Closed- or open-glottis pushing for vaginal delivery: a planned secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery study.

BACKGROUND: The effect on obstetrical outcomes of closed- or open-glottis pushing is uncertain among both nulliparous and parous women. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between open- or closed-glottis pushing and mode of delivery after an attempted singleton vaginal birth at or near term. STUDY DESIGN: This was an ancillary planned cohort study of the TRAAP (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery) randomized controlled trial, conducted in 15 French maternity units from 2015 to 2016 that enrolled women with an attempted singleton vaginal delivery after 35 weeks' gestation. After randomization, characteristics of labor and delivery were prospectively collected, with special attention to active second-stage pushing and a specific planned questionnaire completed immediately after birth by the attending care provider. The exposure was the mode of pushing, classified into 2 groups: closed- or open-glottis. The main endpoint was operative vaginal delivery. Secondary endpoints were items of maternal morbidity, including severe perineal laceration, episiotomy, postpartum hemorrhage, duration of the second stage of labor, and a composite severe neonatal morbidity outcome. We also assessed immediate maternal satisfaction, experience of delivery, and psychological status 2 months after delivery. The associations between mode of pushing and outcome were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding bias, with multilevel mixed-effects analysis, and a random intercept for center. RESULTS: Among 3041 women included in our main analysis, 2463 (81.0%) used closed-glottis pushing and 578 (19.0%) open-glottis pushing; their respective operative vaginal delivery rates were 19.1% (n=471; 95% confidence interval, 17.6-20.7) and 12.5% (n=72; 95% confidence interval, 9.9-15.4; P<.001). In an analysis stratified according to parity and after controlling for available confounders, the rate of operative vaginal delivery did not differ between the groups among nulliparous women: 28.7% (n=399) for the closed-glottis and 27.5% (n=64) for the open-glottis group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.33; P=.7). The operative vaginal delivery rate was significantly lower for women using open- compared with closed-glottis pushing in the parous population: 2.3% (n=8) for the open- and 6.7% (n=72) for the closed-glottis groups (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.90; P=.03). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the 2 modes of pushing among either the nulliparous or parous groups. CONCLUSION: Among nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies at term, the risk of operative vaginal birth did not differ according to mode of pushing. These results will inform shared decision-making about the mode of pushing during the second stage of labor.

Prevalence and risk factors for postpartum depression 2 months after a vaginal delivery: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women with vaginal births without major pregnancy complications. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum depression and identify its characteristics 2 months after singleton vaginal delivery at or near term. STUDY DESIGN: This was an ancillary cohort study of the TRanexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage After Vaginal Delivery randomized controlled trial, which was conducted in 15 French hospitals in 2015-2016 and enrolled women with singleton vaginal deliveries after 35 weeks of gestation. After randomization, the characteristics of labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum experience, including the experience of childbirth, were prospectively collected. Medical records provided women's other characteristics, particularly any psychiatric history. Of note, 2 months after childbirth, provisional postpartum depression diagnosis was defined as a score of ≥13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a validated self-administered questionnaire. The corrected prevalence of postpartum depression was calculated with the inverse probability weighting method to take nonrespondents into account. Associations between potential risk factors and postpartum depression were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Moreover, an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale cutoff value of ≥11 was selected to perform a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire was returned by 2811 of 3891 women (72.2% response rate). The prevalence rates of the provisional diagnosis were 9.9% (95% confidence interval, 8.6%-11.3%) defined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of ≥13 and 15.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.0%-17.1%) with a cutoff value of ≥11. The characteristics associated with higher risks of postpartum depression in multivariate analysis were mostly related to prepregnancy characteristics, specifically age of <25 years (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.9) and advanced age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.6), migration from North Africa (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-4.4), previous abortion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0), and psychiatric history (adjusted odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.8). Some characteristics of labor and delivery, such as induced labor (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0) and operative vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.0), seemed to be associated with postpartum depression. In addition, bad memories of childbirth in the immediate postpartum were strongly associated with postpartum depression symptoms at 2 months after giving birth (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-4.2). CONCLUSION: Approximately 10% of women with vaginal deliveries have postpartum depression symptoms, assessed by a score of ≥13 on the depression scale that was used at 2 months. Prepregnancy vulnerability factors; obstetrical characteristics, such as induced labor and operative vaginal delivery; and bad memories of childbirth 2 days after delivery were the main factors associated with this provisional diagnosis. A screening approach that targets risk factors may help to identify women at risk of postpartum depression who could benefit from early intervention.

