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This article comprehensively reviews the literature concerning prenatal ultrasound findings of isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) and the application of specific sonographic markers to differentiate among the TAPVR types. These markers can be categorized as direct and indirect, based on either morphological features or hemodynamic changes in TAPVR. Indirect markers include the ventricular disproportion, an increased distance between the left atrium (LA) and the descending aorta, as well as the dilatation of superior vena cava or coronary sinus for supracardiac or cardiac TAPVR, along with abnormal pulmonary venous spectral Doppler patterns. Direct markers predominantly focus on the absence of a connection between the pulmonary veins and the LA. Some direct markers are specific to certain TAPVR types, such as the vertical vein. Diagnosing isolated TAPVR can pose challenges, but following a sequential approach can improve detection rates and outcomes. In cases with equivocal findings, additional follow-ups are recommended. The sequential approach described in the current article provides a step-wise methodology and sonographic markers for prenatal diagnosis of TAPVR, which can be utilized by fetal-maternal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and radiological technicians to ensure timely interventions.
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BACKGROUND: This trial aimed to assess the efficacy, acceptability and safety of a first-trimester screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm preeclampsia (PE) in Asia. METHODS: Between 1st August 2019 and 28th February 2022, this multicenter stepped wedge cluster randomized trial included maternity/diagnostic units from ten regions in Asia. The trial started with a period where all recruiting centers provided routine antenatal care without study-related intervention. At regular six-week intervals, one cluster was randomized to transit from non-intervention phase to intervention phase. In the intervention phase, women underwent first-trimester screening for preterm PE using a Bayes theorem-based triple-test. High-risk women, with adjusted risk for preterm PE ≥ 1 in 100, received low-dose aspirin from <16 weeks until 36 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, 88.04% (42,897/48,725) of women agreed to undergo first-trimester screening for preterm PE. Among those identified as high-risk in the intervention phase, 82.39% (2,919/3,543) received aspirin prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of preterm PE between the intervention and non-intervention phases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 2.77). However, among high-risk women in the intervention phase, aspirin prophylaxis was significantly associated with a 41% reduction in the incidence of preterm PE (aOR 0.59; 95%CI 0.37 to 0.92). Additionally, it correlated with 54%, 55% and 64% reduction in the incidence of PE with delivery at <34 weeks (aOR 0.46; 95%CI 0.23 to 0.93), spontaneous preterm birth <34 weeks (aOR 0.45; 95%CI 0.22 to 0.92) and perinatal death (aOR 0.34; 95%CI 0.12 to 0.91), respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of aspirin-related severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE is not associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of preterm PE. However, low-dose aspirin effectively reduces the incidence of preterm PE by 41% among high-risk women. The screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE is highly accepted by a diverse group of women from various ethnic backgrounds beyond the original population where the strategy was developed. These findings underpin the importance of the widespread implementation of the screen-and-prevent strategy for preterm PE on a global scale.
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Orofacial clefts (OFCs), including cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP), and CL with palate (CL/P), are relatively common congenital birth defects occurring in approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 2500 live births. Detecting OFCs during prenatal ultrasound screening is crucial for informed decision-making and multidisciplinary medical care. This review provides a practical guide for routine and advanced screening for OFCs during mid-pregnancy. The Maarse classification system facilitates effective communication among the multidisciplinary team, categorizing OFCs into five types. Basic ultrasound views encompass coronal, sagittal, and axial imaging of the face and hard palate. Additional visualization techniques are employed in case of suspected anomalies during the initial screening. Advanced ultrasound views provided by the expert in prenatal OFC diagnosis include imaging of the posterior edge of the hard palate and the posterior part of the soft palate. Detected OFCs exhibit a range of severity and affect different structures, underscoring the importance of accurate detection and classification for appropriate treatment planning. Implementing a standardized screening protocol for OFCs is essential. By enhancing detection rates and enabling early diagnosis, prenatal ultrasound screening contributes to improved patient outcomes and facilitates timely intervention by the multidisciplinary team. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the significance of standardized protocols and specialized techniques for prenatal ultrasound screening of OFCs. Early detection and classification of these malformations play a vital role in comprehensive management, ensuring that affected individuals and their families receive the appropriate care and support they need.
