Deregulation of imprinted genes expression and epigenetic regulators in placental tissue from intrauterine growth restriction

PURPOSE

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a fetal growth complication that can be caused by ineffective nutrient transfer from the mother to the fetus via the placenta. Abnormal placental development and function have been correlated with abnormal expression of imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications at imprinting control regions (ICRs). In this study, we analyzed the expression of imprinted genes known to be involved in fetal growth and epigenetic regulators involved in DNA methylation, as well as DNA methylation at the KvDMR1 imprinting control region and global levels of DNA hydroxymethylation, in IUGR cases.

METHODS

Expression levels of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators were analyzed in term placental samples from 21 IUGR cases and 9 non-IUGR (control) samples, by RT-qPCR. Additionally, KvDMR1 methylation was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing and combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) techniques. Moreover, global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation levels were also measured.

RESULTS

We observed increased expression of PHLDA2, CDKN1C, and PEG10 imprinted genes and of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and TET3 epigenetic regulators in IUGR placentas. No differences in methylation levels at the KvDMR1 were observed between the IUGR and control groups; similarly, no differences in global DNA methylation and hydromethylation were detected.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms, namely increased expression of imprinted genes and epigenetic regulators, might be associated with IUGR etiology. Therefore, this study adds knowledge to the molecular mechanisms underlying IUGR, which may contribute to novel prediction tools and future therapeutic options for the management of IUGR pregnancies.

Seeing the fetus from a DOHaD perspective: discussion paper from the advanced imaging techniques of DOHaD applications workshop held at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress

Advanced imaging techniques are enhancing research capacity focussed on the developmental origins of adult health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, and consequently increasing awareness of future health risks across various subareas of DOHaD research themes. Understanding how these advanced imaging techniques in animal models and human population studies can be both additively and synergistically used alongside traditional techniques in DOHaD-focussed laboratories is therefore of great interest. Global experts in advanced imaging techniques congregated at the advanced imaging workshop at the 2019 DOHaD World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. This review summarizes the presentations of new imaging modalities and novel applications to DOHaD research and discussions had by DOHaD researchers that are currently utilizing advanced imaging techniques including MRI, hyperpolarized MRI, ultrasound, and synchrotron-based techniques to aid their DOHaD research focus.

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy stratified by first-trimester blood pressure control and adverse perinatal outcomes: A prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess perinatal outcomes in women with chronic hypertension (CH) stratified into four groups according to their blood pressure (BP) control in the first trimester of pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study between January 2011 and June 2017, based in a university hospital in London, UK. The population consisted of four groups: group 1 included women without history of CH, presenting in the first trimester with BP >140/90 mmHg (n = 100). Groups 2-4 had prepregnancy CH; group 2 had BP <140/90 mmHg without antihypertensives (n = 234), group 3 had BP <140/90 mmHg with antihypertensives (n = 272), and group 4 had BP ≥140/90 mmHg despite antihypertensives (n = 194). The main outcome measures were: fetal growth restriction, admission to neonatal (NNU) or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for ≥2 days, composite neonatal morbidity, and composite serious adverse neonatal outcome. Outcomes were collected from the hospital databases and for up to 6 weeks postnatally. Differences between groups were assessed using chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the independent contribution of the four groups to the prediction of pertinent outcomes, after controlling for maternal characteristics.

RESULTS

There was a higher incidence of fetal growth restriction in groups 3 (17.6%) and 4 (18.2%), compared with groups 1 (10.0%) and 2 (11.1%) (P = .04). There were more admissions to the NNU for ≥2 days in groups 3 (23.2%) and 4 (25.0%), compared with groups 1 (17.0%) and 2 (13.2%) (P = .008); and more admissions to NICU for ≥2 days in groups 3 (9.2%) and 4 (9.4%), compared with groups 1 (3.0%) and 2 (3.4%) (P = .01). Composite neonatal morbidity was higher in groups 3 (22.4%) and 4 (21.4%), compared with groups 1 (17.0%) and 2 (11.5%) (P = .009). Composite serious adverse postnatal outcome was higher in groups 3 (3.3%) and 4 (4.2%), compared with groups 1 (1.0%) and 2 (0.9%) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .09). These results were also observed when values were adjusted for maternal characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

In CH adverse perinatal outcomes are worse in women who are known to have CH and need antihypertensives in the first trimester of pregnancy. Women with newly diagnosed CH in the first trimester have similar outcomes to those with known CH who have antihypertensive treatment discontinued.

Diagnostic accuracy of the Gaussian first-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia to predict small-for-gestational-age neonates

OBJECTIVE

Pre-eclampsia and delivery of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates can be predicted from the first trimester. A Gaussian model for prediction of PE has recently been described, although its capacity to predict SGA is still unknown.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona) in 2483 single pregnancies from October 2015 to September 2017. Mean arterial blood pressure and mean uterine artery pulsatility index were recorded at the first-trimester scan. Serum concentrations of placental growth factor and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A were assessed between 8⁺⁰ and 13⁺⁶  weeks. The predictive capacities of early (<32 weeks) and preterm (<37 weeks) SGA were tested.

RESULTS

For SGA without pre-eclampsia, detection rates of 25.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0-75.0) for early SGA and 14.3% (95% CI 3.6-28.6) for preterm SGA were achieved. For SGA with pre-eclampsia, the algorithm showed detection rates of 100.0% (95% CI 25.0-100.0) for early SGA and 56.3% (95% CI 31.3-81.3) for preterm SGA.

CONCLUSION

This algorithm identifies 62.5% of early SGA and 27.3% of preterm SGA. Combined screening for predicting both pre-eclampsia and SGA by using the Gaussian algorithm is feasible and would simplify clinical practice.

The impact of various entities of antiphospholipid antibodies positivity on adverse pregnancy outcome. An epidemiological perspective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the rate of obstetric complications and the burden of obstetric outcomes in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), non-criteria APS and asymptomatic antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) carriers. From 2013-2018, 163 pregnant subjects with aPL antibodies and 785 controls were enrolled. Penalized logistic regression was used to compare obstetric complications. Cases included 62 complete APS (38 %), 48 non-criteria APS (29.4 %) and 53 (32.5 %) asymptomatic aPL-carriers. Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) were diagnosed in 31.3 % of cases. The rate of high-risk aPL profile was higher (p < .01) in APS (67.7 %) compared to non-criteria (14.6 %) and aPL-carriers (9.4 %). Double/triple positivity was 33.9 % (p < .05 compared to non-criteria and aPL-carriers) in APS, 10.4 % in non-criteria and 9.4 % in aPL-carriers. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes were 5.6 % in controls, 41.9 % (adj.OR = 6.95 %CI = 2.7-13.5) in APS, 25 % (adj.OR = 4.4,95 %CI = 2-9.4) in non-criteria and 28.3 % (OR = 4.95 %CI = 1.8-8.8) in aPL-carriers. CTDs were independently associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetric outcomes (OR = 2.8,95 %CI = 1.36-5.89). The attributable fraction (AF) of adverse obstetric events was higher among low-risk antibodies compared to high-risk (AF = 0.27,95 %CI = 0.22-0.31 vs AF = 0.16,95 %CI = 0.16-0.2,p < .01) and among single positivity compared to double/triple positivity (AF = 0.32,95 %CI = 0.26-0.37 vs AF = 0.11,95 %CI = 0.09-0.13,p < .01) suggesting that low-risk subjects are responsible for a high burden of obstetric complications.

FIGO (international Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics) initiative on fetal growth: best practice advice for screening, diagnosis, and management of fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the failure of the fetus to meet its growth potential due to a pathological factor, most commonly placental dysfunction. Worldwide, FGR is a leading cause of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and short- and long-term morbidity. Ongoing advances in clinical care, especially in definitions, diagnosis, and management of FGR, require efforts to effectively translate these changes to the wide range of obstetric care providers. This article highlights agreements based on current research in the diagnosis and management of FGR, and the areas that need more research to provide further clarification of recommendations. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of available evidence along with practical recommendations concerning the care of pregnancies at risk of or complicated by FGR, with the overall goal to decrease the risk of stillbirth and neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with this condition. To achieve these goals, FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) brought together international experts to review and summarize current knowledge of FGR. This summary is directed at multiple stakeholders, including healthcare providers, healthcare delivery organizations and providers, FIGO member societies, and professional organizations. Recognizing the variation in the resources and expertise available for the management of FGR in different countries or regions, this article attempts to take into consideration the unique aspects of antenatal care in low-resource settings (labelled “LRS” in the recommendations). This was achieved by collaboration with authors and FIGO member societies from low-resource settings such as India, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Obstetric and pediatric growth charts for the detection of late-onset fetal growth restriction and neonatal adverse outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) has heterogeneous prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria. We compared the prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of late-onset FGR and their ability to predict adverse perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 5442 consecutive singleton pregnancies that delivered beyond 34 + 0 weeks. Prenatal diagnosis of FGR was based on customized fetal growth standards and fetal Doppler while postnatal diagnosis was based on a birthweight <3rd percentile according to newborn charts (Olsen's charts and Intergrowth 21st century programme). Perinatal outcomes were analyzed depending on whether the diagnosis was prenatal, postnatal or both.

RESULTS

A total of 94 out of 5442 (1.7%) were diagnosed as late-onset FGR prenatally. Olsen's chart and Intergrowth 21st chart detected that 125/5442 (2.3%) and 106/5442 (2.0%) of infants had a birthweight <3rd percentile, respectively. These charts identified 35/94 (37.2%) and 40/94 (42.6%) of the newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of late-onset FGR. Prenatally diagnosed late-onset FGR infants were at a higher risk for hypoglycemia, jaundice and polycythemia. Both prenatally and postnatally diagnosed as late-onset FGR had a higher risk for respiratory distress syndrome when compared to non-FGR. The higher risks for intensive care admission and composite adverse outcomes were observed in those with a prenatal diagnosis of late-onset FGR that was confirmed after birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Current definitions of pre- and postnatal late-onset FGR do not match in more than half of cases. Infants with a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis of this condition have an increased risk of neonatal morbidity even if these diagnoses are not coincident.

