Premature infants receiving delayed cord clamping with and without cord milking: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants often have long hospital stays and frequent blood tests; they often develop anemia requiring multiple blood transfusions. Placental transfusion via delayed cord clamping (DCC) or umbilical cord milking (UCM) helps increase blood volume. We hypothesized umbilical cord milking (UCM), together with DCC, would be superior in reducing blood transfusions. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of DCC and DCC combined with UCM on hematologic outcomes among preterm infants. METHODS: One hundred twenty singleton preterm infants born at 280/7- 336/7 weeks of gestation at Thammasat University Hospital were enrolled in an open-label, randomized, controlled trial. They were placed into three groups (1:1:1) by a block-of-three randomization: DCC for 45 s, DCC with UCM performed before clamping (DCM-B), and DCC with UCM performed after clamping (DCM-A). The primary outcomes were hematocrit levels and number of infants receiving blood transfusions during the first 28 days of life. Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were secondary outcomes. Analyses were performed with an intent-to-treat approach. RESULTS: One hundred twenty preterm infants were randomized. There was no statistically significant difference in neonatal outcomes; hematocrit on admission 54.0 ± 5.5, 53.3 ± 6.0, and 54.3 ± 5.8 (p = 0.88), receiving blood transfusions 25%, 20%, and 12.5% (p = 0.24), incidence of NEC 7.5, 0 and 10% (p = 0.78) in the DCC, DCM-B and DCM-A groups, respectively. There were no preterm infants with severe IVH, polycythemia, maternal or neonatal death. CONCLUSION: The placental transfusion techniques utilized, DCC and DCC combined with UCM, provided the same benefits for preterm infants born at GA 28 and 33 weeks in terms of reducing the need for RBC transfusions, severities of IVH and incidence of NEC without increasing comorbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR20190131002 . Registered 31 January 2019-Retrospectively registered.

Possibility of using superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase as endometriosis biomarkers.

OBJECTIVE: To study the possibility of using superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as combined preoperative biomarkers for endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Female patients aged between 18 and 45 years old who came to the Gynecology outpatient clinic, Thammasat University Hospital, during September 2013-2016 with the complaint of gynecologic symptoms suspected of endometriosis, and who were positively diagnosed with endometriosis, were included in this study. All patients underwent conservative laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy with histopathological report. The control group consisted of healthy females of reproductive age who came to the outpatient clinic. The plasma SOD and GPx were measured from blood samples with commercial kits. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for plasma activity of SOD, GPx, and combined tests. The cutoff values were selected at the most appropriate sensitivity and specificity. RESULT: All 36 cases were included in this study. Mean ages of patients in the patient and control groups were 33.1 and 28.6 years old, respectively. SOD and GPx activities of disease and control group were 6.15 and 8.11, 463.9 and 472.34 nmole/min/mL unit, respectively. The sensitivity and 1-specificity of the combined test were calculated at 0.78, with sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value being 68.75, 80.77, 76.50, 69.23, and 80.33, respectively. CONCLUSION: A combination testing of SOD and GPx can possibly be used as preoperative biomarker for endometriosis.

