Tranexamic Acid for the Prevention of Blood Loss after Cesarean Delivery.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic administration of tranexamic acid has been associated with reduced postpartum blood loss after cesarean delivery in several small trials, but evidence of its benefit in this clinical context remains inconclusive. METHODS: In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, we assigned women undergoing cesarean delivery before or during labor at 34 or more gestational weeks to receive an intravenously administered prophylactic uterotonic agent and either tranexamic acid (1 g) or placebo. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage, defined as a calculated estimated blood loss greater than 1000 ml or receipt of a red-cell transfusion within 2 days after delivery. Secondary outcomes included gravimetrically estimated blood loss, provider-assessed clinically significant postpartum hemorrhage, use of additional uterotonic agents, and postpartum blood transfusion. RESULTS: Of the 4551 women who underwent randomization, 4431 underwent cesarean delivery, 4153 (93.7%) of whom had primary outcome data available. The primary outcome occurred in 556 of 2086 women (26.7%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 653 of 2067 (31.6%) in the placebo group (adjusted risk ratio, 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.94; P = 0.003). There were no significant between-group differences in mean gravimetrically estimated blood loss or in the percentage of women with provider-assessed clinically significant postpartum hemorrhage, use of additional uterotonic agents, or postpartum blood transfusion. Thromboembolic events in the 3 months after delivery occurred in 0.4% of women (8 of 2049) who received tranexamic acid and in 0.1% of women (2 of 2056) who received placebo (adjusted risk ratio, 4.01; 95% CI, 0.85 to 18.92; P = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Among women who underwent cesarean delivery and received prophylactic uterotonic agents, tranexamic acid treatment resulted in a significantly lower incidence of calculated estimated blood loss greater than 1000 ml or red-cell transfusion by day 2 than placebo, but it did not result in a lower incidence of hemorrhage-related secondary clinical outcomes. (Funded by the French Ministry of Health; TRAAP2 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03431805.).

Trisomy 22: First and Second Trimester Cytogenetic Analysis and Phenotypic Presentation in a Series of Seven Cases.

INTRODUCTION: Trisomy 22 is a chromosomal disorder rarely encountered prenatally. Even fewer live births are observed and generally correspond to confined placental mosaic trisomy 22, or even more uncommonly, to true fetal mosaic trisomy 22. CASE PRESENTATION: We examine and describe a series of seven cases of trisomy 22 encountered prenatally in terms of their cytogenetic and phenotypic presentations and discuss their interrelationships along with case management and outcomes. We aimed to identify aspects of prenatal data suggestive of fetal trisomy 22 and to determine whether a prognosis can be established from these factors. CONCLUSION: Our conclusion is that prenatal data elements can provide key elements of information to guide multidisciplinary care and support for the couple and the neonate.

Fetal Anemia: Determinants and Perinatal Outcomes according to the Method of Intrauterine Blood Transfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal anemia from hemolytic disease treated by intrauterine transfusion (IUT) can be performed by intraperitoneal, intracardiac, and intravascular transfusion (IVT). Objective of our study was to compare different transfusion techniques. METHODS: Retrospective review of IUT secondary to red cell alloimmunization was conducted at eight international centers from 2012 to 2020. Severe anemia suspected if middle cerebral artery peaks systolic velocity ≥1.5 multiples of the median. Demographic, delivery, and postnatal variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Total of 344 procedures, 325 IVT and 19 other techniques (non-IVT) included. No difference in demographics, history of stillbirth (20.5 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.7), prior pregnancy IUT (25.6 vs. 31.6%, p = 0.5) or neonatal transfusion (36.1 vs. 43.8%, p = 0.5). At first IUT, non-IVT had higher hydrops (42.1% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.03), lower starting hematocrit (13.3% [±6] vs. 17.7% [±8.2], p = 0.04), and trend toward lower gestational age (24.6 [20.1-27] vs. 26.4 [23.2-29.6] weeks, p = 0.08). No difference in birthweight, neonatal phototherapy, exchange, or simple transfusion was observed. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest studies comparing techniques to treat fetal anemia. IVT was most performed, other techniques were more likely performed in hydrops, and lower starting hematocrit was seen. Neither technique affected outcomes. This study may suggest that physician's experience may be the strongest contributor of outcomes.

