Cardiac Doppler in poorly controlled gestational diabetics and its link to markers of intra-uterine hypoxia and adverse outcome.

The aim of the study was to investigate foetal cardiac function using the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) in poorly controlled gestational diabetics and its link with intrauterine markers for hypoxia and to an adverse outcome. In a prospective, cross sectional study, 44 consecutive women with severe or poorly controlled gestational diabetic pregnancies in their third trimester on insulin therapy were recruited and matched with 44 women with normal pregnancies which served as the control group. Using Doppler echocardiography the foetal Mod-MPI was calculated. The foetal Mod-MPI was significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to the controls indicating significant myocardial dysfunction. The Mod-MPI served as an excellent marker of adverse outcomes. Foetal myocardial function was significantly impaired in poorly controlled gestational diabetics and there was a significant link of Mod-MPI to intrauterine markers of hypoxia, as well as to an adverse outcome. Mod-MPI has the potential to improve foetal surveillance in gestational diabetes.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Abnormal foetal cardiac function, as reflected in the modified myocardial performance index, has been reported to be significantly increased in foetuses of poorly controlled diabetics managed on insulin.What do the results of this study add? There is a significant link between abnormal foetal cardiac function to intrauterine markers of hypoxia, as well as to an adverse outcome; and that development of myocardial dysfunction could be one of the main mechanisms, inducing foetal compromise in poorly controlled gestational diabetes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study explores an interesting concept of foetal pathophysiology in gestational diabetes, namely the concept of "pseudo-hypoxia" in a foetus of a gestational diabetic mother, and this intrauterine "hypoxic stress" in turn leading to myocardial dysfunction. The Mod-MPI, a clinical marker for cardiac dysfunction, can therefore be used in the clinical setting to track a deteriorating metabolic state.

