Elasticity of the Cervix in Relation to Uterus Position.

Strain elastography allows the evaluation of tissue elasticity. Background/Objectives: Tissue elasticity depends on the content and distribution of collagen fibers and is shaped by the applied tensile forces that may differ in uteri with a different angle of flexion of the corpus on the cervix. The objective was to investigate whether the angle of uterine flexion is related to cervical tissue elasticity. Methods: The anterior angle between the longitudinal axis of the uterus corpus and that of the cervix was measured in 275 non-pregnant young women by transvaginal ultrasonography and considered both as an absolute value or categorized as ≤150°, between >150° and ≤210°, and >210°. Strain elastography was used to assess tissue elasticity by placing the probe in the anterior vaginal fornix. Tissue elasticity was evaluated in the middle of the anterior cervical compartment (ACC), in the middle of the posterior cervical compartment (PCC), in the middle portion of the cervical canal (MCC), and at the internal cervical os (ICO). In a sagittal plane MCC was evaluated across the cervical canal, and ACC and PCC at a distance equal between the cervical canal and the outer anterior or posterior part of the cervix. MCC, ACC and PCC were evaluated at equal distance between the ICO and the external cervical os. Elasticity was expressed as a color score ranging from 0.1 (low elasticity) to 3 (high elasticity). Results: The angle of uterine flexion show a negative linear relation with the elasticity of the ACC (p = 0.001) and MCC (p = 0.002) and a positive relation with the elasticity of the PCC (p = 0.054). In comparison to uteri with an angle of flexion of <150°, those with an angle of flexion of >210° had lower elasticity of the ACC (p = 0.001) and MCC (p = 0.001) and higher elasticity of the PCC (p = 0.004). The ACC/PCC and PCC/MCC elasticity ratios were also significantly different (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The angle of uterine flexion is associated with changes in cervix elasticity. Retroflexion is associated with stiffer ACC and MCC and a more elastic PCC. Differences in tissue elasticity suggest structural changes of the cervix that may have implication in variate obstetric and gynecological conditions.

Oxidative Stress: The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone.

The effect of estrogen and progesterone on oxidative status is not yet very clear, improvements and detrimental effects having been reported with the use of menopausal hormone therapy or hormonal contraceptives, respectively. In this study, we evaluated the role played by estrogen and progesterone separately, on the oxidative status of 32 women, 18 to 43 years old, by inducing high levels of estrogen and then adding high levels of progesterone. During a cycle of in vitro fertilization, blood samples were collected prior to gonadotrophin stimulation (low estradiol levels), on the day of oocyte retrieval (high levels of estrogen), and on the day of embryo transfer (high levels of estrogen and progesterone). Total blood levels of oxidants (FORT), antioxidants (FORD), and their ratio FORT/FORD were measured using a colorimetric method based on the Fenton reaction. Seven women measured their early morning body temperature at the same time points. FORT significantly decreased from the low- to the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.023) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen-progesterone phase (p = 0.006). FORD showed an opposite but non-significant trend. The FORT/FORD ratio decreased from the low- to the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.0104) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen -progesterone phase (p = 0.004). Body temperature (n = 7) decreased in the high-estrogen phase (p = 0.001) and increased from the high-estrogen to the high-estrogen-progesterone phase (p = 0.001). In the seven women, FORT (p = 0.009) and FORT/FORD (p = 0.0056) were linearly related to body temperature values. Our data show opposite effects of estrogen and progesterone on oxidative status. These effects seem to be related to the effect exerted on body temperature regulation.

Gut Microbiota and Endometriosis: Exploring the Relationship and Therapeutic Implications.

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue beyond the uterus. In addition to gynecological manifestations, many endometriosis patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating a potential association between gut health and the disease. Recent studies have revealed alterations in the gut microbiota of individuals with endometriosis, including reduced diversity, microbial composition imbalances, and pathogenic bacteria. These changes can disrupt immune function, increase inflammation, and contribute to the chronic inflammatory state observed in endometriosis. Moreover, dysregulation of intestinal permeability may further exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in affected individuals. Understanding the role of the gut microbiota and intestinal permeability in endometriosis can provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis, aid in non-invasive diagnostic approaches, and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Probiotics, in particular, have shown promise in improving endometriosis-associated pain symptoms and reducing endometriotic lesions in animal models. This review suggests that additional research and well-designed clinical trials are necessary to validate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of manipulating the gut microbiota in managing endometriosis and its gastrointestinal symptoms, thereby improving the quality of life for those affected.

