Amniocentesis in pregnancies at or beyond 24 weeks: An international multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Amniocentesis for genetic diagnosis is most commonly done between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation, but can be performed at later gestational ages. The safety and genetic diagnostic accuracy of amniocentesis have been well-established through numerous large-scale, multicenter studies for procedures before 24 weeks, but comprehensive data on late amniocentesis remain sparse. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the indications, diagnostic yield, safety, and maternal and fetal outcomes associated with amniocentesis performed at or beyond 24 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an international, multicenter retrospective cohort study examining pregnant individuals who underwent amniocentesis for prenatal diagnostic testing at gestational ages between 24w0d and 36w6d. The study, spanning from 2011 to 2022, involved nine referral centers. We included singleton or twin pregnancies with documented outcomes, excluding cases where other invasive procedures were performed during pregnancy or if amniocentesis was conducted for obstetric indications. We analyzed indications for late amniocentesis, types of genetic tests performed, their results, and the diagnostic yield, along with pregnancy outcomes and post-procedure complications. RESULTS: Of the 752 pregnant individuals included in our study, late amniocentesis was primarily performed for the prenatal diagnosis of structural anomalies (91.6%), followed by suspected fetal infection (2.3%) and high-risk findings from cell-free DNA screening (1.9%). The median gestational age at the time of the procedure was 28w5d, and 98.3% of pregnant individuals received results of genetic testing before birth or pregnancy termination. The diagnostic yield was 22.9%, and a diagnosis was made 2.4 times more often for fetuses with anomalies in multiple organ systems (36.4%) compared to those with anomalies in a single organ system (15.3%). Additionally, the diagnostic yield varied depending on the specific organ system involved, with the highest yield for musculoskeletal anomalies (36.7%) and hydrops fetalis (36.4%) when a single organ system or entity was affected. The most prevalent genetic diagnoses were aneuploidies (46.8%), followed by copy number variants (26.3%) and monogenic disorders (22.2%). The median gestational age at delivery was 38w3d, with an average of 59 days between the procedure and delivery date. The overall complication rate within two weeks post-procedure was 1.2%. We found no significant difference in the rate of preterm delivery between pregnant individuals undergoing amniocentesis between 24-28 weeks and those between 28-32 weeks, reinforcing the procedure's safety across these gestational periods. CONCLUSIONS: Late amniocentesis, at or after 24 weeks gestation, especially for pregnancies complicated by multiple congenital anomalies, has a high diagnostic yield and a low complication rate, underscoring its clinical utility. It provides pregnant individuals and their providers with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and results before delivery, enabling informed counseling and optimized perinatal and neonatal care planning.

Laparoscopic prepregnancy transabdominal cerclage: operative and pregnancy outcomes for a novel technique of suture placement using port closure device.

Transabdominal cerclage is an effective surgical intervention for preterm birth prevention. Placement of cervical sutures using a port closure device for prepregnancy laparoscopic abdominal cerclage has been used at our unit in recent years. We report the operative and pregnancy outcomes for prepregnancy laparoscopic abdominal cerclage using the port closure device and compare it with the outcomes of the traditional approach. For prepregnancy laparoscopic transabdominal cerclage (n=52), the port closure device approach was associated with less blood loss during surgery (0.95±4.4 mL vs 5.4±15.7 mL; P=.007) and a shorter hospital length of stay (0.0; 0.0-0.0 days vs 1.0; 0.0-1.0 days; P<.001). There were also trends toward shorter operating times (41.4±15.3 minutes vs 50.1±18.0 minutes; P=.167) and lower perioperative complication rates (0.0%; 0/21 vs 16.1%; 5/31; P=.065) when compared with the traditional technique. There was no significant difference between the port closure device technique and the traditional approach in the rate of preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy (0.0%; 0/9 vs 22.6%; 7/39; P=.248). Use of the port closure device for suture placement during prepregnancy laparoscopic cerclage for preterm birth prevention was reported. This technique was associated with less blood loss and a shorter hospital length of stay, had trends toward shorter operating times and lower perioperative complication rates, and had similar rates of preterm birth.

