Umbilical artery Thrombosis: A case report of prenatal diagnosis and systematic review of the literature.

Umbilical Artery Thrombosis (UAT) is an extremely rare complication of pregnancy strongly associated with severe fetal distress and death. The pathogenesis is still unclear but it is often associated with anatomical cord abnormalities that leads to blood stasis and thrombosis formation. Other possible risk factors are maternal thrombophilia, autoimmune disease, gestational diabetes, hypertension disorders of pregnancy and Rh-alloimmunization. The most common clinical symptom is the reduction of fetal movements. The diagnosis is histopathological, but it can be suspected by clinical and prenatal ultrasound findings. Generally, the first choice therapy is the immediate delivery with cesarean section. This study reported a case of a spontaneous intrauterine UAT in a low-risk pregnancy and a systematic review of the literature on clinical, ultrasound and histopathological findings of UAT, in order to help clinicians in the diagnostic process and management of this rare complication.

Left ventricular remodeling in twin pregnancy, noninvasively assessed using hemodynamic forces and pressure-volume relation analysis: prospective, cohort study.

This study was designed to prospectively investigate the pattern of intraventricular hemodynamic forces (HDFs) associated with left ventricular (LV) function and remodeling in women with uncomplicated twin pregnancy. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on 35 women (aged 35.9 ± 4.7-yr old) during gestation (T1, <14 wk; T2, 14-27 wk; T3, >28 wk) and 6-7 mo after delivery (T0). LV HDFs were computed from echocardiography long-axis data sets using a novel technique based on endocardial boundary tracking, both in apex-base (A-B) and latero-septal (L-S) directions. HDF distribution was evaluated by L-S over A-B HDF ratio (L-S:A-B HDF ratio). At T1, L-S:A-B HDF ratio was higher than in T0 (P < 0.05) indicating HDF misalignment. At T2, a slight impairment of cardiac function was then recorded with a reduction of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular end-systolic elastance (Ees) at pressure-volume relationship analysis versus T1 (both P < 0.05). Finally, at T3, when HDF misalignment and LV contractility reduction (GLS and Ees) were all restored, a rightward shift of the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR) with an increase of ventricular capacitance was documented. In twin pregnancy, HDF misalignment in the first trimester precedes the slight temporary decrease in left ventricular systolic function in the second trimester; at the third trimester, a rightward shift of the EDPVR was associated with a realignment of HDF and normalization of ventricular contractility indexes. These coordinated changes that occur in the maternal heart during twin pregnancy suggest the role of HDFs in cardiac remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY These changes indicate that 1) the misalignment of hemodynamic forces (HDFs) precedes a mild reduction in systolic function in twin pregnancy and 2) the positive left ventricular (LV) response to hemodynamic stress is mainly due to an improved diastolic function with enhanced LV cavity compliance.

Small-for-gestational-age fetus diagnosed in the second trimester: Possible etiologies and short-term neonatal outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to investigate the causes of fetal growth <10th centile diagnosed <26 weeks' gestation in singleton pregnancies and compare pregnancy outcomes in relation to the identified etiology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Historical cohort study conducted in two Italian hospitals which included all small-for-gestational-age fetuses diagnosed between 18+0 and 26+0 weeks over a 10-year period. Fetuses were divided into three groups depending on the prenatally suspected etiology: chromosomal abnormalities (Group 1), malformations (Group 2) and isolated (Group 3). These groups were compared regarding pregnancy outcomes. Fetuses in Group 3 were divided into small-for-gestational-age and fetal growth restriction following the Delphi Consensus criteria and the outcomes were further compared. Fisher's Exact or Mann-Whitney test were used for comparison of groups. RESULTS: In all, 435 fetuses were included. Of these, 20 cases (4.6%) were associated with chromosomal abnormalities (Group 1), 98 (22.5%) with fetal malformations (Group 2) and 317 (72.9%) were isolated (Group 3). A higher percentage of live births was reported for Group 3 (P < 0.001). Termination of pregnancy was more common in Group 1 (P < 0.001). No differences in gestational age at delivery, birthweight, intrauterine death or neonatal death were detected within groups. Growth-restricted fetuses had lower gestational age at delivery, birthweight and number of live births (P < 0.001), higher rates of termination of pregnancy, intrauterine death (P < 0.001) and neonatal death <10 days (P = 0.002) compared to small-for-gestational-age. In 17 cases a chromosomal abnormality, genetic syndrome or adverse neurological outcome was diagnosed after birth: six from Group 2 (11.3% of live births in this group) and 11 from Group 3 (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: We report that fetal growth <10th percentile diagnosed before 26 weeks is not isolated before birth in 27% of cases. Malformations and chromosomal abnormalities are common etiologies; therefore, detailed anomaly scans and invasive testing should be offered. In addition, there is a residual risk of neonatal death and postnatal diagnosis of a genetic syndrome or neurodevelopmental impairment despite normal prenatal tests. These results expand the small amount of information on the outcome of cases with very early diagnosis of impaired fetal growth currently available and highlight the importance of detailed counseling with couples.

