Obstetric Outcomes in Singleton Pregnancies with Abnormal Placental Cord Insertions.

OBJECTIVE: There is wide variation in the management of pregnancies complicated by abnormal placental cord insertion (PCI), which includes velamentous cord insertion (VCI) and marginal cord insertion (MCI). We tested the hypothesis that abnormal PCI is associated with small for gestational age (SGA) infants. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of all pregnant patients undergoing anatomic ultrasound at a single institution from 2010 to 2017. Patients with abnormal PCI were matched in a 1:2 ratio by race, parity, gestational age at the time of ultrasound, and obesity to patients with normal PCIs. The primary outcome was SGA at delivery. Secondary outcomes were cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery for nonreassuring fetal status, 5-minute Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH < 7.1, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. These outcomes were compared using univariate and bivariate analyses. RESULTS: Abnormal PCI was associated with an increased risk of SGA (relative risk [RR]: 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-4.69), increased risk of preterm delivery <37 weeks (RR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.74-7.46), and <34 weeks (RR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.05-11.63) compared with patients with normal PCI. There was no difference in rates of cesarean delivery, Apgar score of <7 at 5 minutes, acidemia, or neonatal intensive care unit admission between normal and abnormal PCI groups. In a stratified analysis, the association between abnormal PCI and SGA did not differ by the type of abnormal PCI (p for interaction = 0.46). CONCLUSION: Abnormal PCI is associated with an increased risk of SGA and preterm delivery. These results suggest that serial fetal growth assessments in this population may be warranted. KEY POINTS: · Abnormal PCI is associated with SGA infants and preterm birth.. · If an abnormal PCI is identified, the provider should consider serial growth ultrasounds.. · There is no difference in obstetric outcomes between VCI and MCI..

Maternal Morbidity After Double Balloon Catheter Management of Cesarean Scar and Cervical Pregnancies.

We performed a retrospective cohort study of all Type 1 cesarean scar pregnancies (n=18) or cervical pregnancies (n=5) at an academic tertiary center after treatment with a cervical double balloon catheter from 2018 to 2022 to evaluate outcomes and maternal morbidity. Cervical double balloon catheter treatment was associated with no cases (95% confidence interval 0-16%) of maternal hemorrhage treated with transfusion, hysterectomy, or ICU admission. Treatment was successfully performed by nine different obstetrics and gynecology specialists.

Etiology and evaluation of stillbirth in patients with obesity.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal obesity is a risk factor for stillbirth, but whether or not the etiology of stillbirth differs in gravidas with and without obesity is unknown. We categorized stillbirths in a contemporary cohort to test the hypothesis that the etiology of stillbirth is different in gravidas with and without obesity. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all gravidas with a stillbirth ≥20 weeks' gestation between 2010 and 2017 and a normal mid-trimester anatomic survey by ultrasound assessment at a large academic institution. Pregnancies were excluded if delivery data were unavailable, a multifetal gestation was present, or there was an antenatally diagnosed fetal structural or genetic anomaly. Our primary exposure was maternal obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 at the time of anatomic survey. Our primary outcome was stillbirth etiology, as classified by the initial causes of fetal death tool from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network and includes maternal, obstetric, hematologic, fetal, infectious, placental, other, or unexplained categories. Our secondary outcomes included the evaluation performed on each stillbirth, compliance with the recommended stillbirth evaluation by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the percentage of abnormal results for each of the tests ordered for stillbirth evaluation. RESULTS: Of 118 stillbirths meeting the inclusion criteria, 44 (37.3%) occurred in gravidas with obesity and 74 (62.7%) were in patients without obesity. An obstetric complication was the most commonly identified etiology for stillbirth, found in 40.9% of cases with obesity versus in 29.7% of cases without obesity (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.47-2.66). The likelihood of any specific etiology of stillbirth was not significantly different in gravidas of the two weight groups, after controlling for confounders. However, assignment to the unexplained stillbirth category was significantly less common in women with obesity, compared to those without obesity (aOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05-0.67). There was no difference in testing performed on each stillbirth between the groups. Compliance with the ACOG-recommended diagnostic evaluation for stillbirth was similar in the two groups but was only performed in 10.2% of all cases of stillbirth. Placental pathology was the test most likely to yield an abnormal result in both groups, but the percentage of abnormal results for this and all other tests was the same in the presence and absence of obesity. CONCLUSION: There is no specific etiology of stillbirth seen in gravidas with obesity, compared to those without obesity, after controlling for maternal confounders. We surmise that the evaluation recommended for stillbirth assessment in the general population is appropriate for stillbirth evaluation in gravidas with obesity. Testing pursued was similar between groups, but compliance with ACOG recommendations for testing after stillbirth was deficient in the cohort. Future work should aim to identify and address barriers to completing the recommended stillbirth evaluation.