Comparative Study of Postoperative Pain between Maylard Incision and Pfannenstiel Incision in Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Postoperative pain has many adverse effects for the patients with laparotomy operation. There are few studies that compare between Maylard and Pfannenstiel incision in term of pain and wound complication after operation. Objective: To compare the postoperative pain and wound complications between the muscle-cutting Maylard incision and the Pfannenstiel incision in women who needed benign gynecologic surgery. Material and Method: This randomized controlled trial study compared two laparotomy techniques, Maylard and Pfannenstiel method. Ninety cases of benign gynecologic conditions were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either Maylard or Pfannenstiel incision from August 2014 to October2015 at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to measure postoperative pain. Baseline characteristics of the study groups and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: From the planned 90 recruited cases, there were 81 cases for complete analysis, 41 in Maylard and 40 in Pfannenstiel group. There were no difference in age, body mass index, education level, previous abdominal surgery and type of operation between Maylard and Pfannenstiel group. Duration of operation, type of anesthesia and dosage of analgesic drug were not statistically significant between both groups. Length of surgical wound was longer in Maylard than in Pfannenstiel group (17.27±0.6 vs. 14.13±0.8 cm, p = 0.04). Postoperative pain score (VAS) at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours were not statistically different between two groups. Pain score at 72 hours and 7th day in Maylard group showed significantly less than in Pfannenstiel group (0.51±0.5 vs. 1.10±1.0 p = 0.04, 0.12±0.3 vs. 0.23±0.4, p = 0.01, respectively). The numbers of participants with moderate to severe pain (VAS >4) in Maylard group were less than in Pfannenstiel group at 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours but after that there was no statistically difference. There were no postoperative wound complications such as disruption, infection or hematoma in all participants in this study. Conclusion: Postoperative pain up to 48 hours in both Maylard and Pfannenstiel group showed similar VAS but after 48 hours; the Maylard group showed less pain. Even though the surgical wound length in Maylard group was longer than Pfannenstiel group, numbers of cases with VAS >4 within 24 hours in Maylard were less than in Pfannenstiel group. Postoperative pain up to 48 hours in both Maylard and Pfannenstiel group showed similar VAS but after 48 hours; the Maylard group showed less pain. Even though the surgical wound length in Maylard group was longer than Pfannenstiel group, numbers of cases with VAS >4 within 24 hours in Maylard were less than in Pfannenstiel group.

A Comparative Study of the Spontaneous Labor Rate in Scheduled Elective Cesarean Section at 38 Weeks versus 39 Weeks of Gestation in Parturient with Previous Cesarean Section.

Objective: To assess the effect of the different scheduled gestational age for a repeat elective cesarean section (CS) on emergency cesarean section rate and adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with history of previous CS. Material and Method: A prospective cohort study of singleton pregnant women who had a history of CS and were scheduled for a repeat elective CS to be performed. The cases were divided into two groups of which the elective CS was appointed at 38 or 39 weeks of gestation as study and control groups, respectively. Emergency cesarean section rate, maternal and neonatal complications were defined as main outcomes. Results: Of 415 scheduled elective repeat cesarean deliveries performed at 38 weeks of gestation or later, 209 were scheduled between 38 0/7 and 38 6/7 weeks (study group), and 206 were scheduled between 39 0/7 and 39 6/7 weeks (control group). Most of the cases had one previous cesarean delivery. The emergency CS rate before schedule in the study group was significantly less than in the control group (15.3% vs. 51%, p<0.001). Spontaneous labor pain was a major factor to have unplanned delivery. The maternal intra-operative complications were significantly increased in women who had emergency cesarean before schedule compared to elective CS on scheduled in 38 weeks group (25% vs. 12.9%, p<0.001) and 39 weeks group (31.4% vs. 14%, p<0.001). The major intra-operative complication was uterine atony. There were no statistically significant differences in maternal post-operative and neonatal complications in scheduled elective CS in 38 and 39-week group. Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTNB) was higher in elective CS at 38 week compared to emergency CS. Conclusion: The emergency CS rate in 39 weeks gestation group was significantly higher than 38 weeks group. The incidence of adverse maternal intra-operative complications was statistically difference with emergency CS when compared to elective CS in case and control groups. Recommendation of elective repeated CS at GA39 weeks may be suitable only under some circumstances. The number of prior CS is one of factors that should be considered.

