Intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation is associated with fetal cardiac concentric hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in preterm labor and preterm prelabor rupture of membranes.

BACKGROUND: Preterm delivery is associated with cardiovascular remodeling and dysfunction in children and adults. However, it is unknown whether these effects are caused by the neonatal consequences of preterm birth or if these are already present in utero. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated fetal cardiac morphology and function in fetuses of mothers admitted for preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and the association of these changes with the presence of intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective cohort study, fetal echocardiography and amniocentesis were performed at admission in singleton pregnant women with preterm labor and/or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes between 24.0 and 34.0 weeks' gestation with (intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group, n=41) and without intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (non-intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation, n=54). Controls (n=48) were outpatient pregnant women without preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Intra-amniotic infection was defined by a positive amniotic fluid culture or positive 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined by using the amniotic fluid interleukin-6 cutoff levels previously reported by our group being >1.43 ng/mL in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and >13.4 ng/mL in preterm labor. Fetal cardiac morphology and function was evaluated using echocardiography, and troponin-I and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations were measured in amniotic fluid from women with preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and compared with 20 amniotic fluid Biobank samples obtained for reasons other than preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes or cardiac pathology. The data were adjusted for the estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile and for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes at admission and also for gestational age at amniocentesis when amniotic fluid biomarkers were compared. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2021, 143 fetuses were included; 95 fetuses were from mothers admitted with a diagnosis of preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, and among those, 41 (28.7%) were in the intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group and 54 (37.8%) were in the non-intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group. A total of 48 (33.6%) fetuses were included in the control group. Fetuses with preterm labor and/or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes had signs of subclinical cardiac concentric hypertrophy (median left wall thickness of 0.93 [interquartile range, 0.72-1.16] in the intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group; 0.79 [0.66-0.92] in the non-intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group; and 0.69 [0.56-0.83] in controls; P<.001) and diastolic dysfunction (tricuspid A duration 0.23 seconds [0.21-0.25], 0.24 [0.22-0.25], and 0.21 [0.2-0.23]; P=.007). Systolic function was similar among groups. Higher values of amniotic fluid troponin I (1413 pg/mL [927-2334], 1190 [829-1636], and 841 [671-959]; P<.001) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide were detected (35.0%, 17%, and 0%; P=.005) in fetuses with preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes when compared with the control group. The highest N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentrations were found in the intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation group. CONCLUSION: Fetuses with preterm labor or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes showed signs of cardiac remodeling and subclinical dysfunction, which were more pronounced in those exposed to intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation. These findings support that the cardiovascular effects observed in children and adults born preterm have, at least in part, a prenatal origin.

Impact of maternal bariatric surgery on offspring perinatal cardiac function: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perinatal cardiac function in offspring of women with previous bariatric surgery and examine its association with maternal glucose control. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Maternity unit, UK. POPULATION: Fifty-four fetuses/neonates; 29 of post-bariatric surgery women and 25 of women without surgery. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal observational study of pregnant women with and without previous bariatric surgery, matched for early pregnancy body mass index. Cardiac function of all offspring was assessed by two-dimensional conventional, spectral tissue Doppler and speckle-tracking echocardiography at 35-37 weeks of gestation and at 5-7 weeks of age. Maternal glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured at 27-30 weeks of gestation. Maternal demographics and fetal/infant cardiac function indices were compared between the groups. Correlation coefficient (r) is reported. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fetal/infant cardiac function indices. RESULTS: Compared with no-bariatric neonates, offspring of post-bariatric women were smaller at birth (birthweight centiles: 64.96 ± 36.41 versus 40.17 ± 27.99; p = 0.007). There were no significant differences in fetal/infant cardiac function indices and perinatal cardiac changes, between groups. There was a positive correlation between maternal HbA1c and fetal left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (r = 0.33) and LV longitudinal strain rate (r = 0.29), suggesting an inverse relation between HbA1c and fetal LV systolic function, but this was mainly seen in offspring of women with no previous bariatric surgery (r = 0.56 and r = 0.50, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal bariatric surgery does not appear to inadvertently affect the offspring cardiac performance. We found an inverse correlation between maternal HbA1c levels and fetal LV systolic function but this was mainly seen in the no-bariatric pregnancies.

Isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree atrioventricular block in the fetus: natural history and predictive factors for spontaneous recovery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical course of fetal isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) and the factors associated with spontaneous recovery in these cases. METHODS: Fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB were recruited prospectively between 2014 and 2022. These fetuses were divided into two groups: those which recovered spontaneously and those which did not. Maternal and fetal characteristics and intrauterine and postnatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The study cohort included 20 fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB, diagnosed at a median gestational age of 22.0 (range, 17.0-35.0) weeks. In 12 fetuses, 1:1 atrioventricular conduction was restored spontaneously in utero and there was no recurrence during the postnatal follow-up period. In the remaining eight fetuses, second-degree AVB was maintained and, in six of these, the pregnancy was terminated on parental request. Of the two liveborn children who had persistent second-degree AVB prenatally, one had progressed to complete AVB at the latest follow-up, at the age of 34 months, but was asymptomatic, without heart enlargement or dysfunction. The other child progressed to complete AVB after delivery and was diagnosed with type-2 long QT syndrome. This infant died aged 2 months. Fetuses in the group that recovered spontaneously had earlier gestational age at diagnosis (median, 20.0 (range, 17.0-26.0) vs 24.5 (range, 18.0-35.0) weeks; P = 0.004) and higher atrial rate at diagnosis (median, 147 (range, 130-160) vs 138 (range, 125-149) bpm; P = 0.006) in comparison with the group that did not recover spontaneously. The best cut-off values for prediction of failure to recover spontaneously were 22.5 weeks' gestational age at diagnosis and 144 bpm atrial rate at diagnosis, with sensitivities of 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, and specificities of 92.0% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of 60% of fetuses with isolated non-immune-mediated second-degree AVB was favorable. Earlier gestational age and higher atrial rate at diagnosis were associated with spontaneous reversion to normal sinus rhythm. Prenatal genetic testing should be performed in cases with persistent AVB, to exclude heritable disorders including long QT syndrome. These findings provide important information for clinical management and prenatal counseling in these cases. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Assessment of fetal cardiac function in pregnant women with anemia: prospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare fetal cardiac function in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) vs healthy pregnant controls. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, case-control study conducted in a tertiary hospital between November 2022 and September 2023. Women diagnosed with IDA who attended as outpatients at the pregnancy follow-up clinic at 30-34 weeks' gestation or who were hospitalized for intravenous iron treatment owing to profound anemia were included. The control group consisted of randomly selected gestational-age-matched pregnant women with no obstetric complications or comorbidities and who did not have anemia. Patients underwent two-dimensional imaging, followed by pulsed-wave Doppler and M-mode and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) to evaluate fetal cardiac function. A fetal cardiac score was calculated using systolic, diastolic and global hemodynamic function parameters, and was compared between patients with IDA and those without. The fetal cardiac score was also assessed according to the severity of anemia in the IDA group. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients, comprising 50 patients with IDA and 100 healthy pregnant women at 30-34 weeks' gestation, were included in the study. Of the patients with IDA, 20 had mild, 18 had moderate and 12 had severe anemia. The fetal myocardial performance index and isovolumetric relaxation time were significantly higher in the IDA group compared with the control group (P < 0.0001 for both), while isovolumetric contraction time was similar. Among the fetal tricuspid and mitral valve diastolic parameters, the E, A and E/A values were significantly lower in the IDA group (P < 0.05 for all). Mitral (MAPSE) and tricuspid (TAPSE) annular plane systolic excursions were significantly lower in the IDA group (P < 0.05 for both). The IDA group also had significantly lower values for the TDI parameters mitral and tricuspid E', A', S' and E'/A' ratio and a significantly higher E/E' ratio (P < 0.05 for all). Among the IDA subgroups, a significant decrease was observed in the tricuspid and mitral A, E and E/A ratio in fetuses whose mothers had severe anemia (P = 0.001). M-mode Doppler analysis revealed significantly lower fetal TAPSE and MAPSE in the patient group with severe maternal anemia (P = 0.001 for both). According to the subgroup comparison of TDI findings, the fetuses of mothers with severe anemia had significantly lower tricuspid and mitral E', A', S' and E'/A' ratio values and a significantly higher E/E' ratio (P < 0.05 for all). The fetal cardiac score was significantly higher in the maternal IDA group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between maternal hemoglobin level and fetal cardiac score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed differences in fetal systolic and diastolic cardiac function in pregnancies with maternal IDA. Fetal cardiac function was affected more among patients with severe anemia. This study found an increased E/E' ratio in the fetuses of pregnant women with IDA, suggesting decreased fetal heart maturation. Prenatal fetal cardiac evaluation, especially in women with severe anemia, can facilitate a more seamless transition to the postnatal period for these newborns. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Anatomical and physiological diagnostic discrepancies in fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease in a contemporary cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Image quality of fetal echocardiography (FE) has improved in the recent era, but few recent studies have reported the accuracy of FE, specifically in single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to assess the ability of FE to correctly predict SV-CHD postnatal anatomy and physiology in a contemporary cohort. METHODS: The contemporary clinical reports of patients with SV-CHD, in which FE was performed between July 2017 and July 2021, were compared with postnatal echocardiograms from a formal quality assurance program. SV fetuses were grouped by anatomical subtype. Diagnostic errors were designated as major if the error would have caused significant alteration in parental counseling or postnatal management. The remaining errors were classified as minor. Physiological discrepancies, including prostaglandin-E (PGE) dependency, atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR), pulmonary venous obstruction and restrictive atrial septum (RAS), were assessed by chart review of the postnatal course. RESULTS: A total of 119 subjects were analyzed. SV subtypes in the cohort included hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (n = 68), tricuspid atresia (n = 16), double-inlet left ventricle (n = 12), unbalanced atrioventricular canal (UAVC) (n = 11), heterotaxy (n = 9) and other (n = 3). The rate of major anatomical and physiological errors was low (n = 6 (5.0%)). A higher proportion of minor errors was noted in HLHS and tricuspid atresia, but the differences were not statistically significant. Physiological discrepancies were uncommon, with three major discrepancies, including underestimation of the degree of venous obstruction in one non-HLHS fetus with total anomalous pulmonary venous return, overestimation of RAS in one HLHS fetus and incorrect prediction of PGE dependency in one case false-negative for pulmonary blood flow. No discrepancy in degree of AVVR or RAS affected postnatal care. Minor physiological discrepancies included two false-positive predictions of PGE dependency with one false-positive for ductal-dependent systemic flow and one false-positive for pulmonary blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary review of FE at our center, there was high accuracy in describing anatomical and physiological findings in SV-CHD. Major physiological discrepancies were uncommon but included important cases of false-negative prediction of PGE dependency and underestimation of obstruction of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. These data can inform more accurate counseling of families with SV-CHD fetuses and guide diagnostic improvement efforts. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Cardiac adaptation and malformation in twin-twin transfusion syndrome and selective fetal growth restriction: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review explores cardiac adaptation in monochorionic (MC) twins with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) and assesses the risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs). METHODS: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 63 studies were reviewed (49 on cardiac adaptation, 13 on CHD, one on both). A narrative synthesis of cardiac adaptation patterns was performed. Additionally, a meta-analysis compared the livebirth prevalence of CHD in TTTS and sFGR against uncomplicated MC twins. RESULTS: In TTTS recipients, cardiac function may be impaired for diastolic, systolic, as well as global functions, while in donors, cardiac function is generally preserved. In sFGR, large twins may show hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and small twins may show impaired systolic function. Co-occurrence of TTTS and sFGR magnifies cardiac impact but is often underreported. Meta-analysis for CHD prevalence revealed a relative risk ratio of 3.5 (95% CI: 2.5-4.9) for TTTS and 2.2 (95%CI: 1.3-3.5) for sFGR compared with uncomplicated MC twins. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the well-documented cardiac adaptation in TTTS, contrasting with limited understanding in sFGR. Elevated CHD risks were observed in both conditions. Enhanced cardiovascular surveillance is warranted in complicated MC twin pregnancies. Future research should explore cardiac adaptation in sFGR and its long-term consequences.

