Diagnostic and management dilemmas of pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction: A case series and management algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: A pregnancy at the utero-tubal junction is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with high maternal morbidity if it remains undetected. In the present study we discuss four cases of ectopic pregnancies at the utero-tubal junction which caused diagnostic and management dilemmas. METHODS: Four cases of early pregnancies with the gestational sac (G-sac) implanted near the utero-tubal junction are described. In case 1 this was suspected after a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage at our hospital, cases 2 and 3 presented with amenorrhea and pain abdomen and case 4 was diagnosed on first pregnancy documentation scan after frozen embryo transfer. RESULTS: As initial two-dimensional (2D) transvaginal scan (TVS) failed to diagnose the exact location of the G-sac, three-dimensional (3D) TVS helped to localize the exact location of pregnancy and subsequent individualized management. Case 1 had a partial intramural ectopic pregnancy managed by laparotomy and removal of the ectopic sac. The second and third cases were eccentric uterine pregnancies. The fourth was an interstitial ectopic pregnancy managed by a laparoscopic loop and stitch technique. CONCLUSION: This case series describes the role of 3D TVS for the evaluation of pregnancies implanted at the utero-tubal junction and individual management of eccentric intrauterine, interstitial ectopic and intramural ectopic pregnancies. A diagnostic algorithm for such types of cases and management options is discussed.

Pseudogestational Sac Delaying Diagnosis of Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy can be complicated by nonspecific laboratory and radiographic findings. The multiple alternative diagnoses must be weighed against each other based on the entire clinical presentation. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 20-year-old woman who arrived to the Emergency Department (ED) with abdominal pain and ended up being transferred for an Obstetrics evaluation of a possible heterotopic pregnancy. Her radiology-performed ultrasound had revealed an "intrauterine gestational sac" along with an adnexal mass near the right ovary. The patient was not undergoing assisted-reproductive fertilization, nor did she have meaningful risk factors for heterotopic pregnancy. The patient was managed expectantly over the ensuing week to see whether the intrauterine fluid was a true gestational sac. After multiple repeat ED visits, the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was made. Ultimately, the patient elected for surgical management of her ectopic pregnancy. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case offers a reminder of the subtleties of radiographic identification of intrauterine pregnancies and the ever-present need to "clinically correlate."

Hysteroscopic subchorionic injection of methotrexate followed by laparoscopic excision of the gestational sac for the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy: an innovative dual approach of a challenging pathology.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an effective two-step surgical approach for the management of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEPs). CSEPs occur at an estimated frequency of 1 in 1,800 pregnancies, constituting approximately 6% of ectopic pregnancies in women with a history of prior cesarean delivery [1, 2]. Despite numerous recommended therapeutic approaches, the most effective treatment strategy remains uncertain [3]. DESIGN: We present an innovative double-step technique for the management of a patient with a CSEP involving hysteroscopic subchorionic injection of methotrexate (MTX), followed by laparoscopic resection of the residual gestational sac and simultaneous repair of the uterine defect. SETTING: Academic tertiary hospital. PATIENT: A 34-year-old G2P1001 with a history of prior cesarean section presented at 10 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound revealed a gestational sac within the niche of the previous cesarean scar, confirming the diagnosis of a CSEP. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, among others), and other applicable sites. INTERVENTION: The initial treatment involved hysteroscopic administration of MTX within the placental intervillous spaces, ensuring precise medication delivery. The administered dose of MTX was 1 mg/kg. Following the normalization of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) levels, laparoscopic resection of the remaining gestational sac and reconstruction of the uterine wall defect were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We have implemented a management strategy focusing on ectopic pregnancy removal and addressing defect revision. The hysteroscopic approach allows for a clear assessment of the ectopic pregnancy and facilitates precise MTX administration, enhancing its effectiveness by increasing drug concentration within the placental intervillous space. Delaying surgical repair until after the ß-hCG levels have decreased reduces the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure, as lower ß-hCG levels are associated with reduced vascularity at the ectopic site. Subsequent laparoscopic resection allows for complete removal of the remaining products of conception and repair of the defect, preserving the uterus and restoring normal anatomy. Compared to other surgical approaches, our two-step approach enables a more precise evaluation of placental implantation, making it a highly effective surgical method. RESULTS: We successfully managed a CSEP using a double-step technique. This involved hysteroscopic injection of subchorionic MTX, followed by laparoscopic resection of the residual gestational sac. Concurrently, we repaired the uterine defect. Both procedures were performed in an outpatient setting without complications detected during or after treatment. At the follow-up visit, the patient reported good health, and subsequent ultrasound confirmed an empty isthmocele. CONCLUSION: This sequential hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approach represents a definitive and effective minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of CSEP.

