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Li CC, Lin BS, Wen SC, Liang YT, Sung HY, Jhan JH, Lin BS. Smart Blood Vessel Detection System for Laparoscopic Surgery. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2022; 10:2500207. [PMID: 35345534 PMCID: PMC8939714 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2022.3159095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Compared with traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery offers the advantages of smaller scars and rapid recovery and has gradually become popular. However, laparoscopic surgery has the limitation of low visibility and a lack of touch sense. As such, a physician may unexpectedly damage blood vessels, causing massive bleeding. In clinical settings, Doppler ultrasound is commonly used to detect vascular locations, but this approach is affected by the measuring angle and bone shadow and has poor ability to distinguish arteries from veins. To tackle these problems, a smart blood vessel detection system for laparoscopic surgery is proposed. Methods: Based on the principle of near-infrared spectroscopy, the proposed instrument can access hemoglobin (HbT) parameters at several depths simultaneously and recognize human tissue type by using a neural network. Results: Using the differences in HbT and StO2 between different tissues, vascular and avascular locations can be recognized. Moreover, a mechanically rotatable stick enables the physician to easily operate in body cavities. Phantom and animal experiments were performed to validate the system’s performance. Conclusion: The proposed system has high ability to distinguish vascular from avascular locations at various depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chia Li
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Shing Lin
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Taipei University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chen Wen
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Teng Liang
- Institute of Imaging and Biomedical Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yu Sung
- Institute of Imaging and Biomedical Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jhen-Hao Jhan
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Shyh Lin
- Institute of Imaging and Biomedical Photonics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Henry A, Mahajan A, Crowther CA, Lainchbury A, Roberts L, Shand AW, Welsh AW. Short-Term Effects of Dexamethasone versus Betamethasone on Ultrasonic Measures of Fetal Well-Being: Cohort from a Blinded, Randomized Trial. Fetal Diagn Ther 2021; 48:526-540. [PMID: 34350865 DOI: 10.1159/000517623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal corticosteroid administration for anticipated preterm birth is common; however, the corticosteroid effect on fetal ultrasound and cardiotocograph (CTG) remains contested. This study aimed to evaluate short-term ultrasound and CTG impact of (a) dexamethasone versus betamethasone (b) pooled corticosteroid effect. METHODS Substudy of blinded randomized trial of dexamethasone versus betamethasone (given <34 weeks). Umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV), and uterine artery Doppler, myocardial performance index (MPI), biophysical profile (BPP), and CTG measured pre-corticosteroid then 1, 2, 4, and 7 days post-corticosteroid. RESULTS Of 47 fetuses (39 singleton; 4 dichorionic, diamniotic twins; and 4 monochorionic, diamniotic twins) in the February 2012-2013 period, 24 received dexamethasone and 23 betamethasone at average gestation 29.8 ± 2.9 weeks. Thirteen pregnancies (30%) had pre-corticosteroid fetal concerns (estimated weight <10th centile and/or abnormal UA/MCA Doppler). Few significant differences were seen post-corticosteroid: DV pulsatility index and right MPI initially decreased 15-20%, and average BPP decreased slightly on days 1-2. There were no major differential effects of dexamethasone versus betamethasone. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION No substantive post-corticosteroid effects were seen for most ultrasound/CTG measures in fetuses with heightened preterm birth risk but predominantly normal pre-corticosteroid measures. Clinically, this suggests avoiding overreliance on individual measures for delivery decisions post-corticosteroid; equally, multiple/marked ultrasound changes suggest true pathology and not corticosteroid effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Henry
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, St. George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aditi Mahajan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Anne Lainchbury
- Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynne Roberts
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, St. George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonia W Shand
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alec W Welsh
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Melamed N, Baschat A, Yinon Y, Athanasiadis A, Mecacci F, Figueras F, Berghella V, Nazareth A, Tahlak M, McIntyre HD, Da Silva Costa F, Kihara AB, Hadar E, McAuliffe F, Hanson M, Ma RC, Gooden R, Sheiner E, Kapur A, Divakar H, Ayres-de-Campos D, Hiersch L, Poon LC, Kingdom J, Romero R, Hod M. FIGO (international Federation of Gynecology and obstetrics) initiative on fetal growth: best practice advice for screening, diagnosis, and management of fetal growth restriction. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 152 Suppl 1:3-57. [PMID: 33740264 PMCID: PMC8252743 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yoav Yinon
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Apostolos Athanasiadis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Federico Mecacci
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesc Figueras
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine Department, Barcelona Clinic Hospital, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Berghella
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amala Nazareth
- Jumeira Prime Healthcare Group, Emirates Medical Association, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Muna Tahlak
- Latifa Hospital for Women and Children, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Medical Association, Mohammad Bin Rashid University for Medical Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - H David McIntyre
- Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Fabrício Da Silva Costa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anne B Kihara
- African Federation of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Eran Hadar
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Fionnuala McAuliffe
- UCD Perinatal Research Centre, School of Medicine, National Maternity Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Hanson
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK.,NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ronald C Ma
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rachel Gooden
- FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics), London, UK
| | - Eyal Sheiner
- Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel
| | - Anil Kapur
- World Diabetes Foundation, Bagsvaerd, Denmark
| | | | | | - Liran Hiersch
- Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liona C Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John Kingdom
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Moshe Hod