Nomogram of Intracranial Translucency in the First Trimester Ultrasound of Pregnant Women at Thammasat University Hospital.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine normative values of intracranial translucency (IT) by ultrasonography in singleton pregnant women patient at Thammasat University Hospital during the first trimester. Material and Method: The first trimester singleton pregnant women (11-13 weeks) underwent routine ultrasonography screening. The gestational age was calculated by measuring the length of the embryo or fetus from the top of its head to bottom of the buttocks (crown-rump length; CRL) and IT of the brain region in the mid-sagittal planefetal face position. Repeated ultrasonography was performed in the second trimester period as well as after birth infant check-up for disability. Results: One hundred and ninety one singleton pregnant women were examined by an ultrasonography to measure CRL, GA and IT. The average age was 29.71±5.09 years (16-39 years). All participants were healthy without a history of anomaly in previous pregnancies. Half of cases were nulliparity. Participants were followed until birth. There was no open neural tube defect baby in this study. Median GA, CRL and IT in this study were 12.6+0.7 weeks, 64.0±10.2 (40.0-80.9) and 1.3±0.3 (0.5-2.5) mm, respectively. IT measurement value increased in correlation with increasing CRL and advancing GA (p<0.05). Conclusion: IT values increased significantly with CRL and GA increasing.

Efficacy of Delayed versus Immediate Cord Clamping in Late Preterm Newborns following Normal Labor: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Premature neonates are susceptible to anemic problems with low iron storage. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been studied and its beneficial value has been supported by existing research in newborns with very low birth weights. But there were only few data pertinent to late preterm infants. Objective: To investigate the effect of delayed cord clamping (DCC) as compared with immediate cord clamping (ICC) on the hematocrit level at 48 hours in late preterm neonates after vaginal delivery. Material and Method: The design consisted of a randomized controlled trial. One hundred pregnant women who were admitted because of preterm labor (GA 34-36(+6) week) in active phase were recruited and allocated into two groups, designated as the ICC and DCC groups. The DCC were defined as the case in which patients underwent the umbilical cord clamping at 120 seconds after birth. At 48 hours after delivery, both the hematocrit (Hct) and microbilirubin (MB) levels of newborns were determined. Also, neonatal and maternal complications were recorded. Result: Eighty-six neonates were analyzed. There were no statistical differences in the baseline data of maternal symptoms and newborns between the two groups. Neonates in the DCC group had a significantly higher hematocrit level than the ICC group (55.4% and 47.6%, respectively: p = 0.02). The MB level in the DCC group was also significantly higher than in the ICC group (9.4% and 8.6 mg %, respectively: p = 0.04). However, phototherapy and length of hospitalization in both groups were not different. There were no serious maternal and fetal complications in either group. Conclusion: The DCC procedure could raise the Hct level in the late preterm newborns without serious adverse effects. But more evidence is needed to explore the possible benefit of this procedure.

Recurrence of Endometrioma Following Conservative Ovarian Endometrioma Cystectomy: Laparoscopy versus Laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recurrence rate and disease-free interval between laparoscopy versus laparotomy for the conservative surgery of endometrioma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The medical records of reproductive women who underwent conservative ovarian cystectomy surgery (laparoscopy or laparotomy) for endometrioma at Thammasat University Hospital were retrieved. The patients were followed through 24 months to evaluate the recurrence of endometrioma. Propensity scoring was used to adjust for confounding by indication and confounding by contraindication. Model for competing time to event was used in analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight and 114 patients were enrolled in laparoscopy and laparotomy groups, respectively. Mean age and body weight in laparotomy group were statistically higher than those in the other group were. Mean height and body mass index were, however not statistically different in either groups. In addition, the stage of disease and bilaterality in both groups were comparable. Diameter ofendometrioma in laparotomy group was significantly larger than that in laparoscopy group (7.0 ± 2.5 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 cm, respectively; p = 0.004). After adjusting for propensity scoring, the endometrioma recurrence rate was significantly higher in laparoscopy group as compared to laparotomy group (27.3% vs. 14.9%, respectively; p = 0.02). However, the cumulative rate of pregnancy after surgery was not statistically different (4.7% vs. 4.4%, respectively; p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that the surgical technique has a strong impact on the recurrence or disease-free interval. Laparoscopy might not eradicate the disease pathology as effectively as open laparotomy in some situations, such as in cases with complexity of disease.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Sequence: A Case Report and Review of Treatment.

