Intrapartum ultrasound use in clinical practice as a predictor of delivery mode during prolonged second stage of labor.

PURPOSE: To determine the validity of intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS), and particularly the angle of progression (AOP), in predicting delivery mode when measured in real-life clinical practice among women with protracted second stages of labor. METHODS: Using electronic medical records, nulliparous women with a second stage of labor of ≥ 3 h ("prolonged") and a documented AOP measurement during the second stage were identified. The ability of a single AOP measurement in "prolonged" second stage to predict a vaginal delivery (VD) was assessed. Fetal head descent, measured by AOP change/h (calculated from serial measurements), was compared between women who delivered vaginally and those who had a cesarean delivery (CD) for arrest of descent. RESULTS: Of the 191 women who met the inclusion criteria, 62 (32.5%) delivered spontaneously, 96 (50.2%) had a vacuum extraction (VE) and 33 (17.3%) had a CD. The mean AOP was wider among women who had VD (spontaneous or VE) compared to those who had CD (153° ± 19 vs. 133° ± 17, p < 0.001). Wider AOPs were associated with higher rates of VD and an AOP ≥ 127° was associated with a VD rate of 88.6% (148/167). Among the 87 women who had more than one AOP measurement, the mean AOP change per hour was higher in the VD group than in the CD group (15.1° ± 11.4° vs. 6.2° ± 6.3°, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-assessed fetal head station in nulliparous women with a protracted second stage of labor can be an accurate and objective additive tool in predicting the mode and interval time to delivery in real-life clinical practice.

[INTRAPARTUM ULTRASOUND - THE FUTURE IS HERE].

INTRODUCTION: This review aims to present the different applications and benefits of intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS) compared to the traditional digital vaginal examination. IPUS is non-invasive, does not cause pain or discomfort to the woman and may reduce the rate of ascending infections. In comparison to the vaginal exam, IPUS is more accurate in diagnosing fetal head position and station, is easy to acquire and has a faster learning curve. Applications of IPUS include: 1. Diagnosing the fetal head position either by suprapubic or trans-perineal ultrasound when the fetal head is low, which is more accurate than the digital vaginal exam; 2. Measuring cervical dilatation and effacement by trans-perineal ultrasound. This may be of more value especially in patients with ruptured membranes or patients who have difficulty with invasive examinations; 3. Assessing fetal head station and labor progress by measuring the head-perineal distance (HPD) and the angle of progression (AOP); 4. Estimating the pelvic size relative to the fetal head by measuring the pubic arch angle and fetal head circumference; 5. Predicting the mode of delivery before and during the labor process; 6. Prior to deciding the mode of delivery in a prolonged second stage of labor; 7. Providing a visual biofeedback to improve pushing efforts and mother-baby connection.

The Routine Use of Intrapartum Ultrasound in Clinical Decision-Making during the Second Stage of Labor - Does It Have Any Impact on Delivery Outcomes?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The study aimed to assess whether the use of intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (US) can reduce the rate of failed vacuum extraction (VE). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study including all women delivering at term with the diagnosis of protracted second stage of labor. The mode of delivery and rate of failed VE were compared between women who underwent a US examination prior to the decision on obstetrical interventions ("+US" group) and those in whom clinical decisions were based upon digital assessment only ("no-US" group). RESULTS: The study included 635 women. Among the "no-US" group (536), there were 13 failed VE attempts (3.6%) vs. none in the "+US" group (99, p = 0.1). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding mode of delivery (p = 0.001), with a lower cesarean section (CS) rate (20.2 vs. 27.8%) among the "+US" group. Maternal age, body mass index, nulliparity, gestational age at delivery, and birth weight, as well as neonatal short-term outcome did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that among women who had the addition of intrapartum US during the second stage of labor there was a trend toward a lower rate of failed VE (although not reaching statistical significance), with a lower rate of CS but not affecting neonatal outcome.

Decreased bone mineral density in young adult IgE-mediated cow's milk-allergic patients.

