Does prenatal diagnosis of meconium peritonitis have the better recovery? A single-center over 10 years of experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether infants with prenatal diagnosis of meconium peritonitis (MP) have a poorer prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data from infants treated with surgery from January 2008 to December 2020 was conducted. The patients were divided into prenatal diagnosis group and postnatal diagnosis group based on the timing of diagnosis. The intraoperative and postoperative parameters of the two groups of patients were compared. RESULTS: A total of 71 cases of MP were included in the study, with 48 cases in the prenatal diagnosis group and 23 cases in the postnatal diagnosis group. The comparison of preoperative indicators between the two groups of patients showed no statistically significant differences in baseline (p > 0.05). Intraoperative indicators, including blood loss, anastomosis, retained intestinal tube length and excised intestinal tube length, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the postnatal diagnosis group had a significantly shorter operation time than the prenatal diagnosis group (p < 0.05). Postoperative indicators, including fasting time, albumin usage, complications, and abandonment or mortality rates, show no difference (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the postnatal diagnosis group exhibited significantly shorter hospital stay and time to first bowel movement compared to the prenatal diagnosis group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of meconium peritonitis is associated with increased surgical complexity, prolonged hospital stay, and delayed recovery of intestinal function. However, there is no evidence of higher mortality or more complications compared to infants diagnosed postnatally, and there is no significant difference in long-term prognosis.

New Findings in the Multidisciplinary Management of a Fetal Intrapericardial Teratoma: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal intrapericardial teratoma is a rare tumor that can be diagnosed by antenatal ultrasonography early in pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: A fetal intrapericardial teratoma was detected on routine ultrasonography in the second trimester of pregnancy. At 31 weeks gestation, a marked increase in tumor size, fetal ascites, and pericardial effusion were observed, indicating that preterm delivery would be inevitable. Corticosteroid prophylaxis (24 mg of betamethasone in two doses of 12 mg 24 h apart) initiated for prophylaxis of respiratory distress syndrome led to a reduction in fetal ascites and pericardial effusion. Betamethasone therapy (4 mg/per day) was continued with the aim to postpone the expected date of delivery. Gestation was extended for more than 2 weeks. At 33 weeks and 5 days gestation, the neonate was delivered by elective cesarean section with ex utero intrapartum treatment and immediately submitted to fetal cardiac surgery. The infant was discharged from the hospital in good health about 4 months later. CONCLUSION: The present report draws attention to improvement in fetal status and extension of gestation achieved with maternal low-dose corticosteroid therapy on antenatal ultrasound finding of fetal ascites and pericardial effusion due to intrapericardial teratoma.

Predictive factors for survival in patients with oligohydramnios secondary to antenatal kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Renal oligohydramnios (ROH) is caused by bilateral congenital abnormalities, either of renal parenchymal or obstructive origin. ROH is a poor prognostic factor of neonatal survival; lung hypoplasia is reported to be the main cause of mortality. We aimed to describe the fetal morbidity and pre- and postnatal mortality in case of ROH due to renal congenital pathologies and to find predictive risk factors for morbidity and mortality. METHODS: All data were collected in Trousseau Hospital in the obstetric, neonatology, and pediatric nephrology units, from 2008 to 2020. RESULTS: We included 66 fetuses with renal parenchymal pathologies posterior urethral valves (PUV) (N = 25), bilateral kidney agenesis (N = 10), hypodysplasia (N = 16), and polycystic kidney disease (N = 10) causing oligohydramnios identified on antenatal ultrasound. Total pre- and postnatal mortality was 76% (50/66). Mortality, excepting termination of pregnancy (TOP), was 65%. The presence of pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax was not different in survivors and non-survivors. Fetuses with kidneys having features of hypodysplasia on ultrasound at T2 and those with oligohydramnios before 32 weeks GA had a higher risk of death. There was a significant difference in plasma creatinine of the surviving patients compared to the deceased patients, from day 3 onwards (183 µmol/L [88; 255] vs. 295 µmol/L [247; 326]; p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The main differences between survivors and non-survivors among patients with "renal oligohydramnios" were oligohydramnios detection before 32 weeks GA, dysplasia detection on the second trimester ultrasound, and increase of serum creatinine from day 3 onwards. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal midgut volvulus: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fetal midgut volvulus is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening condition. Prenatal diagnosis may pose a challenge, due to the paucity of specific signs and symptoms. Timely prenatal diagnosis of this condition is imperative to prevent fetal mortality and morbidity. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case report of fetal midgut volvulus, malrotation, and intestinal obstruction at 32 weeks of gestation in a 31-year-old multigravida Indian patient who presented with decreased fetal movements. Fetal ultrasound revealed midgut volvulus with proximal bowel obstruction and polyhydramnios. The patient underwent emergency surgery, which revealed intestinal malrotation and confirmed the diagnosis of midgut volvulus. Untwisting of the volvulus was done followed by Ladd's procedure. Follow-up postoperative ultrasound was unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: Delay in the diagnosis of fetal midgut volvulus leads to poor fetal and maternal outcomes. Hence, it is vital for radiologists, sonologists, and obstetricians to be aware of this condition while performing fetal sonography. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are vital to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.