A cardiac twin or twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare unique complication of monozygotic multiple pregnancy. In this disorder, there is a normally formed donor (the pump twin) who has features of congestive heart failure (CHF) as well as a recipient (the acardiac twin) who lacks a well-defined a heart structure. Also evident are other structures, namely the TRAP sequencefrom pump to acardiacfetus via single artery-to-artery and vein-to-vein anastomoses directly between the two cords or indirectly on the chorionic plate. Overall, the perinatal mortality rate for the pump twin is 35-55%. Prenatal diagnosis and prognosis factors can be examined through ultrasound. The optimal management of a cardiac twin pregnancies is controversial. The expected treatment of acardiac anomaly presently relies on maximizing the chance ofterm delivery and preventing CHF in the healthy pump twin or interrupting vascularization between the two twins. This article reported the experience of acardiac twin management in Thammasat University Hospital and reviewed the current knowledge ofthe condition, prenatal diagnosis, prognosis factor and management options focusing on conservative management compared to invasive treatment.

High pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of poor obstetrics outcomes among Asian women using BMI criteria for Asians by World Health Organization Western Pacific Region (WPRO): a large cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on the risk ofpoor obstetric outcomes among Asian women using BMI criteria by Regional Office for the Western Pacific Region of WHO (WPRO). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was a retrospective cohort. Subjects of live birth singletons who had full term delivered atfour tertiary care centers, teaching university hospitals between January and December 2012 were enrolled. All pregnant women with pre-pregnancy BMI 18.5 kg/m2 or over were recruited and categorized into two groups, normal BMI and high BMI Level of BMI at 18.5-22.9 kg/m2 was defined normal BMI, and level at or over than 23 kg/M2 was defined as high BMI, respectively. The association between high pre-pregnancy BMI and poor adverse pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Two thousands seven hundred and thirty-three pregnant women were recruited. Normal and high pre-pregnancy BMI women were 1,840 and 893, respectively. The average age was 2 7.81 +/- 5.67 and 29.48 +/- 13.03 years old respectively. Most ofsubject were primigravida. Mean BMI of normal group and high BMI group were 20.2 7 +/- 1.42 and 26.66 +/- 3.45 kg/ m2, respectively. In multivariate analysis, high pre-pregnancy BMI pregnant women have significantly higher adjusted risk ratio for gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia, induction of labor prolong second stage of labor, including, caesarean delivery or obstetrics procedures (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.30-1.84, RR 1.17, 95% CI 1. 12-1.23, RR 1.41, 95% CI 1. 04- 1.90, RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.48 and RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.27, respectively). In addition, the adjusted risk ratio of postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal macrosomia were significantly increased (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.43 and RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.28-1.65, respectively). CONCLUSION: This evidence strongly suggested that high pre-pregnancy BMI using WPRO criteria increased the risk of pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study was one of the largest studies among Asian populations.

The effects of systematic management on maternal and neonatal complications in gestational diabetes subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and neonatal complications ofgestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) between conservative and systematic management. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. GDM subjects who were diagnosed and treated from October 2004 to March 2007 were classified as the conservative management group (CMG). The participants who were diagnosed and treated from April 2007 to September 2009 were classified as the systematic management group (SMG). SMG was ambulatory-managed per standard protocol by a multidisciplinary team (physician, diabetes nurse case manager nutritionist and pharmacologist). RESULTS: There were 87 and 118 subjects in CMG and SMG, respectively. Mean age and body mass index before pregnancy in CMG and SMG were not statistical different. Oral glucose tolerance tests (50 and 100 gram) were similar in both groups. The prevalence of GDM A2 was 57.5 and 55.1% in CMG and SMG, respectively. Mean gestational age at DM clinic consultation and number of hospital admission of SMG was less than CMG (p < 0.001). Neonatal hypoglycemic episode in SMG was less than CMG (1.7 vs. 10.3; p = 0.007). Postpartum 75-gram glucose tolerance test appointments and percentages of underwent in SMG were more than CMG (p < 0.001). Other composite maternal and neonatal outcomes were not different in either group. CONCLUSION: Systematic management by a multidisciplinary team conducted according to a practical guideline has the benefit of neonatal hypoglycemia reduction and hospital admission included postpartum DM surveillance increments.