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OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to demonstrate the performance of anal atresia ultrasound screening in the second trimester and to describe associated experiences in a primary care fetal medicine clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of fetuses who underwent a second-trimester screening at the Taiji clinic between November 2019 and May 2022. Fisher's exact test was conducted to investigate potential risk factors. RESULTS: There were 28 459 fetuses screened in our clinic during the study period; eventually, 6 cases were diagnosed with anal atresia after birth. The incidence of anal atresia in our sample was 2.11 in 10 000. Based on our findings, potential risk factors significantly associated with anal atresia included: multiple pregnancies (p-value = 0.0185) and in-vitro fertilization (p-value = 0.038). Half of the anal atresia cases were associated with abnormalities affecting other organ systems, most frequently the genitourinary system (66.7%) and cardiovascular system (66.7%), especially persistent left superior vena cava (2 cases). CONCLUSION: Anal atresia is a malformation that requires extensive care; the clinical management after the prenatal discovery of its signs should include testing for chromosomal abnormalities and close monitoring of the amniotic fluid volume. Therefore, prenatal ultrasound screening for anal atresia in the second trimester is critical, particularly in the cases of multiple and IVF pregnancies, and multiple abnormalities. The fetuses with ultrasound signs of anal atresia should be followed at a later gestational period and referred to a specialized institution for postnatal management planning and parental counseling.
Subject(s)
Anus, Imperforate , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Pregnancy Trimester, Second , Retrospective Studies , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Vena Cava, Superior , Prenatal DiagnosisABSTRACT
This article reviews the literature on different methods of prenatal ultrasound visualization of the optic chiasm (OC) and its applications. Prenatal imaging of the OC is feasible from 19 to 37 weeks of gestation. Evaluation of the OC has been shown crucial in differentiating isolated agenesis of the septum pellucidum from septo-optic dysplasia. Multiple methods can be applied for imaging of the OC, including three-dimensional and two-dimensional ultrasounds in different views, as well as color Doppler. According to the literature, both transabdominal and transvaginal routes produce equally acceptable images. OC visualization might be challenging but can be achieved by developing a standard scanning protocol and raising awareness.
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BACKGROUND: Shortened cervical length is one of the primary predictors for spontaneous preterm deliveries in twin pregnancies. However, there is lack of consensus regarding cut-off values. Recent evidence highlights that established cut-offs for cervical length screening might not always apply across different populations. This study aims to present the distribution of cervical length in Taiwanese twin pregnancies and to assess its predictive value for spontaneous preterm birth during mid-trimester screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis of cervical length screening in Taiwan evaluated 469 twin pregnancies between 20-24 weeks of gestation. Outcome data were obtained directly from the medical records of the delivery hospital. The study explored the predictive value of cervical length screening for spontaneous preterm birth and the characteristics of cervical length distribution in Taiwanese twin pregnancies. RESULTS: The average gestational age at screening was 22.7 weeks. Cervical length values displayed a non-normal distribution (p-value <0.001). The median, 5th and 95th centiles were 37.5 mm 25.1 mm, and 47.9 mm, respectively. Various cut-off values were assessed using different methods, yielding positive [negative] likelihood ratios for spontaneous preterm births between 32-37 weeks of gestational age (GA) (1.3-30.1 and [0.51-0.92]) and for very preterm births between 28-32 weeks GA (5.6-51.1 and [0.45-0.64]). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our analysis of Taiwanese twin pregnancies uphold the moderate predictive potential of cervical length screening, consistent with prior investigations. The presented likelihood ratios for predicting preterm birth at different gestational ages equip clinicians with valuable tools to enhance their diagnostic rationale and resource utilization. By fine-tuning screening parameters according to the spontaneous preterm birth prevalence and clinical priorities of the particular population, healthcare providers can enhance patient care. Our data implies that a cervical length below 20 mm might provide an optimal balance between minimizing false negatives and managing false positives when predicting spontaneous preterm birth.
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Premature Birth , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Infant , Premature Birth/diagnostic imaging , Premature Birth/epidemiology , Pregnancy, Twin , Retrospective Studies , Cervical Length Measurement/methods , Cervix Uteri/diagnostic imaging , Predictive Value of TestsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We present prenatal ultrasound images of two high anal atresia cases. The main screening tool used in our clinic is the "target sign" in the tangential view of the fetal perineum. In the current report, we discuss some challenges in the existing screening practices. CASE REPORT: CASE 1: A 28-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) with a twin pregnancy underwent ultrasound screening at 21 weeks of gestation when an absent "target sign" in twin A was discovered. At the same time, we were able to present evidence that if the wrong plane was visualized, other structures could be mistaken as the "target sign". Eventually, high-type anal atresia was confirmed postnatally in Twin A. CASE 2: A 29-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) came to our clinic for routine screening at 23 weeks of gestation. In the standard tangential view at the level of the perineum, a low-high concentric circle structure resembling a "target sign" was visualized during a prenatal scan. However, anal atresia was discovered postnatally. A retrospective review of prenatal images revealed discrepancies from the typical "target sign". CONCLUSION: High-type anal atresia may present as a pseudo "target sign" on prenatal ultrasound. Visualization of a "target sign" on fetal ultrasound does not always exclude the diagnosis of anal atresia. It is crucial to evaluate the size, shape, level, and position of the "target sign". The appearance of the bilateral hyperechoic perianal tissue is a hint for the screening of anal atresia.
