Fetoscopic laser coagulation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: a comparison of flexible 1.0/1.2 mm fetoscopes with curved sheaths of 2.7/3.3 mm2 vs. 2 mm fetoscopic lens technique with sheaths of 6.6/11.3 mm2.

OBJECTIVES: Fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses is usually performed for a treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). A common complication of fetoscopic laser coagulation for TTTS is preterm preliminary rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM) aggravating the neonatal outcome significantly. However, use of an flexible 1 mm fetoscope with an curved sheath could reduce iatrogenic damage of the amniotic membrane and improve neonatal outcomes after laser treatment. The aim of this study was to compare neonatal outcomes using this flexible fetoscope with curved sheath vs. use of a standard lens technique. METHODS: Outcomes were retrospective analyzed after use of a standard lens fetoscope of 2 mm (sheath 6.63 mm2 or 11.27 mm2 for anterior placenta) and a flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2) in two German centers of fetal surgery, performed during 2006-2019. RESULTS: Neonatal outcome of 247 TTTS patients were analyzed including the rates of double and single fetal survival. The survival of at least one fetus was 97.2 % in the group with the ultrathin technique (n=154) compared to 88.3 % (n=93) in the group with the standard lens fetoscope (p=0.008). Survival of both fetuses was not different between groups (81.0 vs. 75.3 %). The procedure to delivery interval was significantly increased using the ultrathin fetoscope (89.1±35.0 d vs. 71.4±35.4 d, p=0.001) resulting in an increased gestational age at delivery by 11 days on average (231.9±28.1 d vs. 221.1±32.7 d, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal survival can be significantly increased following TTTS using flexible fetoscope of 1 mm or 1.2 mm (sheath 2.65 mm2 or 3.34 mm2).

Genetic amniocentesis using atraumatic 29 gauge needle in patients having a chorioamniotic separation.

OBJECTIVES: Chorioamniotic separation (CAS) at the time of standard amniocentesis (AC) is a risk factor for postprocedural complications and should be avoided. The aim of this study was to quantify procedure-related risks after AC with a 29G-needle in cases of CAS, and evaluation of perinatal outcome in CAS after 15 weeks' gestation (GW). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of genetic AC with a pencil-point 29G needle after 15 completed GW in pregnancies, in which the fetal membranes were not yet fused. Included into the study were women aged 16-44 years with at least 15 completed GWs referred for second trimester AC to identify fetal chromosomal aberrations. RESULTS: 437 ACs were made in total with the 29G-needle. The median maternal age was 30 (16-44) years. 145 cases showed CAS where the distance between chorion and amnion was 0.10-10.02 mm at AC. 38 pregnancies were terminated, 37 of which had a genetic disorder. The risk of aneuploidy increases by a factor of 2 (95% CI 1.4-2.8) for every 1 mm of CAS enlargement. No procedure-related complications were found up to two weeks after the AC. CONCLUSIONS: CAS seems to be massively underreported. Early diagnosis in case of CAS is something to strive for as CAS could be an indicator of genetic abnormalities - a "soft marker". With the atraumatic 29G needle, the risk of complications after AC in CAS seems to be very low.

Treatment of mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with multi-resistant bacteria-colonized anhydramnion with continuous amnioinfusion and meropenem: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: Treatment of mid-trimester classic preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with systemic antibiotics has limited success in the prevention of chorioamnionitis, funisitis and fetal inflammatory response syndrome because of very low transplacental passage. METHODS: Here we report a case of PPROM at 18 weeks gestation with anhydramnion colonized by multi-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli). A catheter system was implanted at 23/2nd weeks gestation, enabling long-term continuous lavage of the amniotic cavity with Amnion Flush Solution (100 ml/h combined with intraamniotic meropenem application). RESULTS: The patient gave birth to a preterm male infant at 28/3rd without any signs of infection. In a follow-up examination at 24 months, there was no neurological disturbance or developmental delay. CONCLUSION: The classic PPROM with multi-resistant E. coli colonization could be treated with continuous amnioinfusion and meropenem.

