1
|
Starodubtseva NL, Tokareva AO, Volochaeva MV, Kononikhin AS, Brzhozovskiy AG, Bugrova AE, Timofeeva AV, Kukaev EN, Tyutyunnik VL, Kan NE, Frankevich VE, Nikolaev EN, Sukhikh GT. Quantitative Proteomics of Maternal Blood Plasma in Isolated Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16832. [PMID: 38069155 PMCID: PMC10706154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) remains a significant concern in modern obstetrics, linked to high neonatal health problems and even death, as well as childhood disability, affecting adult quality of life. The role of maternal and fetus adaptation during adverse pregnancy is still not completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the disturbance in biological processes associated with isolated IUGR via blood plasma proteomics. The levels of 125 maternal plasma proteins were quantified by liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (LC-MRM MS) with corresponding stable isotope-labeled peptide standards (SIS). Thirteen potential markers of IUGR (Gelsolin, Alpha-2-macroglobulin, Apolipoprotein A-IV, Apolipoprotein B-100, Apolipoprotein(a), Adiponectin, Complement C5, Apolipoprotein D, Alpha-1B-glycoprotein, Serum albumin, Fibronectin, Glutathione peroxidase 3, Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) were found to be inter-connected in a protein-protein network. These proteins are involved in plasma lipoprotein assembly, remodeling, and clearance; lipid metabolism, especially cholesterol and phospholipids; hemostasis, including platelet degranulation; and immune system regulation. Additionally, 18 proteins were specific to a particular type of IUGR (early or late). Distinct patterns in the coagulation and fibrinolysis systems were observed between isolated early- and late-onset IUGR. Our findings highlight the complex interplay of immune and coagulation factors in IUGR and the differences between early- and late-onset IUGR and other placenta-related conditions like PE. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving outcomes for pregnancies affected by IUGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia L. Starodubtseva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alisa O. Tokareva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Maria V. Volochaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Alexey S. Kononikhin
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Alexander G. Brzhozovskiy
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Anna E. Bugrova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Angelika V. Timofeeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Evgenii N. Kukaev
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor L. Tyutyunnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Natalia E. Kan
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Vladimir E. Frankevich
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
- Laboratory of Translational Medicine, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny N. Nikolaev
- V.L. Talrose Institute for Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.O.T.); (M.V.V.); (A.S.K.); (A.G.B.); (A.E.B.); (A.V.T.); (E.N.K.); (V.L.T.); (N.E.K.); (V.E.F.); (G.T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Denizli R, Tanaçan A, Sakcak B, Farisoğulları N, Ağaoğlu Z, Turgut E, Kara Ö, Şahin D. Evaluation of the Caval aortic index in fetal growth restriction: A case-control study in a tertiary center. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:186-193. [PMID: 37128746 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14808] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, aortic diameter, and caval aortic index in fetuses with growth restriction and to compare the findings with fetuses from uncomplicated pregnancies at similar gestational weeks. METHODS This prospective study was conducted with a total of 176 pregnant women. According to the diagnostic criteria, 84 pregnancies diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) were compared with a control group of 92 uncomplicated pregnancies at similar gestational weeks. RESULTS The aortic and IVC diameter values were significantly lower in the FGR group (P < 0.001), whereas the caval aortic index was similar between the two groups. The examination of the ultrasound parameters of the cases with FGR according to the neonatal intensive care requirement revealed similar aortic diameter and caval aortic index values but a significantly smaller IVC diameter in the cases requiring neonatal intensive care (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION We determined that the aortic and IVC diameter values were smaller in the fetuses with growth restriction, but the caval aortic index was similar in the two groups. The measurement of the IVC diameter in FGR may be useful in predicting the neonatal intensive care requirements of these fetuses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Denizli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atakan Tanaçan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedri Sakcak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nihat Farisoğulları
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Zahid Ağaoğlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Turgut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özgür Kara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Şahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
- University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gow ML, Varley BJ, Nasir RF, Skilton MR, Craig ME. Aortic intima media thickness in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review. Pediatr Diabetes 2022; 23:489-498. [PMID: 35191150 PMCID: PMC9303881 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.13322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Greater aortic intima media thickness (aIMT), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, can identify individuals at risk of CVD. This systematic review with meta-analysis compared aIMT in youth with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. METHODS A systematic search of published literature (to July 2021) was undertaken using electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and AMED. Eligible studies reported aIMT in participants aged <20 years with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls. Meta-analysis was used to combine outcome data, presented as forest plots. Moderator analysis and metaregression were conducted to identify study and participant characteristics associated with aIMT. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot inspection. RESULTS Meta-analysis of nine studies (n = 1030 with type 1 diabetes and n = 498 healthy control participants) indicated, with high heterogeneity (I2 98%), that youth with type 1 diabetes have higher aIMT compared with healthy controls (mean difference [95% CIs]: 0.11 [0.04, 0.18] mm, P = 0.003). Factors associated with greater aIMT in type 1 diabetes compared to controls included: use of a phased array probe versus linear array probe; longer diabetes duration; higher insulin dose; higher BMI z score and waist circumference; higher LDL cholesterol; higher triglycerides; and higher diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS Type 1 diabetes in youth is associated with higher aIMT compared with healthy control individuals. Longer duration of diabetes and major CVD risk factors were also associated with higher aIMT. Together, these findings provide a strong rationale for targeting modifiable risk factors in CVD prevention. Registered in PROSPERO on 8 August 2019 (CRD42019137559).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Gow
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia,School of Women's and Children's HealthThe University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Benjamin J. Varley