Characteristics of fetal physiological and pathological uterine effusion observed on prenatal ultrasonography: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The prenatal detection rate of fetal uterine effusion is very low, and current case reports mainly focus on pathological hydrometrocolpos. We presented two cases of fetal physiological uterine effusion with different ultrasonic characteristics and compared them with one case of hydrometrocolpos with the hope of identifying strategies to reduce misdiagnosis of fetal uterine effusion. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper reports the cases of two female fetuses with abnormal pelvic echoes in the third trimester, referred to a tertiary center to be screened for suspected pelvic teratoma and cystic mass, respectively. Ultrasound consultation revealed fetal uterine effusion. The two fetuses were delivered at our hospital after a full term. Re-examining the uterus and adnexa of the neonates revealed that the uterine effusion had subsided naturally. Another female fetus had a large cystic mass in the pelvic cavity in the third trimester, and prenatal examination indicated fetal hydrometrocolpos. The fetus was delivered at our hospital after a full term. The hydrometrocolpos existed even after birth. After consultation with a neonatal surgeon and gynecologist, the newborn was diagnosed with congenital imperforate hymen with hydrometrocolpos. Hymen puncture and open drainage led to a good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing and differentiating between physiological and pathological fetal uterine effusion. It can help reduce misdiagnoses that can lead to incorrect clinical decisions.

Intrauterine Ultrasound-Guided Laser Coagulation as a First Step for Treatment of Prenatally Complicated Bronchopulmonary Sequestration: Our Experience and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal ultrasound-guided laser coagulation (USLC) for complicated bronchopulmonary sequestrations has been described but a consensus on the procedure and on the following management is still lacking. We present our experience and provide a literature review. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients treated in our center. Literature review and combined analysis of perinatal data were performed. RESULTS: Five cases were treated at our center, all presenting with severe hydrothorax. Four met the criteria for fetal hydrops. Four cases underwent postnatal computed tomography (CT) scan: in one case, there was no evidence of persistent bronchopulmonary sequestration. The other three underwent thoracoscopic resection, in two, a viable sequestration was found. Including our series, 57 cases have been reported, with no mortality and a success rate of 94.7%. Mean gestational age (GA) at the procedure was 28 ± 3.4 weeks and mean GA at birth and birth weight (BW) were 38.6 ± 2.3 weeks and 3,276 ± 519.8 g, respectively. In 80.6% of the cases investigated postnatally, a residual mass was found, 50% of cases who showed prenatal arterial flow cessation had a persistent sequestration postnatally, and 26.3% of cases underwent postnatal sequestrectomy. Both patients in our series had pathology examination confirming a viable bronchopulmonary sequestration. CONCLUSION: Prenatal USLC seems to be a valid option for bronchopulmonary sequestration complicated by severe hydrothorax and/or fetal hydrops. Authors believe that this procedure should aim to reverse fetal distress and allow pregnancy continuation, and it should not be considered a definitive treatment. The currently available data do not support changes of the common postnatal management.

