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Zhang L, Fan E, Chen X, Zhuo Y, Lee Y, Yan R. Effects of thalassemia minor on umbilical artery blood flow and perinatal outcomes in pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39073156 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to compare the fetal umbilical artery blood flow parameters in the third trimester and perinatal outcomes between pregnant women with and without thalassemia minor in South China. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study. Doppler ultrasound was used to detect fetal umbilical artery hemodynamics in pregnant women with or without thalassemia minor during the third trimester. The main parameters assessed were umbilical artery peak systolic flow velocity/end-diastolic flow velocity (S/D), resistance index (RI), pulsation index (PI), and relevant perinatal outcomes. RESULTS This study included 540 pregnant women, 180 with thalassemia minor and 360 being healthy controls. In the third trimester, the thalassemia minor group had higher umbilical artery S/D (P = 0.002), RI (P = 0.002), and PI (P = 0.012) than healthy pregnant women, as well as lower levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (P < 0.001) and higher ferritin levels (P < 0.001). Compared to the non-thalassemia group, neonatal body weight in the thalassemia minor group was significantly lower (P = 0.001). Additionally, the incidence of maternal anemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.57-5.99, P < 0.001), low birth weight (OR 15.35; 95% CI: 1.71-137.93, P = 0.015), fetal distress (OR 2.18; 95% CI: 1.12-4.26, P = 0.023), neonatal asphyxia (OR 12.81; 95% CI: 1.40-117.33, P = 0.024), oligohydramnios (OR 18.25; 95% CI: 2.21-150.36, P = 0.007) and Apgar score <7 at 1 min after birth (OR 7.97; 95% CI: 1.53-41.54, P = 0.014) was significantly higher in the thalassemia minor group. CONCLUSION Pregnant women with thalassemia minor have higher umbilical artery S/D, RI and PI during the third trimester and a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erwen Fan
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yeqi Zhuo
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Lee
- International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiling Yan
- Department of Fetal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Umapathy A, Clark A, Sehgal A, Karanam V, Rajaraman G, Kalionis B, Jones H, James J, Murthi P. Molecular regulators of defective placental and cardiovascular development in fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:761-775. [PMID: 38904187 PMCID: PMC11193155 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Placental insufficiency is one of the major causes of fetal growth restriction (FGR), a significant pregnancy disorder in which the fetus fails to achieve its full growth potential in utero. As well as the acute consequences of being born too small, affected offspring are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases in later life. The placenta and heart develop concurrently, therefore placental maldevelopment and function in FGR may have profound effect on the growth and differentiation of many organ systems, including the heart. Hence, understanding the key molecular players that are synergistically linked in the development of the placenta and heart is critical. This review highlights the key growth factors, angiogenic molecules and transcription factors that are common causes of defective placental and cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anandita Umapathy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Arvind Sehgal
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia and Monash Newborn, Monash Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Vijaya Karanam
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gayathri Rajaraman
- First year college, Victoria University, St Albans, Victoria 3021, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen N. Jones
- Department of Physiology and Aging, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Center for Research in Perinatal Outcomes, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - Jo James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand
| | - Padma Murthi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health, University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Tokalioglu EO, Tanacan A, Ayhan ŞG, Serbetci H, Agaoglu MO, Kara O, Sahin D. Umbilical artery half peak systolic velocity deceleration time: a novel Doppler parameter for prediction of neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:245-251. [PMID: 37865627 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effectiveness of half peak systolic velocity deceleration time (hPSV-DT) in predicting neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia and to compare its usefulness with the conventional umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) approach. METHODS A prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women with preeclampsia who were admitted to the Department of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between 01 September 2022 and 01 January 2023 at 28-41 weeks gestational age. 55 patients were divided into two groups: the study group with UA hPSV-DT value < 5th percentile (n = 22) and the control group with UA hPSV-DT value ≥ 5th percentile (n = 33). UA hPSV-DT calculates the time in milliseconds needed to halve the maximal velocity of the UA waveform using Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS Birth