Association between maternal plasma one-carbon biomarkers during pregnancy and fetal growth in twin pregnancies / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To characterize the relationship between the levels of plasma methyl donor and related metabolites (including choline, betaine, methionine, dimethylglycine and homocysteine) and fetal growth in twin pregnancies. Methods: A hospital-based cohort study was used to collect clinical data of 92 pregnant women with twin pregnancies and their fetuses who were admitted to Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to January 2018. Fasting blood was collected from the pregnant women with twin pregnancies (median gestational age: 18.9 weeks). The levels of methyl donors and related metabolites in plasma were quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and neonatal outcomes of twins, and the generalized additive mixed model was used to analyze the relationship between maternal plasma methyl donors and related metabolites levels and fetal growth ultrasound indicators. Results: (1) General clinical data: of the 92 women with twin pregnancies, 66 cases (72%) were dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancies, and 26 cases (28%) were monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. The comparison of the levels of five plasma methyl donors and related metabolites in twin pregnancies with different basic characteristics showed that the median levels of plasma choline and betaine in pregnant women ≥35 years old were higher than those in pregnant women <35 years old, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2) Correlation between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels and neonatal growth indicators: after adjusting for confounding factors, plasma homocysteine level in pregnant women with twins was significantly negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight (β=-47.9, 95%CI:-94.3- -1.6; P=0.043). Elevated methionine level was significantly associated with decreased risks of small for gestational age infants (SGA; OR=0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.9; P=0.021) and low birth weight infants (OR=0.6, 95%CI: 0.4-0.9; P=0.020). Increased homocysteine level was associated with increased risks of SGA (OR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.0-2.2; P=0.029) and inconsistent growth in twin fetuses (OR=1.9, 95%CI: 1.0-3.7; P=0.049). (3) Correlation between the levels of plasma methyl donors and related metabolites and intrauterine growth indicators of twins pregnancies: for every 1 standard deviation increase in plasma choline level in pregnant women with twin pregnancies, fetal head circumference, abdominal circumference, femoral length and estimated fetal weight in the second trimester increased by 1.9 mm, 2.6 mm, 0.5 mm and 20.1 g, respectively, and biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and estimated fetal weight increased by 0.7 mm, 3.0 mm and 38.4 g in the third trimester, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). (4) Relationship between plasma methyl donor and related metabolites levels in pregnant women with different chorionicity and neonatal birth weight and length: the negative correlation between plasma homocysteine level and neonatal birth weight was mainly found in DCDA twin pregnancy (β=-65.9, 95%CI:-110.6- -21.1; P=0.004). The levels of choline, betaine and dimethylglycine in plasma of MCDA twin pregnancy were significantly correlated with the birth weight and length of newborns (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Homocysteine level is associated with low birth weight in twins, methionine is associated with decreased risk of SGA, and choline is associated with fetal growth in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Local references for ultrasound-estimated fetal weight based on 2, 211 singleton pregnancies in the City of Curitiba, south of Brazil / Referências locais para o peso fetal estimado por ultrassom baseado em 2. 211 gestações únicas na cidade de Curitiba, Sul do Brasil

Abstract Objective To develop reference curves of estimated fetal weight for a local population in Curitiba, South of Brazil, and compare them with the curves established for other populations. Methods An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted. A reference model for estimated fetal weight was developed using a local sample of 2,211 singleton pregnancies with low risk of growth disorders and well-defined gestational age. This model was compared graphically with the Hadlock and Intergrowth 21st curves. Results Reference curves for estimated fetal weight were developed for a local population. The coefficient of determination was R2 = 99.11%, indicating that 99.11% of the fetal weight variations were explained by the model. Compared with Hadlock curves, the 50th, 90th, and 97th percentiles in this model were lower, whereas the 10th percentile nearly overlapped, and the 3rd percentile was slightly higher in the proposed model. The percentiles were higher in the proposed model compared with the Intergrowth 21st curves, particularly for the 3rd, 10th, and 50th percentiles. Conclusion We provide a local reference curve for estimated fetal weight. The proposed model was different from other models, and these differences might be due to the use of different populations for model construction.