Daily monitoring of vaginal interleukin 6 as a predictor of intraamniotic inflammation after preterm premature rupture of membranes - a new method of sampling studied in a prospective multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVES: (A) To introduce a new technique for vaginal fluid sampling (biocompatible synthetic fiber sponge) and (B) evaluate the collected vaginal fluid interleukine-6 (IL-6vag)-concentration as a new diagnostic tool for daily monitoring of intrauterine inflammation after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Secondary objectives were to compare the potential to predict an intrauterine inflammation with established inflammation parameters (e.g., maternal white blood cell count). METHODS: This prospective clinical case-control diagnostic accuracy multicenter study was performed with women after PPROM (gestational age 24.0/7 - 34.0/7 weeks). Sampling of vaginal fluid was performed once daily. IL-6vag was determined by electrochemiluminescence-immunoassay-kit. Neonatal outcome and placental histology results were used to retrospectively allocate the cohort into two subgroups: 1) inflammation and 2) no inflammation (controls). RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were included in the final analysis. (A): Measurement of IL-6 was successful in 86% of 172 vaginal fluid samples. (B): Median concentration of IL-6vag in the last vaginal fluid sample before delivery was significantly higher within the inflammation group (17,085 pg/mL) compared to the controls (1,888 pg/mL; p=0.01). By Youden's index an optimal cut-off for prediction an intrauterine inflammation was: 6,417 pg/mL. Two days before delivery, in contrast to all other parameters IL-6vag remained the only parameter with a sufficient AUC of 0.877, p<0.001, 95%CI [0.670-1.000]. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a new technique for vaginal fluid sampling, which permits assessment of IL-6vag concentration noninvasively in clinical daily routine monitoring.

[Reduction of Visitor- and Staff-Associated Risk of Infection by Complex Intervention in the Department of Feto-Maternal Medicine]. / Reduktion des Besucher- und Personal- assoziierten Infektionsrisikos durch komplexe Intervention auf perinatologischen Stationen.

AIM: Clinical trial registration of this trial: is to demonstrate in a department of feto-maternal medicine: (a) that a complex intervention improves hand hygiene of visitors, siblings and staff; and (b) that automated voice prompts at disinfectant dispensers improve rate of hand disinfection. STUDY DESIGN: (a) Pre-/post-test follow-up design with control (1-12/2016), intervention (1-12/2017), follow-up-period (1/2018-12/2019); and (b) RCT in quasi crossover design. Primary endpoints: (a) disinfectant consumption (DC) per patient-day, and (b) DC at disinfectant dispenser per passer-by. RESULTS: A multimodal strategy within the intervention period showed a relevant positive effect on hand hygiene compliance (in IP: 26.2% more DC; p=0.088). Voice prompts increased DC by 28.6% (p=0.025). The odds ratio for high positive fingertip testing plates of visiting children (siblings) between control and intervention period was 0.35 (95% CI [0.1074-0.9708] p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Complex intervention and electronic voice prompts on disinfectant dispensers improve hand hygiene behaviour in perinatology. Installation of disinfectant dispensers in a child-friendly position and adequate information material appeal to children. The data represent an important contribution to improve hand hygiene of visitors, siblings and staff in hospitals in a pandemic situation.

Long tail balloon as a new approach for fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for a treatment of severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains a significant challenge for neonatal specialists. In order to reduce complications during extraction of the surgical balloon after fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) CDH, we have developed a FETO with a 'long tail balloon' of 2.5 mL volume. Here we describe two successful uses of the device with observed/expected total fetal lung volume (o/e TFLV) of 15% and with o/e TFLV of 24% and 'liver up'. The o/e TFLV increased to 134% in first case and to 47% in second fetus. The balloon was successfully extracted at 34 weeks' gestation by pulling the long tail suture during second fetoscopy. In the second case the fetus pulled out the balloon from trachea itself by traction onto the balloon's long tail. Both neonates were operated on for their CDH with a good outcome. This work showed the feasibility of this long tail balloon for FETO to reduce the technical difficulty of the balloon extraction and the possibility that fetuses are able to extract the balloon by itself by pulling the balloons' long tail. Further development of long tail balloon for FETO could facilitate its extraction thereby reducing neonatal complications.

Does ultrasound-guided intervention during repeat cesarean sections improve uterine scar architecture and reduce the number of scars? A prospective controlled clinical intervention trial.