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Reeja F. Nasir
- Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| | | | - Maria E. Craig
- Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical SchoolThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia,School of Women's and Children's HealthThe University of New South WalesSydneyAustralia,Faculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Savioli N, Grisan E, Visentin S, Cosmi E, Montana G, Lamata P. Real-time diameter of the fetal aorta from ultrasound. Neural Comput Appl 2020; 32:6735-6744. [PMID: 32523256 PMCID: PMC7260154 DOI: 10.1007/s00521-019-04646-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The automatic analysis of ultrasound sequences can substantially improve the efficiency of clinical diagnosis. This article presents an attempt to automate the challenging task of measuring the vascular diameter of the fetal abdominal aorta from ultrasound images. We propose a neural network architecture consisting of three blocks: a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the extraction of imaging features, a convolution gated recurrent unit (C-GRU) for exploiting the temporal redundancy of the signal, and a regularized loss function, called CyclicLoss, to impose our prior knowledge about the periodicity of the observed signal. The solution is investigated with a cohort of 25 ultrasound sequences acquired during the third-trimester pregnancy check, and with 1000 synthetic sequences. In the extraction of features, it is shown that a shallow CNN outperforms two other deep CNNs with both the real and synthetic cohorts, suggesting that echocardiographic features are optimally captured by a reduced number of CNN layers. The proposed architecture, working with the shallow CNN, reaches an accuracy substantially superior to previously reported methods, providing an average reduction of the mean squared error from 0.31 (state-of-the-art) to 0.09 mm 2 , and a relative error reduction from 8.1 to 5.3%. The mean execution speed of the proposed approach of 289 frames per second makes it suitable for real-time clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoló Savioli
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
- grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Computing, Imperial College London, Huxley Building, 180 Queen’s Gate, London, SW7 2RH UK
| | - Enrico Grisan
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Visentin
- grid.411474.30000 0004 1760 2630Department of Woman and Child Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erich Cosmi
- grid.411474.30000 0004 1760 2630Department of Woman and Child Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Montana
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613WMG International Digital Laboratory, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV32 7AL UK
| | - Pablo Lamata
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Department of Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, London, SE1 7EH UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Natural History of Atherosclerosis and Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness: Rationale, Evidence, and Best Practice for Detection of Atherosclerosis in the Young. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8081201. [PMID: 31408952 PMCID: PMC6723244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8081201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis underlies most myocardial infarctions and ischemic strokes. The timing of onset and the rate of progression of atherosclerosis differ between individuals and among arterial sites. Physical manifestations of atherosclerosis may begin in early life, particularly in the abdominal aorta. Measurement of the abdominal aortic intima-media thickness by external ultrasound is a non-invasive methodology for quantifying the extent and severity of early atherosclerosis in children, adolescents, and young adults. This review provides an evidence-based rationale for the assessment of abdominal aortic intima-media thickness-particularly as an age-appropriate methodology for studying the natural history of atherosclerosis in the young in comparison to other methodologies-establishes best practice methods for assessing abdominal aortic intima-media thickness, and identifies key gaps in the literature, including those that will identify the clinical relevance of this measure.
Collapse
|
6
|
Intrauterine growth restriction: impact on cardiovascular development and function throughout infancy. Pediatr Res 2016; 79:821-30. [PMID: 26866903 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to the situation where a fetus does not grow according to its genetic growth potential. One of the main causes of IUGR is uteroplacental vascular insufficiency. Under these circumstances of chronic oxygen and nutrient deprivation, the growth-restricted fetus often displays typical circulatory changes, which in part represent adaptations to the suboptimal intrauterine environment. These fetal adaptations aim to preserve oxygen and nutrient supply to vital organs such as the brain, the heart, and the adrenals. These prenatal circulatory adaptations are thought to lead to an altered development of the cardiovascular system and "program" the fetus for life long cardiovascular morbidities. In this review, we discuss the alterations to cardiovascular structure, function, and control that have been observed in growth-restricted fetuses, neonates, and infants following uteroplacental vascular insufficiency. We also discuss the current knowledge on early life surveillance and interventions to prevent progression into chronic disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Adiponectin levels are reduced while markers of systemic inflammation and aortic remodelling are increased in intrauterine growth restricted mother-child couple. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:401595. [PMID: 25045669 PMCID: PMC4090565 DOI: 10.1155/2014/401595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the relationships between the adipocytokine levels, markers of inflammation, and vascular remodelling in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective study. One hundred and forty pregnant patients were enrolled. Adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C reactive protein (CRP) were assessed in IUGR, small for gestational age (SGA), and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) mother-child couples at delivery. IUGR and SGA fetuses were defined as fetuses whose estimated fetal weight (EFW) was below 10th percentile for gestational age with and without umbilical artery (UA) Doppler abnormalities, respectively. Fetal aorta intima media thickness (aIMT) was evaluated by ultrasound in the same fetal groups. Data were analyzed by R (version 2.15.2). RESULTS There were 37 IUGR mother-child couples, 33 SGA, and 70 AGA. Leptin, TNFα, IL-6, and CRP serum levels were higher in IUGR pregnant patients (P < 0.05). Adiponectin levels were significantly reduced in IUGR fetuses compared to SGA and AGA, while leptin, TNFα, and IL-6 levels were higher in IUGR group (P ≤ 0.05). Fetal aIMT was significantly higher in IUGR (P < 0.05) and in this group there was a negative correlation between aIMT and adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L ratio) (P < 0.05) and between adiponectin and IL-6 levels (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, compared to SGA and AGA, IUGR fetuses had reduced circulating levels of adiponectin and elevated measures of aIMT and several inflammatory markers. Moreover, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with aIMT in IUGR fetuses suggesting a possible causal link between reduced adiponectin and vessel remodelling.