Fetal Meconium Peritonitis - Prenatal Findings and Postnatal Outcome: A Case Series, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To describe the postnatal outcome of fetal meconium peritonitis and identify prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all fetuses with ultrasound findings suspicious for meconium peritonitis at a single center over a 10-year period. A systematic review and meta-analysis were then performed pooling our results with previous studies assessing prenatally diagnosed meconium peritonitis and postnatal outcome. Prenatal sonographic findings were analyzed to identify predictors for postnatal surgery. RESULTS: 34 cases suggestive of meconium peritonitis were diagnosed at our center. These were pooled with cases from 14 other studies yielding a total of 244 cases. Postnatal abdominal surgery was required in two thirds of case (66.5 %). The strongest predictor of neonatal surgery was meconium pseudocyst (OR [95 % CI] 6.75 [2.53-18.01]), followed by bowel dilation (OR [95 % CI] 4.17 [1.93-9.05]) and ascites (OR [95 % CI] 2.57 [1.07-5.24]). The most common cause of intestinal perforation and meconium peritonitis, found in 52.2 % of the cases, was small bowel atresia. Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 9.8 % of cases. Short-term neonatal outcomes were favorable, with a post-operative mortality rate of 8.1 % and a survival rate of 100 % in neonates not requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites are prenatal predictors of neonatal surgery in cases of meconium peritonitis. Fetuses with these findings should be delivered in centers with pediatric surgery services. Though the prognosis is favorable, cystic fibrosis complicates postnatal outcomes.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Special Statement: Reducing the risk of transmitting infection by transvaginal ultrasound examination.

Recent surveys have shown widespread lapses in the procedures used to reduce the risk of transmitting infection via medical devices. Transvaginal ultrasound examination has the potential to transmit vaginal infections, including human papillomavirus. Areas of particular concern are the use of probe covers with high rates of leakage, disinfectants that are not effective against human papillomavirus, and coupling gel from multiple-use containers. We reviewed these issues, and we recommend 4 steps to reduce the risk of transmitting infection. First, during every transvaginal ultrasound exam, the probe should be covered with a sterile, single-use "viral barrier" cover or a condom. Second, sterile, single-use ultrasound gel packets should be used. Third, after every examination, the probe should be cleaned to remove any visible gel or debris. Finally, after cleaning, the probe should undergo high-level disinfection using an agent with proven efficacy against the human papillomavirus, including hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorite, or peracetic acid. Glutaraldehyde, orthophthalaldehyde, phenols, and isopropyl alcohol have virtually no efficacy against the human papillomavirus.

Advances in fetal echocardiography.

The development of fetal echocardiography and success in prenatal cardiac screening programs over the past 30 years has been driven by technical innovation and influenced by the different approaches of the various specialties practicing it. Screening for congenital heart defects no longer focuses on examining a limited number of pregnant women thought to be at increased risk, but instead forms an integrated part of a high-quality anatomical ultrasound performed in the second trimester using the 'five-transverse view' protocol. A prenatal diagnosis is feasible in almost all cardiac lesions and the advantages to parents and to health professionals are well recognized. Prenatal evaluation can usually determine the level of care required at delivery, thereby reducing perinatal morbidity. However, only half of the babies undergoing surgery within the first year of life have a prenatal detection, and practical training programs to support and provide feedback to sonographers remain essential for continued improvement.

