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Todtenhaupt P, Kuipers TB, Dijkstra KL, Voortman LM, Franken LA, Spekman JA, Jonkman TH, Groene SG, Roest AA, Haak MC, Verweij EJT, van Pel M, Lopriore E, Heijmans BT, van der Meeren LE. Twisting the theory on the origin of human umbilical cord coiling featuring monozygotic twins. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302543. [PMID: 38830769 PMCID: PMC11147950 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The human umbilical cord (hUC) is the lifeline that connects the fetus to the mother. Hypercoiling of the hUC is associated with pre- and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We investigated the origin of hUC hypercoiling using state-of-the-art imaging and omics approaches. Macroscopic inspection of the hUC revealed the helices to originate from the arteries rather than other components of the hUC. Digital reconstruction of the hUC arteries showed the dynamic alignment of two layers of muscle fibers in the tunica media aligning in opposing directions. We observed that genetically identical twins can be discordant for hUC coiling, excluding genetic, many environmental, and parental origins of hUC coiling. Comparing the transcriptomic and DNA methylation profile of the hUC arteries of four twin pairs with discordant cord coiling, we detected 28 differentially expressed genes, but no differentially methylated CpGs. These genes play a role in vascular development, cell-cell interaction, and axis formation and may account for the increased number of hUC helices. When combined, our results provide a novel framework to understand the origin of hUC helices in fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Todtenhaupt
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas B Kuipers
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kyra L Dijkstra
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lenard M Voortman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laura A Franken
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jip A Spekman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Jonkman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sophie G Groene
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Arno Aw Roest
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Pediatric Cardiology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Monique C Haak
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - EJoanne T Verweij
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Melissa van Pel
- NecstGen, Leiden, Netherlands
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Enrico Lopriore
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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2
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Petrogiannis N, Petrogiannis S, Filippa M, Alexakis C, Chatzimeletiou K. Poland Syndrome in a Pregnancy From an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Cycle With In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and Rescue Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Cureus 2024; 16:e56936. [PMID: 38665724 PMCID: PMC11044076 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Poland syndrome is a congenital anatomical anomaly, characterised by partial or total aplasia of one side of the body causing abnormalities affecting the chest, shoulder, and upper limb. The exact mechanism that leads to this syndrome is unknown, but an abnormality in the vasculature formation or interruption of the blood supply of the subscapular artery and its branches early in development may be the main cause. Depending on the underlying mechanism, the syndrome has several expressions with some hardly being detectable and others not even being compatible with life. Here, we present a case of pregnancy from an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle with in vitro maturation (IVM) and rescue intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which resulted in the in-utero death of the foetus. The subsequent necropsy revealed a variation of Poland syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Petrogiannis
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Naval Hospital of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Savvas Petrogiannis
- Medicine, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Naval Hospital of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Maria Filippa
- Clinical Embryology, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Naval Hospital of Athens, Athens, GRC
| | - Chalent Alexakis
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General Hospital of Lamia, Athens , GRC
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Genetics, Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
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3
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Kim CF, Carreon CK, James KE, Bates SV, Mueller SB, Boyd TK, Roberts DJ. Gross and Histologic Placental Abnormalities Associated With Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024; 27:123-131. [PMID: 37749054 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231195166] [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: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate particular placental pathology findings that are associated with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and determine which patterns are associated with adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Multi-institutional retrospective case-control study of newborns with HIE (2002-2022) and controls. Four perinatal pathologists performed gross and histologic evaluation of placentas of cases and controls. RESULTS A total of 265 placentas of neonates with HIE and 122 controls were examined. Infants with HIE were more likely to have anatomic umbilical cord abnormalities (19.7% vs 7.4%, P = .003), fetal inflammatory response in the setting of amniotic fluid infection (27.7% vs 13.9%, P = .004), and fetal vascular malperfusion (30.6% vs 9.0%, P = <.001) versus controls. Fetal vascular malperfusion with maternal vascular malperfusion was more common in those who died of disease (P = .01). CONCLUSION Placental pathology examination of neonates with HIE may improve our understanding of this disorder and its adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte F Kim
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chrystalle Katte Carreon
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara V Bates
- Department of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah B Mueller
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Theonia K Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Drucilla J Roberts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Dehner LP. The Placenta and Neonatal Encephalopathy with a Focus on Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:950-971. [PMID: 37766587 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2023.2261051] [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] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background: Placental examination is important for its diagnostic immediacy to correlate with maternal and/or fetal complications and parturitional difficulties. In a broader context, clinicopathologic studies of the placenta have addressed a range of pathogenetic questions that have led to conclusive and inconclusive results and interpretations. Methods: Recent standardized morphologic criteria and terminology of placental lesions have facilitated the ability to compare findings from studies that have focused on complications and outcomes of pregnancy. This review is an evaluation of recent studies on placental lesions associated with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Conclusion: No apparent consensus exists on whether it is fetal inflammation with the release of cytokines or chronic maternal and/or fetal vascular malperfusion is responsible for HIE with a lowering of the threshold for hypoxic ischemia. The counter argument is that HIE occurs solely as an intrapartum event. Additional investigation is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Dehner
- Lauren V. Ackerman Laboratory of Surgical Pathology, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals, State of Washington University in St. Louis Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
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5
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Tonni G, Lituania M, Cecchi A, Carboni E, Resta S, Bonasoni MP, Ruano R. Umbilical Cord Diseases Affecting Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2634. [PMID: 37830671 PMCID: PMC10572758 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND (1) The aim of this article is to describe the physiopathology underlying umbilical cord diseases and their relationship with obstetric and perinatal outcomes. (2) Methods: Multicenter case series of umbilical cord diseases with illustrations from contributing institutions are presented. (3) Results: Clinical presentations of prenatal ultrasound findings, clinical prenatal features and postnatal outcomes are described. (4) Conclusions: Analysis of our series presents and discusses how umbilical cord diseases are associated with a wide variety of obstetric complications leading to a higher risk of poor perinatal outcomes in pregnancies. Knowing the physiopathology, prenatal clinical presentations and outcomes related to umbilical diseases allow for better prenatal counseling and management to potentially avoid severe obstetric and perinatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Tonni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), AUSL Reggio Emilia, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Mario Lituania
- Preconceptional and Prenatal Pathophysiology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Cecchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Prenatal Diagnostic 2 Level Center, ASUR Loreto Hospital, 60025 Loreto, Italy; (A.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisa Carboni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regional Prenatal Diagnostic 2 Level Center, ASUR Loreto Hospital, 60025 Loreto, Italy; (A.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Serena Resta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, University of Tor Vegata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Paola Bonasoni
- Department of Pathology, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), AUSL Reggio Emilia, 42100 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
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Cersonsky TEK, Silver RM, Saade GR, Dudley DJ, Reddy UM, Pinar H. Macroscopic lesions of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion in stillborn placentas: Diagnosis in the absence of microscopic histopathological examination. Placenta 2023; 140:60-65. [PMID: 37536149 PMCID: PMC10530266 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lesions of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) are common in placentas associated with both stillbirth and live birth. The objective of this study was to identify lesions present more commonly in stillborn placentas and those most indicative of MVM and FVM without microscopic pathologic evaluation. METHODS Data were derived from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network. Lesions were identified according to standard protocols published previously and categorized as either MVM or FVM according to the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement and macroscopic "umbilical cord at risk" findings. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the odds of stillbirth with macroscopic findings of MVM or FVM. RESULTS 595 stillbirths and 1,305 live births were analyzed. FVM lesions (85.2%) were marginally more common (though not statistically different) in stillbirths compared to MVM lesions (81.3%). Macroscopic findings of both MVM and FVM were more common in stillbirths versus livebirths (p < 0.001). Odds ratios of macroscopic MVM and FVM lesions for stillbirth, adjusted for gestational age at delivery, maternal race (minority), ethnicity (Hispanic), age, and history of hypertension or diabetes, were 1.48 (95% CI 1.30-1.69) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.18-1.53), respectively. DISCUSSION Macroscopic features of MVM and FVM are associated with higher odds of stillbirth versus live birth even when controlled for gestational age and maternal factors, which may be a useful clue in determining the pathophysiology of these events. This information is also useful for pathologists when microscopic examination is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess E K Cersonsky
