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Dagge A, Barros J, Graça A, Carvalho RM. Early-onset fetal growth restriction: comparison of two management protocols in a single tertiary center. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 36:2183755. [PMID: 36860097 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2023.2183755] [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: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compare the neonatal outcomes of two protocols of diagnosis and surveillance of pregnancies complicated by early-onset FGR in a tertiary hospital. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women diagnosed with early-onset FGR between 2017 and 2020. We compared the obstetric and perinatal outcomes between two different management protocols (before and after 2019). RESULTS Seventy-two cases of early-onset FGR were diagnosed in the forementioned period: 45 (62.5%) were managed according to protocol 1 and 27 (37.5%) according to protocol 2. Mean gestational age at delivery was significantly different between groups: 34.9 ± 3.1 weeks (95% CI 34.0-35.9) in group 1 and 32.3 ± 4.4 weeks (95% CI 30.4-33.9) in group 2. 74.1% (20) of newborns in group 2 were admitted in de NICU, a significant difference when compared with 46.7% of group 1. There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining serious neonatal adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study published comparing two different protocols of management of FGR. The implementation of the new protocol seems to have led to a decrease in the number of fetuses labeled as growth restricted and to a decrease in the gestational age of delivery of such fetuses, but without increasing the rate of serious neonatal adverse outcomes. SYNOPSIS The implementation of the 2016 ISUOG guidelines for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction seems to have led to a decrease in the number of fetuses labeled as growth restricted and to a decrease in the gestational age of delivery of such fetuses, but without increasing the rate of serious neonatal adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dagge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine - Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Barros
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine - Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Graça
- Department of Pediatrics - Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Marques Carvalho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine - Northern Lisbon University Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
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Pels A, Ganzevoort W, Kenny LC, Baker PN, von Dadelszen P, Gluud C, Kariya CT, Leemhuis AG, Groom KM, Sharp AN, Magee LA, Jakobsen JC, Mol BWJ, Papageorghiou AT. Interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway versus placebo or no therapy for fetal growth restriction in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD014498. [PMID: 37428872 PMCID: PMC10332237 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition of poor growth of the fetus in utero. One of the causes of FGR is placental insufficiency. Severe early-onset FGR at < 32 weeks of gestation occurs in an estimated 0.4% of pregnancies. This extreme phenotype is associated with a high risk of fetal death, neonatal mortality, and neonatal morbidity. Currently, there is no causal treatment, and management is focused on indicated preterm birth to prevent fetal death. Interest has risen in interventions that aim to improve placental function by administration of pharmacological agents affecting the nitric oxide pathway causing vasodilatation. OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review and aggregate data meta-analysis is to assess the beneficial and harmful effects of interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway compared with placebo, no therapy, or different drugs affecting this pathway against each other, in pregnant women with severe early-onset FGR. SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (16 July 2022), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered all randomised controlled comparisons of interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway compared with placebo, no therapy, or another drug affecting this pathway in pregnant women with severe early-onset FGR of placental origin, for inclusion in this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods for data collection and analysis. MAIN RESULTS We included a total of eight studies (679 women) in this review, all of which contributed to the data and analysis. The identified studies report on five different comparisons: sildenafil compared with placebo or no therapy, tadalafil compared with placebo or no therapy, L-arginine compared with placebo or no therapy, nitroglycerin compared with placebo or no therapy and sildenafil compared with nitroglycerin. The risk of bias of included studies was judged as low or unclear. In two studies the intervention was not blinded. The certainty of evidence for our primary outcomes was judged as moderate for the intervention sildenafil and low for tadalafil and nitroglycerine (due to low number of participants and low number of events). For the intervention L-arginine, our primary outcomes were not reported. Sildenafil citrate compared to placebo or no therapy (5 studies, 516 women) Five studies (Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and Brazil) involving 516 pregnant women with FGR were included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as moderate. Compared with placebo or no therapy, sildenafil probably has little or no effect on all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80 to 1.27, 5 studies, 516 women); may reduce fetal mortality (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.12, 5 studies, 516 women), and increase neonatal mortality (RR 1.45, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.33, 5 studies, 397 women), although the results are uncertain for fetal and neonatal mortality as 95% confidence intervals are wide crossing the line of no