Seguridad del ultrasonido obstétrico para la salud de la embarazada y el feto / Safety of obstetric ultrasonography for maternal and fetal health

El ultrasonido diagnóstico ha creado polémicas desde sus inicios y el ultrasonido obstétrico no ha estado fuera de la discusión. Existe una variada opinión que va desde una total inocuidad del método, pasando por los que tienen una opinión reservada sobre el tema y los que refieren que es perjudicial para el feto. Conociendo que los tejidos absorben las ondas sonoras y estos a su vez se convierten en energía térmica, mientras más alta sea esta, más riesgos tiene el feto de que se le cause bioefectos. El riesgo aumenta cuando la gestante presenta fiebre. Por otro lado, el personal que realiza el examen tiene escaso conocimiento a nivel mundial respecto a la salida acústica de los equipos que usan, los bioefectos y la seguridad del ultrasonido en general. Debemos tener presente el principio que consiste en usar densidades de energía tan bajas como razonablemente sea posible, para alcanzar datos e imágenes útiles para llegar al diagnóstico. Los profesionales de la salud deben seguir las guías sobre el uso del ultrasonido obstétrico, para prevenir una exposición indiscriminada de ondas sonoras sobre la madre o el feto(AU)

Diagnostic ultrasonography has always been a controversial topic, and obstetric ultrasound has not been outside the debate. Many different criteria have been held about the subject: some state that the method is totally safe, while others have a reserved opinion, and still others refer to negative effects on the fetus. Because tissues absorb sound waves, turning them into thermal energy, the higher the energy the more risks there will be of bioeffects on the fetus. The risk increases when pregnant women have a fever. On the other hand, the personnel performing the test have scarce knowledge about the acoustic output of the equipment they use, as well as the bioeffects and the safety of ultrasound in general. This is a worldwide fact. We should be aware of the need to use the lowest energy density reasonably required to obtain data and images useful for diagnosis. Health professionals should comply with the guidelines on the use of obstetric ultrasound to prevent unnecessary exposure to sound waves by mothers and fetuses(AU)

Committee Opinion No. 656 Summary: Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and Lactation.

Imaging studies are important adjuncts in the diagnostic evaluation of acute and chronic conditions. However, confusion about the safety of these modalities for pregnant and lactating women and their infants often results in unnecessary avoidance of useful diagnostic tests or the unnecessary interruption of breastfeeding. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are not associated with risk and are the imaging techniques of choice for the pregnant patient, but they should be used prudently and only when use is expected to answer a relevant clinical question or otherwise provide medical benefit to the patient. With few exceptions, radiation exposure through radiography, computed tomography scan, or nuclear medicine imaging techniques is at a dose much lower than the exposure associated with fetal harm. If these techniques are necessary in addition to ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging or are more readily available for the diagnosis in question, they should not be withheld from a pregnant patient. Breastfeeding should not be interrupted after gadolinium administration.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy in pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has a major diagnostic and therapeutic role in most gastrointestinal disorders; however, limited information is available about clinical efficacy and safety in pregnant patients. The major risks of endoscopy during pregnancy include potential harm to the fetus because of hypoxia, premature labor, trauma and teratogenesis. In some cases, endoscopic procedures may be postponed until after delivery. When emergency or urgent indications are present, endoscopic procedures may be considered with some precautions. United States Food and Drug Administration category B drugs may be used in low doses. Endoscopic procedures during pregnancy may include upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, enteroscopy of the small bowel or video capsule endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography. All gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in pregnant patients should be performed in hospitals by expert endoscopists and an obstetrician should be informed about all endoscopic procedures. The endoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy may be safe for the fetus and pregnant patient, and may be performed during pregnancy when strong indications are present. Colonoscopy for pregnant patients may be considered for strong indications during the second trimester. Although therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be considered during pregnancy, this procedure should be performed only for strong indications and attempts should be made to minimize radiation exposure.