Purpose To evaluate whether intraoperative ultrasound-guided detection and resection of the uterine scar during repeat/second cesarean can reduce the number of scars and improve uterine scar architecture. Materials and methods A prospective controlled clinical intervention trial was performed with the following groups: control group 1 (CS1-G): first cesarean; control group 2 (CS2-G): second cesarean utilizing the usual procedure and intervention group (Int-G): repeat/second cesarean with intervention. Transvaginal ultrasound scans were performed 6-9 months after each cesarean. Both primary (double scarring rate) and secondary outcomes [deficiency ratio=d/(b+d)] were analyzed. The deficiency ratio describes the thinning of the remaining myometrium (d=residual myometrial thickness) over the "apparent" defect (b=scar depth). Results In total, 124 of the 156 recruited women were examined, eight were excluded from analysis. The double scarring rate decreased from 42.9% (12/28) in CS2-G to 7.1% (2/28) in the Int-G [difference: 35.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) (13.2, 54.5); P=0.002]. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant difference between CS2-G and the Int-G in the deficiency ratio adjusted for elective/primary cesareans, with thicker remaining myometrium over the scar defect in the Int-G [difference: -0.24; 95% CI (-0.34, -0.15); P<0.001]. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided resection of the uterine scar area during repeat cesareans reduces the scarring rate and improves thickness of the remaining myometrium as detected by ultrasonography 6-9 months postoperatively.

Mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM): etiology, diagnosis, classification, international recommendations of treatment options and outcome.

Mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), defined as rupture of fetal membranes prior to 28 weeks of gestation, complicates approximately 0.4%-0.7% of all pregnancies. This condition is associated with a very high neonatal mortality rate as well as an increased risk of long- and short-term severe neonatal morbidity. The causes of the mid-trimester PPROM are multifactorial. Altered membrane morphology including marked swelling and disruption of the collagen network which is seen with PPROM can be triggered by bacterial products or/and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been implicated in the mechanism of PPROM. The propagation of bacteria is an important contributing factor not only in PPROM, but also in adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes after PPROM. Inflammatory mediators likely play a causative role in both disruption of fetal membrane integrity and activation of uterine contraction. The "classic PPROM" with oligo/an-hydramnion is associated with a short latency period and worse neonatal outcome compared to similar gestational aged neonates delivered without antecedent PPROM. The "high PPROM" syndrome is defined as a defect of the chorio-amniotic membranes, which is not located over the internal cervical os. It may be associated with either a normal or reduced amount of amniotic fluid. It may explain why sensitive biochemical tests such as the Amniosure (PAMG-1) or IGFBP-1/alpha fetoprotein test can have a positive result without other signs of overt ROM such as fluid leakage with Valsalva. The membrane defect following fetoscopy also fulfils the criteria for "high PPROM" syndrome. In some cases, the rupture of only one membrane - either the chorionic or amniotic membrane, resulting in "pre-PPROM" could precede "classic PPROM" or "high PPROM". The diagnosis of PPROM is classically established by identification of nitrazine positive, fern positive watery leakage from the cervical canal observed during in specula investigation. Other more recent diagnostic tests include the vaginal swab assay for placental alpha macroglobulin-1 test or AFP and IGFBP1. In some rare cases amniocentesis and infusion of indigo carmine has been used to confirm the diagnosis of PPROM. The management of the PPROM requires balancing the potential neonatal benefits from prolongation of the pregnancy with the risk of intra-amniotic infection and its consequences for the mother and infant. Close monitoring for signs of chorioamnionitis (e.g. body temperature, CTG, CRP, leucocytes, IL-6, procalcitonine, amniotic fluid examinations) is necessary to minimize the risk of neonatal and maternal complications. In addition to delayed delivery, broad spectrum antibiotics of penicillin or cephalosporin group and/or macrolide and corticosteroids have been show to improve neonatal outcome [reducing risk of chorioamnionitis (average risk ratio (RR)=0.66), neonatal infections (RR=0.67) and abnormal ultrasound scan of neonatal brain (RR=0.67)]. The positive effect of continuous amnioinfusion through the subcutaneously implanted perinatal port system with amniotic fluid like hypo-osmotic solution in "classic PPROM" less than 28/0 weeks' gestation shows promise but must be proved in future prospective randomized studies. Systemic antibiotics administration in "pre-PPROM" without infection and hospitalization are also of questionable benefit and needs to be further evaluated in well-designed randomized prospective studies to evaluate if it is associated with any neonatal benefit as well as the relationship to possible adverse effect of antibiotics on to fetal development and neurological outcome.