How to perform standardized sonographic examination of Cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) are crucial to prevent severe complications, such as uterine rupture, severe hemorrhage and placenta accreta spectrum disorders. In this article, we provide a step-by-step tutorial for the standardized sonographic evaluation of CSP in the first trimester. Practical steps for performing a standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination to diagnose CSP are outlined, focusing on criteria and techniques essential for accurate identification and classification. Key sonographic markers, including gestational sac location, cardiac activity, placental implantation and myometrial thickness, are detailed. The evaluation process is presented according to assessment of the uterine scar, differential diagnosis, detailed CSP evaluation and CSP classification. This step-by-step tutorial emphasizes the importance of scanning in two planes (sagittal and transverse), utilizing color or power Doppler and differentiating CSP from other low-lying pregnancies. The CSP classification is described in detail and is based on the location of the largest part of the gestational sac relative to the uterine cavity and serosal lines. This descriptive classification is recommended for clinical use to stimulate uniform description and evaluation. Such a standardized sonographic evaluation of CSP in the first trimester is essential for early diagnosis and management, helping to prevent life-threatening complications and to preserve fertility. Training sonographers in detailed evaluation techniques and promoting awareness of CSP are critical. The structured approach to CSP diagnosis presented herein is supported by a free e-learning course available online. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clinical efficacy and safety analysis of different treatment options for Cervical pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of different treatment options for cervical pregnancy (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 patients diagnosed with CP at Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital between January 2016 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 31 were treated with uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by hysteroscopic curettage, 34 were treated with hysteroscopic curettage alone, and nine were treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) followed by hysteroscopic curettage. Medical records and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gravidity, parity, abortion, or preoperative hemoglobin levels among the patients in the three groups; however, significant differences in gestational age, gestational sac diameter, preoperative ß-hCG, and presence of cardiac pulsation were observed (p < 0.05). After treatment, there was no conversion to laparotomy, and the uterus was preserved in all patients. Significant differences in blood loss during curettage, hospitalization costs, hospital days, menstrual recovery interval, ß-hCG decline rates, retained products of conception, and intrauterine adhesions rate among the three groups were observed (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the placement of the uterine Foley balloon, effective curettage rate, pre-and postoperative hemoglobin decline, live birth rate, or proportion of subsequent pregnancies among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that hysteroscopic curettage, HIFU, and UAE followed by hysteroscopic curettage are safe and effective for treating patients with CP. Compared with the UAE, HIFU has the advantages of lower hospitalization costs, shorter hospital stays, and shorter menstrual recovery intervals.

Association of HCG Level with Ultrasound Visualization of the Gestational Sac in Early Viable Pregnancies.

Our primary objective is to verify or refute a 2013 study by Connolly et al. which showed that in early pregnancy, a gestational sac was visualized 99% of the time on transvaginal ultrasound when the HCG level reached 3510 mIU/mL. Our secondary objective was to make clinical correlations by assessing the relationship between human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) level in early pregnancy when a gestational sac is not seen and pregnancy outcomes of live birth, spontaneous abortion, and ectopic pregnancy. This retrospective study includes 144 pregnancies with an outcome of live birth, 87 pregnancies with an outcome of spontaneous abortion, and 59 ectopic pregnancies. Logistic regression is used to determine the probability of visualizing a gestational sac and/or yolk sac based on the HCG level. A gestational sac is predicted to be visualized 50% of the time at an HCG level of 979 mIU/mL, 90% at 2421 mIU/mL, and 99% of the time at 3994 mIU/mL. A yolk sac was predicted to be visualized 50% of the time at an HCG level of 4626 mIU/mL, 90% at 12,892 mIU/mL, and 99% at 39,454 mIU/mL. A total of 90% of ectopic pregnancies presented with an HCG level below 3994 mIU/mL. These results are in agreement with the study by Connolly et al. Since most early ectopic pregnancies had an HCG value below the discriminatory level for gestational sac visualization, other methods for the evaluation of pregnancy of unknown location such as repeat HCG values are clinically important.