Ultrasound parameters of arteries and heart in normal fetuses.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no normal ultrasound data of the fetuses during the 20-40 gestation have been obtained for references of fetal growth and development. If such ultrasound data existed for prenatal diagnosis of possible diseases and abnormalities, neonates would be able to get timely treatment immediately after birth. This study was thus performed to obtain ultrasound parameters of normal fetuses during the 20-40 week gestation and the distribution of ultrasound parameters with the gestational age for references of detecting potential fetal diseases and abnormalities. METHODS: Normal fetuses without any abnormalities were enrolled, and the ultrasound parameters of the general biology, arteries, and aorta were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: 417 normal fetuses were enrolled. A significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation with the gestational age was detected in the peak systolic velocity/peak diastolic velocity (S/D), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of the umbilical artery (UA). A relatively stable relationship with the gestational age was detected in the fetal weight%, S/D, PI and RI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and velocity time integral (VTI) of the intra-abdominal UA, fetal heart to chest ratio, mitral valve (MV)- and tricuspid valve (TV)-E/A peak flow velocity, aortic isthmic Z-score and displacement, distance between the brachiocephalic artery-left common carotid artery (BA-LCCA) and LCCA-left subclavian artery (LSA), Z-score of aorta, ascending aorta (AAO), pulmonary artery (PA), main pulmonary artery (MPA), and descending aorta (DAO). A significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation with the gestational age was detected in the fetal biological data, MCA PSV and VTI, free-UA PSV and VTI and cardio-thoracic ratio, cardiac parameters, ductus arteriosus (DA) and isthmus diameter, aortic parameters, PA and MPA diameter, MPA PSV and VTI, isthmus flow volume and velocity and PA flow volume, DA and BA parameters, and LCCA and LSA parameters (flow volume, PSV, and VTI). CONCLUSION: A certain correlation and distribution trend is detected in the ultrasound parameters of normal fetuses, and the ratios among different parameters remain relative stable. These findings can be used for determination of abnormal growth of the fetuses in prenatal ultrasound scan.

