Treatment of Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence with Donor Transfusion and Partial Recipient Exchange Transfusion: Procedural Considerations and Outcomes.

Background: Intrauterine transfusion (IUT) of the donor and partial exchange (pET) of the recipient is a temporizing treatment for pregnancies with Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). We aimed to provide a detailed description of the procedural approach and outcomes for sequential donor IUT and recipient pET in TAPS. Methods: Retrospective study of spontaneous TAPS referred to the Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy treated with donor IUT followed by recipient pET utilizing a double-syringe setup. Procedural characteristics and outcomes as well as the accuracy of existing transfusion formulas were analyzed and compared with the literature. Results: 5 of 78 patients with spontaneous TAPS underwent a total of 19 combined IUT/pET procedures (median first procedure to delivery interval 5.6 weeks [interquartile range IQR 1.9-6.0]). One pET was stopped due to fetal deceleration. The patients were delivered at 33.0 weeks [IQR 31.9-33.3] with two survivors and no neonatal transfusion requirements. The IUT volume was 48 mL [IQR 39-63 mL] and the pET volume was 32 mL [IQR 20-50], utilizing aliquots of 5-20 mL for the latter (p = 0.021). For the IUTs, the assumption of a fetal blood volume below 150 mL/kg underestimated the required transfusion volume. For the pETs, all formulas required adjustment of the dilution volume based on bedside testing (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Donor transfusion followed by partial exchange in the recipient can prolong pregnancy in spontaneous TAPS and obviate the need for neonatal transfusion. A double-syringe setup facilitates efficient saline exchange. Because the accuracy of volume formulas is limited, bedside testing is recommended to achieve the target hemoglobin.

Comparison of Serial Amnioinfusion Strategies for Isolated Early-Onset Fetal Renal Anhydramnios.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal protocol for serial amnioinfusions to maintain amniotic fluid in pregnancies with early-onset fetal renal anhydramnios before 22 weeks is not known. We compared the performance of two different approaches. METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted of serial amnioinfusions performed by a single center during the external pilot and feasibility phases of the Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) trial. During the external pilot, higher amnioinfusion volumes were given less frequently; in the feasibility study, smaller volume amnioinfusions were administered more frequently. Procedural details, complications, and obstetric outcomes were compared between the two groups using Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and Student's t tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for continuous variables. The adjusted association between procedural details and chorioamniotic separation was obtained through a multivariate repeated measure logistic regression model. RESULTS: Eleven participants underwent 159 amnioinfusions (external pilot: 3 patients, 21 amnioinfusions; feasibility: 8 patients, 138 amnioinfusions). External pilot participants had fewer amnioinfusions (7 vs. 19.5 in the feasibility group, p = 0.04), larger amnioinfusion volume (750 vs. 500 mL, p < 0.01), and longer interval between amnioinfusions (6 [4-7] vs. 4 [3-5] days, p < 0.01). In the external pilot, chorioamniotic separation was more common (28.6% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.01), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurred sooner after amnioinfusion initiation (28 ± 21.5 vs. 75.6 ± 24.1 days, p = 0.03), and duration of maintained amniotic fluid between first and last amnioinfusion was shorter (38 ± 17.3 vs. 71 ± 19 days, p = 0.03), compared to the feasibility group. While delivery gestational age was similar (35.1 ± 1.7 vs. 33.8 ± 1.5 weeks, p = 0.21), feasibility participants maintained amniotic fluid longer. CONCLUSION: Small volume serial amnioinfusions performed more frequently maintain normal amniotic fluid volume longer because of delayed occurrence of PPROM.