A Cross-sectional Study of Resting Cardio-respiratory and Metabolic Changes in Pregnant Women.

[Purpose] We examined cardiorespiratory and metabolic changes across the 1st (G1), 2nd (G2) and 3rd (G3) trimesters in pregnant women. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-two healthy, active, non-smoking, pregnant women participated in this study. They were divided into G1, G2 and G3 groups depending on their mean gestational ages at the time of testing which were 10.5 ±2.9, 19.2 ±3.4, and 33.3 ±2.4 weeks of gestation, respectively. Cardio-respiratory and metabolic variables, VO2 (oxygen consumption), VCO2 (carbon dioxide production), and VE (minute ventilation), were measured using indirect calorimetry (IC, gas analyser) to estimate ventilatory equivalents of oxygen (VE/VO2) and carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2), RER (respiratory exchange ratio) and REE (resting energy expenditure). [Results] Women in the late pregnancy period had higher resting VCO2 and RER, whereas the VE/VCO2 ratio was significantly lower than in G1 and in G2. Even though the values of VO2 and REE increased throughout the course of pregnancy, no significant differences were found. [Conclusion] In pregnant women, resting cardiorespiratory and metabolic variables continuously changed throughout the 3 trimesters. Changes in VE/VCO2 and RER indicate shifting metabolic energy substrates. In addition, changes in cardiorespiratory variables, in parallel with gas exchange, indicate a better gas exchange process.

The association between perchlorate and thiocyanate exposure and thyroid function in first-trimester pregnant Thai women.

CONTEXT: Thyroid hormone is critical for fetal neurodevelopment. Perchlorate and thiocyanate decrease thyroidal iodine uptake by competitively inhibiting the sodium/iodide symporter. It is clear that perchlorate and thiocyanate anions can influence thyroid function. However, as pollutants in the environment, their impact is conflicting. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the effects of environmental perchlorate and/or thiocyanate exposure on thyroid function in first-trimester pregnant women. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 200 pregnant Thai women with a gestational age of 14 weeks or less. MEASURES: Urinary iodide, perchlorate, thiocyanate, and serum thyroid function tests were measured. RESULTS: The women were aged 28.6 ± 6.1 years and the mean gestational age was 9.6 ± 2.7 weeks. Median urinary iodide, perchlorate, and thiocyanate concentrations were 153.5 µg/L, 1.9 µg/L, and 510.5 µg/L, respectively. Using Spearman's rank correlation analyses, there were positive correlations between serum TSH and urine perchlorate to creatinine (r = 0.20, P = .005) and TSH and thiocyanate to creatinine ratios (r = 0.22, P = .001). There were negative correlations between free T4 and the perchlorate to creatinine ratio (r = -0.18, P = .01) and free T4 and the thiocyanate to creatinine ratio (r = -0.19, P = .008). In multivariate analyses adjusting for log thiocyanate to creatinine ratio, log iodide to creatinine ratio, and gestational age, log perchlorate to creatinine ratio was positively associated with log TSH (P = .002) and inversely associated with log free T4 (P = .002). Log thiocyanate to creatinine ratio was a significant positive predictor of log TSH (P = .02) in women with a urine iodide level of less than 100 µg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level environmental exposure to perchlorate and thiocyanate is common in Thailand. Low-level exposure to perchlorate is positively associated with TSH and negatively associated with free T4 in first-trimester pregnant women using multivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, thiocyanate exposure is also positively associated with TSH in a subgroup of pregnant women with low iodine excretion.