Efficacy of early intrauterine balloon tamponade for immediate postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Many questions remain about the appropriate use of intrauterine balloon devices in postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery refractory to first-line uterotonics. Available data suggest that early use of intrauterine balloon tamponade might be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effect of intrauterine balloon tamponade used in combination with second-line uterotonics vs intrauterine balloon tamponade used after the failure of second-line uterotonic treatment on the rate of severe postpartum hemorrhage in women with postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery refractory to first-line uterotonics. STUDY DESIGN: This multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, nonblinded trial was conducted at 18 hospitals and enrolled 403 women who had just given birth vaginally at 35 to 42 weeks of gestation. The inclusion criteria were a postpartum hemorrhage refractory to first-line uterotonics (oxytocin) and requiring a second-line uterotonic treatment with sulprostone (E1 prostaglandin). In the study group, the sulprostone infusion was combined with intrauterine tamponade by an ebb balloon performed within 15 minutes of randomization. In the control group, the sulprostone infusion was started alone within 15 minutes of randomization, and if bleeding persisted 30 minutes after the start of sulprostone infusion, intrauterine tamponade using the ebb balloon was performed. In both groups, if the bleeding persisted 30 minutes after the insertion of the balloon, an emergency radiological or surgical invasive procedure was performed. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who either received ≥3 units of packed red blood cells or had a calculated peripartum blood loss of >1000 mL. The prespecified secondary outcomes were the proportions of women who had a calculated blood loss of ≥1500 mL, any transfusion, an invasive procedure and women who were transferred to the intensive care unit. The analysis of the primary outcome with the triangular test was performed sequentially throughout the trial period. RESULTS: At the eighth interim analysis, the independent data monitoring committee concluded that the incidence of the primary outcome did not differ between the 2 groups and stopped inclusions. After 11 women were excluded because they met an exclusion criterion or withdrew their consent, 199 and 193 women remained in the study and control groups, respectively, for the intention-to-treat analysis. The women's baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Peripartum hematocrit level change, which was needed for the calculation of the primary outcome, was missing for 4 women in the study group and 2 women in the control group. The primary outcome occurred in 131 of 195 women (67.2%) in the study group and 142 of 191 women (74.3%) in the control group (risk ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.03). The groups did not differ substantially for rates of calculated peripartum blood loss pf ≥1500 mL, any transfusion, invasive procedure, and admission to an intensive care unit. Endometritis occurred in 5 women (2.7%) in the study group and none in the control group (P=.06). CONCLUSION: The early use of intrauterine balloon tamponade did not reduce the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage compared with its use after the failure of second-line uterotonic treatment and before recourse to invasive procedures.

Arabin pessary to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (PESSARONE).