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, # 2B200 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - George R Saade
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 1005 Harborside Dr, 3rd Floor, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Donald J Dudley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Virginia, 200 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Uma M Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University School of Medicine, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Halit Pinar
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley St, Providence, RI, 02905, USA
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7
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Josowitz R, Linn R, Rychik J. The Placenta in Congenital Heart Disease: Form, Function and Outcomes. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e569-e582. [PMID: 37653088 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-9-e569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The maternal-fetal environment, controlled and modulated by the placenta, plays a critical role in the development and well-being of the fetus, with long-term impact through programming of lifelong health. The fetal cardiovascular system and placenta emerge at the same time embryologically, and thus placental form and function are altered in the presence of congenital heart disease (CHD). In this review, we report on what is known about the placenta from a structural and functional perspective when there is CHD. We describe the various unique pathologic findings as well as the diagnostic imaging tools used to characterize placental function in utero. With growing interest in the placenta, a standardized approach to characterizing placental pathology has emerged. Furthermore, application of ultrasonography techniques and magnetic resonance imaging now allow for insights into placental blood flow and functionality in vivo. An improved understanding of the intriguing relationship between the placenta and the fetal cardiovascular system will provide opportunities to develop novel ways to optimize outcomes. Once better understood, therapeutic modulation of placental function offered during the vulnerable period of fetal plasticity may be one of the most impactful ways to alter the course of CHD and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Josowitz
- Division of Cardiology, Fetal Heart Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca Linn
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jack Rychik
- Division of Cardiology, Fetal Heart Program, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Manjee K, Price E, Ernst LM. Comparison of the Autopsy and Placental Findings in Second vs Third Trimester Stillbirth. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2023; 26:345-351. [PMID: 37082921 DOI: 10.1177/10935266231165854] [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: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathology of second trimester fetal loss is not well-characterized due to lack of comprehensive autopsy studies. The purpose of this study is to compare autopsy pathology of second trimester and third trimester stillbirth. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, fetal autopsies performed in-house with complete placental examination were included. From autopsy reports, maternal demographics, gestational age, sex, body and placental weight, congenital anomalies, and cause of death (COD) were obtained. Immediate COD was coded "probable" or "possible" according to Initial Causes of Fetal Death (INCODE). RESULTS Among 68 second trimester and 54 third trimester fetal autopsies, at least 1 probable COD was identified in 59/68 (87%) second trimester and 44/54 (81%) third trimester cases. 42/68 (62%) second trimester and 28/54 (52%) third trimester fetuses had probable COD secondary to placental pathology. Among placental causes, 29/42 (69%) second trimester and 14/28 (50%) third trimester stillbirths were related to compromised fetal microcirculation with umbilical cord abnormality. CONCLUSIONS Among stillborn first and second trimester fetuses who undergo autopsy, the most prevalent COD is pathologic placental conditions, particularly those associated with umbilical cord obstruction. This study stresses the importance of placenta examination for establishing COD in both second and third trimester fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Manjee
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Erica Price
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda M Ernst
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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9
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Corbetta-Rastelli CM, Altendahl M, Gasper C, Goldstein JD, Afshar Y, Gaw SL. Analysis of placental pathology after COVID-19 by timing and severity of infection. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100981. [PMID: 37094637 PMCID: PMC10122562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 during pregnancy can have serious effects on pregnancy outcomes. The placenta acts as an infection barrier to the fetus and may mediate adverse outcomes. Increased frequency of maternal vascular malperfusion has been detected in the placentas of patients with COVID-19 compared with controls, but little is known about how the timing and severity of infection affect placental pathology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental pathology, specifically whether the timing and severity of COVID-19 affect pathologic findings and associations with perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of pregnant people diagnosed with COVID-19 who delivered between April 2020 and September 2021 at 3 university hospitals. Demographic, placental, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were collected through medical record review. The timing of SARS-CoV-2 infection was noted, and the severity of COVID-19 was categorized on the basis of the National Institutes of Health guidelines. The placentas of all patients with positive nasopharyngeal reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 testing were sent for gross and microscopic histopathologic examinations at the time of delivery. Nonblinded pathologists categorized histopathologic lesions according to the Amsterdam criteria. Univariate linear regression and chi-square analyses were used to assess how the timing and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection affected placental pathologic findings. RESULTS This study included 131 pregnant patients and 138 placentas, with most patients delivered at the University of California, Los Angeles (n=65), followed by the University of California, San Francisco (n=38) and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (n=28). Most patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy (69%), and most infections were mild (60%). There was no specific placental pathologic feature based on the timing or severity of COVID-19. There was a higher frequency of placental features associated with response to infection in the placentas from infections before 20 weeks of gestation than that from infections after 20 weeks of gestation (P=.001). There was no difference in maternal vascular malperfusion by the timing of infection; however, features of severe maternal vascular malperfusion were only found in the placentas of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, not in the placentas of patients with COVID-19 in the first trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION Placentas from patients with COVID-19 showed no specific pathologic feature, regardless of the timing or severity of the disease. There was a higher proportion of placentas from patients with COVID-19-positive tests in earlier gestations with evidence of placental infection-associated features. Future studies should focus on understanding how these placental features in SARS-CoV-2 infections go on to affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara M Corbetta-Rastelli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Corbetta-Rastelli and Gaw).
| | - Marie Altendahl
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar)
| | - Cynthia Gasper
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Dr Gasper)
| | - Jeffrey D Goldstein
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar); Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Goldstein)
| | - Yalda Afshar
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar); Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Afshar)
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Corbetta-Rastelli and Gaw)
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10
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Cersonsky TEK, Lord M, Pinar H. Intrauterine Fetal Demise Associated with Vascular Malperfusion and Multiple Uterine Leiomyomata: A Report of Two Cases. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2023; 42:83-92. [PMID: 35243966 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2022.2047847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine leiomyomata have been loosely associated with intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), largely attributed to fetal growth restriction from cavitary distortion. We present two cases of IUFD in patients with non-distorting leiomyomata and pathologic placental findings of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). CASE REPORT Case 1 details a 28w3d IUFD associated with large leiomyomata (largest 11.9 × 7.6 × 9.7 cm), post-partum deep vein thrombosis, and severe pre-eclampsia histologic features. Case 2 details a 25w2d IUFD associated with smaller leiomyomata (largest 3.1 × 3.0 × 3.3 cm). Both placentas demonstrated MVM, including parenchymal thrombi and accelerated villous maturity, and FVM, including avascular stem villi. DISCUSSION As the placentas in both cases demonstrated findings consistent with altered placental perfusion, we posit that leiomyomata in these cases may have been associated with both maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, ultimately contributing to fetal demise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Lord
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Halit Pinar
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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11
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Considering the Effects and Maternofoetal Implications of Vascular Disorders and the Umbilical Cord. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58121754. [PMID: 36556956 PMCID: PMC9782481 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The umbilical cord is a critical anatomical structure connecting the placenta with the foetus, fulfilling multiple functions during pregnancy and hence influencing foetal development, programming and survival. Histologically, the umbilical cord is composed of three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein, integrated in a mucous connective tissue (Wharton's jelly) upholstered by a layer of amniotic coating. Vascular alterations in the umbilical cord or damage in this tissue because of other vascular disorders during pregnancy are worryingly related with detrimental maternofoetal consequences. In the present work, we will describe the main vascular alterations presented in the umbilical cord, both in the arteries (Single umbilical artery, hypoplastic umbilical artery or aneurysms in umbilical arteries) and the vein (Vascular thrombosis, aneurysms or varicose veins in the umbilical vein), together with other possible complications (Velamentous insertion, vasa praevia, hypercoiled or hypocoiled cord, angiomyxoma and haematomas). Likewise, the effect of the main obstetric vascular disorders like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (specially pre-eclampsia) and chronic venous disease on the umbilical cord will also be summarized herein.