The ethics of induction of labor at 39 weeks in low-risk nulliparas in research and clinical practice.

The "A Randomized Trial of Induction Versus Expectant Management" trial (ARRIVE trial) published in 2018 suggested that induction of labor can be considered a "reasonable option" for low-risk nulliparous women at ≥39 weeks of gestation. The study results led some professional societies to endorse the option for elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas, and this has begun to change obstetrical practice. The ARRIVE trial provided valuable information supporting the benefits of induction of labor; however, the trial is insufficient to serve as the primary justification for widespread elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas because of concerns about external validity. Thus, the French ARRIVE trial was designed to test the hypothesis in a different setting that elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas leads to a lower cesarean delivery rate than expectant management. This ongoing trial has been criticized as "pseudoscientific" and telling "women where, when, and how to give birth." We reject these allegations and extensively examine the ethical framework that should govern clinical and research interventions, including elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas. This study aimed to discuss the ethical issues that emerge from randomized trials of elective induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk nulliparas and the ethics of the clinical practice itself. The analysis of existing evidence shows the importance of further research on induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in low-risk women. Certain aspects of research ethics in this area, particularly the consent of pregnant women in a context where autonomy remains fragile, call for vigilance. In addition, we emphasize that childbirth is not only a medical object but also a social phenomenon that cannot be regarded only from the perspective of a health risk to be managed by clinical research. Further research on this issue is needed to allow pregnant women to make informed decisions, and the results should be integrated with social issues. The perspective of women is required in constructing, evaluating, and implementing medical interventions in childbirth, such as induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation.

Idiopathic polyhydramnios and postnatal outcomes of children: The role of exome sequencing.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of children born from a pregnancy complicated by idiopathic polyhydramnios. The secondary objective was to investigate factors associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in two prenatal diagnosis centers between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2020. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies with a diagnosis of idiopathic polyhydramnios, defined by a deepest pocket greater than 8 cm, no detectable abnormality at ultrasound and a negative amniotic fluid assessment including karyotype, chromosomal microarray, biochemical assays (electrolytes and digestive enzymes), and viruses (parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus). One-year outcomes of these children were collected. The primary endpoint was adverse postnatal outcome, defined by at least one of the following criteria: stillbirth, neonatal death, or serious and incurable condition diagnosed in the first year of life. RESULTS: Of the 245 women referred for isolated polyhydramnios, 73 were diagnosed with idiopathic polyhydramnios after prenatal investigations. The mean age at follow-up of children was 28 months (95% CI 20-36). An adverse outcome occurred in 25% of cases (18/73), with one stillbirth, two neonatal deaths, and 15 severe conditions diagnosed postnatally, including a rate of monogenic disorders of 8.2% (6/73). Pediatric follow-up was normal for 75% of the children (55/73), including a rate of 9% (5/55) of curable conditions. Repeated amnioreduction was independently associated with an adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with polyhydramnios should be informed of the increased risk of 25% of perinatal mortality and serious conditions diagnosed after birth.

