Outcome of pregnancies with recent primary cytomegalovirus infection in first trimester treated with hyperimmunoglobulin: observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of hyperimmunoglobulin (HIG) treatment in women with a recent primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection up to 14 weeks' gestation. METHODS: This is an ongoing observational study conducted at the prenatal medicine departments of the University Hospitals of Tübingen, Bonn, Cologne and Erlangen, Germany, as well as at the Laboratory Prof. Gisela Enders and Colleagues in Stuttgart, Germany and the Institute for Medical Virology at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. Enrolment criteria were the presence of confirmed recent primary CMV infection in the first trimester and a gestational age at first HIG administration of ≤ 14 weeks. The following inclusion criteria indicated a recent primary infection: low anti-immunoglobulin (Ig)-G levels, low anti-CMV-IgG avidity in the presence of a positive CMV-IgM test and no positive reactivity or just seroconversion anti-gB2-IgG-reactivity. HIG administration was started as soon as possible within a few days after the first visit. HIG was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 IU/kg maternal body weight and repeated every 2 weeks until about 18 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was maternal-fetal transmission at the time of amniocentesis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant covariates that could predict maternal-fetal transmission. RESULTS: We included 149 pregnancies (153 fetuses) that completed the treatment. Median maternal age and weight were 32.0 years and 65.0 kg, respectively. Median gestational age at the time of first referral to one of the four centers was 9.4 weeks. Median anti-CMV-IgG level, anti-CMV-IgM index and CMV-IgG avidity were 5.7 U/mL, 2.5 and 22.3%, respectively. HIG treatment was started at a median gestational age of 10.6 weeks and ended at a median of 17.9 weeks. Within this time frame, HIG was administered on average four times in each patient. Amniocentesis was carried out at a median gestational age of 20.4 weeks. In 143 (93.5%) of the 153 cases, the fetus was not infected. Maternal-fetal transmission occurred in 10 cases (6.5% (95% CI, 3.2-11.7%)). On uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of anti-IgM index was the only factor associated significantly with maternal-fetal transmission at amniocentesis. However, only four (40.0%) of the 10 cases with maternal-fetal transmission had an anti-IgM index above 11.4, which corresponds to the 95th centile of pregnancies without transmission. CONCLUSIONS: HIG is a treatment option to prevent maternal-fetal transmission in pregnancy with a primary CMV infection. However, HIG treatment seems to be beneficial primarily in women with a recent primary infection in the first trimester or during the periconceptional period, and when it is administered at a biweekly dose of 200 IU/kg. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation: influence of the scan-to-delivery interval in combination with the applied weight estimation formula.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the influence of the time interval between examination and delivery on the accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation (WE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8723 singleton pregnancies were included in this retrospective cohort study. Fetuses were divided into eight groups with regard to the time interval between estimation and delivery (group 1: 0 days; group 2: 1-3 days; group 3: 4-7 days; group 4: 8-14 days; group 5: 15-21 days; group 6: 22-28 days; group 7: 29-35 days; group 8: 36-42 days). The accuracy of WE was compared between the different time interval groups and five commonly used formulas using means of percentage errors (MPE), medians of absolute percentage errors, and proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight. RESULTS: In group one, the Hadlock I and Warsof formula showed a systematic underestimation of fetal weight (negative MPEs). No systematic error was found with the Hadlock II formula and the equations of Merz and Shepard showed a systematic overestimation (positive MPEs). MPE values of the Hadlock I, II and Warsof formulas were closest to zero in WEs of group two. From group three to six, MPE values decreased continuously. With the Merz and Shepard equations MPEs were closest to zero in group four. DISCUSSION: The best accuracy of sonographic WE with most of the commonly used equations is achieved within a scan-to-delivery interval of 1 week.