Non-invasive monitoring of pH and oxygen using miniaturized electrochemical sensors in an animal model of acute hypoxia

Background

One of the most prevalent causes of fetal hypoxia leading to stillbirth is placental insufficiency. Hemodynamic changes evaluated with Doppler ultrasound have been used as a surrogate marker of fetal hypoxia. However, Doppler evaluation cannot be performed continuously. As a first step, the present work aimed to evaluate the performance of miniaturized electrochemical sensors in the continuous monitoring of oxygen and pH changes in a model of acute hypoxia-acidosis.

Methods

pH and oxygen electrochemical sensors were evaluated in a ventilatory hypoxia rabbit model. The ventilator hypoxia protocol included 3 differential phases: basal (100% FiO₂), the hypoxia-acidosis period (10% FiO₂) and recovery (100% FiO₂). Sensors were tested in blood tissue (ex vivo sensing) and in muscular tissue (in vivo sensing). pH electrochemical and oxygen sensors were evaluated on the day of insertion (short-term evaluation) and pH electrochemical sensors were also tested after 5 days of insertion (long-term evaluation). pH and oxygen sensing were registered throughout the ventilatory hypoxia protocol (basal, hypoxia-acidosis, and recovery) and were compared with blood gas metabolites results from carotid artery catheterization (obtained with the EPOC blood analyzer). Finally, histological assessment was performed on the sensor insertion site. One-way ANOVA was used for the analysis of the evolution of acid-based metabolites and electrochemical sensor signaling results; a t-test was used for pre- and post-calibration analyses; and chi-square analyses for categorical variables.

Results

At the short-term evaluation, both the pH and oxygen electrochemical sensors distinguished the basal and hypoxia-acidosis periods in both the in vivo and ex vivo sensing. However, only the ex vivo sensing detected the recovery period. In the long-term evaluation, the pH electrochemical sensor signal seemed to lose sensibility. Finally, histological assessment revealed no signs of alteration on the day of evaluation (short-term), whereas in the long-term evaluation a sub-acute inflammatory reaction adjacent to the implantation site was detected.

Conclusions

Miniaturized electrochemical sensors represent a new generation of tools for the continuous monitoring of hypoxia-acidosis, which is especially indicated in high-risk pregnancies. Further studies including more tissue-compatible material would be required in order to improve long-term electrochemical sensing.

Is the Cerebro-Placental Ratio Sufficient to Predict Adverse Neonatal Outcome in Small for Gestational Age Fetuses > 34 Weeks of Gestation?

Fetuses with an estimated weight (EFW) below the 10th percentile are at risk for adverse perinatal outcome and clinical management remains a challenge. We examined EFW and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) with regard to their predictive capability in the management and outcome of such cases. Fetuses were first diagnosed as small after 34 weeks of gestation with an actual EFW below the 10th percentile at our tertiary academic center. We determined the optimum cutoff value for CPR and EFW in predicting adverse neonatal outcome. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 36 weeks. One hundred and two cases were included in our study. We determined a CPR of 1.4 and an EFW of 2152 g to be the best cutoff value for predicting adverse fetal outcome, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.65 (95% CI 0.54–0.76); p = 0.009, and 0.76 (95% CI 0.66–0.86); p < 0.0001, respectively. However, when comparing EFW with CPR, EFW seems to be slightly better in predicting adverse fetal outcome in our group. While the use of CPR alone for the management of small fetuses is not sufficient, it is an important additional tool that may be of value in the clinical setting.

Adverse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in a Novel Experimental Model of Pregnancy after Recovery from Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical studies report that women with a history of AKI have an increased incidence of maternal and fetal adverse outcomes during pregnancy, despite fully recovering renal function prior to conception. The mechanisms contributing to such adverse outcomes in pregnancy after AKI are not yet understood.

METHODS

To develop a rodent model to investigate fetal and maternal outcomes in female animals with a history of AKI, we used ischemia-reperfusion injury as an experimental model of AKI in female Sprague Dawley rats. The 12-week-old animals underwent warm bilateral ischemia-reperfusion surgery involving clamping of both renal arteries for 45 minutes or sham surgery (control). Rats were allowed to recover for 1 month prior to mating. Recovery from ischemia-reperfusion injury was confirmed by measurements of plasma creatinine and urinary protein excretion. We assessed maternal and fetal outcomes during late pregnancy on gestational day 20.

RESULTS

After recovery from ischemia-reperfusion injury, compared with healthy sham-surgery controls, dams exhibited pregnancy-induced renal insufficiency with increases in plasma creatinine and urea, along with increased urinary protein excretion. Additionally, recovered ischemia-reperfusion dams experienced worse fetal outcomes compared with controls, with intrauterine growth restriction leading to higher rates of fetal demise and smaller pups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this rat model, despite biochemical resolution of ischemia-reperfusion injury, subsequent pregnancy resulted in maternal renal insufficiency and significant impairments in fetal growth. This mirrors findings in recent reports in the clinical population, indicating that this model may be a useful tool to further explore the alterations in kidney function after AKI in women.

Maternal and fetal characteristics to predict c-section delivery: A scoring system for pregnant women

INTRODUCTION

Cesarean section is one of the most common obstetrical interventions that has been performed at an increasing rate globally, due to both medical and non-medical reasons. This study aims to develop a prediction tool for pregnant women potentially needing c-section, such that necessary preparations from the mothers, families, and health providers can be made.

METHODS

A total of 603 pregnant women were recruited in the first phase of c-section prediction tool development. The association between the maternal and fetal factors on the risk of c-section were analyzed, followed by a stepwise multivariate regression analysis. In the next phase, 61 pregnant women were enrolled for external validation. Discrimination was assessed using area under the curve. The calibration plot was then made and assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.

RESULTS

There were 251 (41.6%) cases of vaginal delivery and 352 (58.4%) of c-section assessed. Multivariate analysis showed that gestational age < 37 wg (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10-2.51), pre-pregnancy body mass index (underweight) (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22-0.76), no history of vaginal delivery (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.76-4.02), history of uterine surgery (OR: 8.34, 95% CI: 4.54-15.30), obstetrical complications (OR: 5.61, 95% CI: 3.53-8.90), birthweight ⩾ 3500 g (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 2.16-8.47), and non-cephalic presentation (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.53-4.89) were independently associated with c-section delivery. Those parameters were included in a 7-item scoring tool, with consecutive predictive scores of 1,-1,2,3,3,2,2,1. The area under the curve result was 0.813 (95% CI: 0.779-0.847), indicating a good predictive ability. The external validation showed AUC: 0.806, 95% CI: 0.694-0.917, Hosmer-Lemeshow test p = 0.666 and calibration plot coefficient of r = 0.939.

CONCLUSION

A total of 7 maternal-fetal factors were found to be strongly associated with c-section delivery, including gestational age < 37, maternal underweight body mass index, previous uterine surgery, obstetrical complications, birthweight ⩾ 3500, history of vaginal delivery, and non-cephalic presentation. Using these factors, a prediction tool was developed and validated with good quality.

miR-16-5p, miR-103-3p, and miR-27b-3p as Early Peripheral Biomarkers of Fetal Growth Restriction

Current tests available to diagnose fetal hypoxia in-utero lack sensitivity thus failing to identify many fetuses at risk. Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs derived from the placenta circulate in the maternal blood during pregnancy and may be used as non-invasive biomarkers for pregnancy complications. With the intent to identify putative markers of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and new therapeutic druggable targets, we examined, in maternal blood samples, the expression of a group of microRNAs, known to be regulated by hypoxia. The expression of microRNAs was evaluated in maternal plasma samples collected from (1) women carrying a preterm FGR fetus (FGR group) or (2) women with an appropriately grown fetus matched at the same gestational age (Control group). To discriminate between early- and late-onset FGR, the study population was divided into two subgroups according to the gestational age at delivery. Four microRNAs were identified as possible candidates for the diagnosis of FGR: miR-16-5p, miR-103-3p, miR-107-3p, and miR-27b-3p. All four selected miRNAs, measured by RT-PCR, resulted upregulated in FGR blood samples before the 32nd week of gestation. By contrast, miRNA103-3p and miRNA107-3p, analyzed between the 32nd and 37th week of gestation, showed lower expression in the FGR group compared to aged matched controls. Our results showed that measurement of miRNAs in maternal blood may form the basis for a future diagnostic test to determine the degree of fetal hypoxia in FGR, thus allowing the start of appropriate therapeutic interventions to alleviate the burden of this disease.

Determination of fetal heart rate short-term variation from umbilical artery Doppler waveforms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of using umbilical artery (UA) Doppler waveforms to measure fetal heart rate (FHR) short-term variation (STV) across gestation.

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal study, conducted at two study sites, of 195 pregnancies considered low risk. Pulsed-wave Doppler of the UAs was performed at 4-weekly intervals, between 14 and 40 weeks of gestation, using a standardized imaging protocol. Up to 12 consecutive UA Doppler waveforms were analyzed using offline processing software. FHR STV was calculated using average R-R intervals extracted from the waveforms and baseline corrected for FHR.

