Outcome of twin-twin transfusion syndrome according to Quintero stage of disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To report the outcome of pregnancies complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) according to Quintero stage.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were searched for studies reporting the outcome of pregnancies complicated by TTTS stratified according to Quintero stage (I-V). The primary outcome was fetal survival rate according to Quintero stage. Secondary outcomes were gestational age at birth, preterm birth (PTB) before 34, 32 and 28 weeks' gestation and neonatal morbidity. Outcomes are reported according to the different management options (expectant management, laser therapy or amnioreduction) for pregnancies with Stage-I TTTS. Only cases treated with laser therapy were considered for those with Stages-II-IV TTTS and only cases managed expectantly were considered for those with Stage-V TTTS. Random-effects head-to-head meta-analysis was used to analyze the extracted data.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies (2699 twin pregnancies) were included. Overall, 610 (22.6%) pregnancies were diagnosed with Quintero stage-I TTTS, 692 (25.6%) were Stage II, 1146 (42.5%) were Stage III, 247 (9.2%) were Stage IV and four (0.1%) were Stage V. Survival of at least one twin occurred in 86.9% (95% CI, 84.0-89.7%) (456/552) of pregnancies with Stage-I, in 85% (95% CI, 79.1-90.1%) (514/590) of those with Stage-II, in 81.5% (95% CI, 76.6-86.0%) (875/1040) of those with Stage-III, in 82.8% (95% CI, 73.6-90.4%) (172/205) of those with Stage-IV and in 54.6% (95% CI, 24.8-82.6%) (5/9) of those with Stage-V TTTS. The rate of a pregnancy with no survivor was 11.8% (95% CI, 8.4-15.8%) (69/564) in those with Stage-I, 15.0% (95% CI, 9.9-20.9%) (76/590) in those with Stage-II, 18.6% (95% CI, 14.2-23.4%) (165/1040) in those with Stage-III, 17.2% (95% CI, 9.6-26.4%) (33/205) in those with Stage-IV and in 45.4% (95% CI, 17.4-75.2%) (4/9) in those with Stage-V TTTS. Gestational age at birth was similar in pregnancies with Stages-I-III TTTS, and gradually decreased in those with Stages-IV and -V TTTS. Overall, the incidence of PTB and neonatal morbidity increased as the severity of TTTS increased, but data on these two outcomes were limited by the small sample size of the included studies. When stratifying the analysis of pregnancies with Stage-I TTTS according to the type of intervention, the rate of fetal survival of at least one twin was 84.9% (95% CI, 70.4-95.1%) (94/112) in cases managed expectantly, 86.7% (95% CI, 82.6-90.4%) (249/285) in those undergoing laser therapy and 92.2% (95% CI, 84.2-97.6%) (56/60) in those after amnioreduction, while the rate of double survival was 67.9% (95% CI, 57.0-77.9%) (73/108), 69.7% (95% CI, 61.6-77.1%) (203/285) and 80.8% (95% CI, 62.0-94.2%) (49/60), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall survival in monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies affected by TTTS is higher for earlier Quintero stages (I and II), but fetal survival rates are moderately high even in those with Stage-III or -IV TTTS when treated with laser therapy. Gestational age at birth was similar in pregnancies with Stages-I-III TTTS, and gradually decreased in those with Stages-IV and -V TTTS treated with laser and expectant management, respectively. In pregnancies affected by Stage-I TTTS, amnioreduction was associated with slightly higher survival compared with laser therapy and expectant management, although these findings may be confirmed only by future head-to-head randomized trials. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Artificial intelligence solution to classify pulmonary nodules on CT

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to create an algorithm to detect and classify pulmonary nodules in two categories based on their volume greater than 100 mm³ or not, using machine learning and deep learning techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The dataset used to train the model was provided by the organization team of the SFR (French Radiological Society) Data Challenge 2019. An asynchronous and parallel 3-stages pipeline was developed to process all the data (a data "pre-processing" stage; a "nodule detection" stage; a "classifier" stage). Lung segmentation was achieved using 3D U-NET algorithm; nodule detection was done using 3D Retina-UNET and classifier stage with a support vector machine algorithm on selected features. Performances were assessed using area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

The pipeline showed good performance for pathological nodule detection and patient diagnosis. With the preparation dataset, an AUROC of 0.9058 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8746-0.9362) was obtained, 87% yielding accuracy (95% CI: 84.83%-91.03%) for the "nodule detection" stage, corresponding to 86% specificity (95% CI: 82%-92%) and 89% sensitivity (95% CI: 84.83%-91.03%).

