surgery, were transformed into percentiles and compared between groups. Additional neonatal and infant anthropometric measurements, including weight, length/height and head circumference, were also transformed into percentiles and compared between the groups. The proportions of cases in each group with estimated fetal weight (EFW) or postnatal weight < 10th and < 3rd percentiles were calculated and compared. A linear mixed model was used to analyze the serial fetal growth measurements of each parameter, and random intercepts and slopes were used to compare study variables between the study groups. The duration of surgery (skin-to-skin time at fetoscopic and open MMC repair) and duration of CO2 exposure (fetoscopic repair) were evaluated for any effect on the fetal, neonatal or infant biometric percentiles. RESULTS: Fetuses which underwent fetoscopic repair had a larger abdominal circumference percentile at referral (57 ± 21 vs 46 ± 23; P = 0.04). There were no other differences between the two groups in fetal biometric percentiles at the time of referral, 6 weeks post-surgery or at birth. There were no differences between groups in EFW percentile or in proportions of cases with birth weight < 10th and < 3rd percentiles. Linear mixed-model analysis did not show any significant differences in any fetal growth parameter between the groups over time. There were no significant correlations between duration of surgery or duration of CO2 exposure and any of the biometric percentiles evaluated. Postnatal growth showed no significant differences between the groups in weight, height or head circumference percentiles, at 6-18, 18-30 or > 30 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: Babies exposed to fetoscopic or open MMC repair in-utero did not show significant differences in fetal or postnatal growth parameters. These results support the safety of the use of CO2 gas for fetoscopic surgery. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Fetal intervention for severe lower urinary tract obstruction: a multicenter case-control study comparing fetal cystoscopy with vesicoamniotic shunting.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of fetal intervention using fetal cystoscopy or vesicoamniotic shunting in the treatment of severe lower urinary obstruction (LUTO). METHODS: A cohort of 111 fetuses with severe LUTO attending two centers between January 1990 and August 2013 were included retrospectively. Fetuses were categorized into three groups based on the method of intervention: (1) fetal cystoscopy, (2) vesicoamniotic shunting or (3) no intervention. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the probability of survival and normal renal function until 6 months of age by comparing fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting to no fetal intervention. RESULTS: Of the 111 fetuses with severe LUTO that were included in the analysis, fetal cystoscopy was performed in 34, vesicoamniotic shunting was performed in 16 and there was no fetal intervention in 61. Gestational age at diagnosis, method of fetal intervention and cause of bladder obstruction were associated with prognosis. In multivariate analysis and after adjustment for potential confounders (considering all causes of LUTO) the overall probability of survival was significantly higher with fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting when compared to no intervention (adjusted relative risk (ARR), 1.86 (95% CI, 1.01-3.42; P = 0.048) and ARR, 1.73 (95% CI, 1.01-3.08; P = 0.04) respectively). A clear trend for normal renal function was present in the fetal cystoscopy group (ARR, 1.73 (95% CI, 0.97-3.08; P = 0.06)) but was not observed in the vesicoamniotic shunt group (ARR, 1.16 (95% CI, 0.86-1.55; P = 0.33)). In cases in which there was a postnatal diagnosis of posterior urethral valves, fetal cystoscopy was effective in improving both the 6-month survival rate and renal function (ARR, 4.10 (95% CI, 1.75-9.62; P < 0.01) and 2.66 (95% CI, 1.25-5.70; P = 0.01) respectively) while vesicoamniotic shunting was associated only with an improvement in the 6-month survival rate (ARR, 3.76 (95% CI, 1.42-9.97; P < 0.01)) with no effect on renal function (ARR, 1.03 (95% CI, 0.49-2.17, P = 0.93)). CONCLUSION: Fetal cystoscopy and vesicoamniotic shunting improve the 6-month survival rate in cases of severe LUTO. However, only fetal cystoscopy may prevent impairment of renal function in fetuses with posterior urethral valves. Our data support the idea of performing a subsequent randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of fetal cystoscopy vs vesicoamniotic shunting for severe fetal LUTO.

