Left atrial strain in fetal echocardiography - could it be introduced to everyday clinical practice?

OBJECTIVES: Prenatal cardiology is a part of preventive cardiology based on fetal echocardiography and fetal interventional cardiology, which facilitates treatment of congenital heart defects (CHD) in pediatric patients and consequently in adults. Timely prenatal detection of CHD plays a pivotal role in facilitating the appropriate referral of pregnant women to facilities equipped to provide thorough perinatal care within the framework of a well-structured healthcare system. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of left atrial strain (LAS) in prenatal evaluation of fetal heart and prediction of structural and functional disorders. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "left atrial strain", "fetal echocardiography", and "prenatal cardiology" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: Our review underscores the significance of LAS parameters in fetal echocardiography as a screening tool during specific gestational windows (starting from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, followed by better visualization between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation). The left atrial strain technique and its parameters serve as valuable indicators, not only for identifying cardiac complications but also for predicting and guiding therapeutic interventions in cases of both cardiac and noncardiac pregnancy complications in fetuses. Evidence suggests establishment of second-trimester reference strain and strain rate values by speckle-tracking echocardiography in the healthy fetal cohort is essential for the evaluation of myocardial pathologies during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Finding of LAS of fetal heart is feasible and probably can have potential for clinical and prognostic implications.

Artificial intelligence as a new answer to old challenges in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics.

BACKGROUND: Following the latest trends in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the possibility of processing an immense amount of data has created a breakthrough in the medical field. Practitioners can now utilize AI tools to advance diagnostic protocols and improve patient care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present the importance and modalities of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and its usefulness in daily clinical work and decision-making process. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed by searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "artificial intelligence in obstetrics", "maternal-fetal medicine", and "machine learning" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: According to recent research, AI has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics, e.g., advancing perinatal ultrasound technique, monitoring fetal heart rate during labor, or predicting mode of delivery. The combination of AI and obstetric ultrasound can help optimize fetal ultrasound assessment by reducing examination time and improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing physician workload. CONCLUSION: The integration of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and individualized care plans. As technology evolves, AI algorithms are likely to become even more sophisticated. However, the successful implementation of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics needs to address challenges related to interpretability and reliability.

Heat-not-burn tobacco products and cardiovascular risk reduction: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Heat-not-burn (HNB) technology by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been classified as a modified risk tobacco product, which can be a better option for those populations who cannot give up the habit of smoking. The outlook on the effects of these products is quite controversial in the scientific world. OBJECTIVE: To present the effect of HNB tobacco products on the cardiovascular system, with reference to the existence of possible benefits of the technology. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, with reliance on a well-defined guiding research statement. Quality appraisal was performed using the CASP checklist for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: The search of three databases identified 167 records, and after selection process, 25 randomized controlled trials were eligible for our study's criteria. Twenty studies investigated the effects of HNB products on biomarkers of clinical relevance. Five studies evaluated other functional heart parameters rather than biomarkers. CONCLUSION: With HNB tobacco products, significant reductions were found in biomarkers of exposure and biological effect related to pathways involved in cardiovascular disease, including inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, platelet function, and endothelial dysfunction.

Use and misuse of ultrasound in obstetrics with reference to developing countries.

Maternal and neonatal health is one of the main global health challenges. Every day, approximately 800 women and 7,000 newborns die due to complications during pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal period. The leading causes of maternal death in sub-Saharan Africa are obstetric hemorrhage (28.8%), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (22.1%), non-obstetric complications (18.8%), and pregnancy-related infections (11.5%). Diagnostic ultrasound examinations can be used in a variety of specific circumstances during pregnancy. Because adverse outcomes may also arise in low-risk pregnancies, it is assumed that routine ultrasound in all pregnancies will enable earlier detection and improved management of pregnancy complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 1997 that 50% of developing countries had no access to ultrasound imaging, and available equipment was outdated or broken. Unfortunately, besides all the exceptional benefits of ultrasound in obstetrics, its inappropriate use and abuse are reported. Using ultrasound to view, take a picture, or determine the sex of a fetus without a medical indication can be considered ethically unjustifiable. Ultrasound assessment when indicated should be every woman's right in the new era. However, it is still only a privilege in some parts of the world. Investment in both equipment and human resources has been clearly shown to be cost-effective and should be an obligatory step in the improvement of health care. Well-developed health systems should guide developing countries, creating principles for the organization of the health system with an accent on the correct, legal, and ethical use of diagnostic ultrasound in pregnancy to avoid its misuse. The aim of the article is to present the importance of correct and appropriate use of ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology with reference to developing countries.