The role of fetal therapy in the management of mirror syndrome: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: Mirror syndrome (MS) is a condition characterized by the presence of maternal, fetal, and placental edema and is reversible through delivery or pregnancy termination. As fetal hydrops itself may be amenable to treatment, we sought to determine outcomes for MS primarily managed by fetal therapy through a narrative review of the literature and cases managed at our fetal center. STUDY DESIGN: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched through January 2024 using key words: mirror syndrome, Ballantyne's syndrome, fetal hydrops, maternal hydrops, pseudotoxemia, triple edema, maternal recovery, fetal therapy, and resolution. Manuscripts describing primary management by fetal therapy that included maternal and fetal outcomes were identified. Clinical details of MS patients managed with fetal therapy at our center were also included for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: 16 of 517 manuscripts (3.1%) described fetal therapy as the primary intended treatment in 17 patients. 3 patients managed at our center were included in the analysis. Among 20 patients undergoing primary fetal therapy for management of mirror syndrome, median gestational age of presentation was 24 weeks and 5 days gestation; predominant clinical findings were maternal edema (15/20), proteinuria (10/20), pulmonary edema (8/20), and hypertension (8/20); the primary laboratory abnormalities were anemia (8/20) and elevated creatinine or transaminases (5/20). Condition-specific fetal therapies led to resolution of hydrops in 17 (85%) cases and MS in 19 (95%) cases. The median time to hydrops resolution was 7.5 days and to resolution of mirror syndrome was 10 days. Fetal therapy prolonged pregnancy by a median of 10 weeks with a median gestational age of 35 weeks and 5 days at delivery. All women delivered for indications other than mirror syndrome and 19/20 fetuses survived. CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected cases, MS often resolves after fetal therapy of hydrops allowing for safe pregnancy prolongation with good maternal and infant outcomes.

Neonatal Survival After Serial Amnioinfusions for Bilateral Renal Agenesis: The Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy Trial.

Importance: Early anhydramnios during pregnancy, resulting from fetal bilateral renal agenesis, causes lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in neonates. Restoring amniotic fluid via serial amnioinfusions may promote lung development, enabling survival. Objective: To assess neonatal outcomes of serial amnioinfusions initiated before 26 weeks' gestation to mitigate lethal pulmonary hypoplasia. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial conducted at 9 US fetal therapy centers between December 2018 and July 2022. Outcomes are reported for 21 maternal-fetal pairs with confirmed anhydramnios due to isolated fetal bilateral renal agenesis without other identified congenital anomalies. Exposure: Enrolled participants initiated ultrasound-guided percutaneous amnioinfusions of isotonic fluid before 26 weeks' gestation, with frequency of infusions individualized to maintain normal amniotic fluid levels for gestational age. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was postnatal infant survival to 14 days of life or longer with dialysis access placement. Results: The trial was stopped early based on an interim analysis of 18 maternal-fetal pairs given concern about neonatal morbidity and mortality beyond the primary end point despite demonstration of the efficacy of the intervention. There were 17 live births (94%), with a median gestational age at delivery of 32 weeks, 4 days (IQR, 32-34 weeks). All participants delivered prior to 37 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was achieved in 14 (82%) of 17 live-born infants (95% CI, 44%-99%). Factors associated with survival to the primary outcome included a higher number of amnioinfusions (P = .01), gestational age greater than 32 weeks (P = .005), and higher birth weight (P = .03). Only 6 (35%) of the 17 neonates born alive survived to hospital discharge while receiving peritoneal dialysis at a median age of 24 weeks of life (range, 12-32 weeks). Conclusions and Relevance: Serial amnioinfusions mitigated lethal pulmonary hypoplasia but were associated with preterm delivery. The lower rate of survival to discharge highlights the additional mortality burden independent of lung function. Additional long-term data are needed to fully characterize the outcomes in surviving neonates and assess the morbidity and mortality burden. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03101891.

Dichorionic diamniotic heterotopic twin gestation with cesarean section scar implantation and placenta increta.

Heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy is an extremely rare form of pregnancy and is defined as an intrauterine pregnancy coexisting with an ectopic pregnancy implanted in the cesarean scar. Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy can also be a precursor for placenta accreta spectrum, a potentially life-threatening condition in which the placenta is abnormally adherent to the uterine myometrium and possibly adjacent organs. Although cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies are rare, there has been an increase in their incidence due to the rise in cesarean deliveries. We present the case of a 35-year-old patient with a heterotopic pregnancy with ectopic implantation in a cesarean scar and associated placenta increta, as well as the radiologic evaluation of placenta accreta spectrum and subsequent management.

Fetal akinesia deformation sequence syndrome associated with recessive TTN variants.

