Fetal PR Interval in Pregnancies with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study had three purposes: first, to explore differences in fetal cardiac function in patients with and without intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) based on PR interval (the interval between the beginning of the atrial contraction and the beginning of the ventricular contraction). Second, to explore a potential correlation between PR interval and bile acid levels in pregnant women with ICP. Third, to study changes in PR interval of fetuses from pregnant women with ICP after administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observational case-control study. ICP was defined as palmar plantar pruritus of nocturnal predominance for more than 1 week associated with a total bile acid level >10 µmol/L. Control cases were women with pregnancies scheduled for induction or elective cesarean section at term. RESULTS: One hundred and ten women with ICP and 72 controls were included in the study. Median gestational age at inclusion was 35.9 weeks. Median PR interval was significantly longer in fetuses of women with ICP (122 vs. 102 ms, p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between bile acid levels and PR interval (rho = 0.723, p < 0.001). In 22 fetuses, the median PR interval decreased significantly following UDCA administration (134 vs. 118 ms, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: PR interval is longer in fetuses of women with ICP. PR interval was significantly correlated with bile acid levels, and administration of UDCA significantly reduced PR interval. KEY POINTS: · Differences in fetal cardiac function in patients with and without intrahepatic cholestasis.. · PR interval and bile acid levels in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis.. · Changes in PR interval of fetuses from pregnant women with ICP after use of UDCA..

First-trimester sonographic diagnosis of sirenomelia: A multicenter series of 12 cases and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the key sonographic features for the diagnosis of sirenomelia in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: Cases of sirenomelia from several prenatal diagnosis centers were retrospectively identified and reviewed. The diagnosis was established through the detection of fused lower limbs. Additional sonographic findings were also noted. RESULTS: A total of 12 cases were collected. The most striking sonographic finding was the detection of malformed lower limbs, which appeared to be fused and in an atypical position. Nuchal translucency thickness was mildly increased in three cases (25%). An abdominal cyst, representing the dilated blind-ending bowel, was noted in seven cases (58%). Color flow imaging detected a single umbilical artery in six cases (50%) and the associated intra-abdominal vascular anomalies in three cases (25%). No cases of aneuploidy were detected. The pregnancy was terminated in nine cases (75%) and intrauterine demise occurred in the remaining three cases (25%). CONCLUSIONS: The sonographic detection of abnormal lower limbs or an intra-abdominal cyst located laterally during the first-trimester scan may be warning signs of sirenomelia. This should prompt a detailed examination of the fetal lower body and intra-abdominal anatomy, including the main abdominal vessels, in order to look for additional confirmatory findings.