Pre-eclampsia and maternal health through the prism of low-income countries.

Hypertensive syndrome in pregnancy complicates up to 15% of pregnancies, and preeclampsia (PE) occurs in about 3-10% of pregnant women. Inadequate prenatal care is associated with higher mortality from PE, possibly due to reduced monitoring, detection, and missed opportunities for early intervention. The imperative of the clinician's work is to monitor the symptoms and clinical signs of PE, and stratification of patients in relation to the risk of PE is essential. PE represents a multisystem inflammatory response, and the consequences can be expected in all organs. The question of the effect of PE on long-term maternal health is raised. The aim of the paper is to present the effect of PE on the patient's health through the prism of low-income countries.

Association between maternal thyroid function and risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of maternal level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) one by one or in combination on incidence of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. METHODS: The study included pregnant women (n=107) hospitalized in the period from July 1, 2020 to October 10, 2021 at the Department of Pathology of Pregnancy of the University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinical Center Sarajevo (UCCS) (Bosnia and Herzegovina), due to hypertensive disorder in pregnancy without symptoms of impaired thyroid function. In all patients fulfilling inclusion criteria TSH, FT3, and FT4 using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland) were checked. There were two groups of patients: one with gestational hypertension (G1) and the other with preeclampsia (G2). The programs SPSS for Windows 25.0, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA and Microsoft Excel 11, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA were used for statistical analysis using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test because the distribution of the data was not normal. The result was considered statistically significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: Gestational age at delivery (G2 36.86 ± 3.79 vs. G1 38.94 ± 2.15; p=0.002) and birth weight (G2 2,841.36 ± 1,006.39 vs. G2 3,290.73 ± 745.6; p=0,032) were significantly different between the investigated groups. The difference between the peak systolic (p=0.002), peak diastolic blood pressure (p=0.007), TSH (p=0.044), and FT3 (p=0.045) were statistically significant. Impaired thyroid function was observed more often in G2 than in G1. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid function was more often affected adversely in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia than with gestational hypertension. Based on the results of our study it might be prudent to check thyroid hormones in all asymptomatic pregnancies with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. These findings need confirmation in larger better designed prospective studies.

Successful Pregnancy Outcome after Amnioreduction Treated Acute Polyhydramnios Caused by Duodenal Atresia.

The aim of our manuscript is to report of a successful perinatal outcome after treatment of acute polyhydramnios caused by duodenal atresia. A 34-year-old G3P1 was referred due to polyhydramnios in the 30th week of pregnancy. Ultrasound revealed polyhydramnios, amniotic fluid index (AFI) 28, and a double bubble sign that indicated duodenal atresia and dilatated oesophagus. In the 32nd week of gestation, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, AFI 35, along with symptoms of dyspnea and abdominal pain. Due to the clinical picture and the early gestational age, it was decided to perform an amnioreduction. In the 36th week of gestation cesarean section was performed. The baby was taken for exploratory laparotomy and found to have a simultaneous complete duodenal atresia and annular pancreas with associated dilated the first portion of the duodenum and the stomach. A side-to-side duodenoduodenostomy via single-layer hand-sewn anastomosis was performed over a transanastamotic feeding tube (TAFT). The postoperative course was uneventful. Amnioreduction is useful and safe in the treatment of acute polyhydramnios caused by duodenal atresia and thus has a significant role in prolonging gestation until fetal maturity.

Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine artery in correlation with KANET.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective study was to correlate the Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine arteries with the Kurjak Antenatal Neurodevelopmental Test (KANET), to investigate the effect of uterine artery flow assessed by the Doppler on fetal behavior. METHODS: A population of 80 pregnant women in the second trimester of pregnancy was included for uterine artery Doppler (UAD) assessment. The investigation group consisted of 40 women with abnormal UAD, while the control group consisted of 40 women with normal UAD. The inclusion criteria for the investigated group were: gestation above 20 weeks, and an abnormal finding of Doppler ultrasonography of the uterine arteries. All patients underwent a KANET test and were followed up to the end of their pregnancy. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the average score of KANET tests between the two groups (9.20±3.32 vs. 13.55±2.21; p=0.001). In the first group, an abnormal flow on the side of the placenta affected the score of the KANET test (B=11.948; p=0.005), while abnormal flow on the opposite side did not affect the score of the KANET test (p>0.05). Physiological flow had no effect on the KANET test in the control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal flow affects the value of the KANET score, and can be used as one of the parameters in evaluation of probable fetal neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Importance of Doppler Analysis of Uterine Circulation in Pregnancy for a Better Understanding of Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of preeclampsia has still not been completely explained. Early identification of women with the risk of developing preeclampsia is a key goal of antenatal care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate risk factors for preeclampsia from the history, laboratory and ultrasound findings (Doppler). METHODS: Pregnant women with normal Doppler sonography in the second trimester of pregnancy were classified as a control group, while pregnant women with impaired Doppler in the second trimester were considered as the investigated group with presumably increased risk for preeclampsia. A total number of 80 patients was included in the study (40 patients in each group). RESULTS: The difference of urea, uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the serum of the control and investigated group was statistically significant, while the differences were not statistically significant for creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The presence of a notch sign during assessment of blood flow in uterine arteries in subjects in the investigated group with the diagnosis of preeclampsia had the specificity of 47.62%, and sensitivity of 88.89%. The positive predictive value of a notch sign during assessment of blood flow in uterine arteries as a marker for diagnosis of preeclampsia in the second trimester of pregnancy was 90.91%, and its negative. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are dependent variables which are predicting preeclampsia, whilst a notch sign in uterine arteries was designated as an independent variable predicting preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: From the laboratory tests the following parameters were considered as the risk factors for preeclampsia: increasing levels of urea, uric acid, and LDH. Notch sign was considered to be a very strong predictor of preeclampsia, especially if present bilaterally. Doppler sonography in the second trimester of pregnancy is a good predictor for early diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Increased of the carotid intima media thickness in preeclampsia.

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) values in patients who developed and did not develop preeclampsia (PE), and to determine whether CIMT values could be predictors of PE development. Methods The study included pregnant women who were examined by regular ultrasound examination at the Materno-Infantil Presidente Vargas Hospital (HMIPV) in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from April 2016 to September 2017. The examinations were performed every three months. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group included patients diagnosed with PE (n=21) and second group included patients who did not have PE (n=199). A high frequency ultrasound device (12 MHz) with a semi-automatic method was used to estimate CIMT. Results CIMT was significantly higher in pregnant women with PE than in women without PE (55±0.11 vs. 0.44±0.06, respectively; p<0.001). Using a cut-off value of 0.51 mm, CIMT had a specificity of 77.9% and sensitivity of 81% in the diagnosis of PE. With CIMT ≥0.6 mm, the probability of a patient developing PE was 44.4%; with CIMT >0.42 mm, the probability was only 4.2%. Conclusions An increase in CIMT was associated with the onset of PE. CIMT values were significantly higher in patients who develop PE.