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Fratelli N, Prefumo F, Wolf H, Hecher K, Visser GHA, Giussani D, Derks JB, Shaw CJ, Frusca T, Ghi T, Ferrazzi E, Lees CC. Effects of Antenatal Betamethasone on Fetal Doppler Indices and Short Term Fetal Heart Rate Variation in Early Growth Restricted Fetuses. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2021; 42:56-64. [PMID: 31476786 DOI: 10.1055/a-0972-1098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effects of the antenatal administration of betamethasone on fetal Doppler and short term fetal heart rate variation (CTG-STV) in early growth restricted (FGR) fetuses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Post hoc analysis of data derived from the TRUFFLE study, a prospective, multicenter, randomized management trial of severe early onset FGR. Repeat Doppler and CTG-STV measurements between the last recording within 48 hours before the first dose of betamethasone (baseline value) and for 10 days after were evaluated. Multilevel analysis was performed to analyze the longitudinal course of the umbilico-cerebral ratio (UC ratio), the ductus venosus pulsatility index (DVPIV) and CTG-STV. RESULTS We included 115 fetuses. A significant increase from baseline in CTG-STV was found on day + 1 (p = 0.019) but no difference thereafter. The DVPIV was not significantly different from baseline in any of the 10 days following the first dose of betamethasone (p = 0.167). Multilevel analysis revealed that, over 10 days, the time elapsed from antenatal administration of betamethasone was significantly associated with a decrease in CTG-STV (p = 0.045) and an increase in the DVPIV (p = 0.001) and UC ratio (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Although steroid administration in early FGR has a minimal effect on increasing CTG-STV one day afterwards, the effects on Doppler parameters were extremely slight with regression coefficients of small magnitude suggesting no clinical significance, and were most likely related to the deterioration with time in FGR. Hence, arterial and venous Doppler assessment of fetal health remains informative following antenatal steroid administration to accelerate fetal lung maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Fratelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federico Prefumo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Hans Wolf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Gerard H A Visser
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dino Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jan B Derks
- Department of Perinatal Medicine, University of Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Caroline J Shaw
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Tiziana Frusca
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Tullio Ghi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Italy
| | - E Ferrazzi
- Children's Hospital Buzzi, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Christoph C Lees
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Zagouri F, Dedes N, Papatheodoridi A, Liontos M, Dimopoulos MA. Supportive medication in cancer during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:747. [PMID: 33261562 PMCID: PMC7706269 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While pregnancy-related malignancies are quite rare, their incidence is increasing and thus affecting more and more women nowadays. Their management, however, with both chemotherapy and supportive agents remains quite challenging and it seems crucial to define the optimal treatment for this special population. Concerning supportive medication, it is clinically significant to determine whether commonly used agents, including Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors, Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, Bisphosphonates, Anticoagulation agents, Antiemetics and Glucocorticoids are indeed effective in ameliorating chemotherapy side effects. Meanwhile, it is of great importance that the administration of any of these agents is safe for both mother and fetus. This review aims to provide a précis of the current literature regarding both safety and efficacy of all categories of supportive medication during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Zagouri
- Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos Dedes
- Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Alkistis Papatheodoridi
- Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Liontos
- Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios Athanasios Dimopoulos
- Haematology - Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias 80, 11528, Athens, Greece
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Prasannan L, Blitz MJ, Augustine S, Kohn N, Rochelson B, Pessel C. Perinatal outcome after persistence of abnormal umbilical artery Doppler indices in the growth-restricted fetus following betamethasone administration. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:3620-3625. [PMID: 33108909 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1834532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An optimal approach for providing sufficient antenatal surveillance for fetal growth restriction (FGR) has yet to be elucidated. Moreover, there is scant literature on the fetal response to betamethasone and its effect on fetal Dopplers. OBJECTIVE To compare persistence of umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities after corticosteroid administration and adverse perinatal outcome in growth restricted fetuses. METHODS Retrospective cohort study (2008-2018) of singleton gestations with FGR (EFW <10th percentile) and umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities (absent or reversed end diastolic velocity) between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation at two institutions. Included patients had Dopplers performed before betamethasone administration and again within 1 week. Excluded were multiple gestations, chromosomal abnormalities, fetal anomalies, or missing outcome information. Pregnancies with persistently abnormal Dopplers were compared with those in which an improvement of Dopplers was noted. The primary outcome was a composite that consisted of indicated preterm birth <32 weeks, 1 or 5 min APGAR score <7, intrauterine fetal demise, and neonatal demise. Secondary outcomes included length of NICU stay, ventilator support, gestational age at delivery, interval between steroids and delivery, and birth weight. RESULTS Fifty-three FGR pregnancies met inclusion criteria. Umbilical artery Dopplers improved after steroids in 32% (n = 17). No difference in the frequency of the primary outcome was observed between the persistently abnormal Doppler and improved Doppler groups (72.2% vs. 70.6%, respectively), and there was no difference in any of the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal outcomes in FGR pregnancies were not affected by improved versus persistently abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers after betamethasone administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakha Prasannan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J Blitz
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Augustine
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Nina Kohn
- Biostatistics Unit, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Burton Rochelson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Cara Pessel
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, USA
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7