Resumo Objetivo Desenvolver curvas de referência para o peso fetal estimado em uma população de Curitiba, Sul do Brasil, e compará-las com curvas estabelecidas para outras populações. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional, transversal e retrospectivo. Um modelo de referência para o peso fetal estimado foi desenvolvido usando uma amostra local de 2.211 gestações únicas de baixo risco de distúrbios do crescimento e idade gestacional bem definida. Este modelo foi comparado graficamente com as curvas de Hadlock e Intergrowth 21st. Resultados As curvas de referência para o peso fetal estimado foram desenvolvidas para uma população local. O coeficiente de determinação foi de R2 = 99,11%, indicando que 99,11% das variações do peso fetal foram explicadas pelo modelo. Em comparação com as curvas de Hadlock, os percentis 50, 90, e 97 neste modelo foram inferiores, enquanto o percentil 10 quase se sobrepôs, e o percentil 3 foi ligeiramente superior no modelo proposto. Os percentis foram maiores no modelo proposto em comparação com as curvas do Intergrowth 21st, particularmente para os percentis 3, 10, e 50. Conclusão Fornecemos uma curva de referência local para o peso fetal estimado. O modelo proposto foi diferente de outros modelos, e essas diferenças podem ser devido ao uso de diferentes populações para a construção do modelo.

Oxidative stress effects in the uterus, placenta and fetus of pregnant rats submitted to acute and chronic stress

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of oxidative stress in pregnant rats submitted to acute and chronic stress, relating to alterations in the uterus, placenta and fetus. Methods: Twenty-four female Wistar albino (Rattus norvegicus), were divided into four groups, for induction of oxidative stress the animals were submitted to cold and physical immobilization. Plasma fasting glucose and MDA were determined in all groups and the fetuses and placentas were measured. Results: There were no statistical differences in the levels of malonic dialdehyde (MDA), however the averages of chronic stress group were higher compared to control groups, which could explain the observed adverse effects; there was no correlation between puppies' size, the weight of the placenta and MDA values. Conclusions: Chronic stress causes adverse effects, when compared to control groups; chronic stress group had fetuses, placentas and number of puppies, significantly lower compared to other groups. The rats exposed to chronic stress, also presented a higher frequency of fetal resorption.

Aspectos relevantes de la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino / Highlights on Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Introducción: la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino (RCIU) es una afección caracterizada por una limitación del potencial del crecimiento fetal de causa heterogénea y manifestaciones variables. Su importancia no solo radica en lo que significa en la morbilidad y la mortalidad infantil, sino también, en que estos niños tienen habitualmente múltiples problemas posteriores. Objetivos: precisar la incidencia, así como la frecuencia con que se asociaron diversos factores de riesgo y otras situaciones habitualmente relacionadas con este problema de salud. Precisar incidencia de la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Identificar diagnóstico y seguimiento oportunos por área y consulta del nivel secundario. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y de corte longitudinal, sobre un total de 133 gestantes con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino, atendidas en el Hospital Materno Infantil 10 de Octubre, entre el 1º de enero y el 31 de julio de 2011. Resultados: el 7,7 porciento de los nacidos fueron pequeños para su edad gestacional. La altura uterina se presentó disminuida solo en el 26,3 porciento de nuestros casos. El peso deficiente al inicio del embarazo (32,5 porciento), así como la insuficiente ganancia de peso durante la gestación (61,2 porciento) fueron situaciones frecuentes. Pocos casos habían sido seguidos en consulta de RCIU hospitalaria (10 porciento), se hizo el diagnóstico al nacimiento. Conclusiones: la sensibilidad de la medición de la altura uterina y del ultrasonido fueron bajas para contribuir a la sospecha de esta entidad

Introduction:the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition characterized by limited fetal growth potential due to heterogeneous causes and it has variable manifestations. Its importance lies not only in what it means in morbidity and mortality, but also that these children usually have multiple problems further. Objectives: to determine the incidence and frequency of associated risk factors and other conditions commonly associated with this health problem, to determine incidence of intrauterine growth restriction, to identify appropriate diagnosis and follow-up strategies by area and secondary consultation. Methods: we conducted a descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal section study of 133 pregnant women with IUGR, who were assisted at the Teaching Maternal and Child Hospital Diez de Octubre, from January 1st to July 31st, 2011. Results: 7.7 percent of the infants were small for their gestational age. The uterine height decreased in only 26.3 percent of our cases. The underweight in early pregnancy (32.5 percent) and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy (61.2 percent)were frequent situations. Few cases have been followed up in IUGR hospital consultation (10 percent)and were diagnosed at birth. Conclusions: The sensitivity of the uterine height measurement and ultrasound were low to support the suspicion of this entity