Fetal growth at term and placental oxidative stress in a tissue micro-array model: a histological and immunohistochemistry study.

This study examines 8-hydroxyguanine (8-oxo-Gua) staining in placental tissue samples based on fetal size at birth as well as its relationships with placental histology and other pregnancy variables. This prospective cohort study included women > 18 years with a singleton pregnancy, a live fetus, fluency in Italian, and delivery at term. A total of 165 pregnancies were included in the study. The nuclear syncytiotrophoblast 8-oxo-Gua staining score in LGA was substantially greater than in late FGR (p < 0.05), although the cytoplasm score was lower in SGA and LGA than in AGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a sex-specific pattern of 8-oxo-Gua staining was discovered in single-term placentas, with more oxidative damage found in the nuclei of syncytiotrophoblast cells and stromal and endothelial cells in AGA males compared to AGA females (p < 0.05). Second, the histological pattern of late FGR placentae differed by gender. Finally, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblast cells and thrombi in the chorionic plate or villi in males. On the other hand, female fetuses demonstrated a significant connection (p < 0.05) between high-intensity 8-oxo-Gua staining in endothelial and stromal cells and high birthweight MoM values. Our findings indicated a significant variation in the oxidative stress pattern between male and female placentae, implying that fetal growth is regulated differently in the two sexes.

Gynaecological pathologies leading to emergency department admissions: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the population's needs in order to plan measures to reduce emergency department (ED) use is fundamental. The objective of this study was to describe gynaecological ED visits and associated findings in women of reproductive age. METHODS: This study was a retrospective anonymized chart review analysis of visits to the ED for gynaecological disturbances at the University Hospital of Modena. All consecutive women of reproductive age were included. Women aged <18 years and postmenopausal women were excluded from this study. RESULTS: In total, 461 records were analysed. The median age was 41 (interquartile range 34-46) years. The most common symptom was dysmenorrhoea (42.7 %), followed by heavy menstrual bleeding (33.2 %). The most common gynaecological findings in the ED were adenomyosis (86.1 %), endometriosis (37.1 %) and leiomyomas (13.7 %). Adenomyosis was the most common finding, regardless of age. Endometriosis was more prevalent in women aged <41 years (43.8 % vs 31.2 %; p < 0.05). Meanwhile, adenomyosis and leiomyomas were more prevalent in women aged ≥41 years (81.11 % vs 90.57 % and 7.37 % vs 19.26 %, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, potentially life-threatening findings had low prevalence [i.e. haemorrhagic ovarian cyst (0.2 %), tubo-ovarian abscess (0.2 %) and pelvic inflammatory disease (0.4 %)]. CONCLUSION: In the study setting, chronic pathologies such as adenomyosis, endometriosis and leiomyomas significantly impacted use of the ED. Adenomyosis was the most common pathology, regardless of age. Adenomyosis and leiomyomas were more prevalent in women aged ≥41 years, and endometriosis was more prevalent in women aged <41 years.

An implementation of the learning curve cumulative summation test to evaluate a practicum for endometrial cancer ultrasound staging.

PURPOSE: The learning curve cumulative summation (LC-CUSUM) test is commonly used as a quantitative assessment of the individual learning process. This study aimed to evaluate the skill acquisition process for performing ultrasound staging of endometrial cancer using the LC-CUSUM test. METHODS: Sixty-seven ultrasound examinations performed by two operators were evaluated using the LC-CUSUM test according to their rate of success or failure to correctly stage myometrial invasion, serosa involvement, and pelvic and para-aortic lymph node involvement. The reference standard was the pathologic result. After the learning phase, the cumulative summation (CUSUM) test was applied to assess performance maintenance. RESULTS: The processes achieved satisfactory performance in the majority of the cases according to the established definitions. Operator 1 reached adequate performance within the 30th procedure for all the locations considered, while operator 2 performed fewer than 30 ultrasound examinations by the audit time. The CUSUM test confirmed that the target quality was preserved after the learning phase. Moreover, the ultrasound staging for endometrial cancer was highly accurate. CONCLUSION: Using the LC-CUSUM test made it possible to monitor the achievement and maintenance of a satisfactory performance quantitatively. The LC-CUSUM test could be a valuable instrument to survey diagnostic pathways in gynecological ultrasonography quantitatively.