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12
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Slack JC, Boyd TK, Carreon CK. Recurrent Second Trimester Fetal Demise Caused by Hypercoiled Umbilical Cords. Fetal Pediatr Pathol 2022; 42:492-497. [PMID: 36445244 DOI: 10.1080/15513815.2022.2142490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical cord flow impairment accounts for a majority of fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM). Hypercoiled umbilical cords are one cause of impaired fetal blood flow that may, in severe cases, result in intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD). Although the factors involved in umbilical cord patterning are incompletely understood, a limited number of reports have described recurrent intra-familial hypercoiling leading to death in the second trimester, suggesting a subset may have a genetic etiology. CASE REPORTS Herein, we report two additional cases of recurrent second trimester IUFD secondary to FVM due to umbilical cord hypercoiling and briefly discuss all published cases. CONCLUSION Our cases add to a small, but growing, body of literature that suggests a genetic etiology to a subset of hypercoiled umbilical cords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Slack
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theonia K Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chrystalle Katte Carreon
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Wu X, Wei C, Chen R, Yang L, Huang W, Huang L, Yan X, Deng X, Gou Z. Fetal umbilical artery thrombosis: prenatal diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:414. [PMID: 36371215 PMCID: PMC9652808 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the ultrasound imaging and clinical characteristics of fetuses with umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT), explore the potential causes of UAT and construct a prognostic prediction model to guide clinical practice. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of fetal UAT cases examined at two academic tertiary referral care centers from 2014 to 2020. The basic information of the participants was obtained by interview during follow-up, and data on clinical treatment, delivery conditions, diagnosis and confirmation were obtained through medical records. Probable causes of thrombosis were explored by comparative analysis of the UAT group to the control group and by further regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the prognostic prediction model. RESULTS Thirty fetuses with UAT were included in this study. UAT occurred mostly in the third trimester of pregnancy, and there was an obvious predominance of right UAT. An abnormal pregnancy history (53.3%) was the most common comorbidity, followed by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (20.0%). GDM and umbilical cord (UC) abnormalities were found to be independent risk factors for the development of UAT. After comprehensive decision-making, over two-thirds of the patients with UAT received urgent treatment, and less than one-third received expectant management. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in fetal outcomes between the urgent treatment and expectant management groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age (GA) at clinical diagnosis and UC abnormalities were independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR 0.781, p = 0.042; OR 16.779, p = 0.023, respectively). Based on this, we constructed a comprehensive prognostic prediction model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.877 (95% CI 0.698-0.970; p < 0.001), which suggested that the combination of GA and UC abnormalities was a better predictor for fetal outcomes in our setting. CONCLUSION In summary, maternal GDM and fetal UC abnormalities are independent risk factors for UAT. UAT is more frequently observed on the right side. Moreover, poor clinical outcomes for fetuses with UAT are ascribed mainly to GA and UC abnormalities, which should be comprehensively evaluated to choose the appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafang Wu
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Chenchen Wei
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- grid.452210.0Department of Ultrasonography, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of South China University, Changsha, Hunan China
| | - Linxian Yang
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Weifei Huang
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Liang Huang
- grid.513202.7Department of Ultrasonography, Tongren People’s Hospital, Tongren, Guizhou, China
| | - XinXin Yan
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Xuedong Deng
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Medical Ultrasound, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Zhongshan Gou
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
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Abstract
The Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement on Sampling and Definitions of Placental Lesions has become widely accepted and is increasingly used as the universal language to describe the most common pathologic lesions found in the placenta. This review summarizes the most salient aspects of this seminal publication and the subsequent emerging literature based on Amsterdam definitions and criteria, with emphasis on publications relating to diagnosis, grading, and staging of placental pathologic conditions. We also provide an overview of the recent expert recommendations on the pathologic grading of placenta accreta spectrum, with insights on their clinical context. Finally, we discuss the emerging entity of SARS-CoV2 placentitis.
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15
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Sherer DM, Al-Haddad S, Cheng R, Dalloul M. Current Perspectives of Prenatal Sonography of Umbilical Cord Morphology. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:939-971. [PMID: 34703323 PMCID: PMC8541738 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s278747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The umbilical cord constitutes a continuation of the fetal cardiovascular system anatomically bridging between the placenta and the fetus. This structure, critical in human development, enables mobility of the developing fetus within the gestational sac in contrast to the placenta, which is anchored to the uterine wall. The umbilical cord is protected by unique, robust anatomical features, which include: length of the umbilical cord, Wharton’s jelly, two umbilical arteries, coiling, and suspension in amniotic fluid. These features all contribute to protect and buffer this essential structure from potential detrimental twisting, shearing, torsion, and compression forces throughout gestation, and specifically during labor and delivery. The arterial components of the umbilical cord are further protected by the presence of Hyrtl’s anastomosis between the two respective umbilical arteries. Abnormalities of the umbilical cord are uncommon yet include excessively long or short cords, hyper or hypocoiling, cysts, single umbilical artery, supernumerary vessels, rarely an absent umbilical cord, stricture, furcate and velamentous insertions (including vasa previa), umbilical vein and arterial thrombosis, umbilical artery aneurysm, hematomas, and tumors (including hemangioma angiomyxoma and teratoma). This commentary will address current perspectives of prenatal sonography of the umbilical cord, including structural anomalies and the potential impact of future imaging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Sherer
- The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Sara Al-Haddad
- The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Regina Cheng
- The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Mudar Dalloul
- The Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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16
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Nakamura M, Hasegawa J, Takita H, Sekizawa A. Amnioinfusion and Bed Rest May Effectively Improve the Insufficient Circulation of the Umbilical Cord in Pregnant Women With Hyper-Coiled Cord and Oligohydramnios. J Med Cases 2021; 12:1-4. [PMID: 34434417 PMCID: PMC8383637 DOI: 10.14740/jmc3581] [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: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We experienced two cases with hyper-coiled cord in which fetal-umbilical-placental circulation was improved after amnioinfusion or bed rest. Therefore, amnioinfusion and bed rest to reduce the compression of the vulnerable umbilical cord in cases of hyper-coiled cord might improve the pathologic fetal-umbilical-placental circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junichi Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Takita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Nakamura M, Oba T, Salafia CM, Morimoto T, Takita H, Tokunaka M, Goto M, Hamada S, Matsuoka R, Sekizawa A. Ultrasonographic study of umbilical cord twist direction during second trimester. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4233-4239. [PMID: 34362280 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1849098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore/study/evaluate the relationships among umbilical twist direction, the degree of umbilical twist and differences of umbilical arterial diameters (UAD). METHODS All obstetric patients presenting for prenatal care of singleton fetuses between 18 and 25 weeks gestation to a single provider (MN) from 2015 to 2018 had detailed umbilical cord Doppler measurements. Data including the cord twist direction, degree of twist and number of twists per cord segment length, and the diameters of each UA (UAD) and the umbilical vein (UVD) were extracted from the records. UAs were described as right or left depending on their position at the fetal cord insertion. Three groups were identified: Group A: right UAD > left UAD and Group B: left UAD > right UAD Group C: equal UAD. The coiling index was calculated as the inverse of the length of cord required for one complete 360 degrees wrap of the UA around the cord. According to the difference of UADs, the variables of right and left UADs, the coiling index, and frequencies of umbilical twist direction were analyzed using non-parametric methods. RESULTS 485 singleton fetuses and umbilical cords were examined. The value of the antenatal coiling index in cases with left UAD greater than right was 0.43 ± 0.16, which was significantly higher than 0.38 ± 0.16 with right UAD greater than left (p = .001). There were significant differences between the two groups in the values of right and left UAD, value of right minus left UAD, absolute value between right and left UAD, antenatal coiling index, antenatal coiling index due to umbilical twist direction and frequencies of cord twist direction. CONCLUSION The direction of umbilical twist may be in part dependent on differences in diameters of the umbilical arteries, in addition to other fetal characteristics such as fetal movement, or handedness of fetus or mother, fetal hemodynamic forces and structure of muscles of umbilical vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Basic Research, New York, USA
