Manejo del síndrome de transfusión feto fetal en pandemia COVID-19: reporte de caso

El síndrome de transfusión feto-fetal (STFF) es una complicación propia de los embarazos gemelares monocoriales, con mortalidad perinatal del 80 a 100%. Ocurre por un desequilibrio en el flujo sanguíneo placentario entre ambos gemelos. El diagnóstico se basa en la discordancia del líquido amniótico y luego se clasifica en estadios según los criterios de Quintero. El tratamiento principal es la fetoscopia y fotoablación con energía láser (FFL) de las anastomosis placentarias. Presentamos un caso de gestación gemelar monocorial biamniótica tratado con FFL en plena cuarentena e inmovilización de la pandemia COVID-19 en Perú, que incluyó diagnóstico oportuno y referencia rápida para recibir el tratamiento especializado.

The twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a potentially lethal complication that can occur in monochorionic twin pregnancies due to an imbalance in placental blood flow. Diagnosis is based on amniotic fluid discordance and classified using the Quintero staging system. The primary treatment is fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP) of placental anastomoses. A successful case of FLP treatment in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with TTTS during COVID-19 pandemic in Peru is presented.

Development of a Mobile Health Application Based on a Mixed Prenatal Care in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients. METHODS: First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app. RESULTS: A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients. CONCLUSION: This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.

Development of a Mobile Health Application Based on a Mixed Prenatal Care in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Objective We describe the development and structure of a novel mobile application in a mixed model of prenatal care, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, we assess the acceptability of this mobile app in a cohort of patients. Methods First, we introduced a mixed model of prenatal care; second, we developed a comprehensive, computer-based clinical record to support our system. Lastly, we built a novel mobile app as a tool for prenatal care. We used Flutter Software version 2.2 to build the app for Android and iOS smartphones. A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the acceptability of the app. Results A mobile app was also built with the main attribute of being connected in real-time with the computer-based clinical records. The app screens detail information about activities programmed and developed in the prenatal care according to gestational age. A downloadable maternity book is available and some screens show warning signs and symptoms of pregnancy. The acceptability assessment was mostly rated positively regarding the characteristics of the mobile app, by 50 patients. Conclusion This novel mobile app was developed as a tool among pregnant patients to increase the information available about their pregnancies in the provision of a mixed model of prenatal care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was fully customized to the needs of our users following the local protocols. The introduction of this novel mobile app was highly accepted by the patients.

Maternal Perinatal Telemonitoring in the Context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in a Tertiary Health Center in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of a telemonitoring program that was rapidly implemented in our institution as a response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, as well as the maternal and perinatal outcomes of women who attended this program. STUDY: DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients via phone-call telemonitoring during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic (May 2020-August 2020). Maternal and perinatal outcomes were collected and described. Health providers' satisfaction with the telemonitoring program was assessed via an email survey. RESULTS: Twenty-three (69.7%) health providers answered the survey. The mean age was 64.5 years, 91.3% were OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) doctors, and 95% agreed that telemonitoring is an adequate method to provide health care when in-person visits are difficult. The 78.7% of scheduled telemonitoring consultations were finally completed. We performed 2,181 telemonitoring consultations for 616 pregnant women and 544 telemonitoring consultations for puerperal women. Other medical specialties offering telemonitoring included gynecology, reproductive health, family planning, cardiology, endocrinology, and following up with patients with reactive serology to severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The majority of the population attending our telemonitoring program were categorized as the lowest strata, i.e., III and IV, according to the Human Development Index, and approximately 42% were deemed as high-risk pregnant women. Additionally, we reported the perinatal outcomes of 424 (63%) pregnant women, the most relevant finding being that approximately 53% of them had cesarean sections. CONCLUSION: Telemonitoring is an adequate method of continuing the provision of prenatal care when in-person visits are difficult in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemonitoring is feasible even in institutions with no or little experience in telemedicine. The perinatal outcomes in women with telemonitoring seem to be similar to that in the general population. KEY POINTS: · Telemonitoring for prenatal care is feasible even in low-income countries and in a critical scenario.. · OB/GYN doctors agreed with that telemonitoring is an adequate method to provide prenatal care.. · Maternal and perinatal outcomes are similar in women attending a telemonitoring program..