Uterine-sparing surgical procedures to control postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage remains one of the principal causes of maternal mortality in the United States and throughout the world. Its management, which must be multidisciplinary (obstetrics, midwifery, anesthesiology, interventional radiology, and nursing), depends on the speed of both diagnosis and implementation of medical and surgical treatment to control the hemorrhage. The aim of this work is to describe the various techniques of vessel ligation and of uterine compression for controlling and treating severe hemorrhage, and to present the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is not difficult to perform vessel ligation of the uterine arteries: O'Leary's bilateral ligation of the uterine artery, Tsirulnikov's triple ligation, and AbdRabbo's stepwise uterine devascularization (that is, stepwise triple ligation). These procedures are associated with a high success rate (approximately 90%) and a low complication rate. Bilateral ligation of the internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries is more difficult to perform and potentially less effective (approximately 70% effectiveness) than the previously mentioned procedures. Its complication rate is low, but the complications are most often serious. There is no evidence that future fertility or subsequent obstetrical outcomes are impaired by ligation of either the uterine or internal iliac arteries. There are many techniques used for uterine compression sutures, and none has shown clear superiority to another. Uterine compression suture has an effectiveness rate of approximately 75% after failure of medical treatment and approximately 80% as a second-line procedure after unsuccessful vessel ligation. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but is probably around 5%. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but probably ranges between 5% and 10%. The methodologic quality of the studies assessing uterine-sparing surgical procedures remains limited, with no comparative studies. Accordingly, no evidence suggests that any one of these methods is better than any other. Accordingly, the choice of surgical technique to control hemorrhage must be guided firstly by the operator's experience. If the hemorrhage continues after a first-line uterine-sparing surgical procedure and the patient remains hemodynamically stable, a second-line procedure can be chosen. Nonetheless, the application of these procedures must not delay the performance of a peripartum hysterectomy in cases of hemodynamic instability.

Arabin pessary to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (PESSARONE).

BACKGROUND: The number of twin pregnancies continues to increase worldwide as both the number of pregnancies obtained by medically assisted reproduction and age at first pregnancy keep rising. Preterm delivery is the major complication associated with twin pregnancies. The effectiveness of preventive treatments such as progesterone or cervical cerclage for women with a short cervix is doubtful in twin pregnancies. The effectivity of cervical pessaries in preventing preterm birth and its associated morbidity and mortality is also controversial. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate if the Arabin pessary reduces adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix. STUDY DESIGN: This open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial on twin pregnancies with a cervical length of <35 mm compared pessary placement at 16+0 to 24+0 weeks' gestation with standard care alone. The primary endpoint was a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes, namely peripartum or neonatal death or significant neonatal morbidity before hospital discharge, defined as at least 1 of the following complications: bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III to IV, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis grade II or higher, culture-proven sepsis, and retinopathy requiring treatment. A sample size of 308 pregnancies was planned to ensure 80% power to compare the proportions of women with at least 1 infant with an adverse neonatal outcome. The intention-to-treat analysis after multiple imputation of missing data, was supplemented with a secondary analysis that controlled for gestational age and cervical length, both at inclusion. The primary endpoint was also compared between randomization groups in the per-protocol population, which excluded patients with prespecified major protocol violations (mostly cervical cerclage and/or progesterone after inclusion). Secondary endpoints included preterm birth, spontaneous preterm birth, and pessary side effects. RESULTS: In total, 315 women were randomized to either receive a pessary (n=157) or standard management (n=158). Overall, 10.8% (34 women) of participants had a missing value for the primary endpoint, mostly (79%) because of the lack of paternal consent for neonatal data collection. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the adverse neonatal outcome occurred in 16.8% of the pessary group vs in 22.5% of the control group (risk ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-1.23; P=.210). The per-protocol analysis did not show any significant difference between groups (risk ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-1.28; P=.320). The occurrence of preterm birth or spontaneous preterm birth did not differ significantly between groups. No serious side effects were associated with pessary use. CONCLUSION: Pessary use in our study did not significantly reduce adverse neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with a short cervix.