| | - Tomohiro Oba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Taro Morimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Takita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tokunaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minako Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryu Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Salsi G, Fiorentini M, Caprara G, Pilu G. Unusual umbilical Doppler waveform and fetal distress likely due to hypercoiled cord. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:506-508. [PMID: 34319062 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04817-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Both reduced and increased umbilical cord coiling patterns have been associated with fetal distress and adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal death. Prenatal diagnosis of cord coiling anomalies is challenging but potentially very useful for identifying those that may benefit from a more intensive monitoring. Nevertheless, there is no standardized approach for this potentially lethal complication when suspected. We report a case of fetal Doppler alterations and cardiotocographic anomalies likely due to hypercoiled cord in a 29-week primigravida referred to our clinic, who therefore underwent an emergency cesarean section. This case could help clinicians to consider cord anomalies as a possible cause of fetal distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Salsi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy -
| | - Giacomo Caprara
- Histopathological and Molecular Diagnostic Unit of Solid Organ and Transplantation, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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19
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Åmark H, Westgren M, Sirotkina M, Hulthén Varli I, Persson M, Papadogiannakis N. Maternal obesity and stillbirth at term; placental pathology-A case control study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250983. [PMID: 33930082 PMCID: PMC8087010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to explore the potential role of the placenta for the risk of stillbirth at term in pregnancies of obese women. METHODS This was a case-control study comparing placental findings from term stillbirths with placental findings from live born infants. Cases were singleton term stillbirths to normal weight or obese women, identified in the Stockholm stillbirth database, n = 264 and n = 87, respectively. Controls were term singletons born alive to normal weight or obese women, delivered between 2002-2005 and between 2018-2019. Placentas were compared between women with stillborn and live-born infants, using logistic regression analyses. RESULTS A long and hyper coiled cord, cord thrombosis and velamentous cord insertion were stronger risk factors for stillbirth in obese women compared to normal weight women. When these variables were adjusted for in the logistic regression analysis, also adjusted for potential confounders, the odds ratio for stillbirth in obese women decreased from 1.89 (CI 1.24-2.89) to 1.63 (CI 1.04-2.56). CONCLUSION Approximately one fourth of the effect of obesity on the risk of stillbirth in term pregnancies is explained by umbilical cord associated pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Åmark
- Dept of Clinical Science and Education, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institute, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Magnus Westgren
- Dept of Clinical Sciences, Intervention & Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meeli Sirotkina
- Dep of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ingela Hulthén Varli
- Department of Women´s and Children´s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martina Persson
- Dep of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Dept of Clinical Science and Education, Unit of Pediatrics, Karolinska Institute, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikos Papadogiannakis
- Dep of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Sweden
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20
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Slack JC, Boyd TK. Fetal Vascular Malperfusion Due To Long and Hypercoiled Umbilical Cords Resulting in Recurrent Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss: A Case Series and Literature Review. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2021; 24:12-18. [PMID: 32986509 DOI: 10.1177/1093526620962061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine fetal demise due to fetal vascular malperfusion in mid-gestation is a rare occurrence. Abnormally long and hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with an increased risk of umbilical cord blood flow restriction, which in turn can result in adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. The factors that regulate umbilical cord development, specifically umbilical cord length and coiling, are poorly understood. METHODS Maternal history, along with fetal and placental findings (post-mortem, pathological, and molecular), were reviewed for a series of 3 consecutive pregnancies that ended in second trimester intrauterine fetal demise. RESULTS All 3 umbilical cords were exceptionally long and hypercoiled, and all placentas showed evidence of high-grade fetal vascular malperfusion. At fetopsy, all 3 fetuses were developmentally normal for gestational age and lacked congenital anomalies. Maternal medical history and antenatal testing (including an extensive work-up for maternal hypercoagulability syndromes) were normal and/or noncontributory. CONCLUSION Although excessively long and hypercoiled cords are generally thought of as sporadic, nongenetic events, rare examples of recurrent intrauterine fetal demise secondary to such exist have been reported. This intrafamilial clustering of a rare event is suggestive that at least a subset of hypercoiled, long umbilical cords may have an underlying genetic etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Slack
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theonia K Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Pergialiotis V, Kotrogianni P, Koutaki D, Christopoulos-Timogiannakis E, Papantoniou N, Daskalakis G. Umbilical cord coiling index for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes: a meta-analysis and sequential analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 33:4022-4029. [PMID: 30870055 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1594187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the potential association of abnormal cord coiling with adverse pregnancy outcomes.Materials and methods: We used the Medline (1966-2018), Scopus (2004-2018), Clinicaltrials.gov (2008-2018), Embase (1980-2018), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL (1999-2018), and Google Scholar (2004-2018) databases. The date of last search was set on 31 May 2018. Language, country, or date restrictions were not applied during the literature research to prevent bias. All observational (both prospective and retrospective) studies that reported maternal and neonatal antenatal and perinatal outcomes based on the umbilical coiling index (UCI) status were considered as eligible for inclusion. Meta-analysis of the risk ratio (RR) and mean differences (MD) among hypocoiled/hypercoiled and normocoiled cases was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Univariate metaregression and leave-one-out meta-analysis was performed with Open Meta-Analyst statistical software. Trial sequential analysis was performed with the trial sequential analysis (TSA) software.Results: Twenty four studies were finally included that involved 9553 pregnant women. Umbilical cord coiling was evaluated with the use of the umbilical coiling index (UCI). Values of the UCI below the 10th percentile were evaluated as hypocoiled and above the 90th percentile as hypercoiled. Hypocoiled cords were significantly associated with increased prevalence of preterm birth < 37 weeks, need for interventional delivery due to fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min, small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, fetal anomalies, need for admission in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), fetal heart rate abnormalities, and fetal death. Hypercoiled cords were significantly associated with increased prevalence of preterm birth < 37 weeks, need for interventional delivery due to fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min, small for gestational age (SGA) neonates, fetal anomalies, fetal growth restriction fetal heart rate abnormalities, fetal acidosis, and fetal death.Conclusions: The findings of our meta-analysis underline the correlation of UCI abnormalities with antenatal and perinatal pathology. More studies are needed, however, to elucidate whether antenatal assessment of the UCI can be used as routine in clinical practice as well as its value in uncomplicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Pergialiotis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Kotrogianni
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamanto Koutaki
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Papantoniou
