Clinical significance of soft markers in second trimester ultrasonography for pregnant Korean women: a multicenter study and literature review

Objective@#To evaluate the clinical significance of soft markers for aneuploidy screening in Korean women. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 5,428 singleton pregnant women who underwent sonography during the second trimester at seven institutions in South Korea. We evaluated the prevalence of the following soft markers: intracardiac echogenic focus, choroid plexus cysts, pyelectasis, echogenic bowel, and mild ventriculomegaly. We developed best-fitted regression equations for the fetal femur and humerus length using our data and defined a short femur and humerus as both long bones below the fifth centile. The results of genetic testing and postnatal outcomes were investigated in patients who had been diagnosed with aforementioned soft markers. @*Results@#The median maternal age of our study population was 33 years, and the median gestational age at the time of ultrasonographic examination was 21 weeks. We detected soft markers in 10.0% (n=540) of fetuses: 9.3% (n=504) were isolated cases and 0.7% (n=36) of cases had two or more markers. We identified only two aneuploides (trisomy 18, 46,XX,t[8;10][q22.1;p13]), of which one was clinically significant. We presented the neonatal outcomes of the fetuses with the respective soft markers. Preterm delivery, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) were significantly more common in women with a shortened fetal femur (P<0.001, all). However, the presence of a shortened fetal humerus was not associated with those outcomes excluding SGA. @*Conclusion@#Soft markers in second-trimester ultrasonography have limited use in screening for fetal aneuploidy in Korean women. However, these markers can be used as a screening tool for adverse outcomes other than chromosomal abnormality.

Effect of antiviral therapy in reducing perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus and maternal outcomes after discontinuing them

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There have been numerous efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with antiviral agents during pregnancy. However, there are limited data regarding the outcomes of pregnant women after delivery. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral agents in preventing MTCT of HBV and maternal long-term outcomes. METHODS: The HBV-infected pregnant women treated with antiviral agents to prevent MTCT were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one pregnant women who received telbivudine or tenofovir during late pregnancy (28-34 week) were analyzed. Hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb) positivity was tested in 43 infants after 7 months of birth. Eleven mothers were followed >1 year after delivery. RESULTS: The mean HBV DNA titer before antiviral therapy was 8.67 (6.60–9.49) log copies/mL, and the median age at delivery was 32 years (range, 22–40). Eleven patients were treated with tenofovir and 30 with telbivudine. The median duration was 57 days (range, 23–100), and the median HBV DNA titer at birth was 5.06 log copies/mL (range, 2.06–6.50). Antiviral treatments were associated with significant HBV DNA reduction (P 12 months, and an antiviral agent was administered. CONCLUSIONS: Antiviral treatment during late pregnancy effectively reduced MTCT. Long-term follow-up should be required in such cases. In addition, given that maternal biochemical flare occurred in 18% of mothers, re-administration of antiviral agents might be required.

2014 First-trimester ultrasound forum from the Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

A first-trimester ultrasound scan has become an essential part of antenatal care. The Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology held a first-trimester ultrasound forum on April 5, 2014. The forum aimed to present an updated review of the literature on the topic of first-trimester ultrasound in specific lectures and to host a panel discussion on several important issues regarding first-trimester scans. The forum provided evidence- and consensus-based best practice patterns for obstetricians in Korea. Here, we report the review and checklists presented from the forum.

The practice patterns of second trimester fetal ultrasonography: A questionnaire survey and an analysis of checklists

OBJECTIVE: To analyze practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, and to investigate management plans when soft markers are detected among Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSUOG) members. METHODS: An internet-based self-administered questionnaire survey was designed. KSUOG members were invited to the survey. Checklists of the second trimester ultrasonography were also requested. In the questionnaire survey, general practice patterns of the second trimester ultrasonography and management schemes of soft markers were asked. In the checklists analysis, the number of items were counted and also compared with those recommended by other medical societies. RESULTS: A total of 101 members responded. Eighty-seven percent routinely recommended second trimester fetal anatomic surveillance. Most (91.1%) performed it between 20+0 and 23+6 weeks of gestation. Written informed consents were given by 15.8% of respondents. Nearly 60% recommended genetic counseling when multiple soft markers and/or advanced maternal age were found. Similar tendencies were found in the managements of individual soft markers. However, practice patterns were very diverse and sometimes conflicting. Forty-eight checklists were analyzed in context with the number and content of the items. The median item number was 46.5 (range, 17 to 109). Of 49 items of checklists recommended by International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and/or American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 14 items (28.6%) were found in less than 50% of the checklists analyzed in this study. CONCLUSION: Although general practice patterns were similar among KSUOG members, some of which were conflicting, and there is a need for standardization of the practice patterns and checklists of second trimester ultrasonography, which also have very wide range of spectrum.