RESULTS

Baseline-corrected FHR STV increased significantly with gestational age (conditional R2  = 0.37; P < 0.0001) and was correlated inversely with FHR (conditional R2  = 0.54; P < 0.0001). The STV ranged (median (interquartile range)) from 3.5 (2.9-4.1) ms at 14-20 weeks' gestation to 6.3 (4.8-7.7) ms at 34-40 weeks' gestation. The change in heart rate STV did not differ between study sites or individual sonographers.

CONCLUSIONS

UA Doppler waveforms offer a robust and feasible method to derive STV of the FHR. It should be emphasized that the UA Doppler-derived STV is not interchangeable with measurements derived with computerized cardiotocography. Accordingly, further investigations are needed to validate associations with outcome, in order to determine the value of concurrent fetal cardiovascular and heart rate evaluations that are possible with the technique described here. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

FIGO position paper on reference charts for fetal growth and size at birth: Which one to use?

Publication of the Intergrowth-21st and WHO growth charts raises the question of which growth data prenatal providers should use in clinical practice. Is it better to use a universal chart applied globally, or metrics based on local or regional growth patterns? And what about customized charts versus local charts? FIGO has reviewed the different growth charts and studies assessing their reproducibility and predictive values for small- and large-for-gestational age newborns and, where available, adverse fetal outcomes. It concludes that local or regional charts are likely to be best for identifying the 10th percentile of newborns at highest risk. However, international standards for growth may also be used when coupled with locally appropriate thresholds for risk interpretation.

Reduced growth velocity from the mid-trimester is associated with placental insufficiency in fetuses born at a normal birthweight

BACKGROUND

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) due to placental insufficiency is a major risk factor for stillbirth. While small-for-gestational-age (SGA; weight < 10th centile) is a commonly used proxy for FGR, detection of FGR among appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA; weight ≥ 10th centile) fetuses remains an unmet need in clinical care. We aimed to determine whether reduced antenatal growth velocity from the time of routine mid-trimester ultrasound is associated with antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal indicators of placental insufficiency among term AGA infants.

METHODS

Three hundred and five women had biometry measurements recorded from their routine mid-trimester (20-week) ultrasound, at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation, and delivered an AGA infant. Mid-trimester, 28- and 36-week estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) centiles were calculated. The EFW and AC growth velocities between 20 and 28 weeks, and 20-36 weeks, were examined as predictors of four clinical indicators of placental insufficiency: (i) low 36-week cerebroplacental ratio (CPR; CPR < 5th centile reflects cerebral redistribution-a fetal adaptation to hypoxia), (ii) neonatal acidosis (umbilical artery pH < 7.15) after the hypoxic challenge of labour, (iii) low neonatal body fat percentage (BF%) reflecting reduced nutritional reserve and (iv) placental weight < 10th centile.

RESULTS

Declining 20-36-week fetal growth velocity was associated with all indicators of placental insufficiency. Each one centile reduction in EFW between 20 and 36 weeks increased the odds of cerebral redistribution by 2.5% (odds ratio (OR) = 1.025, P = 0.001), the odds of neonatal acidosis by 2.7% (OR = 1.027, P = 0.002) and the odds of a < 10th centile placenta by 3.0% (OR = 1.030, P < 0.0001). Each one centile reduction in AC between 20 and 36 weeks increased the odds of neonatal acidosis by 3.1% (OR = 1.031, P = 0.0005), the odds of low neonatal BF% by 2.8% (OR = 1.028, P = 0.04) and the odds of placenta < 10th centile by 2.1% (OR = 1.021, P = 0.0004). Falls in EFW or AC of > 30 centiles between 20 and 36 weeks were associated with two-threefold increased relative risks of these indicators of placental insufficiency, while low 20-28-week growth velocities were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced growth velocity between 20 and 36 weeks among AGA fetuses is associated with antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal indicators of placental insufficiency. These fetuses potentially represent an important, under-recognised cohort at increased risk of stillbirth. Encouragingly, this novel fetal assessment would require only one additional ultrasound to current routine care, and adds to the potential benefits of routine 36-week ultrasound.

Cerebroplacental ratio as a predictor of intrapartum fetal compromise in term pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To predict intrapartum fetal compromise (FC) and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in term pregnancies.

METHODS

A prospective observational study recruited women with singleton, term pregnancies. Ultrasound (US) was done for fetal biometry, umbilical and middle cerebral artery (UA, MCA) Doppler parameters, and CPR calculated. Intrapartum variables and neonatal data were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean interval from US to delivery was 2.21 ± 2.71 days. Rate of operative delivery for FC was 17.47%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UA pulsatility index (PI) multiples of median (MoM) (P = 0.001), MCA PI MoM (P = 0.001), and CPR MoM (P = 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with operative delivery for FC. Similarly, UA PI MoM (P = 0.004), MCA PI MoM (P = 0.009), and CPR MoM (P = 0.003) were also significantly and independently associated with admission to the NICU. Rate of operative delivery for presumed FC was higher in approprate-for-gestational-age fetuses with low CPR than in small-for-gestational-age fetuses with normal CPR (43.1% and 37.5%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Lower mean CPR and CPR MoM were independently associated with the need for operative delivery for presumed FC and NICU admission at term. CPR is more likely to be associated with FC due to placental insufficiency than birth weight.

Comparison of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction screenings at first trimester in a high-risk population

AIM

To compare the sensitivity and specificity of screening for preeclampsia and FGR including maternal characteristics, mean arterial blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index and the combined screening, which adds biochemical markers, such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), in a sample of high risk population for hypertensive disorders.

METHODS

This is a prospective study with 527 singleton pregnancies at 11-14 weeks of gestation. Maternal characteristics, biochemical and biophysical markers were studied to determine the development of preeclampsia and FGR by using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

For preeclampsia, screening, including sociodemographic data plus biophysical markers, had a sensitivity and specificity of 70.3% (CI% 64.3-75.2) and 93.8% (CI% 90.9-96.8), respectively. Combined screening, which includes sociodemographic data, biophysical (mean blood pressure and uterine artery pulsatility index) and biochemical markers (PlGF and PAPP-A), increased sensitivity and specificity up to 85.5% (CI% 80.2-90.3) and 96.3% (CI% 91.4-98.9), respectively. For FGR, sociodemographic data plus biophysical markers had a sensitivity and specificity of 57.8% (CI% 50.1-63.4) and 80.1% (CI% 74.3-85.9), respectively. Combined screening increased sensitivity and specificity up to 67.2% (CI% 52.1-71.3) and 82.7% (CI% 75.2-90.1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Combined screening for preeclampsia and FGR at 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, which includes maternal characteristics, mean blood pressure, uterine artery pulsatility index, PAPP-A and PlGF, has higher sensitivity and specificity than other screening options. Therefore, considering all these variables during screening is recommended for a superior opportunity of identifying pregnant women in risk for preeclampsia and FGR, especially in a high-risk population.

Maternal proteomic profiling reveals alterations in lipid metabolism in late-onset fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction defined as the failure to achieve the fetal genetic growth potential is a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The role of maternal adaptations to placental insufficiency in this disorder is still not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the biological processes and protein–protein interactions involved in late-onset fetal growth restriction in particular. We applied 2D nano LC–MS/MS proteomics analysis on maternal blood samples collected at the time of delivery from 5 singleton pregnancies with late-onset fetal growth restriction and 5 uncomplicated pregnancies. Data were analyzed using R package “limma” and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. 25 proteins showed significant changes in their relative abundance in late-onset fetal growth restriction (p value < 0.05). Direct protein–protein interactions network demonstrated that Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (NOTCH1) was the most significant putative upstream regulator of the observed profile. Gene ontology analysis of these proteins revealed the involvement of 14 canonical pathways. The most significant biological processes were efflux of cholesterol, efflux of phospholipids, adhesion of blood cells, fatty acid metabolism and dyslipidemia. Future studies are warranted to validate the potential role of the detected altered proteins as potential therapeutic targets in the late-onset form of fetal growth restriction.

Placental expression of angiogenesis-related genes and their receptors in IUGR pregnancies: correlation with fetoplacental and maternal parameters

Objectives: Aberrations in placental vascular development compromising fetal supply of oxygen and essential nutrients can be a significant contributor to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The development of placental vascular tree is under the influence of two families of growth factors, namely the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family and angiopoietin/TEK family. In this study, we have examined the expression of angiogenesis-related growth factors, mainly VEGF family and angiopoietin-TEK (endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase) family genes in placentae from IUGR pregnancies uncomplicated by preeclampsia (PE) compared to normal pregnancies.Methods: Placentae from normotensive IUGR (n = 42) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies (n = 47) were collected and examined histologically. Clinical parameters were obtained from the medical records. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed to assess placental transcript abundance of VEGF, PGF, FLT1, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and TEK normalized to a panel of reference genes. Associations of placental transcript abundance of the genes with maternal, placental, and neonatal parameters were tested.Results: Placental transcript abundance for VEGF (relative expression 10.81 versus 12.98, p < .001), PGF (12.14 versus 13.8, p < .001) and ANGPT2 (3.67 versus 9.55, p = .002) were significantly lower in IUGR placentae compared to AGA. The transcript level of VEGF showed significant negative correlation with birth weight (r = -0.419, p = .006), placental weight (r = -0.318, p = .040), placental length (r = -0.389, p = .011) and breadth (r = -0.308, p = .047) only in the IUGR group. Presence of histopathological features of hypoxia correlated with significantly higher transcript levels of PGF in IUGR placentae (12.6 versus 10.9, p = .046).Conclusion: The low levels of VEGF transcripts may be responsible for the impaired angiogenesis in IUGR placentae. The significance of higher relative expression of PGF in the presence of chronic hypoxia needs to be explored.