Role of Doppler ultrasound at time of diagnosis of late-onset fetal growth restriction in predicting adverse perinatal outcome: prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancies complicated by late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) are at increased risk of short- and long-term morbidities. Despite this, identification of cases at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome, at the time of FGR diagnosis, is challenging. The aims of this study were to elucidate the strength of association between fetoplacental Doppler indices at the time of diagnosis of late-onset FGR and adverse perinatal outcome, and to determine their predictive accuracy. METHODS: This was a prospective study of consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR. Late-onset FGR was defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) < 3rd centile, or EFW or AC < 10th centile and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) > 95th centile or cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 5th centile, diagnosed after 32 weeks. EFW, uterine artery PI, UA-PI, fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, CPR and umbilical vein blood flow normalized for fetal abdominal circumference (UVBF/AC) were recorded at the time of the diagnosis of FGR. Doppler variables were expressed as Z-scores for gestational age. Composite adverse perinatal outcome was defined as the occurrence of at least one of emergency Cesarean section for fetal distress, 5-min Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.10 and neonatal admission to the special care unit. Logistic regression analysis was used to elucidate the strength of association between different ultrasound parameters and composite adverse perinatal outcome, and receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis was used to determine their predictive accuracy. RESULTS: In total, 243 consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR were included. Composite adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 32.5% (95% CI, 26.7-38.8%) of cases. In pregnancies with composite adverse perinatal outcome, compared with those without, mean uterine artery PI Z-score (2.23 ± 1.34 vs 1.88 ± 0.89, P = 0.02) was higher, while Z-scores of UVBF/AC (-1.93 ± 0.88 vs -0.89 ± 0.94, P ≤ 0.0001), MCA-PI (-1.56 ± 0.93 vs -1.22 ± 0.84, P = 0.004) and CPR (-1.89 ± 1.12 vs -1.44 ± 1.02, P = 0.002) were lower. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, Z-scores of mean uterine artery PI (P = 0.04), CPR (P = 0.002) and UVBF/AC (P = 0.001) were associated independently with composite adverse perinatal outcome. UVBF/AC Z-score had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.723 (95% CI, 0.64-0.80) for composite adverse perinatal outcome, demonstrating better accuracy than that of mean uterine artery PI Z-score (AUC, 0.593; 95% CI, 0.50-0.69) and CPR Z-score (AUC, 0.615; 95% CI, 0.52-0.71). A multiparametric prediction model including Z-scores of MCA-PI, uterine artery PI and UVBF/AC had an AUC of 0.745 (95% CI, 0.66-0.83) for the prediction of composite adverse perinatal outcome. CONCLUSION: While CPR and uterine artery PI assessed at the time of diagnosis are associated independently with composite adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by late-onset FGR, their diagnostic performance for composite adverse perinatal outcome is low. UVBF/AC showed better accuracy for prediction of composite adverse perinatal outcome, although its usefulness in clinical practice as a standalone predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome requires further research. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Papel de la ecografía Doppler en el momento del diagnóstico de la restricción del crecimiento fetal de aparición tardía para la predicción de resultados perinatales adversos: estudio prospectivo de cohortes OBJETIVO: Los embarazos complicados por la restricción del crecimiento fetal (RCF) de aparición tardía tienen un mayor riesgo de morbilidad a corto y largo plazo. A pesar de ello, es difícil identificar los casos con mayor riesgo de resultados perinatales adversos en el momento del diagnóstico de RCF. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron dilucidar la fortaleza de la asociación entre los índices Doppler fetoplacentarios en el momento del diagnóstico de la RCF de aparición tardía y el resultado perinatal adverso, y determinar su precisión predictiva. MÉTODOS: Este fue un estudio prospectivo de embarazos consecutivos con feto único complicados por una RCF de aparición tardía. La aparición tardía de la RCF se definió como peso estimado del feto (PEF) o circunferencia abdominal (CA) <3er percentil, o PEF o CA <10o percentil junto con índice de pulsatilidad (IP) de la arteria umbilical (AU) >95o percentil, o una relación cerebroplacentaria (RCP) <5o percentil, diagnosticado después de las 32 semanas. El PEF, el IP de la arteria uterina (IP-AU), el IP de la arteria cerebral media fetal (ACM), la RCP y el flujo sanguíneo de la vena umbilical normalizado para la circunferencia abdominal fetal (UVBF/AC, por sus siglas en inglés) se registraron en el momento del diagnóstico de RCF. Las variables Doppler se expresaron como puntuaciones Z para la edad gestacional. El resultado perinatal adverso compuesto se definió como la ocurrencia de al menos una cesárea de emergencia por sufrimiento fetal, test de Apgar a los 5 minutos <7, pH de la arteria umbilical <7,10 y el ingreso a la unidad de cuidados especiales de recién nacidos. Se utilizó el análisis de regresión logística para dilucidar la fortaleza de la asociación entre los diferentes parámetros de la ecografía y el resultado perinatal adverso compuesto, y se empleó el análisis de la curva de características operativas del receptor (ROC, por sus siglas en inglés) para determinar su precisión predictiva. RESULTADOS: En total, se incluyeron 243 embarazos con feto único consecutivos complicados por RCF de aparición tardía. El resultado perinatal adverso compuesto se produjo en el 32,5% (IC 95%, 26,7-38,8%) de los casos. En los embarazos con resultados perinatales adversos compuestos, en comparación con los que no los tuvieron, la puntuación Z del IP de la arteria uterina media (2,23±1,34 vs 1,88±0,89, P=0,02) fue mayor, mientras que las puntuaciones Z de UVBF/AC (-1,93±0,88 vs -0,89±0,94, P≤0,0001), IP-ACM (-1,56±0,93 vs -1,22±0,84, P=0,004) y RCP (-1,89±1,12 vs -1,44±1,02, P=0,002) fueron más bajas. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariable, las puntuaciones Z del IP de la arteria uterina media (P=0,04), RCP (P=0,002) y UVBF/AC (P=0,001) estuvieron asociadas de forma independiente con el resultado perinatal adverso compuesto. La puntuación Z del UVBF/AC tuvo un área bajo la curva (ABC) ROC de 0,723 (IC 95%, 0,64-0,80) para el resultado perinatal adverso compuesto, demostrando una mejor precisión que la de la puntuación Z del IP de la arteria uterina media (ABC, 0,593; IC 95%, 0,50-0,69) y la de la puntuación Z de la RCP (ABC, 0,615; IC 95%, 0,52-0,71). Un modelo de predicción multiparamétrico que incluía las puntuaciones Z del IP-ACM, el IP de la arteria uterina y el UVBF/AC resultó en un ABC de 0,745 (IC 95%, 0,66-0,83) para la predicción de un resultado perinatal adverso compuesto. CONCLUSIÓN: Aunque la RCP y el IP de la arteria uterina evaluados en el momento del diagnóstico están asociados de forma independiente con un resultado perinatal adverso compuesto en embarazos complicados por una RCF de aparición tardía, la eficacia del diagnóstico para el resultado perinatal adverso compuesto es baja. El UVBF/AC mostró una mayor precisión para la predicción de un resultado perinatal adverso compuesto, aunque su utilidad en la práctica clínica como parámetro indicativo independiente del resultado adverso del embarazo requiere más investigación. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A low fetal cerebroplacental ratio confers a greater risk of intrapartum fetal compromise and adverse neonatal outcomes in low risk multiparous women at term.