Invasive prenatal diagnosis in the era of cell-free fetal DNA: experience at a single center.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess procedure-related risk of fetal loss associated with amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling and compare amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling with cell-free fetal DNA in identifying chromosomal abnormalities. METHODS: A retrospective observational study on 4712 women with singleton pregnancy who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis, from January 2010 to December 2019. Postprocedural miscarriage rate (before 24+0 weeks gestation) was determined for the whole population and for the group of women aged ≥35 years who underwent the procedure for the sole maternal age. RESULTS: Miscarriage rate following amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling were 0.50% and 1.25%, respectively. In our population of women undergoing invasive procedure for advanced maternal age cell-free fetal DNA would have identified only the 49 cases of trisomy 21, 13 and 18, whereas the other 21 more subtle chromosomal anomalies, diagnosed by amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, would have been missed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who opt for cell-free fetal DNA test should be informed of the screening nature of the test and the possibility of false positive results. Invasive prenatal testing has probably lower risks than previously reported and has unquestionable advantages such as the certainty of diagnosis and the ability to detect a higher number of chromosomal abnormalities, when compared with cell-free fetal DNA.

Elevated nuchal translucency, is it time to discuss the cut off?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate pregnancy and postnatal outcomes of fetuses with NT between 95th and 99th percentile at first trimester and whether they could benefit from further investigations rather that routine scans. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective observational study which involved all cases with NT between 95th and 99th percentile from January 2015 to December 2020. Unfavorable outcome was considered as: miscarriage or intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), chromosomal abnormality/genetic syndrome, major malformation or neurodevelopmental delay. Study population outcomes were compared with general population. RESULTS: The rate of unfavorable outcome was 25.44% (167 out of 667). We reported: 6 (0.90%) second trimester miscarriage or IUFD, 90 (13.49%) chromosomal abnormalities/genetic syndromes, 57 (8.55%) major malformations, 13 (1.95%) cases of neurodevelopmental delay. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities/genetic syndromes and major malformations were significantly higher (OR 6.99 (IC 95% 4.33-11.28), P < 0.001 and OR 17.77 (IC 95%7.22-43.75), P < 0.001 respectively) compared to the general population. The incidence of neurodevelopmental delay was not increased (OR of 0.64 CI 95% 0.33-1.24 P = 0.185). CONCLUSIONS: Fetuses with NT between 95th and 99th percentile have an increased risk of pregnancy and postnatal adverse outcomes. According to our data it is reasonable to consider a lower cut of NT (NT > 95th percentile) for offering further investigations such as detailed ultrasound scan, fetal echocardiography and counseling where the option of performing fetal karyotype and CGH array should be discussed.