Tranexamic acid for the prevention of blood loss after cesarean among women with twins: a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although prophylactic tranexamic acid administration after cesarean delivery resulted in a lower incidence of calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or red cell transfusion by day 2, its failure to reduce the incidence of hemorrhage-related secondary clinical outcomes (TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial) makes its use questionable. The magnitude of its effect may differ in women at higher risk of blood loss, including those with multiple pregnancies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effect of tranexamic acid vs placebo to prevent blood loss after cesarean delivery among women with multiple pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the TRAnexamic Acid for Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage Following a Cesarean Delivery trial data, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial from March 2018 to January 2020 in 27 French maternity hospitals, that included 319 women with multiple pregnancies. Women with a cesarean delivery before or during labor at ≥34 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive intravenously 1 g of tranexamic acid (n=160) or placebo (n=159), both with prophylactic uterotonics. The primary outcome was a calculated estimated blood loss of >1000 mL or a red blood cell transfusion by 2 days after delivery. The secondary outcomes included clinical and laboratory blood loss measurements. RESULTS: Of the 4551 women randomized in this trial, 319 had a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, and 298 (93.4%) had primary outcome data available. This outcome occurred in 62 of 147 women (42.2%) in the tranexamic acid group and 67 of 152 (44.1%) receiving placebo (adjusted risk ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.38; P=.86). No significant between-group differences occurred for any hemorrhage-related clinical outcomes: gravimetrically estimated blood loss, provider-assessed clinically significant hemorrhage, additional uterotonics, postpartum blood transfusion, arterial embolization, and emergency surgery (P>.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: Among women with a multiple pregnancy and cesarean delivery, prophylactic tranexamic acid did not reduce the incidence of any blood loss-related outcomes.

Risk of hypoglycemia by anthropometric measurements in neonates of mothers with diabetes.

Macrosomia in neonates of diabetic women is a risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia, with an over-risk for asymmetric macrosomia. This study aimed to study the association between anthropometric measurements and hypoglycemia in neonates of mothers treated for gestational diabetes. This is a secondary analysis of the INDAO trial study conducted between May 2012 and November 2016 in 13 French tertiary care university hospitals in 890 pregnant women with gestational diabetes treated with either insulin or glyburide. Neonatal anthropometric measurements were birthweight and weight-length ratio (WLR, defined as birth weight/length). Neonatal hypoglycemia was defined as capillary blood glucose below 36 mg/dL (2 mmol/L) or below 45 mg/dL (2.5 mmol/L) associated with clinical signs after 2 h of life. Their relationships were modeled with logistic regressions using fractional polynomials. Extreme categories of birthweight or WLR adjusted for gestational age at birth and sex were defined as Z-score < -1.28 or > 1.28. These categories were compared to Z-score between -1.28 and 1.28 by estimating odds ratios and confidence intervals for neonatal hypoglycemia. Neonatal hypoglycemia occurred in 9.1% of cases. The relationship between birthweight and WLR Z-scores and neonatal risk of hypoglycemia adjusted for maternal treatment was a U-shaped curve. Adjusted odds ratios for the risk of hypoglycemia were 9.6 (95% CI 3.5, 26.8) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.1, 4.9) for WLR Z-score below -1.28 and above 1.28, respectively, compared with WLR Z-score between -1.28 and 1.28.    Conclusion: Birthweight Z-score was associated with the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia in neonates from mothers treated for gestational diabetes. The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia was increased for both extreme birthweight Z-scores, regardless of maternal treatment. Small for gestational age neonates of diabetic mothers require special attention for the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. What is Known: • Macrosomia in neonates of diabetic women is a risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia, with an over-risk for asymmetric macrosomia. Few retrospective studies have assessed the risk for neonatal hypoglycemia among small for gestational age neonates born to diabetic mothers. What is New: • The risk of neonatal hypoglycemia among neonates of diabetic mothers increased for both low and high weight-length ratio, regardless of maternal medicinal treatment, gestational age at birth, and sex of the newborn.

Early prenatal diagnosis of alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins due to a 16q24.1 deletion.

First trimester ultrasound screening is an essential fetal examination performed generally at 11-13 weeks of gestation (WG). However, it does not allow for an accurate description of all fetal organs, partly due to their development in progress. Meanwhile, increased nuchal translucency (INT) is a widely used marker known to be associated with chromosomal deleterious rearrangements. We report on a 14 WG fetus with an association of INT and univentricular congenital heart malformation (CHM) leading to chorionic villous sampling (CVS). Cytogenetic investigations performed using array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) demonstrated a 1.17 Mb deletion in 16q24.1 encompassing FOXF1 arisen de novo on maternal inherited chromosome. Fetopathological study confirmed CHM with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) associating aortic atresia, mitral stenosis, and left ventricular hypoplasia and revealed in addition specific lung lesions corresponding to alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV). This is so far the first case of first trimester prenatal diagnosis of ACDMPV due to the deletion of FOXF1 gene. An interpretation of the complex genomic data generated by ultrasound markers is facilitated considerably by the genotype-phenotype correlations on fetopathological examination.