How automated techniques ease functional assessment of the fetal heart: Applicability of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography for comprehensive analysis of global and segmental cardiac deformation using fetalHQ®.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function has become increasingly important. Fetal two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) allows the determination of global and segmental functional cardiac parameters. Prenatal diagnostics is relying increasingly on artificial intelligence, whose algorithms transform the way clinicians use ultrasound in their daily workflow. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whether less experienced operators can handle and might benefit from an automated tool of 2D-STE in the clinical routine. METHODS: A total of 136 unselected, normal, singleton, second- and third-trimester fetuses with normofrequent heart rates were examined by targeted ultrasound. 2D-STE was performed separately by beginner and expert semiautomatically using a GE Voluson E10 (FetalHQ®, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). Several fetal cardiac parameters were calculated (end-diastolic diameter [ED], sphericity index [SI], global longitudinal strain [EndoGLS], fractional shortening [FS]) and assigned to gestational age (GA). Bland-Altman plots were used to test agreement between both operators. RESULTS: The mean maternal age was 33 years, and the mean maternal body mass index prior to pregnancy was 24.78 kg/m2. The GA ranged from 16.4 to 32.0 weeks (average 22.9 weeks). Averaged endoGLS value of the beginner was -18.57% ± 6.59 percentage points (pp) for the right and -19.58% ± 5.63 pp for the left ventricle, that of the expert -14.33% ± 4.88 pp and -16.37% ± 5.42 pp. With increasing GA, right ventricular endoGLS decreased slightly while the left ventricular was almost constant. The statistical analysis for endoGLS showed a Bland-Altman-Bias of -4.24 pp ± 8.06 pp for the right and -3.21 pp ± 7.11 pp for the left ventricle. The Bland-Altman-Bias of the ED in both ventricles in all analyzed segments ranged from -.49 mm ± 1.54 mm to -.10 mm ± 1.28 mm, that for FS from -.33 pp ± 11.82 pp to 3.91 pp ± 15.56 pp and that for SI from -.38 ± .68 to -.15 ± .45. CONCLUSIONS: Between both operators, our data indicated that 2D-STE analysis showed excellent agreement for cardiac morphometry parameters (ED and SI), and good agreement for cardiac function parameters (EndoGLS and FS). Due to its complexity, the application of fetal 2D-STE remains the domain of scientific-academic perinatal ultrasound and should be placed preferably in the hands of skilled operators. At present, from our perspective, an implementation into clinical practice "on-the-fly" cannot be recommended.