CONCLUSION

A fully functional pipeline using 3D U-NET, 3D Retina-UNET and classifier stage with a support vector machine algorithm was developed, resulting in high capabilities for pulmonary nodule classification.

Maternity services in the UK during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a national survey of modifications to standard care

OBJECTIVE

To explore the modifications to maternity services across the UK, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in the context of the pandemic guidance issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and NHS England.

DESIGN

National survey.

SETTING

UK maternity services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

POPULATION OR SAMPLE

Healthcare professionals working within maternity services.

METHODS

A national electronic survey was developed to investigate local modifications to general and specialist maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the context of the contemporaneous national pandemic guidance. After a pilot phase, the survey was distributed through professional networks by the RCOG and co-authors. The survey results were presented descriptively in tabular and graphic formats, with proportions compared using chi-square tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Service modifications made during the pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 81 respondent sites, 42% of the 194 obstetric units in the UK, were included. They reported substantial and heterogeneous maternity service modifications. Seventy percent of units reported a reduction in antenatal appointments and 56% reported a reduction in postnatal appointments; 89% reported using remote consultation methods. A change to screening pathways for gestational diabetes mellitus was reported by 70%, and 59% had temporarily removed the offer of births at home or in a midwife-led unit. A reduction in emergency antenatal presentations was experienced by 86% of units.

CONCLUSIONS

This national survey documents the extensive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternity services in the UK. More research is needed to understand the impact on maternity outcomes and experience.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

A national survey showed that UK maternity services were modified extensively and heterogeneously in response to COVID-19.

A core outcome set for pre-eclampsia research: an international consensus development study

OBJECTIVE

To develop a core outcome set for pre-eclampsia.

DESIGN

Consensus development study.

SETTING

International.

POPULATION

Two hundred and eight-one healthcare professionals, 41 researchers and 110 patients, representing 56 countries, participated.

METHODS

Modified Delphi method and Modified Nominal Group Technique.

RESULTS

A long-list of 116 potential core outcomes was developed by combining the outcomes reported in 79 pre-eclampsia trials with those derived from thematic analysis of 30 in-depth interviews of women with lived experience of pre-eclampsia. Forty-seven consensus outcomes were identified from the Delphi process following which 14 maternal and eight offspring core outcomes were agreed at the consensus development meeting. Maternal core outcomes: death, eclampsia, stroke, cortical blindness, retinal detachment, pulmonary oedema, acute kidney injury, liver haematoma or rupture, abruption, postpartum haemorrhage, raised liver enzymes, low platelets, admission to intensive care required, and intubation and ventilation. Offspring core outcomes: stillbirth, gestational age at delivery, birthweight, small-for-gestational-age, neonatal mortality, seizures, admission to neonatal unit required and respiratory support.

CONCLUSIONS

The core outcome set for pre-eclampsia should underpin future randomised trials and systematic reviews. Such implementation should ensure that future research holds the necessary reach and relevance to inform clinical practice, enhance women's care and improve the outcomes of pregnant women and their babies.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

281 healthcare professionals, 41 researchers and 110 women have developed #preeclampsia core outcomes @HOPEoutcomes @jamesmnduffy. [Correction added on 29 June 2020, after first online publication: the order has been corrected.].

Lung ultrasonography in patients with COVID-19: comparison with CT

AIM

To determine whether findings from lung ultrasound and chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) correlate when evaluating COVID-19 pulmonary involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present prospective single-centre study included consecutive symptomatic patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-proven COVID-19 who were not in the intensive care unit. All patients were assessed using HRCT and ultrasound of the lungs by distinct operators blinded to each other's findings. The number of areas (0-12) with B-lines and/or consolidations was evaluated using ultrasound and compared to the percentage and classification (absent or limited, <10%; moderate, 10-25%; extensive, 25-50%; severe, 50-75%; critical, >75%) of lung involvement on chest HRCT.