BACKGROUND: A low fetal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and nulliparity have independently been shown to be associated with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of parity on the CPR and investigate the utility of a CPR threshold of <10th centile for predicting adverse outcomes. We hypothesised that nulliparous women would have a lower CPR than multiparous women, impacting the diagnostic performance of the <10th centile threshold. This is an important consideration for interpretation of a low CPR in clinical practice. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of low risk, singleton pregnancies delivering at term in Australia's largest maternity hospital. The primary outcome was emergency caesarean section for intrapartum fetal compromise (EmCS IFC). Data was dichotomised according to parity and further by CPR <10th centile. Multiple logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: 4737 women were included for analysis, 2333 were nulliparous and 2404 were multiparous. Overall the z-score (mean [SD])(CPR standardised for gestation) was lower in nulliparous compared to multiparous women (-0.16 [-1.73 - 1.42] vs 0.04 [-1.63 - 1.69], p < 0.001). Multiparous women had a non-significantly lower mean z-score for those who delivered by EmCS IFC than nulliparous women (-0.52 [-2.23 - 2.02] vs -0.45 [-2.22 - 1.1]). Nulliparous women had greater odds of having a CPR <10th centile compared to the multiparous cohort (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.5 vs. OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.7-0.98, p < 0.001). A CPR thresholdd <10th centile in nulliparous women was associated with increased odds of intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC), EmCS IFC (aOR 1.72, 95CI 1.2-2.6, p < 0.05) and birthweight <10th centile. A low CPR in multiparous women was associated with increased odds of all adverse perinatal outcomes measured: IFC, meconium stained liquor, EmCS IFC (aOR 4.99, 95%CI 2.5-9.9, p < 0.001), birthweight <10th centile, acidosis, neonatal intensive care admission and severe composite neonatal outcome. These aORs were associated with specificities of >90% and false positive rates of <10% for all outcomes in multiparous women. CONCLUSIONS: A CPR <10th centile in multiparous women confers greater odds of adverse perinatal outcomes and as such of the influence of parity should be taken into account when decisions regarding clinical management are made because of a low CPR.

Ultrasound screening for complications in twin pregnancy.

In the decades since the introduction of ultrasound into routine obstetric practice, the advantages of ultrasound have moved beyond the simple ability to identify multiple pregnancies antenatally to the possibility of screening them for fetal anomalies, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and the complications specific to monochorionic pregnancies. Screening studies have often excluded twins because physiological differences impact on the validity and sensitivity of the screening tests in routine use in singletons, and therefore, the evidence of screening performance in multiple pregnancy lags behind the evidence from singleton pregnancies. In general, most pregnancy complications are more common in twin pregnancy, but screening tests are less accurate or well validated. In this review article we present the current state of the evidence and avenues for future research relating to the use of ultrasound and screening for complications in twin pregnancies, including the monochorionicity-related pathologies, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, selective growth restriction, twin anaemia-polycythaemia sequence and twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence.

Accuracy of intrapartum fetal blood gas analysis by scalp sampling: A retrospective cohort study.

Fetal blood gas analysis (FBGA) using scalp blood is commonly used to identify serious fetal distress. However, there is a lack of data regarding its accuracy and reliability. The aim of this study was to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of FBGA for predicting postpartum acidosis in case of nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracings (NRFHRT). To this end, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton term deliveries with NRFHRT according to Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique and Fisher cardiotocography scores undergoing FBGA in a university hospital. The PPV and NPV of FBGA regarding neonatal acidosis (defined as a pH value ≤ 7.15 in arterial or venous umbilical cord blood) and Apgar scores indicating neonatal depression (defined as a 5-min Apgar score ≤5) were evaluated. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the influence of cardiotocography variations and the time delay between FBGA and delivery on the accuracy of FBGA. We analyzed 343 deliveries with NRFHRT. In 32 (9%) of these cases, fetal acidosis was confirmed by a postpartum umbilical cord blood pH value ≤ 7.15. In 308/343 (90%) cases, FBGA identified NRFHRT as false positive (as confirmed by nonacidotic postpartum pH values) and thus avoided unnecessary interventions such as operative delivery. The overall test accuracy of FBGA was 91%. FBGA accurately predicted postpartum cord blood pH values with a margin of ±0.2 in 319/343 (93%) cases. On the other hand, the false negative rate of FBGA was 8% (29/343). The PPV and NPV of FBGA for predicting postpartum acidosis were 50% and 91%, respectively. The sensitivity was 9% and the specificity was 99%. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.17; P = .029) and cardiotocography variations (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.66-0.98; P = .029) independently affected the predictive value of FBGA. The PPV of FBGA regarding neonatal depression according to Apgar scores was low with only 17%. We conclude that FBGA may be used in clinical practice to rule out, but not to rule in, neonatal acidosis in parturients with NRFHRT. It can avoid unnecessary interventions such as cesarean section or operative vaginal delivery in up to 90% of cases, but cannot reliably detect fetal acidosis.

