Cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy: cross-sectional survey of knowledge and prevention practices of healthcare professionals in French-speaking Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Lack of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) knowledge among healthcare professionals has been proven to be the main threat to pregnant women's awareness, preventing them from reducing the risk of infection. The aims of this study were to assess the knowledge and practices of French-speaking Swiss perinatal professionals in terms of CMV prevention, as well as the sociodemographic-professional factors that influence them. METHODS: This observational study used a cross-sectional design to collect data-via an anonymous electronic questionnaire in French distributed to gynecologists-obstetricians, general practitioners and midwives via various channels: e-mails and social networks of partner centers, professional associations, and conferences. The 41-item questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic and professional characteristics, general CMV knowledge, national recommendation knowledge and prevention practices. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 110 gynecologist-obstetricians, 5 general practitioners and 226 midwives participated in the study. While more than 80% of practitioners were familiar with protective hygiene measures, significant gaps were highlighted concerning the transmission routes, as well as the signs of short- and long-term congenital CMV infection. Regarding practice, 63.3% of participants provided information on CMV to their patients, mainly during the first antenatal visit. Among those who did not, lack of knowledge and forgetfulness were the two main reasons cited. Concerning systematic screening, 45.7% of participants offered it to their patients, and 37.3% only offered it to "at risk" groups. The existence of national guidelines on CMV was known by 62.0% of participants. Multivariable analysis revealed that working as a gynecologist-obstetrician was independently associated with higher score of preventive practices, while performing ultrasound or preconception consultations was independently associated with a higher score of general CMV knowledge, and working in a university hospital was independently associated with a higher score of Swiss recommendation knowledge. A level of training higher than the basic medical or midwifery diploma and participation in fetal medicine symposia both promote a higher score of CMV knowledge and prevention practices in line with current recommendations. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the significant gaps in CMV knowledge among French-speaking Swiss caregivers along with the heterogeneity of their prevention practices. To raise awareness among pregnant women and reduce the burden of congenital CMV infections, improving professional knowledge through access to specific training and standardizing practices should be a national priority.

[First trimester ultrasound: beyond nuchal translucency]. / Examen échographique du premier trimestre : au-delà de la clarté nucale.

Pregnancy care has gradually evolved over the last two decades, with a trend towards earlier detection and diagnosis of both maternal and fetal pathologies. At the core of this process, antenatal ultrasound allows to identify a large number of congenital malformations as early as the end of the first trimester. It has also become an increasingly specialized procedure, requiring considerable material and human resources. In this article, we review the basic principles of first-trimester ultrasound, focusing on most recent screening recommendations.

La prise en charge des grossesses a progressivement changé au cours des deux dernières décennies, avec une tendance à dépister et diagnostiquer de plus en plus précocement ls pathologies tant maternelles que fœtales. L'échographie prénatale, au centre du processus de soins, permet d'identifier un grand nombre de malformations congénitales dès la fin du premier trimestre. Au cours du temps, elle est également devenue un examen toujours plus spécialisé nécessitant des ressources matérielles et humaines importantes. Dans cet article, nous revenons sur les principes de base de l'échographie du premier trimestre en intégrant les nouvelles recommandations en matière de dépistage.

Congenital heart anomalies in the first trimester: From screening to diagnosis.

Congenital heart defects occur in approximately 1% of liveborn children and represent the most common form of congenital malformation. Due to the small size and complexity of the heart structures, prenatal diagnosis is most often made in the second trimester of pregnancy. Early diagnosis however offers significant advantages regarding the timing of further investigations, prenatal counseling, and access to management options. In the last decade, advances in antenatal imaging have improved the detection of cardiac malformations with increasing emphasis on earlier pregnancy screening and diagnosis. We aim to summarize current "state of the art" imaging of the fetal heart in the first trimester.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Gómez-López-Hernández Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Gómez-López-Hernández syndrome (GLHS), also known as cerebello-trigeminal-dermal dysplasia, is an extremely rare neurocutaneous disease, classically described by the triad of rhombencephalosynapsis (RES), bilateral focal alopecia, and trigeminal anesthesia. The clinical and radiographic spectrum of GLHS is now known to be broader, including craniofacial and supratentorial anomalies, as well as neurodevelopmental issues. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a case of antenatally diagnosed GLHS with RES, hydrocephaly, and craniofacial anomalies identified on ultrasound (low-set ears with posterior rotation, hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, micrognathia, and anteverted nares) which were confirmed by autopsy after termination of pregnancy at 23 weeks of gestation. DISCUSSION: As no known genetic causes have been identified and the classical triad is not applicable to prenatal imaging, prenatal diagnosis of GLHS is based on neuroimaging and the identification of supporting features. In presence of an RES associated with craniofacial abnormalities in prenatal (brachycephaly, turricephaly, low-set ears, midface retrusion, micrognathia), GLHS should be considered as "possible" according to postnatal criteria.