The relationship between maternal vitamin D deficiency and glycolipid metabolism and adverse pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE

Maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in the mother and offspring. Meanwhile, it can also lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this case-control study was to document maternal, umbilical arterial glucose and lipid metabolic levels and correlations in pregnancies with or without vitamin D deficiency, while also investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS/MEASUREMENTS

A total of 425 pregnant women who received antenatal care and delivered at Wenzhou People's Hospital were enrolled. According to their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level, the pregnant women were divided into the vitamin D deficiency group [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL, 185 participants] and the control group [25(OH)D ≥ 20 ng/mL, 240 participants]. Maternal blood samples were collected at 24-28 weeks of gestation and delivery for 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and measurements of glucose and lipid metabolite levels and 25(OH)D levels. Umbilical arterial samples were collected during delivery (33.57-41.43 gestational weeks).

RESULTS

Compared with control participants, vitamin D deficiency women had significantly higher concentrations of fasting blood-glucose (P < .01), 1-h OGTT plasma glucose (P < .01), 2-h OGTT plasma glucose (P < .01), insulin (P < .01), HOMA-IR (P < .01), LDL (P < .01) and triglycerides (P = .02) and lower concentrations of HOMA-S (P < .01). Compared with the control group, vitamin D deficiency women had higher concentrations of triglycerides (P < .01) and lower concentrations of HDL-C (P < .01) and HOMA-β (P = .01) in infant umbilical arterial blood. Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated that the maternal 25(OH)D level was negatively correlated with maternal plasma glucose, insulin, LDL-C, cholesterol, triglyceride and HOMA-IR (r = -.38, -.27, -.2, -.11, -.11, -.33 and .11; P < .01, <.01, <.01, <.05, <.05 and <.01, respectively), while there was a positive correlation between maternal serum 25(OH)D and HOMA-S (r = .11, P < .05). The triglyceride level in the umbilical artery was negatively correlated with maternal serum 25(OH)D concentration (r = -.286, P < .01), while the HDL-C and HOMA-β in umbilical artery were positively related (r = .154, .103, P < .01). Compared with the control group, the incidences of pre-eclampsia [4.8% (9/185) vs 1.25% (3/240), P = .03], gestational diabetes mellitus [19.45% (36/185) vs 12.08% (29/240), P = .04] and premature rupture of membranes [15.68% (29/185) vs 5.42% (13/240), P < .01] were higher in the vitamin D deficiency group.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with maternal glucose and lipid metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, it is worth recommending to maintain vitamin D status at an optimal level in pregnant women to prevent metabolic disorders and pregnancy complications.

Standardized healthcare pathway in intrauterine growth restriction and minimum evidence-based care

INTRODUCTION

Fetal growth restricted fetuses are less likely to receive evidence-based care; a previous work demonstrated an improvement in neonatal prognosis when fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) received minimum evidence based-care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a standardized healthcare pathway on the implementation of the recommended clinical practice in the antenatal management of IUGR fetuses, in comparison to a traditional pathway. The quality of the implementation of practice has been defined whether or not minimum evidence-based care (MEC), defined according to the recommendations of the French college of gynecologists and obstetricians (CNGOF), has been implemented.

STUDY DESIGN

From a historical cohort of 31,052 children, born at the Femme Mère Enfant Hospital (Lyon, France) between January 1st, 2011 and December 31st, 2017, we selected the population of IUGR fetuses. We compared the rate of MEC between the IUGR fetuses followed-up in the traditional healthcare pathway versus the IUGR fetuses followed-up in a standardized healthcare pathway between 2015 and 2017.

RESULTS

A total of 245 IUGR were tracked between 2015 and 2017. Over this period, 120 fetuses were followed within the traditional pathway and 125 within the IUGR pathway. The standardized pathway resulted in a higher rate of MEC (86,4%) when compared to IUGR fetuses followed-up in the traditional pathway (27,5% (OR* 20 (95 % CI 10.0-39.7). Among early-onset IUGR: 31 % received MEC in the traditional pathway versus 83 % in the standardized pathway (p<0.001). Among late-onset IUGR: 22 % received MEC in the traditional pathway versus 92 % in the standardized pathway (p<0.001). The provided care in the standardized pathway resulted in an increase of complete antenatal corticosteroid therapy (92,8 %) when compared to the traditional pathway (50.0 %; p<0.001) and a reduction of the rate of caesarean sections before labor for non-reassuring fetal heart rate (15 %) when compared to the traditional pathway (41.3 % p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

The standardized pathway improves the implementation of the local recommendations in the management of early- and late-onset IUGR. This study is the first to suggest a standardized care pathway in prenatal medicine. A medico-economic study could estimate the health care savings that such a pathway would provide by allowing a medical management in accordance with the recommendations.

Study of the fetal and maternal microbiota in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction and its relationship with inflammatory biomarkers: A case-control study protocol (SPIRIT compliant)

In general terms, fetal growth restriction (FGR) is considered the impossibility of achieving the genetically determined potential size. In the vast majority of cases, it is related to uteroplacental insufficiency. Although its origin remains unknown and causes are only known in 30% of cases, it is believed to be related to an interaction of environmental and genetic factors with either a fetal or maternal origin. One hypothesis is that alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota composition, and thus alteration in the immune response, could play a role in FGR development. We performed an observational, prospective study in a subpopulation affected with FGR to elucidate the implications of this microbiota on the FGR condition.A total of 63 fetuses with FGR diagnosed in the third trimester as defined by the Delphi consensus, and 63 fetuses with fetal growth appropriate for gestational age will be recruited. Obstetric and nutritional information will be registered by means of specific questionnaires. We will collect maternal fecal samples between 30 to 36 weeks, intrapartum samples (maternal feces, maternal and cord blood) and postpartum samples (meconium and new-born feces at 6 weeks of life). Samples will be analyzed in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Nutrition and Food Technology Institute of the University of Granada (UGR), for the determination of the gastrointestinal microbiota composition and its relationship with inflammatory biomarkers.This study will contribute to a better understanding of the influence of gastrointestinal microbiota and related inflammatory biomarkers in the development of FGR.Trial registration: NCT04047966. Registered August 7, 2019, during the recruitment stage. Retrospectively registered. Ongoing research.

Individual risk assessment for prenatal counseling in early-onset growth-restricted and small-for-gestational-age fetuses

INTRODUCTION

Early-onset fetal growth restriction and small-for-gestational age of fetuses lead to an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Doppler abnormalities can predict the occurrence of complications in the short term, but normal fetal Doppler values at the time of diagnosis do not exclude their occurrence in the long term. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of a predictive model to assess individual risks for prenatal counseling at the time of diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of singleton pregnancies with estimated fetal weight below the 10th centile between 20⁺⁰ and 31⁺⁶  weeks of gestational age. Placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) levels, estimated fetal weight centile, uterine artery pulsatility index, fetal Doppler and maternal risk factors for placental disease were assessed at the time of enrollment. The occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes or the need for elective delivery at <30, <34 or <37 weeks was considered an adverse pregnancy outcomes. Univariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between each predictive variable and the adverse outcomes. A multivariable logistic regression-based model was constructed with the combination of all variables. An additional model without sFlt-1/PlGF was also created. Both models, and the sFlt-1/PlGF alone, were used to develop the different formulas to assess individual risks. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to assess and compare their performance of screening.

RESULTS

Forty-nine small-for-gestational-age fetuses and 124 with fetal growth restriction were enrolled at a median gestational age of 23.6 weeks. Elective delivery was needed in 77 (44.5%) women at <37 weeks, 53 (30.6%) women at <34 weeks and 30 (17.3%) at <30 weeks. Adverse perinatal outcomes occurred in 81 (55.9%) pregnancies. When areas under the curve were compared among models, no statistically significant differences were observed between the model with sFlt-1/PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF alone; however, the model without sFlt-1/PlGF yielded an overall poorer performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual risk assessment can be made at the time of early-onset fetal growth restriction/small-for-gestational-age diagnosis, which permits accurate counseling of parents with an affected fetus. Two formulas could be used: one combining maternal characteristics and ultrasound findings and the other with a single sFlt-1/PlGF measurement.

A Protocol for Evaluating Vital Signs and Maternal-Fetal Parameters Using High-Resolution Ultrasound in Pregnant Mice

Pregnancy is a unique physiological state in which two individuals coexist: the mother and the fetus. Disruption of maternal-fetal crosstalk leads to pregnancy and neonatal pathologies. Therefore, assessing maternal-fetal well-being is essential for understanding the physiological and pathological processes occurring during pregnancy. Herein, we provide a protocol that allows for the determination of body temperature, blood pressure, and the evaluation of uterine and umbilical arteries as well as maternal and fetal heart rate using high-resolution ultrasound in pregnant mice.

For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gomez-Lopez et al. (2020).

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Assessing maternal-fetal well-being is critical for studying pregnancy in mice

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Evaluation of maternal-fetal parameters improves translational value

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High-resolution ultrasound of uterine and umbilical arteries can predict pathology

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This protocol is suitable for evaluating pregnancy disease and treatments in mice

Risk evaluation of fetal growth restriction by combined screening in early and mid-pregnancy

Objectives:

To assess risk of fetal growth restriction (FGR) by combined screening in early and mid-pregnancy.

Methods:

Pregnant women who received prenatal examinations and delivered in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 were selected and retrospectively analyzed. All women completed two ultrasonographic examinations during pregnancy, i.e. Down’s screening during early pregnancy (11-13 + 6 weeks) and prenatal color Doppler screening during mid-pregnancy (20-24 weeks). A total of 33 FGR cases were screened out, and there were 1,507 normal pregnant women. The clinical, ultrasonographic and serological indices in early and mid-pregnancy were recorded. When the false positive rate was 5%, logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the influencing factors and predictive values of individual and combined indices for FGR in corresponding gestational weeks. The sensitivity and specificity of the optimal cutoff value of each index as well as the combination of optimal predictive indices were found by the area under ROC curve (AUC).