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Anus, Imperforate , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Adult , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Fetus , Gravidity , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , VitaminsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Fetal arrhythmias are common and in rare cases can be associated with severe mortality and morbidity. Most existing articles are focused on classification of fetal arrhythmias in referral centers. Our main objective was to analyze types, clinical characteristics, and outcomes for arrhythmia cases in general practice. CASE REPORT: We retrospectively reviewed a case series of fetal arrhythmias in a fetal medicine clinic between September 2017 and August 2021. FETAL ARRHYTHMIAS IN OUR SAMPLE PRESENTED BY: Ectopies (86%, n = 57), bradyarrhythmias (11%, n = 7), and tachyarrhythmias (3%, n = 2). One tachyarrhythmia case was associated with Ebstein's anomaly. Two cases of second-degree AV block received transplacental fluorinated steroid therapy with recovery of fetal cardiac rhythm in later gestation. One case of complete AV block developed hydrops fetalis. CONCLUSION: Detection and careful stratification of fetal arrhythmias in obstetric screening is crucial. While most arrhythmias are benign and self-limited, some require prompt referral and timely intervention.
Subject(s)
Atrioventricular Block , Fetal Diseases , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Fetal Diseases/diagnosis , Taiwan , Retrospective Studies , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis , Prenatal DiagnosisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this case report are to discuss prenatal ultrasound findings of congenital radioulnar synostosis and to review the literature. CASE REPORT: A patient was diagnosed with congenital radioulnar synostosis at eight months old when parents noticed limited motions in the child's left forearm. The parent denied any traumatic or family history of bony malformations. Physical examination by a pediatric orthopedics specialist and digital radiography revealed proximal radioulnar synostosis. The case report includes perinatal course, comparison between the postnatal radiography and fetal ultrasound images. CONCLUSION: Congenital radioulnar synostosis is often associated with sex chromosome abnormalities and congenital musculoskeletal disorders or syndromes affecting limbs. Isolated congenital radioulnar synostosis is hardly diagnosed before birth, in some cases even have been neglected postnatally. Knowing the developmental milestones of the forearm and specified high-risk groups might help develop a targeted screening strategy to increase the possibility of early detection and intervention.
Subject(s)
Synostosis , Child , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , Infant , Synostosis/diagnostic imaging , Synostosis/complications , Radius/diagnostic imaging , Radius/abnormalities , Ulna/diagnostic imaging , Ulna/abnormalities , Prenatal DiagnosisSubject(s)
Placenta Accreta , Placenta Previa , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Placenta Accreta/diagnosis , Taiwan , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Cesarean Section , Retrospective Studies , PlacentaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) often leads affected families to experience psychological stress. Pediatric cardiology consultation is important in providing parents with sufficient information and reducing their anxiety to make an informed pregnancy decision. Involving a fetal nurse coordinator may optimize fetal anomaly care. Our study aimed to identify factors associated with parental decision-making for choosing to use pediatric cardiology consultations and pregnancy termination. METHODS: From September 2017 to December 2018, all fetal CHD cases diagnosed in the second trimester from a primary screening clinic in Taiwan were included (n = 145). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze maternal, fetal, and medical factors for predictors of parental decisions for consultation use and pregnancy termination. RESULTS: Acceptance for fetal nurse coordinator care and pediatric cardiology consultation were 84.8% (n = 123) and 83.4% (n = 121), respectively. Predictors for termination of pregnancy included the following: multiple anomalies (OR: 10.6; 95% CI: 3.6-35.7), chromosomal/genetic abnormalities (OR: 20.2; 95% CI: 3.1-395.8), severe CHDs (OR: 9.8; 95% CI: 4.3-23.4), CHDs that required surgery (OR: 32.4; 95% CI: 11.4-117.8), and physiological single-ventricle (OR: 47.3; 95% CI: 12.4-312.5). Parents who had pediatric cardiology counseling were less likely to terminate the pregnancy (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.0-0.7). Parents with fetal diagnosis having multiple anomalies (OR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) or chromosomal/genetic abnormalities (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.03-0.9) were less likely to make use of cardiology consultation. Parents who accepted fetal nurse coordinator care were more likely to have pediatric cardiology consultation before pregnancy decision (OR: 149.5, 95% CI: 37.8-821.5). CONCLUSIONS: Anomaly complexity appeared to be a strong predictor for termination of pregnancy beyond non-acceptability of prenatal cardiology consultation. Prenatal cardiology counseling may help support the parental decision to continue with the pregnancy. Incorporation of a fetal nurse coordinator care into the multidisciplinary fetal medicine team improved the acceptability of prenatal consultation.