BACKGROUND: The number of twin pregnancies continues to increase worldwide as both the number of pregnancies obtained by medically assisted reproduction and age at first pregnancy keep rising. Preterm delivery is the major complication associated with twin pregnancies. The effectiveness of preventive treatments such as progesterone or cervical cerclage for women with a short cervix is doubtful in twin pregnancies. The effectivity of cervical pessaries in preventing preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality is also controversial. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate if the Arabin pessary reduces adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. STUDY DESIGN: This open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial on twin pregnancies with a cervical length of <35 mm compared pessary placement at 16+0 to 24+0 weeks' gestation with standard care alone. The primary endpoint was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, namely peripartum or neonatal death or significant neonatal morbidity before hospital discharge, defined as at least 1 of the following complications: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III to IV, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis grade II or higher, culture-proven sepsis, and retinopathy requiring treatment. A sample size of 308 pregnancies was planned to ensure 80% power to compare the proportions of women with at least 1 infant with an adverse neonatal outcome. The intention-to-treat analysis after multiple imputation of missing data, was supplemented with a secondary analysis that controlled for gestational age and cervical length, both at inclusion. The primary endpoint was also compared between randomization groups in the per-protocol population, which excluded patients with prespecified major protocol violations (mostly cervical cerclage and/or progesterone after inclusion). Secondary endpoints included preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and pessary side effects. RESULTS: In total, 315 women were randomized to either receive a pessary (n=157) or standard management (n=158). Overall, 10.8% (34 women) of participants had a missing value for the primary endpoint, mostly (79%) because of the lack of paternal consent for neonatal data collection. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 16.8% of the pessary group vs in 22.5% of the control group (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.23; P=.210). The per-protocol analysis did not show any significant difference between groups (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.28; P=.320). The occurrence of preterm birth or spontaneous preterm birth did not differ significantly between groups. No serious side effects were associated with pessary use. CONCLUSION: Pessary use in our study did not significantly reduce adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention of blood loss after cesarean among women with twins: a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although prophylactic tranexamic acid administration after cesarean delivery resulted in a lower incidence of calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or red cell transfusion by day 2, its failure to reduce the incidence of hemorrhage-related secondary clinical outcomes (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial) makes its use questionable. The magnitude of its effect may differ in women at higher risk of blood loss, including those with multiple pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effect of tranexamic acid vs placebo to prevent blood loss after cesarean delivery among women with multiple pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial data, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial from March 2018 to January 2020 in 27 French maternity hospitals, that included 319 women with multiple pregnancies. Women with a cesarean delivery before or during labor at ≥34 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive intravenously 1 g of tranexamic acid (n=160) or placebo (n=159), both with prophylactic uterotonics. The primary outcome was a calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or a red blood cell transfusion by 2 days after delivery. The secondary outcomes included clinical and laboratory blood loss measurements. RESULTS: Of the 4551 women randomized in this trial, 319 had a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, and 298 (93.4%) had primary outcome data available. This outcome occurred in 62 of 147 women (42.2%) in the tranexamic acid group and 67 of 152 (44.1%) receiving placebo (adjusted risk ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.38; P=.86). No significant between-group differences occurred for any hemorrhage-related clinical outcomes: gravimetrically estimated blood loss, provider-assessed clinically significant hemorrhage, additional uterotonics, postpartum blood transfusion, arterial embolization, and emergency surgery (P>.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Among women with a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, prophylactic tranexamic acid did not reduce the incidence of any blood loss-related outcomes.

Antenatal management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia: What's next ?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia can be diagnosed in the prenatal period and its severity can be measured by fetal imaging. There is now level I evidence that, in selected cases, Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion with a balloon increases survival to discharge from the neonatal unit as well as the risk for prematurity. Both effects are dependent on the time point of tracheal occlusion. Fetoscopic Endoluminal Tracheal Occlusion may also lead to iatrogenic death when the balloon cannot be timely retrieved. The implementation of the findings from our clinical studies, may also vary based on local conditions. These may be different in terms of available skill set, access to fetal therapy, as well as outcome based on local neonatal management. We encourage prior benchmarking of local outcomes with optimal postnatal management, based on large enough numbers and using identical criteria as in the recent trials. We propose to work further on prenatal prediction methods, and the improvement of fetal intervention. In this manuscript, we describe a research agenda from a fetal medicine perspective. This research should be in parallel with innovation in neonatal and pediatric (surgical) management of this condition.

Fetoscopic Release of Amniotic Band Syndrome: An Update.

Amniotic band syndrome is a rare condition. There have been few cases reported of fetoscopic band dissection. The aim of this case series is to report 3 cases of fetoscopic treatment for amniotic band syndrome, including indication for surgery, technical aspects, complications and outcomes. Fetoscopic treatment was performed respectively at 23 5/7 , 26 5/7 and 18 3/7 weeks' gestation. Two procedures were performed with a laser fiber through a single trocar whereas one surgery was performed with scissors. In conclusion, fetoscopic release of the amniotic bands in case of amniotic band syndrome is feasible with encouraging results in order to prevent amputation and dysfunction of the extremities.