Single deepest vertical pocket or amniotic fluid index as evaluation test for predicting adverse pregnancy outcome (SAFE trial): a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the amniotic fluid index (AFI) or the single deepest vertical pocket (SDP) technique for estimating amniotic fluid volume is superior for predicting adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: This was a multicenter randomized controlled trial including 1052 pregnant women with a term singleton pregnancy across four hospitals in Germany. Women were assigned randomly, according to a computer-generated allocation sequence, to AFI or SDP measurement for estimation of amniotic fluid volume. Oligohydramnios was defined as AFI ≤ 5 cm or the absence of a pocket measuring at least 2 × 1 cm. The diagnosis of oligohydramnios was followed by labor induction. The primary outcome measure was postpartum admission to a neonatal intensive care unit. Further outcome parameters were the rates of diagnosis of oligohydramnios and induction of labor (for oligohydramnios or without specific indication), and mode of delivery. RESULTS: Postpartum admission to a neonatal intensive care unit was similar between groups (4.2% (n = 21) vs 5.0% (n = 25); relative risk (RR), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.48-1.50); P = 0.57). In the AFI group, there were more cases of oligohydramnios (9.8% (n = 49) vs 2.2% (n = 11); RR, 4.51 (95% CI, 2.2-8.57); P < 0.01) and more cases of labor induction for oligohydramnios (12.7% (n = 33) vs 3.6% (n = 10); RR, 3.50 (95% CI, 1.76-6.96); P < 0.01) than in the SDP group. Moreover, an abnormal cardiotocography was seen more often in the AFI group than in the SDP group (32.3% (n = 161) vs 26.2% (n = 132); RR, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.02-1.50); P = 0.03). The other outcome measures were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the AFI method increased the rate of diagnosis of oligohydramnios and labor induction for oligohydramnios without improving perinatal outcome. The SDP method is therefore the favorable method to estimate amniotic fluid volume, especially in a population with many low-risk pregnancies. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Induction of Labour: Change of Method and its Effects.

Aim: The combination of mechanical and drug procedures for the induction of labour seems to be beneficial. Accordingly, the normal procedure in clinical routine has been changed and induction of labour by means of a balloon catheter has been implemented. The aim of this study was to find out if this procedural change has resulted in a more effective induction of labour. Materials and Method: In this historical cohort study 230 inductions of labour at term in the year 2012 were compared with 291 inductions of labour in the year 2013, all at the University of Erlangen Perinatal Centre. Exclusion criteria were, among others, a multiple pregnancy, a premature rupture of membranes and a prior Caesarean section. In 2012 births were induced solely by use of the drugs dinoprostone and misoprostol, in 2013 not only with misoprostol but also mainly by use of a balloon catheter. The primary target parameter was the rate of failed labour inductions, defined as "no birth within 72 hours". Results: Altogether 521 inductions of labour were analysed. The rate of failed inductions of labour could be reduced by the changes in induction method (first-time mothers: 23 vs. 9 %, p = 0.0059; multiparous women: 10 vs. 1 %, p = 0.0204). Furthermore, the rate of primary Caesarean sections due to failed induction of labour (5.7 vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.0064), that of the observation of green amniotic fluid (first-time mothers: 23 vs. 9 %, p = 0.0059; multiparous women: 10 vs. 1 %, p = 0.0204) and of infantile infections (first-time mothers: 23 vs. 9 %, p = 0.0059; multiparous women: 10 vs. 1 %, p = 0.0204) were all reduced as well. Conclusion: The routine use of a balloon catheter for induction of labour has markedly improved the procedure. There were fewer failed labour inductions and fewer Caesarean sections due to failed induction of labour.