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Induced , Heart Defects, Congenital , Pregnancy , Female , Child , Humans , Prenatal Diagnosis , Heart Defects, Congenital/diagnosis , Chromosome Aberrations , Parents/psychology , Referral and Consultation , Ultrasonography, PrenatalABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic using Mind-COVID, a prospective cross-sectional study that compares outcomes in middle-income economies and high-income economies. METHODS: A total of 7102 pregnant women from 12 high-income economies and nine middle-income economies were included. The web-based survey used two standardized instruments, General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULT: Pregnant women in high-income economies reported higher PHQ-9 (0.18 standard deviation [SD], P < 0.001) and GAD-7 (0.08 SD, P = 0.005) scores than those living in middle-income economies. Multivariate regression analysis showed that increasing PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales were associated with mental health problems during pregnancy and the need for psychiatric treatment before pregnancy. PHQ-9 was associated with a feeling of burden related to restrictions in social distancing, and access to leisure activities. GAD-7 scores were associated with a pregnancy-related complication, fear of adverse outcomes in children related to COVID-19, and feeling of burden related to finances. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, the imposed public health measures and hospital restrictions have left pregnant women more vulnerable during these difficult times. Adequate partner and family support during pregnancy and childbirth can be one of the most important protective factors against anxiety and depression, regardless of national economic status.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pregnancy Complications , Child , Female , Pregnancy , Humans , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Pregnant Women/psychology , Pandemics , Cross-Sectional Studies , Depression/etiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Prospective Studies , Anxiety/etiology , Anxiety Disorders/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Pregnancy Complications/epidemiology , Pregnancy Complications/psychology , InternetABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the genetic cause of one hydrops fetalis with Noonan syndrome (NS) manifestations including increased nuchal translucency (INT) and ascites through prenatal whole exome sequencing (WES). CASE REPORT: The case is a gestational age (GA) 18 fetus of two healthy parents with a normal child. We proceeded the genomic DNA from both fetus amniotic cells and parents to WES and identified a RIT1 mutation (c.268A>G) as the pathogenic cause of the hydrops fetalis by automatic prioritization algorithm after array-comparative genomic hybridization results showing negative. CONCLUSION: Mutations in RIT1 have been reported as the causes for different fetus structural abnormities in the recent years. This case contributes to the summary delineations of the prenatal NS phenotypes related to RIT1 mutation. In addition, the fast WES application, in this case, has demonstrated its advantage in prenatal disorder diagnosis when conventional karyotyping or chromosomal microarray testing result is negative.
Subject(s)
Noonan Syndrome , Comparative Genomic Hybridization , Female , Humans , Hydrops Fetalis/diagnosis , Hydrops Fetalis/genetics , Mutation , Noonan Syndrome/diagnosis , Noonan Syndrome/genetics , Pregnancy , Exome Sequencing , ras Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Prolongation of the QT interval is associated with the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. QT interval differs depending on age at the time of screening. Screening protocols have yet to be established for Taiwanese patients. OBJECTIVES: To construct QT interval reference values during early infancy, to investigate whether QT interval change differs according to age calculation methods, and to identify an optimal QT correction method and associated infant factors. METHODS: Electrocardiographic readings and QT intervals were recorded cross-sectionally in 595 healthy infants and screened prospectively for long QT interval. Corrected QT intervals with Bazett's (QTc-B) and Fridericia's (QTc-F) formulas were compared by post-natal and post-menstrual screening age, sex, body mass index (BMI), heart rate (HR), birth and family history. RESULTS: QTc-B and QTc-F decreased in the second month (31-60 days), and peaked in the third month (61-90 days). QT interval length was similar between post-menstrual and post-natal ages for QTc-B. Simple linear regression showed that post-menstrual age, post-natal age, HR and BMI were associated with QTc-F, while only sex and HR were associated with QTc-B. Although both QTc-B and QTc-F were significantly associated with HR, QTc-B was less affected by HR than QTc-F (ß = -0.1, p < 0.05 for QTc-B vs. ß = -0.3, p < 0.001 for QTc-F). Female infants tended to have slightly longer QTc intervals. CONCLUSIONS: QT interval in early infancy changed physiologically, peaking in the third month. The rate of QT change was not affected by different age correction methods. QTc-B was less affected by age, BMI and HR, although differences in sex should be noted.