3D-printed simulator for nasopharyngeal swab collection for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: Testing for COVID-19 is a cornerstone of pandemic control. If conducted inappropriately, nasopharyngeal swab collection can be painful and preanalytical sample collection errors may lead to false negative results. Our objective was to develop a realistic and easily available synthetic simulator for nasopharyngeal swab collection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nasopharyngeal swab collection simulator was designed through different development steps: segmentation, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D printing. The model was 3D printed using PolyJet technology, which allows multi-material printing using hard and soft materials. RESULTS: The simulator splits in the parasagittal plane close to the septum to allow better visualization and understanding of nasal cavity landmarks. The model is able to simulate the softness and texture of different structural elements. The simulator allows the user to conduct realistic nasopharyngeal swab collection. A colored pad on the posterior wall of the nasopharynx provides real-time feedback to the user. The simulator also permits incorrect swab insertion, which is of obvious benefit from a training perspective. Comprehensive 3D files for printing and full instructions for manufacturing the simulator is freely available online via an open access link. CONCLUSION: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a nasopharyngeal swab collection simulator which can be produced by 3D printing via an open access link, which offers complete operating instructions.

Evaluation of Sequential Urine Analysis when Selecting Candidates for Vesicoamniotic Shunting in Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the utility of sequential fetal urine analysis in severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) when selecting cases suitable for vesicoamniotic shunting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of severe LUTO treated in our fetal medicine center from 1994 to 2013. Two fetal bladder samples were taken 24-48 h apart to assess renal function. A vesicoamniotic shunt was inserted in case of improvement in urinary biochemistry between the 2 samples. We assessed perinatal morbidity and mortality and renal function at 5 years. RESULTS: Among a total of 26 LUTO cases with sequential urine analysis, 5 showed normal urinary biochemistry, 13 were abnormal, and 8 improved between the 2 samples. These 8 cases underwent vesicoamniotic shunt placement, leading to the birth of 6/8 (75%) live infants, 5/6 (83%) of whom had normal renal function at 5 years. The 5 cases with normal biochemistry occasioned 2 neonatal deaths and 3 children with normal renal function at 5 years. Elective termination of pregnancy was requested by parents for the fetuses exhibiting abnormal biochemistry. CONCLUSION: An improvement in urinary biochemistry between 2 sequential fetal bladder punctures in severe LUTO could be an effective criterion in the selection of candidates for vesicoamniotic shunting. However, the benefit of a shunt in fetuses with normal amniotic fluid remains to be evaluated in clinical trials.

Is laterality of congenital diaphragmatic hernia a reliable prognostic factor? French national cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess whether the laterality of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was a prognostic factor for neonatal survival. METHODS: This was a cohort study using the French national database of the Reference Center for Diaphragmatic Hernias. The principal endpoint was survival after hospitalization in intensive care. We made a comparative study between right CDH and left CDH by univariate and multivariate analysis. Terminations and stillbirths were excluded from analyses of neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 506 CDH were included with 67 (13%) right CDH and 439 left CDH (87%). Rate of survival was 49% for right CDH and 74% for left CDH (P < .01). Multivariate analysis showed two factors significantly associated with mortality: thoracic herniation of liver (OR 2.27; IC 95% [1.07-4.76]; P = .03) and lung-to-head-ratio over under expected (OR 2.99; IC 95% [1.41-6.36]; P < .01). Side of CDH was not significantly associated with mortality (OR 1.87; IC 95% [0.61-5.51], P = .26). CONCLUSION: Rate of right CDH mortality is more important than left CDH. Nevertheless after adjusting for lung-to-head-ratio and thoracic herniation of liver, right CDH does not have a higher risk of mortality than left CDH.

Rationale and design of ePPOP-ID: a multicenter randomized controlled trial using an electronic-personalized program for obesity in pregnancy to improve delivery.