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Cahill LS, Shinar S, Whitehead CL, Hobson SR, Stortz G, Ayyathurai V, Ravi Chandran A, Rahman A, Kingdom JC, Baschat A, Murphy KE, Serghides L, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Sex differences in modulation of fetoplacental vascular resistance in growth-restricted mouse fetuses following betamethasone administration: comparisons with human fetuses. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2020; 3:100251. [PMID: 33451599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternally administered corticosteroids are routinely used to accelerate fetal lung maturation in pregnancies at risk of early preterm delivery. Although, among the subgroup with growth restriction, a majority show a temporary improvement in umbilical artery Doppler waveforms that may be sustained up to 7 days, a minority will acutely decompensate in response to corticosteroids in association with deteriorating umbilical and fetal Doppler waveforms. The basis for such acute Doppler changes is presently unknown. Our group has developed a noninvasive ultrasound methodology to measure wave reflections in the umbilical artery and have established that wave reflection metrics are sensitive to structural changes in the placental vasculature and to acute changes in vascular tone. Using this approach, we demonstrated in healthy pregnant mice that fetoplacental vascular resistance decreased in betamethasone-treated mice compared with saline-treated controls. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of betamethasone administration on the wave reflection metrics in a mouse model of fetal growth restriction and to compare these findings with equivalent measurements in human fetuses. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant CD-1 mice were housed from embryonic day 14.5 to embryonic day 17.5 in either a normoxic (21% O2, n=24) or hypoxic environment (11% O2, n=22), the latter being an established mouse model of fetal growth restriction. To investigate the effect of maternally administered betamethasone on the fetoplacental vasculature, ultrasound imaging was performed at baseline and 4 hours after treatment (either betamethasone or sterile saline). Umbilical artery wave reflection metrics were compared between the groups and for the effect of fetal sex. In addition, a cohort of 10 pregnant women with elevated umbilical artery pulsatility index and evidence of fetal growth restriction and 6 controls were imaged before and after corticosteroid administration. RESULTS In the mouse model, after betamethasone administration, the female fetuses from the hypoxia group showed a 15% increase in umbilical artery diameter, a 98% increase in umbilical artery blood flow, and a 27% decrease in umbilical artery reflection coefficient, whereas the males from the hypoxia group showed no substantial changes. In agreement with our mouse findings, umbilical artery reflections were found to be larger in human growth-restricted fetuses than controls in women at risk of preterm birth. CONCLUSION Our studies provide insight into the mechanism whereby the human growth-restricted fetus may exhibit a temporary favorable fetoplacental vascular response to maternally administered corticosteroids. Further investigations are needed to understand why the male growth-restricted fetus seems unable to mount this favorable vascular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
| | - Shiri Shinar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clare L Whitehead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria Australia
| | - Sebastian R Hobson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg Stortz
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Viji Ayyathurai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anjana Ravi Chandran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anum Rahman
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Cahill LS, Whitehead CL, Hobson SR, Stortz G, Kingdom JC, Baschat A, Murphy KE, Serghides L, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Effect of maternal betamethasone administration on feto-placental vascular resistance in the mouse†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:823-831. [PMID: 31318405 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids are often administered to women at risk of preterm birth to accelerate fetal lung development; however, there is evidence that this treatment may adversely affect placental function in some fetuses. Our group has recently demonstrated that wave reflections in the umbilical artery (UA), measured using high-frequency ultrasound, are sensitive to placental vascular abnormalities. In the present study, we used this approach to investigate the effect of maternal administration of betamethasone, a clinically relevant corticosteroid, on the feto-placental vasculature of the mouse. Fetuses were assessed at embryonic day (E)15.5 and E17.5 in C57BL6/J mice. At both gestational ages, the UA diameter, UA blood flow, and the wave reflection coefficient were significantly elevated in the betamethasone-treated mice compared to vehicle-treated controls. These observations support the interpretation that placental vascular resistance dropped with betamethasone treatment to an extent that could not be explained by vasodilation of the UA alone. Consistent with clinical studies, the effect of betamethasone on UA end-diastolic velocity was heterogeneous. Our results suggest that UA wave reflections are more sensitive to acute changes in placental vascular resistance compared with the UA pulsatility index, and this technique may have clinical application to identify a favorable placental vascular response to fetal therapies such as antenatal corticosteroids, where the fetal heart rate is likely to vary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sebastian R Hobson
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Greg Stortz
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Centre for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Jellyman JK, Fletcher AJW, Fowden AL, Giussani DA. Glucocorticoid Maturation of Fetal Cardiovascular Function. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:170-184. [PMID: 31718939 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid advances in the understanding of the central role of glucocorticoids in preparing the fetus for life after birth. However, relative to other organ systems, maturation by glucocorticoids of the fetal cardiovascular system has been ignored. Here, we review the effects of glucocorticoids on fetal basal cardiovascular function and on the fetal cardiovascular defense responses to acute stress. This is important because glucocorticoid-driven maturational changes in fetal cardiovascular function under basal and stressful conditions are central to the successful transition from intra- to extrauterine life. The cost-benefit balance for the cardiovascular health of the preterm baby of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy administered to pregnant women threatened with preterm birth is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita K Jellyman
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA, USA.
| | | | - Abigail L Fowden
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dino A Giussani
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Cardiovascular Strategic Research Initiative, Cambridge, UK; Cambridge Strategic Research Initiative in Reproduction, Cambridge, UK.