Severe fetal ventriculomegaly: Fetal morbidity and mortality, caesarean delivery rates and obstetrical challenges in a large prospective cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Severe fetal ventriculomegaly (VM) is defined as an enlargement of the atria of the lateral cerebral ventricles (Vp) of greater than 15 mm. While it is well established that it confers significant risk of morbidity and mortality to the neonate, there is limited information pertaining to the caesarean delivery rates and the obstetric management of these complex cases. The aim of this study was twofold: firstly, to determine survival rates in fetuses with severe VM, and secondly to determine the caesarean delivery rates in continuing pregnancies. We explore the obstetric challenges associated with these difficult cases. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients with antenatal severe VM, attending the Department of Fetal Medicine, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland, from 1st January 2011 to 31st July 2020. Data were obtained from the hospital database and those with severe VM (Vp > 15 mm) were identified. The rates of chromosomal abnormalities, the survival rates and the caesarean delivery (CD) rates for the overall group were then determined. The data were then further sub-divided into two groups: 1. Vp < 20 mm and 2. Vp > 20 mm, and the results compared. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-Square test. RESULTS: A total of N = 95 pregnancies with severe VM were included for analysis, of which additional structural abnormalities on ultrasound were apparent in 67/95 (70.5%) and 28/95 (29.5%) had isolated severe VM. Chromosomal abnormalities were diagnosed in 15/95 (15.8%) of cases, with (2/28) 7.1% in the isolated SVM group versus (13/67) 19.4% in the non-isolated SVM group. The overall survival rate (excluding TOP) was 53/74 (71.6%), with 20/23 (86.9%) in the isolated SVM group. The overall CD rate was 47/72 (65.3%), which was significantly higher than the CD for the hospital during the same time period of 25.4% (P < 0.01). The data were subdivided into Vp < 20 and Vp > 20 and those with a Vp > 20 had higher rates of additional intracranial findings on ultrasound (Vp < 20 13/41 (31.7%) versus Vp > 20 32/54 (59.3%) (P < 0.05)) and macrocrania (Vp < 20 14/41 (34.1%) versus Vp > 20 35/54 (64.8%) (P < 0.05)). No significant difference was observed in the overall survival or CD rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion this study reports significant fetal morbidity and mortality with severe VM with high CD rates observed in this cohort. Significant challenges exist in relation to the obstetric management and counseling of parents regarding an often uncertain neonatal prognosis. In continuing pregnancies with significant macrocrania delivery plans should be individualized to improve neonatal outcomes where possible and minimize harm to the mother.

Dichorionic twin ultrasound surveillance: sonography every 4 weeks significantly underperforms sonography every 2 weeks: results of the Prospective Multicenter ESPRiT Study.

OBJECTIVE: A 2-week ultrasound scanning schedule for monochorionic twins is endorsed widely. There is a lack of robust data to inform a schedule for the surveillance of dichorionic gestations. We aimed to determine how ultrasound scanning that is performed at 2- or 4-week intervals (or every 4 weeks before 32 weeks' gestation and every 2 weeks thereafter) may impact the prenatal detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and ultimately influence timing of delivery. STUDY DESIGN: In a consecutive cohort of 789 dichorionic twin pregnancies that were recruited prospectively for the multicenter Evaluation of Sonographic Predictors of Restricted Growth in Twins study, ultrasound determination of fetal growth and interrogation of umbilical and middle cerebral artery Doppler scans were performed every 2 weeks from 24 weeks' gestation until delivery. Complete delivery and perinatal outcome data were recorded for all pregnancies. Where delivery was prompted by FGR, abnormal umbilical artery Doppler examination or poor biophysical profile and in the absence of ruptured membranes, onset of labor, preeclampsia, or antepartum hemorrhage, the delivery was considered "ultrasound-indicated." For ultrasound-indicated deliveries, detection probabilities for FGR/abnormal umbilical artery Doppler scans/poor biophysical were determined according to the interval between examinations, by the suppression if alternate examination data. RESULTS: Among 789 dichorionic twin pregnancies, 66 pairs (8%) had an "ultrasound indicated" delivery. Detection of FGR was reduced from 88-69%, and detection of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler was reduced from 82-62% when a 4-week ultrasound schedule was simulated. Both of these reductions reached statistical significance. There was a nonsignificant trend toward a reduction in the recording of oligohydramnios with a 4-week interval between examinations. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the ultrasound surveillance program of every 2 weeks that is recommended currently for monochorionic twins should be extended to dichorionic gestations.