Technique of sonographic assessment of lower uterine segment in women with previous cesarean delivery: a prospective, pre/intraoperative comparative ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was: (A) to establish the effects of different ultrasound measurement methods (linear versus curved array) and measuring conditions [impact of pressure by fetal head/pelvis on the lower uterine segment (LUS)] during LUS-muscular-thickness measurement, (B) to introduce the intraoperative ultrasound measurement of LUS-muscular thickness (reference measurement method), and (C) to evaluate the correlation between different combinations of LUS-muscular-thickness measurement ultrasound techniques at birth planning and preoperative versus intraoperative measurements. METHODS: A prospective clinical observational study of women with the previous cesarean delivery was conducted. LUS-muscular thickness was measured: first at birth planning and second preoperatively using linear and curved probes (transabdominal) and an endocavitar probe (transvaginal), examined with and without pressure by fetal head/pelvis on LUS during measurement and third intraoperatively during repeat cesarean. Bland-Altman plots, paired t tests, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and scatter plots were used. RESULTS: Thirty-three women were included in the study (ultrasound measurements: n = 601). There was no systematic difference between LUS-muscular-thickness measurements with linear versus curved array (mean difference = 0.06 mm; p = 0.24; nm = 133) but between measurements with pressure by the fetus versus without (mean difference = - 0.37 mm; p < 0.001; nm = 243). The highest correlation coefficients were detected for the preoperative (at the day of cesarean section), transabdominal-vaginal approach combined ultrasound measurements versus the intraoperative ultrasound measurements of LUS-muscular thickness-as long as the measurements were made without pressure from the fetal head/pelvis on the LUS [0.86, p < 0.001, n = 24, 95% CI (0.70, 0.94)]. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic application of predetermined measuring conditions, standardized setup criteria improves the performance of LUS thickness measurement by ultrasound near term. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT02827604.

The effect of intraumbilical fetal nutrition via a subcutaneously implanted port system on amino acid concentration by severe IUGR human fetuses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if intrauterine intraumbilical supplementation with amino acids (AA) and glucose can improve neonatal outcome of severe growth restricted human fetuses (IUGR). METHODS: Prospective pilot study of intrauterine treatment of severe IUGR fetuses [n=14, 27 weeks of gestation (range 23-31)] with cerebroplacental ratio <1, with long-term intraumbilical AA and glucose supplementation (10% of feto-placental blood volume/day) using a perinatal port system alone (n=5) or combined with hyperbaric oxygenation (n=1, HBO) vs. control group (n=8). RESULTS: The duration of continuous intraumbilical AA/glucose supplementation was 11 (6-13) days. Daily intravascular fetal nutrition significantly prolonged the brain sparing to delivery interval by 24 (14-33) days vs. 5.6 (2-12) days in controls. Fetal nutrition reduced blood flow resistance in the placental circulation but did not affect the Doppler profile of cerebral arteries. Higher weight gain of 113.5 (36-539) g was observed following supplementation compared to 33.3 (8-98) g in the control group (P<0.05). In spite of this, fetuses below 28 weeks of gestation did not sufficiently benefit from infused commercial AA. We found a reduced fetal plasma concentration of the essential AA histidine, threonine, lysine and arginine, and non-essential AA taurine, in severe IUGR fetuses in both groups. Long-term supplementation with a commercial AA formula led to a slight, but not significant, reduction of histidine, threonine, lysine, arginine, asparagine and glutamine. However, the concentration of tryptophan and glutamic acid slightly increased. HBO can be combined with AA supplementation via a port system. In one case, the port system was also successfully used for fetal blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intravascular treatment of IUGR with fetal nutrition can prolong pregnancy with severe placental insufficiency and brain sparing for many weeks. However, rather than normalizing AA concentrations, an enhanced AA imbalance was observed in IUGR fetuses following supplementation. These deviations in AA concentrations prevent the recommendation for use of commercial AA solutions for prenatal treatment of extreme preterm IUGR fetuses.

Successful Closure of Small Iatrogenic Chorioamniotic Membranes Defect After Fetoscopy with Laser: A Case Report.