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Vadivelu P, Keepanasseril A, Plakkal N. Improvement of cardiac function in fetuses with growth restriction following antenatal betamethasone administration: fact or artifact? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 34:3306-3312. [PMID: 31711333 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1683538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation has reduced the perinatal mortality/morbidity from prematurity related complications. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of steroid administration on the fetal circulation and cardiac function in fetal growth restriction (FGR). The aim of the study was to assess changes in fetal Doppler indices and cardiovascular function in pregnancies complicated with FGR after administration of betamethasone. METHODS This was a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care research center between July 2017 and May 2018. Pregnant women with FGR between 28 and 36 weeks' gestation, who were scheduled to receive betamethasone (two doses of 12 mg, 24 h apart) were recruited. Fetal cardiovascular function in fetuses FGR was assessed immediately before first dose and once between 6 and 24 h after the second dose of betamethasone by the same operator. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test or paired t-tests were used to compare parameters before and after corticosteroid exposure. RESULTS Fifty cases with FGR were evaluated before and after administration of betamethasone, at mean gestational age of 34.6 ± 2.0 weeks. Fetal heart rate (148.78 ± 9.10 versus 144.73 ± 9.61, p < .001), left heart myocardial performance index ([MPI], 0.66 ± 0.06 versus 0.55 ± 0.09, p ≤ .001) and right heart MPI (0.65 ± 0.04 versus 0.63 ± 0.04, p .016) showed improvement after steroids. Left heart isovolumic relaxation and contraction indices along with ejection time of both sides showed a small but statistically significant improvement (p < .001), but other fetal cardiac functional and Doppler indices remain unchanged after steroids. CONCLUSIONS Fetal heart rate, cardiac MPI, left sided isovolumic indices showed an improvement after betamethasone administration. Follow up studies are needed to ascertain whether these effects persist in the long term and to determine whether these are beneficial to a growth restricted fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshini Vadivelu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education, Pondicherry, India
| | - Anish Keepanasseril
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education, Pondicherry, India
| | - Nishad Plakkal
- Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education, Pondicherry, India
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Haviv HR, Said J, Mol BW. The place of antenatal corticosteroids in late preterm and early term births. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 24:37-42. [PMID: 30322825 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infants born in the late preterm period and via non-labour caesarean section in the early term period are at increased risk of respiratory morbidity when compared to their term-born counterparts. The morbidity in these infants is less frequent and severe than in early preterm infants. Antenatal corticosteroids reduce respiratory morbidity in these populations; however, the magnitude of the reduction appears to be small and predominantly in the self-limiting condition of transient tachypnoea of the neonate. The smaller benefit, along with possible harmful effects of corticosteroids, raises a question about the role of antenatal corticosteroids in this population. Special obstetric populations such as twin pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by diabetes and growth restriction are at increased risk of prematurity and more vulnerable to its complications. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence regarding the benefits of corticosteroids in these populations and potential concern regarding adverse effects. We recommend an individualised approach when administering corticosteroids at later gestations. In these specific obstetric populations, we do not currently recommend administering corticosteroids in the late preterm/early term periods until more evidence is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Rahel Haviv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Joanne Said
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sunshine Hospital, Western Health, Saint Albans, VIC, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Willem Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, Australia; Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, North Adelaide, SA, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Elizabeth Vale, SA, Australia
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12
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Elwany E, Omar S, Ahmed A, Heba G, Atef D. Antenatal dexamethasone effect on Doppler blood flow velocity in women at risk for preterm birth: prospective case series. Afr Health Sci 2018; 18:596-600. [PMID: 30602992 PMCID: PMC6307019 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v18i3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal administration of corticosteroids is essential to improve fetal lung surfactant production and hasten the fetal lung maturity in women at risk for preterm birth. Objectives The current study aims to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental circulation in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth after 24 hours of its administration. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary University Hospital and included 52 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. Doppler studies were performed on maternal uterine arteries, umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and fetal descending aorta and just before dexamethasone administration and repeated 24 hours after completion of the course. Results There was a statistically significant difference between all Doppler indices in the umbilical artery (PI= 1.09±0.4 and 1.05±0.39, RI= 0.66±0.14 and 0.63±0.14; p=0.001), fetal MCA (RI= 0.86±0.12 and 0.83±0.13, PI= 2.19±0.72 and 2.15±0.72; p=0.001) and aorta (RI= 0.9±0.55 and 0.87±0.55; p=0.001, PI= 1.91±0.44 and 1.89±0.44; p=0.040) in comparison before and 24 hours after maternal dexamethasone administration respectively. Also uterine artery PI was significantly different (0.9±0.27 and 0.87±0.26; p=0.001). Conclusion Antenatal dexamethasone for women at risk of preterm birth improves the fetal and uteroplacental blood flow at 24 hours after its administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsnosy Elwany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shaaban Omar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abbas Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Gaber Heba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Darwish Atef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Inan C, Sayin NC, Dolgun ZN, Erzincan SG, Uzun I, Sutcu H, Sut N, Varol FG. Effects of betamethasone on fetoplacental and maternal hemodynamics in preterm pregnancies. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2018; 141:354-359. [PMID: 29493778 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the possible effects of prenatal steroid administration on Doppler parameters of the umbilical artery, uterine artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus, the cerebroplacental ratio, and the amniotic fluid index in preterm fetuses. METHODS The present prospective observational study was performed at the Perinatology Department of Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey, between June 1, 2015, and September 1, 2016. It included patients with healthy singleton pregnancies who had received betamethasone at 24-34 weeks of pregnancy. Doppler parameters were measured before (0 hours) and 24, 48, and 72 hours after the administration of betamethasone (two intramuscular doses of 12 mg each, administered 24 hours apart). RESULTS There were 68 patients included. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that, at 72 hours after betamethasone administration, the umbilical artery resistance index (P=0.038), the middle cerebral artery systolic/diastolic velocity ratio (P=0.007), and the amniotic fluid index (P=0.017) were reduced, whereas the end-diastolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery was increased (P=0.012), compared with baseline values. CONCLUSION Betamethasone had favorable effects on fetal cerebral circulation, with increased end-diastolic velocity in the middle cerebral artery; this could represent a positive effect on cerebral blood circulation and decreased flow resistance in the umbilical artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Inan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - N Cenk Sayin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Zehra N Dolgun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Selen G Erzincan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Isil Uzun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Havva Sutcu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Necdet Sut
- Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Fusun G Varol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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Elsnosy E, Shaaban OM, Abbas AM, Gaber HH, Darwish A. Effects of antenatal dexamethasone administration on fetal and uteroplacental Doppler waveforms in women at risk for spontaneous preterm birth. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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15
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Effect of perinatal glucocorticoids on vascular health and disease. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:4-10. [PMID: 27656772 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The benefits of antenatal glucocorticoids are now firmly established in the perinatal management of threatened preterm birth. Postnatal glucocorticoid therapy, however, remains controversial in neonatal medicine, with the need to balance short-term physiological benefits against the potential for long-term adverse consequences. This review focuses on the vascular effects of prenatal and postnatal glucocorticoids, synthesizing data from both experimental animal models and human infants with the goal of better appreciation of the short and long-term effects of these commonly used drugs. Due to their widespread and varied use, improved understanding of the cellular and molecular impact of glucocorticoids is important in guiding current practice and future research.