Chronic histiocytic intervillositis: manifestation of placental alloantibody-mediated rejection.

BACKGROUND: Chronic histiocytic intervillositis (chronic intervillositis) is defined by a diffuse infiltration of monocytes into the intervillous space, which often leads to poor obstetrical outcomes, including recurrent intrauterine growth restriction, miscarriage, and fetal death. The pathogenesis of chronic intervillositis is still poorly defined, and there is an unmet medical need for improved management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the role of anti-human leukocyte antigen alloantibodies in the pathogenesis of chronic intervillositis through the application of criteria used in solid-organ transplantation for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. STUDY DESIGN: A multidisciplinary research study based on thorough immunologic and pathologic investigations was carried out for 2 separate couples who experienced recurrent secondary fetal losses following a first normal pregnancy associated with histologic evidence of chronic intervillositis. RESULTS: Very high levels of complement-fixing, fetus-specific antibodies targeting mismatched human leukocyte antigen alleles, harbored by the 2 paternal haplotypes, were identified in both cases. Polymorphic human leukocyte antigens were expressed on the surface of trophoblastic villi of the inflamed placenta but not in healthy placental tissue. The binding of alloantibodies to paternal human leukocyte antigens induced dramatic activation of the complement classical pathway in trophoblastic villi, leading to C4d deposition and formation of the terminal complex C5b-9. All requirements for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated placental rejection were fulfilled according to the criteria used in the Banff classification of allograft pathology. In silico analysis was performed using a human leukocyte antigen epitope viewer to reconstitute the human leukocyte antigen sensitization history. Reactivity against a single mismatched epitope present in the first-born healthy child accounted for a broad sensitization to human leukocyte antigens, including those harbored by the 2 paternal haplotypes. This finding explained the high rates of chronic intervillositis recurrence during subsequent pregnancies. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of chronic intervillositis and provides new avenues for individualized counseling and therapeutic options.

Should prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis be offered for isolated fetal growth restriction? A French multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Compared with standard karyotype, chromosomal microarray analysis improves the detection of genetic anomalies and is thus recommended in many prenatal indications. However, evidence is still lacking on the clinical utility of chromosomal microarray analysis in cases of isolated fetal growth restriction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the proportion of copy number variants detected by chromosomal microarray analysis and the incremental yield of chromosomal microarray analysis compared with karyotype in the detection of genetic abnormalities in fetuses with isolated fetal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included all singleton fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction and no structural ultrasound anomalies and referred to 13 French fetal medicine centers over 1 year in 2016. Fetal growth restriction was defined as an estimated fetal weight of

Prenatal Percutaneous Fetoscopic Laser Photocoagulation of Chorioangioma: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: In Doppler flow diagnosis of a large placental chorioangioma with vascularization, there may be fetal consequences as cardiac output failure and polyhydramnios. Prenatal percutaneous fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of chorioangioma is a therapeutic option. First, we present 2 cases of chorioangioma treated by fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. Second, we conducted a narrative review to identify all reported cases of chorioangioma treated by fetoscopic laser photocoagulation. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 presented a chorioangioma measuring 48 × 36 × 42 mm, and the Doppler flow study showed vascularization with a high flow rate. The fetus showed dilatation of the right cardiac chambers, moderate tricuspid insufficiency, normal Doppler indices, and polyhydramnios. Case 2 presented a chorioangioma measuring 58 × 36 × 31 mm associated with polyhydramnios and elevated peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery at 49 cm/s, that is, 1.65 MoM. The procedure was performed at 22+2 and 23+5 WG for both cases. Photocoagulation of the chorioangioma vessels was performed first on the small superficial vessels (capillaries) and then on the feeding vessels (artery first and then vein), until complete cessation of blood flow on ultrasound. Successful devascularization was achieved when flow within the chorioangioma's feeding vessels was no longer visualized on intraoperative ultrasound examination using Doppler flow. The ultrasound follow-up showed complete cessation of blood flow in the chorioangioma, normalization of fetal signs, and normal fetal growth in both cases. In case 1, a 2,350-g boy was delivered vaginally after spontaneous labor at 33+6 WG. In case 2, a 2,700-g boy was delivered vaginally after spontaneous labor at 39+2 WG. Neonatal findings were normal, and the outcome at 1 year was normal for both children. CONCLUSION: Prenatal percutaneous fetoscopic laser photocoagulation improves survival in large chorioangioma, despite a risk of fetal death in utero.