effect. Tadalafil compared with placebo or no therapy (1 study, 87 women) One study (Japan) involving 87 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. Compared with placebo or no therapy, tadalafil may have little or no effect on all-cause mortality (risk ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.02 to 1.60, one study, 87 women); fetal mortality (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.96, one study, 87 women); and neonatal mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.06 to 13.70, one study, 83 women). L-Arginine compared with placebo or no therapy (1 study, 43 women) One study (France) involving 43 pregnant women with FGR was included. This study did not assess our primary outcomes. Nitroglycerin compared to placebo or no therapy (1 studies, 23 women) One study (Brazil) involving 23 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. The effect on the primary outcomes is not estimable due to no events in women participating in both groups. Sildenafil citrate compared to nitroglycerin (1 study, 23 women) One study (Brazil) involving 23 pregnant women with FGR was included. We assessed the certainty of the evidence as low. The effect on the primary outcomes is not estimable due to no events in women participating in both groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Interventions affecting the nitric oxide pathway probably do not seem to influence all-cause (fetal and neonatal) mortality in pregnant women carrying a baby with FGR, although more evidence is needed. The certainty of this evidence is moderate for sildenafil and low for tadalafil and nitroglycerin. For sildenafil a fair amount of data are available from randomised clinical trials, but with low numbers of participants. Therefore, the certainty of evidence is moderate. For the other interventions investigated in this review there are insufficient data, meaning we do not know whether these interventions improve perinatal and maternal outcomes in pregnant women with FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Pels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Louise C Kenny
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Philip N Baker
- College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Christian Gluud
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Capital Region, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chirag T Kariya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Aleid G Leemhuis
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katie M Groom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew N Sharp
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura A Magee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janus C Jakobsen
- Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group, Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, The Capital Region of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medial Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Fetal Growth Restriction: Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Management. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Zou Z, Harris LK, Forbes K, Heazell AEP. Placental expression of Estrogen related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is reduced in FGR pregnancies and is mediated by hypoxia. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:846-857. [PMID: 35594451 PMCID: PMC9476228 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) describes a fetus which has not achieved its genetic growth potential; it is closely linked to placental dysfunction and uteroplacental hypoxia. Estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG) is regulated by hypoxia and is highly expressed in the placenta. We hypothesized ESRRG is a regulator of hypoxia-mediated placental dysfunction in FGR pregnancies. Placentas were collected from women delivering appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 14) or FGR (n = 14) infants. Placental explants (n = 15) from uncomplicated pregnancies were cultured for up to 4 days in 21% or 1% O2, or with 200 μM cobalt chloride (CoCl2), or treated with the ESRRG agonists DY131 under different oxygen concentrations. RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunochemistry were used to assess mRNA and protein levels of ESRRG and its localization in placental tissue from FGR or AGA pregnancies, and in cultured placental explants. ESRRG mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced in FGR placentas, as was mRNA expression of the downstream targets of ESRRG, hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 2 (HSD11B2), and cytochrome P-450 (CYP19A1.1). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha protein localized to the nuclei of the cytotrophoblasts and stromal cells in the explants exposed to CoCl2 or 1% O2. Both hypoxia and CoCl2 treatment decreased ESRRG and its downstream genes’ mRNA expression, but not ESRRG protein expression. DY131 increased the expression of ESRRG signaling pathways and prevented abnormal cell turnover induced by hypoxia. These data show that placental ESRRG is hypoxia-sensitive and altered ESRRG-mediated signaling may contribute to hypoxia-induced placental dysfunction in FGR. Furthermore, DY131 could be used as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Zou
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lynda K Harris
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Karen Forbes
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK, M13 9WL.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