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Haram K, Mortensen JH, Magann EF, Morrison JC. Antenatal corticosteroid treatment: factors other than lung maturation. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:1437-1441. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1219716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pedersen LH, Mogra R, Hyett J. Effect of corticosteroids on cardiac function in growth-restricted fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:204-209. [PMID: 26358625 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the acute effects of corticosteroids on the cardiovascular system in growth-restricted fetuses. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital between January 2011 and October 2013. Fetal cardiovascular function in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was assessed immediately before and 24 h after the first dose of betamethasone, administered in routine management of IUGR. Fetal arterial and venous Dopplers were assessed. Fetal cardiac function was evaluated by tissue Doppler echocardiography, with the assessment of both left and right ventricular function by calculating myocardial performance index (MPI') and E':A' ratios. Values were compared before and after exposure. RESULTS Seventeen patients were included at a mean gestational age of 34 + 1 (range, 29 + 1 to 37 + 4) weeks. Fifteen fetuses were below the 5(th) percentile and two were below the 10(th) percentile for estimated fetal weight and abdominal circumference and all had no interval growth during a 2-week period. There was a decrease in right MPI' (from 0.56 to 0.47; P = 0.007) after corticosteroid exposure but no change in left MPI' (from 0.49 to 0.48). Right MPI' was higher than left MPI' before exposure (0.56 vs 0.49, respectively; P = 0.001), but not after exposure (P = 0.55). There was no change in left or right ventricular E':A' ratios and no difference was detected in umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery or ductus venosus pulsatility index following administration of corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS Corticosteroids altered right-sided, but not left-sided, tissue Doppler MPI' in IUGR fetuses, with no detectable change in arterial or venous Doppler pulsatility indices. Before exposure, the mean right MPI' was higher than the left. However, after exposure, there was no difference, suggesting that corticosteroids may reverse the negative effect of IUGR on fetal heart function. Large prospective studies with a larger sample size are needed to confirm this finding. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Pedersen
- Department of High Risk Obstetrics, RPA Women and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R Mogra
- Department of High Risk Obstetrics, RPA Women and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Hyett
- Department of High Risk Obstetrics, RPA Women and Babies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Amiya RM, Mlunde LB, Ota E, Swa T, Oladapo OT, Mori R. Antenatal Corticosteroids for Reducing Adverse Maternal and Child Outcomes in Special Populations of Women at Risk of Imminent Preterm Birth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147604. [PMID: 26841022 PMCID: PMC4740425 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study synthesizes available evidence on antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) use among special subgroups of women at risk of imminent preterm birth, including those (1) with pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus, (2) undergoing elective caesarean section (CS) in late preterm (34 to<37 weeks), (3) with chorioamnionitis, and (4) with growth-restricted fetuses. METHODS A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, POPLINE, and World Health Organization Regional Databases was conducted for all comparative studies. Two reviewers independently determined study eligibility, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Pooled mean differences and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated from available data, based on fixed- and random-effects models, as appropriate. RESULTS No eligible studies were identified for ACS use in diabetic pregnant women or those undergoing elective CS at late preterm. Nine studies each on ACS use in women with chorioamnionitis and in women with fetal growth restriction met inclusion criteria; eight studies were separately included in the meta-analyses for the two subpopulations. For ACS administration in women with chorioamnionitis, pooled analyses showed reductions in neonatal mortality (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34-0.73), respiratory distress syndrome (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44-0.76), intraventricular haemorrhage (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24-0.69), and severe intraventricular haemorrhage (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.69). Maternal and long-term newborn outcomes were not reported. Effects of ACS use were inconclusive for cases with fetal growth restriction. CONCLUSION Direct evidence on the effectiveness and safety of ACS is lacking for diabetic pregnant women at risk of preterm birth and those undergoing elective late-preterm CS, though this does not necessarily recommend against their use in diabetic women. While evidence remains inconclusive for women with growth-restricted preterm neonates, ACS appears to benefit preterm neonates delivered by women with chorioamnionitis. High-quality studies on maternal and long-term child outcomes in more diverse settings are needed to establish the balance of potential harms versus benefits in using ACS for these understudied subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Amiya
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Family Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Linda B. Mlunde
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Toshiyuki Swa
- Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Olufemi T. Oladapo
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rintaro Mori
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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Niroomanesh S, Shojaei K, Moghadam SF, Mohammadi N, Rahimi Z, RezaeiKeyhanaei K. Effect of prenatal betamethasone on fetal, uteroplacental, and maternal blood flow velocity in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 130:270-3. [PMID: 26184101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess Doppler flow velocity in fetal, uteroplacental, and maternal arteries before and after betamethasone therapy among singleton pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study was conducted at three university-affiliated hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between January 1 and November 30, 2013. The inclusion criteria were FGR, a gestational age of 24-34 weeks, no fetal anomalies, and no previous betamethasone therapy. Doppler blood flow was measured in uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries before treatment, and 24 hours and 5 days after completion of betamethasone therapy (two 12-mg doses at a 24-hour interval). RESULTS Overall, 40 women were enrolled. Doppler blood flow through the uterine and umbilical arteries showed significant but transient changes across the three timepoints (P<0.001), whereas the middle cerebral artery showed no changes. CONCLUSION Prenatal betamethasone led to transient improvements in blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries among pregnancies affected by FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Niroomanesh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Shojaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sahar F Moghadam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noshin Mohammadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadija RezaeiKeyhanaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ustunyurt OB, Ustunyurt E, Korkmazer E, Altug N, Bilge U, Danisman N. The effect of maternal betamethasone administration on Doppler flow velocity parameters of the fetal branch pulmonary artery. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2014; 34:489-91. [PMID: 24830337 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2014.914479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal pulmonary blood flow velocity waveforms. The study comprised 28 women with singleton pregnancies at high risk for preterm delivery. They were treated with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone intramuscularly 24 h apart to enhance lung maturity. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded with Doppler ultrasound from the middle segment of pulmonary artery (PA). Compared with the pretreatment mean value, a significant decrease in the pulmonary artery pulsatility (PI) and the resistance indexes (RI) was noted at 24 h and 48 h after the administration of first dose of betamethasone (p = 0.022 and p = 0.018 for PI and p = 0.001 and p = 0.004 for RI, respectively). After 7 days, the pulmonary artery velocity waveforms returned to the types of waveform observed before treatment (p = 0.216 for PI and p = 0.249 for RI). Maternal antenatal betamethasone resulted in a significant transient decrease in the pulsatility and the resistance indexes in the pulmonary artery. These findings indicate a direct effect of betamethasone on fetal pulmonary circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O B Ustunyurt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zubeyde Hanım Dogumevi , Bursa , Turkey
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Henry A, Shand A, Welsh A. The short term fetal cardiovascular effects of corticosteroids used in obstetrics. Australas J Ultrasound Med 2013; 16:135-141. [PMID: 28191187 PMCID: PMC5029999 DOI: 10.1002/j.2205-0140.2013.tb00101.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Corticosteroids are widely used in obstetrics due to their striking effect on perinatal morbidity and mortality of premature neonates. Despite this, relatively few studies have explored short term fetal effects of corticosteroids as measured by ultrasound. Objectives: 1) To present a literature review of short term fetal cardiovascular effects of corticosteroids 2) To describe the protocol of a current observational study (SUPER-A*STEROID) of cardiovascular effects of dexamethasone and betamethasone in the first week after their administration. This trial is nested within the A*STEROID blinded multicentre randomised controlled trial of the two steroid preparations. Findings: Existing data suggest corticosteroids have little effect on the major measured fetal blood vessels when the baseline ultrasound is normal. In the compromised fetus, where the umbilical artery end-diastolic flow is abnormal prior to maternal corticosteroids, flow is temporarily restored in approximately 50% of cases. Whether such changes are beneficial is uncertain. Very little data exist that directly compare the short-term effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone. The SUPER- A*STEROID study described will help provide this information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Henry
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUNSW MedicineSydneyNew South WalesAustralia; Department of Maternal-FetalMedicine Royal Hospital for WomenRandwickNew South WalesAustralia; Women's and Children's Health St George HospitalKogarahNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Antonia Shand
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUNSW MedicineSydneyNew South WalesAustralia; Department of Maternal-FetalMedicine Royal Hospital for WomenRandwickNew South WalesAustralia; Kolling Institute of Medical ResearchRoyal North Shore HospitalSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Alec Welsh
- School of Women's and Children's HealthUNSW MedicineSydneyNew South WalesAustralia; Department of Maternal-FetalMedicine Royal Hospital for WomenRandwickNew South WalesAustralia
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Piazze J, Dillon KC, Cerekja A. Betamethasone effects on umbilical arteries and ductus venosus Doppler velocity waveforms in growth-restricted fetuses. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 25:1179-82. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2011.624216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Thuring A, Malcus P, Maršál K. Effect of maternal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental blood flow velocity waveforms. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 37:668-672. [PMID: 21618314 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental hemodynamics. METHODS The study comprised 33 women with singleton high-risk pregnancies (23-33 weeks; 27 pregnancies < 30 weeks) not in labor, but at risk for preterm delivery based on fetal or maternal indications. They were treated with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone intramuscularly 24 h apart to enhance fetal lung maturity. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded with Doppler ultrasound from the umbilical artery, the fetal middle cerebral artery, the ductus venosus and both maternal uterine arteries, once before and twice after betamethasone administration. RESULTS Twenty-one (64%) women delivered within 4 days, nine (27%) women within 5-7 days and three (9%) within 8-15 days after the first dose of betamethasone. Two days after betamethasone, a decrease in pulsatility index was found in the umbilical artery (P = 0.0002) and ductus venosus (P = 0.003). Changes in the umbilical artery waveform from reversed to absent, and from absent to positive diastolic flow, were noted in 12 of 15 cases (P < 0.01). After 4 days, umbilical artery and ductus venosus velocity waveforms in the undelivered fetuses either returned to the type of waveform observed before treatment or showed further deterioration. No significant effects of betamethasone were observed in the fetal middle cerebral artery and uteroplacental circulation. CONCLUSIONS Maternal antenatal betamethasone resulted in a significant transient change in the velocity waveform and a decrease in the pulsatility index in the umbilical artery and ductus venosus, but did not influence uteroplacental circulation. These findings indicate a direct effect of betamethasone on fetal circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Thuring
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: short-term effects on fetal behaviour and haemodynamics. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 14:151-6. [PMID: 19059817 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroid therapy to enhance fetal lung maturity in threatened preterm delivery has a number of non-pulmonary side-effects, both beneficial and undesirable. This review focuses on the short-term (transient) effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone on aspects of fetal circulation and behaviour which are used clinically as markers of fetal well-being. We summarise the effects observed, discuss the proposed underlying mechanisms, and emphasise the consequences for clinical decision-making. Recommendations are given to optimise medical care and to minimise the risk of unwarranted iatrogenic preterm delivery.