Increased nuchal translucency with normal karyotype and genomic microarray analysis: A multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To define the residual risk of morbidity-related outcome in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) of 3.5 mm or more after normal genetic testing and mid-trimester anomaly scan. METHODS: A total of 114 fetuses with isolated NT of 3.5 mm or more, normal karyotype, and array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) were included and divided in three groups: NT 3.5-4.5 mm, NT 4.5-6 mm, and NT greater than 6 mm. RASopathy testing and ultrasound follow up were performed in all fetuses. We evaluated: (1) incidence of genetic disorders; (2) incidence of structural abnormalities; (3) pregnancy outcome; (4) long-term pediatric outcome before (point 1) and after (point 2) a normal RASopathy testing and mid-trimester anomaly scan. RESULTS: After normal karyotype and array-CGH the residual risk of morbidity-related outcome was 24.64% for NT 3.5-4.5 mm, 25% for NT 4.5-6 mm and 76.47% for NT more than 6 mm. After a normal RASopathy testing and mid-trimester anomaly scan the residual risks decreased to 7.14%, 8.69%, and 33.3% in the three groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: In fetuses with an NT of 3.5 mm or more and both normal karyotype and array-CGH, the rate of morbidity-related outcome depends on NT size. A normal RASopathy testing and mid-trimester ultrasound are reassuring but the residual risk of morbidity-related outcome is increased compared with the general population, particularly if NT is greater than 6 mm.

Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes in Mild Idiopathic Polyhydramnios.

Background: Idiopathic polyhydramnios is a controversial clinical condition, as data on perinatal outcomes are conflicting and vary depending on the severity of the condition. The aim of the present study was to compare obstetric and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women with mild idiopathic polyhydramnios and a control population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single university hospital comparing the obstetrics and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies with mild idiopathic polyhydramnios (n = 109) and control pregnancies (n = 2550). Results: Cesarean section (CS) was significantly increased in the group with polyhydramnios compared to controls (46% vs. 32%, respectively, p = 0.047) due to a higher rate of emergency CS in the polyhydramnios group (p = 0.041) because of abnormal cardiotocography (7.3% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.018) or labor dystocia (8.2% vs. 2.9%; p = 0.006). No statistically significant difference was found in the Apgar score, in the rate of neonatal hypoxia, or in the incidence of macrosomia between groups. In four cases, additional diagnoses of anomalies were made after birth, with a rate of 3.2%, which is comparable to the general population. Conclusion: Besides an increased risk of CS, patients with mild idiopathic polyhydramnios should be reassured regarding maternal and feto-neonatal outcomes. The management of pregnancies with stable mild idiopathic polyhydramnios should not differ from uncomplicated pregnancies, except for the need for increased labor surveillance.

Epidemiology, aetiology and treatment of skin and soft tissue infections: final report of a prospective multicentre national registry.

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) represent a heterogenous group of pathological conditions involving the skin or the underlying subcutaneous tissues, fascia and muscle, characterised by a considerable variety of clinical presentations, severity and possible aetiological pathogens. Although previous analyses on restricted types of SSTIs and population have already been published, we conducted a large nationwide surveillance program on behalf of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases to assess the clinical and microbiological characteristics of the whole SSTI spectrum, from mild to severe life-threatening infections, in both inpatients and outpatients and their management. Twenty-nine Infectious Diseases (ID) Centres throughout Italy collected prospectively data concerning both the clinical and microbiological diagnosis of patients affected by SSTIs via an electronic case report form. We included in our database all cases managed by ID specialists participating to the study, independently from their severity or the setting of consultation. Here, we integrated previous preliminary results analysing and reporting data referring to a 3-year period (October 2016-October 2019). During this period, the study population included 478 adult patients with diagnosis of SSTI. The type of infection diagnosed, the aetiological agent involved and some notes on antimicrobial susceptibilities were collected and reported herein. We also analysed the most common co-morbidities, the type and duration of therapy executed, before and after ID intervention and the length of stay. The results of our study provide information to better understand the national epidemiologic data and the current clinical management of SSTIs in Italy.