Amnioreduction in Emergency Rescue Cervical Cerclage with Bulging Membranes.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency cerclage in the second trimester is aestablished treatment for a dilated cervix. AIM: To report a case of a successful cerclage performed in a 33-year old woman in her secondpregnancy, after 5 years of non-successfulpregnancy outcomes. CASE REPORT: In her fourth month of pregnancy, the patient was hospitalized because of suprapubic pressure. After complete laboratory results, ultrasound and vaginal examination the patient was diagnosed with cervical shortening, cervical canal was opened 3cm, with prolapse and bulging of the fetal membranes in vagina. An amount of 120 ml of clear amniotic fluid was removed transabdominally under ultrasound guidance, and sent to the microbiological and genetical analysis. McDonald emergency cerclage of the cervical canal was performed. Patient was monitored few days on department and released home with advice of strict reduction of activity to minimum, and prescribed therapy due to that: antithrombotic, progesterone and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Amnioreduction at the time of emergency cerclage placement is associated with a lower rate of extreme prematurity and related neonatal morbidity. Successful outcome is not impossible, along with adequate antibiotic regimen, bed rest and regular obstetrical control/checkup.

Uric Acid Values Along with Doppler Sonography Findings as a Tool for Preeclampsia Screening.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is defined as hypertension (systolic pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥90 mmHg) after week 20 of gestation with one or more of the following symptoms: proteinuria, organ dysfunction (including renal, hepatologic, hematologic or neurological complications) and in case of stagnation of fetal development. So far, there are no valid clinical tools or tests that can tell with sufficient sensitivity and specificity in early pregnancy which pregnant woman will develop preeclampsia or have unwanted outcomes. AIM: To present the properties of biochemical parameter, uric acid, in patients with signs of preclampsia, which was confirmed by Doppler sonography. METHODS: The study included 60 female subjects in the second trimester of pregnancy who were examined or were hospitalized at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Pregnant women who had normal Doppler sonography scan of the uterine arteries in the second trimester of pregnancy were included in the control group, while pregnant women with pathologic Doppler sonographic findings in the second trimester of pregnancy were included in the group of pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia, i.e. the study group. RESULTS: There is statistically significant difference between the average value of uric acid in the control and in the study group (213.36 ± 28.96 µmol / L vs 249.73 ± 47.06 µmol / L) (F = 12.991; p = 0.001). Applying the Wilcoxon non-parametric paired test to the average uric acid values during all measurements within the control group, no statistically significant difference was found. There was a statistically significant increase in the study group between all measurements, from 18.04 µmol / L between the first and second measurement (Z = -1.955; p = 0.043), 29.10 µmol / L between the second and third measurement (Z = -2.973; p = 0.003), 37.27 µmol / L between the third and fourth measurement (Z = -4.325; p = 0.001) and 109.87 µmol / L at the end of the study in comparison to values from the start of the study (Z = -4.309; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Uric acid values should become part of a broad biochemical range in screening and optimizing the treatment of patients diagnosed with early preeclampsia.

Prevalence of F5 1691G>A, F2 20210G>A, and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms in Bosnian women with pregnancy loss.

The relationship between genetic risk factors of thrombophilia and pregnancy loss (PL) is being discussed. The focus has been on F5 1691G>A, F2 20210G>A, and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms that may predispose women to microthrombosis during the stages of embryo implantation and placentation. Although, the frequencies of these polymorphisms were reported in different populations, such studies have not yet been performed in Bosnian population. In this study, we determined the prevalence of F5 G>A (rs6025), F2 G>A (rs1799963) and MTHFR C>T (rs1801133) polymorphisms in Bosnian women. A total of 154 women with PL, mean age 33 (±5.4) years, were enrolled in the study. As a control group, 154 mothers [mean age 31.4 (±6.7) years] with at least one live-born child were included. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the frequencies of F5 G>A and F2 G>A genotypes, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for analyzing MTHFR C>T genotypes. The frequency of heterozygotes for F5 and F2 was significantly higher in women with venous thrombosis (VT) compared to women without VT (p = 0.047 and p = 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the distribution of MTHFR genotypes and alleles between these two groups. In addition, we observed no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between the group with PL and control group, for all investigated polymorphisms. The allele frequencies for 1691A (F5), 20210A (F2), and 677T (MTHFR) reported in this study are consistent with the data obtained for other European countries, however, we were not able to confirm the association between the three polymorphisms and PL in Bosnian women.