Antimullerian hormone changes after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma compared with the nonovarian conditions.

Laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is recommended for surgical procedure of endometrioma. The negative impact on ovarian reserve following removal had been documented. Little evidence had been reported for nonovarian originated effects. Objective. To evaluate the impact of laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy for endometrioma on ovarian reserve, measured by serum antimullerian hormone (AMH), compared to nonovarian pelvic surgery. Materials and Methods. A prospective study was conducted. Women who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy (LOC) and laparoscopic nonovarian pelvic surgery (NOS) were recruited and followed up through 6 months. Clinical baseline data and AMH were evaluated. Results. 39 and 38 participants were enrolled in LOC and NOS groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics (age, weight, BMI, and height) and preoperative AMH level between 2 groups were not statistically different. After surgery, AMH of both groups decreased since the first week, at 1 month and at 3 months. However, as compared to the LOC group at 6 months after operation, the mean AMH of the NOS group had regained its value with a highly significant difference. Conclusion. This study demonstrated the negative impact of nonovarian or indirect effects of laparoscopic surgery to ovarian reserve. The possible mechanisms are necessary for more investigations.

Maternal vitamin D status, its associated factors and the course of pregnancy in Thai women.

CONTEXT: There are limited data on the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy in pregnant women living in Southeast Asia and changes in their vitamin D status during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy, its predictive factors and the changes in vitamin D status during the course of pregnancy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: A prospective study of 120 pregnant Thai women with gestational age <14 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and clinical data were obtained at the first visit, in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Vitamin D inadequacy was defined as 25OHD <75 nm. RESULTS: The prevalences of vitamin D inadequacy were 83.3%, 30.9% and 27.4% for the first, second and third trimesters. The independent predictors of vitamin D inadequacy in the third trimester were not drinking vitamin-fortified milk (OR 11.42; 95% CI: 3.12-41.86), not taking prenatal vitamins (OR 9.70; 95% CI: 2.28-41.19) and having vitamin D deficiency in the first trimester (OR 10.58; 95% CI: 2.89-38.80). Vitamin D deficiency was not found in women taking prenatal vitamins. However, 20 women who took at least 400 IU/day of vitamin D from prenatal vitamins still had vitamin D insufficiency in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D inadequacy is common in pregnant Thai women, especially in the first trimester. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed prior to conception and during pregnancy. For areas with abundant sun exposure like Thailand, vitamin D supplementation at 400 IU/day is likely to prevent vitamin D deficiency, but is inadequate to prevent vitamin D insufficiency even at 800 IU/day.

Transvaginal color Doppler study of uterine artery: is there a role in chronic pelvic pain?

AIM: To determine the value of transvaginal color Doppler study of uterine artery and investigate the differences in blood flow of uterine artery among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 50 female patients were recruited. The study group consisted of 25 women with CPP of possible gynecological origin. Twenty-five women without CPP made a control group. All women were examined using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonogram after negative finding of pelvic examination. The mean pulsality index (PI) and resistant index (RI) of the uterine arteries were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The mean ages were 36.6 ± 10.6 and 32.0 ± 6.7 years in the study group and control group, respectively. The duration of pain ranges from 6-48 months (mean, 14.8). The mean PI and RI values of the uterine arteries in patients with CPP were significantly lower than in the control group; PI = 2.12 ± 0.78, 2.76 ± 0.84 and RI = 0.79 ± 0.19, 0.89 ± 0.05, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Doppler flow indices demonstrated significant increase of uterine arteries vascularization in CPP women related to pelvic causes. Transvaginal ultrasound with noninvasive Doppler study could be a useful primary investigation for CPP women, especially when financial resource is an issue.