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Kamphof HD, Gordijn SJ, Ganzevoort W, Verfaille V, Offerhaus PM, Franx A, Pajkrt E, de Jonge A, Henrichs J. Associations of severe adverse perinatal outcomes among continuous birth weight percentiles on different birth weight charts: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized trial. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:375. [PMID: 35490210 PMCID: PMC9055757 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify neonatal risk for severe adverse perinatal outcomes across birth weight centiles in two Dutch and one international birth weight chart. Background Growth restricted newborns have not reached their intrinsic growth potential in utero and are at risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. There is no golden standard for the confirmation of the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction after birth. Estimated fetal weight and birth weight below the 10th percentile are generally used as proxy for growth restriction. The choice of birth weight chart influences the specific cut-off by which birth weight is defined as abnormal, thereby triggering clinical management. Ideally, this cut-off should discriminate appropriately between newborns at low and at high risk of severe adverse perinatal outcomes and consequently correctly inform clinical management. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the IUGR Risk Selection (IRIS) study. Newborns (n = 12 953) of women with a low-risk status at the start of pregnancy and that received primary antenatal care in the Netherlands were included. We examined the distribution of severe adverse perinatal outcomes across birth weight centiles for three birth weight charts (Visser, Hoftiezer and INTERGROWTH) by categorizing birth weight centile groups and comparing the prognostic performance for severe adverse perinatal outcomes. Severe adverse perinatal outcomes were defined as a composite of one or more of the following: perinatal death, Apgar score < 4 at 5 min, impaired consciousness, asphyxia, seizures, assisted ventilation, septicemia, meningitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, or necrotizing enterocolitis. Results We found the highest rates of severe adverse perinatal outcomes among the smallest newborns (< 3rd percentile) (6.2% for the Visser reference curve, 8.6% for the Hoftiezer chart and 12.0% for the INTERGROWTH chart). Discriminative abilities of the three birth weight charts across the entire range of birth weight centiles were poor with areas under the curve ranging from 0.57 to 0.61. Sensitivity rates of the various cut-offs were also low. Conclusions The clinical utility of all three charts in identifying high risk of severe adverse perinatal outcomes is poor. There is no single cut-off that discriminates clearly between newborns at low or high risk. Trial Registration Netherlands Trial Register NTR4367. Registration date March 20th, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester D Kamphof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Viki Verfaille
- Dutch Professional Association of Sonographers (BEN), Woerden, the Netherlands
| | - Pien M Offerhaus
- AVM (Midwifery Education and Studies Maastricht, ZUYD University of Applied Sciences), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Arie Franx
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eva Pajkrt
- Department of Obstetrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ank de Jonge
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AVAG/Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jens Henrichs
- Department of Midwifery Science, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, AVAG/Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Liauw J, Groom K, Ganzevoort W, Gluud C, McKinlay CJD, Sharp A, Mackay L, Kariya C, Lim K, von Dadelszen P, Limpens J, Jakobsen JC. Short-term outcomes of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for fetal growth restriction: a study protocol for a systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis, aggregate meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis. Syst Rev 2021; 10:305. [PMID: 34861900 PMCID: PMC8643016 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01849-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early onset fetal growth restriction secondary to placental insufficiency can lead to severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Pre-clinical studies and a few small randomised clinical trials have suggested that phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors may have protective effects against placental insufficiency in this context; however, robust evidence is lacking. The STRIDER Consortium conducted four randomised trials to investigate the use of a PDE-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, for the treatment of early onset fetal growth restriction. We present a protocol for the pre-planned systematic review with individual participant data meta-analysis, aggregate meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis of these and other eligible trials. The main objective of this study will be to evaluate the effects of PDE-5 inhibitors on neonatal morbidity compared with placebo or no intervention among pregnancies with fetal growth restriction. METHODS We will search the following electronic databases with no language or date restrictions: OVID MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), and the clinical trial registers Clinicaltrials.gov and World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We will identify randomised trials of PDE-5 inhibitors in singleton pregnancies with growth restriction. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Our primary outcome will be infant survival without evidence of serious adverse neonatal outcome. Secondary outcomes will include gestational age at birth and birth weight z-scores. We will assess bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. We will conduct aggregate meta-analysis using fixed and random effects models, Trial Sequential Analysis, and individual participant data meta-analysis using one- and two-stage approaches. The certainty of evidence will be assessed with GRADE. DISCUSSION This pre-defined protocol will minimise bias during analysis and interpretation of results, toward the goal of providing robust evidence regarding the use of PDE-5 inhibitors for the treatment of early onset fetal growth restriction. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO (CRD42017069688).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Liauw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Room C420-4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3N1, Canada.