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) [also known as multiple joints contracture or Fetal Akinesia Deformation Sequence (FADS)] is etiologically a heterogeneous condition with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 3000 live births and much higher incidence when prenatally diagnosed cases are included. The condition can be acquired or secondary to fetal exposures and can also be caused by a variety of single-gene disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, muscle, and a variety of disorders affecting the connective tissues (Niles et al., Prenatal Diagnosis, 2019; 39:720-731). The introduction of next-generation gene sequencing uncovered many genes and causative variants of AMC but also identified genes that cause both dominant and recessive inherited conditions with the variability of clinical manifestations depending on the genes and variants. Molecular diagnosis in these cases is not only important for prognostication but also for the determination of recurrence risk and for providing reproductive options including preimplantation and prenatal diagnosis. TTN, the largest known gene in the human genome, has been known to be associated with autosomal dominant dilated cardiomyopathy. However, homozygote and compound heterozygote pathogenic variants with recessive inheritance have rarely been reported. We report the effect of recessive variants located within the fetal IC and/or N2BA isoforms in association with severe FADS in three families. All parents were healthy obligate carriers and none of them had cardiac or skeletal muscle abnormalities. This report solidifies FADS as an alternative phenotypic presentation associated with homozygote/compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the TTN.

Prenatal phenotyping of fetal tubulinopathies: A multicenter retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: Tubulinopathies refer to conditions caused by genetic variants in isotypes of tubulin resulting in defective neuronal migration. Historically, diagnosis was primarily via postnatal imaging. Our objective was to establish the prenatal phenotype/genotype correlations of tubulinopathies identified by fetal imaging. METHODS: A large, multicenter retrospective case series was performed across nine institutions in the Fetal Sequencing Consortium. Demographics, fetal imaging reports, genetic screening and diagnostic testing results, delivery reports, and neonatal imaging reports were extracted for pregnancies with a confirmed molecular diagnosis of a tubulinopathy. RESULTS: Nineteen pregnancies with a fetal tubulinopathy were identified. The most common prenatal imaging findings were cerebral ventriculomegaly (15/19), cerebellar hypoplasia (13/19), absence of the cavum septum pellucidum (6/19), abnormalities of the corpus callosum (6/19), and microcephaly (3/19). Fetal MRI identified additional central nervous system features that were not appreciated on neurosonogram in eight cases. Single gene variants were reported in TUBA1A (13), TUBB (1), TUBB2A (1), TUBB2B (2), and TUBB3 (2). CONCLUSION: The presence of ventriculomegaly with cerebellar abnormalities in conjunction with additional prenatal neurosonographic findings warrants additional evaluation for a tubulinopathy. Conclusive diagnosis can be achieved by molecular sequencing, which may assist in coordination, prognostication, and reproductive planning.

Design and Protocol of the Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) Trial.

PURPOSE: Anhydramnios secondary to anuria before 22 weeks of gestational age and congenital bilateral renal agenesis before 26 weeks of gestational age are collectively referred to as early-pregnancy renal anhydramnios. Early-pregnancy renal anhydramnios occurs in at least 1 in 2000 pregnancies and is considered universally fatal when left untreated because of severe pulmonary hypoplasia precluding ex utero survival The Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy (RAFT) trial is a nonrandomized, nonblinded, multicenter clinical trial designed to assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of amnioinfusions for patients with pregnancies complicated by early-pregnancy renal anhydramnios. The primary objective of this study is to determine the proportion of neonates surviving to successful dialysis, defined as use of a dialysis catheter for ≥14 days. METHODS: A consortium of 9 North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) centers was formed, and the RAFT protocol was refined in collaboration with the NAFTNet Scientific Committee. Enrollment in the trial began in April 2020. Participants may elect to receive amnioinfusions or to join the nonintervention observational expectant management group. Eligible pregnant women must be at least 18 years of age with a fetal diagnosis of isolated early-pregnancy renal anhydramnios. FINDINGS: In addition to the primary study objective stated above, secondary objectives include (1) to assess maternal safety and feasibility of the serial amnioinfusion intervention (2) to perform an exploratory study of the natural history of untreated early pregnancy renal anhydramnios (3) to examine correlations between prenatal imaging and lung specific factors in amniotic fluid as predictive of the efficacy of serial percutaneous amnioinfusions and (4) to determine short- and long-term outcomes and quality of life in surviving neonates and families enrolled in RAFT IMPLICATIONS: The RAFT trial is the first clinical trial to investigate the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of amnioinfusions to treat the survival-limiting pulmonary hypoplasia associated with anhydramnios. Although the intervention offers an opportunity to treat a condition known to be almost universally fatal in affected neonates, the potential burdens associated with end-stage kidney disease from birth must be acknowledged. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT03101891.