Background: Fetoscopic laser coagulation of the placental anastomoses is the standard treatment for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Despite certain improvements in fetoscopic technique, every fourth fetoscopic procedure is still complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes, leading to ascending infection, fetal demise, and/or preterm delivery. re-TTTS occurs after fetoscopy in 2­14% of cases, impairing the outcome. Case: A 26-year-old woman underwent laser coagulation of placental anastomoses because of stage III TTTS at 21/6 weeks of gestation. A microinvasive fetoscopic technique with 1-mm optic was used. Three weeks later, during a second fetoscopy because of re-TTTS, a defect of the chorioamniotic membranes of about 3 mm2 in area was visualized. This was without any signs of wound healing. We decided to perform laser coagulation with Nd:YAG laser of 10­30 W energy, moving from the wound's edge to the center until complete closure of the defect could be achieved. The patient gave birth at 34/0 weeks to 2 healthy female infants weighing 2,013 g and 1,712 g. Microscopic evaluation of chorioamniotic membranes found dystrophic calcification within the treated membranes; this had been covered by amniotic epithelium. Conclusion: Small iatrogenic amniotic membrane defects could be successfully treated by laser technique.

Treatment of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes with Oligo-/Anhydramnion Colonized by Multiresistant Bacteria with Continuous Amnioinfusion and Antibiotic Administrations through a Subcutaneously Implanted Intrauterine Port System: A Case Report.

Bacterial infection is one of the main causes of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) leading to preterm delivery, pulmonary hypoplasia, sepsis and joint deformities. Expectant management, broad-spectrum antibiotics and antenatal corticosteroids are routinely used in this condition with very limited success to prevent bacteremia, chorioamnionitis, funisitis and intra-amniotic infection syndrome. Here, we report a case in which we attempted to treat PPROM at 26+3 weeks of gestation with anhydramnion colonized by multiresistant Klebsiella. A perinatal port system was implanted subcutaneously at 28+0 weeks of gestation, enabling long-term continuous lavage of the amniotic cavity with a hypotonic aqueous composition similar to human amniotic fluid combined with intra-amniotic antibiotic application. The patient gave birth to a preterm female infant at 31+1 weeks without any signs of infection. The girl was discharged with a weight of 2,730 g in very good condition. In the follow-up examinations at 5 months and 1 year of age, there was no apparent neurological disturbance, developmental delay or Klebsiella colonization.

Treatment of PPROM with anhydramnion in humans: first experience with different amniotic fluid substitutes for continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to treat patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) and anhydramnion using continuous amnioinfusion through a subcutaneously implanted port system. METHODS: An amniotic fluid replacement port system was implanted in seven patients with PPROM and anhydramnion starting at the 20th week of gestation (range, 14-26 weeks) for long-term amnioinfusion. Saline solutions (2 L/day; Jonosteril(®), Sterofundin(®), isotonic NaCl 0.9% solution, lactated Ringer's solution) and a hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to the electrolyte concentration of human amniotic fluid were used for the continuous amnioinfusion. RESULTS: The mean duration of the PPROM delivery interval continued for 49 days (range, 9-69 days), with 3 weeks of amnioinfusion via the port system (range, 4-49). The newborns showed no signs of lung hypoplasia. CONCLUSION: Long-term lavage of the amniotic cavity via a subcutaneously implanted port system in patients with PPROM and anhydramnion may help prolong the pregnancy and avoid fetal lung hypoplasia. A hypotonic aqueous composition with reduced chloride content similar to human amniotic fluid can be safely used for amnioinfusion. Prospective randomized studies are ongoing.

A Study of the Literature on Intrauterine Treatment Options for Chronic Placental Insufficiency with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Using Intrauterine Intravascular Amino Acid Supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a very serious prenatal condition with 3-5% incidence of all pregnancies. It results from numerous factors, including chronic placental insufficiency. IUGR is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity and is considered a major cause of fetal mortality. Currently, treatment options are significantly limited and often result in preterm delivery. Postpartum, IUGR infants also have higher risks of disease and neurological abnormalities. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched using the keywords "IUGR", "fetal growth restriction", "treatment", "management" and "placental insufficiency" for the period between 1975 and 2023. These terms were also combined together. RESULTS: There were 4160 papers, reviews and articles dealing with the topic of IUGR. In total, only 15 papers directly dealt with a prepartum therapy of IUGR; 10 of these were based on an animal model. Overall, the main focus was on maternal intravenous therapy with amino acids or intraamniotic infusion. Treatment methods have been tested since the 1970s to supplement the fetuses with nutrients lacking due to chronic placental insufficiency in various ways. In some studies, pregnant women were implanted with a subcutaneous intravascular perinatal port system, thus infusing the fetuses with a continuous amino acid solution. Prolongation of pregnancy was achieved, as well as improvement in fetal growth. However, insufficient benefit was observed in infusion with commercial amino acid solution in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. The authors attribute this primarily to the enormous variation in amino acid concentrations of the commercially available solutions compared with those observed in the plasma of preterm infants. These different concentrations are particularly important because differences in the fetal brain caused by metabolic changes have been demonstrated in the rabbit model. Several brain metabolites and amino acids were significantly decreased in IUGR brain tissue samples, resulting in abnormal neurodevelopment with decreased brain volume. DISCUSSION: There are currently only a few studies and case reports with correspondingly low case numbers. Most of the studies refer to prenatal treatment by supplementation of amino acids and nutrients to prolong pregnancy and support fetal growth. However, there is no infusion solution that matches the amino acid concentrations found in fetal plasma. The commercially available solutions have mismatched amino acid concentrations and have not shown sufficient benefit in fetuses below 28 weeks' gestation. More treatment avenues need to be explored and existing ones improved to better treat multifactorial IUGR fetuses.