Results:

When the false positive rate was 5% in the single-index screening during early pregnancy, the parity, BPD, AC, HC, and FL had statistical significances. Multivariate analysis showed that the parity and BPD had statistical significances. During mid-pregnancy, univariate analysis revealed that the parity, BMI, BPD, AC, HC, FL, UTA-PI, UTA-RI, UA-PI and UA-RI had statistical significances. BMI, AC, UTA-PI, UTA-RI, UA-PI and UA-RI had statistical significances in multivariate analysis. BMI, UTA-PI and UA-PI were risk factors for FGR, with UTA-PI being most dangerous. AUC for combined screening exceeded those for individual screenings. The best combined screening program was BPD in early pregnancy + BMI + AC + UTA-PI + UTA-RI + UA-PI + UA-RI in mid-pregnancy. The optimal cutoff value was 0.015, with the sensitivity of 83.1% and the specificity of 61.3%.

Conclusion:

The predictive efficiency of combined FGR screening in early and mid-pregnancy surpasses that of simple mid-pregnancy screening. It is recommended to use the integrated screening program in early and mid-pregnancy to predict FGR.

Markers of Endothelial Injury and Dysfunction in Early- and Late-Onset Preeclampsia

With regard to differences in the clinical symptoms of preeclampsia (PE), the degree of endothelial dysfunction may differ between early and late-onset preeclampsia (EOP and LOP). The authors of this study examined it by assessing the endothelial injury level in women with EOP (20 patients) and LOP (20 patients) and in normotensive pregnant women (20 patients) in their late second and third trimesters of pregnancy, using the two markers-the serum concentration of hyaluronan (HA) and the serum level of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). The serum concentrations of HA and sVCAM-1 did not differ significantly between the EOP and LOP patients. However, these were statistically higher than that of the control group participants (p < 0.05; p < 0.001). A significant correlation between the levels of HA and sVCAM-1 was found both in the entire group of patients with preeclampsia (p = 0.0277) and in women with late-onset disease (p = 0.0364), but not in the patients with early-onset preeclampsia (p = 0.331). The obtained results indicated a comparable level of endothelial injury in the two types of PE. The presence of a similar degree of endothelial injury in patients with EOP and LOP should create awareness among all clinicians about the possible fatal complications in both groups of patients with PE.

Preventing term stillbirth: benefits and limitations of using fetal growth reference charts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review examines the variation in clinical practice with regards to ultrasound estimation of fetal weight, as well as calculation of fetal weight centiles.

RECENT FINDINGS

Placental dysfunction is associated with fetal smallness from intrauterine malnutrition as well as fetal disability and even stillbirth from hypoxemia. Although estimating fetal weight can be done accurately, the issue of which fetal weight centile chart should be used continues to be a contentious topic. The arguments against local fetal growth charts based on national borders and customization for variables known to be associated with disease are substantial. As for other human diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, there is a rationale for the use of an international fetal growth reference standard. Irrespective of the choice of fetal growth reference standard, a significant limitation of small for gestational age (SGA) detection programs to prevent stillbirth is that the majority of stillborn infants at term were not SGA at the time of demise.

SUMMARY

Placental dysfunction can present with SGA from malnutrition and/or stillbirth from hypoxemia depending on the gestational age of onset. Emerging data show that at term, fetal Doppler arterial redistribution is associated more strongly with perinatal death than fetal size. Properly conducted trials of the role for maternal characteristics, fetal size, placental biomarkers, and Doppler assessing fetal well-being are required urgently.

sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and timing of delivery in early-onset fetal growth restriction with antegrade umbilical artery flow

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the value of the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio in predicting the time to delivery in early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) with preserved antegrade umbilical artery (UA) flow at diagnosis.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational single-center cohort study of pregnancies with early-onset (< 32 + 0 weeks) FGR and antegrade UA flow, in which maternal serum sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was determined at diagnosis. FGR was defined as estimated fetal weight < 3^rd centile or < 10^th centile with UA pulsatility index > 95^th centile, fetal middle cerebral artery pulsatility index < 5^th centile or cerebroplacental ratio < 5^th centile. The previously described sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cut-off value of 85 for facilitating the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia was assessed in the prediction of the need to deliver in < 1 week and ≥ 4 weeks.

RESULTS

In total, 120 cases were included. There were 116 (96.7%) liveborn neonates and 108 (90.0%) perinatal survivors. Median (interquartile range (IQR)) gestational age at diagnosis of early-onset FGR was 27.1 (25.7-29.4) weeks. Median (IQR) sFlt-1/PlGF ratio at diagnosis was 196 (84-474). Ninety (75.0%) cases had a sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥ 85. Among pregnancies with a liveborn neonate, median (IQR) interval to delivery in the groups with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio < 85 and ≥ 85 was 41 (22-54) days and 11 (4-20) days, respectively (P < 0.01). The probability of having to deliver within 1 week after diagnosis was 0% and 35.6% in those with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio < 85 and ≥ 85, respectively (P = 0.03), and the probability of delaying delivery for ≥ 4 weeks was 72.4% and 19.5%, respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

sFlt-1/PlGF ratio < 85 at diagnosis of early-onset FGR with antegrade UA flow identifies a group of pregnancies in which the need to deliver within 1 week is very low and the interval to delivery is expected to be prolonged for ≥ 4 weeks in > 70% of cases. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Maternal sildenafil impairs the cardiovascular adaptations to chronic hypoxaemia in fetal sheep

KEY POINTS

Fetal growth restriction induces a haemodynamic response that aims to maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, in the face of chronic hypoxaemia Maternal sildenafil treatment impairs the hypoxaemia-driven haemodynamic response and potentially compromises fetal development.

ABSTRACT

Inadequate substrate delivery to a fetus results in hypoxaemia and fetal growth restriction (FGR). In response, fetal cardiovascular adaptations redirect cardiac output to essential organs to maintain oxygen delivery and sustain development. However, FGR infants remain at risk for cardiovascular and neurological sequelae. Sildenafil citrate (SC) has been examined as a clinical therapy for FGR, but also crosses the placenta and may exert direct effects on the fetus. We investigated the effects of maternal SC administration on maternal and fetal cardiovascular physiology in growth-restricted fetal sheep. Fetal sheep (0.7 gestation) underwent sterile surgery to induce growth restriction by single umbilical artery ligation (SUAL) or sham surgery (control, AG). Fetal catheters and flow probes were implanted to measure carotid and femoral arterial blood flows. Ewes containing SUAL fetuses were randomized to receive either maternal administration of saline or SC (36 mg i.v. per day) beginning 4 days after surgery, and continuing for 20 days. Physiological recordings were obtained throughout the study. Antenatal SC treatment reduced body weight by 32% and oxygenation by 18% in SUAL compared to AG. SC did not alter maternal or fetal heart rate or blood pressure. Femoral blood flow and peripheral oxygen delivery were increased by 49% and 30% respectively in SUALSC compared to SUAL, indicating impaired cardiovascular adaptation to chronic hypoxaemia. Antenatal SC directly impairs the fetal haemodynamic response to chronic hypoxaemia. Consideration of the consequences upon the fetus should be paramount when administering interventions to the mother during pregnancy.

"Screening for small-for-gestational age neonates at early third trimester in a high-risk population for preeclampsia"

BACKGROUND

Strategies to improve prenatal detection of small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates are necessary because its association with poorer perinatal outcome. This study evaluated, in pregnancies with first trimester high risk of early preeclampsia, the performance of a third trimester screening for SGA combining biophysical and biochemical markers.

METHODS

This is a prospective longitudinal study on 378 singleton pregnancies identified at high risk of early preeclampsia according to a first trimester multiparametric algorithm with the cutoff corresponding to 15% false positive rate. This cohort included 50 cases that delivered SGA neonates with birthweight < 10th centile (13.2%) and 328 cases with normal birthweight (86.8%). At 27-30 weeks' gestation, maternal weight, blood pressure, estimated fetal weight, mean uterine artery pulsatility index and maternal biochemical markers (placental growth factor and soluble FMS-Like Tyrosine Kinase-1) were assessed. Different predictive models were created to evaluate their performance to predict SGA neonates.

RESULTS

For a 15% FPR, a model that combines maternal characteristics, estimated fetal weight, mean uterine artery pulsatility index and placental growth factor achieved a detection rate (DR) of 56% with a negative predictive value of 92.2%. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.86). The DR of a model including maternal characteristics, estimated fetal weight and mean uterine artery pulsatility index was 54% (AUC, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.70-0.84)). The DR of a model that includes maternal characteristics and placental growth factor achieved a similar performance (DR 56%, AUC 0.75, 95% CI (0.67-0.83)).

CONCLUSIONS

The performance of screening for SGA neonates at early third trimester combining biophysical and biochemical markers in a high-risk population is poor. However, a high negative predictive value could help in reducing maternal anxiety, avoid iatrogenic interventions and propose a specific plan for higher risk patients.