BACKGROUND: IgE-mediated cow's milk-allergic (IgE-CMA) patients provide a valuable model for studying the relationship between dairy intake and bone mineral density (BMD) because they are unable to consume even minor amounts of dairy foods. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of dairy restriction on BMD in young adult IgE-CMA patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted from July 2012 to June 2013 at the Allergy unit of the Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center. Densitometric measurements of postpubertal patients diagnosed with IgE-CMA (group I, n = 33) were compared with those of volunteers matched for age and sex without IgE-CMA (control group II, n = 24). In a second analysis, group I and II patients were compared with IgE-CMA patients who after desensitization consumed milk for 12 to 39 months before analysis (group III, n = 12). RESULTS: Densitometric measurements (average T scores and Z scores) of the hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine of IgE-CMA patients were significantly lower than of those in the control group (P < .0001). A T score below -2.5 SD, identifying a risk for osteoporosis, was found in 27% of IgE-CMA patients but in none of the controls (P = .0071). Calcium intake was severely reduced in allergic patients than in controls (P < .0001). BMD measurements in group III were significantly greater than in group I (P < .0001) and unchanged from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IgE-CMA have a significant risk of reduced BMD and early osteoporosis, which appears to be reversible on milk desensitization. Adequate calcium intake is not achieved while on a nondairy diet, requiring investigation into optimal nutritional protocols for these patients.

Assessment of labor progress by ultrasound vs manual examination: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of labor progress via digital examination is considered the standard of care in most delivery rooms. However, this method can be stressful, painful, and imprecise, and multiple examinations increase the risk for chorioamnionitis. Intrapartum ultrasound was found to be an objective, noninvasive tool to monitor labor progression. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether, among nulliparous women, the use of intrapartum ultrasound can reduce the rate of intrapartum fever by reducing the number of digital examinations. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized controlled trial in term nulliparas admitted with prelabor rupture of membranes, induction of labor, or in latent phase of labor with a cervical dilation of <4 cm. Women were randomized into 1 of the following 2 arms: (1) labor progress assessed by ultrasound, avoiding digital examinations as much as possible; and (2) control group in which labor progression was assessed according to the regular protocol. Before the study, all labor ward physicians underwent training in intrapartum ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 90 women were randomized to the ultrasound group and 92 were randomized to the control group. When compared with the control group, the ultrasound group had significantly lower rates of intrapartum fever (11.1% vs 26.1%; P=.01), clinical chorioamnionitis (3.3% vs 16.5%; P>.01), and histologic chorioamnionitis (2.2% vs 9.8%; P=.03). The median number of digital examinations was significantly lower in the ultrasound group (5; interquartile range, 4-6) than in the control group (8; interquartile range, 6-10; P<.01). The median number of digital examinations per hour in the ultrasound group was significantly lower than in the control group (0.2 vs 0.4; P<.01). The induction rates, time from admission to delivery, mode of delivery, Apgar score at 5 minutes, and neonatal intensive care unit admission rates did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of intrapartum ultrasound lessens the total number of digital examinations needed to be performed during labor and, consequently, the incidence of intrapartum fever and chorioamnionitis are reduced. No adverse effects on labor progression and short-term maternal or neonatal outcomes were noted.

Can assessing the angle of progression before labor onset assist to predict vaginal birth after cesarean?: A prospective cohort observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether pre-labor measurement of the angle of progression (AOP) can assist in predicting a successful vaginal birth after cesarean in women without a previous vaginal birth. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study performed in a single tertiary center including women at term with a single previous cesarean delivery (CD), without prior vaginal births, who desire a trial of labor. Transperineal ultrasound was used to measure the AOP before the onset of labor. The managing staff in the delivery suite was blinded to the ultrasound measurements. Clinical data and delivery outcome were retrieved from medical records. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (KMC 0117-10). RESULTS: Of the 111 women included in the study, 67 (60.4%) had a successful vaginal birth after CD. Women were sonographically assessed at a median of 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) 1-3 days] prior to delivery. The median AOP was significantly narrower in women who eventually underwent a CD than in those who delivered vaginally (88°, IQR 78-96° vs. 99°, IQR 89-107°, respectively; p < .001). An AOP >98° (derived from a receiver operating characteristic curve) was associated with a successful vaginal birth after CD in 87.5% of women. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that each additional 1° in the AOP increases the chance for a successful vaginal birth after CD by 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-labor AOP may be a useful sonographic tool for predicting vaginal birth after CD and can assist in consulting primiparous women with a prior CD opting for a trial of labor.