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Hayes DJL, Warland J, Parast MM, Bendon RW, Hasegawa J, Banks J, Clapham L, Heazell AEP. Umbilical cord characteristics and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239630. [PMID: 32970750 PMCID: PMC7514048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current data on the role of the umbilical cord in pregnancy complications are conflicting; estimates of the proportion of stillbirths due to cord problems range from 3.4 to 26.7%. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to determine which umbilical cord abnormalities are associated with stillbirth and related adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched from 1960 to present day. Reference lists of included studies and grey literature were also searched. Cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control studies of singleton pregnancies after 20 weeks' gestation that reported the frequency of umbilical cord characteristics or cord abnormalities and their relationship to stillbirth or other adverse outcomes were included. Quality of included studies was assessed using NIH quality assessment tools. Analyses were performed in STATA. RESULTS This review included 145 studies. Nuchal cords were present in 22% of births (95% CI 19, 25); multiple loops of cord were present in 4% (95% CI 3, 5) and true knots of the cord in 1% (95% CI 0, 1) of births. There was no evidence for an association between stillbirth and any nuchal cord (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.62, 1.98). Comparing multiple loops of nuchal cord to single loops or no loop gave an OR of 2.36 (95% CI 0.99, 5.62). We were not able to look at the effect of tight or loose nuchal loops. The likelihood of stillbirth was significantly higher with a true cord knot (OR 4.65, 95% CI 2.09, 10.37). CONCLUSIONS True umbilical cord knots are associated with increased risk of stillbirth; the incidence of stillbirth is higher with multiple nuchal loops compared to single nuchal cords. No studies reported the combined effects of multiple umbilical cord abnormalities. Our analyses suggest specific avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter J. L. Hayes
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Warland
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mana M. Parast
- University of California, San Diego, CL, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Bendon
- Retired from Norton Children’s Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | | | - Julia Banks
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Clapham
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Chen Y, Zhang Z, Wu C, Davaasuren D, Goldstein JA, Gernand AD, Wang JZ. AI-PLAX: AI-based placental assessment and examination using photos. Comput Med Imaging Graph 2020; 84:101744. [PMID: 32634729 PMCID: PMC7533514 DOI: 10.1016/j.compmedimag.2020.101744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Post-delivery analysis of the placenta is useful for evaluating health risks of both the mother and baby. In the U.S., however, only about 20% of placentas are assessed by pathology exams, and placental data is often missed in pregnancy research because of the additional time, cost, and expertise needed. A computer-based tool that can be used in any delivery setting at the time of birth to provide an immediate and comprehensive placental assessment would have the potential to not only to improve health care, but also to radically improve medical knowledge. In this paper, we tackle the problem of automatic placental assessment and examination using photos. More concretely, we first address morphological characterization, which includes the tasks of placental image segmentation, umbilical cord insertion point localization, and maternal/fetal side classification. We also tackle clinically meaningful feature analysis of placentas, which comprises detection of retained placenta (i.e., incomplete placenta), umbilical cord knot, meconium, abruption, chorioamnionitis, and hypercoiled cord, and categorization of umbilical cord insertion type. We curated a dataset consisting of approximately 1300 placenta images taken at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, with hand-labeled pixel-level segmentation map, cord insertion point and other information extracted from the associated pathology reports. We developed the AI-based Placental Assessment and Examination system (AI-PLAX), which is a novel two-stage photograph-based pipeline for fully automated analysis. In the first stage, we use three encoder-decoder convolutional neural networks with a shared encoder to address morphological characterization tasks by employing a transfer-learning training strategy. In the second stage, we employ distinct sub-models to solve different feature analysis tasks by using both the photograph and the output of the first stage. We evaluated the effectiveness of our pipeline by using the curated dataset as well as the pathology reports in the medical record. Through extensive experiments, we demonstrate our system is able to produce accurate morphological characterization and very promising performance on aforementioned feature analysis tasks, all of which may possess clinical impact and contribute to future pregnancy research. This work is the first for comprehensive, automated, computer-based placental analysis and will serve as a launchpad for potentially multiple future innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Chen
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PN, USA.
| | - Zhuomin Zhang
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PN, USA
| | - Chenyan Wu
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PN, USA
| | | | | | | | - James Z Wang
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PN, USA.
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24
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Goto M, Nakamura M, Arakaki T, Takita H, Matsuoka R, Sekizawa A. A case of prenatal diagnosis of single umbilical artery due to thrombosis diagnosed by the ultrasound finding of “wink-sign”. CASE REPORTS IN PERINATAL MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/crpm-2020-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Umbilical artery thrombosis is a significant umbilical cord condition that is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, no consensus has been reached regarding how umbilical artery thrombosis should be diagnosed or managed because of its rarity and the difficulty associated with an antenatal diagnosis.
Case presentation
Here, we describe a case involving decreased fetal movement and non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS) in which acute umbilical artery thrombosis was prenatally diagnosed. Transabdominal ultrasound showed that the cross-section of the umbilical cord had one normal artery and a small deformed echogenic area. A characteristic ultrasound finding known as the “wink sign” contributed to the prenatal diagnosis.
Conclusions
Evaluation of the umbilical cord enabled the estimation and facilitated the subsequent antenatal management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minako Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku , Tokyo, 142-8666 , Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Tatsuya Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Hiroko Takita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Ryu Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Showa University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
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Jaiman S, Romero R, Pacora P, Jung E, Bhatti G, Yeo L, Kim YM, Kim B, Kim CJ, Kim JS, Qureshi F, Jacques SM, Erez O, Gomez-Lopez N, Hsu CD. Disorders of placental villous maturation in fetal death. J Perinat Med 2020; 0:/j/jpme.ahead-of-print/jpm-2020-0030/jpm-2020-0030.xml. [PMID: 32238609 PMCID: PMC8262362 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aims of this study were to ascertain the frequency of disorders of villous maturation in fetal death and to also delineate other placental histopathologic lesions in fetal death. Methods This was a retrospective observational cohort study of fetal deaths occurring among women between January 2004 and January 2016 at Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA. Cases comprised fetuses with death beyond 20 weeks' gestation. Fetal deaths with congenital anomalies and multiple gestations were excluded. Controls included pregnant women without medical/obstetrical complications and delivered singleton, term (37-42 weeks) neonate with 5-min Apgar score ≥7 and birthweight between the 10th and 90th percentiles. Results Ninety-two percent (132/143) of placentas with fetal death showed placental histologic lesions. Fetal deaths were associated with (1) higher frequency of disorders of villous maturation [44.0% (64/143) vs. 1.0% (4/405), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 44.6; delayed villous maturation, 22% (31/143); accelerated villous maturation, 20% (28/143); and maturation arrest, 4% (5/143)]; (2) higher frequency of maternal vascular malperfusion lesions [75.5% (108/143) vs. 35.7% (337/944), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 2.1] and fetal vascular malperfusion lesions [88.1% (126/143) vs. 19.7% (186/944), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 4.5]; (3) higher frequency of placental histologic patterns suggestive of hypoxia [59.0% (85/143) vs. 9.3% (82/942), P < 0.0001, prevalence ratio, 6.8]; and (4) higher frequency of chronic inflammatory lesions [53.1% (76/143) vs. 29.9% (282/944), P < 0.001, prevalence ratio 1.8]. Conclusion This study demonstrates that placentas of women with fetal death were 44 times more likely to present disorders of villous maturation compared to placentas of those with normal pregnancy. This suggests that the burden of placental disorders of villous maturation lesions is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Jaiman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lami Yeo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yeon Mee Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bomi Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Sun Kim
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Faisal Qureshi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Suzanne M. Jacques
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women’s Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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26