Elevated cord levels of ustekinumab following its use in the treatment of Crohn's disease in pregnancy.

Ustekinumab (USK) was used in the treatment of two pregnant patients with Crohn's disease. It was given in the third trimester and restarted postnatally for both women. One woman remained on USK and in remission throughout pregnancy. The second woman, took a treatment break, flared, and then had remission induced with reintroduction of USK. Both women delivered healthy term infants. The interval from last dose to birth was 11 and 8 weeks respectively. Interestingly, USK levels in cord blood was observed in higher concentrations than in the maternal serum taken in third trimester. While no adverse effect in infants has been observed, clinicians should remain aware of fetal transfer when using USK in pregnancy. An evaluation of risk and benefit may favour continuing USK in pregnancy in patients with refractory disease.

Estimating fetal weight in gastroschisis: A 10 year audit of outcomes at the National Maternity Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To identify whether conventional methods of estimating fetal growth (Hadlock's formula), which relies heavily on abdominal circumference measurements, are accurate in fetuses with gastroschisis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed between the period January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021 in a tertiary referral maternity hospital identifying all pregnancies with a diagnosis of gastroschisis. Projected fetal weight was obtained using the formula (EFW [Hadlock's formula] + 185 g × [X/7]) where X was the number of days to delivery. RESULTS: During the study period 41 cases were identified. The median maternal age was 25. The median BMI was 25 and 63% were primiparous women (n = 26). Median gestation at diagnosis was 21 weeks. Median gestation at delivery was 36 weeks. A total of 4.8% of mothers had a history of drug use (n = 2). The rate of maternal tobacco use was 21.9% (n = 9). A total of 4.8% of fetuses had additional congenital anomalies including amniotic band syndrome and myelomeningocele (n = 2). Estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birth weight data were available for 34 cases. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed projected EFW using Hadlock's formula did not result in a statistically significant different birth weight (Z = -1.3, P = 0.169). Median projected weight and actual birth weight were 2241.35 and 2415 g respectively. Median difference was 0.64 g (95% CI: -148 to -28.5). CONCLUSION: Our data showed accuracy using standard formulae for EFW in fetuses with gastroschisis.

How safe is preterm operative vaginal delivery and which is the instrument of choice?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine neonatal outcomes in preterm operative vaginal delivery given the current paucity of data available to guide clinicians. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of 64 cases was conducted, and neonatal outcomes were compared to spontaneous vaginal deliveries in similar gestations. The primary outcomes studied were death and occurrence of intraventricular haemorrhage. Secondary outcomes included admission to NICU, Apgar < 3 at 5 min, ventilation requirement, jaundice requiring treatment, culture-proven sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis. The study was conducted in a stand-alone maternity unit of approximately 9000 deliveries per year. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that although vacuum delivery is avoided in preterm infants, outcomes were similar to forceps deliveries of similar gestations.

Cesarean scar niche: An evolving concern in clinical practice.

Increasing cesarean section rates have led to an increased awareness of associated complications such as the formation of cesarean scar niche, defined as an indentation at the site of the cesarean scar with a depth of at least 2 mm, diagnosed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. The precise prevalence of cesarean scar niche is unclear. The cause of a cesarean scar niche appears to be multifactorial and likely a combination of technical factors (low incision location), anatomical factors (uterine retroflexion), and patient factors, which might impair healing (body mass index, smoking, maternal age). Most patients with cesarean scar niche are asymptomatic; however, women can present with postmenstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and subfertility. In pregnancy, cesarean scar niches have been associated with placenta accreta spectrum disorder and uterine rupture. Treatment should be reserved for symptomatic women. Hormonal treatment using either the combined oral contraceptive pill or a progesterone-containing intrauterine device may address irregular vaginal bleeding. Surgical management should be reserved for those in whom hormonal manipulation has failed or is contraindicated. The aim of this review was to summarize current literature pertaining to the cause, prevalence, diagnosis, and symptoms of cesarean scar niche and to make recommendations for managing this relatively new condition.