Fetal Omphalocele: Review of Predictive Factors Important for Antenatal Counseling?

Importance: Congenital omphalocele is among the most common antenatally diagnosed anomalies. As additional abnormalities are found in majority of cases, antenatal investigations target the search for additional structural anomalies and genetic disorders, including aneuploidy. Antenatal management focuses on the assessment of fetal well-being. Unfortunately, antenatal prediction of postnatal and long-term outcomes represents 2 less well-documented but crucial facets of this pathology. A large part of the prognosis relies on aspects that are difficult to predict such as quality of life, neurological development, and autonomy, which cause significant anxiety in expectant parents. Objective: This article offers a comprehensive review of antenatal management of omphalocele with a specific focus on predictive factors and long-term outcomes. Evidence Acquisition, Results: We conducted an extensive literature review targeting management of fetal omphalocele. We had a specific interest in factors predictive of fetal and neonatal outcome as well as long-term consequences of omphalocele. Fetuses with large defects and those containing the liver are at higher risk of having a complicated postnatal course. Neonates may experience pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux. In selected cases, motor and cognitive delay may be present, but the overall life-long prognosis and quality of life is good. Conclusions and Relevance: A multidisciplinary approach should be encouraged after the diagnosis of fetal omphalocele. In addition to clinical team experience, antenatal counseling should be based on objective and gestational age-dependent criteria and should include long-term outcomes.

[Pregnancy of undetermined location: how to find it?] / Grossesse de localisation indéterminée : comment la trouver ?

Early pregnancy is frequently accompanied by abnormal symptoms such as pelvic pain and metrorrhagia. In these situations, it is quite frequent to be unable to identify the pregnancy and in particular its location, even if the pregnancy test is clearly positive. Many clinical, biological and ultrasound approaches have been proposed to try to predict the location and development of the suspected pregnancy, without the individualization of a truly reliable tool. Currently the HCG dosage at 48 heures-interval remains one of the best tools available, but it is challenged by mathematical models such as the M6 model. The M6 model has shown in our experience a very good predictive value with also an ability to reduce the follow-up of patients with low progressive risk, thus allowing a reduction in costs and anxiety for patients and caregivers.

Le début des grossesses est fréquemment accompagné de symptômes anormaux tels que douleurs pelviennes et métrorragies. Dans ces situations, il n'est pas rare de ne pas pouvoir identifier la grossesse et, en particulier, sa localisation même si le test de grossesse est nettement positif. De nombreuses approches clinique, biologique et échographique ont été proposées pour essayer de prédire la localisation et l'évolutivité de la grossesse suspectée, sans individualisation d'un outil vraiment fiable. Actuellement, le dosage de HCG à 48 heures d'intervalle reste un des meilleurs outils disponibles, mais il est concurrencé par des modèles mathématiques comme le M6. Ce dernier a démontré, selon notre expérience, une très bonne valeur prédictive avec aussi une capacité à réduire le suivi des patientes à faible risque évolutif, en permettant ainsi une baisse des coûts et de l'anxiété des patientes et soignants.

The role of sFlt1/PlGF ratio in the assessment of preeclampsia and pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.

Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of the disease may be challenging. Complications may precede the onset of clinical symptoms and medical intervention is often delayed. Moreover, in the absence of specific clinical signs, many patients will present symptoms mimicking the disease without ever being diagnosed with preeclampsia. This situation may, however, lead to medical interventions and cause unnecessary stress for the patient. For many years, research tried to evaluate the significance of serum biomarkers as early indicators of preeclampsia. Among many, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, given its performance, aroused the greatest interest. This article reviews current knowledge on the subject, focusing on a Swiss perspective.

[COVID-19 and pregnancy]. / COVID-19 et grossesse.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented worldwide health crisis. The increased vulnerability of pregnant women as well as past experience from previous coronavirus epidemics are cause for concern of maternal and fetal complications. The rapid outbreak of the disease combined with the uncertainty, as a direct result of the lack of strong scientific data, has forced obstetricians to adapt their current practices pragmatically. This article reviews obstetrical management of pregnant patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 based on the current knowledge.