The clinical practice patterns of fetal ultrasonography in the first-trimester: A questionnaire survey of members of the Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to survey the current clinical practice of first-trimester ultrasonography among members of the Korean Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSUOG) and to provide basic data for making practical recommendations about first-trimester ultrasonography scan in Korea. METHODS: This survey was conducted using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The first-trimester in this survey was divided into two parts: early and late first-trimester. The survey was focused on safety issue, nuchal translucency (NT) cutoff, the anatomic structures they check, and the need for practical recommendations or educational courses during the first-trimester. RESULTS: During the study period, 194 KSUOG members participated into this survey. The survey on early first-trimester scan reveal that 173 (89.2%) of respondents had used pulsed-wave Doppler or color Doppler imaging to monitor fetal heart beat. For the late first-trimester scan, 145 (74.7%) of respondents was found to check for fetal anatomical assessments during their NT screening performance; however, the clinical practice patterns were considerably varied among participants. More than half of the respondents used the criterion of NT > or =3.0 mm to define increased NT. Approximately 80% of respondents stated that the screening ultrasonography of fetal structures in the first-trimester was necessary. Furthermore, 187 (96.4%) of respondents were in favor of a recommendation for first-trimester ultrasonography in Korea. CONCLUSION: This is the first survey of the current clinical practice of first-trimester ultrasonography in Korea. Our survey findings highlight the need for the practical recommendation or educational course for first-trimester ultrasonography.

Laparoscopic transabdominal cervical cerclage: Case report of a woman without exocervix at 11 weeks gestation

Cervical incompetence is characterized by painless dilatation of the incompetent cervix and results in miscarriages and preterm delivery during second trimester. We report a 25-year-old patient, gravid 2, para 1, at 11 weeks' gestation with the diagnosis of cervical incompetence, in whom transvaginal cerclage was not technically possible and laparoscopic cervical cerclage was performed successfully. There were no operative or immediate postoperative complications. A healthy infant was delivered at 35 weeks by cesarean section. Laparoscopic cervical cerclage during pregnancy can be safe and effective treatment for well-selected patients with cervical incompetence and eliminates the need for open laparotomy.

Spontaneous uterine perforation due to pyometra presenting as acute abdomen in older age / 대한산부인과학회지

Pyometra is an accumulation of purulent fluid in the uterine cavity. Generalized peritonitis secondary to a perforated pyometra is extremely rare. Most of the pyometra perforation is associated with malignancy. We have experienced a case of generalized peritonitis secondary to a perforated pyometra with no associated malignancy.

Management of Cervical Incompetence with Bulging Fetal Membranes : Emergency Cerclage Versus Bed Rest / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes after management with bed rest versus cerclage for treatment of amniotic sac bulging in the second trimester. METHODS: Women with cervical incompetence with membranes at or beyond a dilated external cervical os, before 27weeks of gestation, were treated with bed rest or emergency cerclage. We analyzed the pregnancy outcome retrospectively. 25 women underwent an emergency cerclege and 35 women underwent the bed rest. RESULTS: Gestational age at time of diagnosis was 22.40 weeks in the emergency cerclage and 22.39 weeks in the bed rest group. Mean interval from diagnosis until delivery was 8.65 weeks in the emergency cerclage group and 1.18 weeks in the bed rest group (p<0.001). Mean gestational age at delivery was 31 weeks in emergency cerclage group and 23.74 weeks in the bed rest group (p<0.001). Preterm delivery before 26 weeks and 34 weeks of gestation were significantly lower in the emergency cerclage group (p<0.001). Perinatal mortality was 17.4% in the emergency cerclage group and 48.6% in bed rest group (P=0.026). CONCLUSION: Emergency cerclage reduced preterm delivery before 26 and 34 weeks and improved perinatal outcome compared with bed rest treatment.