Clinical significance of umbilical artery intermittent vs persistent absent end-diastolic velocity in growth-restricted fetuses.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical artery absent end-diastolic velocity indicates increased placental resistance and is associated with increased risk of perinatal demise and neonatal morbidity in fetal growth restriction. However, the clinical implications of intermittent vs persistent absent end-diastolic velocity are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We compared umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry changes during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between pregnancies with fetal growth restriction and intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity and those with persistent absent end-diastolic velocity. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective study of singletons with fetal growth restriction and absent end-diastolic velocity, umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities were classified as follows: intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity (<50% of cardiac cycles with absent end-diastolic velocity) and persistent absent end-diastolic velocity (≥50% of cardiac cycles with absent end-diastolic velocity). The primary outcome was umbilical artery Doppler progression to reversed end-diastolic velocity. Secondary outcomes included sustained umbilical artery Doppler improvement, latency to delivery, gestational age at delivery, neonatal morbidity composite, rates of neonatal intensive care unit admission, and length of neonatal intensive care unit stay. Outcomes were compared between intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity and persistent absent end-diastolic velocity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. A receiver operating characteristic curve was generated to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the percentage of waveforms with absent end-diastolic velocity in predicting the neonatal composite. The Youden index was used to calculate the optimal absent end-diastolic velocity percentage cut-point for predicting the neonatal composite. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients included, 38 had intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity and 39 had persistent absent end-diastolic velocity. Maternal characteristics, including age, parity, and preexisting conditions did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Progression to reversed end-diastolic velocity was less common in intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity than in persistent absent end-diastolic velocity (7.9% vs 25.6%; odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.99). Sustained umbilical artery Doppler improvement was more common in intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity than in persistent absent end-diastolic velocity (50.0% vs 10.3%; odds ratio, 8.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.60-29.5). Pregnancies with intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity had longer latency to delivery than those with persistent absent end-diastolic velocity (11 vs 3 days; P<.01), and later gestational age at delivery (33.9 vs 28.7 weeks; P<.01). Composite neonatal morbidity was less common in the intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity group (55.3% vs 92.3%; P<.01). Neonatal death occurred in 7.9% of intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity cases and 33.3% of persistent absent end-diastolic velocity cases (P<.01). The differences in neonatal outcomes were no longer significant when controlling for gestational age at delivery. The percentage of cardiac cycles with absent end-diastolic velocity was a modest predictor of neonatal morbidity, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.84). The optimal percentage cut-point for fetal cardiac cycles with absent end-diastolic velocity observed at the sentinel ultrasound for predicting neonatal morbidity was calculated to be 47.7%, with a sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with persistent absent end-diastolic velocity, diagnosis of intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity in the setting of fetal growth restriction is associated with lower rates of progression to reversed end-diastolic velocity, higher likelihood of umbilical artery Doppler improvement, longer latency to delivery, and higher gestational age at delivery, leading to lower rates of neonatal morbidity and death. Our data support using an absent end-diastolic velocity percentage cut-point in 50% of cardiac cycles to differentiate intermittent absent end-diastolic velocity from persistent absent end-diastolic velocity. This differentiation in growth-restricted fetuses with absent end-diastolic velocity may allow further risk stratification.

Perinatal outcomes after intrauterine growth restriction and umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index of less than the fifth percentile.