Placenta accreta spectrum ultrasound stage and fetal growth.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) and to compare fetal growth between cases stratified by ultrasound stage of PAS. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter cohort study of women diagnosed with PAS between January 2018 and December 2021. We grouped participants into cases by ultrasound stage (PAS stage 1-3) and controls (PAS0). Fetal growth centiles at three timepoints with median gestational ages of 21 ± 1 weeks (interquartile range [IQR], 20 ± 1-22 ± 0 weeks), 28 ± 0 weeks (IQR, 27 ± 0-28 ± 5 weeks), and 33 ± 0 weeks (IQR, 32 ± 1-34 ± 0 weeks) and birth weight centiles were compared between cases and controls and between those with PAS stratified by ultrasound stage. RESULTS: A total of 53 women met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 37 years (standard deviation, ±4.0 years) and body mass index of 27 kg/m2 (standard deviation, ±5.8 kg/m2 ). Median (IQR) fetal weight centiles were around the 50th centile at each timepoint, with no difference between groups. The incidence of small for gestational age (birth weight ≤ 10th percentile) and large for gestational age (birth weight ≥ 90th percentile) was 11.3% (n = 6) and 15.1% (n = 8), respectively, with no differences by ultrasound stage. The median birth weight centile was 64 (IQR, 26-85), with no differences between cases and controls or by ultrasound stage. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, a diagnosis of PAS was not associated with fetal growth restriction.

Women's experience of pregnancy and birth during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how maternity care services are provided worldwide. To contain the virus, many providers reduced the number of face-to-face visits for women. In addition, partner attendance was prohibited in many circumstances to protect staff, and other service users, from potential infection. AIMS: To explore women's experience of pregnancy and birth in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative study with 14 women was conducted using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected between April and July 2020, and in-depth interviews were conducted either in pregnancy or in the first 12 weeks after the birth. RESULTS: Six categories emerged: loss of normality, navigating "new" maternity care systems, partners as bystanders, balancing information, uncertainty, and unexpected benefits of pregnancy during the pandemic. While benefits were reported (working from home and additional time spent with partners during the "fourth trimester"), in general, the themes were of increased anxiety and uncertainty. CONCLUSION: The pandemic caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. This was exacerbated by uncertainty about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy and unclear messaging about restrictions. More interactive and personalized communication is required to support women to cope with uncertainty during a pandemic. The birth partner plays an important role as an advocate for women and excluding them from pregnancy care caused additional anxiety for pregnant women. Containment strategies for a pandemic should be developed with this in mind, to view the family as a unit rather than the woman in isolation.

The rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following intrauterine blood transfusion in the management of red cell alloimmunization.

OBJECTIVE: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is characterized by fetal anemia, secondary to maternal alloantibody-mediated fetal erythrocyte destruction. Despite our reliance on intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) to maintain severely affected pregnancies, it remains difficult to predict the fetal response to an infusion of donor blood. Our objective was to determine the daily rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following one, two, and three transfusions. We also evaluated the relationship between the fetal hemoglobin level and the corresponding doppler measurement of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV). STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational study of all singleton pregnancies treated with intrauterine transfusion for fetal anemia secondary to maternal alloimmunization at the National Maternity Hospital, a tertiary referral centre, was conducted over a 10-year period (2011-2020). Demographic and clinical data was obtained from the electronic patient records. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics and Research Committee of the National Maternity Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 90 intrauterine blood transfusions were performed in 41 fetuses affected by maternal alloimmunization, of which 70% (n = 29), 34% (n = 14) and 15% (n = 6) required a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th transfusion, respectively. The mean rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following the first transfusion was 0.4 g/dl/day (range, 0.12-0.64 g/dl/day). The mean rate of decline was lower after repeat transfusions at 0.27 g/dl/day (range, 0.16-0.45 g/dl/day). The sensitivity of MCA-PSV threshold of 1.5 Multiples of the Median (MoM) to detect moderate-severe anaemia declined with rank of IUT, from 82% after one previous transfusion, to 75% after two or more previous transfusions. No fetal mortality was seen in our series. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the expected rate of decline in fetal hemoglobin following an IUT aids in the determination of appropriate timing of subsequent transfusions in a fetus affected by red cell alloimmunization. We observed a reducing rate of daily decline in hemoglobin in fetuses requiring successive transfusions. Our findings suggest a reduced accuracy of the MCA-PSV threshold of 1.5 MoM in determining the optimal timing of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th transfusions.