Association between maternal and fetal weight gain: cohort study / Associação entre o ganho de peso materno e fetal: estudo de coorte

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Excessive gestational weight gain is related to many complications (both maternal and fetal), such as macrosomia. The most common complications in macrosomic fetuses include: increased risk of intrauterine death, need for intensive care, fractures, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, paralysis of the brachial plexus and obesity in childhood and adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between gestational and fetal weight gain and the incidence of macrosomia in two maternity hospitals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study in two public maternity hospitals in Goiânia, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cohort study on 200 healthy pregnant women with normal body mass index, divided into two groups: one with normal weight gain and the other with excessive weight gain during pregnancy. RESULTS: The cohorts were similar regarding maternal age, per capita income, schooling level and reproductive behavior. The fetal weight was greater in the cohort with excessive maternal weight gain (3,388.83 g ± 514.44 g) than in the cohort with normal weight (3,175.86 g ± 413.70 g) (P < 0.01). The general incidence of macrosomia was 6.5%: 13.0% (13 cases) in the cohort with excessive maternal weight gain and 0.0% (0 cases) in the cohort with adequate weight gain. CONCLUSION: Excessive maternal weight gain was associated with increased fetal birth weight and incidence of macrosomia.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: O ganho de peso gestacional excessivo está relacionado a inúmeras complicações tanto maternas como fetais, como por exemplo, a macrossomia. Esta, por sua vez, pode aumentar o risco de morte intra-uterina, necessidade de cuidados intensivos, fraturas, hiperbilirrubinemia neonatal, paralisia do plexo braquial e obesidade na infância e fase adulta. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação do ganho de peso gestacional com o ganho de peso fetal e a incidência de macrossomia em duas maternidades. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo de coorte em duas maternidades públicas em Goiânia, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte com 200 gestantes saudáveis com índice de massa corporal normal, divididas em dois grupos, um com ganho de peso adequado e o outro com peso excessivo na gravidez. RESULTADOS: As coortes foram semelhantes quanto à idade materna, renda per capita, escolaridade e comportamento reprodutivo. O peso fetal foi maior na coorte de ganho de peso materno excessivo (3388,83 g ± 514,44 g) do que na de peso normal (3175,86 g ± 413,70 g) (P < 0,01). A incidência geral de macrossomia foi 6,5% sendo de 13,0% (13 casos) na coorte com ganho de peso materno excessivo e de 0,0% (0 casos) na de peso adequado. CONCLUSÃO: O ganho de peso materno excessivo esteve associado ao aumento do peso fetal ao nascer e à incidência de macrossomia.

Longitudinal reference ranges for fetal ultrasound biometry in twin pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish longitudinal reference ranges for fetal ultrasound biometry measurements and growth parameters in twin pregnancies. METHOD: A total of 200 uncomplicated twin pregnancies before 21 weeks of gestation were recruited for this prospective, longitudinal study. Women who abandoned follow-up, pregnancies with unknown outcomes or pregnancies with complications were excluded. Ultrasound scans were performed every three weeks, and biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters, head and abdominal circumferences, and femur diaphysis length measurements were obtained for each fetus at each visit. Estimated fetal weight, biparietal/occipitofrontal diameter, head circumference/abdominal circumference, and femur diaphysis length/abdominal circumference ratios were also calculated. Multilevel regression analysis was performed on normalized data. RESULTS: A total of 807 ultrasound examinations were performed in 125 twin pregnancies between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation (6.5±1.4 scans/pregnancy). Regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations for all variables with gestational age, namely log of the biparietal diameter (r = 0.98), log of the occipitofrontal diameter (r = 0.98), log of the head circumference (r = 0.99), log of the abdominal circumference (r = 0.98), square root of the femur length (r = 0.99), log of the estimated fetal weight (r = 0.99), biparietal/occipitofrontal ratio (r = -0.11), head/abdomen circumference ratio (r = -0.56), and log of the femur length/abdominal circumference ratio (r = 0.61). Values corresponding to the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles for estimated fetal weight at 28, 32, and 36 weeks, respectively, were as follows: 937, 1,096, 1,284 g; 1,462, 1,720, 2,025 g; and 2,020, 2,399, 2,849 g. CONCLUSION: In twin pregnancies, fetal ultrasound biometry measurements and growth parameters show a significant correlation with gestational age.