Intrapartum ultrasound at the initiation of the active second stage of labor predicts spontaneous vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND: Longer duration of active pushing during labor is associated with a higher rate of operative delivery and an increased risk of maternal and neonatal complications. Although immediate pushing at complete dilatation is associated with lower rates of chorioamnionitis and postpartum hemorrhage, it is also associated with a longer duration of pushing. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate whether fetal head station and position, as assessed by ultrasound at the beginning of the pushing process, can predict the mode of delivery and duration of pushing in nulliparous women. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective observational study included nulliparous women with neuraxial analgesia and complete cervical dilatation. The following sonographic parameters were assessed just before the beginning of the pushing process, at rest, and while pushing during contraction: head position, angle of progression, head-perineum distance, and head-symphysis distance. The change between rest and pushing was designated as delta angle of progression, delta head-perineum distance, and delta head-symphysis distance. The sonographic measurements and fetal head station assessed by vaginal examination were compared between women who had a spontaneous vaginal delivery to those who underwent an operative delivery, and between those who pushed for more or less than 1 hour. RESULTS: Of the 197 women included in this study, 166 (84.3%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, 31 (15.7%) had an operative delivery, 23 (11.6%) had a vacuum delivery, and 8 (4.0%) had a cesarean delivery. Spontaneous vaginal delivery and shorter duration of pushing (less than an hour) were significantly more common with a nonocciput posterior position (10.6% vs 47.3%; P<.005), a wider angle of progression, a shorter head-perineum distance and head-symphysis distance (both during rest and while pushing), and a lower fetal head station as assessed by digital vaginal examination. However, a logistic regression model revealed that only the angle of progression at rest and the delta angle of progression were independently associated with a spontaneous vaginal delivery with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.76-0.87; P<.0001) and 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.79; P<.0001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound performed at the beginning of the active second stage of labor can assist in predicting the mode of delivery and duration of pushing and perform better than the traditional digital examination, with the angle of progression at rest and delta angle of progression being the best predictors.

Comparing the Different Manifestations of Postpartum Mental Disorders by Origin, among Immigrants and Native-Born in Israel According to Different Mental Scales.

We conducted a prospective study, aimed to study whether the prevalence of mental disorders after birth differs by country of origin. Parturient mothers of Ethiopian origin, Former-USSR (FSU) origin, or nonimmigrant, native-Israeli origin (n = 974, all Jewish) were recruited in hospitals in Israel and were followed 6-8 weeks and one year after birth. General linear models were used to study the associations between origin and mental health, comparing Ethiopian and FSU origin with native-Israeli. Ethiopian and FSU mothers were more likely to report on somatic symptoms, compared with native-Israeli women. Ethiopian origin was negatively and significantly associated with anxiety in all three interviews (ß = -1.281, ß = -0.678 and ß = -1.072, respectively; p < 0.05 in all). FSU origin was negatively associated with depression after birth (ß = -0.709, p = 0.036), and negatively associated with anxiety after birth and one-year postpartum (ß = -0.494, and ß = -0.630, respectively). Stressful life events were significantly associated with all mental disorders in the three time points of interviews. Our findings suggest that immigrants tend to express higher mental distress with somatic symptoms. Additional tools are needed for mental distress screening among immigrants.