weight, gestational age at birth, 1st minute APGAR, 5th minute APGAR, and umbilical cord pH values were significantly lower in the anormal hPSV-DT group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the rates of admission to NICU, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), delivery time < 34 weeks, and birth weight < 2500 g were significantly more frequent in the anormal hPSV-DT group compared to the normal hPSV-DT group (p < 0.05). UA-PI > 95th percentile was detected in only 2 (8%) of 23 patients whose newborns were admitted to the NICU (p = 0.149), while hPSV-DT < 5th percentile was detected in 16 (69%) of 23 patients (p < 0.001). According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.06-0.28) for admission to the NICU. The best balance of sensitivity/specificity in ROC curves was 221.5 (82.6% sensitivity, 69.1% specificity, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION UA hPSV-DT was successful in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia. It is a promising novel method that is accurate, quantitative, reproducible, and easily applicable. With further studies, this method may be a primary diagnostic tool in the management of high-risk pregnancies and in determining the optimal timing of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Ozden Tokalioglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Atakan Tanacan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Şule Goncu Ayhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakkı Serbetci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merve Ozturk Agaoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Herrera CL, Kim MJ, Do QN, Owen DM, Fei B, Twickler DM, Spong CY. The human placenta project: Funded studies, imaging technologies, and future directions. Placenta 2023; 142:27-35. [PMID: 37634371 PMCID: PMC11257151 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.08.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The placenta plays a critical role in fetal development. It serves as a multi-functional organ that protects and nurtures the fetus during pregnancy. However, despite its importance, the intricacies of placental structure and function in normal and diseased states have remained largely unexplored. Thus, in 2014, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development launched the Human Placenta Project (HPP). As of May 2023, the HPP has awarded over $101 million in research funds, resulting in 41 funded studies and 459 publications. We conducted a comprehensive review of these studies and publications to identify areas of funded research, advances in those areas, limitations of current research, and continued areas of need. This paper will specifically review the funded studies by the HPP, followed by an in-depth discussion on advances and gaps within placental-focused imaging. We highlight the progress within magnetic reasonance imaging and ultrasound, including development of tools for the assessment of placental function and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Herrera
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Meredith J Kim
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Quyen N Do
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David M Owen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Baowei Fei
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Advanced Imaging Research Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Diane M Twickler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Catherine Y Spong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Parkland Health Dallas, Texas, USA
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Dankó I, Kelemen E, Tankó A, Cserni G. Placental Pathology and Its Associations With Clinical Signs in Different Subtypes of Fetal Growth Restriction. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:437-446. [PMID: 37334814 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231179587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated placental alterations in different subtypes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to determine any clinical associations. METHODS FGR placentas classified according to the Amsterdam criteria were correlated with clinical findings. Percentage of intact terminal villi and villous capillarization ratio were calculated in each specimen. Correlations of placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes were studied. 61 FGR cases were studied. RESULTS Early-onset-FGR was more often associated with preeclampsia and recurrence than late-onset-FGR; placentas from early-onset-FGR often had diffuse maternal (or fetal) vascular malperfusion and villitis of unknown etiology. Decreased percentage of intact terminal villi was associated with pathologic CTG. Decreased villous capillarization was associated with early-onset-FGR and birth weight below the second percentile. Avascular villi and infarction were more common when femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio was >0.26, and perinatal outcome was poor in this group. CONCLUSION In early-onset-FGR and preeclamptic FGR, altered vascularization of villi may have a key role in pathogenesis, and recurrent FGR is associated with villitis of unknown etiology. There is an association between femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio >0.26 and histopathological alterations of placenta in FGR pregnancies. There are no significant differences in the percentage of intact terminal villi between different FGR subtypes by onset or recurrency.