Bioavailability of the tumor necrosis factor alpha/regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) biosystem inside the gestational sac during the pre-immune stages of embryo development.

OBJECTIVES: In-vivo studies of the bioavailability of major components of the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) biosystem inside the gestational sac during embryogenesis have not been reported. We sought to determine the concentration of TNFα, soluble (s) TNFα receptors (sTNFR1, sTNFR2), and RANTES in the primate extraembryonic celomic fluid (ECF). METHODS: A validated timed-pregnant baboon animal model (N: 10) for experimental research in pregnancy was used to collect paired maternal blood and ECF samples in ongoing pregnancies. The concentrations (pg/dL) of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES were then determined by ELISA immunoassays. RESULTS: All animals delivered at term healthy newborns. The differential concentration of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES between the maternal plasma and the ECF could be determined with ratios for TNFα (5.4), sTNFR2 (1.85) and RANTES (3.59) that contrasted with that of sTNFR1 (0.07), which favored the gestational sac compartment. No significant correlations were noted between maternal plasma and ECF TNFR1, sTNFR2 and RANTES. There was a trend for a correlation between TNFα in maternal plasma and ECF (R=0.74; p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: We report the physiological concentrations of TNFα, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and RANTES in extraembryonic celomic fluid during embryogenesis in primates.

The role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis and guiding therapy of early cervical ectopic pregnancy.

We described the ultrasonic imaging characteristics of four patients with cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP) and inevitable miscarriage (IM) with the gestational sac (GS) located at the level of the cervical canal discussed and analyzed them in combination with relevant data, such as surgery and outcomes. It was found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could provide a more accurate differential diagnosis of early CEP and IM than conventional ultrasound (US), thus providing more effective guidance for clinical therapy. In CEP, CEUS shows sustained annular hyperenhancement of the GS wall. However, CEUS shows nonenhancement or pedicle-like enhancement in IM with the GS located at the level of the cervical canal.

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Relationship between the Volume Ratio of Subchorionic Hematoma to Gestation SAC in First-trimester and Pregnancy Outcome of Patients with Threatened Abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To find the relationship between the volume ratio of subchorionic hematoma (SCH) to gestation sac measured by three-dimensional ultrasound and pregnancy outcome of patients with threatened abortion. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China, from January 2016 to December 2020. METHODOLOGY: Medical data of patients, who were diagnosed with threatened abortion (persistent or intermittent vaginal bleeding) were collected. All included patients underwent ultrasonography for SCH at gestation age of 6-8 weeks. According to the patients' evaluation, they were classified into a case group combined with threatened abortion and SCH (n=145), and a control group with threatened abortion (n=76). The clinical data and three-dimensional ultrasound parameters of the two groups were compared to find the relationship between the volume ratio of SCH to gestation sac and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: In the case group, the hospital stay was longer, the abdominal pain, its duration ≥7 days, and adverse pregnancy outcomes were higher than in the control group (p<0.05). Patients with moderate and severe area ratio and volume ratio of SCH to gestation sac were significantly related to higher abortion and stillbirth rates than patients with mild ratio (p<0.05). The area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of the volume ratio of SCH to gestation sac in predicting abortion and stillbirth were higher than that of the area ratio of SCH to gestation sac. CONCLUSION: The volume ratio of SCH to gestation sac by three-dimensional ultrasound in first-trimester plays an important role to predict pregnancy outcome. KEY WORDS: Ultrasonography, Hematoma, Pregnancy outcome, Threatened abortion, ROC curve.