The perinatal outcome of monoamniotic twin pregnancies / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the perinatal outcome in monoamniotic twin pregnancies and to review the recently published literature about the topic. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the records of prenatally diagnosed monoamniotic twin pregnancy casese in our institution between January 1997 and April 2010. RESULTS: Among 1,112 twin pregnancies, there were 15 (1.3%) monoamnionic twins, including 2 conjoined twin pregnancies. Twelve (80%), 9 (60%), 5 (33.3%), and 4 pregnancies (26.7%) delivered after 20, 30, 32, and 34 weeks, respectively. Among 12 pregnancies that continued after 20 weeks of gestation, three cases showed one-fetal death and one, both-fetal death. The perinatal mortality rate (from 20 weeks of gestation to 28 days after birth) was 37.5%. The incidence of lethal anomalies and congenital heart anomalies was 20% and 23.3%, respectively. The mean gestational age at delivery was 31.4+/-4.53 weeks; 16 of 18 neonates (84.2%) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Three neonates expired on the first day after birth. The mean duration of the NICU stays for 13 live neonates was 32.0+/-29.3 days (range, 3 to 114 days). The main causes of perinatal deaths were preterm birth, congenital anomalies, pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, and intrauterine fetal demise that might have resulted form cord entanglement. CONCLUSION: Perinatal mortality in monoamniotic twins was still very high and the survival rate after 32 weeks of gestation is approximately one-third. Further studies are needed to improve the perinatal mortality.

Recent trend in management of the HELLP syndrome / 대한산부인과학회지

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is considered to be a severe form of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a multi system disease of pregnancy associated with a significant impact on health for both mother and fetus. Despite the voluminous literature, the diagnosis and management of this syndrome remain controversial and it is ultimately treated by delivery. Treatment of HELLP syndrome usually is supportive management, including seizure prophylaxis and blood pressure control and treatment of complications. However, several clinical trials have suggested that corticosteroids can stabilize the disease in the antepartum period and accelerate recovery after delivery. Rarely, some patients require transfusion of blood products and plasmapheresis. This articles focuses on the diagnosis, management of HELLP syndrome based on results of recent studies

Recent trend in management of the HELLP syndrome / 대한산부인과학회지

Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome is considered to be a severe form of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a multi system disease of pregnancy associated with a significant impact on health for both mother and fetus. Despite the voluminous literature, the diagnosis and management of this syndrome remain controversial and it is ultimately treated by delivery. Treatment of HELLP syndrome usually is supportive management, including seizure prophylaxis and blood pressure control and treatment of complications. However, several clinical trials have suggested that corticosteroids can stabilize the disease in the antepartum period and accelerate recovery after delivery. Rarely, some patients require transfusion of blood products and plasmapheresis. This articles focuses on the diagnosis, management of HELLP syndrome based on results of recent studies

TSH and Free T4 Concentrations in Korean Pregnant Women / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: To determine the means, medians and reference intervals for TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and fT4 (free thyroxine) for each month of gestation and for three trimesters in Korean pregnant women. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from 265 pregnant women with singleton gestation. Levels of TSH, fT4 were measured by immunoassay. After exclusion of subjects with positive antimicrosomal autoantibodies, the means, medians and reference intervals based on 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for TSH, fT4 were determined. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 94 women in first trimester, 49 women in second trimester, and 122 women in third trimester. The trimester-specific reference intervals were: TSH (1st trimester: 0.03~2.72, 2nd: 0.27~2.29, and 3rd: 0.03~2.88 mIU/L), fT4 (1st trimester 4.50~19.75, 2nd: 4.70~12.98 and 3rd: 5.07~11.84 pg/mL). fT4 levels were significantly lower in the second and third trimesters. TSH levels were lower in the first trimester than second and third trimester, with gradual elevation in the second and third trimester. CONCLUSION: Levels of TSH, fT4 during pregnancy differ from those in non-pregnant women. Gestational age specific reference intervals will play a cental role in screening and diagnosis of thyroid disorders. Further studies for normal reference ranges during pregnancy are needed to create reference intervals in Korean pregnant women.