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Affiliation(s)
- István Dankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Edit Kelemen
- Perinatal Intensive Centre, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - András Tankó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
| | - Gábor Cserni
- Department of Pathology, Bács-Kiskun County Teaching Hospital, Kecskemét, Hungary
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Stapleton D, Darmonkow A, Ravi Chandran A, Milligan N, Saghian R, Shinar S, Whitehead CL, Hobson SR, Serghides L, Macgowan CK, Sled JG, Kingdom JC, Baschat AA, Parks WT, Cahill LS. Peripheral cord insertion is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome only when accompanied by clinically significant placental pathology. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:248-254. [PMID: 36971026 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between umbilical cord insertion site, placental pathology and adverse pregnancy outcome in a cohort of normal and complicated pregnancies. METHODS Sonographic measurement of the cord insertion and detailed placental pathology were performed in 309 participants. Associations between cord insertion site, placental pathology and adverse pregnancy outcome (pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age) were examined. RESULTS A total of 93 (30%) participants were identified by pathological examination to have a peripheral cord insertion site. Only 41 of the 93 (44%) peripheral cords were detected by prenatal ultrasound. Peripherally inserted cords were associated significantly (P < 0.0001) with diagnostic placental pathology (most commonly with maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM)); of which 85% had an adverse pregnancy outcome. In cases of isolated peripheral cords, without placental pathology, the incidence of adverse outcome was not statistically different when compared to those with central cord insertion and no placental pathology (31% vs 18%; P = 0.3). A peripheral cord with an abnormal umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) corresponded to an adverse outcome in 96% of cases compared to 29% when the UA-PI was normal. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that peripheral cord insertion is often part of the spectrum of findings of MVM disease and is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. However, adverse outcome was uncommon when there was an isolated peripheral cord insertion and no placental pathology. Therefore, additional sonographic and biochemical features of MVM should be sought when a peripheral cord is observed. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Stapleton
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada
| | - A Darmonkow
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada
| | - A Ravi Chandran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - N Milligan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - R Saghian
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - S Shinar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C L Whitehead
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - S R Hobson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology and Institutes of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - C K Macgowan
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A A Baschat
- Center for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - W T Parks
- Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L S Cahill
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada
- Discipline of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, NL, Canada
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Ernst LM, Freedman A, Price E, Franklin A. Anatomy of the Ductus Arteriosus in Fetal Autopsies: Correlations With Placental Pathology and Cause of Death. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:388-393. [PMID: 37249143 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231178151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in the shape of the ductus arteriosus (DA), an important vascular shunt between the pulmonary artery and aorta, may reflect fetoplacental blood flow. Our aim was to examine tapering of the DA in a fetal autopsy population and correlate it with placental pathology and cause of death (COD). METHODS This autopsy case control study of stillborn fetuses selected cases (tapered DA) and consecutive age-matched controls (no DA tapering) between January 2017 and January 2022. We abstracted demographic and clinical data from pathology reports. Autopsy data included COD and histologic evidence of fetal hypoxia. Placental pathology included umbilical cord abnormalities, acute and chronic inflammation, fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), and maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM). RESULTS We identified 50 cases and 50 controls. Gestational age ranged from 18 to 38 weeks. Maternal and fetal demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between cases and controls. COD related to an umbilical cord accident/FVM was significantly more prevalent in cases vs controls (46% vs 26%, P = .037), and FVM in the placenta, regardless of COD, trended higher in cases than controls. CONCLUSION Tapering of the DA is present in stillborn fetuses and associated with COD related to fetal vascular blood flow obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Ernst
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexa Freedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Erica Price
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Andrew Franklin
- Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