Fetal Growth Restriction - Diagnostic Work-up, Management and Delivery

Fetal or intrauterine growth restriction (FGR/IUGR) affects approximately 5 – 8% of all pregnancies and refers to a fetus not exploiting its genetically determined growth potential. Not only a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, it also predisposes these fetuses to the development of chronic disorders in later life. Apart from the timely diagnosis and identification of the causes of FGR, the obstetric challenge primarily entails continued antenatal management with optimum timing of delivery. In order to minimise premature birth morbidity, intensive fetal monitoring aims to prolong the pregnancy and at the same time intervene, i.e. deliver, before the fetus is threatened or harmed. It is important to note that early-onset FGR (< 32 + 0 weeks of gestation [wks]) should be assessed differently than late-onset FGR (≥ 32 + 0 wks). In early-onset FGR progressive deterioration is reflected in abnormal venous Doppler parameters, while in late-onset FGR this manifests primarily in abnormal cerebral Doppler ultrasound. According to our current understanding, the “optimum” approach for monitoring and timing of delivery in early-onset FGR combines computerized CTG with the ductus venosus Doppler, while in late-onset FGR assessment of the cerebral Doppler parameters becomes more important.

Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase to placental growth factor ratio in different stages of early-onset fetal growth restriction and small for gestational age

INTRODUCTION

Increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase to placental growth factor ratio (sFlt-1/PlGF) has been demonstrated in early-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA). sFlt-1/PlGF cut-offs have been described to assess preeclampsia severity; however, sFlt-1/PlGF values present in early-onset SGA and different FGR severity stages remain unknown. Hence, the objective of this study was to describe and compare the sFlt-1/PlGF values and pregnancy outcomes among early-onset SGA/FGR stages.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective case-control study conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Singleton pregnancies with estimated fetal weight <10th centile and a control group of uncomplicated pregnancies between 20⁺⁰ and 31⁺⁶  weeks of gestation were enrolled. Study women were classified at diagnosis into different stages, according to estimated fetal weight centile and Doppler ultrasound. sFlt-1/PlGF serum concentrations were measured at diagnosis and, together with pregnancy outcomes, were compared among FGR severity stages, SGA, and controls. Finally, correlations between sFlt-1/PlGF values and time to delivery, gestational age at delivery, days of neonatal admission, and birthweight z-scores were investigated.

RESULTS

Among the 207 women enrolled, 32 (15.4%) had uncomplicated pregnancies, 49 (23.7%) pregnancies showed SGA, and 126 (60.9%) involved FGR (92 being stage I, 17 stage II, and 17 stage III). SGA and controls had similar median sFlt-1/PlGF values (25.7 vs 27.1, P > .05) and pregnancy outcomes. However, all FGR stages had significantly poorer outcomes and greater sFlt-1/PlGF values than those of SGA and controls. Furthermore, median values differed significantly among all FGR severity stages (9.76 for stage I; 284.3 for stage II, and 625.02 for stage III, P < .05) increasing with FGR severity as well as the frequency of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between greater sFlt-1/PlGF ratio values and gestational age at delivery, time from diagnosis to delivery, birthweight z-scores, and time in neonatal intensive care unit (r = -.637, r = -.576, r = -.161, and r = .311, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Values of sFlt-1/PlGF at diagnosis permit early-onset FGR/SGA severity classification with good correlation with Doppler ultrasound findings and the occurrence of adverse outcomes. Thus, sFlt-1/PlGF could aid in early-onset FGR/SGA severity classification and clinical management when Doppler assessment is not feasible.

Hemopexin and α1-microglobulin heme scavengers with differential involvement in preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction

Hemopexin and α1-microglobulin act as scavengers to eliminate free heme-groups responsible for hemoglobin-induced oxidative stress. The present study evaluated maternal and fetal plasma concentrations of these scavengers in the different phenotypes of placenta-mediated disorders. Singleton pregnancies with normotensive fetal growth restriction [FGR] (n = 47), preeclampsia without FGR (n = 45) and preeclampsia with FGR (n = 51) were included prospectively as well as uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 49). Samples were collected at delivery and ELISA analysis was applied to measure the hemopexin and α1-microglobulin concentrations. In maternal blood in preeclampsia with and without FGR, hemopexin was significantly lower (p = 0.003 and p<0.001, respectively) and α1-microglobulin was significantly higher (p<0.001 in both) whereas no difference existed in normotensive FGR mothers compared to controls. In contrast, in fetal blood in growth restricted fetuses with and without preeclampsia, both hemopexin and α1-microglobulin were significantly lower (p<0.001 and p = 0.001 for hemopexin, p = 0.016 and p = 0.013 for α1-microglobulin, respectively) with no difference in fetuses from preeclampsia without FGR in comparison to controls. Thus, hemopexin and α1-microglobulin present significantly altered concentrations in maternal blood in the maternal disease -preeclampsia- and in cord blood in the fetal disease -FGR-, which supports their differential role in placenta-mediated disorders in accordance with the clinical presentation of these disorders.

Two-dimensional Speckle tracking echocardiography in Fetal Growth Restriction: a systematic review

Background Fetal growth restriction (FGR), defined as an estimated fetal weight (EFW)<10th percentile, is associated with an increased risk for adverse fetal and neonatal outcome. Early antenatal diagnosis is important and remains challenging. Deformation changes in the fetal myocardium are early signs of myocardial dysfunction. These changes can be measured using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) to predict impaired placental function in the growth restricted fetus. Aim To review the literature on fetal heart deformation values measured with 2D-STE, in fetuses with an EFW< 10th centile and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses, and to compare the results in both groups. Methods The EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until April 2020. Observational studies on evaluating the cardiac deformation values longitudinal strain, strain rate, and/or global dyssynchrony of both ventricles in FGR, using 2D-STE, were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottowa risk of bias scale. Results Four studies met the inclusion criteria. The mean gestational age (GA) varied from 30 to 38 weeks in the FGR group and 20 to 40 weeks in AGA fetuses. The number of included FGR fetuses (with or without Doppler abnormalities), varied from 30 to 50. Longitudinal strain in FGR fetuses was described as comparable (n = 2), increased (n = 1) and>95th percentile (n = 1) compared to AGA fetuses. Strain rate was measured in two studies. One reported an increased strain rate, another showed comparable strain rate. Two studies addressed global left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) dyssynchrony. Dyssynchrony was increased in FGR compared to AGA fetuses. Conclusion The currently published data is limited and heterogeneous concerning GA and Doppler profiles. The data presentation and the interpretation thereof make qualitative comparisons impossible. Large prospective longitudinal cohort studies looking at the value of deformation measurements of the fetal heart in FGR and AGA fetuses are needed to assess the clinical significance of deformation values measured with 2D-STE.

Placental Histopathology and Pregnancy Outcomes in "Early" vs. "Late" Placental Abruption

Placenta-associated pregnancy complications (fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia) are traditionally classified as "early" and "late" due to their different pathophysiology, histopathology, and pregnancy outcomes. As placental abruption (PA) represents another placenta-associated complication, we aimed to study if this categorization can be applied to PA as well. Pregnancy and placental reports of all pregnancies complicated by PA between November 2008 and January 2019 were reviewed. Maternal background, pregnancy outcomes, and placental histopathology were compared between cases of PA < 34 weeks (early PA group) vs. > 34 weeks (late PA group). Placental lesions were classified according to the "Amsterdam" criteria. The primary outcome was severe neonatal morbidity (≥ 1 severe neonatal complications: seizures, IVH, HIE, PVL, blood transfusion, NEC, or death). Included were 305 cases of PA, 71 (23.3%) in the early group and 234 (76.7%) in the late group. The early PA group was characterized by higher rates of vaginal bleeding upon presentation (p = 0.003), DIC (p = 0.018), and severe neonatal morbidity (p < 0.001). The late PA group was characterized by a higher rate of urgent Cesarean deliveries (p < 0.001). The early PA group was characterized by higher rates of placental maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) lesions (p < 0.001), maternal inflammatory response (MIR) lesions (p < 0.001), placental hemorrhage (p < 0.001), and a lower feto-placental ratio (p < 0.001). Using regression analysis, we found that severe neonatal morbidity was independently associated with early abruption (aOR = 5.3, 95% CI = 3.9-7.6), placental MVM (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2-1.9), placental MIR (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4-2.3), and inversely associated with antenatal corticosteroids (aOR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.6-0.98). "Early" and "late" PA significantly differ in their presentation, placental pathology, and pregnancy outcomes.

Novel ultrasound assessment of placental pathological function using superb microvascular imaging

Ultrasound Doppler method of Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) can significantly visualize low-velocity blood flow using a unique algorithm. We scanned placenta antenatally using SMI and compared those findings with histological findings after delivery in cases with placental abnormalities. In normal, SMI expresses stem villous vessels connecting to the tertiary villous vessels which are sharply diminished, and expresses intervillous blood flow as "scatter." Placental infarction was expressed as an anechoic area in SMI. Avascular villi was expressed as absent villous blood trees in a background scatter flow in SMI. In this report, we demonstrated typical SMI findings of the pathologic placenta as a pilot study.

The role of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor-mediated homeobox gene expression in human placental apoptosis, and its implications in idiopathic fetal growth restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is caused by poor placental development and function early in gestation. It is well known that placentas from women with FGR exhibit reduced cell growth, elevated levels of apoptosis and perturbed expression of the growth factors, cytokines and the homeobox gene family of transcription factors. Previous studies have reported that insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) interacts with its receptor-2 (IGF2R) to regulate villous trophoblast survival and apoptosis. In this study, we hypothesized that human placental IGF2R-mediated homeobox gene expression is altered in FGR and contributes to abnormal trophoblast function. This study was designed to determine the association between IGF2R, homeobox gene expression and cell survival in pregnancies affected by FGR. Third trimester placentas were collected from FGR-affected pregnancies (n = 29) and gestation matched with control pregnancies (n = 30). Functional analyses were then performed in vitro using term placental explants (n = 4) and BeWo trophoblast cells. mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR, while protein expression was examined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. siRNA transfection was used to silence IGF2R expression in placental explants and the BeWo cell-line. cDNA arrays were used to screen for downstream targets of IGF2R, specifically homeobox gene transcription factors and apoptosis-related genes. Functional effects of silencing IGF2R were then verified by β-hCG ELISA, caspase activity assays and a real-time electrical cell-impedance assay for differentiation, apoptosis and cell growth potential, respectively. IGF2R expression was significantly decreased in placentas from pregnancies complicated by idiopathic FGR (P < 0.05 versus control). siRNA-mediated IGF2R knockdown in term placental explants and the trophoblast cell line BeWo resulted in altered expression of homeobox gene transcription factors, including increased expression of distal-less homeobox gene 5 (DLX5), and decreased expression of H2.0-Like Homeobox 1 (HLX) (P < 0.05 versus control). Knockdown of IGF2R transcription increased the expression and activity of caspase-6 and caspase-8 in placental explants, decreased BeWo proliferation and increased BeWo differentiation (all P < 0.05 compared to respective controls). This is the first study linking IGF2R placental expression with changes in the expression of homeobox genes that control cellular signalling pathways responsible for increased trophoblast cell apoptosis, which is a characteristic feature of FGR.