Implementation Process and Evolution of a Laparotomy-Assisted 2-Port Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Closure Program.

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal closure of open spina bifida via open fetal surgery improves neurologic outcomes for infants in selected pregnancies. Fetoscopic techniques that are minimally invasive to the uterus aim to provide equivalent fetal benefits while minimizing maternal morbidities, but the optimal technique is undetermined. We describe the development, evolution, and feasibility of the laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopic technique for prenatal closure of fetal spina bifida in a newly established program. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women consented for laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic closure of isolated fetal spina bifida. Inclusion and exclusion criteria followed the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS). Team preparation involved observation at the originating center, protocol development, ancillary staff training, and surgical rehearsal using patient-matched models through simulation prior to program implementation. The primary outcome was the ability to complete the repair fetoscopically. Secondary maternal and fetal outcomes to assess performance of the technique were collected prospectively. RESULTS: Of 57 women screened, 19 (33%) consented for laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopy between February 2017 and December 2019. Fetoscopic closure was completed in 84% (16/19) cases. Over time, the technique was modified from a single- to a multilayer closure. In utero hindbrain herniation improved in 86% (12/14) of undelivered patients at 6 weeks postoperatively. Spontaneous rupture of membranes occurred in 31% (5/16) of fetoscopic cases. For completed cases, median gestational age at birth was 37 (range 27-39.6) weeks and 50% (8/16) of women delivered at term. Vaginal birth was achieved in 56% (9/16) of patients. One newborn had a cerebrospinal fluid leak that required postnatal surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopic spina bifida closure program through rigorous preparation and multispecialty team training may accelerate the learning curve and demonstrates favorable obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

Single-Center Outcome of Fetoscopic Tracheal Balloon Occlusion for Severe Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess feasibility and maternal and infant outcome after fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion in patients with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and observed/expected lung/head ratio less than 30%. Eligible women had planned fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion at 26 0/7-29 6/7 weeks of gestation and balloon removal 4-6 weeks later. Standardized prenatal and postnatal care was at a single institution. Fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion details, lung growth, obstetric complications, birth outcome, and infant outcome details until discharge were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 57 women screened, 14 (25%) were enrolled between 2015 and 2019. The congenital diaphragmatic hernia was left in 12 (86%); the pre-fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion observed/expected lung/head ratio was 23.2% (range 15.8-29.0%). At a median gestational age of 28 5/7 weeks (range 27 3/7-29 6/7), fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion was successful in all cases, and balloons remained in situ. Removal was elective in 10 (71%) patients, by ultrasound-guided needle puncture in eight (57%), and occurred at a median of 33 4/7 weeks of gestation (range 32 1/7-34 4/7; median occlusion 34 days, range 17-44). The post-fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion observed/expected lung/head ratio increased to a median of 62.8% (44.0-108) and fell to a median of 46.6% (range 30-92) after balloon removal (all Mann Whitney U, P<.003). For prevention of preterm birth, all patients received vaginal progesterone; 11 (79%) required additional tocolytics, three (21%) had vaginal pessary placement for cervical shortening, and five (36%) had amnioreduction for polyhydramnios. Median gestational age at birth was 39 2/7 weeks (range 33 6/7-39 4/7), with term birth in eight (57%) patients. Twelve (86%) neonates required high-frequency ventilation, and seven (50%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for a median of 7 days (range 3-19). All neonates needed patch repair. Neonatal survival was 93% (n=13, 95% CI 49-100%), and survival to hospital discharge was 86% (n=12, 95% CI 44-100%). CONCLUSION: Fetoscopic tracheal balloon occlusion for severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia was feasible in our single-center setting, with few obstetric complications and favorable infant outcome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02710968.