Intrapartum sonographic weight estimation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum sonographic weight estimation (WE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 1958 singleton pregnancies. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy with cephalic presentation, vaginal delivery and ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters performed on the day of delivery during the latent or active phase of labor, and absence of chromosomal or structural anomalies. The accuracy of intrapartum WE was compared to a control group of fetuses delivered by primary cesarean section at our perinatal center and an ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters performed within 3 days before delivery (n = 392). Otherwise, the same inclusion criteria as in the study group were applied. The accuracy of WE was compared between five commonly applied formulas using means of percentage errors (MPE), medians of absolute percentage errors (MAPE), and proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight. RESULTS: In the whole study group, all equations showed a systematic underestimation of fetal weight (negative MPEs). Overall, best MAPE and MPE values were found with the Hadlock II formula, using BPD, AC and FL as biometric parameters (Hadlock II, MPE: -1.28; MAPE: 6.52). MPEs differed significantly between WE in the study and control group for all evaluated formulas: in the control group, either no systematic error (Hadlock III, IV and V) or a significant overestimation (Hadlock I, II) was found. Regarding MAPEs, application of the Hadlock III (HC, AC, FL) and V (AC) formula resulted in significant lower values in the control group (Hadlock III, MAPE: 7.48 vs. 5.95, p = 0.0008 and Hadlock V, MAPE: 8.79 vs. 7.52, p = 0.0085). No significant differences were found for the other equations. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic underestimation of fetal weight has to be taken into account in sonographic WE performed intrapartum. Overall, the best results can be achieved with WE formulas using the BPD as the only head measurement.

Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia by Tooth Germ Sonography.

PURPOSE: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, a potentially life-threatening heritable disorder, may be recognized already in utero by characteristic features such as oligodontia and mandibular hypoplasia. As therapeutic options and prognosis depend on the time point of diagnosis, early recognition was attempted during routine prenatal ultrasound examinations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fetuses of nine pregnant women (one triplet and eight singleton pregnancies) with family histories of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia were investigated by sonography between the 20th and 24th week of gestation. RESULTS: In 4 male and 2 female fetuses reduced amounts of tooth germs were detected, whereas 5 fetal subjects showed the normal amount. Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation revealed mandibular hypoplasia in 5 of the 6 fetuses with oligodontia. Molecular genetic analysis and/or clinical findings after birth confirmed the prenatal sonographic diagnosis in each subject. CONCLUSION: In subjects with a family history of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, the diagnosis of this rare condition can be established noninvasively by sonography in the second trimester of pregnancy. Early recognition of the disorder may help to prevent dangerous hyperthermic episodes in infancy and may allow timely therapeutic interventions.

Cranial and cerebral signs in the diagnosis of spina bifida between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation: a German multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to study secondary cranial signs in fetuses with spina bifida in a precisely defined screening period between 18 + 0 and 22 + 0 weeks of gestation. METHOD: On the basis of retrospective analysis of 627 fetuses with spina bifida, the value of indirect cranial and cerebral markers was assessed by well-trained ultrasonographers in 13 different prenatal centres in accordance with the ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology) guidelines on fetal neurosonography. RESULTS: Open spina bifida was diagnosed in 98.9% of cases whereas 1.1% was closed spina bifida. Associated chromosomal abnormalities were found in 6.2%. The banana and lemon signs were evident in 97.1% and 88.6% of cases. Obliteration of the cisterna magna was seen in 96.7%. Cerebellar diameter, head circumference and biparietal diameter were below the 5th percentile in chromosomally normal fetuses in 72.5%, 69.7% and 52%, respectively. The width of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle was above the 95th percentile in 57.7%. The secondary cranial and cerebral signs were dependent on fetal chromosome status and width of the posterior horn. Biparietal diameter was also dependent on the chromosome status with statistical significance p = 0.0068. Pregnancy was terminated in 89.6% of cases. CONCLUSION: In standard measuring planes, lemon sign, banana sign and an inability to image the cistern magna are very reliable indirect ultrasound markers of spina bifida. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A New Sonographic Weight Estimation Formula for Fetuses with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