Review of speckle tracking analysis to measure the size, shape, and contractility of the fetal heart in fetuses with congenital heart defects.

Evaluation of the fetal heart involves two approaches. The first describes a screening protocol in which the heart is imaged in transverse planes that includes the four-chamber view (4CV), left and right outflow tracts, and the 3-vessel-tracheal view. The second approach is a fetal echocardiogram that requires additional cardiac images as well as evaluating ventricular function using diagnostic tools such as M-mode and pulsed Doppler ultrasound. Speckle tracking analysis of the ventricular and atrial endocardium of the fetal heart has focused primarily on computing longitudinal global strain. However, the technology enabling this measurement to occur has recently been adapted to enable the clinician to obtain numerous additional measurements of the size, shape, and contractility of the ventricles and atrial chambers. By using the increased number of measurements derived from speckle tracking analysis, we have reported the ability to screen for tetralogy of Fallot, D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA), and coarctation of the aorta by only imaging the 4CV. In addition, we have found that measurements derived from speckle tracking analysis of the ventricular and atrial chambers can be used to compute the risk for emergent neonatal balloon atrial septostomy in fetuses with D-TGA. The purpose of this review is to consolidate our experience in one source to provide perspective on the benefits of speckle tracking analysis to measure the size, shape, and contractility of the ventricles and atria imaged in the 4CV in fetuses with congenital heart defects.

Utility of the novel fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) technique in diagnosing ventricular interdependence and biventricular dysfunction in a case of prenatally diagnosed Uhl's anomaly.

Uhl's anomaly is characterized by complete or partial absence of right ventricular myocardium. We describe a case of prenatally diagnosed Uhl's anomaly with biventricular dysfunction which was quantified with speckle tracking echocardiography using a novel fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) technique.

Practical Evaluation of the Fetal Cardiac Function.

The fetal heart adapts dynamically to nutrient and oxygen needs from all fetal organs. These continuous changes make it difficult to define normal/abnormal cardiac function based only on the evaluation of a few cycles. Many signs of fetal cardiac dysfunction have been suggested; however, very few can stand as true manifestations of cardiac deterioration, and none has emerged as a single reliable marker of cardiac dysfunction. It is the combination of abnormal findings that provides a more accurate assessment of the status of the fetal heart function.

Umbilical Vein Flows and Cardiac Size, Shape, and Ventricular Contractility in Fetuses With Estimated Weight Less-Than 10th Centile.