BACKGROUND: Pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are established risk factors for adverse pregnancy, delivery and birth outcomes. Pregnancy is an ideal moment for nutritional interventions in order to establish healthier lifestyle behaviors in women at high risk of obstetric and neonatal complications. METHODS: Electronic-Personalized Program for Obesity during Pregnancy to Improve Delivery (ePPOP-ID) is an open multicenter randomized controlled trial which will assess the efficacy of an e-health web-based platform offering a personalized lifestyle program to obese pregnant women in order to reduce the rate of labor procedures and delivery interventions in comparison to standard care. A total of 860 eligible pregnant women will be recruited in 18 centers in France between 12 and 22 weeks of gestation, randomized into the intervention or the control arm and followed until 10 weeks of postpartum. The intervention is based on nutrition, eating behavior, physical activity, motivation and well-being advices in which personalization is central, as well as the use of a mobile/tablet application. Inputs includes data from the medical record of participants (medical history, anthropometric data), from the web platform (questionnaires on dietary habits, eating behavior, physical activity and motivation in both groups), and adherence to the program (time of connection for the intervention group only). Data are collected at inclusion, 32 weeks, delivery and 10 weeks postpartum. As primary outcome, we will use a composite endpoint score of obstetrical interventions during labor and delivery, defined as caesarean section and instrumental delivery (forceps and vacuum extractor). Secondary outcomes will consist of data routinely collected as part of usual antenatal and perinatal care, such as GWG, hypertension, preeclampsia, as well as fetal and neonatal outcomes including premature birth, gestational age at birth, birth weight, macrosomia, Apgar score, arterial umbilical cord pH, neonatal traumatism, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress syndrome, transfer in neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal adiposity. Post-natal outcomes will be duration of breastfeeding, maternal weight retention and child weight at postnatal visit. DISCUSSION: The findings of the ePPOP-ID trial will help design e-health intervention program for obese women in pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02924636 / October 5th 2016.

Evaluation of a new balloon for fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in the nonhuman primate model.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a new balloon called "Smart-TO," which allows noninvasive and easy unplugging, thanks to a magnetic valve actuated by the magnetic fringe field of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The objective of this feasibility study was to evaluate the operation of this new balloon in a nonhuman primate model. METHODS: Four pregnant rhesus monkeys underwent fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion using the "Smart-TO" balloon. The pregnant monkeys were simply carried around the perimeter of an MRI scanner a few days later. Study outcomes were feasibility of fetal tracheal occlusion using the "Smart-TO" balloon, persistence of the balloon in the fetal trachea, and deflation of the balloon when subjected to the magnetic fringe field of an MRI. RESULTS: At the time of the unplug procedure, in all cases, the balloon was still in a correct position, and its shape did not change based on their ultrasound appearance. After bringing the pregnant monkeys into the fringe field of the MRI scanner, the balloon deflated in all cases. CONCLUSION: The balloon we developed allows noninvasive, easily triggered, and externally controlled reversal occlusion, based on the nonhuman primate model. Further tests evaluating occlusiveness and potential adverse effects are necessary.

Predicting the difficulty of operative vaginal delivery by ultrasound measurement of fetal head station.

BACKGROUND: Clinical assessment of fetal head station is difficult and subjective; it is mandatory before attempting operative vaginal delivery. OBJECTIVE: The principal objective of our study was to assess whether measurement of the perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance was predictive of a difficult operative vaginal delivery. Secondary objectives included evaluation of the interobserver reproducibility of perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance and comparison of this measurement and digital examination in predicting a difficult operative delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study including all cases of operative vaginal deliveries in singleton pregnancies in cephalic presentation >34 weeks' gestation, from 2012 through 2015. All data were entered prospectively in a medical record system specially devised to meet the requirements of this study. RESULTS: Of the 659 patients in whom perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance was measured prior to operative vaginal delivery, 120 (18%) met the composite criterion for a difficult extraction. Perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance measurement of ≥40 mm was significantly associated with the occurrence of a difficult extraction based on the composite criterion, after adjustment for parity, presentation type, and fetal macrosomia (odds ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.51-3.74; P = .0002). The intraclass correlation coefficient between the perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance measured by the first operator and that measured by the second operator was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-0.97; P < .0001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, perineum-to-skull ultrasound distance was a more accurate predictor of difficult operative delivery than digital vaginal examination (P = .036). CONCLUSION: Measurement of the perineum-fetal skull ultrasound distance is a reproducible and predictive index of the difficulty of instrumental extraction. Ultrasound is a useful supplementary tool to the usual clinical findings.