PURPOSE: The accuracy of the sonographic weight estimation (WE) of fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is significantly lower than that of fetuses without any malformations. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the first specific sonographic weight formula for fetuses with CDH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study, a statistical estimation technique known as "multivariable fractional polynomial regression" was applied to a group of 146 fetuses with CDH. Each fetus underwent an ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days of delivery. A new formula was derived using the obtained data and was then compared with other commonly used equations. The accuracy of the different formulas was compared using means of signed percentage errors (SPE), medians of absolute percentage errors (MAPE), and fractions of estimates within prespecified error bounds. RESULTS: The new derived formula is: EFW = 10^(4.6729 107 371 + 0.2365 011 768 * HC + 0.2228 897 682 * FL^2 - 0.0129 895 773 * FL^3 - 1.0470 039 072 * (FL * HC)^0.5 + 0.0004 314 661 * (AC * HC) - [in case of liver herniation] 0.0062 112 122), where EFW is the estimated fetal weight, HC is the head circumference, AC is the abdominal circumference, and FL is the femur length. The new formula proved to be superior to other established equations, showing both the lowest median absolute percentage error (MAE: 6.97) and mean signed percentage error (SPE: 0.40), and the best distribution of absolute percentage errors within prespecified error bounds. CONCLUSION: This new formula significantly improves weight estimation in fetuses with CDH.

Sonographic Weight Estimation in Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of sonographic weight estimation (WE) for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, and to further differentiate the evaluation between symmetric and asymmetric SGA fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The accuracy of WE in SGA fetuses (n = 898) was evaluated using 14 sonographic models and was further differentiated between symmetric (n = 750) and asymmetric (n = 148) SGA fetuses. SGA fetuses were considered to be asymmetric with a head circumference to abdominal circumference ratio above the 95th percentile. The accuracy of the different formulas was compared using means of percentage errors (MPE), medians of absolute percentage errors (MAPE), and proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight. RESULTS: RESULTS for the subgroup of asymmetric SGA fetuses differed significantly from the subgroup of symmetric SGA fetuses. MPE values were closer to zero with most of the formulas in the asymmetric SGA group. Apart from the Siemer, Shepard, Merz and Warsof equations, all formulas showed an underestimation of fetal weight in asymmetric SGA fetuses. In contrast, in the symmetric SGA group, all of the formulas commonly used for fetuses in a normal weight range showed a systematic overestimation of fetal weight. Overall the best accuracy was achieved by using the Sabbagha equation (MPE 1.7 %; SD 9.0 %; MAPE: 6.0). CONCLUSION: An accurate WE in SGA fetuses is feasible using the Sabbagha formula. However, one has to be aware of the significant differences in WE between symmetric and asymmetric SGA fetuses.

Sonographic weight estimation in fetal macrosomia: influence of the time interval between estimation and delivery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of the time interval between examination and delivery on the accuracy of sonographic weight estimation (WE) in fetal macrosomia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 896 singleton pregnancies (birth weight > 4,000 g) with a total of 1,281 sonographic weight estimations were included in this retrospective cohort study. Fetuses were divided into six groups with regard to the time interval between estimation and delivery: group 1: scan-to-delivery interval: 0 days; group 2: scan-to-delivery interval: 1-3 days; group 3: scan-to-delivery interval: 4-7 days; group 4: scan-to-delivery interval: 8-14 days; group 5: scan-to-delivery interval: 15-21 days; group 6: scan-to-delivery interval: 22-42 days. The accuracy of WE was compared between five commonly used formulas using means of percentage errors (MPE), random error, medians of absolute percentage errors (MAPE), and proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the time interval groups with regard to MAPE and MPE values (p < 0.001). All formulas showed a systematic underestimation of fetal weight (negative MPEs) (p < 0.05). MPE values were closest to zero in time interval group 1 and 2. From group 3 to 6, a continuous decrease was observed. The lowest MAPE was found with the Merz formula in group 1 and 2. Values increased continuously from group 3 to 6. Differences between time interval group one and three did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: WE in fetal macrosomia shows the best results when examinations are performed within 7 days before delivery, using the formula of Merz et al. Accuracy significantly decreases after this time period.

Introduction of Inhaled Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen for Pain Management during Labour - Evaluation of Patients' and Midwives' Satisfaction.