Ovarian malignancy in pregnancy: Experience for 17 years / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical course and pregnancy outcome in patients who had ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy. METHODS: Review of medical records of 10 cases of patients who have ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy at three affiliated hospitals in the Catholic Medical Center from January 1991 to December 2007 was done. RESULTS: Among 10 cases diagnosed as ovarian cancer during pregnancy, six cases were in the first trimester, one case in the second trimester, and 3 cases in the third trimester. Six cases did not show any specific symptoms at diagnosis and seven cases showed malignant characteristics on ultrasonography. Pathologic evaluation showed 2 clear cell tumors in stage IIIb and Ia, 1 germ cell tumor in Ic, 1 immature teratoma in Ic, and 2 serous adenocarcinoma in Ic and Ic, 2 borderline serous adenocarcinoma, and 2 borderline mucinous adenocarcinoma. Three cases with epithelial ovarian cancer in stage I did not receive chemotherapy. Two cases in non-epithelial ovarian malignancy and 1 stage IIIb epithelial ovarian cancer received chemotherapy. In one case, chemotherapy was performed during pregnancy and a healthy child was delivered. Five in 10 cases were lost in long term follow-up and 5 cases including stage IIIb case, remain without evidence of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: If early diagnosis and treatment are performed, ovarian cancer diagnosed during pregnancy has favorable prognosis. So, delay the treatment of ovarian cancer due to pregnancy should not be permitted and proper chemotherapy during pregnancy should be considered if necessary.

Clinical course and obstetrical outcomes of 94 pregnancies in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate clinical and laboratory markers for preterm birth and lupus flares. METHODS: 94 pregnancies of 60 patients were retrospectively evaluated from Jan 1997 to Sep 2004. We used clinical and laboratory data from the medical records and statistics analysis by Chi-square test, using SPSS 15.0 V. RESULTS: Pregnancy resulted in 74 (78.7%) live births, 11 (11.7%) spontaneous abortions, 2 (2.1%) therapeutic abortion, and 4 (4.2%) stillbirths. Thirty-seven cases (47.4%) were delivered by cesarean section. Obstetric complications included 17.9% of preterm births, 26.9% of preeclampsia, and 20.5% of IUGR. There were 31 (39.7%) uncomplicated cases among the pregnancies over 20 gestational weeks. There were 12 of transient neonatal lupus, 2 of neonatal death due to prematurity, and 51 of normal births. Low C4, myocarditis, pleural effusion prior to pregnancy, activity at conception, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome were significantly associated with preterm birth. The maternal long-term effect of pregnancy was poor, because 44.7% were in deterioration of cardiovascular, hematologic or renal function after delivery. Lupus nephritis, proteinuria, hematuria, and activity at conception were significantly associated with lupus flare during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with active SLE at conception should be intensively monitored with maternal and fetal surveillance. It is essential to control disease activity during pregnancy. However, adequate pregnancy follow-up and delivery care by multidisciplinary effort with experience in management of patients with SLE resulted in a better outcome of lupus pregnancy.

Perinatal outcome of term pregnancies with meconium-stained amniotic fluid / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the obstetric and perinatal outcome between two groups with or without meconium staining of amniotic fluid (MSAF) at term birth in one-year consecutive population at our delivery unit. METHODS: Pregnancy complication including nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern, intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios, hydramnios and preeclampsia between the two groups were retrospectively documented by review of medical record. To evaluate the perinatal outcome, apgar score at 1min and 5min, and umbilical artery blood gas analysis were also analyzed. Student T test and chi square test were used for statistic analysis. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 687 full-term neonates with presence (n=89) and absence (n=598) of MSAF. Gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in the MSAF group (p12.0 mEq/L) was not increased. The incidence of non reassuring fetal heart rate pattern was also increased in the MSAF group (4.5% vs 1.0%, p=0.03). However there was no significant difference in 1 min and 5 min Apgar score. CONCLUSION: Although MSAF is associated with the risk of non reassuring fetal heart rate pattern and fetal acidemia, the metabolic acidemia and low apgar score at 5minutes was not significantly increased compared with clear amniotic fluid group. Delivery of pregnancy with MSAF should be managed under the careful fetal heart rate monitoring.

Facial dysmorphisms associated with holoprosencephaly / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine and classify holoprosencephlay with the associated facial abnormalities. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in which were reviewed the sonographic findings in correlation with the clinical and pathologic data of fetuses or neonates identified with holoprosencephaly at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Catholic University in the period 1995-2007. RESULTS: Twelve cases with a Holoprosencephaly were found. Mean gestational age at diagnosis and delivery was 28 weeks of pregnancy (range from 14 to 41 weeks). Modes of delivery were 8 cases of preterm spontaneous delivery, 2 cases of missed abortion, 1 case of normal fullterm spontaneous delivery, and 1 case of full term cesarean delivery. Associated facial anomalies were present in 9/12 cases (75%) which involved with cyclopia, proboscis, cleft lip and palate, ethomocephaly and otocephaly. Among those anomalies, abnormal karyotypes were 3/6 cases (50%). CONCLUSIONS: When a midline brain anomaly is detected by antenatal sonography, accurate sonographic analysis of midline facial defect may allow more definitive diagnosis of holoprosencephaly, and the outcome of affected fetuses often have other major structural abnormalities and nearly always fatal.