Objective: To analyze perinatal morbidity and stillbirth after intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with an umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index (UA PI) less than the fifth centile.Study design: This retrospective cohort study included nonanomalous singleton, IUGR pregnancies receiving UA PI testing at a tertiary-care prenatal diagnostic center. Women with persistently elevated UA PI, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow on UA PI, or who had only one UA PI result were excluded. Low UA PI was defined as having ≥1 UA PI <5%. Women with low UA PI were matched by gestational age at IUGR diagnosis in a random 1 case: 4 control computer-generated algorithm to those with normal UA PI (≤95% and ≥5%). The primary outcome was composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (stillbirth, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis). Secondary outcomes included 5-minute Apgar, umbilical artery pH, delivery type, and interval from IUGR diagnosis to delivery. We compared outcomes after low UA PI to those after normal UA PI with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for gestational age at delivery, betamethasone use, infant gender, and maternal factors.Results: Of the 1893 IUGR pregnancies, 25 (1.3%) had low UA PI <5% and were randomly matched via computer algorithm to 100 controls. There were no stillbirths in either group; the odds of composite neonatal morbidity was similar among IUGR pregnancies with UA PI <5% versus normal (adjusted odds ratio 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.27-2.75)). There was no difference in 5-minute Apgars, umbilical artery pH, rate of cesarean delivery for fetal distress, or interval from IUGR diagnosis to delivery between the two groups.Conclusion: Among IUGR pregnancies, UA PI <5% is uncommon and not associated with improved neonatal outcomes compared to normal UA PI. These findings suggest low UA PI can continue to be managed as normal UA PI.

Adenomyosis presenting as a molar pregnancy: A case report.

•We present a case of atypical adenomyosis with clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings suggestive of a molar pregnancy.•Adenomyosis causes uterine enlargement and may appear cystic on vaginal ultrasound.•Falsely elevated ß-hCG in the setting of obesity and hypothyroidism may complicate diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding.

Clinical implications of umbilical artery Doppler changes after betamethasone administration†.

Background: Betamethasone (BMZ) is commonly administered to patients with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler (UAD) velocimetry due to the increased risk of preterm delivery; however, the clinical impact of UAD changes after BMZ exposure is unknown.Objective: To test the hypothesis that lack of UAD improvement after BMZ administration is associated with shorter latency and greater neonatal morbidity in patients with FGR.Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies complicated by FGR and abnormal UAD between 240 and 336 weeks gestation. Abnormal UAD included the following categories of increasing severity: elevated (pulsatility index >95%), absent end diastolic flow (EDF), or reversed EDF improvement was defined as any improvement in category of UAD within two weeks of BMZ. Sustained improvement was defined as improvement until the last ultrasound before delivery, whereas transient improvement was considered as unsustained. The primary outcome was latency, defined as interval from betamethasone administration to delivery. Secondary outcomes were gestational age at delivery, umbilical artery pH, and a composite of neonatal morbidity (intubation, necrotizing enterocolitis, ionotropic support, intraventricular hemorrhage, total parenteral nutrition, neonatal death). Outcomes were compared between (a) patients with and without UAD improvement and (b) patients with sustained and unsustained improvement, using univariable, multivariable and time-to-event analyses.Results: Of the 222 FGR pregnancies with abnormal UAD, 94 received BMZ and had follow-up ultrasounds. UAD improved in 48 (51.1%), with 27 (56.3%) having sustained improvement. Patients with hypertension and drug use were less likely to have UAD improvement. Patients without UAD improvement had shorter latency (21.5 days [interquartile range (IQR) 8,45] versus 35 [IQR 22,61], p = .02) and delivered at an earlier gestational age (34 weeks [IQR 31,36] versus 37 [IQR 33,37], p < .01) than those with improvement. There were no differences in umbilical artery pH between groups. Composite neonatal morbidity was higher in patients without UAD improvement, but this was not statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (aOR 2.0; 95% CI 0.08-5.1). There were no differences in outcomes between patients with sustained versus unsustained improvement.Conclusions: UAD improved in half of patients following BMZ. Lack of UAD improvement was associated with shorter latency and earlier gestational age at delivery, but no difference in composite neonatal morbidity. UAD response to BMZ may be useful to further risk stratify FGR pregnancies.

Perinatal outcomes after intrauterine growth restriction and intermittently elevated umbilical artery Doppler.