Fetal abdominal circumference in the second trimester and prediction of small for gestational age at birth.

Background: Infants that are small for gestational age (SGA) at birth are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the antenatal prediction of SGA is suboptimal.Objectives: We sought to: (1) examine the association between second trimester fetal abdominal circumference < 10% (2T-AClag) with SGA and other gestational and neonatal adverse outcomes; (2) assess 2T-AClag as a predictor of SGA.Study design: Retrospective study of 212 singleton gestations with 2T-AClag on routine ultrasound between 18-24 weeks. The study group was compared to 424 gestations without 2T-AClag for maternal characteristics as well as pregnancy and neonatal adverse outcomes. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the predictive value of 2T-AClag for SGA, adjusting for maternal and pregnancy characteristics. The screening model accuracy was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) was defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW) less than the 10th percentile.Results: Gestations with 2T-AClag had higher rates of SGA (35.7 versus 11.6%, p < .0001), FGR (17 versus 1.7%, p < .0001), pregnancy induced hypertension (31.1 versus 17%, p < .0001), preeclampsia (14.6 versus 7.8%, 0 = 0.01), abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (30 versus 5.1%, p < .0001), indicated preterm birth (5.7 versus 1.9%, p = .01), primary cesarean birth (29.6 versus 20.1%, p = .01) and NICU admission (12.9 versus 6.4%, p = .009). After adjusting for maternal and gestational risk factors, 2T-AClag remained an independent risk factor for SGA (OR 4.53, 95%CI 2.91-7.05, p < .0001) and FGR (OR 11.57, 95%CI 5.02-26.65, p < .0001). The inclusion of 2T-AClag in a regression model with traditional risk factors, significantly improved the model's predictability for SGA and FGR (area under ROC curve increased from 0.618 to 0.723 and 0.653 to 0.819, respectively, p < .0001).Conclusions: Second trimester abdominal circumference (AC) lag is associated with an increased risk of SGA, FGR and other adverse outcomes. The inclusion of 2T-AClag in a screening model for prediction of SGA and FGR may improve the identification of this at-risk group and assist in customizing surveillance plans.Brief rationaleScreening for newborns that are small for gestational age (SGA) at birth is currently suboptimal. Our study shows that second trimester abdominal circumference (AC) lag, using a parameter already routinely assessed during anatomic survey, is associated with SGA at birth and can improve current screening for growth restriction and other gestational, fetal and neonatal complications.

Neurosurgeons' opinions on the prenatal management of myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE: Improvements in imaging and surgical technological innovations have led to the increasing implementation of fetal surgical techniques. Open fetal surgery has demonstrated more favorable clinical outcomes in children born with open myelomeningocele (MMC) than those following postnatal repair. However, primarily because of maternal risks but also because of fetal risks, fetal surgery for MMC remains controversial. Here, the authors evaluated the contemporary management of MMC in the hope of identifying barriers and facilitators for neurosurgeons in providing fetal surgery for MMC. METHODS: An online survey was emailed to members of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) in March 2019. The survey focused on 1) characteristics of the respondents, 2) the practice of counseling on and managing prenatally diagnosed MMC, and 3) barriers, facilitators, and expectations of fetal surgery for MMC. Reminders were sent to improve the response rate. RESULTS: A total of 446 respondents filled out the survey, most (59.2%) of whom specialized in pediatric neurosurgery. The respondents repaired an average of 9.6 MMC defects per year, regardless of technique. Regardless of the departments in which respondents were employed, 91.0% provided postnatal repair of MMC, 13.0% open fetal repair, and 4.9% fetoscopic repair. According to the surgeons, the most important objections to performing open fetal surgery were a lack of cases available to become proficient in the technique (33.8%), the risk of maternal complications (23.6%), and concern for fetal complications (15.2%). The most important facilitators according to advocates of prenatal closure are a decreased rate of shunt dependency (37.8%), a decreased rate of hindbrain herniation (27.0%), and an improved rate of motor function (18.9%). Of the respondents, only 16.9% agreed that open fetal surgery should be the standard of care. CONCLUSIONS: The survey results showed diversity in the management of patients with MMC. In addition, significant diversity remains regarding fetal surgery for MMC closure. Despite the apparent benefits of open fetal surgery in selected pregnancies, only a minority of centers and providers offer this technique. As a more technically demanding technique that requires multidisciplinary effort with less well-established long-term outcomes, fetoscopic surgery may face similar limited implementation, although the surgery may pose fewer maternal risks than open fetal surgery. Centralization of prenatal treatment to tertiary care referral centers, as well as the use of sophisticated training models, may help to augment the most commonly cited objection to the implementation of prenatal closure, which is the overall limited caseload.