RESULTS

Data were analysed for 21 patients with COVID-19 (median [range] age 65 [37-90] years, 76% male) and excellent correlation was found between the ultrasound score for B-lines and the classification (p<0.01) and percentage of lung involvement on chest HRCT (r=0.935, p<0.001). In addition, the ultrasound score correlated positively with supplemental oxygen therapy (r=0.45, p=0.041) and negatively with minimal oxygen saturation at ambient air (r=-0.652, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that among COVID-19 patients, lung ultrasound and HRCT findings agree in quantifying lung involvement and oxygen parameters. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, lung ultrasound could be a relevant alternative to chest HRCT.

Risk of fetal loss following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling in twin pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate of fetal loss following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in twin pregnancy.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting procedure-related complications following amniocentesis or CVS in twin pregnancy. The primary outcome was the rate of procedure-related fetal loss. The secondary outcomes were fetal loss occurring before 24 weeks of gestation and fetal loss occurring within 4 weeks after the procedure. Head-to-head meta-analyses were used to compare directly each outcome, between women undergoing amniocentesis and those not undergoing amniocentesis and between women undergoing CVS and those not undergoing CVS, and to compute pooled risk differences (RD) between women exposed and those not exposed to each invasive procedure. Additionally, meta-analyses of proportions were used to estimate the pooled rates of each of the three outcomes in women undergoing amniocentesis or CVS and in controls.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies (3419 twin pregnancies undergoing and 2517 not undergoing an invasive procedure) were included. Head-to-head meta-analyses comparing directly twin pregnancies undergoing and those not undergoing amniocentesis showed a higher risk for overall fetal loss in those undergoing amniocentesis (odds ratio (OR), 1.46 (P = 0.04); RD, 0.013 (P = 0.04)), while there was no difference in the risk of either fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation (OR, 1.59 (P = 0.06); RD, 0.010 (P = 0.11)) or fetal loss within 4 weeks after the procedure (OR, 1.38 (P = 0.3); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)). Overall, the pooled rate of fetal loss was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.4-3.6%) in twin pregnancies undergoing amniocentesis compared with 2.4% (95% CI, 0.9-4.6%) in those not undergoing amniocentesis. Head-to-head meta-analyses directly comparing twin pregnancies undergoing and those not undergoing CVS showed no significant difference in either overall fetal loss (OR, 1.61 (P = 0.5); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)) or fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation (OR, 1.61 (P = 0.5); RD, 0.003 (P = 0.8)). Overall, the pooled rate of fetal loss was 2.0% (95% CI, 0.0-6.5%) in twin pregnancies undergoing CVS compared with 1.8% (95% CI, 0.3-4.2%) in those not undergoing CVS.

CONCLUSION

The risk of fetal loss following amniocentesis and CVS in twins is lower than reported previously and the rate of fetal loss before 24 weeks of gestation, or within 4 weeks after the procedure, did not differ from the background risk in twin pregnancy not undergoing invasive prenatal testing. These data can guide prenatal counseling for twin pregnancies undergoing invasive procedures. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Incidence of postpartum hypertension within 2 years of a pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased long-term risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there has been increasing evidence on the same risks in the months following birth.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to estimate the incidence of hypertension in the first 2 years after HDP.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were systematically searched in October 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Observational studies comparing hypertension rate following HDP and normotensive pregnancies up to 2 years.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A meta-analysis to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a sub-group analysis excluding women with chronic hypertension were performed.

MAIN RESULTS

Hypertension was diagnosed within the first 2 years following pregnancy in 468/1646 (28.4%) and 584/6395 (9.1%) of the HDP and control groups, respectively (OR 6.28; 95% CI 4.18-9.43; I²  = 56%). The risk of hypertension in HDP group was significantly higher in the first 6 months following delivery (OR 18.33; 95% CI 1.35-249.48; I²  = 84%) than at 6-12 months (OR 4.36; 95% CI 2.81-6.76; I²  = 56%) or between 1-2 years postpartum (OR 7.24; 95% CI 4.44-11.80; I²  = 9%). A sub-group analysis demonstrated a similar increase in the risk of developing postpartum hypertension after HDP (OR 5.75; 95% CI 3.92-8.44; I²  = 49%) and pre-eclampsia (OR 6.83; 95% CI 4.25-10.96; I²  = 53%).

CONCLUSIONS

The augmented risk of hypertension after HDP is highest in the early postpartum period, suggesting that diagnosis and targeted interventions to improve maternal cardiovascular health may need to be commenced in the immediate postpartum period.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

The risk of hypertension within 2 years of birth is six-fold higher in women who experienced pre-eclampsia.