Aim: Effective pain management during labour is important because pain affects the birth experience. Epidural analgesia is effective but often it may not be possible; however, inhaled analgesia offers another option. Use of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen for pain management in labour is well established in obstetrics but is still not used much in Germany. This study aimed to investigate the acceptance of the inhaled analgesia of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen by midwives and pregnant women during labour. Material and Methods: In this observational study carried out between April and September 2013, a total of 66 pregnant women received inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen during labour on request and after prior assessment of suitability. After the birth, all of the women and the responsible midwives were interviewed about their experience and satisfaction with the inhaled analgesia. Results: A statistically significant reduction of pain was achieved with nitrous oxide and oxygen. The inhaled analgesia was mostly used by women who refused epidural analgesia. The likelihood of using inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen again was reported as higher for patients who tolerated it well (p = 0.0129) and used it in the second stage of labour (p = 0.0003) and when bearing down (p = 0.0008). Conclusion: Inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen is an effective method for pain management during labour and is accepted well by women in labour and by midwives.

Comparison of Obstetric Efficacy and Safety of the Kiwi OmniCup with Conventional Vacuum Extraction.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the Kiwi OmniCup system with conventional vacuum delivery. Methods: A retrospective study of operative vaginal deliveries was done for 4682 births. The procedures included 217 operative vaginal deliveries (4.6 %), 79 of which were done using conventional vacuum extraction (37 %) and 138 using the Kiwi system (63 %). Results: Use of the Kiwi system was associated with a significant reduction in episiotomies (61 vs. 76 % in the control group; p < 0.05). The rates of successful completion of birth were comparable for the two systems (94 % with the Kiwi system and 99 % with conventional vacuum delivery). Cup detachment occurred significantly more often in the Kiwi group (p < 0.005), requiring a change to a different method of birth significantly more often. It was necessary to change the procedure significantly more often from the mid-pelvis (p < 0.05). The incidence of maternal and foetal injuries was similar for the two systems. Conclusions: With regard to obstetric efficacy and safety and foetal and maternal injuries, the Kiwi system is an acceptable alternative to the conventional vacuum cup. The advantages of the Kiwi system are its significantly lower episiotomy rate and its ease and rapidity of use.

Impact of Patient and Procedure Mix on Finances of Perinatal Centres - Theoretical Models for Economic Strategies in Perinatal Centres.

Introduction: In Germany, cost and revenue structures of hospitals with defined treatment priorities are currently being discussed to identify uneconomic services. This discussion has also affected perinatal centres (PNCs) and represents a new economic challenge for PNCs. In addition to optimising the time spent in hospital, the hospital management needs to define the "best" patient mix based on costs and revenues. Method: Different theoretical models were proposed based on the cost and revenue structures of the University Perinatal Centre for Franconia (UPF). Multi-step marginal costing was then used to show the impact on operating profits of changes in services and bed occupancy rates. The current contribution margin accounting used by the UPF served as the basis for the calculations. The models demonstrated the impact of changes in services on costs and revenues of a level 1 PNC. Results: Contribution margin analysis was used to calculate profitable and unprofitable DRGs based on average inpatient cost per day. Nineteen theoretical models were created. The current direct costing used by the UPF and a theoretical model with a 100 % bed occupancy rate were used as reference models. Significantly higher operating profits could be achieved by doubling the number of profitable DRGs and halving the number of less profitable DRGs. Operating profits could be increased even more by changing the rates of profitable DRGs per bed occupancy. The exclusive specialisation on pathological and high-risk pregnancies resulted in operating losses. All models which increased the numbers of caesarean sections or focused exclusively on c-sections resulted in operating losses. Conclusion: These theoretical models offer a basis for economic planning. They illustrate the enormous impact potential changes can have on the operating profits of PNCs. Level 1 PNCs require high bed occupancy rates and a profitable patient mix to cover the extremely high costs incurred due to the services they are legally required to offer. Based on our theoretical models it must be stated that spontaneous vaginal births (not caesarean sections) were the most profitable procedures in the current DRG system. Overall, it currently makes economic sense for level I PNCs to treat as many low-risk pregnancies and neonates as possible to cover costs.