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Graham N, Heazell AEP. When the Fetus Goes Still and the Birth Is Tragic: The Role of the Placenta in Stillbirths. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2019; 47:183-196. [PMID: 32008668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Because of the critical role that placental structure and function plays during pregnancy, abnormal placental structure and function is closely related to stillbirth: when an infant dies before birth. However, understanding the role of the placental and specific lesions is incomplete, in part because of the variation in definitions of lesions and in classifying causes of stillbirths. Nevertheless, placental abnormalities are seen more frequently in stillbirths than live births, with placental abruption, chorioamnionitis, and maternal vascular malperfusion most commonly reported. Critically, some placental lesions affect the management of subsequent pregnancies. Histopathological examination of the placenta is recommended following stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Graham
- Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 5th Floor (Research), Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Faculty of Biological, Medical and Human Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 5th Floor (Research), Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
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Grossman TB, Heller DS, Baergen RN. Isolated acute funisitis in the absence of acute chorioamnionitis: What does it mean? Placenta 2018; 75:42-44. [PMID: 30712665 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute funisitis (AF) is most commonly associated with acute chorioamnionitis (AC) and ascending infection. The significance of cases of AF without associated AC or isolated funisitis (IF) is unknown. Our objective was to evaluate clinical and pathologic features of IF and to determine its significance. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective review of placentas of patients delivering at our institution from 1997 to 2017. Placentas with the diagnosis of IF comprised the study population and placentas without either AF or AC served as controls. RESULTS There were 156 cases and 181 controls identified. Maternal age, gestational age, birthweight and mode of delivery were similar in both groups. 132 (84.6%) of cases of IF had meconium, with 62 (47.0%) having meconium only in the membranes, 36 (27.3%) in the membranes and cord and 34 (25.6%) in the membranes and cord with associated myonecrosis. 72 (38.7%) of controls had microscopically identified meconium, with only one (1.4%) showing meconium in the cord. None had myonecrosis (p < .001). There was also a significantly higher rate of intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) in the IF group (p = .027). but the rate of suspected Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was significantly greater in the controls (p = .014). CONCLUSION IF is highly associated with the presence of meconium discharge and meconium-associated myonecrosis of umbilical vessels. The inflammation in IF may be the result of damage to the muscle fibers of the cord due to meconium but additional studies are necessary to understand the significance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy B Grossman
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Debra S Heller
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, 185 South Orange Ave-UH E158, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| | - Rebecca N Baergen
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 520 E 70th St, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Redline RW, Ravishankar S. Fetal vascular malperfusion, an update. APMIS 2018; 126:561-569. [PMID: 30129125 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal vascular malperfusion is the most recent term applied to a group of placental lesions indicating reduced or absent perfusion of the villous parenchyma by the fetus. The most common etiology of malperfusion is umbilical cord obstruction leading to stasis, ischemia, and in some cases thrombosis. Other contributing factors may include maternal diabetes, fetal cardiac insufficiency or hyperviscosity, and inherited or acquired thrombophilias. Severe or high grade fetal vascular malperfusion is an important risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes including fetal growth restriction, fetal CNS injury, and stillbirth. Overall recurrence risk for subsequent pregnancies is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond W Redline
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sanjita Ravishankar
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Ayala NK, Ernst LM, Miller ES. Is umbilical coiling genetically determined? J Perinatol 2018; 38:653-657. [PMID: 29467518 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-018-0078-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abnormal umbilical cord coiling is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes; however, the etiology of the umbilical coiling pattern is poorly understood. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort of all twin deliveries >20 weeks in 2014. Pregnancies were dichotomized by chorionicity and the umbilical coiling index (UCI) and placental cord insertion location were compared. In cases with one or both cords hypercoiled, the direction and pattern of coiling were compared by chorionicity. A similar analysis was performed stratified by zygosity. RESULTS Three hundred sisty two twin pairs were included; 26 (7.2%) monochorionic and 174 (87.0%) definitively dizygotic. Concordance in the UCI and coiling category were similar between dichorionic and monochorionic as well as dizygous and monozygous gestations, (73.2% vs 80.8%, p = 0.399 and 71.4% vs 80.8%, p = 0.399, respectively). Analyses of the coiling direction and pattern also demonstrated no difference by chorionicity or zygosity. CONCLUSION These data do not support a genetic basis for umbilical cord coiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina K Ayala
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Linda M Ernst
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily S Miller
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Kingdom JC, Audette MC, Hobson SR, Windrim RC, Morgen E. A placenta clinic approach to the diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018; 218:S803-S817. [PMID: 29254754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.11.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Effective detection and management of fetal growth restriction is relevant to all obstetric care providers. Models of best practice to care for these patients and their families continue to evolve. Since much of the disease burden in fetal growth restriction originates in the placenta, the concept of a multidisciplinary placenta clinic program, managed primarily within a maternal-fetal medicine division, has gained popularity. In this context, fetal growth restriction is merely one of many placenta-related disorders that can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating expertise from specialist perinatal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, reproductive genetics, neonatal pediatrics, internal medicine subspecialties, perinatal pathology, and nursing. The accurate diagnosis and prognosis for women with fetal growth restriction is established by comprehensive clinical review and detailed sonographic evaluation of the fetus, combined with uterine artery Doppler and morphologic assessment of the placenta. Diagnostic accuracy for placenta-mediated fetal growth restriction may be enhanced by quantification of maternal serum biomarkers including placenta growth factor alone or combined with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1. Uterine artery Doppler is typically abnormal in most instances of early-onset fetal growth restriction and is associated with coexistent preeclampsia and underlying maternal vascular malperfusion pathology of the placenta. By contrast, rare but potentially more serious underlying placental diagnoses, such as massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition, chronic histiocytic intervillositis, or fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, may be associated with normal uterine artery Doppler waveforms. Despite minor variations in placental size, shape, and cord insertion, placental function remains, largely normal in the general population. Consequently, morphologic assessment of the placenta is not currently incorporated into current screening programs for placental complications. However, placental ultrasound can be diagnostic in the context of fetal growth restriction, for example in Breus' mole and triploidy, which in turn may enhance diagnosis and management. Several examples are illustrated in our figures and supplementary videos. Recent advances in the ability of multiparameter screening and intervention programs to reduce the risk of severe preeclampsia will likely increase efforts to deliver similar improvements for women at risk of fetal growth restriction. Placental pathology is important because the underlying pathologies associated with fetal growth restriction have a wide range of recurrence risks. Rare conditions such as massive perivillous fibrinoid deposition or chronic histolytic intervillositis may recur in >50% of subsequent pregnancies. Postpartum care in a placenta-focused program can provide effective counseling for modifiable maternal risk factors, and can assist in planning future pregnancy care based on the pathologic basis of fetal growth restriction.
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31
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Hasegawa J. Ultrasound screening of umbilical cord abnormalities and delivery management. Placenta 2018; 62:66-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Abstract