Short-term neonatal outcomes in vaginal breech delivery: Results of a retrospective single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal breech delivery (VBD) has been widely discouraged over the last two decades due to associated neonatal risks. However, many gynaecologists are still challenging this approach, at least in selected settings. OBJECTIVE: To study short-term neonatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies undergoing VBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted on singleton pregnancies who delivered in breech presentation between 2012 and 2019. Neonatal complications in terms of mortality, umbilical artery (UA) pH, 5-min Apgar score, and postnatal admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 804 breech deliveries were considered. Of these, 53.86 % had VBD, 26.62 % had emergency caesarean sections (CS) and 19.53 % had elective CS. No perinatal deaths were reported. After multivariate adjustment, VBD was associated with higher incidence of UA pH < 7.10 compared with both elective and emergency CS. No significant associations were found between VBD and UA pH < 7.00 or 5-min Apgar score < 3 or < 7. No significant differences in NICU hospitalization were observed for different modes of delivery. Gestational age was inversely correlated with UA pH < 7.00, 5-min Apgar score < 3 and < 7, and NICU hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: VBD in an experienced setting does not increase the risk of negative short-term perinatal outcomes significantly. Gestational age was the most important risk factor for low UA pH or 5-min Apgar score and NICU hospitalization, independent of mode of delivery.

Endometriosis and Infertility: Prognostic Value of #Enzian Classification Compared to rASRM and EFI Score.

This study's objective was to compare the predictive validity of the three most utilized classification scores for endometriosis, #Enzian, EFI, and rASRM, in achieving a spontaneous pregnancy or pregnancy via assisted reproductive technology (ART) after surgery for endometriosis. The monocentric retrospective study was carried out from January 2012 to December 2021 at the gynaecology department of the cantonal hospital of Fribourg. Patients consulting for infertility and operated on for endometriosis with histological confirmation were included. The predictive value of #Enzian, rASRM, and EFI was evaluated and compared concerning the prediction of fertility after surgery, both spontaneous and ART, during the following 12 months. A total of 58 women (mean age 33.1 ± 4.57 years) were included. Overall, 30 women achieved a pregnancy, seven spontaneously. Among all women who achieved a pregnancy, there was a lower prevalence of rASRM stage III−IV (16.67% vs. 39.29%, p = 0.054). Women achieving a pregnancy had a significantly higher EFI score than others (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed concerning the #Enzian score. In conclusion, the revised #Enzian score is not correlated with pregnancy achievement; EFI score is the only score significantly associated with the pregnancy outcome in women affected by endometriosis.

Fetal Doppler Evaluation to Predict NEC Development.

Antenatal factors play a role in NEC pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of fetal ductus venosus doppler (DV) for NEC in fetal growth restriction fetuses (FGRF) and to assess the predictive accuracy of IG21 and Fenton curves in NEC development. Data from FGRF, postnatal findings, and Doppler characteristics were collected between 2010 and 2020 at a single center. Patients were then divided into two groups (i.e., with and without NEC). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. We identified 24 cases and 30 controls. Absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (AREDF) and increased resistance in the DV were more impaired in cases (p < 0.05). Although the median birthweight was not different, the Fenton z-score was lower in NEC (p < 0.05). Fetal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, neonatal respiratory distress, persistent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and inotropic support were more frequent in the NEC group. Furthermore, NEC patients had lower white blood cells (WBC) (p < 0.05). The predictive model for NEC (model 4), including Fenton z-score, WBC, PDA, and DV had an AUC of 84%. Fetal Doppler findings proved effective in predicting NEC in FGR. The Fenton z-score was the most predictive factor considering the fetal growth assessment showing high sensitivity.

Angle of Uterine Flexion and Adenomyosis.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of adenomyosis in symptomatic women in relation to the angle of flexion of the uterus. A total of 120 patients referring to our Chronic Pelvic Pain Center were prospectively enrolled. Each woman scored menstrual pain, intermenstrual pain, and dyspareunia on a 10 cm visual analogue scale and underwent a clinical examination and transvaginal ultrasound. MUSA criteria were used for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The angle of flexion of the uterus on the cervix was categorized as <150° (75% of cases), between 150° and 210° (6.7% of cases) and >210° (18.3% of cases). Adenomyosis was diagnosed in 76/120 women (63.3%). In women with adenomyosis, the VAS of intermenstrual pain was higher than in women without adenomyosis (4.04 ± 3.79 vs. 2.57 ± 3.34; p < 0.034). The angle of uterine flexion >210° was more prevalent in women with than without adenomyosis (25.0% vs. 6.8%; p < 0.015). The odds ratio of suffering from adenomyosis markedly increased in the presence of an angle of uterine flexion >210° (OR 5.8 95% CI 1.19, 28.3; p > 0.029). The data indicate that the ultrasound-estimated angle of uterine flexion >210° is related to a higher prevalence of adenomyosis.