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OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of congenital fetal anomalies or intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) diagnosed prenatally between two in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods-fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen embryo transfer (FET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients that had conceived via IVF, and had a fetal anatomical scan performed at Taiji Clinic between 2015 and 2019. The prevalence of fetal anomalies or IUGR between both IVF methods were compared. Prevalence of congenital anomalies or IUGR by maternal age and embryo transfer type were compared by means of Chi-square analysis. Using multivariate logistic regression, we investigated factors that might be associated with higher rates of fetal anomalies or IUGR, such as parity and number of embryos transferred. RESULTS: A total of 2441 cases were selected (ET: n = 627 and FET: n = 1814). There was non-significant difference in the prevalence of fetal anomalies or IUGR between ET and FET groups (6.4% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.39). However, among women younger than 34 years of age, prevalence of fetal anomalies or IUGR was significantly higher in ET group (4.6% vs. 9.9%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an age-specific effect of IVF method on the rate of fetal anomalies or IUGR and may provide useful information for physicians and infertile couples to optimize their IVF treatment plans and improve birth outcomes.
Subject(s)
Cryopreservation , Embryo Transfer , Fertilization in Vitro , Fetal Growth Retardation , Adult , Female , Fetal Growth Retardation/epidemiology , Humans , Maternal Age , Pregnancy , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to build a normal reference range for routine mid-pregnancy cervical length screening for preterm birth (PTB) based on a large cross-section of Taiwanese singleton pregnancies. Based on our reference range findings, we aim to develop a Z-score and centile calculator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the routine mid-trimester cervical length measurement in low-risk singleton pregnancies (without known abnormal growth or karyotype, congenital malformation, history of preterm birth due to preterm premature rupture of the membranes, or history of cervical cerclage treatment). From November 2008 to June 2018, the cervical lengths of 51,644 Taiwanese low-risk pregnant women were measured by experienced sonographers via transvaginal ultrasound during second trimester fetal anatomical screening at 20-24 weeks of gestation. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the distribution. Cole's lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method was applied to build mid-pregnancy cervical length reference range and calculate Z-scores. Cut-off values of 2.5, 2.0 and 1.5 cm were used to evaluate the number of pregnancies considered high-risk for PTB. RESULTS: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed that the cervical length measurements did not follow a normal distribution (<0.001). Reference range constructed by LMS method was presented in our study. Mean cervical length was 3.82 cm (SD = 0.62 cm). Overall, less than 0.3% of women had a cervical length shorter than 1.5 cm. CONCLUSION: We are providing an open access calculator for z-score and centile calculation for use in clinical practice for assessing how CL measurement compares in normally developing singleton pregnancies. Further investigation is needed to determine if Z-scores can better assess risk for PTB compared to fixed cut-offs. Since Z-scores are used to assess large deviations from normal development, they may be a useful tool for risk assessment and can be the basis for future standardized screening protocol in Taiwan.