Validation of Delphi procedure consensus criteria for defining fetal growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

Recently, a Delphi procedure was used to establish new criteria for defining fetal growth restriction (FGR). These criteria require clinical validation. We sought to validate the Delphi consensus criteria by comparing their performance with that of our current definition (estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10^th percentile) in predicting adverse neonatal outcome (ANO).

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study of women referred for fetal growth assessment between 26 and 36 weeks' gestation. The current standard definition of FGR used in our clinical practice is EFW < 10^th percentile using Hadlock's fetal growth standard. The Delphi consensus criteria for FGR include either a very small fetus (abdominal circumference (AC) or EFW < 3^rd percentile) or a small fetus (AC or EFW < 10^th percentile) with additional abnormal Doppler findings or a decrease in AC or EFW by two quartiles or more. The primary outcome was the prediction of a composite of ANO including one or more of: admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, cord pH < 7.1, 5-min Apgar score < 7, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal seizures or neonatal death. The discriminatory capacities of the two definitions of FGR for composite ANO and delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonate, defined as birth weight < 10^th percentile, were compared using area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC). The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the methods were also compared.

RESULTS

Of 1055 pregnancies included in the study, composite ANO occurred in 139 (13.2%). There were only two cases of early FGR (before 32 weeks); therefore, the study focused on late FGR. Our current FGR diagnostic criterion of EFW < 10^th percentile was not associated significantly with composite ANO (relative risk (RR), 1.1 (95% CI, 0.6-1.8)), while the Delphi FGR criteria were (RR, 2.0 (95% CI, 1.2-3.3)). Our current definition of FGR showed higher discriminatory ability in the prediction of a SGA neonate (AUC, 0.69 (95% CI, 0.65-0.73)) than did the Delphi definition (AUC, 0.64 (95% CI, 0.60-0.67)) (P = 0.001). The AUCs of both definitions were poor for the prediction of composite ANO, despite slightly improved performance using the Delphi consensus definition of FGR (AUC, 0.53 (95% CI, 0.50-0.55)) compared with that of our current definition (AUC, 0.50 (95% CI, 0.48-0.53)) (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The newly postulated criteria for defining FGR based on a Delphi procedure detects fewer cases of neonatal SGA than does our current definition of EFW < 10^th percentile, but is associated with a slight improvement in predicting ANO. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Life Course Trajectories of Maternal Cardiovascular Risk Factors according to Offspring Birthweight: The HUNT Study

Women with small or large for gestational age offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. How their cardiovascular risk factors develop across the life course is incompletely known. We linked data from the population-based HUNT Study (1984–2008) and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (1967–2012) for 22,487 women. Mixed effect models were used to compare cardiovascular risk factor trajectories for women according to first offspring birthweight for gestational age. Women with small for gestational age (SGA) offspring had 1–2 mmHg higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure across the life course, but lower measures of adiposity, compared to women with offspring who were appropriate for gestational age (AGA). In contrast, women with large for gestational age (LGA) offspring had higher measures of adiposity, ~0.1 mmol/l higher non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides and 0.2 mmol/l higher non-fasting glucose, compared with mothers of AGA offspring. These differences were broadly stable from prior to first pregnancy until 60 years of age. Our findings point to different cardiovascular risk profiles in mothers of SGA versus LGA offspring, where giving birth to SGA offspring might primarily reflect adverse maternal vascular health whereas LGA offspring might reflect the mother’s metabolic health.

MicroRNA-148b-3p and MicroRNA-25-3p Are Overexpressed in Fetuses with Late-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction

OBJECTIVE

It was the aim of this study to describe a micro-RNA (miRNA) profile characteristic of late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) and to investigate the pathways involved in their biochemical action.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 25 fetuses (16 normal and 9 with FGR [estimated fetal weight <10th centile plus cerebroplacental ratio <0.6765 multiples of the median]) were evaluated with Doppler ultrasound after 36 weeks. Afterwards, for every fetus, plasma from umbilical vein blood was collected at birth, miRNA was extracted, and full miRNA sequencing was performed. Subsequently, comparisons were done in order to obtain those miRNAs that were differentially expressed.

RESULTS

The FGR fetuses expressed upregulation of two miRNAs: miR-25-3p and, especially, miR-148b-3p, a miRNA directly involved in Schwann cell migration, neuronal plasticity, and energy metabolism (p = 0.0072, p = 0.0013).

CONCLUSIONS

FGR fetuses express a different miRNA profile, which includes overexpression of miR-25-3p and miR-148b-3p. This information might improve our understanding of the pathophysiological processes involved in late-onset FGR. Future validation and feasibility studies will be required to propose miRNAs as a valid tool in the diagnosis and management of FGR.

Evaluation of deep convolutional neural networks for automatic classification of common maternal fetal ultrasound planes

The goal of this study was to evaluate the maturity of current Deep Learning classification techniques for their application in a real maternal-fetal clinical environment. A large dataset of routinely acquired maternal-fetal screening ultrasound images (which will be made publicly available) was collected from two different hospitals by several operators and ultrasound machines. All images were manually labeled by an expert maternal fetal clinician. Images were divided into 6 classes: four of the most widely used fetal anatomical planes (Abdomen, Brain, Femur and Thorax), the mother’s cervix (widely used for prematurity screening) and a general category to include any other less common image plane. Fetal brain images were further categorized into the 3 most common fetal brain planes (Trans-thalamic, Trans-cerebellum, Trans-ventricular) to judge fine grain categorization performance. The final dataset is comprised of over 12,400 images from 1,792 patients, making it the largest ultrasound dataset to date. We then evaluated a wide variety of state-of-the-art deep Convolutional Neural Networks on this dataset and analyzed results in depth, comparing the computational models to research technicians, which are the ones currently performing the task daily. Results indicate for the first time that computational models have similar performance compared to humans when classifying common planes in human fetal examination. However, the dataset leaves the door open on future research to further improve results, especially on fine-grained plane categorization.

Maternal Cardiac Assessment at 35 to 37 Weeks Improves Prediction of Development of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia at term accounts for half of maternal deaths from hypertensive disorders. We aimed to assess differences in maternal cardiac indices at 35⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks' gestation between women who subsequently developed preeclampsia at term compared with those with uncomplicated pregnancy and to evaluate whether cardiac indices offer incremental prognostic value to the available screening algorithm for preeclampsia. We recruited 1602 women with singleton pregnancies who attended for a routine hospital visit at 35⁺⁰ to 36⁺⁶ weeks' gestation between April and November 2018. We recorded maternal characteristics and preeclampsia-risk-score derived from a competing risks model and measured cardiac indices. Preeclampsia developed in 3.12% (50/1602) of participants. Women with preeclampsia, compared with those without, had increased mean arterial pressure (97.6, SD, 5.53 versus 87.9, SD, 6.82 mm Hg), systemic vascular resistance (1500, interquartile range, 1393-1831 versus 1400, interquartile range, 1202-1630 PRU) and preeclampsia-risk-score (23.4, interquartile range, 9.13-40 versus 0.9, interquartile range, 0.32-3.25). Multivariable analysis demonstrated independent association between the incidence of preeclampsia and E/e' (hazard ratio, 1.19/unit [95% CI, 1.03-1.37]; P=0.018) as well as left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area (hazard ratio, 1.03/[g·m²] [95% CI, 1.003-1.051]; P=0.029). Women with E/e' ≥7.3 and left ventricular mass indexed for body surface area ≥63.2 g/m² had an increased risk for developing preeclampsia, despite low preeclampsia-risk-score <5% (hazard ratio, 20.1 [95% CI, 10.5-38.7], P<0.001). Increased left ventricular mass and E/e' offer incremental information to available scoring systems and better stratify women at risk of developing preeclampsia at term.

Aortic Isthmus Doppler Velocimetry in Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Literature Review

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with poor perinatal prognosis and a higher risk of stillbirth, neonatal death, and cerebral palsy. Its detection and the evaluation of its severity by new Doppler velocimetric parameters, such as aortic isthmus (AoI), are of great relevance for obstetrical practice. The AoI is a vascular segment that represents a point of communication between the right and left fetal circulations. It is considered to be a functional arterial shunt that reflects the relationship between the systemic and cerebral impedances, and has recently been proposed as a tool to detect the status of hemodynamic balance and prognosis of IUGR in fetuses. In the present review, we noticed that in healthy fetuses, the AoI net flow is always antegrade, but in fetuses with IUGR the deterioration of placental function leads to progressive reduction in its flow until it becomes mostly retrograde; this point is associated with a drastic reduction in oxygen delivery to the brain. The more impaired the AoI flow is, the greater is the risk of impairment in the Doppler velocimetry of other vessels; and the alterations of the AoI Doppler seem to precede other indicators of severe hypoxemia. Although there seems to be an association between the presence of retrograde flow in the AoI and the risk of long-term neurologic disability, its role in the prediction of perinatal morbi-mortality remains unclear. The AoI Doppler seems to be a promising tool in the management of fetuses with IUGR, but more studies are needed to investigate its employment in clinical practice.