Prediction of stillbirth: an umbrella review of evaluation of prognostic variables

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth accounts for over 2 million deaths a year worldwide and rates remains stubbornly high. Multivariable prediction models may be key to individualised monitoring, intervention or early birth in pregnancy to prevent stillbirth.

OBJECTIVES

To collate and evaluate systematic reviews of factors associated with stillbirth in order to identify variables relevant to prediction model development.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, Embase, DARE and Cochrane Library databases and reference lists were searched up to November 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included systematic reviews of association of individual variables with stillbirth without language restriction.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Abstract screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR and QUIPS criteria. The evidence supporting association with each variable was graded.

RESULTS

The search identified 1198 citations. Sixty-nine systematic reviews reporting 64 variables were included. The most frequently reported were maternal age (n = 5), body mass index (n = 6) and maternal diabetes (n = 5). Uterine artery Doppler appeared to have the best performance of any single test for stillbirth. The strongest evidence of association was for nulliparity and pre-existing hypertension.

CONCLUSION

We have identified variables relevant to the development of prediction models for stillbirth. Age, parity and prior adverse pregnancy outcomes had a more convincing association than the best performing tests, which were PAPP-A, PlGF and UtAD. The evidence was limited by high heterogeneity and lack of data on intervention bias.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Review shows key predictors for use in developing models predicting stillbirth include age, prior pregnancy outcome and PAPP-A, PLGF and Uterine artery Doppler.

Can risk prediction models help us individualise stillbirth prevention? A systematic review and critical appraisal of published risk models

BACKGROUND

Stillbirth prevention is an international priority - risk prediction models could individualise care and reduce unnecessary intervention, but their use requires evaluation.

OBJECTIVES

To identify risk prediction models for stillbirth, and assess their potential accuracy and clinical benefit in practice.

SEARCH STRATEGY

MEDLINE, Embase, DH-DATA and AMED databases were searched from inception to June 2019 using terms relevant to stillbirth, perinatal mortality and prediction models. The search was compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies developing and/or validating prediction models for risk of stillbirth developed for application during pregnancy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Study screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate, using the CHARMS checklist. Risk of bias was appraised using the PROBAST tool.

RESULTS

The search identified 2751 citations. Fourteen studies reporting development of 69 models were included. Variables consistently included were: ethnicity, body mass index, uterine artery Doppler, pregnancy-associated plasma protein and placental growth factor. For almost all models there were significant concerns about risk of bias. Apparent model performance (i.e. in the development dataset) was highest in models developed for use later in pregnancy and including maternal characteristics, and ultrasound and biochemical variables, but few were internally validated and none were externally validated.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all models identified were at high risk of bias. There are first-trimester models of possible clinical benefit in early risk stratification; these require validation and clinical evaluation. There were few later pregnancy models but, if validated, these could be most relevant to individualised discussions around timing of birth.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Prediction models using maternal factors, blood tests and ultrasound could individualise stillbirth prevention, but existing models are at high risk of bias.

Association between chorionicity and preterm birth in twin pregnancies: a systematic review involving 29 864 twin pregnancies

BACKGROUND

The perinatal mortality and morbidity among twins vary by chorionicity. Although it is considered that monochorionicity is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in twin pregnancies, no systematic review exists evaluating this association.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review was undertaken to assess the association between preterm birth and chorionicity in twin pregnancies.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the electronic databases from January 1990 to July 2019 without language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All studies on twin pregnancies where chorionicity and preterm birth were evaluated were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Findings are reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The estimates are pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

From 13 156 citations, we included 39 studies (29 864 pregnancies). Monochorionicity was significantly associated with increased risk of preterm birth at ≤28, ≤32, ≤34 and <37 weeks in women asymptomatic and symptomatic for preterm labour (odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% CI 1.52-3.02, I²  = 46%, OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.27-1.89 I²  = 68%, OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.27-1.69, I²  = 60%, OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.43-1.93, I²  = 65%, respectively). Among those asymptomatic for preterm labour, significantly increased odds of preterm birth were seen for monochorionicity at gestations ≤34 weeks (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.42-2.40, I²  = 25%) and <37 weeks (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22-2.53, I²  = 61%). Sensitivity analysis showed significantly increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth at ≤34 and <37 weeks for monochorionicity (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55, I²  = 0% and OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.78, I²  = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Monochorionicity is significantly associated with preterm birth at all gestations.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

In twin pregnancies, monochorionicity is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth at all gestations.