Sonographic weight estimation in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of sonographic weight estimation (WE) for fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and to assess whether certain sonographic models perform better than others in cases of CDH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective, multicenter cohort study, the accuracy of WE in fetuses with CDH (n = 172) was evaluated using eight sonographic models and was compared with a control group of fetuses without malformations (n = 172). Each fetus underwent ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days of delivery. The accuracy of the different formulas was compared using means of percentage errors (MPE), medians of absolute percentage errors (MAPE), and proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight. RESULTS: Fetuses with CDH had a significantly lower abdominal circumference (AC) in comparison with the control group (293.6 vs. 312.0 mm, p < 0.001). All of the formulas tested in fetuses with CDH, except for the Siemer equation (the only model that does not incorporate any abdominal measurements), showed significantly lower (more negative) MPEs, larger MAPEs, and smaller proportions of estimates within 10 % of actual birth weight in comparison with the control group.  CONCLUSION: The accuracy of sonographic WE in fetuses with CDH is significantly poorer than in fetuses without malformations, principally because of a larger systematic error due to artificially small AC measurements. The development of new, specific models derived from fetuses with CDH could improve the accuracy of WE for infants with this condition.

Automatic texture-based analysis in ultrasound imaging of ovarian masses.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of a new automatic texture-based algorithm (ATBA) in ultrasound imaging of ovarian masses and to compare its performance to subjective assessment by examiners with different levels of ultrasound experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 ultrasound images from three different groups of ovarian lesions (malignancies, functional cysts, and dermoid cysts) were evaluated using ATBA and by a total of 36 examiners with four different levels of experience (9 junior trainees, 8 senior trainees, 11 senior gynecologists, and 8 experts). Cohen's κ, Youden's indices, and the sensitivity and specificity of ATBA and of each observer were calculated for every subgroup of ovarian lesions. RESULTS: ATBA classified 78 of the 105 masses correctly (κ = 0.62) - results that were significantly better than those of the junior and senior trainees (p = 0.02 and p < 0.01), while differences from the group of level II examiners did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.27). The best diagnostic performance (κ = 0.70) was obtained by the group of expert level III ultrasonographers. The best classification rates overall, including both ATBA and subjective assessments, were achieved in the detection of functional cysts (Youden's indices from 0.73 to 0.85), while the poorest diagnostic performance was obtained for the classification of dermoid cysts (Youden's indices from 0.28 to 0.55). CONCLUSION: ATBA showed a significantly better diagnostic performance than observers with low or medium levels of experience, emphasizing its potential value for training purposes and in providing additional diagnostic assistance for inexperienced observers.

Sonographic weight estimation in fetuses with breech presentation.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of weight estimation (WE) in fetuses with breech presentation and to compare it directly with a control group of fetuses in vertex presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, the accuracy of WE in fetuses with breech presentation (n = 244) was evaluated using eight sonographic models and was compared with a control group of fetuses in vertex presentation (n = 244). Each fetus underwent ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days before delivery. The accuracy of the different formulas was compared using means of percentage error (MPE), a measure that reflects systematic error; standard deviation values of MPEs, a measure for random error; medians of absolute percentage error (MAPE), which take both the systematic and random error into account and the percentage of fetal WEs falling within a 10 % range of the actual birth weight. RESULTS: Significantly lower (more negative) MPE values were found in the breech group with the Hadlock (AC, FL) formula, whereas no significant differences were seen with any of the other equations. When compared to zero, in the breech group, a significant systematic error was found with five formulas, while in the control group a significant systematic error was found with three equations. With regard to random error and MAPE, no significant differences were found between the two groups, irrespective of the formula applied. Generally, in both groups, formulas based on three or four biometric indices were more accurate in detecting fetal weight than formulas with only one or two parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Weight estimation in fetuses with breech presentation was as accurate as weight estimation in fetuses with vertex presentation. Using the currently available, well-established formulas should therefore also be appropriate for WE in fetuses with such malpresentations.

A new formula for optimized weight estimation in extreme fetal macrosomia (≥ 4500 g).