OBJECTIVES: In a cohort of patients with estimated fetal weights (EFWs) <10th centile, we aimed 1) to compare the prevalence of abnormalities of fetal 4-chamber view (4CV) cardiac size, shape, and ventricular contractility in fetal growth restricted (FGR) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses and 2) to compare umbilical vein flow (UVF) measurements to standard Doppler surveillance in predicting abnormalities of cardiac function. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study of fetuses with EFW <10th percentile. Measurements of size and shape used were 4CV transverse width, 4CV cardiac area, 4CV global sphericity index, and right-to-left ventricular mid-chamber width ratio. Variables of contractility used were fractional shortening change at the mid-ventricle chamber, global longitudinal strain, fractional area change, and left ventricular cardiac output. The UVF and standard Doppler surveillance including umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery, and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) were collected. Control data were from previously published studies. RESULTS: A total of 95 fetuses with EFWs <10th centile were included in the study. The rates of abnormalities of cardiac size and shape and ventricular contractility were all significantly elevated compared with normally grown control fetuses but similar between FGR and SGA fetuses. In a subset of 76 patients with UVF data, evaluation UVF identified more patients with any abnormality of contractility compared with UA (37.9 vs 17.2%, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of UVF doubled the detection rate of ventricular contractility abnormalities. The addition of UVF should be considered in the surveillance of FGR and SGA fetuses to further stratify the severity of hypoxemia and to identify those at greater risk for future cardiovascular dysfunction.

Assessment of Fetal Ventricular Size and Shape in Women With Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Using Speckle Tracking.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) on fetal heart morphology. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted with 40 women with ICP and 54 pregnant controls. Fetal heart quantification based on speckle tracking technology was used to assess the morphology of the fetal right and left ventricles. Routine ventricular size parameters, global and 24-segment spherical indices (SIs) were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS: The routine fetal cardiac parameters, global and right-ventricular SIs did not differ between the ICP and control groups. The left-ventricular apical (segments 16-24) SIs were lower in the ICP group than in the control group (P < .05), with no significant difference in the other left-ventricular segments. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical morphological changes were observed in the left ventricular apical segments of the fetal hearts in women with ICP, which indicates an intrauterine environment with high bile acid concentrations. Twenty-four-segment SIs can be used to effectively evaluate these changes.

Post-COVID-19 Fetal Cardiac Morphology and Systolic Evaluation in Infected Pregnant Women by Fetal Heart Quantification Technology.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the government's liberalization of epidemic control, the current 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has started to spread widely within China. This study aimed to use the fetal heart quantification (fetal HQ) technique to assess the cardiac function and morphology of the fetuses of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 in the early stages of pregnancy. METHODS: Exactly 86 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in early pregnancy (COVID-19 group) and 90 healthy pregnant women (control group) who underwent fetal echocardiography were prospectively included in this study. The fetal HQ technique was applied to compare the differences in the global sphericity index (GSI), global strain values (GS), fractional area change (FAC), and 24-segment fractional shortening (FS) of the left and right ventricles, between the COVID-19 group and the control group. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the differences in GS and 24-segment FS of the left ventricle in the COVID-19 group were not statistically significant. However, the COVID-19 group showed lower GSI values compared with the control group (1.24 vs 1.28). FAC (48.12%) of the left ventricle and GS (-23.55%), FAC (41.74%) of the right ventricle in the COVID-19 group were reduced compared with FAC (50.50%) of the left ventricle and GS (-27.63%), FAC (46.01%) of the right ventricle in the control group. Segmental analysis revealed reduced FS in segments 20-24 in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group. Right ventricular GS was an independent predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome with an optimal cutoff value of -18.66%. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that COVID-19 infection in early pregnancy may have a negative impact on fetal cardiac morphology and function. Fetal HQ may offer a new assessment method for the early identification of fetal cardiac alterations in pregnant women infected with COVID-19.

Value of fetal echocardiographic examination in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary and infectious complications are more common in preterm newborns after preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). Fetal echocardiography may be helpful in predicting neonatal condition. Our aim was to assess the cardiovascular changes in fetuses from pregnancies complicated by pPROM and possible utility in predicting the intrauterine or neonatal infection, and neonatal heart failure (HF). METHODS: It was a prospective study enrolling 46 women with singleton pregnancies complicated by pPROM between 18+0 and 33+6 weeks of gestation and followed until delivery. 46 women with uncomplicated pregnancies served as a control group. Fetal echocardiographic examinations with the assessment of cardiac structure and function (including pulmonary circulation) were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Mean gestational age of pPROM patients was 26 weeks. Parameters suggesting impaired cardiac function in fetuses from pPROM were: higher right ventricle Tei index (0.48 vs. 0.42 p<0.001), lower blood flow velocity in Ao z-score (0.14 vs. 0.84 p=0.005), lower cardiovascular profile score (CVPS), higher rate of tricuspid regurgitation (18.2 % vs. 4.4 % p=0.04) and pericardial effusion (32.6 vs. 0 %). Intrauterine infection was diagnosed in 18 patients (39 %). 4 (8.7 %) newborns met the criteria of early onset sepsis (EOS). HF was diagnosed in 9 newborns. In fetal echocardiographic examination HF group had shorter mitral valve inflow time and higher left ventricle Tei index (0.58 vs. 0.49 p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Worse cardiac function was observed in fetuses from pPROM compared to fetuses from uncomplicated pregnancies.