Congenital heart anomaly in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the presence of a congenital heart anomaly (CHA) and its potential contribution to morbidity and mortality in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, prenatal and postnatal data of all newborns diagnosed with CDH between January 2004 and December 2012 in a single center were reviewed. Cases were classified into two groups: those with 'isolated' CDH and those with both CDH and CHA. Patients with CHA were further subclassified into those with a major or minor CHA based on the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 (RACHS-1), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (STS-EACTS) scoring systems. Patients with associated non-cardiac anomalies, including 'syndromic cases', were excluded from the analysis. Primary and secondary outcomes were survival up to 1 year of age and a need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), respectively. RESULTS: Of the 180 infants with CDH, 41 were excluded because of the presence of non-cardiac associated anomalies, 118 had isolated CDH and 21 had CDH with CHA (16 with minor and five with major CHA). Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis demonstrated that the best cut-off for survival was when the score for CHA was ≤ 2 for both RACHS-1 (area under the curve (AUC), 0.74 (P = 0.04); sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 87.5%) and STS-EACTS (AUC, 0.83 (P = 0.03); sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 87.5%). Survival rate at 1 year was significantly lower in those with CHD and a major CHA (40.0%; P = 0.04) than in those with isolated CDH (77.1%) and those with CDH and a minor CHA (81.3%). We found no significant differences among the groups with regard to the need for ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: In general, a milder form of CHA does not appear to have a negative impact on the survival of infants with CDH. However, mortality appears to be significantly higher in infants with CDH and a major form of CHA. The scoring systems appear to be useful as predictors for classifying the effects of CHA in this population of patients.

Fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses in twin-twin transfusion syndrome using 'Solomon technique'.

OBJECTIVE: To document perinatal outcomes following use of the 'Solomon technique' in the selective photocoagulation of placental anastomoses for severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: Between January 2010 and July 2012, data were collected from 102 consecutive monochorionic twin pregnancies complicated by severe TTTS that underwent fetoscopic laser ablation at four different centers. We compared outcomes between subjects that underwent selective laser coagulation using the Solomon technique (cases) and those that underwent selective laser coagulation without this procedure (controls). RESULTS: Of the 102 pregnancies examined, 26 (25.5%) underwent the Solomon technique and 76 (74.5%) did not. Of the 204 fetuses, 139 (68.1%) survived up to 30 days of age. At least one twin survived in 82 (80.4%) pregnancies and both twins survived in 57 (55.9%) pregnancies. When compared with the control group, the Solomon-technique group had a significantly higher survival rate for both twins (84.6 vs 46.1%; P < 0.01) and a higher overall neonatal survival rate (45/52 (86.5%) vs 94/152 (61.8%); P < 0.01). Use of the Solomon technique remained independently associated with dual twin survival (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 11.35 (95% CI, 3.11-53.14); P = 0.0007) and overall neonatal survival rate (aOR, 4.65 (95% CI, 1.59-13.62); P = 0.005) on multivariable analysis. There were no cases of recurrent TTTS or twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) in the Solomon-technique group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the Solomon technique following selective laser coagulation of placental anastomoses appears to improve twin survival and may reduce the risk of recurrent TTTS and TAPS. Our data support the idea of performing a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Solomon technique.

Sleep duration and incidence of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Sleep duration is dependent on circadian rhythm that controls a variety of key cellular functions. Circadian disruption has been implicated in colorectal tumorigenesis in experimental studies. We prospectively examined the association between sleep duration and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: In the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, 75 828 postmenopausal women reported habitual sleep duration at baseline 1993-1998. We used Cox proportional hazards regression model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of CRC and its associated 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We ascertained 851 incident cases of CRC through 2010, with an average 11.3 years of follow-up. Compared with 7 h of sleep, the HRs were 1.36 (95% CI 1.06-1.74) and 1.47 (95% CI 1.10-1.96) for short (≤5 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep duration, respectively, after adjusting for age, ethnicity, fatigue, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), physical activity, and waist to hip ratio. The association was modified by the use of HRT (P-interaction=0.03). CONCLUSION: Both extreme short and long sleep durations were associated with a moderate increase in the risk of CRC in postmenopausal women. Sleep duration may be a novel, independent, and potentially modifiable risk factor for CRC.