Prenatal findings and associated survival rates in fetal ventriculomegaly: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Fetal ventriculomegaly is associated with varying degrees of genetic and structural abnormalities. The objective was to present the experience of fetal ventriculomegaly in a large European center in relation to: 1. grade of ventriculomegaly; 2. additional chromosomal/structural abnormalities; and 3. perinatal survival rates. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of patients referred with fetal ventriculomegaly from January 2011 to July 2020. Data were obtained from the hospital database and analyzed to determine the rate of isolated ventriculomegaly, associated structural abnormalities, chromosomal/genetic abnormalities, and survival rates. Data were stratified into three groups; mild (Vp = 10-12 mm), moderate (Vp = 13-15 mm) and severe (Vp > 15 mm) ventriculomegaly. RESULTS: There were 213 fetuses included for analysis. Of these 42.7% had mild ventriculomegaly, 44.6% severe and 12.7% had moderate ventriculomegaly. Initial ultrasound assessment reported isolated ventriculomegaly in 45.5% fetuses, with additional structural abnormalities in 54.5%. The rate of chromosomal/genetic abnormalities was high,16.4%. After all investigations, the true rate of isolated VM was 36.1%. The overall survival was 85.6%. Survival was higher for those with isolated VM across all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ventriculomegaly is a complex condition and patients should be counselled that even with apparently isolated VM, there remains the possibility of additional genetic and/or structural problems being diagnosed in up to 10% of fetuses.

Comparing three-dimensional models of placenta accreta spectrum with surgical findings.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is associated with significant maternal morbidity mainly related to blood loss. Pre-operative planning is aided by antenatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. We sought to assess whether three-dimensional (3D) models from MR images were accurate when compared with surgical and pathological findings. METHODS: Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files containing MR images with varying severity of PAS (n = 4) were modeled using 3D Slicer. Placenta, bladder, and myometrial defects were modeled. Myometrial defects at three different uterine locations were included-anterior, lateral and inferior. 3D models were used to identify the relationship between the myometrial defect and the internal cervical os. Findings were validated in a larger series of PAS cases (n = 14) where patterns of invasion were compared with estimated blood loss and distance from defect to the internal os. RESULTS: The defect illustrated in the four 3D models correlates to both surgical and pathological findings in terms of depth and pattern of invasion, location of defect, bladder involvement. Blood loss and topography of the defect from 3D modeling were examined in 14 further cases. Inferior defects were associated with increased blood loss compared with anterior defects. Increased distance from cervix was associated with reduced blood loss (R2  = 0.352, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional models of PAS provide an accurate preoperative description of placental invasion and should be investigated as a tool for selecting patients for uterine-conserving surgery. Accurate 3D models of placenta accreta spectrum are achievable and may provide additional information, such as distance of the defect from the internal os.

"Does the use of gestation-specific centiles for cervical length change the management of pregnancies at risk of recurrent spontaneous preterm birth?"