Automated prediction of early spontaneous miscarriage based on the analyzing ultrasonographic gestational sac imaging by the convolutional neural network: a case-control and cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to predict the outcome of the pregnancy when fetal heart activity is detected in early pregnancy. However, an accurate prediction is of importance for obstetricians as it helps to provide appropriate consultancy and determine the frequency of ultrasound examinations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the convolutional neural network (CNN) in the prediction of spontaneous miscarriage risk through the analysis of early ultrasound gestational sac images. METHODS: A total of 2196 ultrasound images from 1098 women with early singleton pregnancies of gestational age between 6 and 8 weeks were used for training a CNN for the prediction of the miscarriage in the retrospective study. The patients who had positive fetal cardiac activity on their first ultrasound but then experienced a miscarriage were enrolled. The control group was randomly selected in the same database from the fetuses confirmed to be normal during follow-up. Diagnostic performance of the algorithm was validated and tested in two separate test sets of 136 patients with 272 images, respectively. Performance in prediction of the miscarriage was compared between the CNN and the manual measurement of ultrasound characteristics in the prospective study. RESULTS: The accuracy of the predictive model was 80.32% and 78.1% in the retrospective and prospective study, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for classification was 0.857 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.793-0.922) in the retrospective study and 0.885 (95%CI, 0.846-0.925) in the prospective study, respectively. Correspondingly, the predictive power of the CNN was higher compared with manual ultrasound characteristics, for which the AUCs of the crown-rump length combined with fetal heart rate was 0.687 (95%CI, 0.587-0.775). CONCLUSIONS: The CNN model showed high accuracy for predicting miscarriage through the analysis of early pregnancy ultrasound images and achieved better performance than that of manual measurement.

Multidisciplinary treatment of retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is an extremely rare type of ectopic pregnancy, with a total of less than 32 cases reported in the English literature. Early diagnosis of REP is very difficult and all treatments entail a high risk of life-threatening complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old nulliparous woman presented a history of 50-day amenorrhea and 7-day upper abdominal pain without vaginal spotting. The serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) value was 65,004 m-international units per milliliter (mIU/mL), but no intrauterine gestational sac was found via transvaginal sonography (TVS). Then transabdominal ultrasonography (TAS) and abdominal contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT) identified a retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) tightly adjacent to the inferior vena cava and the abdominal aorta. After consultation from a multidisciplinary team, systemic methotrexate (MTX, intramuscular 20 mg daily for 5 consecutive days) combined with ultrasound-guided local potassium chloride solution injection into the gestational sac was scheduled firstly for the patient. However, serum ß-hCG continued to increase and the patient experienced worsening abdominal pain. Laparotomy was performed jointly by a gynecologist and a vascular surgeon. During the operation, the gestational sac with fetal bud measuring about 4.5 × 4.0x3.0 cm, tightly adherent to the surface of inferior vena cava and the left side of abdominal aorta, was carefully dissociated out from the surrounding tissues and removed en bloc. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of REP. The patient recovered uneventfully and her serum ß-hCG returned to normal range on the 23th postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the possibility of REP and combined radiological examinations, such as ultrasonography and CT, are crucial for the early diagnosis of this rare condition. A multidisciplinary team is necessary to treat REP.

A mathematical model to predict the probability of a successful pregnancy.

AIM: To develop a scoring system for the prediction of a successful pregnancy. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively from women diagnosed with pregnancy from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018. Pregnant days, hormone levels, and gestational sac diameters were recorded. Relationships among the pregnancy days, hormones, and gestational sac were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. A scoring system was established and stratified by the 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile of hormone levels and gestational sac diameters on different pregnancy days. Pregnancy outcomes were predicted by the scores using quadratic polynomial regression analyses. A portable desktop analyzer was developed and the performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: In 273 successful pregnancy cases, the length of gestational days was significantly correlated to beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and E2 (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) levels, and the size of the gestational sac (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the size of gestational sac was positively correlated with ß-hCG (r = 0.93, p < 0.001) and E2 (r = 0.55, p < 0.001). For 273 delivery and 103 miscarriage cases included in this study, our scoring-based prediction model rendered an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.86 with the sensitivity of 78.31% and the specificity of 80.83%. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed a scoring-based analyzer to evaluate the viability of embryos at different gestation stages and to predict the probability of a successful delivery, which would provide a reference for clinicians in postpregnancy management.