Is It Diabetes or Just Macrosomia? Fetal Myocardial Performance Index in Large-for-Gestational Age Fetuses.

Our aim in this study was to investigate whether there is an association between large-for-gestational age (LGA) fetuses and myocardial performance index (MPI). This is a cross-sectional study conducted from July 2022 to July 2023. Prospectively gathered data from 65 LGA cases and 65 age and gestational-age (GA)-matched controls were analyzed. Presence of polyhydramnios and diabetes were recorded in the study group. Fetal left ventricular mod-MPI, peak systolic velocity (PSV) of E and A waves, umbilical and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility indexes (PI) were sonographically measured. Association between these sonographic measures and LGA fetuses were sought. The LGA group had 33 diabetic cases (22 GDM and 11 PGDM). The LGA group had greater mod-MPI (0.51 vs. 0.45, p = 0.0048). The LGA group also had prolonged isovolumetric contraction time (ICT), compared to controls (37 ms vs. 33 ms, p = 0.008). ICT was longer in LGA fetuses with non-diabetic mothers (38 ms vs. 33 ms, p = 0.009). LGA fetuses with polyhydramnios but without diabetic mothers had also longer ICT (39 ms vs. 33 ms, p = 0.002). Mod-MPI was similar in controls and LGA without diabetes/LGA with polyhydramnios but without diabetes subgroups. Our results indicate that fetal mod-MPI values are higher in LGA fetuses and ICT is prolonged among LGA fetuses irrespective of presence of maternal diabetes.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis before and after fetal aortic valvuloplasty.

BACKGROUND: Critical aortic stenosis (AS) in fetuses may progress to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with need for postnatal single ventricular (SV) palliation. Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is performed to achieve postnatal biventricular (BV) circulation. However, the impact of FAV on fetal myocardial function is difficult to measure. Prediction of postnatal circulatory status and, therefore, counseling is challenging. METHODS: Retrospective study of fetuses with critical AS who underwent FAV. Global Longitudinal Peak Systolic Strain (GLPSS) of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) were retrospectively analyzed before and after intervention. Fisher's Exact Test and Mann-Whitney-U Test were used for univariant statistical analysis. RESULTS: 23 fetuses with critical AS were included. After intervention fetuses demonstrated more negative LV-GLPSS mean values post- vs. pre-intervention (- 5.36% vs. - 1.57%; p < 0.05). RV-GLPSS was decreased in all fetuses, there was no peri-interventional change. 20 fetuses were born alive. Postnatally, 10 had BV and 10 SV circulation. Improved post-interventional LV-GLPSS strain values correlated with BV outcome (p < 0.05). Pre-interventional continuous LV-GLPSS values correlated with postnatal SV vs. BV outcome (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In some fetuses, LV myocardial function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) improves after FAV. Improved post-interventional LV-GLPSS correlates with biventricular postnatal outcome. Furthermore, pre-interventional LV- and RV-GLPSS correlate with postnatal outcome. Further studies are needed to asses, if pre-interventional STE parameters might predict which fetuses will benefit from FAV with postnatal BV circulation.