Difference in cardiac remodeling between female athletes and pregnant women: a case control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to detect possible differences in reversible cardiac remodeling occurring in sport training and twin pregnancy. BACKGROUND: cardiac remodeling occurs in athletes and pregnant women due to training and fetal requirements, respectively. These changes could be apparently similar. METHODS: 21 female elite athletes (23.2 ± 5.3 years), 25 women with twin pregnancies (35.4 ± 5.7 years) and 25 healthy competitive female athletes (controls), age-matched with pregnant women (34.9 ± 7.9 years), were enrolled. This latter group was included to minimize the effect of age on cardiac remodeling. All women evaluated through anamnestic collection, physical examination, 12 leads ECG, standard echocardiogram and strain analysis. Sphericity (SI) and apical conicity (ACI) indexes were also calculated. RESULTS: Pregnant women showed higher LA dimension (p < 0.001) compared to both groups of athletes. LV e RV GLS were significantly different in pregnant women compared to female athletes (p = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). RV GLS was also different between pregnant women and controls (p = 0.02). Pregnant women showed significantly higher S' wave compared to female athletes (p = 0.02) but not controls. Parameters of diastolic function were significantly higher in athletes (p = 0.08 for IVRT and p < 0.001 for E/A,). SI was lower in athletes in both diastole (p = 0.01) and systole (p < 0.001), while ACIs was lower in pregnant women (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac remodeling of athletes and pregnant women could be similar at first sight but different in LV shape and in GLS, highlighting a profound difference in longitudinal deformation between athletes and pregnant women. This difference seems not to be related with age. These findings suggest that an initial maternal cardiovascular maladaptation could occur in the third trimester of twin pregnancies.

Ductus venosus Doppler assessment: do the results differ between the sagittal and the transverse approach?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ductus venosus (DV) pulsatility index for veins (PIV) obtained in a mid-sagittal plane with that obtained in an oblique transverse plane of the fetal abdomen. METHODS: Prospective observational study in singleton uncomplicated pregnancies undergoing an ultrasound examination between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. Pregnancies complicated by fetal anomalies, fetal growth restriction, or oligohydramnios were excluded. Two consecutive recordings of DV Doppler waveform were obtained in each woman: one in a mid-sagittal plane, and the other in an oblique transverse plane of the fetal abdomen. The peak velocity during ventricular systole (S-wave) and diastole (D-wave), the velocity during atrial contraction (a-wave), and the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAmax) were measured, and the PIV was calculated. The paired t-test was used to compare results obtained with the two approaches. A change of the DV-PIV of 0.10 or more was considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: The DV waveform was successfully obtained in 53 women (mean gestational age 28.5 weeks). The mean DV-PIV was 0.57 (±0.16 SD) in the sagittal plane and 0.54 (±0.16 SD) in the transverse plane. The mean difference (0.03) was statistically significant (p = .04), but not clinically relevant. The sagittal S-, D-, and a-wave velocities and TAmax were significantly higher in the sagittal plane compared to the transverse plane, with an increase of 12, 8, 8, and 10%, respectively (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the DV-PIV obtained in a mid-sagittal plane compared to a transverse plane of the fetal abdomen is small and not clinically significant. The higher DV flow velocities observed in the sagittal plane are likely the result of a better alignment with the vessel obtained using this plane. These findings have implications for clinical practice and for research.

Preeclampsia has two phenotypes which require different treatment strategies.

The opinion on the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of preeclampsia still divides scientists and clinicians. This common complication of pregnancy has long been viewed as a disorder linked primarily to placental dysfunction, which is caused by abnormal trophoblast invasion, however, evidence from the previous two decades has triggered and supported a major shift in viewing preeclampsia as a condition that is caused by inherent maternal cardiovascular dysfunction, perhaps entirely independent of the placenta. In fact, abnormalities in the arterial and cardiac functions are evident from the early subclinical stages of preeclampsia and even before conception. Moving away from simply observing the peripheral blood pressure changes, studies on the central hemodynamics reveal two different mechanisms of cardiovascular dysfunction thought to be reflective of the early-onset and late-onset phenotypes of preeclampsia. More recent evidence identified that the underlying cardiovascular dysfunction in these phenotypes can be categorized according to the presence of coexisting fetal growth restriction instead of according to the gestational period at onset, the former being far more common at early gestational ages. The purpose of this review is to summarize the hemodynamic research observations for the two phenotypes of preeclampsia. We delineate the physiological hemodynamic changes that occur in normal pregnancy and those that are observed with the pathologic processes associated with preeclampsia. From this, we propose how the two phenotypes of preeclampsia could be managed to mitigate or redress the hemodynamic dysfunction, and we consider the implications for future research based on the current evidence. Maternal hemodynamic modifications throughout pregnancy can be recorded with simple-to-use, noninvasive devices in obstetrical settings, which require only basic training. This review includes a brief overview of the methodologies and techniques used to study hemodynamics and arterial function, specifically the noninvasive techniques that have been utilized in preeclampsia research.