A case of choledochal cyst diagnosed and conservatively treated during pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회지

Choledocal cyst are cystic dilatations of the biliary tree varying in location from the ampulla of vater to the intrahepatic bile ducts. The majority of the cases are diagnosed during the first decade of the life but in 20% of patients with choledochal cysts, the diagnosis is not made until adulthood. Although these cysts occur frequently in females, presentation in pregnancy or the postpartum period is rare. Choledochal cysts presenting during pregnancy an increased risk to both the mother and developing fetus. The clinical presentation is often nonspecific, and physical and radiologic examination are limited during pregnancy because of the presence of the gravid uterus. We experienced one case of choledochal cyst during pregnancy and report our experience.

Perinatal outcomes of birth weight discordance according to the chorionicity / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between intrapair birth weight discordance and perinatal outcomes according to the chorionicity. METHODS: Twin births in St. Vincent's Hospital of Catholic University of Korea for the period 2000~2007 were retrospectively studied. Discordance was defined as an intertwin birth weight difference > or =20% and concordance was defined as weight difference <20% calculated from the larger newborn. Perinatal outcomes were compared between discordant and concordant pairs in monochorio-diamnionic and dichorionic twins. RESULTS: Among 38 monochorionic twin births, 34.2% was discordant and 66.8% was concordant. Among 144 dichorionic twin birth, 9.9% was discordant and 91.9% was concordant. The incidences of intrauterine fetal death (FDIU), twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and neonatal hypoglycemia of discordant group of monochorionic twins were statistically increased compared with concordant group of monochorionic twins. The incidences of IUGR and neonatal hypoglycemia were statistically increased in the discordant group of dichorionic twins compared with concordant group of dichorionic twins. The others were not shown statistically significant between two groups in the both chorionic twins. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight discordance in monochorionicity seems to predict fetal death, TTTS, IUGR and newborn hypoglycemia. Birth weight discordance in dichorionicity does not seem to be good predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes except IUGR and neonatal hypoglycemia.

A case of inguinal lymph node squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, accompanied with carcinoma in situ of cervix / 부인종양

Metastatic Cancer of Unknown Primary Site (CUP) accounts for approximately 3-5% of all malignant neoplasms. CUP represents a heterogeneous group of metastatic tumors for which no primary site can be detected following a thorough medical history, careful clinical examination, and extensive diagnostic work-up. Several authors have reported poor prognosis of this malignancy, because there is no consensus on diagnostic guidelines and optimal therapy. Historically, chemotherapy has been the cornerstone of treatment for patients with CUP. We experienced a case of inguinal lymph node squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, accompanied with carcinoma in situ of the cervix. We report this case with a brief review of the literatures.

Expression of Tissue Tissue-transglutaminase-2 (TGM2) and Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) in the Fetal Membrane of Preterm Birth / 대한주산의학회잡지

BACKGROUND: Preterm labor accounts for one third of preterm deliveries. However, the causes and the mechanism of preterm labor are still under investigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of tissue transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and cyclo-oxigenase I,II in the fetal membrane of patients with preterm birth compared with patients with term delivery. METHODS: Fetal membrane were obtained from women with preterm birth due to preterm labor (n=3) and from the women with term delivery (n=3) after each vaginal birth. The expression of TGM2, COX I & II were assessed by RT-PCR and immunoblotting analysis of the amnion and chorion. Nonparametric statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: In the amnion in patients with preterm delivery, the expression of TGM2, COX I and COX II mRNA were increased by 2.3-fold, 2.7-fold, 1.3-fold, respectively, compared to term delivery with labor. The protein expression of TGM2 and COX I in these patients was increased in 1.9-fold and 2.1-fold but COX II protein expression showed no significant change, compared to term delivery with labor. In the chorion in patients with preterm delivery, the expression of TGM2, COX I and COX II mRNA showed no significant change, compared to term delivery with labor, but the protein concentration was significantly increased in 14.6-fold, 1.4-fold and 1.3-fold respectively, compared to term delivery with labor. CONCLUSION: This study shows that TMG2 and COX I are expressed more in the fetal membrane at preterm delivery caused by preterm labor, compared to term delivery with labor. These data suggests that the mechanism of preterm labor might be different form term labor.