Using MRI to differentiate upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy for the patients with pregnancies in the uterotubal junction during the first trimester.

OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI for the uterotubal junctional pregnancies during the first trimester. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 59 patients (January 2016 to July 2021) with a preoperative imaging diagnosis of uterotubal junctional pregnancy. Using operative and pathological reports as the reference standard, we identified 22 patients with upper-lateral intracavitary (angular) pregnancy and 37 patients with interstitial pregnancy. Two senior radiologists, blinded to the patients' information, reviewed the MRI images and determined each MRI feature based on the original interpretation criteria. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion to achieve a consensus. The sensitivity and specificity of each MRI feature were calculated according to the reference standard. RESULTS: The endometrial thickness in the upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy group was larger than in the interstitial group (p = 0.001). The cutoff value of the endometrial thickness was 11.5 mm with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve that were 77.3%, 64.9%, and 0.743, respectively. Two key features to diagnose upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy were "medial free edge" and "medial free edge plus above-cutoff endometrial thickness." The sensitivity and specificity of the medial free edge were 100% and 94.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the medial free edge plus above-cutoff endometrial thickness were 77.3% and 100%, respectively. The key feature to diagnose interstitial pregnancy was an "intact lateral junctional zone," of which the sensitivity and specificity were 94.6% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MRI can be used to differentiate the upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy and interstitial pregnancy during the first trimester. KEY POINTS: • We demonstrated MRI diagnostic criteria for the interstitial pregnancy and upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy. • MRI might be used to identify the complex interstitial pregnancies, those with a gestational sac protruding into the uterine cavity.

Live tubal ectopic pregnancy managed with localised injection of methotrexate into gestational sac.

Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy outside the uterine cavity and is, in majority of cases, a non-viable pregnancy. There are multiple methods of managing patients with ectopic pregnancy including expectant, medical and surgical management. Live tubal ectopic pregnancies, also known as ectopic pregnancies present in the fallopian tube with fetal heartbeat still present, are most commonly treated via surgical route. This case outlines the presentation and an unusual method of management of a patient diagnosed with a live tubal ectopic pregnancy with extensive medical and surgical history.

A rodent model of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection, induced by the administration of inflammatory agent in a gestational sac, associated with preterm delivery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Rodents are the most commonly used animals in the study of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). Intra-amniotic inflammation/infection is a frequent and important cause of PTD. Intraperitoneal and intrauterine administrations of inflammatory agents are traditional methods to establish a rodent model of PTD associated with inflammation and infection. The intra-amniotic administration of inflammatory or infectious triggering agents to rodents can be useful to study not only intra-amniotic inflammatory response but also PTD associated with intra-amniotic inflammation/infection. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed mainly to assess and analyze all described methods of intra-amniotic administration of infectious and/or inflammatory agents to create a rodent model of intra-amniotic inflammation associated with PTD. METHODS: A literature search through two electronic databases from their earliest entries to February 2019 was performed. The selection criteria were as follows: (1) rodents as model animals, (2) a model of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection associated with PTD, and (3) intra-amniotic administration of triggering agents. Data extraction included specification of the study (author and year of publication), characteristics of study animals (species, strain, and number of animals), characteristics of intervention (timing and used technique), substance used for induction of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection, and outcome assessment. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 4673 articles, of which 118 were selected for full-text reading, but only 13 studies were included in the review. Intra-amniotic administration was used only in the articles that were published beyond 2004. Two different approaches were identified: (1) open surgery with direct puncture of the amniotic sacs and (2) transabdominal ultrasound-guided puncture of the gestational sacs. Live microorganisms (Ureaplasma parvum), bacterial products (extracellular membrane vesicles), and pathogen-associated (lipopolysaccharide) and damage-associated molecular patterns (high mobility group box-1, S100B, and surfactant protein A) were used to simulate intra-amniotic inflammation/infection. Differences in the effect on intra-amniotic inflammation/infection associated with PTD in the mouse model were identified among triggering agents. Intra-amniotic application of lipopolysaccharide in the rat model caused intra-amniotic inflammation, but it did not lead to PTD. CONCLUSION: The intra-amniotic administration of the triggering agents can be used to study intra-amniotic inflammatory response and intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in the rodents model.