Early sonographic evaluation of the placenta in cases with IUGR: a pilot study

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and value of measuring early placental echogenicity to predict fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

METHODS

This is a single center, retrospective cohort study. Early ultrasound examination (6 + o to 8 + 6 weeks of gestation in singleton pregnancies) was used to measure placental dimensions and placental echogenicity. A ratio between placental echogenicity and myometrial echogenicity (PE/ME-ratio) was calculated for each patient. Study population was assigned to either the IUGR group or the control group based on clinical data.

RESULTS

184 eligible pregnancies were analysed. 49 patients were included in our study. Of those, 9 (18.37%) cases were affected by IUGR and 40 (81.63%) were controls. Measuring the placental echogenicity was feasible in all cases. IUGR neonates had a significant lower placental echogenicity (1.20 (± 0.24) vs. 1.64 (± 0.60), p = 0.033), but no significant differences in the other placental outcomes were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that measuring placental echogenicity is feasible in the early first trimester and demonstrated a significantly lower placental echogenicity in fetuses with subsequent IUGR. Further prospective studies are needed to validate those results.

The placenta in fetal growth restriction: What is going wrong?

The placenta is essential for the efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus to maintain normal fetal growth. Dysfunctional placental development underpins many pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR) a condition in which the fetus does not reach its growth potential. The FGR placenta is smaller than normal placentae throughout gestation and displays maldevelopment of both the placental villi and the fetal vasculature within these villi. Specialized epithelial cells called trophoblasts exhibit abnormal function and development in FGR placentae. This includes an altered balance between proliferation and apoptotic death, premature cellular senescence, and reduced colonisation of the maternal decidual tissue. Thus, the placenta undergoes aberrant changes at the macroscopic to cellular level in FGR, which can limit exchange capacity and downstream fetal growth. This review aims to compile stereological, in vitro, and imaging data to create a holistic overview of the FGR placenta and its pathophysiology, with a focus on the contribution of trophoblasts.

Precision Diagnostics by Affinity-Mass Spectrometry: A Novel Approach for Fetal Growth Restriction Screening During Pregnancy

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects about 3% to 8% of pregnancies, leading to higher perinatal mortality and morbidity. Current strategies for detecting fetal growth impairment are based on ultrasound inspections. However, antenatal detection rates are insufficient and critical in countries with substandard care. To overcome difficulties with detection and to better discriminate between high risk FGR and low risk small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses, we investigated the suitability of risk assessment based on the analysis of a recently developed proteome profile derived from maternal serum in different study groups. Maternal serum, collected at around 31 weeks of gestation, was analyzed in 30 FGR, 15 SGA, and 30 control (CTRL) pregnant women who delivered between 31 and 40 weeks of gestation. From the 75 pregnant women of this study, 2 were excluded because of deficient raw data and 2 patients could not be grouped due to indeterminate results. Consistency between proteome profile and sonography results was obtained for 59 patients (26 true positive and 33 true negative). Of the proteome profiling 12 contrarious grouped individuals, 3 were false negative and 9 were false positive cases with respect to ultrasound data. Both true positive and false positive grouping transfer the respective patients to closer surveillance and thorough pregnancy management. Accuracy of the test is considered high with an area-under-curve value of 0.88 in receiver-operator-characteristics analysis. Proteome profiling by affinity-mass spectrometry during pregnancy provides a reliable method for risk assessment of impaired development in fetuses and consumes just minute volumes of maternal peripheral blood. In addition to clinical testing proteome profiling by affinity-mass spectrometry may improve risk assessment, referring pregnant women to specialists early, thereby improving perinatal outcomes.

Maternal low molecular weight heparin versus sildenafil citrate for fetal growth restriction: a randomized, parallel groups, open-label clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of sildenafil citrate (SC) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on neonatal birth weight (BW) and the fetoplacental blood flow in pregnancies with FGR.

STUDY DESIGN

A parallel groups, randomized clinical trial was conducted at a university hospital, between June 2017 and September 2018, involving 100 pregnant women with placental mediated FGR between 28 and 35 weeks of gestation who were randomly assigned to receive either SC or LMWH started at FGR diagnosis till delivery.

RESULTS

The neonatal BW in LMWH group was higher than SC group (p < 0.000) with a longer time from randomization till delivery, LMWH group had significant improvement in Ut A PI, UA PI, and MCA PI compared with SC treated group with p values 0.005, <0.000001, and 0.014, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The neonatal BW, time from randomization to delivery, and fetoplacental blood flow indices were significantly better with LMWH use compared with SC.

Association between infertility treatment and intrauterine growth: a multilevel analysis in a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify intrauterine growth differences according to infertility treatment compared with spontaneous conception and to describe intrauterine growth trajectories.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A single primary and tertiary medical centre in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included singleton pregnant women with prenatal check-ups and delivery at the University of Yamanashi Hospital between 1 July 2012 and 30 September 2017. Patients were divided into four groups: spontaneous conception, infertility treatment without assisted reproductive technology (ART), fresh-embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer (FET).

INTERVENTIONS

Differences in intrauterine growth according to the infertility treatment, including ART, and birth weight were evaluated. Multilevel analysis was employed to evaluate intrauterine growth trajectories stratified by the sex of the offspring.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Estimated fetal weight (EFW) assessed by ultrasound examination.

RESULTS

We assessed data from 37 239 prenatal examination results from 2377 pregnant women (spontaneous conception, n=1764; infertility treatment without ART, n=171; fresh-embryo transfer, n=112; and FET, n=330) in the final analysis. Multilevel analysis was adjusted for gestation duration, gestation period, parity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, type of infertility treatment, maternal age, smoking status, placenta previa, thyroid disease, gestational diabetes mellitus and the interaction between each potential confounding factor and gestation duration. In male fetuses, the interaction between FET and gestational duration (estimate: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.67) significantly affected the EFW. Similarly, in female fetuses, FET (estimate: -69.85; 95% CI: -112.09 to -27.61) and the interaction between FET and gestation duration (estimate: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.87) significantly affected the EFW.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that FET affects intrauterine growth trajectory from the second trimester to term, particularly in female fetuses. Our findings require further prospective research to examine the effect of infertility treatment on fetal growth.

Platelet Indices and CXCL12 Levels in Patients with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a multifactorial condition, and the precise mechanism is still unknown. In the current study, we aimed to determine the relationship between the platelet (PLT) indices and CXC12 levels in patients with IUGR.

Patients and Materials

In this study, 36 patients with IUGR and 36 healthy pregnant mothers were enrolled as the case and control groups, respectively. Gestational age for both groups was between 24 and 40 years. Blood samples were taken, and platelet indices were examined by a full-diff cell counter. Serum levels of CXCL12 were measured by ELISA, and the data were analyzed using an independent Student's t-test.

Results

In this study, we observed that the mean value of PLT count (154.3 ± 50 vs 236 ± 36) and plateletcrit (0.124 ± 0.038 vs 0.178 ± 0.021) were significantly lower in the case than the control group. In contrast, the mean platelet volume (7.94 ± 0.55 vs 7.62 ± 0.53) and platelet distribution width (17.57 ± 0.7 vs 16.96 ± 0.59) were significantly higher in the case than the control group. More importantly, we found that the serum levels of CXCL12 were significantly higher (5.3 ng/mL± 3.1 vs 2.8 ± 1.6) in the patients compared to the pregnancy controls.

Conclusion

Our data show that platelet indices are changed in IUGR, and the levels of circulating CXCL12 are increased in patients with IUGR. These findings provide a base for further studies to better defining the pathophysiology of IUGR.

The impact of assisted reproductive technology on prenatally diagnosed fetal growth restriction in dichorionic twin pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

Whether the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) affects the outcome of twin pregnancies is still a matter of debate. Previous studies have evaluated the association between birth weight and ART, without a clear distinction between fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition at higher risk of adverse outcome, and constitutionally small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. The aim of this study was to determine whether dichorionic (DC) twin pregnancies obtained by ART have a greater risk of developing FGR, defined by accurate ultrasound criteria, than those spontaneously conceived (SC), and to compare the severity of ultrasound features in the growth restricted fetuses.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on DC twin pregnancies delivered between 2010 to 2018 at a tertiary hospital. Twin pregnancies conceived spontaneously were compared with those obtained via in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), after exclusion of cases with major fetal or uterine malformations. The primary outcome was the incidence of FGR. Secondary outcome was the rate of SGA neonates, defined by a birth weight less than the 10th percentile. The ultrasound characteristics of the growth restricted fetuses in the two groups were also compared. The groups were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Six hundred and seventy-eight DC twin pregnancies were identified. Of these, 367 (54.1%) conceived via IVF/ICSI and 311 (45.9%) conceived spontaneously. The incidence of FGR was not significantly different between the ART and the SC groups (7.9% vs 8.4% respectively, p = 0.76, adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.53-1.32). Growth restricted fetuses of the two groups showed similar occurrence of an estimated fetal weight less than the 3rd percentile, similar abnormalities in Doppler studies and similar gestational age at diagnosis. There was no difference in the incidence of delivery of an SGA neonate (p = 0.47) or in the rate of maternal complications and preterm delivery between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Twin pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technologies do not have a higher risk of ultrasound-diagnosed FGR than spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies, and fetuses diagnosed with growth restriction in the two groups show similar severity of the ultrasound findings.