Antenatal Management of Bronchopulmonary Sequestration by Intrafetal Vascular Laser Ablation under Ultrasound Control: Narrative Review of the Literature and Report of Three Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness and safety of intrafetal vascular laser ablation (VLA) for fetuses with bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) with hydrops. METHODS: First, we present 3 cases of fetuses with BPS and hydrops treated by VLA. Second, we aimed to conduct a narrative review to identify all reported cases of fetuses with BPS treated by intrafetal VLA. RESULTS: The review of the literature identified 41 fetuses treated by VLA for BPS with hydrops. The median gestational age of the VLA was 27+0 weeks' gestation [25+0-31+0] with an associated procedure at the same time in 43% of the cases (pleuroamniotic shunt, thoracentesis, and amniodrainage). A second procedure was required in 25% of cases for residual flow in the feeding vessel. No stillbirth or neonatal death was reported. The complications reported were a fetal thoracic hematoma complicated by fetal anemia and 4 preterm deliveries with a rate of 9%. CONCLUSION: VLA of the feeding vessel can be an effective treatment but is not without complications. In cases demonstrating cardiac output failure, intrafetal VLA should be considered as a treatment for BPS.

Does socioeconomic status have any influence on success at the national ranking exam?, a prospective survey.

BACKGROUND: The weight of social inequalities during education is a reality. Students of lower socioeconomic status may have less chance of success in higher education, particularly in medical studies. However, the role of students' socioeconomic factors, such as their parents' profession, in their success in the national ranking exam (NRE) has not been studied. Our aim was to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and success in the national ranking exam among sixth year medical students at the Paris-Sud Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: This was a prospective survey of all sixth-year medical students at the Paris-Sud Faculty of Medicine, using a questionnaire on socioeconomic factors, which were compared according to NRE rank. RESULTS: Of 172 sixth year medical students, 110 completed the questionnaire. Their ranking ranged from 20 to 7695, with a median of 2815 (interquartile range: 1029-4581). The factors associated with the NRE rank were a high school diploma (baccalauréat) A or B grade, success at the first attempt in the first-year medical examination, and enrollment in the NRE preparatory lectures during the sixth year of medical training (linear regression, p < 0.001). The educational status and socio-professional category of the parents were not associated with the NRE rank (linear regression, p = 0.92). CONCLUSION: At the Paris-Sud Faculty of Medicine, there was no association between parental socioeconomic status and sixth year students' success in the NRE.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia has a better prognosis when associated with a hernia sac.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate neonatal mortality and morbidity up to 6 months in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with or without a hernia sac. METHODS: Seventy-two cases of isolated CDH were included in a retrospective single-center study between January 2010 and December 2016. Hernia sac was defined at the time of surgery or at postmortem examination if the neonate died before surgery. RESULTS: Seventeen newborns (23.6%) had a hernia sac. Survival at 6 months was significantly greater for isolated CDH with a hernia sac: 100% versus 63.6% (P = .003). High-frequency oscillatory ventilation was used significantly more in the no hernia sac group (P = .04). At surgery, the need for patch repair was significantly lower in the hernia sac group: 12% versus 50% (P = .005). The prenatal observed/expected lung-to-head ratio was significantly higher in the hernia sac group than in the no hernia sac group: 49.7% versus 38.6% (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The presence of a hernia sac in CDH is associated with better outcome, especially survival at 6 months. If the presence of a hernia sac is recognized as a particular entity, which carries a good prognosis, it is necessary to be able to diagnose it prenatally, especially in the era of prenatal fetal surgery.