Reduction in twin stillbirth following implementation of NICE guidance

OBJECTIVE

There has been an unprecedented fall in the rate of stillbirth in twin pregnancy in the UK. It is contested whether implementation of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the antenatal management of uncomplicated twin pregnancies has contributed to this change. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of NICE guidance was associated with a reduction in the rate of stillbirth in twin pregnancies delivered in a large UK hospital.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including all twin pregnancies delivered at St George's Hospital, London, UK, between 2000 and 2018. Data were analyzed according to two time periods: before implementation of the NICE guidance on twins (before June 2013; pre-NICE) and after its implementation (after June 2013; post-NICE). The exclusion criteria were higher-order multiple gestations, pregnancies of unknown chorionicity, pregnancies complicated by miscarriage, those that underwent termination and those diagnosed with vanishing twin. The main outcome was stillbirth. Other outcomes included neonatal death (NND), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and emergency Cesarean section. We planned a priori a sensitivity analysis according to chorionicity. The chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare outcomes between the study groups.

RESULTS

We included in the analysis 1666 twin pregnancies (3332 fetuses), of which 1114 pregnancies (2228 fetuses) were delivered before and 552 pregnancies (1104 fetuses) after June 2013. Of those, 1299 were dichorionic and 354 were monochorionic diamniotic. The incidence of stillbirth was significantly lower in the post-NICE than in the pre-NICE group (3.6 per 1000 births vs 13.5 per 1000 births; P = 0.008). The reduction in stillbirth rate was from 8.5 to 3.6 per 1000 births (P = 0.161) in dichorionic and from 33.6 to 3.8 per 1000 births (P = 0.011) in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies. There was no significant difference in the rates of NND (P = 0.625), NICU admission (P = 0.506) or emergency Cesarean section (P = 0.820) between the two groups. The median gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in the post-NICE than in the pre-NICE group (median 36.3 vs 36.9 weeks; P < 0.001), as a consequence of a significant increase in preterm birth between 34 and 37 weeks' gestation (39.3% vs 27.0%; P = 0.002), but not before 34 weeks (P = 0.473).

CONCLUSIONS

A significant reduction of > 70% in the stillbirth rate in twin pregnancies was noted after implementation of the NICE guidance. This reduction was statistically significant in monochorionic, but not dichorionic, twin pregnancies. The improvement in twin pregnancy outcome was achieved without a concomitant increase in NND, admission to the NICU or emergency Cesarean section. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Non-immune fetal hydrops: etiology and outcome according to gestational age at diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

Fetal hydrops is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. The etiology and outcome of fetal hydrops may differ according to the gestational age at diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause, evolution and outcome of non-immune fetal hydrops (NIFH), according to the gestational age at diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all singleton pregnancies complicated by NIFH, at the Fetal Medicine Unit at St George's University Hospital, London, UK, between 2000 and 2018. All fetuses had detailed anomaly and cardiac ultrasound scans, karyotyping and infection screening. Prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, gestational age at diagnosis and delivery, as well as pregnancy outcome, were recorded. Regression analysis was used to test for potential association between possible risk factors and perinatal mortality.

RESULTS

We included 273 fetuses with NIFH. The etiology of the condition varied significantly in the three trimesters. Excluding 30 women who declined invasive testing, the cause of NIFH was defined as unknown in 62 of the remaining 243 cases (25.5%). Chromosomal aneuploidy was the most common cause of NIFH in the first trimester. It continued to be a significant etiologic factor in the second trimester, along with congenital infection. In the third trimester, the most common etiology was cardiovascular abnormality. Among the 152 (55.7%) women continuing the pregnancy, 48 (31.6%) underwent fetal intervention, including the insertion of pleuroamniotic shunts, fetal blood transfusion and thoracentesis. Fetal intervention was associated significantly with lower perinatal mortality (odds ratio (OR), 0.30 (95% CI, 0.14-0.61); P < 0.001); this association remained significant after excluding cases with a diagnosis of anemia or infection (OR, 0.29 (95% CI, 0.13-0.66); P = 0.003). In 104 fetuses not undergoing active fetal intervention, the gestational age at diagnosis was the only parameter that was significantly associated with the risk of perinatal mortality (OR, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.85-0.99); P = 0.035), while the affected body cavity and polyhydramnios were not (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