Reduced Final Height and Inadequate Nutritional Intake in Cow's Milk-Allergic Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Growth impairment was previously described in milk-allergic children but was not examined in adults on reaching final height. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the dietary intake and final stature of young adults with IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy (IgE-CMA) as compared with nonallergic controls. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with IgE-CMA, median age 19.5 years (interquartile range [IQR], 17.3-22.7), and 36 control participants without food allergies, median age 22.7 years (IQR, 18.9-26.1), were studied. Anthropometric and nutritional data were collected. Age and gender z-scores were determined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Nutrient intake assessment was based on dietary records. Individuals with conditions or treatments affecting bone metabolism or growth, other than asthma, were excluded. RESULTS: Mean values of height z-scores were significantly reduced in CMA subjects compared with controls (-0.64 ± 0.9 vs -0.04 ± 0.7, P = .001). In contrast, no differences were found between the 2 groups in weight and body mass index z-scores. Patients with CMA had significantly lower intake of protein, and several essential vitamins (A, B12, and riboflavin) and minerals (calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc) compared with controls (P < .05), but the intakes of calories, carbohydrate, and fat were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Differences between actual and expected (based on midparental height) height z-scores were comparable in CMA subjects with or without asthma and between those with and without additional food allergies. CONCLUSIONS: Young adults who have CMA from infancy are at risk of not reaching their growth potential. Growth and nutritional monitoring and appropriate dietary intervention are of particular importance in these at-risk individuals.

Head pushing versus reverse breech extraction in cases of impacted fetal head during Cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with two methods to extract the impacted fetal head during Cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively analyzed cases with difficult extraction of the impacted fetal head during Cesarean section. We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes between cases that were delivered by head extraction following pushing through the vagina ('push' method) and those that were delivered by the reverse breech technique ('pull' method). RESULTS: We reviewed 3105 Cesarean section reports. Difficult extraction necessitating the 'push' or 'pull' methods was noted in 48 (1.5%) instances. Women that were delivered by the 'pull' method had significantly lower rate of postpartum fever (5% versus 46%; odds ratios, 0.06; 95% confidence intervals, 0.007-0.51) and extensions of the uterine incision (15% versus 50%; odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04-0.74) compared to those that were delivered by the 'push' method. Neonatal outcomes were good in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: In cases with difficult extraction of the impacted fetal head during Cesarean section, 'pull' method may result in lower maternal morbidity compared to the traditional 'push' method.

The role of apoptosis in preeclampsia.

Altered apoptosis is involved in each step of the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. While deficient apoptosis may induce a maternal immune response against the fetus, enhanced apoptosis may interfere with the process of placentation, placental ischemia and subsequently, systemic endothelial damage. Thus, treatment modalities to inhibit or acclerate apoptosis cannot be employed in early pregnancy for prevention. Later in pregnancy, it would make sense to test treatment modalities that inhibit hypoxia-mediated apoptosis in patients in whom early testing, such as abnormal Doppler of the uterine artery, indicates the initiation of preeclampsia. This, however, has first to be tested in animal models. Since multiple different mechanisms, rather than a single factor, could contribute to the development of apoptosis, further studies to clarify the signaling mechanisms of apoptosis in preeclampsia should be conducted before any investigational treatment modalities are employed.

Conservative treatment of stage IA2 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The standard management of early-stage invasive cervical cancer in early pregnancy is radical hysterectomy with the fetus in situ. We describe a case of early invasive cervical cancer in pregnancy that was treated with a conservative surgical approach. CASE: A nulliparous pregnant women at 15 weeks of gestation was diagnosed with stage IA2 invasive cervical cancer. She declined a radical hysterectomy, desiring to continue the pregnancy. A repeat cervical conization with retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was followed by radical trachelectomy 6 weeks after delivery. Currently she has 2 children, and there is no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Conservative stepwise surgical management of early invasive cervical cancer in the first half of pregnancy was a feasible approach in this woman who wished to continue the pregnancy.

The malignant potential of endometrial polyps.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the pre-malignant and malignant potential of endometrial polyps and to assess whether different clinical parameters are associated with malignancy in the polyps. STUDY DESIGN: Four hundred and thirty consecutive cases of hysteroscopic diagnosis of endometrial polyp were retrieved. The medical records, preoperative vaginal sonography results and histopathology findings were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Hysteroscopy truly identified endometrial polyps in 95.7% of the cases. In 11.4% cases, hyperplasia without atypia was found in the endometrial polyp. In 3.3 and 3.0% of women pre-malignant or malignant conditions were found in the polyp. Older age, menopause status and polyps larger than 1.5 cm were associated with significant pre-malignant or malignant changes, although the positive predictive value for malignancy was low. All the malignant polyps were diagnosed only in postmenopausal women. The presence of postmenopausal or irregular vaginal bleeding, was not a predictor of malignancy in the polyp. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with endometrial polyps are at increased risk of malignancy in the polyp. Those patients, whether symptomatic or not should be evaluated by hysteroscopic resection of the polyps. Asymptomatic premenopausal patients with polyps smaller than 1.5 cm can be observed.