Prophylactic percutaneous left ventricular assist device in pregnancy.

Pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy can present earlier in gestation than traditionally defined peripartum cardiomyopathy. Management and optimal delivery timing for these patients are not well defined. We present the case of a 30-year-old primigravid at 26 weeks who presented with new onset ventricular tachycardia, biventricular cardiac failure, and severe mitral regurgitation. She was medically stabilized for two weeks prior to delivery with modest improvement in her condition. Due to concern for life-threatening cardiac failure and pulmonary edema at the time of delivery, a percutaneous left ventricular assist device was inserted immediately prior to cesarean delivery. She remained on mechanical circulatory support for 36 h. We discuss considerations regarding use of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device as a novel therapy to support the hemodynamic changes following delivery in parturients with decompensated heart failure.

Universal Cervical Length Screening and Antenatal Corticosteroid Timing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between universal transvaginal screening for short cervical length in the second trimester and the timing of antenatal corticosteroids. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with nonanomalous singleton gestations and spontaneous preterm birth between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation after the initiation of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening program between October 2012 and August 2015. Our primary outcome was antenatal corticosteroid administration to a delivery interval of fewer than 7 days. Secondary outcomes were delivery 24 hours to 7 days after the initial steroid injection, steroid administration to delivery interval, neonatal survival, neonatal intensive care unit length of stay, and respiratory distress syndrome. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between antenatal corticosteroid timing and the diagnosis of a short cervix adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: Among 266 eligible patients, 69 with a short cervical length and 197 without a short cervical length were identified. There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. During the study period, 64 of 69 (92.8%) of patients with a short cervix and 176 of 197 (89.3%) without a short cervix received at least one steroid injection before delivery (P=.411). Steroids were given within 7 days of delivery in 33 of 69 (47.8) patients with a short cervix compared with 126 of 197 (64%) patients in the no short cervix group (P=.015; adjusted odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.9). Median interval between steroid administration and delivery was 8 days in patients diagnosed with a short cervix compared with 3 days for those without a short cervical length (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Patients identified as having a short cervical length by universal transvaginal ultrasound screening were at greater risk of delivering more than 7 days after the initiation of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation compared with women without a short cervical length.

Long-term neurologic outcomes after common fetal interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal interventions have clearly decreased mortality, but the neurological outcomes of survivors are of critical concern. Here we consolidated available data on long-term neurological outcomes after common fetal interventions to guide counseling, management, and future research. STUDY DESIGN: Published studies assessing long-term neurological outcomes after common fetal interventions from 1990 through 2014 were collected. We included all studies with a cohort of more than 5 patients and with follow-up of 1 year or longer. We divided procedures into those performed for singletons and for multiples. Singleton procedures included amnioinfusion for preterm premature rupture of membranes, intrauterine transfusion for red cell alloimmunization-associated anemia, intrauterine transfusion for parvovirus-associated anemia, vesicoamniotic shunts, thoracoamniotic shunts, ventriculoamniotic shunts, fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and open fetal cases by myelomeningocele and others. Multiple procedures included those done for monochorionic twins including serial amnioreduction, selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation, and selective termination. RESULTS: Of 1341 studies identified, 28 met the inclusion criteria. We combined available literature for all procedures. Studies varied in their length of follow-up and method of assessing neurological status. Neurological outcome after intervention varied by procedure but was normal in 40-93%, mildly impaired in 3-33%, and severely impaired in 1-40%. Follow-up to school age was rare with the exception of procedures for monochorionic twins. CONCLUSION: Fetal treatments have been successful in achieving survival in previously hopeless cases, but success should also be determined by the outcomes of survivors. Except for monochorionic twins, there is a dearth of reported long-term outcomes. Standardized reporting of long-term neurological sequelae is imperative so that meaningful analysis and study comparisons can be made.