Perceived proficiency in endoscopic techniques among senior obstetrics and gynecology residents.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess current training methods in laparoscopic surgery employed in United States obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, level of proficiency in various minimally invasive surgery procedures amongst senior obstetrics and gynecology residents, and ways in which training in minimally invasive surgery can be improved. DESIGN: Survey (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Accredited obstetrics and gynecology programs in the United States. SUBJECTS: All fourth-year residents in accredited obstetrics and gynecology programs in the United States. INTERVENTION: Residents received a survey regarding their perceived proficiency performing various laparoscopic procedures and the type of training they received in these techniques. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Responses were received from 133 programs (52.4%) and 295 residents (26.8%). Of these, 67% of residents thought emphasis on laparoscopic surgery training should be increased or greatly increased; 87% thought laparoscopic skills were important for building a successful practice. Formal teaching methods were clearly associated with improved perception of proficiency, and those with higher perception of proficiency expected to perform more laparoscopic procedures after graduation. Residents lacked perceived competency in most advanced laparoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: Residents seem to benefit significantly from a formal curriculum in minimally invasive surgery, but they do not feel competent performing some advanced procedures on graduation. In our opinion, more emphasis should be placed on training in laparoscopic surgery in United States obstetrics and gynecology programs.

Previous cesarean section. A contraindication to vaginal hysterectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To compare surgical outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy between women who have had one or more cesarean deliveries and those who have not. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, chart review study was performed on women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy during a four-year period. Of 275 women who met the study criteria, 104 had a history of previous cesarean deliveries, and 171 did not. The groups were compared for indications for surgery, operative time, length of hospitalization and surgical complications. RESULTS: Previous cesarean delivery did not affect hemoglobin loss, hospital stay or operative time among women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. The complication rate (either operative or postoperative) was 12.3% among women without a history of cesarean section, 6.8% among those with one, 3.7% among those with two and 11.1% among those with three or more (chi 2 = 2.8, P = .4). The odds for surgical complications were not significantly different between women with one or more prior cesarean deliveries as compared to those without after adjustment for possible confounders. CONCLUSION: Surgical complications with vaginal hysterectomy do not appear to be higher among women with a prior cesarean section as compared to those without a history of such operation.

Timing of subsequent pregnancy following treatment of molar pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practice habits and recommendations of members of American Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (ASGO) dealing with follow-up management of molar pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to ASGO members requesting their recommended waiting period for subsequent pregnancy following treatment of molar pregnancy. Year of Fellowship completion was determined for each respondent. RESULTS: Only 36.8% still recommended the traditionally accepted 12-month waiting period, and 31.3% recommended 6 months. The trend was toward shorter waiting periods among younger, more recently trained oncologists, although differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: It appears time to review the recommendation of a 12-month waiting period. A reduction of at least down to 6 months may be appropriate, but needs further investigation.

Comparison of spermicides on vulvar, vaginal, and cervical mucosa.

The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability of Advantage 24 to two other spermicides containing non-oxynol-9 (N-9). These spermicides were Today Sponge (Sponge) and Conceptrol. In order to examine the incidence of complaints and the clinical observation of vaginal ulceration and irritation of the three spermicides, a randomized, open label, three period cross-over trial was conducted. Thirty-three women, ages 18-45, with a normal vaginal environment based on physical exam, Pap smear, vaginal wet prep, colposcopy, and serum N-9 were randomized into four treatment groups. Each treatment was for seven consecutive days with a 21-day washout. Data obtained were studied by one-way analysis of variance, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis test. No vulvar or vaginal abnormality was observed from either spermicide. Subjects had fewer and less severe cervical lesions by colposcopy during treatment with Advantage 24 than with Conceptrol or Sponge (p < 0.01). Comparison of the incidence of abnormal gynecological findings, serum N-9 levels, and the incidence of adverse events before and after treatment with the three study drugs indicate that most subjects had normal examinations pre- and post-treatment. Pap smear and colposcopy changes from normal to abnormal accounted for about 50% of all gynecological findings during the Conceptrol and Sponge treatments, but less than 20% during treatment with Advantage 24. All serum N-9 levels were below the level of detection (< 1.9 microgram/ml). Advantage 24 is better tolerated than Conceptrol or the Sponge. Furthermore, the cervical mucosa appears to be less resilient to spermicides than vulvo-vaginal mucosa.