Outcome after second-trimester amniocentesis and first-trimester chorionic villus sampling for prenatal diagnosis in multiple gestations.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to classify pregnancy loss and fetal loss as well as the influence of maternal risk factors in multiple pregnancies. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Details of the procedure and pregnancy outcome of all patients were extracted from the clinical audit database of two tertiary centers. The files were collected in the time from January 1993 to May 2011.  The procedure-related pregnancy and fetal loss rate was classified as all unplanned abortions without important fetal abnormalities or obstetric complications within 14 days after AC and CVS. RESULTS: We had a total number of 288 multiple pregnancies with a total of 637 fetuses. After the exclusion of 112 pregnancies with abnormal karyotype or fetal abnormalities detected by ultrasound as well as cases of selective feticide, repeated invasive procedures and monochorionic-monoamniotic pregnancies, 176 pregnancies and 380 fetuses were left for final analysis. Overall 132 amniocenteses and 44 chorionic villous sampling procedures were performed. The total pregnancy loss rate was 8.0 % (14/176), 6.1 % (n = 8) for amniocentesis and 13.6 % (n = 6) for CVS.  The procedure-related pregnancy loss rate was 3.4 %, 2.3 % after amniocentesis (3 cases) and 6.8 % after CVS (3 cases). There was no statistical significance between the two procedures (p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: The procedure-related loss rate of 3.4 % can be compared to the rates in the literature. The higher loss rates in multiple pregnancies than in singleton pregnancies have to be discussed when counseling parents.

Prenatal ultrasound exposure and association with postnatal hearing outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal ultrasound exams have become increasingly frequent. Although no serious adverse effects are known, the public health implications would be enormous should adverse effects on auditory development be shown. This study looks to establish a possible correlation between hearing loss and increased prenatal ultrasound exposure. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. METHODS: A retrospective review of 100 children undergoing newborn hearing screening was conducted. Extensive data collection was performed, and this data was analyzed for a potential correlation between failure of newborn hearing screening and increased prenatal ultrasound exposure, as well as for a potential correlation of other variables with hearing loss. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postnatal hearing outcomes. RESULTS: A higher number of both total and 3rd trimester ultrasound exams as well as a younger gestational age at birth were all found to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of passing the newborn hearing screen (p<0.001 for each). No other factors were found to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is no correlation between a higher level of prenatal ultrasound exposure and hearing loss. Indeed, infants who had more prenatal ultrasounds in the third trimester were more likely to pass their screening hearing exams. The finding that children receiving more prenatal ultrasounds have a higher likelihood of passing newborn hearing screens serves as an excellent reminder of the classic statistics rule that correlation does not imply causation.

Safety and risks associated with screening for chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk and safety of screening for chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy through the assessment of exposure to ultrasound and the fetal loss rate after trans-abdominal amniocentesis (AMNIO) or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). METHODS: It is a retrospective analysis of the fetal loss rate following AMNIO and CVS as a diagnostic tests for chromosomal abnormalities during pregnancy in 1391 singleton pregnancies who attended our clinic from January 2005 to December 2009 (1038 AMNIO and 353 CVS). Pregnancies were followed up to ascertain the fetal loss rate after the procedure which was defined as intrauterine demise or miscarriage before the 24th week of gestation. Review of literature was the method used for assessing the safety of ultrasound during pregnancy. RESULTS: In the group of CVS about 86% of the cases were referred because of a positive screening (screening of chromosomal abnormalities on the bases nuchal translucency and biochemical serum markers (pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin)), test with mean maternal age of 31.7 years and a miscarriage rate of 0.6%. In the group of AMNIO, 40% of the cases were referred because of a positive triple test in the second trimester (screening of chromosomal abnormalities on the bases of biochemical serum markers, alpha-fetoprotein, estriol and total human chorionic gonadotropin in the second trimester of pregnancy). Mean maternal age of 33.2 years and a miscarriage rate of 0.8%. The review of the literature indicates that due to limited amount of information available on some factors (gestational age, duration and number of exposure) during the pregnancy the patient should be exposed to the least ultrasound energy necessary to obtain desired information. CONCLUSION: The fetal loss rate in our study had confirmed that the risk of both procedures is comparable and is 0.8% for AMNIO and 0.6% for CVS. The lower miscarriage rate after CVS could be explained by the theory that placenta is a spongy organ that will expand easily after the procedure allowing better healing than if the needle had been passed through the amnion which is even more stretched by the amniotic fluid, but we are a wear of that the sample size is too small for such a conclusion. According to the available evidence, exposure to diagnostic ultrasonography during pregnancy appears to be safe.