| | - Katie Groom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Capital Region of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Andrew Sharp
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Laura Mackay
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Ken Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Room C420-4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3N1, Canada
| | | | - Jacqueline Limpens
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janus C Jakobsen
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Capital Region of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Regional Health Research, The Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Placental features of fetal vascular malperfusion and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age in severe fetal growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:413.e1-413.e11. [PMID: 33812813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental pathologic lesions suggesting maternal or fetal vascular malperfusion are common among pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. Data on the relationship between pathologic placental lesions and subsequent infant neurodevelopmental outcomes are limited. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the relationship between placental pathologic lesions and infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age in a cohort of pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN An observational cohort study included singleton intrauterine growth restriction pregnancies delivered at ≤34 weeks' gestation and with a birthweight of ≤1500 g at a single institution in the period between 2007 and 2016. Maternal and neonatal data were collected at discharge from the hospital. Infant neurodevelopmental assessment was performed every 3 months during the first year of life and every 6 months in the second year. Penalized logistic regression was used to test the association of maternal vascular malperfusion and fetal vascular malperfusion with infant outcomes adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Of the 249 pregnancies enrolled, neonatal mortality was 8.8% (22 of 249). Severe and overall maternal vascular malperfusion were 16.1% (40 of 249) and 31.7% (79 of 249), respectively. Severe maternal vascular malperfusion was associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-9.5). Among the 198 survivors after a 2-year neurodevelopmental follow-up evaluation, the rate of major and minor neurodevelopmental sequelae was 57.1% (4 of 7) among severe fetal vascular malperfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 24.5; 95% confidence interval, 4.1-146), 44.8% (13 of 29) among overall fetal vascular malperfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 5.1-16.2), and 7.1% (12 of 169) in pregnancies without fetal vascular malperfusion. Infants born from pregnancies with fetal vascular malperfusion also had lower 2-year general quotient, personal-social, hearing and speech, and performance subscales scores than those without fetal vascular malperfusion. Finally, in the presence of fetal vascular malperfusion, the likelihood of a 2-year infant survival with normal neurodevelopmental outcomes was reduced by more than 70% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.63). Noticeably, 10 of the 20 subjects with a 2-year major neurodevelopmental impairment (3 of 4 with severe fetal vascular malperfusion) had little or no abnormal neurologic findings at discharge from neonatal intensive care unit. CONCLUSION In preterm intrauterine growth restriction, placental fetal vascular malperfusion is correlated with an increased risk of abnormal infant neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age even in the absence of brain lesions or neurologic abnormalities at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. In the case of a diagnosis of fetal vascular malperfusion, pediatricians and neurologists should be alerted to an increased risk of subsequent infant neurodevelopmental problems.
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Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction is a condition that prevents normal fetal development, and previous studies have reported that intrauterine growth restriction is caused by adverse intrauterine factors. This condition affects both short- and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies have revealed that neurodevelopmental disorders can contribute to gray and white matter damage and decrease the brain volume of affected individuals. Further, these disorders are associated with increased risks of mental retardation, cognitive impairment, and cerebral palsy, which seriously affect the quality of life. Although the mechanisms underlying the neurologic injury associated with intrauterine growth restriction are not completely clear, studies have revealed that neuronal apoptosis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitatory toxicity, disruption of blood-brain barrier, and epigenetics may be involved in this process. This article reviews the manifestations and possible mechanisms underlying neurologic injury in intrauterine growth restriction and provides a theoretical basis for the effective prevention and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaiju Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Pingyang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, 70566The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Laboratory of Neonatal Disease, Institute of Pediatrics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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