Placenta accreta spectrum: a non-oncologic challenge for gynecologic oncologists.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorders are a major risk factor for severe postpartum hemorrhage and maternal death worldwide, with a rapidly growing incidence in recent decades due to increasing rates of cesarean section. Placenta accreta spectrum disorders represent a complex surgical challenge, with the primary concern of massive obstetrical hemorrhagic sequelae and organ damage, occurring in the context of potentially significant anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy. Most international obstetrical organizations have published guidelines on placenta accreta spectrum, embracing the creation of regionalized 'Centers of Excellence' in the diagnosis and management of placenta accreta spectrum, which includes a dedicated multidisciplinary surgical team. One mandatory criterion for these Centers of Excellence is the presence of a surgeon experienced in complex pelvic surgeries. Indeed, many institutions in the United States and worldwide rely on gynecologic oncologists in the surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum due to their experience and skills in complex pelvic surgery. Surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum frequently includes challenging pelvic dissection in regions with distortion of anatomy alongside large aberrant neovascularization. With a goal of definitive management through cesarean hysterectomy, surgeons require a systematic and thoughtful approach to promote prevention of urologic injuries, embrace measures to secure challenging hemostasis and, in selected cases, employ conservative management where indicated or desired. In this review recommendations are made for gynecologic oncologists regarding the management and important considerations in the successful care of placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Where required, gynecologic oncologists are encouraged to be proactively involved in the management of placenta accreta spectrum, not only intra-operatively, but also in the development of clinical protocols, guidelines, and pre-operative counseling of patients, as a 'call if needed' approach is suboptimal for this potentially major and life-threatening condition.

Mirroring preeclampsia: the molecular basis of Ballantyne syndrome.

Objectives: The purpose of this article was to further elucidate the pathophysiology of Mirror (Ballantyne) syndrome within the context of known biomarkers for preeclampsia.Methods: This novel insight from clinical practice involved a case of post-twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome-laser hydrops in an ex-donor twin, corroborated by histopathologic placental territory edema and maternal sequelae of Mirror syndrome. We serially measured the levels of activin A, follistatin, endothelin-1 (ET-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in the maternal serum from disease evolution through to recovery.Results: The paired finding of hydropic ex-donor twin and placenta, supports the theory of placental injury as the source of potential molecular mediators, leading to local placental edema, associated fetal hydrops and the maternal preeclamptic picture. Notably, we elucidated a temporal spectrum of maternal serum mediators (soluble Flt-1, endothelin-1, 8-isoprostane, activin-A, ICAM-1, and vWF) involved in the pathogenesis of Mirror syndrome.Conclusion: Better understanding of the pathogenesis of Mirror syndrome has important implications for clinical management.

Update on uterine tachysystole.

Uterine tachysystole (TS) is a potentially significant intrapartum complication seen most commonly in induced or augmented labors but may also occur in women with spontaneous labor. When it occurs, maternal and perinatal complications can arise if not identified and managed promptly by obstetric care providers. Over recent years, new definitions of the condition have facilitated further research into the field, which has been synthesized to inform clinical management guidelines and protocols. We propose a set of recommendations pertaining to TS in line with contemporary evidence and obstetric practice.