A comparison of vaginal ultrasound and digital examination in predicting preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of digital examination in addition to ultrasonic measurement of cervical length for predicting spontaneous preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study in Strasbourg University Hospital, France, between January 2013 and January 2015. All women with a singleton pregnancy hospitalized with threatened preterm labor between 23 and 34 weeks of gestation were included. Cases of iatrogenic preterm delivery were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the significant predictive parameters of spontaneous preterm delivery was performed. The primary endpoint of our study was a preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: A total of 395 women were included in our study. The rate of preterm delivery before 34 weeks was 13%. In univariate analysis every single cervical parameter assessed by the digital examination and all the ultrasound parameters were significantly associated with preterm delivery. The final model included five variables predicting preterm birth: visualization of the membranes at the speculum examination (OR 15.8, 95% CI 2.43-146), ultrasound cervical length (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.75-0.89), signs of inflammation (OR 6.23, 95% CI 2.07-22.9), gestational age on admission (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-1.0), and presence of vaginal infection (OR 4.28, 95% CI 1.52-12.7). None of the cervical parameters assessed by the digital examination provided additional predictive value of preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that digital examination does not add to the information given by vaginal ultrasound evaluation in predicting preterm labor.

Two-year outcomes after diagnostic and therapeutic fetal cystoscopy for lower urinary tract obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to report long-term outcome after fetal cystoscopy for lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), as well as to investigate the accuracy of fetal cystoscopy in diagnosing the cause of bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all fetuses who underwent cystoscopy for prenatal diagnosis of LUTO in three tertiary referral centers. Fetal diagnostic cystoscopy was performed to determine prenatally the cause of LUTO and to ablate the posterior urethral valves (PUV). RESULTS: A total of 50 fetal cystoscopies were performed, revealing PUV in 31 (62%) fetuses, urethral atresia (UA) in 14 (28%) fetuses, and urethral stenosis (US) in 5 (10%) fetuses. Two fetuses had trisomy 18 diagnosed after fetal cystoscopy and were excluded from the present analysis. Fetal cystoscopy was accurate in the diagnosis of the etiology of LUTO in 32/35 (91.4%). There were no survivors in the UA group. One fetus with US underwent urethral stenting and survived with normal renal function at 2 years of life. Among the infants with PUV, 17/30 (56.7%) infants survived, and 13/17 (76.5%) had normal renal function at 1 year of life; 15/28 (53.6%) infants survived, and 11/15 (73.3%) had normal renal function at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal cystoscopy is accurate in the diagnosis of the etiology of LUTO and serves as a guide to the specific prenatal treatment. This procedure is associated with modest long-term survival (54%) but with adequate preserved normal renal function in two thirds of the infants among fetuses with PUV.