Prolongation of Pregnancy in Patients with HELLP Syndrome Using Methylprednisolone: A Retrospective Multicentric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Immediate delivery is an established concept for preventing life-threatening complications in mothers with HELLP syndrome; however, it is associated with preterm births. METHODS: Cases of HELLP syndrome diagnosed at the university hospitals of Halle and Magdeburg (Germany) were analyzed retrospectively. Each patient of the treatment group was administered 64 mg of methylprednisolone (MP) intravenously for 10 days, with the dosage being reduced by 50% every other day in patients from Halle (n = 65). Almost immediate delivery was performed in the control groups (n = 45, Halle; n = 28, Magdeburg). RESULTS: Pregnancies in the treatment group were prolonged by 4 days (median 1-55 days). The platelet counts increased from 76,060 ± 22,900/µL to 117,430 ± 39,065/µL in the MP group compared with an increase from 66,500 ± 25,852/µL to 83,430 ± 34,608/µL in control group 1 and from 78,890 ± 19,100/µL to 131,080 ± 50,900/µL in control group 2 (p < 0.001). Severe neonatal complications were significantly reduced in the treatment group (p < 0.05): sepsis, 9.25% vs. 24%; ventilation, 44.6% vs. 46.5%; and infant death, 1.6% vs. 8.6%. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected collective of patients with HELLP syndrome, prolongation of pregnancy using MP treatment improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Three years' experience of using a 29-gauge atraumatic needle for amniocentesis.

AIMS: To quantify the procedure-related complication rate after using modified technique of amniocentesis with a 29-gauge (29-G) pencil-point needle. METHODS: This is a prospective, descriptive study of 316 amniocenteses that were performed by means of atraumatic 29-G pencil-point needle under ultrasound control. RESULTS: A total of 316 amniocenteses were observed through the postprocedural period. The median time needed to retrieve 15 mL of amniotic fluid was 4 min. A total of 19 pregnancies were terminated after genetic testing. No case was regarded as procedure-related fetal loss. No other complications were observed. Seventeen children were born before 37 completed weeks of gestation and five children had a birth weight <2000 g. CONCLUSIONS: Amniocentesis with the 29-G atraumatic pencil-point needle seems to be a safe procedure with extremely low risk of complications and is a good alternative to the traditional 22-G Quincke needle.

Treatment of Classic Mid-Trimester Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) with Oligo/Anhydramnion between 22 and 26 Weeks of Gestation by Means of Continuous Amnioinfusion: Protocol of a Randomized Multicentric Prospective Controlled TRIAL and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The classic mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is defined as a rupture of the fetal membranes prior to 28 weeks of gestation (WG) with oligo/anhydramnion; it complicates approximately 0.4-0.7% of all pregnancies and is associated with very high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Antibiotics have limited success to prevent bacterial growth, chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammation. The repetitive amnioinfusion does not work because fluid is lost immediately after the intervention. The continuous amnioinfusion through the transabdominal port system or catheter in patients with classic PPROM shows promise by flushing out the bacteria and inflammatory components from the amniotic cavity, replacing amniotic fluid and thus prolonging the PPROM-to-delivery interval. OBJECTIVE: This multicenter trial aims to test the effect of continuous amnioinfusion on the neonatal survival without the typical major morbidities, such as severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis one year after the delivery. STUDY DESIGN: We plan to conduct a randomized multicenter trial with a two-arm parallel design. Randomization will be between 22/0 and 26/0 SSW. The control group: PPROM patients between 20/0 and 26/0 WG who will be treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids (from 22/0 SSW) in accordance with the guidelines of German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (standard PPROM therapy). In the interventional group, the standard PPROM therapy will be complemented with the Amnion Flush Method, with the amnioinfusion of Amnion Flush Solution through the intra-amnial catheter (up to 100 mL/h, 2400 mL/day). SUBJECTS: The study will include 68 patients with classic PPROM between 20/0 and 26/0 WG. TRIAL-REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04696003. GERMAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER: DRKS00024503, January 2021.