Severe fetal anaemia caused by congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

A 22-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our fetal medicine unit due to severe fetal growth restriction at 26 weeks of gestation. An extensive detailed ultrasound revealed signs of bilateral periventricular hyperechogenicity, suggesting fetal infection potentially due to cytomegalovirus (CMV). Doppler ultrasound showed a high peak systolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery. Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling confirmed fetal CMV infection and severe fetal anaemia. We present this case to highlight the importance of fetal anaemia, which can be fatal regardless of whether it is associated with generalised oedema or hydrops fetalis.

Open intrauterine repair of spina bifida aperta: Historical aspects, current availability, and clinical outcomes from the Latin American Spina Bifida Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the historical aspects, current availability, and clinical outcomes of open intrauterine repair of spina bifida aperta (IRSBA) in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. METHODS: Cases were collected from centers with at least 2 years of experience and a minimum of 10 open IRSBA interventions by December 2020. Clinical variables were compared to the results of the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) trial. RESULTS: Clinical experience with 314 cases from seven centers was reviewed. Most cases (n = 189, 60.2%) were performed between 24 and 25.9 weeks' gestation. Delivery at less than 30 weeks' gestation occurred in 36 cases (11.5%) and the overall perinatal mortality rate was 5.4% (17 of 314). The rate of maternal complications was low, including the need for blood transfusion (n = 3, 0.9%) and dehiscence or a thin uterine scar (n = 4, 1.3%). No cases of maternal death were recorded. Fifteen neonates required additional surgical repair of the spinal defect (4.8%) and 63 of 167 infants (37.7%) required a cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedure. Only two of the seven centers reported preliminary experience with fetoscopic IRSBA. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical experience and outcomes were within the expected results reported by the MOMS trial. There is still very limited experience with fetoscopic IRSBA in this part of the world.

Maternal clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019. A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the maternal clinical characteristics, maternal and perinatal outcomes in COVID-19-positive pregnant women. METHODS: Articles in all languages on the SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women were sought from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and LILACS; China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan Fang Data between December 1, 2019 and April 27, 2020. Bulletins and national reports were also searched. RESULTS: From 12,168 retrieved articles, 143 were selected for full-text assessment; 33 for descriptive analyses, and 4 case-controls for meta-analysis. In 322 infected pregnant women, aged 20-45 years, the most frequent maternal comorbidity was obesity (24.2%). Forty-two (28.4%) were asymptomatic at admission. Cough (n = 148,59.7%) and fever (n = 147,59.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms. In the meta-analysis, fever (OR: 0.13,95% CI 0.05 to 0.36) and cough (0.26,95% CI 0.11 to 0.59) were lower in pregnant women with COVID-19 than non-pregnant women with COVID-19.195 (60.6%) delivered, and 125 (38.8%) remained pregnant during the study. Cesarean was reported in 99 (50.8%) women and vaginal delivery in 64 (32.8%). The main adverse obstetric outcome was premature birth (n = 37,18.9%). Thirty patients (10.3%) with COVID-19-related complications required intensive care, one (0.3%) died. SARS-CoV-2 was absent in breast milk, amniotic fluid, placenta or umbilical cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: The maternal clinical characteristics of COVID-19-positive pregnant include frequently fever and cough; however significantly less frequently than non-pregnant women with COVID-19. Iatrogenic preterm birth is the main adverse obstetric outcome. Current data does not support vertical transmission in the third trimester.

EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) surgery for the management of fetal airway obstruction: A systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive overview of the perinatal and maternal outcomes of fetuses undergoing EXIT surgery for the management of fetal airway obstruction secondary to cervical or oral tumors. METHODS: A comprehensive search from inception to September 2018 was conducted on databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and LILACS. All studies that reported an EXIT surgery in singleton were considered eligible. A descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Out of the 250 full-text study reports, 120 articles reporting 235 cases of EXIT surgery were included. EXIT surgery was performed at 35.1 weeks of gestation on average. The most frequent diagnosis was teratoma (46.4%, n = 109/235). There were 13 adverse maternal events, and the most frequent one was postpartum hemorrhage (4.7%, n = 11/235). No maternal death was reported. Fetal and neonatal death occurred in 17% (40/235) of the cases. There were 29 adverse fetal events (12.2%), and the most frequent one was the failure of intubation or tracheostomy (3.4%, n = 8/235). CONCLUSION: EXIT surgery could be considered for the management of an oral or cervical tumor that's highly suspicious of blocking the fetal airway. This systematic review reports that EXIT surgery poses substantial risks of maternal and fetal adverse events, including neonatal death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV case series with no comparison group.

Short Femur in the Second Trimester Scan Is Related to Maternal Preeclampsia and Small for Gestational Age Newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of short femur diaphysis length (FDL) at 19-22 weeks of gestation in the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: The study included singleton pregnant women who underwent a routine anomaly scan at 19-22 weeks of gestation at the Virgen de la Arrixaca University Clinical Hospital (Murcia, Spain) between August 2011 and August 2012. Fetal biometry and Doppler ultrasound of uterine arteries were assessed as part of the anomaly scan, and the mean pulsatility index of both uterine arteries was recorded. Maternal obstetric characteristics, such as ethnicity, age, weight, parity, cigarette smoking, and medical history including hypertension and diabetes mellitus were collected from our database system. RESULTS: A total of 6,366 women were included in the study after excluding cases with abnormal karyotype, major fetal abnormalities, or termination of pregnancy. There were 88 cases of preeclampsia (PE) (1.4%). Logistic regression was performed including maternal and fetal characteristics. Short FDL at 19-22 weeks was significantly associated with subsequent development of PE (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99, p = 0.025). The best model to predict PE from our sample included gestational age at scan, parity, maternal weight, chronic hypertension, mean pulsatility index in the uterine arteries, and FDL (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.71-0.84). Regarding small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, there were also significant differences in FDL and FDL <5th centile between the control group and SGA newborns below the 3rd, 5th, and 10th centile. In the groups of preterm births (delivery before 32, 34, and 37 weeks), there were no differences in FDL compared with the control group (term births). DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that FDL at 19-22 weeks of gestation is an independent predictor of PE and SGA newborns.

Corioangioma placentario gigante: a propósito del primer caso sometido a fetoscopia y fotocoagulación láser en el Perú / Giant placental chorangioma: Apropos of the first case treated by fetoscopy and laser photocoagulation in Peru

Placental chorioangioma is a non-trophoblastic benign tumor of rare presentation. It may be associated with complications of pregnancy when larger than 4 cm. We present the case of a pregnant adolescent with 25 weeks of gestation referred for prenatal management of a giant placental chorangioma that complicated pregnancy with hydramnios and severe fetal anemia. Fetoscopic laser ablation of the main nutrient vessel of the tumor was performed for the first time in Peru, which reversed complications and improved fetal prognosis.

El corioangioma placentario es una tumoración benigna no trofoblástica de muy rara presentación. Se asocia a complicaciones del embarazo cuando tiene dimensiones mayores a 4 cm. Se presenta el caso de una gestante adolescente de 25 semanas referida a nuestro servicio para manejo prenatal de un corioangioma placentario gigante que complicó el embarazo con polihidramnios y anemia fetal severa. Se realizó por primera vez en el Perú la ablación láser del vaso nutricio principal de la tumoración por fetoscopia, lo que logró revertir las complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico fetal.