Fetal cerebral hemorrhage due to X-linked GATA1 gene mutation.

We report a multiplex family with a GATA1 gene mutation responsible for a massive fetal cerebral hemorrhage occurring at 36 weeks. Two other stillbirth cousins presented with fetal hydrops and congenital hemochromatosis' phenotype at 37 and 12 weeks of gestation. Molecular screening revealed the presence of a c.613G>A pathogenic allelic variation in exon 4 of GATA1 gene in the 3 male siblings and their carrier mothers. The diagnosis of a GATA1 gene mutation may be suspected in cases of male fetuses with intracerebral bleeding, particularly if a history of prior fetal loss(es) and mild maternal thrombocytopenia are also present.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: does gestational age at diagnosis matter when evaluating morbidity and mortality?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the investigation was to study the relationship between gestational age at diagnosis and mortality and morbidity in fetuses with an isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2008 and November 2013, 377 live births with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia diagnosed antenatally at a known gestational age were recorded in the database of the French National Center for Rare Diseases. The primary outcome studied was mortality estimated at 28 days and at 6 months. The secondary outcome was morbidity evaluated by pulmonary arterial hypertension at 48 hours, oxygen therapy dependence at 28 days, oral disorders, enteral feeding, and prosthetic patch repair. Analyses were adjusted for the main factors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia severity (side of the hernia, thoracic herniation of the liver, gestational age at birth, lung-to-head ratio, and prenatal treatment by tracheal occlusion. RESULTS: Mortality rates at 28 days decreased significantly (P < .001) when gestational age at diagnosis increased: 61.1%, 39.2%, and 10.4% for a diagnosis in the first, second, and third trimester, respectively. Adjusted odds ratios were 3.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.86-5.25] and 0.35 [95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.66] for a diagnosis in the first and third trimesters, respectively, compared with a diagnosis in the second trimester. Similarly, morbidity decreased significantly when gestational age at diagnosis increased, and the trend remained significant after adjustment for the main factors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia severity (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Gestational age at diagnosis is an independent predictor of postnatal prognosis for children presenting an isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia and should be taken into account when estimating postnatal morbidity and mortality.

Humanitarian obstetric care for refugees of the Syrian war. The first 6 months of experience of Gynécologie Sans Frontières in Zaatari Refugee Camp (Jordan).

OBJECTIVE: To report the first 6 months of experience of a nongovernmental-organization-managed obstetric care unit in a war refugee camp, with problems encountered and solutions implemented. DESIGN: Prospective observational study of the maternity activity of Gynécologie Sans Frontières (GSF). SETTING: GSF's maternity unit, in Zaatari camp (Jordan). POPULATION: All pregnant women among Syrian refugees who came to the unit for delivery. METHODS: The GSF's maternity unit is a light structure built with three tents, permitting low-risk pregnancy care and childbirth. Emergency cesarean deliveries were performed in the Moroccan army field hospital. High-risk pregnancies were transferred to Al Mafraq or Amman Hospital (Jordan) after assessment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Delivery characteristics, indications for referral. RESULTS: From September 2012 to February 2013, 371 women attended the unit and 299 delivered in it. Delivery rates increased from 5/month to 112/month over the period. Mean gestational age at birth was 39(+3) gestational weeks (SD = 1.9). Median birthweight was 3100 g (25-75% interquartile range 2840-3430 g). Spontaneous vaginal deliveries were dominant and the major maternal complication was postpartum hemorrhage (n = 13). Eighty-two women were referred to Al Mafraq or Amman hospitals, mainly for preterm labor (32%) and congenital malformations (11%). We managed one case of stillbirth. Maternal mortality did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the difficulties of war, high-risk pregnant women were properly identified, permitting referrals when required. Cooperation with other nongovernmental organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was essential for the management of situations at risk of complications and to contain perinatal and maternal mortality.