Role of prenatal magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with isolated severe ventriculomegaly at neurosonography: A multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the rate of additional anomalies detected exclusively at prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses with isolated severe ventriculomegaly undergoing neurosonography. METHOD: Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study involving 20 referral fetal medicine centers in Italy, United Kingdom, Spain and Denmark. Inclusion criteria were fetuses affected by isolated severe ventriculomegaly (≥15 mm), defined as ventriculomegaly with normal karyotype and no other additional central nervous system (CNS) and extra-CNS anomalies on ultrasound. In all cases, a multiplanar assessment of fetal brain as suggested by ISUOG guidelines on fetal neurosonography had been performed. The primary outcome was the rate of additional CNS anomalies detected exclusively at fetal MRI within two weeks from neurosonography. Subgroup analyses according to gestational age at MRI (

Clinical implementation of pre-eclampsia screening in the first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: Early identification of preeclampia in the first trimester of pregnancy represents one of the major challenges of modern fetal medicine. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementation of preeclampsia screening in Tuscany, Italy. The secondary aim was to evaluate pregnancy/neonatal outcome in the positive screening group compared with the negative screening group. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study including singleton pregnancies undergoing screening for preeclampsia. The screening test was a multiparametric algorithm based on maternal history, biochemical and biophysical parameters (Fetal Medicine Foundation algorithm). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The overall performance of the test was calculated, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and in relation to gestational age at onset (primary aim). Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were then compared between the positive and negative population at preeclampsia screening test (secondary aim). RESULTS: Of the 5719 patients enrolled, 4797 were included in the analysis. The sensitivity for early onset of preeclampsia (≤34 weeks) was 0.75 (CI:0.41-0.93) and specificity 0.93 (CI:0.92-0.94) for a false positive rate of 7%. The population that tested positive for preeclampsia screening showed a higher incidence of deliveries at lower gestational ages (p < 0.001), preeclampsia onset despite prophylaxis with aspirin (p < 0.001), emergency caesarean section (p < 0.001), low fetal birth weight (p < 0.001) and neonatal admission in intensive care unit (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the validity of first trimester screening test in identifying a category of patients at greatest risk for preeclampsia even in the presence of a post-test pharmacological prophylaxis.

Maternal Cardiovascular Dysfunction is Associated with Hypoxic Cerebral and Umbilical Doppler Changes.

We investigate the relationship between maternal cardiovascular (CV) function and fetal Doppler changes in healthy pregnancies and those with pre-eclampsia (PE), small for gestational age (SGA) or fetal growth restriction (FGR). This was a three-centre prospective study, where CV assessment was performed using inert gas rebreathing, continuous Doppler or impedance cardiography. Maternal cardiac output (CO) and peripheral vascular resistance (PVR) were analysed in relation to the uterine artery, umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility indices (PI, expressed as z-scores by gestational week) using polynomial regression analyses, and in relation to the presence of absent/reversed end diastolic (ARED) flow in the UA. We included 81 healthy controls, 47 women with PE, 65 with SGA/FGR and 40 with PE + SGA/FGR. Maternal CO was inversely related to fetal UA PI and positively related to MCA PI; the opposite was observed for PVR, which was also positively associated with increased uterine artery impedance. CO was lower (z-score 97, p = 0.02) and PVR higher (z-score 2.88, p = 0.02) with UA ARED flow. We report that maternal CV dysfunction is associated with fetal vascular changes, namely raised impedance in the fetal-placental circulation and low impedance in the fetal cerebral vessels. These findings are most evident with critical UA Doppler changes and represent a potential mechanism for therapeutic intervention.