BACKGROUND: Intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index has been identified among pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction but has unclear clinical significance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze perinatal morbidity and stillbirth after intrauterine growth restriction with an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included nonanomalous singleton, intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies that received umbilical artery pulsatility index testing at a tertiary-care prenatal diagnostic center from 2010-2016. Women with persistently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index, absent or reversed end-diastolic blood flow on umbilical artery pulsatility index, or only 1 umbilical artery pulsatility index result were excluded. Intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index was defined as ≥1 elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index (>95%) and ≥1 normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (≤95%). Women with an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index were matched 1:3 by gestational age at intrauterine growth restriction diagnosis to those with a normal umbilical artery pulsatility index. The primary outcome was composite neonatal morbidity and deaths (stillbirth, mechanical ventilation, sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis). Secondary outcomes included 5-minute Apgar score, umbilical artery pH, delivery type, and interval from intrauterine growth restriction diagnosis to delivery. We compared outcomes after intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index with those after normal umbilical artery pulsatility index with multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for gestational age at delivery, betamethasone use, and maternal factors. RESULTS: Of 1893 women, 143 (7.6%) had an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index and were matched to 429 control subjects. Among the 143 women with an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index, 78 (54.5%), 52 (36.4%), and 13 (0.9%) women had elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index for 1-24%, 25-49%, and 50-74% of recorded Doppler measurements, respectively. None of the women had an elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index for 75-99% of recorded umbilical artery pulsatility index measurements. The last recorded umbilical artery pulsatility index was elevated for 37 women with an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index (25.9%). Overall, the odds of composite neonatal morbidity was similar among intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies with an intermittently elevated vs a normal umbilical artery pulsatility index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-1.87); there were no stillbirths. There was no difference in 5-minute Apgar scores, umbilical artery pH, rate of cesarean delivery for fetal distress, or interval from intrauterine growth restriction diagnosis to delivery between the 2 groups. Similarly, sensitivity analyses that stratified the population of intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index by the proportion of elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index to overall umbilical artery pulsatility index measurements and by whether the last umbilical artery pulsatility index recorded was normal or elevated showed no difference in neonatal morbidity or obstetric outcomes between the comparator groups. CONCLUSION: Among intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies, an intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index is neither uncommon nor associated with an increased risk of neonatal morbidity, stillbirth, or cesarean delivery. These findings suggest intrauterine growth-restricted pregnancies with intermittently elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index could be managed clinically as are those with normal umbilical artery pulsatility index.

Resolution of a Low-Lying Placenta and Placenta Previa Diagnosed at the Midtrimester Anatomy Scan.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence and resolution rates of a low-lying placenta or placenta previa and to assess the optimal time to perform follow-up ultrasonography (US) to assess for resolution. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women with a diagnosis of a low-lying placenta or placenta previa at routine anatomic screening. Follow-up US examinations were reviewed to estimate the proportion of women who had resolution. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was generated to estimate the median time to resolution. The distance of the placental edge from the internal cervical os was used to categorize the placenta as previa or low-lying (0.1-10 or ≥ 10-20 mm). A time-to-event analysis was used to estimate predictive factors and the time to resolution by distance from the os. RESULTS: A total of 1663 (8.7%) women had a diagnosis of a low-lying placenta or placenta previa. The cumulative resolution for women who completed 1 or more additional US examinations was 91.9% (95% confidence interval, 90.2%-93.3%). The median time to resolution was 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 7-13) weeks. The distance from the internal cervical os was known for 658 (51.0%) women. The probability of resolution was inversely proportional to the distance from the internal os: 99.5% (≥10-20 mm), 95.4% (0.1-10 mm), and 72.3% (placenta previa; P < .001). The median times to resolution were 9 (IQR, 7-12) weeks for 10 to 20 mm, 10 (IQR, 7-13) weeks for 0.1 to 10 mm, and 12 (IQR, 9-15) weeks for placenta previa (P = .0003, log rank test). CONCLUSIONS: A low-lying placenta or placenta previa diagnosed at the midtrimester anatomy survey resolves in most patients. Resolution is near universal in patients with an initial distance from the internal os of 10 mm or greater.