Using Doppler ultrasound to assess fetal cardiac function and pregnancy outcomes in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome pregnancies: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate fetal left ventricular function (LVF) in pregnant women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) by Doppler ultrasound and developed a clinical nomogram to predict adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 105 pregnant women were enrolled and divided into the OAPS cohort (n = 60) and the control cohort (n = 45). Fetal cardiac function parameters were collected and compared between two cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to select the risk factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, and a clinical nomogram was developed based on these selected risk factors. The predictive performance of corresponding indicators for adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: The OAPS cohort revealed an increase in the isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI), a decrease in the ejection time (ET), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) compared to the control cohort. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, gravidity, CPR, and MPI were the risk factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. A model predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in OAPS pregnant women was constructed based on these three factors and visualized as a nomogram. The nomogram could accurately predict adverse perinatal outcomes with an area under the curve of 0.923 (95% CI: 0.858-0.982). This performance was better than evaluating individual factors such as MPI (0.825, 95% CI: 0.739-0.911) and CPR (0.816, 95% CI: 0.705-0.927) for efficacy. CONCLUSION: MPI can be used to assess fetal LVF and predict adverse perinatal outcomes. We developed a nomogram to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in OAPS women. This imaging-based evidence can provide timely clinical intervention, enabling personalized clinical decision-making.

Continuous Fetal Cardiac Monitoring during Fetoscopic Myelomeningocele Repair and Relationship to Spectral Doppler Changes.

INTRODUCTION: No evidence-based protocols exist for fetal cardiac monitoring during fetoscopic myelomeningocele (fMMC) repair and intraprocedural spectral Doppler data are limited. We determined the feasibility of continuous fetal echocardiography during fMMC repair and correlated Doppler changes with qualitative fetal cardiac function during each phase of fMMC repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing fMMC repair had continuous fetal echocardiography interpreted in real-time by pediatric cardiology. Fetal data included fetal heart rate (FHR), qualitative cardiac function, mitral and tricuspid valve inflow waveforms, and umbilical artery (UA), umbilical vein (UV), ductus arteriosus (DA), and ductus venosus (DV) Dopplers. RESULTS: UA abnormalities were noted in 14/25 patients, UV abnormalities were observed in 2 patients, and DV and DA abnormalities were each noted in 4 patients. Qualitative cardiac function was normal for all patients with the exception of one with isolated left ventricular dysfunction during myofascial flap creation, concurrent with an abnormal UA flow pattern. All abnormalities resolved by the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous fetal echocardiography was feasible during all fMMC repairs. Spectral Doppler changes in the UA were common during fMMC procedures but qualitative cardiac dysfunction was rare. Abnormalities in the UV, DV, and DA Dopplers, FHR, and cardiac function were less common findings.

Ductus arteriosus diameters in fetuses with early- and late-onset fetal growth restriction.

PURPOSE: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication that can be associated with several adverse perinatal outcomes. One of these negative outcomes is ductus arteriosus, especially in preterm babies. In this study, intrauterine heart function and ductus diameter were evaluated in babies with FGR. METHODS: Thirty-seven fetuses with FGR were compared with 37 normal-weight fetuses at the same gestational week. In our study, ventricular diameters, aorta, pulmonary artery, ductus arteriosus (DA), aortic arch diameter, and flow traces were examined. In addition, the aorta and aortic isthmus diameters were proportioned to the ductus diameter, and the left ventricular myocardial performance index (MPI) [(ICT + IRT)/ET] was evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference in DA diameters between the patient and control groups. The intragroup comparison of the cases with early- and late-onset FGR revealed no statistically significant difference between DA diameters. However, the ratios of the aortic annulus diameter/ductus diameter (AOD/DAD) and aortic isthmus diameter/ductus diameter (AID/DAD) were significantly lower in early-onset FGR because the diameter of the DA was greater. In addition, the mod-MPI values were higher in the patient group. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, although the ductal diameters did not change significantly in the patient group, the ductal diameter was greater in the early-onset intrauterine growth restriction (FGR) group compared with other cardiac measurements. The mod-MPI value, a cardiac function indicator, was higher in fetuses with FGR. These findings may be useful for evaluating postnatal cardiac functions in FGR.