The position of the testis during the fetal period: an additional parameter to estimate fetal weight

PURPOSE: To establish a correlation between testicular position and fetal weight, in order to provide an additional prenatal parameter for fetal weight estimation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 288 testes from 144 human fetuses. The fetuses were assessed as regards weight, total length, crown-rump length and foot length. Fetal age was calculated according to the foot length criteria. The position of the testis was classified as abdominal, inguinal or scrotal. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety seven testes (68.4 percent) were abdominal, 43 (14.9 percent) were inguinal and 48 (16.6 percent) were scrotal. In the fetuses weighing up to 500 grams, 147 testes (93.5 percent) were abdominal and 5 testes (6.5 percent) were inguinal. In fetuses weighing between 501 and 1000 grams, 54 testes (68.6 percent) were abdominal, 28 testes (32.5 percent) were inguinal and 4 testes (4.6 percent) were scrotal. In fetuses weighing between 1001 and 1500 grams, 4 testes (13.3 percent) were abdominal, 3 (10 percent) were inguinal and 23 (76.6 percent) were scrotal. All fetuses weighing more than 1500 grams presented the testes with a migration to the scrotum (10 fetuses - 20 testes). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study correlating the testicular position to the fetal weight during testicular migration in human fetuses. Identification of the testes during the prenatal period could be a useful alternative parameter for estimating fetal weight.

Clinical formulas, mother's opinion and ultrasound in predicting birth weight / Fórmulas clínicas, opinião materna e ultra-sonografia na predição do peso ao nascer

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Accurate fetal weight estimation is important for labor and delivery management. So far, there has not been any conclusive evidence to indicate that any technique for fetal weight estimation is superior to any other. Clinical formulas for fetal weight estimation are easy to use but have not been extensively studied in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of clinical formulas for fetal weight estimation compared to maternal and ultrasound estimates. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective study involving 100 full-term, cephalic, singleton pregnancies delivered within three days of fetal weight estimation. The setting was a tertiary public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Upon admission, the mother's opinion about fetal weight was recorded. Symphyseal-fundal height and abdominal girth were measured and two formulas were used to calculate fetal weight. An ultrasound scan was then performed by a specialist to estimate fetal weight. The four estimates were compared with the birth weight. The accuracy of the estimates was assessed by calculating the percentage that was within 10 percent of actual birth weight for each method. The chi-squared test was used for comparisons and p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The birth weight was correctly estimated (± 10 percent) in 59 percent, 57 percent, 61 percent, and 65 percent of the cases using the mother's estimate, two clinical formulas, and ultrasound estimate, respectively. The accuracy of the four methods did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Clinical formulas for fetal weight prediction are as accurate as maternal and ultrasound estimates.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A avaliação correta do peso fetal é importante na assistência ao trabalho de parto. Até o presente, não existe evidência conclusiva que aponte que algum método de estimar o peso fetal seja superior aos outros. As fórmulas clínicas usadas para estimar o peso fetal são de fácil realização, porém não têm sido extensivamente estudadas na literatura. Este estudo visou avaliar a acurácia das fórmulas clínicas na predição do peso fetal, comparadas ao peso estimado através da opinião materna e da ultra-sonografia e ao peso ao nascer. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo prospectivo envolvendo 100 gestantes de termo, com feto único e cefálico, que tiveram seus partos dentro de três dias da estimativa do peso fetal. O estudo foi realizado em maternidade ensino, pública e terciária, na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Ao ser internada, a opinião da gestante acerca do peso fetal foi registrada. Mediu-se a altura uterina e a circunferência abdominal maternas e esses números foram usados em duas fórmulas clínicas para se estimar o peso fetal. Um especialista realizou então uma ultra-sonografia para estimativa do peso fetal. As quatro estimativas foram comparadas com o peso ao nascer e a acurácia de cada método foi avaliada comparando-se a porcentagem de estimativas dentro de 10 por cento do peso ao nascimento. O teste do χ2 foi usado para comparações e p < 0,05 considerado significante. RESULTADOS: O peso ao nascer foi corretamente estimado (± 10 por cento) em 59 por cento, 57 por cento, 61 por cento e 65 por cento das vezes através da opinião materna, das duas fórmulas clínicas e da ultra-sonografia, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significante na acurácia dos quatro métodos. CONCLUSÕES: As fórmulas clínicas são tão precisas na avaliação do peso fetal quanto a opinião materna e a ultra-sonografia.