Early Second-Trimester Fetal Growth Restriction and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with isolated fetal growth restriction from 17 to 22 weeks of gestation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies undergoing ultrasonography to assess fetal anatomy between 17 and 22 weeks of gestation at a single center from 2010 to 2014. After excluding patients with fetal structural malformations, chromosomal abnormalities, or identified infectious etiologies, we compared perinatal outcomes between pregnancies with and without fetal growth restriction, defined as estimated fetal weight less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. Our primary outcome was small for gestational age (SGA) at birth, defined as birth weight less than the 10th percentile. Secondary outcomes included preterm delivery at less than 37 and less than 28 weeks of gestation, preeclampsia, abruption, stillbirth, neonatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admission, intraventricular hemorrhage, need for respiratory support, and necrotizing enterocolitis. RESULTS: Of 12,783 eligible patients, 355 (2.8%) had early second-trimester fetal growth restriction. Risk factors for growth restriction were African American race and tobacco use. Early second-trimester growth restriction was associated with a more than fivefold increase in risk of SGA at birth (36.9% compared with 9.1%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.5, 95% CI 4.3-7.0), stillbirth (2.5% compared with 0.4%, OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.7-12.8), and neonatal death (1.4% compared with 0.3%, OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.6-13.5). Rates of indicated preterm birth at less than 37 weeks of gestation (7.3% compared with 3.3%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.5) and less than 28 weeks of gestation (2.5% compared with 0.2%, OR 10.8, 95% CI 4.5-23.4), neonatal need for respiratory support (16.9% compared with 7.8%, adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2), and necrotizing enterocolitis (1.4% compared with 0.2%, OR 7.7, 95% CI 2.3-20.9) were also significantly higher for those with growth restriction. Rates of preeclampsia, abruption, and other neonatal outcomes were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Although fetal growth restriction in the early second trimester occurred in less than 3% of our cohort and most of those with isolated growth restriction did not have adverse outcomes, it is a strong risk factor for SGA, stillbirth, neonatal death, and indicated preterm birth.

Universal cervical length screening: implementation and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Transvaginal measurement of cervical length (CL) has been advocated as a screening tool to prevent preterm birth, but controversy remains regarding the overall utility of universal screening. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the acceptability of a universal CL screening program. Additionally we evaluated risk factors associated with declining screening and subsequent delivery outcomes of women who accepted or declined screening. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of transvaginal CL screening at a single institution from July 1, 2011, through December 31, 2014. Institutional protocol recommended transvaginal CL measurement at the time of anatomic survey between 17-23 weeks in all women with singleton, viable pregnancies, without current or planned cerclage, with patients able to opt out. Patients with CL ≤20 mm were considered to have clinically significant cervical shortening and were offered treatment. We assessed acceptance rate, risk factors for declining CL screening, and the trend of acceptance of CL screening over time. We also calculated the prevalence of CL ≤25, ≤20, and ≤15 mm, and estimated the association between CL screening and spontaneous preterm birth. RESULTS: Of 12,740 women undergoing anatomic survey during the study period, 10,871 (85.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 84.7-85.9%) underwent CL screening. Of those, 215 (2.0%) had a CL ≤25 mm and 131 (1.2%) had a CL ≤20 mm. After the first 6 months of implementation, there was no change in rates of acceptance of CL screening over time (P for trend = .15). Women were more likely to decline CL screening if they were African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.17; 95% CI, 1.93-2.44), obese (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.31), multiparous (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.29-1.64), age <35 years (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.43), or smokers (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.20-1.68). Rates of spontaneous preterm birth <28 weeks were higher in those who declined CL screening (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.33-3.02). CONCLUSION: Universal CL screening was implemented successfully with 85% of women screened. Overall incidence of short cervix was low and women with significant risk factors for preterm birth were more likely to decline screening. Patients who declined CL screening were more likely to be African American, obese, multiparous, age <35 years, and smokers. Rates of early, but not late, spontaneous preterm birth were significantly higher among women who did not undergo CL screening.

Prenatal Detection of Upper Limb Differences With Obstetric Ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of prenatal ultrasound detection of fetal upper extremity anomalies at a single tertiary care center in a large patient cohort. Our secondary purpose was to assess factors affecting prenatal detection including the presence of associated anomalies. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of prenatal ultrasound and postnatal clinical records from each pregnancy evaluated with a prenatal ultrasound at the Washington University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology over a 20-year period. We searched for upper extremity anomaly diagnosis codes pre- and postnatally and correlated with clinical postnatal follow-up to determine prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and associated conditions. RESULTS: A total of 100,856 pregnancies were evaluated by prenatal ultrasound, which included 843 fetuses diagnosed with a musculoskeletal anomaly (prevalence, 1 of 120) and 642 with an upper extremity anomaly (prevalence, 1 of 157). The postnatally confirmed sensitivity for prenatal ultrasound detection of an upper extremity anomaly was 42%. Sensitivity was lower in cases isolated to the upper extremity (25% vs 55%). Sensitivity was highest for conditions affecting the entire upper extremity (70%-100%) and lowest for those affecting the digits alone (4%-19%). Fetuses with limb reduction defects, radial longitudinal deficiency, phocomelia, arthrogryposis, abnormal hand positioning, and cleft hand had a higher likelihood of having an associated anomaly. CONCLUSIONS: At our tertiary referral center, there was a notable prevalence of upper extremity anomalies; however, the overall sensitivity for detecting them with prenatal ultrasound was low. This was disappointing given the value of prenatal identification of anomalies for parental counseling. Prenatal diagnosis of anomalies affecting the entire upper limb was more reliable than diagnosis of more distal anomalies. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