Prediction of pregnancy complications by second-trimester uterine artery Doppler assessment in monochorionic twins.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate whether transabdominal uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) differs between monochorionic (MC) diamniotic and dichorionic (DC) twins and is useful to predict pregnancy complications. METHODS: A total of 406 uncomplicated twin pregnancies (94 MC, 312 DC) were examined at 22+0 -24+6 weeks and compared for demographic characteristics, mean UtA PI, presence of notch, development of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), placental abruption, intrauterine fetal death and preterm delivery. Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests were performed for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio were calculated for mean PI >95th percentile, presence of notch, and presence of either elevated PI or notch. RESULTS: Median mean UtA PI was 0.68 in DC and 0.75 in MC pregnancies (P = .005). Bilateral notches were observed in one MC pregnancy; unilateral notch was seen in 8 DC (2.6%) and 5 MC diamniotic (5.3%) pregnancies. FGR occurred more frequently in DC twin pregnancies, while intrauterine fetal death in MC. Overall, the sensitivity of the parameters tested was low. Pregnancies with both PI above 95th percentile and presence of notch were all associated with complications, particularly FGR. CONCLUSION: MC pregnancies have higher mean UtA PI. UtA screening in twins shows lower performances than in singletons for the detection of complications.

Epidemiology and Microbiology of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Preliminary Results of a National Registry.

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) represent a wide range of clinical conditions characterized by a considerable variety of clinical presentations and severity. Their aetiology can also vary, with numerous possible causative pathogens. While other authors previously published analyses on several types of SSTI and on restricted types of patients, we conducted a large nationwide surveillance programme on behalf of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases to assess the clinical and microbiological characteristics of the whole SSTI spectrum, from mild to severe life-threatening infections, in both inpatients and outpatients. Twenty-five Infectious Diseases (ID) Centres throughout Italy collected prospectively data concerning both the clinical and microbiological diagnosis of patients affected by SSTIs via an electronic case report form. All the cases included in our database, independently from their severity, have been managed by ID specialists joining the study while SSTIs from other wards/clinics have been excluded from this analysis. Here, we report the preliminary results of our study, referring to a 12-month period (October 2016-September 2017). During this period, the study population included 254 adult patients and a total of 291 SSTI diagnoses were posed, with 36 patients presenting more than one SSTIs. The type of infection diagnosed, the aetiological micro-organisms involved and some notes on their antimicrobial susceptibilities were collected and are reported herein. The enrichment of our registry is ongoing, but these preliminary results suggest that further analysis could soon provide useful information to better understand the national epidemiologic data and the current clinical management of SSTIs in Italy.