Manejo prenatal del teratoma sacroccocígeo, a propósito del primer caso sometido a transfusión sanguínea intrauterina en el Perú / Prenatal management of sacroccocygeal teratoma, a propos of the first case subjected to intrauterine blood transfusion in Peru

El teratoma sacrococcígeo es una enfermedad rara en el feto, pero con alta mortalidad perinatal debido al secuestro de flujo sanguíneo y consiguiente desarrollo de anemia fetal severa. Presentamos el caso de una gestante de 27 semanas referida a nuestro servicio para manejo prenatal de un feto con teratoma sacrococcígeo gigante, que desarrolló anemia fetal severa y fue sometido a una transfusión intrauterina intravascular, la cual pudo prolongar el embarazo y mejorar los resultados perinatales.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is a rare fetal disease but with high perinatal mortality due to sequestration of blood flow and consequent development of severe fetal anemia. We present the case of a 27 weeks pregnant woman referred to our service for prenatal management of a fetus with giant sacrococcygeal teratoma and severe anemia and who was subjected to intrauterine intravascular transfusion that could permit prolongation of the pregnancy and improve perinatal results.

Uterine and umbilical artery Doppler at 28 weeks for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with abnormal uterine artery Doppler findings in the early second trimester.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of uterine (UtA) and umbilical arteries (UA) Doppler examination at 28 weeks to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes in women who had increased resistance in UtA in the early second trimester. METHODS: Women with UtA mean pulsatility index (PI) above the 95th centile at 19-22 weeks of gestation were offered a growth scan including Doppler examination of UtA and UA at 28 weeks. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA), defined as birth weight below the tenth centile, preeclampsia (PE) and early-onset PE (PE before 34 weeks). RESULTS: We studied 266 pregnant women with elevated PI in the UtAs in the second trimester and ultrasound reassessment at 28 weeks. UtA PI >95th centile at 28 weeks was associated with subsequent PE [odds ratio (OR): 10.0, 95% CI: 2.3-43.5], early-onset PE (OR: 57.7, 95% CI: 3.8-87.6) and SGA less than the tenth centile (OR: 5.5, 2.2-13.9). UA PI >95th centile at 28 weeks was not significantly associated with any adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In women with abnormal UtA Doppler in the early second trimester scan, persistence of elevated UtA PI, but not abnormal UA PI, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including PE, early-onset PE and SGA. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis from the perspective of a low-resource country.

Current clinical practice in obstetrics has shifted the paradigm from a conventional prenatal approach based on invasive procedures, risking both fetus and mother, to non-invasive prenatal testing for some fetal conditions via the analysis of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood. In the past 15 years, much research has been devoted to refining the methodology for measuring cell-free fetal DNA in maternal circulation and to exploring clinical applications of this technology as a potential tool for prenatal diagnosis. Since the rapid spread around the world of prenatal diagnosis based on cell-free fetal DNA, it is time to start thinking how this cutting-edge technology might influence current practice of obstetrics in low-resource countries.

Reliability of examining the external iliac artery with Doppler ultrasound in the first trimester and its relationship with maternal blood pressure and uterine artery blood flow.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the reliability of examining the external iliac artery (EIA) at 11+0 to 13+6 weeks of gestation with Doppler ultrasound and its relationship with maternal characteristics and uterine artery blood flow. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 451 pregnant women undergoing an ultrasound scan in the first trimester. Mean pulsatility index (PI) of both EIAs was correlated to maternal characteristics (maternal age, parity, body mass index and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP)) and ultrasound parameters (crown-rump length (CRL) and mean uterine artery PI). Mean EIA-PI was logarithmically transformed to perform multiple linear regression analysis. The intra- and inter-observer reproducibilities of EIA-PI were examined. RESULTS: Satisfactory flow velocity waveforms were obtained from both EIA in all patients. There is a significant negative correlation between mean EIA pulsatility index and maternal blood pressure. Multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent contribution of MAP to log EIA-PI (mean) (standardized regression coefficient = -0.20, 95% CI: -0.005 to -0.002). The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88-0.97) and 0.87 (0.76-0.94) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Examining blood flow in the external iliac artery using Doppler ultrasound in the first trimester is feasible and reproducible. There is a negative correlation between mean EIA-PI and maternal blood pressure.