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Predicting perinatal outcome through changes in umbilical artery Doppler studies after antenatal corticosteroids in the growth-restricted fetus. Obstet Gynecol 2009; 113:636-640. [PMID: 19300328 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0b013e318197bf4d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether persistently absent umbilical artery end-diastolic flow in the intrauterine growth-restricted fetus after betamethasone administration is associated with altered perinatal outcomes. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of 92 pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and absent end-diastolic flow in which antenatal betamethasone was given. Predefined maternal outcomes (maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis of absent end-diastolic flow, gestational age at delivery, preexisting medical conditions) and neonatal outcomes (including birth weight; perinatal mortality; duration of neonatal intensive care unit admission; requirement for intubation, assisted ventilation, inotropic support; duration of supplemental oxygen, assisted ventilation; respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage) were analyzed. RESULTS Betamethasone administration was associated with a transient return of end-diastolic umbilical artery flow in 58 pregnancies (63%) and persistent absent end-diastolic flow in 34 (37%). Persistent absent end-diastolic flow was seen more frequently in women with prepregnancy medical disorders (59% compared with 24%, P<.001). Neonates from the persistent absent end-diastolic flow subgroup were more likely to require assisted ventilation (93.1% compared with 73.5%, P=.03) and to have longer durations of assisted ventilation (median time 30 days compared with 4 days, P=.03) and supplemental oxygen (median time 45 days compared with 4 days, P=.04). CONCLUSION Betamethasone administration is associated with a transient return of end-diastolic flow in two thirds of pregnancies complicated by IUGR and umbilical artery absent end-diastolic flow. Persistent absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery after betamethasone administration may identify a subgroup of fetuses with IUGR at further heightened perinatal risk that, as neonates, are more likely to require assisted ventilation and a longer duration of ventilation and supplemental oxygen.
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Valensise H, Vasapollo B, Novelli GP, Giorgi G, Verallo P, Galante A, Arduini D. Maternal and fetal hemodynamic effects induced by nitric oxide donors and plasma volume expansion in pregnancies with gestational hypertension complicated by intrauterine growth restriction with absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2008; 31:55-64. [PMID: 18098350 DOI: 10.1002/uog.5234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of plasma volume expansion (PVE) and nitric oxide (NO) donors, in addition to antihypertensive therapy for gestational hypertensive pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) in the umbilical artery (UA). METHODS This was a case-control study into which 32 gestational hypertensive pregnancies with IUGR and AEDF were enrolled. Sixteen of these were treated with antihypertensive drugs, NO donors and PVE (Group A), and 16, matched for maternal age, gestational age and fetal conditions, were treated with antihypertensive drugs only (Group B). All patients underwent fetal and uteroplacental assessment and maternal echocardiography to evaluate total vascular resistance (TVR) and cardiac output before and 5-14 days after initiation of treatment. RESULTS After 5-14 days of treatment, the maternal TVR in Group A fell from 2170 +/- 248 to 1377 +/- 110 dynes.s.cm(-5) (P < 0.01), and that in Group B fell from 2090 +/- 260 to 1824 +/- 126 dynes.s.cm(-5) (P < 0.01), with the reduction being greater in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.01). There was a significant increase in cardiac output in Group A after 5-14 days of treatment vs. baseline (6.19 +/- 0.77 vs. 4.32 +/- 0.66, P < 0.001), and, after treatment, cardiac output was significantly greater in Group A than it was in Group B (6.19 +/- 0.77 vs. 4.70 +/- 0.44, P < 0.001). Reappearance of end-diastolic flow in the UA occurred in 14/16 patients in Group A but in no patients in Group B (87.5% vs. 0%, P < 0.05). The interval between detection of UA-AEDF and delivery was 28 +/- 16 days in Group A and 11 +/- 6 days in Group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Administration of NO donors and PVE in gestational hypertensive pregnancies affected by IUGR and UA-AEDF appears to improve both maternal and fetal hemodynamics, inducing prolongation of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Valensise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Frascati (Rome), Rome, Italy.
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Francisco RPV, Miyadahira S, Zugaib M. Predicting pH at Birth in Absent or Reversed End-Diastolic Velocity in the Umbilical Arteries. Obstet Gynecol 2006; 107:1042-8. [PMID: 16648409 DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000209192.00890.3a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate arterial and venous blood flow in fetuses with absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical arteries and to correlate the Doppler results with umbilical artery blood pH at birth to predict the probability of acidosis at birth. METHODS Ninety-one fetuses from singleton pregnancies without fetal malformations with a diagnosis of absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical arteries were prospectively studied. On the day of delivery, Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical arteries, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus was performed and the results were correlated with umbilical artery pH at birth at the following cutoff levels: pH < 7.20, < 7.15, < 7.10, and < 7.05. The association between fetal arterial and venous Doppler velocimetry and acidosis was then individually analyzed by the chi(2) and Fisher exact tests. The ability of these tests to predict the probability of acidosis at birth was estimated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS There was a negative correlation between pH at birth and umbilical artery pulsatility index (r = -0.39; P < .001) and pulsatility index for veins in the ductus venosus (r = -0.63; P < .001). Assessment of the fetal arterial circulation (middle cerebral artery) showed no statistical correlation with pH at birth. Using logistic regression analysis, probability curves were constructed for pH values less than 7.20 (odds ratio [OR] 8.03), less than 7.15 (OR 11.92), less than 7.10 (OR 12.16), and less than 7.05 (OR 8.20). CONCLUSION The pulsatility index for veins of the ductus venosus was related to pH at birth, demonstrating that the higher the ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins, the lower the pH at birth. Once the pulsatility index for veins in the ductus venosus is known, the probability of acidosis at birth can be estimated.