Is Glycated Hemoglobin A1c Level Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes of Women Affected by Pre-Gestational Diabetes?

Background and Objectives: This observational study aims to determine the correlation between glycemic control with the HbA1c value and adverse obstetric outcome in women affected by pre-gestational diabetes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis has been performed at the University Hospital of Udine. Only patients with a singleton pregnancy, pre-gestational diabetes, and known level of Hb A1c throughout pregnancy were included in the study. Results: According to the HbA1c level, at the beginning of pregnancy, 49 patients with HbA1c ≤ 7.0% were compared with 45 patients with HbA1c > 7.0%. Maternal age at diagnosis of the disease was significantly higher in the group with HbA1c ≤ 7% than in the group with HbA1c > 7%, 26.00 (18.00-32.00) vs. 20.00 (12.50-27.00). Women with HbA1c ≤ 7.0% reached, at term of pregnancy, significantly lower levels of HbA1c, 5.8% (5.7-6.0) vs. 6.7% (6.3-7.3). Daily insulin units were statistically different between the two groups at the end of pregnancy (47.92 (39.00-67.30) vs. 64.00 (48.00-82.00)). Proteinuria was significantly higher in the group with HbA1c > 7.0%, who delivered at earlier gestational age (37.57 (35.57-38.00) vs. 38.14 (38.00-38.43). Moreover, women with HbA1c > 7.0% had a significantly higher prevalence of an adverse composite outcome. Of note, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, pregnancy complications were significantly correlated to pre-pregnancy HbA1c > 7.0% (OR 2.95 CI.95 1.16-7.48, p < 0.05) independently of age, insulin treatment, and type of diabetes. Conclusions: Our data, obtained from a single-center cohort study, suggest that starting pregnancy with poor glycemic control might predict more complex management of diabetes in the following trimesters.

Preeclampsia and low sodium: A retrospective cohort analysis and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the prevalence of severe preeclampsia and low sodium (PALS) among the pregnant population admitted at the University Hospital of Udine in the past 4 years and to compare these data with the current literature. METHODS: Only women with a diagnosis of preeclampsia were included. According to the lowest sodium level measured either 5 days before or 5 days after delivery, patients were divided in two groups: women with hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L; severe <120 mmol/L) and women with normonatremia (>135 mmol/L). Moreover, a search literature was performed. RESULTS: Of 59 patients with preeclampsia, 20 (34%) had hyponatremia. Only one case (1.6%) of severe maternal hyponatremia (sodium level 117 mmol/L) in the setting of preeclampsia was identified. After literature search, a total of 22 manuscripts including 60 case reports of PALS were identified. The lowest sodium level was 113 mmol/L, at 25 weeks of gestation. In most cases hyponatremia was treated with fluid restriction. In only 5 cases hyponatremia was treated with a saline hypertonic solution. Hyponatremia resolution, when reported, occurred in about 48 h. Sodium level in neonates ranged from 118 and 128 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: PALS may occur in about a third of women with severe preeclampsia. Severe maternal hyponatremia should be treated with fluid restriction and with hypertonic saline solution. Moreover neonatologists should be alerted in order to treat the neonate for the best outcome.

Retrospective study 2005-2015 of all cases of fetal death occurred at ≥23 gestational weeks, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) is a tragic event and, despite efforts to reduce rates, its incidence remains difficult to reduce. The objective of the present study was to examine the etiological factors that contribute to the main causes and conditions associated with IUFD, over an 11-year period in a region of North-East Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia) for which reliable data in available. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all 278 IUFD cases occurred between 2005 and 2015 in pregnancies with gestational age ≥ 23 weeks. RESULTS: The incidence of IUFD was 2.8‰ live births. Of these, 30% were small for gestational age (SGA), with immigrant women being significantly over-represented. The share of SGA reached 35% in cases in which a maternal of fetal pathological condition was present, and dropped to 28% in the absence of associated pathology. In 78 pregnancies (28%) no pathology was recorded that could justify IUFD. Of all IUFDs, 11% occurred during labor, and 72% occurred at a gestational age above 30 weeks. CONCLUSION: The percentage of IUFD cases for which no possible cause can be identified is quite high. Only the adoption of evidence-based diagnostic protocols, with integrated immunologic, genetic and pathologic examinations, can help reduce this diagnostic gap, contributing to the prevention of future IUFDs.