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Valensise H, Farsetti D, Pometti F, Vasapollo B, Novelli GP, Lees C. The cardiac-fetal-placental unit: fetal umbilical vein flow rate is linked to the maternal cardiac profile in fetal growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:222.e1-222.e12. [PMID: 35944606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The functional maternal-fetal hemodynamic unit includes fetal umbilical vein flow and maternal peripheral vascular resistance. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the relationships between maternal and fetal hemodynamics in a population with suspected fetal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study of normotensive pregnancies referred to our outpatient clinic for a suspected fetal growth restriction. Maternal hemodynamics measurement was performed, using a noninvasive device (USCOM-1A) and a fetal ultrasound evaluation to assess fetal biometry and velocimetry Doppler parameters. Comparisons among groups were performed with 1-way analysis of variance with Student-Newman-Keuls correction for multiple comparisons and with Kruskal-Wallis test where appropriate. The Spearman rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between maternal and fetal hemodynamics. Pregnancies were observed until delivery. RESULTS A total of 182 normotensive pregnancies were included. After the evaluation, 54 fetuses were classified as growth restricted, 42 as small for gestational age, and 86 as adequate for gestational age. The fetus with fetal growth restriction had significantly lower umbilical vein diameter (P<.0001), umbilical vein velocity (P=.02), umbilical vein flow (P<.0001), and umbilical vein flow corrected for fetal weight (P<.01) than adequate-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age fetuses. The maternal hemodynamic profile in fetal growth restriction was characterized by elevated systemic vascular resistance and reduced cardiac output. The umbilical vein diameter was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.261), whereas there was a negative correlation between maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.338) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0267). The fetal umbilical vein time averaged max velocity was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.189) and maternal inotropy index (rs=0.162), whereas there was a negative correlation with maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.264) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0.171). The fetal umbilical vein flow and the flow corrected for estimated fetal weight were positively correlated with maternal cardiac output (rs=0.339 and rs=0.297) and maternal inotropy index (rs=0.217 and r=0.336), whereas there was a negative correlation between maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.461 and rs=-0.409) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0.336 and rs=-0.408). CONCLUSION Maternal and fetal hemodynamic parameters were different in the 3 groups of fetuses: fetal growth restriction, small for gestational age, and adequate for gestational age. Maternal hemodynamic parameters were closely and continuously correlated with fetal hemodynamic features. In particular, a maternal hemodynamic profile with high systemic vascular resistance, low cardiac output, reduced inotropism, and hypodynamic circulation was correlated with a reduced umbilical vein flow and increased umbilical artery pulsatility index. The mother, placenta, and fetus should be considered as a single cardiac-fetal-placental unit. The correlations of systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, and inotropy index with umbilical artery impedance indicate the key role of these 3 parameters in placental vascular tree development. The umbilical vein flow rate and, therefore, the placental perfusion seems to be influenced not only by these three parameters but also by the maternal cardiovascular kinetic energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Valensise
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Farsetti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Pometti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Vasapollo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Policlinico Casilino, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Novelli
- Department of Integrated Care Processes, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christoph Lees
- Centre for Fetal Care, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Wang Y, Zheng C, Zhou Y, Li L, Peng H, Zhang C. Novel Method for Fetal and Maternal Heart Rate Measurements Using 2-D Ultrasound Color Doppler Flow Images. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:2029-2039. [PMID: 35879181 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fetal heart rate (FHR) and maternal heart rate (MHR) are important indicators of fetal well-being during pregnancy. A common method in clinical examination is to estimate the FHR using the Doppler shift of echoes from umbilical artery blood flow based on an ultrasound pulsed-wave (PW) Doppler technique. Similarly, a sampling gate can be located at the maternal blood flow to measure MHR using PW Doppler. Ultrasound color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) is one of the most commonly used imaging modes for clinical fetal examinations. Color coding is employed to display the blood flow velocity and direction in color grades according to the Doppler shift. Continuous CDF images contain dynamic changes characteristics of the blood flow. The periodic characteristics can be used to obtain heart rate information. Therefore, here we propose a novel method to measure FHR and MHR simultaneously using CDF images. The proposed method calculates the histogram of color similarity of CDF images to initially extract the periodic characteristics of the CDF image sequence. The histogram of color similarity function is then processed by a bandpass filter and autocorrelation operation to reduce noise and enhance periodicity. Finally, peak detection is performed on the processed signal to obtain the period and estimate the heart rate. The proposed method can measure the FHR and MHR in parallel after selecting two regions containing the umbilical artery and maternal blood flow, respectively. Thus, the method has high computational efficiency. The proposed method was evaluated on a Doppler flow phantom and clinical CDF images and then compared with the PW Doppler method. The correlation analysis and Bland-Altman plots reveal that the proposed method agrees well with the PW Doppler. It is a sanity check method for real-time clinical FHR and MHR measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadan Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Chichao Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hu Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, China