Valor predictivo del índice de pulsatilidad promedio de las arterias uterinas en la predicción de preeclampsia en las gestantes entre 11 y 14 semanas, Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal / Predictive value of mean pulsatility index of uterine arteries in the prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks, National Maternal Perinatal Institute

Los trastornos hipertensivos son una de las complicaciones más frecuentes del embarazo, constituyendo un problema de salud pública mundial. En el Perú se registra entre un 10% y 14%, y constituye una de las tres primeras causas de mortalidad materna y de retardo del crecimiento intrauterino. En los últimos años se ha demostrado que un patrón anormal en las ondas velocidad de flujo de las arterias uterinas durante el primer trimestre del embarazo está relacionado con un mayor riesgo de desarrollar preeclampsia. Objetivo: Determinar el índice de pulsatilidad (IP) promedio de las arterias uterinas y calcular el valor predictivo del percentil mayor o igual que 95 (p95) en la predicción de preeclampsia en las gestantes entre 11 y 14 semanas de gestación. Métodos: Estudio longitudinal llevado a cabo en la Unidad de Medicina Fetal del Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, hospital docente de la ciudad de Lima, en el periodo mayo de 2009 a marzo de 2010. Las participantes fueron gestantes entre 11 y 14 semanas. Se realizó una evaluación Doppler de las arterias uterinas en las gestantes que acudían a su control prenatal. Mediante Doppler color se identificaron las arterias uterinas derecha e izquierda y luego con el Doppler pulsado se obtuvieron las ondas de velocidad de flujo. Se realizó la determinación del índice de pulsatilidad (IP) promedio de las arterias uterinas, identificación del p95, determinación de la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y negativo (VPN). Resultados: De las 120 pacientes estudiadas, 24 presentaron hipertensión gestacional (20%), seis preeclampsia leve (5%) y cuatro preeclampsia severa (3.3%). El valor del IP promedio para el p95 fue 2.66. La capacidad predictiva del IP anormal (IP 2.66) se estableció estimando una sensibilidad de 20% (IC95%: 0.0% a 49.8%), especificidad de 96.4% (IC95%: 92.4% a 100%), VPP de 33.3% (IC95%: 0.0% a 79.4%), VPN de 93.0% (IC95%: 87.9% a 98.1%)...

Hypertensive disorders are one of the most common complications during pregnancy, constituting a public health problem worldwide. It has been reported between 10% and 14% of pregnancy, in Peru, and it is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality and intrauterine growth retardation. In recent years it has been shown that an abnormal pattern on the flow rate of the uterine arteries during the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of developing preeclampsia. Objective: To determine the pulsatility index (PI) average of the uterine arteries and calculate the predictive value of percentile more or equal than 95 (p95) in the prediction of preeclampsia in pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation. Methods: A longitudinal study conducted in the Fetal Medicine Unit of the National Maternal Perinatal Institute, a teaching hospital in the city of Lima, in the period May 2009 to March 2010. Participants were pregnant women between 11 and 14 weeks. An assessment of uterine artery Doppler in pregnant women attending prenatal care was performed. Color Doppler identified the right and left uterine arteries and then obtained Doppler waves velocity. We performed the determination of the pulsatility index average of the uterine arteries, identification of p95, determination of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV). Results: Of the 120 patients studied, 24 had gestational hypertension (20%), six mild pre-eclampsia (5%) and four severe pre-eclampsia (3.3%). The average value of IP for p95 was 2.66. The predictive ability of abnormal IP (IP 2.66) was established by estimating a sensitivity of 20% (95%CI 0.0% to 49.8%), specificity of 96.4% (95%CI 92.4% to 100%), PPV of 33.3% (95%CI 0.0% to 79.4%), NPV of 93.0% (95%CI 87.9% to 98.1%) and validity index of 90.0% (95%CI 84.2% to 95.8%). The estimated relative risk was 4.75 (95%CI: 1.28 to 17.68)...