Parkinson's Disease in Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Pregnancy in Parkinson's disease is a rare occurrence, and to date, clinical experience with its management is rather limited. In clinical practice, doubts concern mainly the impact of PD on gestation, labor, and delivery as well as the safety of dopaminergic drugs. Case and review of the literature: We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with an 8-year history of PD. In the first trimester of her pregnancy, her motor status was similar to the pre-conceptional period. In gestation week 16, her motor status dramatically worsened and she complained of predictable "off" periods in the afternoon. For this reason, her dose of L-DOPA/carbidopa was increased up to 500/125 mg per day. At 39 gestational weeks, she gave birth to a healthy girl with an Apgar score of 9 by an uncomplicated cesarean delivery. The child was not breast fed to avoid exposure to antiparkinsonian drugs. The L-DOPA/carbidopa dosage remained constant during the postpartum period. We performed a systematic review of the literature using Ovid Medline, Scopus, and PubMed (including Cochrane database). We used the search terms "Parkinson disease" AND "pregnancy." We identified 20 studies of PD in pregnancy with a total of 37 pregnant women with PD. The most important available data concern the safety of L-DOPA therapy during pregnancy. There seems to be some risk of worsening of the condition or upcoming of new PD symptoms during or shortly after pregnancy. Conclusion: More data concerning the safety of antiparkinsonian drugs in PD treatment, as well as the effect of pregnancy on parkinsonian symptoms are needed. According to the current state of the art, L-DOPA therapy should be considered preferable to other drugs during pregnancy.

Fetal Endothelial Remodeling in Late-Onset Gestational Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies reveal that offspring of pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders may have an increased cardiovascular risk. Genetic and nongenetic factors seem to play an important role in premature arterial disease. Endothelium may be significant for long-term remodeling of the arterial wall. The aim of the study was to assess fetal endothelial and renal function in late-onset gestational hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a case-controlled study. Singleton pregnancies affected by late-onset gestational hypertension (after 34 weeks' gestation) and controls were included. Ultrasound examinations (fetal biometry, fetal Doppler, fetal aorta intima media thickness (aIMT), fetal kidney volumes, maternal Doppler, presence of uterine arteries protodiastolic notching from anomaly scan) and clinical data were collected. A sample of amniotic fluid was taken at delivery. RESULTS: Fifty patients with late-onset hypertension and 50 controls were included. At growth scan (weeks 29-32) we found in the study group significantly higher fetal aIMT, umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), fetal aorta PI, and mean uterine arteries PI with persistent bilateral notch. In the case group microalbuminuria levels were significantly higher than controls (1.32±0.11 vs. 1.10±0.13g/l, P < 0.0001), and there was a negative correlation between renal fetal volume at growth scan and amniotic microalbuminuria (r: -0.95, 95% C -0.97 to -0.90, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gestational hypertension should be considered as one of the adverse early risk factors that might predispose to impaired fetal cardiovascular development during intrauterine life; therefore, this study provides further evidence to better understand the origins of cardiovascular diseases.

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: p16INK4A Immunohistochemistry or HPV Genotyping?

BACKGROUND: Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to a sub-group of squamous cell oropharyngeal tumors (OPSCC). Our aim was to compare an HPV Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay and p16(INK4A) expression status by immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study considering patients affected by squamous cell oropharyngeal tumors. All included samples were processed for IHC for p16(INK4A) and tested by PCR for detection of HPV DNA and HPV genotyping. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients affected by squamous cell oropharyngeal tumors were included and tested. A significant positive correlation was found between HPV PCR and p16(INK4A) IHC but the agreement was poor (k coefficient of 0.25). In fact, the sensitivity of p16(INK4A) IHC positivity in detecting HPV PCR positivity was low (28.21%, 95% confidence interval=16.54% - 43.78%). CONCLUSION: Positivity of p16(INK4A) by IHC had a low sensitivity in detecting HPV DNA and our results suggest the need at least to test p16(INK4A) IHC- negative samples using HPV PCR to increase detection accuracy and provide valuable information for the clinical management of these patients.