Subject(s)
Cervical Length Measurement/methods , Cervix Uteri/diagnostic imaging , Obstetric Labor, Premature/prevention & control , Premature Birth/prevention & control , Ultrasonography/methods , Adult , Cervical Length Measurement/standards , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Predictive Value of Tests , Pregnancy , Premature Birth/diagnostic imaging , Reference Values , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , TaiwanABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To modify the current neural tube defect (NTD) classification for fetal medicine specialists, and to investigate the impact of prenatal ultrasound conus medullaris position screening on the detection rate of closed spinal dysraphism and pregnancy outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 112 patients prenatally diagnosed with neural tube defects in Taiji clinic from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All cases were classified following the modified classification. We compared the detection rate before and after introducing the conus medullaris screening and pregnancy outcomes for NTD types. RESULTS: Closed spinal dysraphism type prevailed in our sample (43.8%). The median gestational age at the time of detection for cranial dysraphism was 13.3 weeks, open spinal dysraphism was 22.0 weeks, and closed spinal dysraphism was 22.6 weeks. All cranial dysraphism (n = 43) and open spinal dysraphism cases (n = 20) had pregnancies terminated. For closed spinal dysraphism Class 1, the live-birth rate was 100.0% in the cases without other anomalies and 33.3% in the cases with other anomalies, respectively (X2 = 17.25, p < 0.001). Similarly, for Class 2, pregnancy continuation rate was 50.0% in cases without other anomalies and 20.0% in cases with other anomalies, yet it failed to reach statistical significance (X2 = 0.9, p = 0.524). CONCLUSION: Our case series may help to improve early screening and prenatal diagnosis of NTDs. Modified classification is adjusted for use in ultrasound fetal care facilities, which could be used for predicting pregnancy outcome. We suggest promoting first-trimester anatomical screening in order to make an earlier diagnosis and therefore provide better prenatal care for open spinal dysraphism cases in the era of intrauterine repair. Our findings imply that the use of fetal conus medullaris position as a marker for closed spinal dysraphism improves the detection rate and would unlikely lead to a higher termination rate.
Subject(s)
Neural Tube Defects/diagnosis , Perinatology/statistics & numerical data , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/classification , Adult , Biomarkers/analysis , Early Diagnosis , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Live Birth , Neural Tube Defects/embryology , Perinatology/methods , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Retrospective Studies , Spinal Cord/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Cord/embryology , Spinal Dysraphism/diagnostic imaging , Spinal Dysraphism/embryology , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methods , Young AdultABSTRACT
Advances in ultrasound fetal diagnostics and treatment have created a dilemma for doctors and parents: choosing whether to continue with a pregnancy as well as choosing between various treatment options. A multidisciplinary approach has been widely accepted in the management of other prenatally diagnosed anomalies and has shown superior results compared to routine care. We present a retrospective cohort of patients prenatally diagnosed with orofacial clefts who were offered consultation by an expert multidisciplinary team, including: a fetal medicine specialist, an obstetrician, a plastic surgeon, and a case managing nurse. We analyzed factors influencing parents' decision to utilize a consultation service, as well as their decision about pregnancy continuation. Our results suggest that the presence of other anomalies and maternal age heavily influenced the decision about the uptake of consultations. If consulted by the team, parents tended to continue with the pregnancy, even when accounting for fetal gender and maternal age. On the other hand, having a consultation had varying effects depending on the cleft type. The findings suggest that multidisciplinary consultations may be an efficient approach in managing pregnancies complicated by orofacial cleft anomalies; which may help in preventing unnecessary pregnancy terminations and developing a sufficient postnatal care plan.
Subject(s)
Cleft Lip/therapy , Cleft Palate/therapy , Prenatal Care/methods , Adult , Cleft Lip/diagnosis , Cleft Palate/diagnosis , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Maternal Age , Middle Aged , Patient Care Team/trends , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Referral and Consultation , Retrospective Studies , Taiwan/epidemiology , Ultrasonography, Prenatal/methodsABSTRACT
Currently available fetal echocardiographic reference values are derived mainly from North American and European population studies, and there is a lack of reference z-score for fetal echocardiographic measurement in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to establish normal ranges of echocardiographic measurements and z-scores in healthy Asian fetuses. A total of 575 healthy pregnant Taiwanese with an estimated gestational age from 14 to 38 weeks were enrolled voluntarily for this observational study. Standard two-dimensional echocardiography was performed to obtain measurements of the cardiac chambers and great arteries of the developing fetuses. In contrast to past studies, our sample was more evenly distributed for estimated gestational age (p<0.001). We present percentile graphs for 13 fetal echocardiographic measurements from the knowledge of estimated gestational age, biparietal distance, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. Most cardiac structures and developmental markers had linear models as the best-fitting, except for transverse aortic isthmus by estimated gestational age and transverse ductus arteriosus by femur length. Our findings indicate that estimated gestational age was generally the best model for fetal heart development, while head circumferences could be used as an optimal developmental marker to predict left atrium, right atrium, right ventricle, pulmonary annulus, and ductus arteriosus. Lastly, we developed nomograms for each of the 13 fetal heart measurements by each developmental markers. This is the first study providing echocardiographic reference ranges and nomograms for Asian fetuses. Computing z-scores from nomograms helps in standardizing comparisons and adds additional prognostic information to the diagnosis of congenital heart disease.