Uterine and fetal placental Doppler indices are associated with maternal cardiovascular function.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism underlying fetal-placental Doppler index changes in preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction are unknown, although both are associated with maternal cardiovascular dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate whether there was a relationship between maternal cardiac output and vascular resistance and fetoplacental Doppler findings in healthy and complicated pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Women with healthy pregnancies (n=62), preeclamptic pregnancies (n=13), preeclamptic pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (n=15), or fetal growth restricted pregnancies (n=17) from 24-40 weeks gestation were included. All of them underwent measurement of cardiac output with the use of an inert gas rebreathing technique and derivation of peripheral vascular resistance. Uterine and fetal Doppler indices were recorded; the latter were z scored to account for gestation. Associations were determined by polynomial regression analyses. RESULTS: Mean uterine artery pulsatility index was higher in fetal growth restriction (1.37; P=.026) and preeclampsia+fetal growth restriction (1.63; P=.001) but not preeclampsia (0.92; P=1) compared with control subjects (0.8). There was a negative relationship between uterine pulsatility index and cardiac output (r2=0.101; P=.025) and umbilical pulsatility index z score and cardiac output (r2=0.078; P=.0015), and there were positive associations between uterine pulsatility index and peripheral vascular resistance (r2=0.150; P=.003) and umbilical pulsatility index z score and peripheral vascular resistance (r2= 0.145; P=.001). There was no significant relationship between cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance with cerebral Doppler indices. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery Doppler change is abnormally elevated in fetal growth restriction with and without preeclampsia, but not in preeclampsia, which may explain the limited sensitivity of uterine artery Doppler changes for all these complications when considered in aggregate. Furthermore, impedance within fetoplacental arterial vessels is at least, in part, associated with maternal cardiovascular function. This relationship may have important implications for fetal surveillance and would inform therapeutic options in those pathologic pregnancy conditions currently, and perhaps erroneously, attributed purely to placental maldevelopment. Uterine and fetal placental Doppler indices are associated significantly with maternal cardiovascular function. The classic description of uterine and fetal Doppler changes being initiated by placental maldevelopment is a less plausible explanation for the pathogenesis of the conditions than that relating to maternal cardiovascular changes.

Impact of bladder filling on uterine artery Doppler variables in the first trimester of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine artery (UtA) Doppler examination is used in the first trimester to assess the risk of developing preeclampsia, with a standardized technique. However, the impact of bladder filling on UtA circulatory impedance in pregnancy has not been previously studied. This study aimed to examine the effect of bladder distension on UtA-pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective repeated-measure study on pregnant women presenting for first-trimester screening for preeclampsia. Right and left UtA Doppler velocimetry was first measured with a full bladder. Bladder volume was recorded. After the patients had voided their bladder, a repeat Doppler measurement was performed. The UtA PI and PSV were recorded on each side. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare UtA variables before and after bladder voiding. RESULTS: The authors enrolled 45 patients. Mean gestational age at exam was 12.1 weeks. When women were studied with full bladder, median UtA-PI was 1.73 (inter-quartile range, [IQR] 1.49, 2.28) on the right and 1.71 (1.46, 2.11) on the left side. After bladder voiding, values were 1.83 (IQR 1.58, 2.20) and 1.78 (1.40, 2.18). The difference was not statistically significant (P = .26 and 0.80). Similarly, no difference was found in UtA-PSV before and after bladder voiding on either side (P = .22 and .70). CONCLUSION: In the first-trimester of pregnancy, bladder distension does not significantly modify uterine artery Doppler variables.

Cardiac output changes from prior to pregnancy to post partum using two non-invasive techniques.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe cardiac output (CO) trend from prepregnancy to post partum using an inert gas rebreathing (IGR) device and compare these measurements with those obtained by a pulse waveform analysis (PWA) technique, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. METHODS: Non-smoking healthy women, aged 18-44 years, with body mass index <35 were included in this prospective observational study. CO measurements were collected at different time points (prepregnancy, at four different gestational epochs and post partum) using IGR and PWA. A linear mixed model analysis tested whether the longitudinal change in CO differed between the techniques. Bland-Altman analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for cross-sectional and a four-quadrant plot for longitudinal comparisons. RESULTS: Of the 413 participants, 69 had a complete longitudinal assessment throughout pregnancy. In this latter cohort, the maximum CO rise was seen at 15.2 weeks with IGR (+17.5% from prepregnancy) and at 10.4 weeks with PWA (+7.7% from prepregnancy). Trends differed significantly (p=0.0093). Cross-sectional analysis was performed in the whole population of 413 women: the mean CO was 6.14 L/min and 6.38 L/min for PWA and IGR, respectively, the percentage of error was 46% and the ICC was 0.348, with similar results at all separate time points. Longitudinal concordance was 64%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences between devices, the maximum CO rise in healthy pregnancies is more modest and earlier than previously reported. The two methods of CO measurement do not agree closely and cannot be used interchangeably. Technique-specific reference ranges are needed before they can be applied in research and clinical settings.