The incidence and importance of the pseudogestational sac revisited.

BACKGROUND: In a pregnancy of unknown location, an intrauterine fluid collection may represent either the early gestational sac of an intrauterine pregnancy, or as reported in previous literature, the pseudogestational sac of an ectopic pregnancy. Various sonographic features have been used to distinguish these 2 entities, but the clinical relevance of the pseudogestational sac remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To establish the incidence and relative rate of intrauterine fluid collection among ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies and to determine if the size of the collection differs between ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective cohort study of women with pregnancies of unknown location and pelvic or abdominal pain or bleeding. We calculated the incidences of intrauterine fluid collections among ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies, including both ongoing pregnancies and spontaneous abortions, given that that our focus was location and not viability. We calculated the relative risk of ectopic pregnancy if an intrauterine fluid collection was present, adjusting for age and vaginal bleeding. We compared the incidences of ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies among those with and without intrauterine fluid collections. Among those with collections, we compared the mean sac diameter between ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies in continuous and categorical fashions. RESULTS: We evaluated 1236 women presenting with a pregnancy of unknown location. The rates of ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies (including spontaneous abortions) were 13.1% and 63.9%, respectively, with the remainder lost to follow-up. On ultrasound, 452 women (36.6%) had an intrauterine fluid collection. Eight of 162 ectopic pregnancies (4.9%) had a collection, compared with 363 of 789 intrauterine pregnancies (46.0%) (P=.01). Of the ectopics with a fluid collection, 5 had an adnexal mass. The presence of intrauterine fluid collection decreased the risk of ectopic pregnancy (adjusted relative risk, 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.19) after adjusting for age and the presence of bleeding. Among those with an intrauterine fluid collection, the rate of ectopic pregnancy was 2.2%, and the rate of intrauterine pregnancy was 97.8%; among those without a collection, the rate of ectopic pregnancy was 26.7%, and the rate of intrauterine pregnancy was 73.3%. The mean sac diameter did not differ between ectopic and intrauterine pregnancies, whether analyzed continuously or categorically. CONCLUSION: In the presence of an intrauterine fluid collection, the rate of ectopic pregnancy is very low. The size of the intrauterine fluid collection in a woman with a pregnancy of unknown location cannot be used to distinguish between a gestational sac and a pseudogestational sac. Pseudogestational sacs are uncommon and of little clinical consequence. In assessing pregnancies of unknown location, clinicians should incorporate the entire clinical picture, including other sonographic findings, to avoid incorrect or delayed diagnoses.

The Clinical Value of 3D Ultrasonic Measurement of the Ratio of Gestational Sac Volume to Embryo Volume in IoT-Based Prediction of Pregnancy Outcome.