PURPOSE: To develop and to evaluate a specific sonographic weight formula for fetuses with extreme macrosomia (≥ 4500 g). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A statistical estimation technique known as "gradient boosting with component-wise P-splines" was applied to a group of 174 fetuses with a birth weight (BW) ≥ 4500 g. Each fetus underwent an ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days of delivery. The exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, intrauterine death, and major structural or chromosomal anomalies. A new formula was derived using the obtained data and was then compared to currently available equations for estimating weight in the macrosomic fetus. RESULTS: The new formula is: log10 (EFW) = 3.6687781710 - 0.0003230278 × (BPD - 100.4080) - 0.0000843433 × (BPD - 100.4080)^2 + 0.0007281281 × (OFD - 120.6322) + 0.0000664323 × (OFD - 120.6322)^2 + 0.000000001794019 × exp(ATD - 120.1552) + 0.0005946974 × (APAD - 121.2069) - 0.0000210137 × (APAD - 121.2069)^2 - 0.000003318 × (APAD - 121.2069)^3, where EFW is the estimated fetal weight, BPD is the biparietal diameter, OFD is the occipitofrontal diameter, ATD is the abdominal transverse diameter, and APAD is the abdominal anteroposterior diameter. The new formula proved to be superior to other established equations, showing the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAE 2.506), the smallest variance regarding the signed percentage error (SPE) (SD 3.376), and the best distribution of absolute percentage errors within prespecified error bounds. CONCLUSION: This new formula significantly improves weight estimation in fetuses with extreme macrosomia.

The association of prenatal attachment and perinatal factors with pre- and postpartum depression in first-time mothers.

PURPOSE: This prospective study investigated associations between prenatal attachment of adult first-time mothers to the unborn child, perinatal factors and levels of depression before and up to 18 months after delivery. METHOD: Primiparas (N = 161) without specific risk factors answered the following questionnaires during the last term of pregnancy (t1): Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale (MAAS), questionnaire on the schema of the unborn child, and a questionnaire about the pregnancy. Perinatal data were taken from the patients' files. The EPDS was answered 3 weeks (t2, N = 157), 6 months (t3, N = 159), and 18 months (t4, N = 132) postpartum. RESULTS: During pregnancy, 16.9 % of the women indicated mild depressive symptoms, and 7.5 %, medium to severe symptoms of depression. Mild symptoms of depression were found in 25.5 % at t2, 10.1 % at t3, and 12.2 % at t4; medium to severe symptoms were reported by 7.6, 1.9 and 5.6 %, respectively. Women with low control during delivery (emergency Caesarean) showed a tendency for higher levels (p = 0.067) of depression at t3 than women with elective Caesarean did. The quality of prenatal attachment to the unborn child correlated negatively with depressive symptoms at t1-t4. CONCLUSIONS: The closer the prenatal attachment of a mother to her unborn child, the less symptoms of depression she reports during the last term of pregnancy and postpartum. Therefore, promoting good mother-child attachment during pregnancy might influence the level of postpartum depression.

Fetal weight estimation in extreme macrosomia (≥ 4,500 g): comparison of 10 formulas.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the accuracy of 10 commonly used weight estimation formulas in a group of fetuses with extreme macrosomia ( ≥ 4 ,500 g). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten formulas were evaluated in a group of 174 fetuses with a birth weight (BW) ≥ 4 ,500 g. Each fetus underwent ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days of delivery. The accuracy of the different formulas for fetal weight estimation (EFW) was compared by mean percentage error (MPE), median of the absolute percentage error (MAPE), the "limits-of-agreement" method and the percentage of EFW falling within the 10 % range of the true birth weight. RESULTS: MPE showed the largest deviation from zero with the Schild formula (MPE - 15.43 %) and the Shepard formula (MPE + 6.08 %) and was closest to zero with the Hadlock II formula (MPE - 5.34 %). The MPE of all formulas showed significant bias when compared to zero. All tested formulas, except the Shepard and Shinozuka equations, significantly underestimated fetal weight. The lowest MAPE was found for the Merz formula (7.23 %). The Hadlock II formula obtained the highest percentage of EWF within the 10 % range of the true birth weight (66.1 %). CONCLUSION: Exact weight estimation in extreme macrosomia remains an unsolved problem, and can therefore only conditionally provide a sufficient basis for clinical decision processes.