An earlier gestational age at diagnosis of NIFH was associated with an increased risk of aneuploidy and worse pregnancy outcome, including a higher risk of perinatal loss. Fetal therapy was associated significantly with lower perinatal mortality. © 2020 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Treatment and outcome of 370 cases with spontaneous or post-laser twin anemia-polycythemia sequence managed in 17 fetal therapy centers

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antenatal management and outcome in a large international cohort of monochorionic twin pregnancies with spontaneous or post-laser twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

METHODS

This study analyzed data of monochorionic twin pregnancies diagnosed antenatally with spontaneous or post-laser TAPS in 17 fetal therapy centers, recorded in the TAPS Registry between 2014 and 2019. Antenatal diagnosis of TAPS was based on fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity > 1.5 multiples of the median (MoM) in the TAPS donor and < 1.0 MoM in the TAPS recipient. The following antenatal management groups were defined: expectant management, delivery within 7 days after diagnosis, intrauterine transfusion (IUT) (with or without partial exchange transfusion (PET)), laser surgery and selective feticide. Cases were assigned to the management groups based on the first treatment that was received after diagnosis of TAPS. The primary outcomes were perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. The secondary outcome was diagnosis-to-birth interval.

RESULTS

In total, 370 monochorionic twin pregnancies were diagnosed antenatally with TAPS during the study period and included in the study. Of these, 31% (n = 113) were managed expectantly, 30% (n = 110) with laser surgery, 19% (n = 70) with IUT (± PET), 12% (n = 43) with delivery, 8% (n = 30) with selective feticide and 1% (n = 4) underwent termination of pregnancy. Perinatal mortality occurred in 17% (39/225) of pregnancies in the expectant-management group, 18% (38/215) in the laser group, 18% (25/140) in the IUT (± PET) group, 10% (9/86) in the delivery group and in 7% (2/30) of the cotwins in the selective-feticide group. The incidence of severe neonatal morbidity was 49% (41/84) in the delivery group, 46% (56/122) in the IUT (± PET) group, 31% (60/193) in the expectant-management group, 31% (57/182) in the laser-surgery group and 25% (7/28) in the selective-feticide group. Median diagnosis-to-birth interval was longest after selective feticide (10.5 (interquartile range (IQR), 4.2-14.9) weeks), followed by laser surgery (9.7 (IQR, 6.6-12.7) weeks), expectant management (7.8 (IQR, 3.8-14.4) weeks), IUT (± PET) (4.0 (IQR, 2.0-6.9) weeks) and delivery (0.3 (IQR, 0.0-0.5) weeks). Treatment choice for TAPS varied greatly within and between the 17 fetal therapy centers.

CONCLUSIONS

Antenatal treatment for TAPS differs considerably amongst fetal therapy centers. Perinatal mortality and morbidity were high in all management groups. Prolongation of pregnancy was best achieved by expectant management, treatment by laser surgery or selective feticide. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Consensus diagnostic criteria and monitoring of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence: Delphi procedure

OBJECTIVES

Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Inconsistencies in the diagnostic criteria for TAPS exist, which hinder the ability to establish robust evidence-based management or monitoring protocols. The main aim of this study was to determine, by expert consensus using a Delphi procedure, the key diagnostic features and optimal monitoring approach for TAPS.

METHODS

A Delphi process was conducted among an international panel of experts on TAPS. Panel members were provided with a list of literature-based parameters for diagnosing and monitoring TAPS. They were asked to rate the importance of the parameters on a five-point Likert scale. Consensus was sought to determine the cut-off values for accepted parameters, as well as parameters used in the monitoring of and assessment of outcome in twin pregnancy complicated by TAPS.