First-trimester 3D power Doppler of the uteroplacental circulation space and fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare the 3-dimensional power Doppler (3DPD) of the uteroplacental circulation space in the first trimester between women who subsequently deliver growth-restricted vs normally grown neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study of singleton pregnancies at 11-14 weeks' gestation. The 3DPD indices, vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization flow index were determined on a uteroplacental circulation space sphere biopsy with the virtual organ computer-aided analysis program. Growth restriction was defined as a birthweight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age and was evaluated using both population-based and customized birth curves. RESULTS: Five hundred seventy-seven women were enrolled. Five hundred twenty-six were eligible for analysis using population centiles, and 497 were available for evaluation using customized centiles. There was no difference in the first-trimester 3DPD indices between patients with growth-restricted and normally grown neonates using either curve. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional power Doppler indices of the uteroplacental circulation space in the first trimester are similar between neonates who develop growth restriction and those who will grow normally.

Detection of genetic abnormalities by using CVS and FISH prior to fetal reduction in sonographically normal appearing fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the ability of chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect aneuploidy before first trimester fetal reduction (FR) in sonographically normal-appearing fetuses. METHODS: A retrospective review of 470 patients referred to our unit for FR from January 2007-March 2011. Prenatal diagnosis was offered to all. FR was performed after next-day FISH results. Abnormalities were categorized by ultrasound, FISH, and/or karyotype. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of pre-FR FISH were calculated. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-two of 470 patients seen were first trimester. 24/432 (5.2%) were excluded for abnormal ultrasound findings, including nuchal translucency (NT) > 3.0 mm, and 360 (88.2%) underwent CVS before FR. Ten fetuses were then excluded for euploid sex mosaicism. 10/350 (2.9%) patients with normal ultrasounds had abnormal FISH confirmed by karyotype. 9/350 (2.6%) patients with normal FISH had an abnormal karyotype necessitating follow up amniocentesis in which the clinically relevant discordancy was confirmed in one case (1/350, 0.3%). Pre-FR FISH had a 90% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, 83.3% positive predictive value, and 99.7% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: 3.1% of patients with normal-appearing fetuses prior to first trimester FR had a fetus with an abnormal karyotype of which FISH detected 90%. CVS with FISH prior to FR adds significant information that can guide reduction decisions.

Evolution of gender options in multiple pregnancy management.

OBJECTIVE: Fetal reduction (FR) in multiples dramatically improves outcomes. We prioritize FR decisions for health and historically declined to factor gender. As male preferences apparently diminished, our bioethicist encouraged a re-evaluation. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-six patients reducing triplets or twins were categorized as 3➔2, 3➔1, and 2➔1, Major (M) anomaly or minor (m) anomaly, same gender (SG), and those for whom gender preference (GP) was possible. Higher order and non chorionic villus sampling were excluded. FR decisions were prioritized by M anomaly, Suspicious, or m anomaly. If neither, we considered GP. RESULTS: Of 319, 214 (67%) had either M/m or SG. Of those, 3➔2 with gender option: 71/79 chose male and female or had no preferences, one chose male/male, and seven chose female/female. We reduced monochorionic twins in 33/35 3➔1 cases. Of 20 with GP choice, 10 chose male and 10 chose female. Of 162 2➔1, 54 had M or m, 50 were SG, but of the 44 M/F twins, 20 chose male and 24 chose female. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a cultural shift mostly preferring one of each or having no preference. When reducing to one, >50% prefer a girl. In addition to identifying abnormalities, chorionic villus sampling before FR expands patient autonomy.