The utility of ultrasound for the detection of fetal limb abnormalities--a 20-year single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The standard obstetric ultrasound examination includes documentation of arms and legs. The purpose of this study is to review the efficacy of ultrasound for the detection of limb anomalies, the type and incidence of associated malformations and pregnancy outcomes. METHOD: All cases of polydactyly (POD), abnormal hand position (AHP), limb reduction defects (LRD) and arthrogryposis (ART) scanned in our Unit between 1990 and 2010 were identified. Cases were categorized as isolated (ISO) or non-isolated (NISO). The accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, type and incidence of associated malformations and aneuploidy and pregnancy outcomes were determined. RESULTS: Most cases were NISO. The sensitivity of ultrasound was 19.1% for POD, 76.0% for AHP, 76.0% for LRD involving the long bones and 81.3% for ART. Cardiothoracic and facial defects were the most common accompanying malformations. The risk for aneuploidy ranged from 3.6% for POD to 47.2% for AHP. The live birth rate ranged from 85.5% for POD to 24.5% for AHP. CONCLUSION: While imaging of the arms and legs allows detection of most cases of AHP, LRD involving the limbs and ART, a probable minimum of 20% to 25% of cases will escape prenatal diagnosis. Identification of these defects should prompt an extended anatomic survey and consideration of invasive testing for aneuploidy. © 2014 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Stillbirth risk among fetuses with ultrasound-detected isolated congenital anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of stillbirth among pregnancies complicated by a major isolated congenital anomaly detected by antenatal ultrasonography and the influence of incidental growth restriction. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive singleton pregnancies undergoing routine anatomic survey between 1990 and 2009 was performed. Stillbirth rates among fetuses with an ultrasound-detected isolated major congenital anomaly were compared with fetuses without major anomalies. Stillbirth rates were calculated per 1,000 ongoing pregnancies. Exclusion criteria included delivery before 24 weeks of gestation, multiple fetal anomalies, minor anomalies, and chromosomal abnormalities. Analyses were stratified by gestational age at delivery (before 32 weeks compared with 32 weeks of gestation or after) and birth weight less than the 10th percentile. We adjusted for confounders using logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 65,308 singleton pregnancies delivered at 24 weeks of gestation or after, 873 pregnancies with an isolated major congenital anomaly (1.3%) were identified. The overall stillbirth rate among fetuses with a major anomaly was 55 per 1,000 compared with 4 per 1,000 in nonanomalous fetuses (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 15.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.03-20.86). Stillbirth risk in anomalous fetuses was similar before 32 weeks of gestation (26/1,000) and 32 weeks of gestation or after (31/1,000). Among growth-restricted fetuses, the stillbirth rate increased among anomalous (127/1,000) and nonanomalous fetuses (18/1,000), and congenital anomalies remained associated with higher rates of stillbirth (adjusted OR 8.20, 95% CI 5.27-12.74). CONCLUSION: The stillbirth rate is increased in anomalous fetuses regardless of incidental growth restriction. These risks can assist practitioners in designing care plans for anomalous fetuses who have elevated and competing risks of stillbirth and neonatal death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The utilization and choices of aneuploidy screening in a midwestern population.

The types, interpretation, and use of first- and second-trimester aneuploidy screening are often unclear for many women. This impairs appropriate decision making and understanding of the implications of prenatal genetic testing options. The purpose of this study was to examine the utilization of Stepwise Sequential screening in our Midwestern population, demographic factors associated with choice of screening and method of risk reporting and it's potential impact on women's choices. First trimester screening was performed for 2,634 women during the study period. Results were not reported or "framed" as "positive" or "negative". Rather, the specific age-risk and screen-risk for T21 were relayed, along with options for follow-up Stepwise Sequential screening and invasive testing. Nearly 80 % of women declined Stepwise Sequential screening. Minorities and women of lower education were least likely to pursue further screening. Less than 4 % of the study population elected invasive testing. First trimester screening was associated with a 53 % reduction in amniocenteses and 20 % fewer CVS's compared to pre-first trimester screening availability. Reporting age-and screen-risks for T21, rather than classifying results as "positive" or "negative" based on a pre-determined threshold, was associated with a low uptake of further testing.