RESULTS

A total of 132 experts were approached. Fifty experts joined the first round, of whom 33 (66%) completed all three rounds. There was agreement that the monitoring interval for the development of TAPS should be every 2 weeks and that the severity should be assessed antenatally using a classification system based on middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV), but there was no agreement on the gestational age at which to start monitoring. Once the diagnosis of TAPS is made, monitoring should be scheduled weekly. For the antenatal diagnosis of TAPS, the combination of MCA-PSV ≥ 1.5 MoM in the anemic twin and ≤ 0.8 MoM in the polycythemic twin was agreed. Alternatively, MCA-PSV discordance ≥ 1 MoM can be used to diagnose TAPS. Postnatally, hemoglobin difference ≥ 8 g/dL and intertwin reticulocyte ratio ≥ 1.7 were agreed criteria for diagnosis of TAPS. There was no agreement on the cut-off of MCA-PSV or its discordance for prenatal intervention. The panel agreed on prioritizing perinatal and long-term survival outcomes in follow-up studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus-based diagnostic features of TAPS, as well as cut-off values for the parameters involved, were agreed upon by a panel of experts. Future studies are needed to validate these diagnostic features before they can be used in clinical trials of interventions. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Catalytic potential of cobalt oxide and agar nanocomposite hydrogel for the chemical reduction of organic pollutants

In this study, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) were synthesized by precipitation method from cobalt sulphate solution with basic pH, followed by calcination. The ex-situ synthesized Co₃O₄ NPs were mixed with hot agar (AG) aqueous solution. The preparation of AG- Co₃O₄ nanocomposite hydrogel was carried out by self-association method promoted by thermal denaturation. The quenching of hot suspension from 80 °C to room temperature resulted in the formation of AG-Co₃O₄ nanocomposite hydrogel. The as-synthesized AG-Co₃O₄ was characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. In order to test the catalytic activity, AG-Co₃O₄ was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reduction of methylene blue (MB), congo red (CR) and 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The excellent performance of the AG-Co₃O₄ was shown by the reaction rate constant (k_app) values of 0.3623, 0.2114 and 0.2893 for MB, 4-NP and CR, respectively. All these results were obtained with R² above 94 and utilization of an AG-Co₃O₄ catalyst. Furthermore, the catalytic reduction was studied with varying dye concentration and catalyst dose. This study showed that AG-Co₃O₄ catalyst has high potential for remediation of environmental pollutants in wastewaters.

Impact of gestational diabetes mellitus on maternal cardiac adaptation to pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether maternal cardiac adaptation at term differs between women with, and those without, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

METHODS

This was a prospective case-control study of pregnant women at term with or without GDM. For both cases and controls, only women without any comorbidity or form of pre-existing diabetes who had a singleton pregnancy without complication (such as pre-eclampsia or fetal growth restriction) were included. All women underwent conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess both the left- and right-heart geometry and function.

RESULTS

A total of 40 women with GDM and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. Women with GDM, compared with controls, had a significantly higher heart rate (83 ± 10 vs 75 ± 9 beats per min; P < 0.001), left ventricular (LV) relative wall thickness (0.43 ± 0.07 vs 0.37 ± 0.08; P < 0.001), LV early diastolic transmitral valve velocity (E) (0.80 ± 0.15 vs 0.73 ± 0.12 m/s; P = 0.026) and LV late diastolic transmitral valve velocity (A) (0.65 ± 0.13 vs 0.57 ± 0.11 m/s; P = 0.006). In women with GDM compared with controls, speckle-tracking analysis revealed a significant reduction in LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-16.29 ± 2.26 vs -17.61 ± 1.89; P = 0.012), LV endocardial GLS (-18.50 ± 2.59 vs -19.84 ± 2.35; P = 0.031) and LV epicardial GLS (-14.40 ± 2.01 vs -15.73 ± 1.66; P = 0.005). Right ventricular (RV) analysis revealed a reduced pulmonary acceleration time (58 ± 10 vs 66 ± 11 ms; P = 0.001) and RV E/A ratio (1.13 ± 0.18 vs 1.29 ± 0.35; P = 0.017), as well as a higher RV myocardial systolic annular velocity (0.16 ± 0.04 vs 0.14 ± 0.02; P = 0.023) and peak late diastolic transtricuspid valve velocity (0.46 ± 0.1 m/s vs 0.39 ± 0.08 m/s; P = 0.001), in women with GDM compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that even a short period of exposure to hyperglycemia, as occcurs in women with GDM, is associated with significant maternal functional cardiac impairment at term. Given these findings, further study of postnatal maternal cardiovascular recovery after GDM pregnancy is warranted. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal cardiovascular function and risk of intrapartum fetal compromise in women undergoing induction of labor: pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Identification of the fetus at risk of intrapartum compromise has many benefits. Impaired maternal cardiovascular function is associated with placental hypoperfusion predisposing to intrapartum fetal distress. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive accuracy of maternal hemodynamics for the risk of operative delivery due to presumed fetal compromise in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL).