Nueva fórmula para estimación del peso fetal por examen ultrasonográfico / New local function to predict the fetal weight by untrasound measurement

Se presenta una formula local para estimación de peso fetal y se compara con otras formulas utilizadas en nuestro país. Este es un estudio cohorte retrospectivo de recién nacidos que tuvieron en el período fetal su última ultrasonografía a 7 o menos días del parto, embarazos en la ciudad de Temuco (120 metros sobre nivel del mar), entre los años 1994-2000, que cumplían los siguientes criterios: a) edad gestacional conocida (ultrasonografía menor 12 semanas); b) embarazos únicos sin malformaciones; c) recién nacidos vivos de 26 a 42 semanas al parto. 409 casos con promedio de 2.8 días entre la ultrasonografía y el parto cumplieron estos criterios. Se obtuvo una fórmula para estimar el peso fetal que probó ser confiable (0.0056 en Shrinkage on Cross-Validation <0.88). El peso estimado fue más exacto queel obtenido mediante las formulas de comparación. El error de estimación mayor al 10 por ciento ocurrió en el 18.1 por ciento de los casos, en compación al 29.8, 33.3 y 38.4 por ciento de las fórmulas: Hadlock, Vaccaro y UC2 respectivamente. La fórmula confeccionada en nuestro centro muestra ser confiable. Arroja valores similares a la de Hadlock y Vaccaro en edades gestacionales inferiores a 32 semanas. Sobre ese periodo, en nuestra fórmulas es más validad que la de Hadlock y Vaccaro que subestiman el peso real y UC2 que lo sobreestima

Incidência de desvio do septo nasal em recém-nascido / Incidence of deviation of nasal septum in newborn

Foram avaliados 1202 recém-nascidos com idade entre um e três dias, no periodo de 1997 a 1998, no hospital Universitário, na Maternidade Cândido Mariano e na Santa Casa. Diagnosticou-se desvio do septo nasal em 31 crianças. O peso médio dos recém-nascidos era de 3,29g, altura média de 49,25cm, sendo 18 (58 por cento) da cor branca, 13 (42 por cento) morena, 16 (51,6 por cento) do sexo masculino e 15 (49,4 por cento) feminino, 9 (29,1 por cento) nasceram de parto normal e 22 (70,9 por cento) de parto cesariana. A ordem gestacional das mäes: 10 (32,3 por cento) eram primíparas e 21 (67,7 por cento multíparas. Os estudos estatísticos mostraram näo haver relaçäo entre peso, altura, sexo, tipo de parto e ordem gestacional com a ocorrência do desvio.

Gráfica regional de crecimiento fetal normal / Regional graphic of normal fetal growth

Se presentan tablas y gráficos de crecimiento fetal observadas en una cohorte 1223 de recién nacidos (RN) con un total de 2168 ecografías de crecimiento de embarazos "normales", de la ciudad de Temuco entre abril de 1994 y agosto de 1999. Se describen percentiles 10, 50 y 90 observados para las variables: diámetro biparietal, circunferencia de cráneo, circunferencia abdominal y longitud femoral. Se presentan las relaciones de proporción Indice Cefálico, Cráneo/Abdomen, Fémur/Abdomen en percentiles 3,50 y 97. En aquellos recién nacidos con una ecografía a menos de una semana del parto se presenta por semana de gestación (26 a 40 semanas) la comparación entre el peso neonatal promedio y los pesos fetales estimados según fórmula de Hadlock y las nacionales de Vaccaro y Herrera (UC2)