| | - Chaoxue Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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10
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Micro-haemodynamics at the maternal–fetal interface: experimental, theoretical and clinical perspectives. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2022.100387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Link-Sourani D, Avisdris N, Harel S, Ben-Sira L, Ganot T, Gordon Z, Many A, Ben Bashat D. Ex-Vivo MRI of the Normal Human Placenta: Structural-Functional Interplay and the Association With Birth Weight. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 56:134-144. [PMID: 34799945 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28002] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods are increasingly being used to assess the human placenta. Yet, the structure-function interplay in normal placentas and their associations with pregnancy risks are not fully understood. PURPOSE To characterize the normal human placental structure (volume and umbilical cord centricity index (CI)) and function (perfusion) ex-vivo using MRI, to assess their association with birth weight (BW), and identify imaging-markers for placentas at risk for dysfunction. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION Twenty normal term ex-vivo placentas. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3 T/ T1 and T2 weighted (T1 W, T2 W) turbo spin-echo, three-dimensional susceptibility-weighted image, and time-resolved angiography with interleaved stochastic trajectories (TWIST), during passage of a contrast agent using MRI compatible perfusion system that mimics placental flow. ASSESSMENT Placental volume and CI were manually extracted from the T1 W images by a fetal-placental MRI scientist (D.L., 7 years of experience). Perfusion maps including bolus arrival-time and full-width at half maximum were calculated from the TWIST data. Mean values, entropy, and asymmetries were calculated from each perfusion map, relating to both the whole placenta and volumes of interest (VOIs) within the umbilical cord and its daughter blood vessels. STATISTICAL TESTS Pearson correlations with correction for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate were performed between structural and functional parameters, and with BW, with P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS All placentas were successfully perfused and scanned. Significant correlations were found between whole placenta and VOIs perfusion parameters (mean R = 0.76 ± 0.06, range = 0.67-0.89), which were also significantly correlated with CI (mean R = 0.72 ± 0.05, range = 0.65-0.79). BW was correlated with placental volume (R = 0.62), but not with CI (P = 0.40). BW was also correlated with local perfusion asymmetry (R = -0.71). DATA CONCLUSION Results demonstrate a gradient of placental function, associated with CI and suggest several ex-vivo imaging-markers that might indicate an increased risk for placental dysfunction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Netanell Avisdris
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shaul Harel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Pediatric Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Ben-Sira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Division of Pediatric Radiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tuvia Ganot
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zoya Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Medical Engineering, Afeka, Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Many
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dafna Ben Bashat
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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张 伊. Recent research on the influence of intrauterine growth restriction on the structure and function of the nervous system. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23:1184-1189. [PMID: 34753552 PMCID: PMC8580033 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2108044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is caused by many factors, and most newborns with IUGR are small for gestational age (SGA). SGA infants have a relatively high risk of death and disease in the perinatal period, and the nervous system already has structural changes in the uterus, including the reduction of brain volume and gray matter volume, accompanied by abnormal imaging and pathological changes. IUGR fetuses undergo intrauterine blood flow redistribution to protect brain blood supply, and there are still controversies over the clinical effect of brain protection mechanism. SGA infants have a relatively high risk of abnormal cognitive, motor, language, and behavioral functions in the neonatal period and childhood, and preterm infants tend to have a higher degree of neurological impairment than full-term infants. Early intervention may help to improve the function of the nervous system.
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Smolich JJ, Mynard JP. Reflections illuminate antenatal detection of placental pathology. EBioMedicine 2021; 68:103404. [PMID: 34049249 PMCID: PMC8170067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Smolich
- Heart Research, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jonathan P Mynard
- Heart Research, Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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