[Cervical carcinoma associated with pregnancy].

Cervical carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies diagnosed during pregnancy since about 30% of diagnosed women are in their fertile years. Diagnosis of cervical cancer during pregnancy superimposes ethical dilemmas on the clinical considerations. Both maternal and fetal outcome should be considered when managing such a case. Is it necessary to discontinue the pregnancy? What are the implications of delayed treatment? How does the treatment affect the fetus and newborn? This article reviews the practical aspects of these issues and suggests management proposals.

Pretreatment CA 15-3 levels do not predict disease-free survival in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

AIMS: To evaluate the role of pretreatment CA 15-3 levels as a predictor of disease-free survival in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: A cohort of 65 patients with FIGO stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer was evaluated. Patients were treated either with primary cytoreductive surgery followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy or with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval debulking surgery. All patients had pretreatment CA 15-3 and CA 125 tumor marker determinations. The patients were divided into a group with elevated CA 15-3 and a group with normal levels. The two groups were compared with regard to clinical and survival measures. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 65 years (range, 37-90); 34 (52%) were at stage III and 31 (48%) at stage IV. CA 15-3 was elevated (>30 units/mL) in 44 (68%) patients, with a median level of 39 units (range, 4-2282). CA 125 was elevated (>35 units/mL) in 61 (94%) patients, with a median level of 947 units (range, 4-30,642). CA 125 and CA 15-3 levels were not correlated (r = 0.015, P = 0.332). The median follow-up was 22 months (range, 3-120 months). Fifty-three (81%) patients had disease recurrence and 43 (66%) died. Survival analysis showed that patients with elevated and normal CA 15-3 levels had similar recurrence-free survival (P = 0.78) and overall survival (P = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Although elevated in the majority of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, CA 15-3 levels are not predictive of survival.

Induction of labor with oral misoprostol for premature rupture of membranes at term in women with unfavorable cervix: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol for labor induction in women with term premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and an unfavorable cervix. METHODS: We randomized 130 women with PROM of < or =4 h to either oral misoprostol, 50 microg, or a placebo given every 4 h for up to three doses. Intravenous oxytocin was initiated if active labor did not begin within 12 h. RESULTS: Sixty-four women received oral misoprostol and 66 received placebo. The PROM-to-delivery interval was shorter with misoprostol than with placebo (13.7+/-5.8 vs. 20.3+/-6.8 h, respectively, P<0.05). Misoprostol significantly reduced the need for oxytocin (28.1 vs. 72.7%, P<0.001) and antibiotics (25 vs. 69.7%, P<0.001). No significant differences in cesarean section or hyperstimulation rate were noted. CONCLUSION: Oral misoprostol given to women with unfavorable cervix soon after term PROM significantly reduces the induction-to-delivery time and the need for oxytocin and antibiotics.

Fetal heart rate accelerations and the risk of cerebral lesions and poor neurodevelopmental outcome in very low birthweight neonates.

The risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia correlates with fetal brain immaturity. Given that the appearance of fetal heart rate (FHR) accelerations is associated with brain maturation, we tested the hypothesis that neonatal cerebral lesions and developmental delay in very low birthweight newborns are associated with absent reactivity of the FHR tracing prior to delivery. We analyzed the FHR tracing of 97 fetuses with birthweight < 1200 g who underwent head ultrasound at day 3 and Bayley Scales of Infant Development testing at age 1 year. We used multivariate analysis to adjust for confounding variables. We found that the absence of two FHR accelerations of 10 beats per minute (bpm) for 10 seconds twice in a 20-minute window 1 hour before delivery was associated with intraventricular hemorrhage and/or periventricular leukomalacia ( P < 0.01) and a significant risk for mental and psychomotor delays by Bayley testing ( P < 0.001). The absence of accelerations of 15 bpm for 15 seconds was not associated with these abnormalities. The absence of FHR accelerations before delivery suggests a greater risk for cerebral injury and developmental delay in the very premature neonate.