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, patients were recruited between November 2018 and January 2019. Women undergoing IOL were invited to participate in the study. A non-invasive ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM-1A®) was used for cardiovascular assessment. The study outcome was operative delivery due to presumed fetal compromise, which included Cesarean or instrumental delivery for abnormal fetal heart monitoring. Regression analysis was used to test the association between cardiovascular markers, as well as the maternal characteristics, and the risk of operative delivery due to presumed fetal compromise. Receiver-operating-characteristics-curve analysis was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the cardiovascular markers for the risk of operative delivery for presumed fetal compromise.

RESULTS

A total of 99 women were recruited, however four women were later excluded from the analysis due to semi-elective Cesarean section (n = 2) and failed IOL (n = 2). The rate of operative delivery due to presumed fetal compromise was 28.4% (27/95). Women who delivered without suspected fetal compromise (controls) were more likely to be parous, compared to those who had operative delivery due to fetal compromise (52.9% vs 18.5%; P = 0.002). Women who underwent operative delivery due to presumed fetal compromise had a significantly lower cardiac index (median, 2.50 vs 2.60 L/min/m² ; P = 0.039) and a higher systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (median, 1480 vs 1325 dynes × s/cm⁵ , P = 0.044) compared to controls. The baseline model (being parous only) showed poor predictive accuracy, with an area under the curve of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.58-0.77). The addition of stroke volume index (SVI) < 36 mL/m² , SVR > 7.2 logs or SVR index (SVRI) > 7.7 logs improved significantly the predictive accuracy of the baseline model (P = 0.012, P = 0.026 and P = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, we demonstrated that prelabor maternal cardiovascular assessment in women undergoing IOL could be useful for assessing the risk of intrapartum fetal compromise necessitating operative delivery. The addition of SVI, SVR or SVRI improved significantly the predictive accuracy of the baseline antenatal model. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal arterial stiffness in hypertensive pregnancies with and without small-for-gestational-age neonate

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia with a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate have poorer maternal hemodynamic function compared to those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and an appropriately grown neonate. Arterial stiffness is a recognized prognostic marker of cardiovascular disease in the general population. The aim of this study was to compare maternal arterial stiffness between hypertensive pregnancies with, and those without, a SGA neonate and normotensive control pregnancies.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension and healthy normotensive control pregnancies, presenting to a tertiary referral hospital between January 2012 and May 2018. Maternal arterial stiffness was assessed by aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and aortic augmentation index (AIx), which were recorded using a non-invasive device (Arteriograph®). Maternal and hemodynamic factors were adjusted for using linear regression analysis. Pregnancies with HDP were divided into those that delivered a SGA (birth weight < 10^th percentile) neonate (HDP + SGA group) and those that delivered an appropriately grown neonate (HDP-only group). Comparisons between groups were carried out using the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables and the chi-square (or Fisher's exact) test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

Included in the analysis were 69 patients with HDP who delivered a SGA neonate, 129 with HDP who delivered a normally grown neonate and 220 healthy controls. Maternal age, weight, height and heart rate were associated significantly with brachial and aortic AIx. Maternal weight, height, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and gestational age were significant predictors of aortic PWV. Adjusted aortic AIx was significantly higher in both the HDP + SGA and HDP-only groups, compared with in controls (12.5% and 10.0% vs 7.6%; both P < 0.01), and was significantly different between the two HDP groups (P = 0.002). Adjusted PWV was significantly higher in the HDP-only group compared with in controls and the HDP + SGA group (7.7 m/s vs 7.1 m/s and 7.1 m/s; both P < 0.001). Conversely, unadjusted PWV was not significantly different between the two HDP groups (P = 0.414).

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancies complicated by HDP with, and those without, a SGA neonate have significantly higher aortic AIx compared with uncomplicated normotensive pregnancies. Aortic AIx was highest in those pregnancies complicated by HDP with a SGA neonate, reflecting a progression in severity of arterial stiffness abnormality with a worsening clinical picture. These findings most likely reflect systemic reduced vascular compliance and increased systemic vascular resistance in pregnancy complicated by HDP. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.