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Spontaneous Preterm Birth (sPTB) has many and varied causes but is known to be strongly associated with a short or shortening cervix in the midtrimester of pregnancy. The strongest risk factor for sPTB is a previous sPTB. In women with a history of sPTB, we can offer surveillance and treatments which have been proven to reduce the risk of sPTB, such as cervical cerclage and vaginal progesterone supplementation. Alongside other indications, we currently use 25 mm or shorter as a "trigger threshold" for offering cervical cerclage treatment in the Preterm Birth Prevention Clinic at The National Maternity Hospital. AIM: To determine if using gestation-specific centiles instead of a 25 mm cut-off for cervical length changes the antenatal management of women at high risk of sPTB. METHOD: This was a retrospective chart review of all women attending the preterm birth clinic over the 2-year period 2018-2020 in a large tertiary referral unit in Dublin, Ireland. Demographic details, obstetric history, preterm birth risk factors and preventative treatments offered were collected and analysed. Cervical lengths were measured with ultrasound using a standardised protocol and all performed or supervised by 2 experienced sonographers. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients with known risk factors for sPTB attended the Preterm Birth Surveillance Clinic at the National Maternity Hospital during the study period. Of these, 36/200 (18%) went on to deliver again prior to 37 weeks despite attending the clinic +/- receiving interventions & this group are the focus of this paper. The indications for surveillance in this group that had a recurrent sPTB included recurrent second-trimester pregnancy losses/preterm delivery < 34 weeks (26/36 (72%)), cervical trauma (including treatment of CIN) (12/36 (33%)), congenital abnormalities (1/36 (2.8%)), uterine anomaly (1/36 (2.8%)) and placental bleeding (1/36 (2.8%)). There was one smoker in this series. Funnelling was observed in 3/36 cases (8.3%). Of the 36 patients, an additional 15 would have received a cerclage had gestation-specific centiles, i.e., <5th centile, been used and an additional 10/36 (28%) would have been offered progesterone therapy. CONCLUSION: In those at high risk of preterm birth, the use of gestation-specific centiles for cervical length increases the proportion of patients that would be eligible for cervical cerclage. It is unclear whether this would change clinical outcome.

Maternal morbidity in placenta accreta spectrum following introduction of a multi-disciplinary service compared to standard care: an Irish perspective.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare maternal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) when managed as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) compared to standard care. METHODS: Patients in the standard care group were retrospectively identified from pathology records, with patients in the MDT group prospectively collected on an electronic database. Data on maternal demographics, delivery, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirements, and morbidity were recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients were diagnosed with PAS between 2006 and 2019, of whom 32 were part of the standard care group and 28 in the MDT group. Compared to standard care, MDT care was associated with an increase in antenatal diagnosis from 56.3 to 92.9% (p < 0.0001), a significant reduction in EBL (4150 mL (800-19500) vs 1975 (495-8500), p < 0.0001), and transfusion requirements (median 7 (0-30) units of RCC vs 1 (0-13), p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: PAS is associated with significant maternal morbidity and warrants management in an MDT setting with specialist input, which is associated with improved outcomes.

Immunological assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy from diagnosis to delivery: A multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Background Population-based data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and assessment of passive immunity to the neonate, is lacking. We profiled the maternal and fetal response using a combination of viral RNA from naso-pharyngeal swabs and serological assessment of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational study was conducted between March 24th and August 31st 2020. Two independent cohorts were established, a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cohort and a cohort of asymptomatic pregnant women attending two of the largest maternity hospitals in Europe. Symptomatic women were invited to provide a serum sample to assess antibody responses. Asymptomatic pregnant women provided a nasopharyngeal swab and serum sample. RT-PCR for viral RNA was performed using the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 6800 platform (Roche). Umbilical cord bloods were obtained at delivery. Maternal and fetal serological response was measured using both the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay (Roche), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG Assay and the IgM Architect assay. Informed written consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: Ten of twenty three symptomatic women had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected on nasopharyngeal swabs. Five (5/23, 21.7%) demonstrated serological evidence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies and seven (30.4%, 7/23) were positive for IgM antibodies. In the asymptomatic cohort, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in RNA was 0.16% (1/608). IgG SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 1·67% (10/598, 95% CI 0·8%-3·1%) and IgM in 3·51% (21/598, 95% CI 2·3-5·5%). Nine women had repeat testing post the baseline test. Four (4/9, 44%) remained IgM positive and one remained IgG positive. 3 IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detectable in cord bloods from babies born to five seropositive women who delivered during the study. The mean gestation at serological test was 34 weeks. The mean time between maternal serologic positivity and detection in umbilical cord samples was 28 days. CONCLUSION: Using two independent serological assays, we present a comprehensive illustration of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy, and show a low prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV2. Transplacental migration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was identified in cord blood of women who demonstrated antenatal anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, raising the possibility of passive immunity.

Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice: The patient journey and experience.