Modalities of fetal evaluation to detect fetal compromise prior to the development of significant neurological damage.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to clarify the developmental mechanism underlying fetal heart rate (FHR) long-term variability (LTV) and acceleration with respect to fetal brain damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The fetal state was deduced from the developmental mechanism of FHR variability analyzed by actocardiogram, animal experiments, and simulations. RESULTS: LTV develops due to minor fetal movements in the fetal midbrain, moderate LTV by fetal periodic movements and triangular accelerations by large fetal movement bursts. Stimulation of the fetal midbrain by sound and light produces fetal movements that lead to FHR acceleration. Severe hypoxia can result in the loss of LTV and neuronal necrosis that may damage the fetal brain. Therefore, a cesarean section is recommended prior to the loss of LTV, rather than after its loss. The vagal center of the fetal medulla oblongata is excited by hypoxia and produces FHR bradycardia. The heart rate of hypoxic rabbits was found to be closely correlated with the PaO2, thus the impact of hypoxia could be estimated by the hypoxia index, which is calculated from the reciprocal of nadir FHR and bradycardia duration. CONCLUSIONS: Analyzing the development of FHR signs could help to diagnose fetal state. An early cesarean section is recommended before the loss of LTV as indicated by the hypoxia index, which will contribute to prevent fetal brain damage and neurological sequels.

[Combination therapy for fetal supraventricular tachycardia with flecainide and digoxin]. / Kombinationstherapie einer fetalen supraventrikulären Tachykardie mit Flecainid und Digoxin.

Persistent fetal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with more than 210 bpm frequently leads to congestive heart failure. We report on a case with SVT and congestive heart failure that converted into sinus rhythm within 19 days of therapy with flecainide and beta-acetyldigoxin. A 32-year-old II gravida I para (25 + 1 weeks of gestation) presented with fetal SVT of 267 bpm. A non-immunologic hydrops fetalis was diagnosed by ultrasound showing ascites, pleural and pericardial effusion and tricuspid regurgitation. Within 19 days of combination therapy with flecainide and digoxin, cardioversion was achieved. After 36 days of therapy no more signs of cardiac failure could be detected. A healthy boy was born at 38 + 6 weeks of gestation. Although cardioversion is expected after 72 h of therapy according to the literature, this fetus converted into sinus rhythm on day 19 of therapy. This indicates that patients should not be considered resistant to treatment within the first 3 - 4 days.

Fetal and neonatal neurologic case histories: assessment of brain disorders in the context of fetal-maternal-placental disease. Part 2: Neonatal neurologic consultations in the context of adverse antepartum and intrapartum events.

The more conventional role of the pediatric neurologist involves the evaluation of the child after birth. Although the pediatric neurologist rarely attends the delivery of the neonate, consultation by the neurologist should begin immediately following stabilization by the neonatal resuscitation team. Four interrelated aspects of the neurologist's clinical assessment will be discussed in the context of reaching a consultative opinion, which must incorporate knowledge of chronologic events before as well as during labor and delivery. This evaluation encompasses an assessment of levels of arousal, increased or decreased muscle tone, presence of seizures, and effects of systemic diseases on the central nervous system, which are the essential elements of a complete neurologic examination. Documentation of the neonate's neurologic condition, together with knowledge of maternal, fetal, and placental diseases, will help anticipate neuroresuscitative decisions, as well as subsequent neurologic deficits.

Correlacion diagnostica de sufrimiento fetal agudo pre-quirurgico y post quirurgico / Diagnostic correlation of acute presurgery and postsurgery fetal distress

Se realizo una evaluacion retrospectiva de 1798 casos de pacientes operadas (cesarea), en el periodo comprendido de noviembre de 1990 a octubre de 1991 en el I.M.P.B.. De los cuales se seleccionaron 99 casos de pacientes internadas con Dx. pre-quirurgico de S.F.A. y en conclusion encontramos que: En su mayoria las pacientes corresponden a las edades entre los 20-24 anos (30.3 por ciento), primigestas en el 49.4 por ciento, mayor en embarazos de terminos 37-40 semanas 65.50 por ciento fueron pacientes institucionales desde un inicio en relacion a las derivadas de otros centros. Dentro de la institucion en el tiempo de trabajo de parto fue entre 1 y 3 horas el 60 por ciento. Se vio tambien en un 27 por ciento se uso oxitocicos de las cuales el 55.5 por ciento comprendidas entre 1 a 2 horas. El 74 por ciento presentaron R.P.M.. En un 70.7 por ciento se observo disminucion del L.C.F. menor de 120 por minuto. De los R.N. vemos que el 60 por ciento presentaron liquido meconial (+++). De los R.N. presentaron circular de cordon en un 32.9 por ciento. Es importante ver que el 72.6 por ciento de los R.N. nacen con un apgar de 7-10. Observamos que en el 38.3 por ciento de los R.N. su peso varia entre 3001-4000 g., el 18.1 por ciento fueron R.N. que se los interno en sala de neonatologia. Y es muy importante que consideremos que el 4.0 por ciento obitos fetales