Building a Prediction Model for Vacuum-Assisted Operative Vaginal Delivery Risk.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for operative vaginal delivery and to propose a new nomogram for predicting the risk. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 1,955 pregnancies that occurred in our clinic between the years 2007 and 2008. Included were singleton pregnancies with labor diagnosis after the 36th gestational week in which spontaneous or operative vaginal deliveries occurred. In this study, the operative delivery was carried out exclusively by vacuum extraction. RESULTS: After univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression stepwise model selection, maternal age, nulliparity, medically assisted procreation, gestational age at birth, male fetus, epidural analgesia and medical induction of labor were found to be the most predictive variables for operative vaginal delivery. Considering these factors we propose a new nomogram for an objectified determination of the risk of operative vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: The new nomogram we propose could be an important tool for an objectified determination of the risk of operative vaginal delivery by vacuum extraction in individualized patient counseling.

Timing of delivery and neonatal outcomes for small-for-gestational-age fetuses.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether antenatal recognition of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses with normal maternal and fetal Doppler values delivered after 34 weeks' gestation is associated with changes in the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 313 singleton SGA fetuses and 313 appropriate-for-gestational-age control fetuses born between 34 and 42 weeks' gestation from 2009 to 2012. Small-for-gestational-age fetuses identified before delivery (n = 124), for whom antenatal surveillance was performed until delivery (estimated fetal weight twice weekly and Doppler evaluation of the fetal compartment once weekly), were compared to those not identified at delivery (n = 189). The latter group did not undergo antenatal surveillance for several reasons (women for whom a sonographic evaluation or gynecologic consultation was not performed in the third trimester and incorrect sonographic biometric evaluation in the third trimester). Main outcome measures were mode of delivery, perinatal complications, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. The risk of serious fetal complications was assessed by cross-tabulation analysis adjusted for gestational age and degree of SGA. RESULTS: Prenatally recognized SGA fetuses were smaller and delivered earlier than unrecognized SGA fetuses (P< .05). Fetal acidemia (pH <7.10) was significantly more common in unrecognized SGA fetuses (3.7% versus 0%). Small-for-gestational-age fetuses at or below the 3rd percentile were more commonly recognized prenatally and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit. Unrecognized SGA fetuses also had worse fetal outcomes compared to controls (P< .05). Recognized and unrecognized SGA fetuses were born significantly more frequently by cesarean delivery (P < .05). No significant differences in perinatal outcomes were found between recognized SGA deliveries with or without medical induction. CONCLUSIONS: Antenatal recognition of SGA fetuses delivered after 34 weeks' gestation might improve perinatal outcomes. Medical induction of labor did not modify neonatal outcomes among prenatally recognized SGA fetuses.

Adiponectin levels are reduced while markers of systemic inflammation and aortic remodelling are increased in intrauterine growth restricted mother-child couple.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the relationships between the adipocytokine levels, markers of inflammation, and vascular remodelling in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study. One hundred and forty pregnant patients were enrolled. Adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C reactive protein (CRP) were assessed in IUGR, small for gestational age (SGA), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) mother-child couples at delivery. IUGR and SGA fetuses were defined as fetuses whose estimated fetal weight (EFW) was below 10th percentile for gestational age with and without umbilical artery (UA) Doppler abnormalities, respectively. Fetal aorta intima media thickness (aIMT) was evaluated by ultrasound in the same fetal groups. Data were analyzed by R (version 2.15.2). RESULTS: There were 37 IUGR mother-child couples, 33 SGA, and 70 AGA. Leptin, TNFα, IL-6, and CRP serum levels were higher in IUGR pregnant patients (P < 0.05). Adiponectin levels were significantly reduced in IUGR fetuses compared to SGA and AGA, while leptin, TNFα, and IL-6 levels were higher in IUGR group (P ≤ 0.05). Fetal aIMT was significantly higher in IUGR (P < 0.05) and in this group there was a negative correlation between aIMT and adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L ratio) (P < 0.05) and between adiponectin and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, compared to SGA and AGA, IUGR fetuses had reduced circulating levels of adiponectin and elevated measures of aIMT and several inflammatory markers. Moreover, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with aIMT in IUGR fetuses suggesting a possible causal link between reduced adiponectin and vessel remodelling.