Perinatal outcomes associated with subsequent pregnancy among adolescent mothers in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perinatal outcomes of a subsequent pregnancy among adolescent mothers living in Peru. METHODS: A large hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate singleton births during a 9-year period (2001-2009). The study population was divided into 3 groups: adolescents aged 15-19 years who had 1 previous parturition (n=2074), nulliparous adolescents (n=20721), and multiparous adults aged 20-29 years (n=23 129). RESULTS: No significant differences were found between multiparous adolescents and the 2 control groups with regard to preterm delivery, perinatal death, and 5-minute Apgar score below 7. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences in the rates of cesarean delivery or preterm birth before 34 or 37 weeks. After adjusting for confounding factors, low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) were more likely to occur during a subsequent pregnancy among adolescent mothers than during the 1st pregnancy among nulliparous adolescents. The odds ratios were 1.38 (95% CI, 1.14-1.67) and 1.27 (95% CI, 1.02-1.56), respectively. CONCLUSION: Multiparous adolescents are more likely to experience LBW or SGA than are nulliparous adolescents. No significant differences in other perinatal outcomes were found among the 3 study groups.

Perinatal outcomes after sonographic detection of isolated short femur in the second trimester.

PURPOSE: To determine the association of fetal isolated short femur in the second-trimester ultrasound (US) examination with perinatal outcomes such as small-for-gestational age (SGA) and low-birth weight (LBW) neonates. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study in fetuses routinely assessed by US examination at 18 to 24 weeks during 2006-2009. A fetal isolated short femur was defined as femur length below the 5th percentile and with no chromosomal or structural abnormalities. Fetuses with abdominal circumference below the 5th percentile at the time of US examination were excluded. Each case of short femur was matched with three controls according to gestational age at the time of the US examination. RESULTS: Sixty-one fetuses met the inclusion criteria. Both the group of women carrying a fetus with isolated short femur and that of women carrying a fetus with normal femur length had similar general and obstetric characteristics. Women carrying a fetus with isolated short femur were significantly more likely to deliver a SGA neonate (19.7% versus 8.7%, p < 0.05) and a LBW neonate (19.7% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05) than women carrying a fetus with normal femur length. Logistic regression analysis found odds ratios for SGA and LBW of 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.9) and 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-7.1), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated short femur in the second-trimester US examination is associated with a subsequent delivery of SGA and LBW neonates.

La importancia de la ecografía a las 11+0 a 13+6 semanas de embarazo: actualización / Importance of ultrasound evaluation at 11+0 - 13+6 weeks of pregnancy: an update

La evaluación ecográfica del primer trimestre (11+0 a 13+6 semanas) constituye actualmente una de las herramientas fundamentales en el manejo de toda paciente obstétrica. Es el mejor ejemplo de tamizaje en Obstetricia por medio del cálculo de riesgo de anormalidades cromosómicas y, sumado a ciertas características obstétricas y clínicas, se constituye en un potencial predictor de riesgo de las principales complicaciones obstétricas. Es nuestro objetivo presentar en forma resumida y simplificada los avances en este importante tópico de Medicina Fetal, con la finalidad de que sea reafirmada y asumida por todos los responsables del cuidado de la salud materno-fetal, incluyendo los padres.

First trimester ultrasound scan (11+0 to 13+6 weeks) is currently one of the most important clinical tools in managing pregnant women and their fetuses. It represents the best example of screening in Obstetrics to assess risk for chromosomal abnormalities and combined with maternal and obstetrical characteristics could be a useful predictor of obstetrical complications. We aim to present comprehensive summary of this important topic in Fetal Medicine for people involved in providing maternal and perinatal care, i.e. obstetricians, midwives and parents.