Symptom Burden and Factors Associated with Acute Respiratory Infections in the First Two Years of Life-Results from the LoewenKIDS Cohort.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most common childhood illnesses worldwide whereby the reported frequency varies widely, often depending on type of assessment. Symptom diaries are a powerful tool to counteract possible under-reporting, particularly of milder infections, and thus offer the possibility to assess the full burden of ARIs. The following analyses are based on symptom diaries from participants of the German birth cohort study LoewenKIDS. Primary analyses included frequencies of ARIs and specific symptoms. Factors, which might be associated with an increased number of ARIs, were identified using the Poisson regression. A subsample of two hundred eighty-eight participants were included. On average, 13.7 ARIs (SD: 5.2 median: 14.0 IQR: 10-17) were reported in the first two years of life with an average duration of 11 days per episode (SD: 5.8, median: 9.7, IQR: 7-14). The median age for the first ARI episode was 91 days (IQR: 57-128, mean: 107, SD: 84.5). Childcare attendance and having siblings were associated with an increased frequency of ARIs, while exclusive breastfeeding for the first three months was associated with less ARIs, compared to exclusive breastfeeding for a longer period. This study provides detailed insight into the symptom burden of ARIs in German infants.

A 29-gauge atraumatic needle for amniocentesis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perforation characteristics of standard 22 G (0.7 mm) to 29 G needle (0.34 mm) for amniocentesis. METHODS: Seventeen human chorio-amnion membranes were perforated immediately after cesarean section using 22 G needle for spinal anesthesia and 29 G "pencil-point" needles for amniocentesis under in-vitro conditions. Area of perforation was determined using a microscope and volume of fluid leakage was measured over a period of 5 min. RESULTS: Membrane perforation with the 22 G needle resulted in a mean damaged area of 225,147.4 µm(2), a hole with a mean area of 50,154 µm(2) and amniotic fluid volume passage of 17.5 mL/5 min, whereas the 29 G needle generated a mean damaged area of 114,812.4 µm(2), a hole with an average area of 1382.5 µm(2) and volume passage of 0.28 mL/5 min. These differences were significant. CONCLUSION: The hole formed by membrane perforation with 29 G "pencil-point" needle for amniocentesis is 36 times smaller, and the amniotic fluid loss is 61 times less than that measured with the 22 G standard needle for spinal anesthesia. Significant reduction of complications following amniocentesis is expected with the 29 G needle.

Neonatal outcome using ultrathin fetoscope for laser coagulation in twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To improve neonatal outcome using ultrathin fetoscope for laser treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of a series of 80 cases of twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome prior to 26-weeks' gestation subjected to laser coagulation by means of a 1.0/1.2 mm fiber fetoscope with a sheath sectional area 2.65 mm(2)/3.34 mm(2) (n=27) and a 2.0 mm classic lens fetoscope with a sheath sectional area: 6.63 mm(2)/11.27 mm(2) (n=53). RESULTS: The survival rates of at least one twin in the compared groups were 94.4% (classic optic) and 100% (ultrathin optic), for both twins: 75.5% and 83.3%, respectively. By decreasing sheath diameter a pregnancy was prolonged by an average of 21.3 days (P=0.0045), with a resulting increase in the recipient's weight of 389 g (P=0.0049) and an increase in the donor's Apgar score. However, the intervention with ultrathin optic took 11 min longer (P=0.031). CONCLUSION: The reduction of the iatrogenic damage of the amniotic membrane using ultrathin fetoscope with a small sheath, significantly improves the neonatal outcome after laser treatment of twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome. The operator should only commence working with the 1 mm fetoscope after the learning curve has been accomplished.