The objective of the research study is to investigate the use of three-dimensional ultrasonic measurement technology, to determine the size of gestational sac and embryo volume, and to use the ratio of gestational sac volume to embryo volume in IoT-based prediction of pregnancy outcome. The abnormal and normal pregnancy identifiers are there, which assists in prediction of pregnancy outcomes: whether the pregnancy is normal or may suffer pregnancy loss during first trimester. For the observational study, 500 singleton pregnant women who made an appointment for delivery in Qiqihar Hospital from January 2015 to June 2019 were considered. The 500 pregnant women received transvaginal ultrasound at 6+0 ∼ 8+0 weeks of gestational age to measure gestational sac volume (GSV), yolk sac volume (YSV), and germ volume (GV). According to pregnancy outcome, they were divided into fine group (n = 435) and abortion group (n = 65). Among the 500 cases, 435 had normal delivery and 65 had abortions. According to the results of gestational age (GA) analysis, the pregnancy success rates at 6 (n = 268), 7 (n = 184), and 8 weeks (n = 48) were 85.8%, 87.5%, and 91.7%, respectively. Comparison of pregnancy failure rate among the three groups shows statistically significant difference. The morphology of germ, yolk sac, and gestational sac cannot be used as a predictor of pregnancy outcome in various degrees. The results of multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis show the following: the ratio of germ volume (GV) to gestational sac volume (GSV) (P=0.008) has an impact on the prediction of spontaneous abortion prognosis, showing statistically significant difference; yolk sac volume (YSV), germ volume (GV), and gestational sac volume (GSV) have no effect on the prediction of spontaneous abortion prognosis (P > 0.05). The ratio of GSV to germ volume has a strong prognostic value for pregnancy results. To a certain extent, the ratio of gestational sac volume to germ volume can predict spontaneous pregnancy abortion at 6th week of gestation, providing a theoretical basis for clinical ultrasound pregnancy examination indicators.

The high platelet counts as predictor for early foetal demise.

Objectives: Early fetal demise (absence of cardiac activity in a visible fetus) is a very common event, but there are no reliable biomarkers to predict it. The purpose of the study was to assess the association of platelet parameters with early fetal demise.Methods: In this case-control study, we included women with normal deliveries or those ultrasound diagnosed as early fetal demise. For those who were identified with early fetal demise, the platelet parameters were analyzed before the ultrasound diagnosis, which is based on the absence of either an embryo within a gestational sac or cardiac activity in a visible embryo in the 5-10 weeks of gestation. The association between the risk of early fetal demise with the women's mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet counts was calculated by logistic regression. Duplicate measurements of platelet aggregation were performed with VerifyNow. Results: In total, 99 women identified with early fetal demise and 170 women who had an uncomplicated pregnancy with normal delivery from January 2017 and August 2020 were included in the study. We found that platelet counts in the early fetal demise group were significantly higher than healthy pregnancies. In addition, platelet reactivity is higher in the normal delivery group than those in early fetal demise group (p < .05). High levels of platelet counts resulted in an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.075 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.215-3.544; p = .008) for early fetal demise. Conclusions: Increased platelet counts in the first trimester may be a predictor for the risk of early fetal demise.

hCG values and gestational sac size as indicators of successful systemic methotrexate treatment in cesarean scar pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) patients who received systemic methotrexate (MTX) and to clarify the criteria for administering systemic MTX to CSP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen CSP patients who were initially treated with systemic MTX (50 mg/m2/week) were included. Nine patients, who needed a uterine artery embolization (UAE) or a laparotomy, including a transabdominal hysterectomy (TAH), were defined as the unsuccessful MTX group. Six patients who did not require UAE or a laparotomy were defined as the successful MTX group. Furthermore, the hCG cut-off value and the GS cut-off size at the time of CSP diagnosis, which differentiated successful and unsuccessful patients, were defined. MTX success rates were investigated by combining the hCG and gestational sac (GS) size cut-off values. RESULTS: The hCG cut-off value was 17757.0 mIU/mL, and the GS cut-off size was 10.4 mm. In patients with hCG values less than 17757.0 mIU/mL, the MTX success rate was 75.0%. Fewer patients needed UAE or a laparotomy compared to patients with hCG values higher than 17757.0 mIU/mL (P = 0.007). In patients with a GS size less than 10.4 mm, the MTX success rate was 80.0%. Fewer patients among them needed UAE or a laparotomy compared to those among patients with a GS size greater than 10.4 mm (P = 0.089). In patients with hCG values and GS sizes lower than the cut-off values, the MTX success rate was 80.0%. Fewer patients among them needed UAE or a laparotomy compared to those among patients with hCG values and/or GS sizes higher than the cut-off values, respectively (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Patients with hCG values less than 17757.0 mIU/mL and GS sizes less than 10.4 mm may have a greater chance of successful systemic MTX treatment when it is used as the first line of treatment for CSP.