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Schwab M, Coksaygan T, Nathanielsz PW. Betamethasone effects on ovine uterine and umbilical placental perfusion at the dose used to enhance fetal lung maturation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2006; 194:572-9. [PMID: 16458663 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2005] [Revised: 07/21/2005] [Accepted: 08/12/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine glucocorticoid effects on umbilical placental perfusion. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant sheep instrumented with uterine and umbilical ultrasound transit-time flow probes received 2 doses of 12 mg betamethasone (n = 6) or saline (n = 5) intramuscularly 24 hours apart. RESULTS Maternal blood pressure and uterine flow did not change during glucocorticoid exposure. Fetal blood pressure increased, and umbilical resistance showed a transient increase after each injection (P < .05), followed by an increase of umbilical flow (P < .05) that was closely correlated to an increase in fetal heart rate (r = 0.85, P < .001), which determines cardiac output of the developing heart. Umbilical waveform indices were decreased over the entire treatment period, indicating a decrease of resistance in the fetoplacental microcirculation (P < .05). CONCLUSION Fetoplacental perfusion during glucocorticoid exposure is not limiting for nutrition exchange. Clinical interpretation of Doppler waveform indices needs to be interpreted with caution because they do not reflect dynamics of umbilical placental perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schwab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Veterinary School, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Soncini E, Ronzoni E, Macovei D, Grignaffini A. Integrated monitoring of fetal growth restriction by computerized cardiotocography and Doppler flow velocimetry. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2006; 128:222-30. [PMID: 16431011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2005] [Revised: 12/16/2005] [Accepted: 01/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlations between Doppler flow velocimetry and computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) in fetal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN Fifty growth-restricted foetuses with abdominal circumference below the 10th percentile and no major abnormalities were studied. A total of 186 cCTG tracings (at least two per patient) analysed using the HP2CTG system were compared with the corresponding umbilical artery pulsatility index (PI), the PI ratio of umbilical artery to middle cerebral artery, and the ductus venosus systolic/atrial ratio. RESULTS Worsening in umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry parameters was associated with a significant reduction of short- and long-term variability indices and accelerations. When end-diastolic umbilical artery flow was preserved, a reversed ratio between umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery PIs was not correlated with a worsening of cCTG parameters; in the presence of umbilical artery absent or reversed flow, ductus venosus Doppler velocimetry abnormalities were correlated with a significant reduction of variability. When end-diastolic umbilical artery flow was preserved, there was a progressive increase in variability indices and accelerations with advancing gestational age. In the more compromised fetuses this "maturation" process of cCTG patterns was not found. CONCLUSION There is a strict correlation between Doppler velocimetry abnormalities and cCTG parameter deterioration, in particular between ductus venosus and variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Soncini
- Department of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to highlight publications from the last year that have advanced the use of ultrasound in obstetrics. RECENT FINDINGS Anatomic examination of the fetus in the first trimester has been emphasized because it allows for early diagnosis of many conditions. The prevalence of absent nasal bone, a marker for trisomy 21, in euploid fetuses depends on ethnicity. Nasal bone hypoplasia is another marker for Down syndrome. Studies on genetic screening in the first trimester have involved various serum analytes, adjustments in timing and calculations, use in multiple gestations, and the association of extreme measurements with adverse outcomes. A first-trimester integrated screening approach, which incorporates nuchal translucency, nasal bone, crown-rump length, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A, and free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, has the potential to maximize detection rates of Down syndrome and trisomy 18 and minimizes the screen-positive rate. The value of combining first and second-trimester results in sequential, contingent, or integrated screening protocols has been assessed. Isolated mild ventriculomegaly (10-12 mm) may prove to be a normal variant, and the role of 'soft' ultrasound markers in genetic counseling continues to be debated. Anomaly or high-risk status detection in the second trimester has been enhanced by the use of Doppler, 3D/4D ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. SUMMARY Imaging techniques have been critical in the development of screening methods for Down syndrome or trisomy 18 and for euploid fetuses at high risk for adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Filkins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
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Tchirikov M, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N, Nathanielsz PW, Beindorff N, Schröder HJ. Ductus venosus shunting in marmoset and baboon fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2005; 26:252-7. [PMID: 16116564 DOI: 10.1002/uog.1973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increased shunting of blood through the ductus venosus (DV) during stress situations is an important mechanism that ensures fetal survival. Although primate fetuses may serve to study the function of this important venous shunt, the rate of DV shunting has not been determined in non-human primates under normal conditions. METHODS DV shunting was measured in 11 marmoset (eight mothers) and eight singleton baboon fetuses in mid and late gestation using Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS DV shunting in marmosets was 39 +/- 20% (mean +/- SD) and 28 +/- 8% in baboon fetuses. Umbilical vein (UV) blood volume rate increased significantly in baboons with gestational age (GA) (UV flow volume = -111.8 + 1.6*GA; r = 0.94, P < 0.05) and slightly in marmosets (UV flow volume = -10.37 + 0.13*GA; r = 0.42, P > 0.05). Both UV diameter (r = 0.84) and the time-averaged mean UV flow velocity in baboons depended on GA (r = 0.8, P < 0.05). Distinct pulsation was found in marmoset fetuses in the UV (pulsatility index (PI) = 1.3 +/- 0.9) and the DV (PI = 1.9 +/- 1.2) with zero blood flow velocity during atrial contraction. CONCLUSIONS A high level of pulsation is observed in the UV in marmoset fetuses. DV shunting in marmosets is higher than in baboon fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tchirikov
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intrauterine growth restriction remains one of the major problems in obstetrics. Recent published literature on this problem is summarized in this review. RECENT FINDINGS Intrauterine growth restriction contributes disproportionately to neonatal mortality and morbidity in both preterm and term babies, and is a predisposing factor to major psychiatric sequelae such as depression, suicide and suicidal attempts. More evidence is accumulating to show that fetal Doppler changes of the ductus venosus and umbilical vein are good surrogate markers for fetal academia. The timing of delivery remains controversial, however. The Growth Restriction Intervention Trial showed that delayed delivery in those up to 30 weeks may be associated with lower rates of cerebral palsy and Griffiths development quotient under 70. In dichorionic twins, selective fetocide of one severe intrauterine growth restriction fetus in midtrimester twin pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia may abort the disease process and prolong the pregnancy. For monochorionic twins, the finding of intermittent absent or reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery may be a manifestation of the transmission of the bi-directional waveforms of arterio-arterial anastomosis, but has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of intrauterine death in the growth restricted fetus and brain damage in the larger fetus. SUMMARY The timing of delivery of the preterm growth restricted fetus remains controversial. Intrauterine growth restriction with intermittent absent or reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of monochorionic twins poses difficulties in assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Y T Tan
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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