The change of umbilical cord components in intrauterine growth restriction comparative with normal growth fetuses by using sonographic measurement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diameter changes of umbilical cord components in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) fetuses comparative with normal growth fetuses by using the ultrasonogram. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross sectional study was performed with 140 singleton pregnant women who was attended at Maternal-Fetal Medicine unit, Thammasat University Hospital between June, 2007 to May, 2009. The fetuses were between the gestational ages of 24 to 37 weeks at the time of data collection. Seventy pregnant women with IUGR fetuses and 70 pregnant women with normal growth (Appropriate for Gestational Age, AGA) fetuses were included. The sonogram of the umbilical cord, umbilical artery and umbilical vein diameter and circumference were obtained at the free loop of cord. Fetal weights were estimated by calculation in all cases. IUGR was defined as a fetus having an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile for the gestational age at time of the sonographic measurements. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients were 27.03 and 31.86 years in IUGR group and AGA group, respectively. The mean birth weight of the fetuses was 2153.60 +/- 386.13 gm and 3118.16 +/- 353.28 gm in IUGR fetuses and AGA fetuses, respectively. The result demonstrated the expected progressive increase of the umbilical cord circumference and diameter as a function of gestational age in AGA fetuses. These changes were not observed in the umbilical cord of IUGR fetuses. It was a contradictory finding that the measurement values from umbilical artery and umbilical vein IUGR fetuses were neither consistent nor correlated with fetal age. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonogram of the umbilical cord component demonstrated the increasing of umbilical cord circumference and diameter along with an increasing of gestational age in the AGA fetuses. These findings might be useful for further studies, such as early screening or prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome for high risk women.

Effect of fetal gender on ductus venosus pulsatility index and diameter at gestational age 17-37 weeks.

OBJECTIVE: Recent findings have suggested that ductus venosus blood flow in the first trimester may be influenced by fetal gender. The aim of the present study was to investigate further the influence of fetal gender on ductus venosus (DV) pulsatility index (PI) and diameter at gestational age 17-37 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. Three measurements were made for each the DV PI and diameter in each fetus during fetal quiescence. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 14.0 software was used to create nomograms for the DV PI and diameter against gestational age in each gender group. The DV PI and diameter were compared between fetal genders using independent Student's t-test. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the DV PI and diameter between fetal sexes. CONCLUSION: Fetal gender does not influence the DV PI and diameter at gestational age 17-37 weeks.

Prediction of perinatal outcomes in patient with pre-eclampsia: maternal hyperoxygenation test on fetal Doppler flow.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate if the maternal hyperoxygenation test in pregnancy with pre-eclampsia could be used for prediction of perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-four singleton pre-eclampsia pregnant women were enrolled in the present study. Positive hyperoxygenation test was defined as an increase of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or the ductus venosus (DV) pulsatility index (PI), or a decrease of the uterine artery or the umbilical artery (UA) PI by at least 20%. Results of hyperoxygenation test were analyzed for the correlation with perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: Fetuses with positive hyperoxygenation test of the MCA had a birth weight less than the negative group significantly. Furthermore, there was a significantly higher rate ofsmall for gestational age (SGA) neonates and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in cases with positive test of the MCA. CONCLUSION: The present study shows the correlation of positive hyperoxygenation test of the MCA and low birth weight, SGA, and NICU admission.

Fetal ductus venosus pulsatility index and diameter during 20-30 weeks gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To present normal range of the pulsatility index and the smallest diameter in the ductus venosus in normal fetuses throughout gestation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a prospectively cross-sectional study. Three measurements were made for the ductus venosus diameter and the pulsatility index in each fetus during fetal quiescence. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 14.0 software was used to create nomograms for the ductus venosus pulsatility index and diameter against gestational age. Four hundred and sixty normal fetuses aged seventeenth to thirty-seventh weeks were evaluated. RESULTS: The median diameter of the ductus venosus was linear across gestation. CONCLUSION: The nomograms for the ductus venosus pulsatility index and diameter are presented. The size of the narrowest portion of the DV grows in a linear relationship through gestation.