L'actuelle pandémie de COVID-19 est à l'origine d'une crise sanitaire mondiale sans précédent. La vulnérabilité des femmes enceintes aux infections ainsi que l'expérience des précédentes épidémies de coronavirus ont fait naître des interrogations quant aux risques de complications materno-fœtales. La rapidité avec laquelle l'infection a progressé, ainsi que l'incertitude de son impact sur la grossesse due à l'absence de données scientifiques solides a forcé les obstétriciens à adapter leur pratique en se basant sur des attitudes pragmatiques. Cet article revoit la prise en charge obstétricale des patientes infectées par SARS-CoV-2 sur la base des connaissances actuelles.

Good at heart: Developing a tertiary perinatal cardiac service; the first eight years of experience.

BACKGROUND: Maternal cardiac disease is the most common cause of indirect maternal death, and women with pre-existing cardiac disease have complex medical, obstetric and anaesthetic requirements. Our hospital commenced a multidisciplinary perinatal cardiac service in 2009 to optimise outcomes in women with cardiac disease. AIM: To assess the maternal and perinatal outcomes of women referred to the clinic to evaluate clinical practice and inform future service provision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-centre retrospective study of women referred to the perinatal cardiac service between 2009-2016. Data collected included: demographic details; cardiac diagnosis; pregnancy outcomes, including anaesthetic and delivery complications, and admission to intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (HDU). RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-two women were referred for care in 165 pregnancies. Congenital heart disease was the most common indication for referral (35%), followed by maternal cardiac arrhythmia (26%) and valvular disease (18%). The perinatal mortality rate was 2%, median gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks 4 days, fetal growth restriction (customised birthweight <10th centile) was 9% although 25 (17%) pregnancies resulted in preterm birth, 36% of which were spontaneous and 64% were iatrogenic. Maternal outcomes were favourable and there were no maternal deaths. However, 51% of women required a caesarean section, and 23% who achieved a live birth required ICU/HDU admission. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that women with cardiac disease are at increased risk of preterm birth, and high acuity in the peripartum period but otherwise good maternal and perinatal outcomes. An integrated multidisciplinary perinatal cardiac service can optimise perinatal outcomes in these women.

[Update on non invasif prenatal screening]. / Le point sur le dépistage prénatal non invasif.

Following the introduction of non-invasive tests, antenatal screening for trisomy 21 underwent important changes. Clinicians had to rapidly adapt their practice, especially in the field of antenatal counseling. On a population wide scale, new strategies and guidelines have been implemented. This article reviews the basic concepts of antenatal screening, including the use of non-invasive cell-free fetal DNA testing.

Le dépistage anténatal de la trisomie 21 a subi durant ces dernières années des changements importants suite à l'introduction de tests non invasifs. Les cliniciens ont rapidement dû adapter leur pratique, notamment sur le plan du conseil anténatal, alors que sur le plan plus large de la population, de nouvelles stratégies et recommandations de dépistage ont été mises en place. Cet article revoit les notions de base du dépistage anténatal en y intégrant l'utilisation du dépistage non invasif par l'ADN fœtal libre circulant.

Contemporary prenatal aneuploidy screening practice in Australia: Frequently asked questions in the cell-free DNA era.

Cell-free DNA screening has quickly become established in Australia as an accurate - albeit costly - prenatal screening test for trisomy 21, 18 and 13. It is also commonly used for the detection of sex chromosome abnormalities. The increasing number of prenatal screening pathways available to women has increased the complexity of pretest counselling. Concurrent advances in diagnostic testing with the widespread use of chromosomal microarrays create further challenges for the continuing education of clinicians and health consumers. This article aims to answer common clinical questions in this rapidly evolving field and complements the recently updated Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Statement on Prenatal Screening for Fetal Chromosome and Genetic Conditions.

[Sleep apnea in pregnancy]. / Apnées du sommeil et grossesse.

Snoring, chronic rhinitis and fragmentation of sleep are common symptoms in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is also increased in pregnant women and can be associated with pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia and diabetes mellitus. The fetus is as well exposed to a higher risk of prematurity and intra-uterine growth restriction. Given the lack of adequate screening tool, the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is a challenge for the physician and a high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary in order to identify the patients at risk and propose an appropriate management.

Des ronflements, une rhinite chronique et un sommeil fragmenté surviennent fréquemment en cours de grossesse, majoritairement au troisième trimestre. La prévalence du syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil (SAOS) est également augmentée chez les femmes enceintes et peut être associée à une hypertension liée à la grossesse, une prééclampsie ou un diabète. Le fœtus est aussi exposé à un risque plus élevé de prématurité et de retard de croissance intra-utérin. Par manque d'un outil de dépistage fiable, le diagnostic du SAOS représente cependant un défi pour le clinicien et une forte suspicion clinique est nécessaire afin d'identifier les patientes à risque et proposer une prise en charge adéquate.