Collapse
|
8
|
McCloskey K, Ponsonby AL, Carlin JB, Jachno K, Cheung M, Skilton MR, Koleff J, Vuillermin P, Burgner D. Reproducibility of aortic intima-media thickness in infants using edge-detection software and manual caliper measurements. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2014; 12:18. [PMID: 24894574 PMCID: PMC4061507 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-12-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aortic intima-media thickness measured by transabdominal ultrasound (aIMT) is an intermediate phenotype of cardiovascular risk. We aimed to (1) investigate the reproducibility of aIMT in a population-derived cohort of infants; (2) establish the distribution of aIMT in early infancy; (3) compare measurement by edge-detection software to that by manual sonographic calipers; and (4) assess the effect of individual and environmental variables on image quality. Methods Participants were term infants recruited to a population-derived birth cohort study. Transabdominal ultrasound was performed at six weeks of age by one of two trained operators. Thirty participants had ultrasounds performed by both operators on the same day. Data were collected on environmental (infant sleeping, presence of a sibling, use of sucrose, timing during study visit) and individual (post-conception age, weight, gender) variables. Two readers assessed image quality and measured aIMT by edge-detection software and a subset by manual sonographic calipers. Measurements were repeated by the same reader and between readers to obtain intra-observer and inter-observer reliability. Results Aortic IMT was measured successfully using edge-detection in 814 infants, and 290 of these infants also had aIMT measured using manual sonographic calipers. The intra-reader intra-class correlation (ICC) (n = 20) was 0.90 (95% CI 0.76, 0.96), mean difference 1.5 μm (95% LOA −39, 59). The between reader ICC using edge-detection (n = 20) was 0.92 (95% CI 0.82, 0.97) mean difference 2 μm (95% LOA −45.0, 49.0) and with manual caliper measurement (n = 290) the ICC was 0.84 (95% CI 0.80, 0.87) mean difference 5 μm (95% LOA −51.8, 61.8). Edge-detection measurements were greater than those from manual sonographic calipers (mean aIMT 618 μm (50) versus mean aIMT 563 μm (49) respectively; p < 0.001, mean difference 44 μm, 95% LOA −54, 142). With the exception of infant crying (p = 0.001), no associations were observed between individual and environmental variables and image quality. Conclusion In a population-derived cohort of term infants, aIMT measurement has a high level of intra and inter-reader reproducibility. Measurement of aIMT using edge-detection software gives higher inter-reader ICC than manual sonographic calipers. Image quality is not substantially affected by individual and environmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Vuillermin
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Elmstedt N, Ferm-Widlund K, Lind B, Brodin LÅ, Westgren M. Fetal cardiac muscle contractility decreases with gestational age: a color-coded tissue velocity imaging study. Cardiovasc Ultrasound 2012; 10:19. [PMID: 22571652 PMCID: PMC3403944 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7120-10-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Present data regarding how the fetal heart works and develops throughout gestation is limited. However, the possibility to analyze the myocardial velocity profile provides new possibilities to gain further knowledge in this area. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate human fetal myocardial characteristics and deformation properties using color-coded tissue velocity imaging (TVI). Methods TVI recordings from 55 healthy fetuses, at 18 to 42 weeks of gestation, were acquired at a frame rate of 201–273 frames/s for offline analysis using software enabling retrieval of the myocardial velocity curve and 2D anatomical information. The measurements were taken from an apical four-chamber view, and the acquired data was correlated using regression analysis. Results Left ventricular length and width increased uniformly with gestational age. Atrioventricular plane displacement and the E’/A’ ratio also increased with gestational age, while a longitudinal shortening was demonstrated. Conclusions Fetal cardiac muscle contractility decreases with gestational age. As numerous fetal- and pregnancy-associated conditions directly influence the pumping function of the fetal heart, we believe that this new insight into the physiology of the human fetal cardiovascular system could contribute to make diagnosis and risk assessment easier and more accurate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Elmstedt
- Department of Medical Engineering, School of Technology and Health, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|