Evaluation of long-term neurodevelopment in twin-twin transfusion syndrome after laser therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the long-term neurodevelopment outcome after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). The secondary objective was to identify perinatal prognostic factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. METHOD: This was a single-center cohort prospective study carried out in pregnancies complicated by TTTS and treated by laser. Neurodevleopmental assesment included the administration of Ages and Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ), for the infants between 2 and 5 years of age. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients underwent a laser for TTTS between 2004 and 2013. Significant brain lesions were detected in eight (2.9%) cases by ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging including intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and porencephaly. Questionnaires were administered to 126 children (50.4%) at 24 months or older at the moment of testing. There were 13.5% of those infants who had an abnormal ASQ (established as one area or more scoring < 2 SD) at 3.6 years ±1.3 follow-up. There was a higher rate of abnormal ASQ among the infants with a birth weight below the fifth percentile (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome is associated with a risk of abnormal neurological development, even in case of laser surgery. Further studies are necessary to identify the risk factors for neurological impairment. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Growth Patterns of Fetal Lung Volumes in Healthy Fetuses and Fetuses With Isolated Left-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate fetal lung growth using 3-dimensional sonography in healthy fetuses and those with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: Right and total lung volumes were serially evaluated by 3-dimensional sonography in 66 healthy fetuses and 52 fetuses with left-sided CDH between 20 and 37 weeks' menstrual age. Functions fitted to these parameters were compared for 2 groups: (1) healthy versus those with CDH; and (2) fetuses with CHD who survived versus those who died. RESULTS: Fetal right and total lung volumes as well as fetal observed-to-expected right and total lung volume ratios were significantly lower in fetuses with CDH than healthy fetuses (P< .001) and in those fetuses with CDH who died (P< .001). The observed-to-expected right and total lung volume ratios did not vary with menstrual age in healthy fetuses or in those with CDH (independent of outcome). CONCLUSIONS: Lung volume rates were lower in fetuses with left-sided CDH compared to healthy fetuses, as well as in fetuses with CDH who died compared to those who survived. The observed-to-expected right and total lung volume ratios were relatively constant throughout menstrual age in fetuses with left-sided CDH, suggesting that the origin of their lung growth abnormalities occurred before 20 weeks and did not progress. The observed-to-expected ratios may be useful in predicting the outcome in fetuses with CDH independent of menstrual age.

Improving the Prediction of Neonatal Outcomes in Isolated Left-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia by Direct and Indirect Sonographic Assessment of Liver Herniation.

OBJECTIVES: Liver herniation can be assessed sonographically by either a direct (liver-to-thoracic area ratio) or an indirect (stomach position) method. Our objective was to evaluate the utility of those methods to assess liver herniation for the prediction of neonatal outcomes in patients with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with CDH who had prenatal assessment and were delivered at Texas Children's Hospital between January 2004 and April 2014. The predictive value of sonographic parameters for mortality and the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was evaluated by univariate, multivariate, and factor analysis and by receiver operating characteristics curves. RESULTS: A total of 77 fetuses with isolated left-sided CDH were analyzed. The lung-to-head ratio, liver-to-thorax ratio, and stomach position (according to the classifications of Kitano et al [Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2011; 37:277-282] and Cordier et al [J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2015; 28:190-195]) were significantly associated with both neonatal outcomes (P < .03). Significant correlations were observed between all of these sonographic parameters. A combination of the liver-to-thorax ratio and stomach position (Kitano) or stomach position (Cordier) with the lung-to-head ratio increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the lung-to-head ratio for mortality prediction (0.86 [95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.98], 0.83 [0.72-0.95], and 0.83 [0.74-0.92], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic measurements of liver herniation (liver-to-thorax ratio and stomach position) are predictive of neonatal outcomes in isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Our study shows that the combination of those sonographic measurements of liver herniation and lung size improves the accuracy of predicting mortality in those fetuses.

Treatment of a Fetal Tracheal Obstruction by Fetoscopy and Laser.

We report below a case of in utero tracheoscopy with laser collapse of a bronchogenic cyst obstructing the fetal trachea. The patient was referred for ultrasonography at 24 weeks of gestation because of fetal hydrops. Tracheoscopy was performed via fetoscopic approach using a single trocar under local anesthesia with lidocaine and ultrasound guidance. This revealed an image suggestive of a cyst obstructing the middle third at the anterior base of the trachea. Coagulation using a diode laser enabled us to collapse this fluid-filled cyst with three 10-watt bursts (3 times 3 s) and to visualize a completely unobstructed tracheobronchial tree with significant pulmonary fluid reflux on removal of the obstacle. The fetal condition improved markedly within 48 h after the procedure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first described case of in utero treatment of a tracheal obstruction by tracheoscopy and laser. In severe cases of obstruction of the fetal airways, whether the obstacle is situated in a high or low position, fetal endoscopy is of diagnostic and potentially therapeutic utility.