CONTEXT - Fetal vascular malperfusion, also known as fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, remains an underrecognized pathologic finding and should be noted during placental evaluation. OBJECTIVE - To review histologic findings, gain familiarity with the updated terminology, and to recognize important clinical associations with this entity. DATA SOURCES - University of Michigan cases, PubMed search, multiple review articles including recent placental workshop group consensus statement, and selected book chapters. CONCLUSIONS - Multiple histologic patterns of fetal vascular malperfusion have been described including thrombosis, avascular villi, villous stromal-vascular karyorrhexis, intramural fibrin thrombi, and stem villous vascular obliteration. Various underlying etiologies can be involved in fetal vascular malperfusion. Cord lesions including abnormal insertion, length, and coiling are important causes. Maternal vascular malperfusion such as preeclampsia, hypercoagulable states, lupus anticoagulant, and sometimes diabetes have been associated with this condition. Fetal cardiac dysfunction/malformations and severe fetal inflammatory response in the setting of ascending intrauterine infection have also been attributed to this important finding. Fetal vascular malperfusion has been implicated in several significant and sometimes devastating clinical associations; these include intrauterine growth restriction, poor perinatal outcome, fetal demise, and neurodevelopmental sequelae. A diagnostic challenge may be encountered in cases with prior intrauterine fetal death, since degenerative changes post demise result in a similar histomorphologic picture. The diffuse versus the focal nature of the lesions may help in the distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Heider
- From the Department of Pathology Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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33
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Placental Pathology and Stillbirth: A Review of the Literature and Guidelines for the Less Experienced. JOURNAL OF FETAL MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40556-017-0133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zimmermann N, Stanek J. Perinatal Case of Fatal Simpson-Golabi-Behmel Syndrome with Hyperplasia of Seminiferous Tubules. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2017; 18:649-655. [PMID: 28600484 PMCID: PMC5478221 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.903964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, newborn Final Diagnosis: Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome Symptoms: Dyspnea Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pediatrics and Neonatology
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Affiliation(s)
- Nives Zimmermann
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Allergy and Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jerzy Stanek
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Pathology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Bartlett K, Zuccollo J, Sadler L, Masson V. Rethinking placental pathology in the PSANZ classification of unexplained stillbirth at term. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 57:248-252. [PMID: 27338126 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 30 per cent of stillbirths are currently classified 'unexplained' using the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ) classification system in New Zealand. This unexplained category includes deaths with placental pathology even though the importance of placental pathology and its causal relationship to stillbirth is well described. AIMS To determine whether unexplained stillbirths in New Zealand classified using PSANZ criteria can be more usefully classified based on placental pathology. METHODS Audit of the classification of cause of death among 'unexplained antepartum death' at term by perinatal pathologist review of postmortem and/or placental pathology reports using the current PSANZ Perinatal Death Classification (PDC)10 classification and a proposed 'significant placental pathology' subclassification. The main outcome measure was a change in cause of death from unexplained term stillbirth to an alternative PSANZ classification or to significant placental pathology subcategory. RESULTS In total, 177 unexplained stillbirths with a postmortem and/or placental pathology report in New Zealand between 2007 and 2013 inclusive were reviewed. Twenty-three cases (13%) had significant placental pathology that could have been a direct cause of the stillbirth. A further seven cases (4%) were misclassified and could be better classified within another PDC category. CONCLUSIONS A classification system incorporating placental pathologies which are recognised by the current literature to be causative of stillbirth would better describe stillbirths at term in New Zealand. This would benefit parental counselling and follow-up in subsequent pregnancies. A standard approach to reporting placental pathology would benefit clinicians. Education on placental pathology for clinicians working with parents experiencing stillbirth and multidisciplinary approach to classification is also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lynn Sadler
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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36
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Khong TY, Mooney EE, Ariel I, Balmus NCM, Boyd TK, Brundler MA, Derricott H, Evans MJ, Faye-Petersen OM, Gillan JE, Heazell AEP, Heller DS, Jacques SM, Keating S, Kelehan P, Maes A, McKay EM, Morgan TK, Nikkels PGJ, Parks WT, Redline RW, Scheimberg I, Schoots MH, Sebire NJ, Timmer A, Turowski G, van der Voorn JP, van Lijnschoten I, Gordijn SJ. Sampling and Definitions of Placental Lesions: Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2016; 140:698-713. [PMID: 27223167 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2015-0225-cc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 981] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT -The value of placental examination in investigations of adverse pregnancy outcomes may be compromised by sampling and definition differences between laboratories. OBJECTIVE -To establish an agreed-upon protocol for sampling the placenta, and for diagnostic criteria for placental lesions. Recommendations would cover reporting placentas in tertiary centers as well as in community hospitals and district general hospitals, and are also relevant to the scientific research community. DATA SOURCES -Areas of controversy or uncertainty were explored prior to a 1-day meeting where placental and perinatal pathologists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists discussed available evidence and subsequently reached consensus where possible. CONCLUSIONS -The group agreed on sets of uniform sampling criteria, placental gross descriptors, pathologic terminologies, and diagnostic criteria. The terminology and microscopic descriptions for maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, delayed villous maturation, patterns of ascending intrauterine infection, and villitis of unknown etiology were agreed upon. Topics requiring further discussion were highlighted. Ongoing developments in our understanding of the pathology of the placenta, scientific bases of the maternofetoplacental triad, and evolution of the clinical significance of defined lesions may necessitate further refinements of these consensus guidelines. The proposed structure will assist in international comparability of clinicopathologic and scientific studies and assist in refining the significance of lesions associated with adverse pregnancy and later health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yee Khong
- From SA Pathology, Women's and Children's Hospital, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Australia (Dr Khong); the Department of Pathology, National Maternity Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (Drs Mooney and Kelehan); the Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel (Dr Ariel); the Department of Pathology, Kennemer Gasthuis, Haarlem, the Netherlands (Dr Balmus); the Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Boyd); the Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Dr Brundler); the Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom (Ms Derricott); the Department of Pathology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom (Dr Evans); the Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, (Dr Faye-Petersen); the Department of Pathology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland (Dr Gillan); the Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences
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Stanek J. Association of coexisting morphological umbilical cord abnormality and clinical cord compromise with hypoxic and thrombotic placental histology. Virchows Arch 2016; 468:723-32. [PMID: 26983702 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-016-1921-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To assess the usefulness and limitations of placental histology when morphological umbilical cord (UC) abnormality coexists with clinical UC compromise, 5634 consecutive placentas were divided into four groups and statistically compared: group 1-182 placentas from pregnancies with clinical features of UC compromise (variable decelerations, UC entanglement, prolapse, or true knot at delivery); group 2-1355 placentas with abnormal UC morphology or insertion; group 3-152 placentas with at least one phenotype from group 1 and one from group 2; group 4-3945 placentas with no clinical or morphological UC-related phenotypes (control group).Differences were analyzed by ANOVA or χ (2). Of 68 phenotypes studied, 13 clinical and 18 placental phenotypes were statistically significant. In group 1, 2 phenotypes were most common (oligohydramnios and abnormal fetal heart rate tracing). In group 2, 6 phenotypes were most common, including 4 clinical (abnormal umbilical artery Dopplers, nonmacerated stillbirth, multiple pregnancy, and fetal growth restriction) and 2 placental. In group 3, 23 phenotypes were most common, including 7 clinical (gestational hypertension, polyhydramnios, induction of labor, cesarean section, macerated stillbirth, congenital malformations, and abnormal 3rd stage of labor) and 16 placental. The existence of clinical signs of UC compromise alone was associated with the absence of pathomorphological placental abnormalities. However, the coexistence of clinical and abnormal morphological UC phenotypes was statistically significantly associated with placental histological signs of decreased fetal blood flow, hypoxia (acute and chronic post uterine), shallow placental implantation, and/or amnion nodosum. Thus, confirmation of clinical UC compromise should not be expected on placental examination if no morphological UC abnormality or abnormal UC insertion has been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Stanek
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, MLC 1035, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3026, USA.