BACKGROUND: As many patients referred to orthopaedic and rheumatology services do not require medical or surgical interventions, advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) have been introduced into hospital services to triage the care of these patients. Patient perspectives are critical to review the acceptance of this model of care and potential for expansion into primary care. This study aimed to explore the clinical journeys, and the experiences and perceptions of patients attending APP services. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) were conducted with patients across two hospital sites, with narrative data subjected to a thematic analysis. MSK journeys were mapped via medical chart and interview data, with surveys collecting demographics. RESULTS: Patient journeys involved multiple contact points and some duplication in MSK health services. Overall, experiences of the APP service were positive, with faster access into the hospital system and patients valued the interpersonal and professional skills of the APP. Having already attended a physiotherapist, some patients did have a preconception of what the APP could offer them. However, initial concerns were mitigated following the APP appointment, as the APP had extensive MSK knowledge. Hospitals remained the preferred location for MSK appointments due to availability of diagnostics and 'specialists', and close proximity of the doctor. CONCLUSION: Patients were positive about the new MSK APP service and benefits related to shorter wait times and seeing a specialist who listened and involved them in their management. However, a cultural shift regarding patient perceptions of the 'specialists' in hospitals and the role of a physiotherapist is required.

First trimester serum biomarkers to predict gestational diabetes in a high-risk cohort: Striving for clinically useful thresholds.

OBJECTIVES: Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes (GDM) has been a source of controversy. The prevalence has increased in line with an obesity epidemic and a trend towards delayed child-bearing. Treatment of even modest glycaemic impairment in pregnancy has been shown to be beneficial in preventing its clinical sequalae. However the cumbersome nature and timing of the oral glucose tolerance test coupled with debate around universal versus risk factor based screening have been problematic. This group aimed to investigate a panel of biomarkers which have shown promise in the literature to predict GDM from the first trimester in a group of high risk women. METHODS: Serum samples were drawn on 248 women deemed at risk of GDM before 15 weeks' gestation to measure C-reactive protein, sex hormone binding globulin, adiponectin and 1,5 anhydroglucitol. Patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test as per IADPSG criteria at 28 weeks' gestation. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the link between incidence of GDM and early pregnancy serum biomarkers. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels in the first trimester are independently linked to the risk of GDM. Serum adiponectin <8.9 µg/ml gives an odds ratio of 3.3 for GDM.Mean 1,5 AG levels are significantly lower in those that go on to develop GDM. SHBG levels measured in the first trimester were linked to the risk of GDM. However, this was no longer statistically significant once BMI, ethnicity and family history were taken into consideration. First trimester measurement of CRP is not a useful indicator of GDM risk. CONCLUSIONS: First trimester measurement of Adiponectin and 1,5 Anhydroglucitol are potential early biomarkers for the later onset of GDM. Risk stratification using these biomarkers may facilitate early diagnosis and management of GDM to mitigate against its complications.

Prenatal detection of major congenital heart disease - optimising resources to improve outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major structural fetal abnormality and the benefits of prenatal detection are well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of prenatal diagnosis at a single tertiary referral unit over two three year periods (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, 2011, 2012), before and after a prenatal screening protocol for CHD was developed to include extended cardiac views, mandatory recall for suboptimal views, and a multidisciplinary Fetal Cardiac clinic was established. There exists a single national centre for paediatric cardiothoracic surgery in Ireland, a situation which facilitates near complete case ascertainment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgery records of the National Children's Cardiac Centre were interrogated for all cases of major congenital heart defects requiring surgical intervention in the first six months of life. Minor procedures such as ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus and isolated atrial septal defect repairs were excluded. Analyses of the Fetal Medicine database at the Rotunda Hospital (a stand-alone tertiary level perinatology centre with 8500 deliveries per year) and the mortality data at the Perinatal Pathology department were conducted. The Cochrane-Armitage trend test was used to determine statistical significance in prenatal detection rates over time. RESULTS: 51,822 women delivered during the study period, and the incidence of major congenital heart disease either that underwent surgical intervention or that resulted in perinatal mortality, was 238/51,822 (0.5%). Prenatal detection of major CHD increased from 31% to 91% (p<0.001). Detection of critical duct-dependant lesions rose from 19% to 100%. CONCLUSION: We attribute the dramatic improvement in prenatal detection rates to the multifaceted changes introduced during the study period. Improved prenatal detection for births that are geographically remote from the National Paediatric Cardiac Centre will require local replication of this prenatal programme.