The effect of betamethasone administration to pregnant women on maternal serum indicators of infection.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of betamethasone therapy on maternal white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in women at high risk for preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We included women at gestational age of 24 to 34 weeks who were treated by betamethasone for enhancement of fetal lung maturity, because of imminent preterm labor with intact membranes. Blood tests for white blood cell and differential count, C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were drawn before betamethasone injection, 2 hours after, and then every 24 hours for three days. RESULTS: 105 women were included. The mean white blood cell count increased by 33% on day one, and returned to baseline level three days after the first injection of betamethasone. A significant rise in neutrophil count, and drop in lymphocyte count was noted as early as two hours after the first injection and lasted for two days. Mean C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were not changed significantly by betamethasone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal betamethasone therapy causes a transient increase in maternal leukocyte count but has no effect on serum C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This information is relevant for preterm pregnant women who are at high risk for chorioamnionitis.

A randomized trial comparing a 30-mL and an 80-mL Foley catheter balloon for preinduction cervical ripening.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of cervical ripening with 2 Foley catheter balloon volumes. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women admitted for induction of labor with a term singleton gestation were randomly assigned for cervical ripening by a balloon inflated with 30 mL or 80 mL of sterile saline. RESULTS: Two hundred and three women were included in the analysis. Ripening of the cervix with the larger balloon volume was associated with a significantly higher rate of post-ripening dilatation of 3 cm or more (76.0% vs 52.4%, P < .001). In primiparous women, the larger balloon volume resulted in a significantly higher rate of deliveries by 24 hours (71.4% vs 49%, P < .05), and a significantly less requirement of augmentation with oxytocin (69.3% vs 90.4%, P < .05). CONCLUSION: Ripening of the unfavorable cervix in primiparous women with a Foley catheter balloon inflated with 80 mL provided effective more dilatation, faster labor, and decreased need for oxytocin than with a balloon inflated with 30 mL of sterile saline.

Ischemic reperfusion brain injury in fetal transgenic mice with elevated levels of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase.

AIM: To examine the effect of overexpression of human intracellular copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD1) gene on fetal mice brain exposed to in-utero ischemic reperfusion injury. DESIGN: Transient in-utero ischemia (7 min) was induced in pregnant transgenic mice overexpressing human CuZnSOD1 and wild-type mice by occluding the blood supply to the uterine artery on day 17 of pregnancy, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. The level of lipid peroxidation in fetal mice brains was compared between the transgenic and non-transgenic (control) fetal mice. Motor and coordination skills of transgenic and control adult mice (six to eight months old) which were exposed to ischemic reperfusion injury in-utero were compared by the rope grip test and visible platform task. RESULTS: We first measured CuZnSOD1 activity in the brains of the transgenic fetal mice and confirmed that the enzyme activity is 4.2-fold higher than control. We also established that ischemia reperfusion on day 17 of pregnancy led to increased level of TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance) in brains of wild-type fetal mice when compared to sham operated mice (72.5 +/- 3.4 vs. 49.4 +/- 1.5 nmol/mg. p < 0.001). The increase was markedly accentuated in the CuZnSOD1 transgenic mice, and significantly higher compared to control mice exposed to ischemia-reperfusion (85.6 +/- 4.0 vs. 69.5 +/- 2.3 nmol/mg, p < 0.001). Moreover, we found that the transgenic mice that were subjected to in-utero ischemia reperfusion exhibited a significantly higher rate of failures in the rope grip test and poorer performance in the visible platform task, when compared to non-transgenic mice exposed to identical insult. CONCLUSIONS: Oxygen free radicals play an important role in the pathogenesis of perinatal hypoxia. Overexpression of the enzyme CuZnSOD1 in transgenic mice exposed their brains to increased damage during ischemic-reperfusion insult.