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Ptacek I, Smith A, Garrod A, Bullough S, Bradley N, Batra G, Sibley CP, Jones RL, Brownbill P, Heazell AEP. Quantitative assessment of placental morphology may identify specific causes of stillbirth. BMC Clin Pathol 2016; 16:1. [PMID: 26865834 PMCID: PMC4748636 DOI: 10.1186/s12907-016-0023-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is frequently the result of pathological processes involving the placenta. Understanding the significance of specific lesions is hindered by qualitative subjective evaluation. We hypothesised that quantitative assessment of placental morphology would identify alterations between different causes of stillbirth and that placental phenotype would be independent of post-mortem effects and differ between live births and stillbirths with the same condition. METHODS Placental tissue was obtained from stillbirths with an established cause of death, those of unknown cause and live births. Image analysis was used to quantify different facets of placental structure including: syncytial nuclear aggregates (SNAs), proliferative cells, blood vessels, leukocytes and trophoblast area. These analyses were then applied to placental tissue from live births and stillbirths associated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), and to placental lobules before and after perfusion of the maternal side of the placental circulation to model post-mortem effects. RESULTS Different causes of stillbirth, particularly FGR, cord accident and hypertension had altered placental morphology compared to healthy live births. FGR stillbirths had increased SNAs and trophoblast area and reduced proliferation and villous vascularity; 2 out of 10 stillbirths of unknown cause had similar placental morphology to FGR. Stillbirths with FGR had reduced vascularity, proliferation and trophoblast area compared to FGR live births. Ex vivo perfusion did not reproduce the morphological findings of stillbirth. CONCLUSION These preliminary data suggest that addition of quantitative assessment of placental morphology may distinguish between different causes of stillbirth; these changes do not appear to be due to post-mortem effects. Applying quantitative assessment in addition to qualitative assessment might reduce the proportion of unexplained stillbirths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Ptacek
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Anna Smith
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Ainslie Garrod
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Sian Bullough
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Nicola Bradley
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Gauri Batra
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Rebecca L Jones
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Paul Brownbill
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL UK ; Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, 5th floor (Research), St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
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Sharony R, Eran K, Biron-Shental T, Kidron D. Morphometric characteristics of the umbilical cord and vessels in fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. Early Hum Dev 2016; 92:57-62. [PMID: 26678004 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports on the morphometric analysis of umbilical cord (UC) and its vessels have been inconsistent due to varying inclusion criteria and methodology. The current study tried to overcome the limitations of previous studies by comparing the UC in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE) and FGR+PE, to healthy controls. AIMS Analyze the morphometric attributes of the UC in pregnancies complicated by FGR and PE. STUDY DESIGN Case-control. SUBJECTS The study groups consisted of 36 patients with FGR+PE, 72 with FGR (without PE) and 15 with PE (without FGR). They were compared to 50 patients without FGR or PE. OUTCOME MEASURES Histological cross-sections of the UC were photographed and measured. The following variables were recorded: cross-section area of UC, thickness and surface area of umbilical vessel walls, shortest distance between cord surface and nearest artery (DSA), distance between the arteries (DBA) and placental weight and measurements. The area of the Wharton's jelly (WJ) area was calculated. RESULTS UC and WJ cross-section areas were significantly smaller in FGR+PE and FGR, but not in PE. The umbilical vessel wall area was decreased in FGR+PE, but the thickness was not significantly decreased in all three study groups, compared to controls. DSA was smaller in all three groups, whereas DBA was not significantly different, compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Smaller UC cross-section areas were seen in FGR and FGR+PE, but not in PE without FGR. However, there is no evidence to determine whether this reduction is a cause or consequence of FGR. Reduced DSA in PE, whose UC cross-section area was not smaller as in FGR and FGR+PE, might reflect alterations in UC induced by PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reuven Sharony
- The Genetics Institute, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | | | - Tal Biron-Shental
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Debora Kidron
- Deparment of Pathology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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Weida JN, Schubert FP, Pastrick MA, Patil AS. Comprehensive Review of the Stillborn Placenta. J Midwifery Womens Health 2015; 60:380-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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42
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Three new families with recurrent male miscarriages and hypercoiled umbilical cord. Clin Dysmorphol 2015; 24:128-31. [DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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IFPA Gábor Than Award Lecture: Recognition of placental failure is key to saving babies' lives. Placenta 2014; 36 Suppl 1:S20-8. [PMID: 25582276 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In high-income countries, placental failure is implicated in up to 65% of cases of stillbirth. Placental failure describes the situation where the placenta cannot meet the fetus' needs and may be the end-result of a variety of underlying pathological processes evident in the placental disc, membranes and umbilical cord. These include lesions with genetic, environmental, infectious, inflammatory, mechanical, metabolic, traumatic or vascular origin. Investigation of placental tissue from stillbirths and from pregnancies at an increased risk of stillbirth has demonstrated changes in macroscopic and microscopic structure which are themselves related to abnormal placental function. A better understanding and identification of placental failure may improve the management of pregnancy complications and of pregnancies after stillbirth (which have a 5-fold increased risk of stillbirth). The majority of current antenatal tests focus on the fetus and its response to the intrauterine environment; few of these investigations reduce stillbirths in low-risk pregnancies. However, some currently used investigations reflect placental development, structure and vascular function, while other investigations employed in clinical research settings such as the evaluation of placental structure and shape have a good predictive value for adverse fetal outcome. In addition, recent studies suggest that biomarkers of placental inflammation and deteriorating placental function can be detected in maternal blood suggesting that holistic evaluation of placental structure and function is possible. We anticipate that development of reliable tests of placental structure and function, coupled to assessment of fetal wellbeing offer a new opportunity to identify pregnancies at risk of stillbirth and to direct novel therapeutic strategies to prevent it.
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Jakó M, Surányi A, Kaiser L, Domokos D, Gáspár R, Bártfai G. [Pathophysiological changes of umbilical vessels in intrauterine growth restriction]. Orv Hetil 2014; 155:1989-95. [PMID: 25481501 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2014.30003] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of intrauterine growth restriction is 4-5000/100,000 births, and they give the majority of perinatal morbidity. AIM The aim of the authors was to compare the pathomorphologic data and vasoreactivity of umbilical vessels and placenta of small for date newborns to that of the normal pregnancies. METHOD Samples of the umbilical cord and placenta were divided into case and control groups. Two 10 cm long segments were cut of the umbilical cord at placental insertion. Tissue bath experiment was performed on umbilical vessels and pathomorphologic data were collected according to the Royal College of Pathologists' protocol. RESULTS After the development of basal tone, oxytocin and desmopressin did not enhance the vascular contraction, but the pathomorphological and ultrasonographic data were significantly different in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that umbilical vessels might not have oxytocin or vasopressin receptors. The pathomorphologic and flowmetric differences could be the causes of small birth weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Jakó
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Szeged Semmelweis u. 1. 6725
| | - Andrea Surányi
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Szeged Semmelweis u. 1. 6725
| | - László Kaiser
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Patológiai Intézet Szeged
| | - Dóra Domokos
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Gyógyszerésztudományi Kar Biofarmáciai és Gyógyszerhatástani Intézet Szeged
| | - Róbert Gáspár
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Gyógyszerésztudományi Kar Biofarmáciai és Gyógyszerhatástani Intézet Szeged
| | - György Bártfai
- Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Szeged Semmelweis u. 1. 6725
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Ptacek I, Sebire N, Man J, Brownbill P, Heazell A. Systematic review of placental pathology reported in association with stillbirth. Placenta 2014; 35:552-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Reduced fetal movement (RFM) is commonly defined as any reduction in maternal perception of fetal activity. Perceived fetal activity may be movement of limbs, trunk or head movement, but excludes fetal hiccoughs (as this is involuntary movement). The perception of fetal movement by an expectant mother is the first, and ongoing, non-sonographic indicator of fetal viability. The “normal” pattern of fetal movements varies from pregnancy to pregnancy, and often does not become established until 28 weeks’ gestation. Many babies have particularly active periods of the day, usually corresponding to periods of maternal rest and inactivity (which may in itself reflect increased maternal awareness of fetal movement). A variable percentage of sonographically observed fetal movements are perceived by prospective mothers (commonly 30–40%, although some studies report rates as high as 80%).
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Jessop FA, Lees CC, Pathak S, Hook CE, Sebire NJ. Umbilical cord coiling: clinical outcomes in an unselected population and systematic review. Virchows Arch 2013; 464:105-12. [PMID: 24259031 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-013-1513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the frequency of pre-defined clinical outcomes in relation to umbilical cord coiling indices >90th percentile and <10th percentile in an unselected population of >1,000 women with a singleton pregnancy resulting in livebirth delivering at or near term and to report these findings in the context of a systematic review. Placentas of consecutive deliveries from an unselected low-risk population with >15 cm attached umbilical cords were included in the study. Clinical outcomes included interventional delivery, birthweight <10th percentile, Apgar score <7 at 1 min, neonatal acidosis (pH<7.2) and admission to neonatal special care. Standard MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines were observed for the systematic review. Umbilical coiling index was determined for 1,082 placentas. Mean maternal age was 30.7 years (standard deviation [SD] =5.7) and 519 women (48 %) were primiparous. Mean cord length was 43 cm (SD=13) and mean cord coiling index 0.20 (SD=0.09). A total of 866 cords were normally coiled, and 108 cases were hypercoiled (>90th centile) and 108 cases were undercoiled (<10th percentile). There were no differences between cases of overcoiled, normally coiled or undercoiled cords for any clinical outcome studied. The systematic review yielded a small number of clinical studies which were too statistically and clinically heterogenous to permit meta-analysis. There is insufficient evidence either from this unselected cohort study or from a systematic review to support the previous suggestion that cord coiling index >90th centile or <10th centile is associated with adverse clinical outcome in an unselected population. Previous studies that draw a link between abnormal cord coiling and clinical outcome are generally too small and/or selective to allow meaningful conclusions or applicability to low-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A Jessop
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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