The utility of prenatal ultrasound as a screening tool for upper extremity congenital anomalies.

PURPOSE: To quantify the detection rate and accuracy of prenatal ultrasound in patients with congenital upper extremity anomalies. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with congenital upper extremity reduction or duplication anomalies were enrolled prospectively in this investigation at the initial visit to our congenital hand clinic. Demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected along with prenatal diagnoses. We recorded all ultrasound-identified upper extremity anomalies as reported by the parents. Finally, we compared the prenatal diagnosis with the final congenital hand clinic diagnosis. RESULTS: The first ultrasound was performed at a mean 11 weeks' gestation, and patients underwent an average of 8 prenatal ultrasounds (range, 1-40 prenatal ultrasounds). Sixty patients underwent standard ultrasound and 40 had a 3-dimensional ultrasound as well. Of the 100 patients, 31 had an upper extremity anomaly by ultrasound. Of the 31 prenatal ultrasound diagnoses, 18 were confirmed as accurate during evaluation in the congenital hand clinic. Three-dimensional ultrasound was more sensitive for the detection of upper extremity anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: The overall detection rate and accuracy of ultrasonography for upper extremity anomalies were low despite advancements in imaging technology. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Revisiting the risk for aneuploidy in fetuses with isolated pyelectasis.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies are contradictory with regard to the association of isolated pyelectasis and aneuploidy. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that isolated pyelectasis is associated with aneuploidy and calculate likelihood ratios using a large ultrasound database. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of pregnancies presenting to our prenatal ultrasound unit at 16 to 22 weeks was conducted. Pyelectasis was defined as fetal renal pelvis> 4 mm in the anterior-posterior dimension. Fetuses with co-existing major structural anomalies or markers of aneuploidy were excluded. Association between isolated pyelectasis and aneuploidy was assessed and screening efficiency was evaluated. Results were also stratified by maternal age. RESULTS: Among 62 103 patients who had obstetric ultrasounds during the study period, 1055 (1.7%) were diagnosed with isolated pyelectasis. The presence of isolated pyelectasis was significantly associated with any aneuploidy [OR 1.93 (CI 1.06-3.54)], and specifically trisomy 21 (T21) [OR 2.91 (CI 1.48-5.71)]. There was a greater than two-fold increase in the risk of T21 in the presence of isolated pyelectasis [LR+ 2.44 (CI 1.28-4.64)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm a significant association between isolated pyelectasis and increased risk of aneuploidy, particularly T21. These likelihood ratios can be used to adjust aneuploidy risk and in counseling patients regarding appropriateness of amniocentesis.

Placenta: chronicle of intrauterine growth restriction.

The foundation for adult health is laid in utero and requires a healthy placenta. A common manifestation of abnormal placental development is impaired fetal growth. While placental pathology is the final common denominator in many cases of fetal growth restriction, a variety of discreet lesions have been described involving both the maternal and fetal circulations at their confluence in the placenta. Detailed examination of the placenta provides a means of elucidating the pathophysiology of poor fetal growth. This is an essential step in developing effective strategies for the prediction, prevention, and possible treatment of the growth restricted fetus.

Predicting the risk of pre-eclampsia between 11 and 13 weeks' gestation by combining maternal characteristics and serum analytes, PAPP-A and free ß-hCG.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a simplified model for predicting pre-eclampsia (PEC) can be developed by combining first-trimester serum analytes, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG), and maternal characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients seen for first-trimester aneuploidy screening from 2003 to 2009. The 5th, 10th, 90th, and 95th percentiles for the analyte multiples of the medians (MoMs) for our population were determined and evaluated for association with PEC. Univariate and backward stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves [area under curve (AUC)] used to determine the best models for predicting PEC. RESULTS: Among 4020 women meeting the inclusion criteria, outcome data was available for 3716 (93%). There were 293 cases of PEC. The final model identified a history of pre-gestational diabetes [aOR 2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-3.9], chronic hypertension (cHTN) (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7-3.9), maternal body mass index (BMI) > 25 (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9-3.4), African American race (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.6), and PAPP-A MoM < 10th percentile (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) to be significant predictors of PEC (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI 0.65-0.72). CONCLUSION: Low first-trimester PAPP-A levels are associated with the development of PEC; however, the model was only modestly efficient in its predictive ability.