1
|
Conrad KP, von Versen-Höynck F, Baker VL. Pathologic maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with programmed embryo transfer: potential etiologies and strategies for prevention. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:843-859. [PMID: 38536596 PMCID: PMC11052758 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03042-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In the first of two companion papers, we comprehensively reviewed the recent evidence in the primary literature, which addressed the increased prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, late-onset or term preeclampsia, fetal overgrowth, postterm birth, and placenta accreta in women conceiving by in vitro fertilization. The preponderance of evidence implicated frozen embryo transfer cycles and, specifically, those employing programmed endometrial preparations, in the higher risk for these adverse maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes. Based upon this critical appraisal of the primary literature, we formulate potential etiologies and suggest strategies for prevention in the second article. METHODS Comprehensive review of primary literature. RESULTS Presupposing significant overlap of these apparently diverse pathological pregnancy outcomes within subjects who conceive by programmed autologous FET cycles, shared etiologies may be at play. One plausible but clearly provocative explanation is that aberrant decidualization arising from suboptimal endometrial preparation causes greater than normal trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling. Thus, overly robust placentation produces larger placentas and fetuses that, in turn, lead to overcrowding of villi within the confines of the uterine cavity which encroach upon intervillous spaces precipitating placental ischemia, oxidative and syncytiotrophoblast stress, and, ultimately, late-onset or term preeclampsia. The absence of circulating corpus luteal factors like relaxin in most programmed cycles might further compromise decidualization and exacerbate the maternal endothelial response to deleterious circulating placental products like soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 that mediate disease manifestations. An alternative, but not mutually exclusive, determinant might be a thinner endometrium frequently associated with programmed endometrial preparations, which could conspire with dysregulated decidualization to elicit greater than normal trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling. In extreme cases, placenta accreta could conceivably arise. Though lower uterine artery resistance and pulsatility indices observed during early pregnancy in programmed embryo transfer cycles are consistent with this initiating event, quantitative analyses of trophoblast invasion and myometrial spiral artery remodeling required to validate the hypothesis have not yet been conducted. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial preparation that is not optimal, absent circulating corpus luteal factors, or a combination thereof are attractive etiologies; however, the requisite investigations to prove them have yet to be undertaken. Presuming that in ongoing RCTs, some or all adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with programmed autologous FET are circumvented or mitigated by employing natural or stimulated cycles instead, then for women who can conceive using these regimens, they would be preferable. For the 15% or so of women who require programmed FET, additional research as suggested in this review is needed to elucidate the responsible mechanisms and develop preventative strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirk P Conrad
- Departments of Physiology and Aging and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Frauke von Versen-Höynck
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Valerie L Baker
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Lutherville, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Ganzo Suárez T, de Paco Matallana C, Plasencia W. Spiral, uterine artery doppler and placental ultrasound in relation to preeclampsia. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102426. [PMID: 38039843 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multiorgan disorder that complicates around 2-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. PE is a clinical syndrome characterized by hypertension secondary to systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and syncytiotrophoblast stress leading to hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction. The uterine arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus. They give off branches and plays an important role in maintaining blood supply during pregnancy. The arcuate artery originates from the uterine artery and runs medially through the myometrium. The arcuate arteries divide almost directly into anterior and posterior branches, from which the radial artery leads directly to the uterine cavity during their course. Near the endometrium-myometrium junction, the radial artery generates spiral arteries within the basal layer and functional endometrium. The walls of radial and spiral arteries are rich in smooth muscle, which is lost when trophoblast cells invade and become large-caliber vessels. This physiological transformation of uteroplacental spiral arteries is critical for successful placental implantation and normal placental function. In normal pregnancy, the luminal diameter of the spiral arteries is greatly increased, and the vascular smooth muscle is replaced by trophoblast cells. This process and changes in the spiral arteries are called spiral artery remodeling. In PE, this genetically and immunologically governed process is deficient and therefore there is decreased vascular capacitance and increased resistance in the uteroplacental circulation. Furthermore, this defect in uteroplacental spiral artery remodeling is not only associated with early onset PE, but also with fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, and spontaneous premature rupture of membranes. Doppler ultrasound allows non-invasive assessment of placentation, while the flow impedance decreases as the pregnancy progresses in normal pregnancies, in those destined to develop preeclampsia the impedance is increased.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania de Ganzo Suárez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Catalina de Paco Matallana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Walter Plasencia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife. Canary Islands, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horgan R, Sinkovskaya E, Saade G, Kalafat E, Rice MM, Heeze A, Abuhamad A. Longitudinal assessment of spiral and uterine arteries in normal pregnancy using novel ultrasound tool. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:860-866. [PMID: 37470712 PMCID: PMC10801897 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use superb microvascular imaging (SMI) to evaluate longitudinally spiral artery (SA) and uterine artery (UtA) vascular adaptation in normal human pregnancy, and to develop reference ranges for use at various gestational ages throughout pregnancy. METHODS The data for this study were obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Human Placenta Project. Women aged 18-35 years, with a body mass index < 30 kg/m2 , without comorbidities, with a singleton gestation conceived spontaneously, and gestational age at or less than 13 + 6 weeks were eligible for inclusion. The current analysis was restricted to uncomplicated pregnancies carried to term. Exclusion criteria included maternal or neonatal complications, fetal or umbilical cord anomalies, abnormal placental implantation or delivery < 37 weeks. Women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria formed the reference population of the Human Placenta Project study. Each participant underwent eight ultrasound examinations during pregnancy. The pulsatility index (PI) of both the left and right UtA were obtained twice for each artery and the presence or absence of a notch was noted. Using SMI technology, the total number of SA imaged was recorded in a sagittal placental section at the level of cord insertion. The PI and peak systolic velocity (PSV) were also measured in a total of six SA, including two in the central portion of the placenta, two peripherally towards the uterine fundal portion, and two peripherally towards the lower uterine segment. RESULTS A total of 90 women fulfilled the study criteria. Maternal UtA-PI decreased throughout the first half of pregnancy from a mean ± SD of 1.39 ± 0.50 at 12-13 weeks' gestation to 0.88 ± 0.24 at 20-21 weeks' gestation. The mean number of SA visualized in a sagittal plane of the placenta increased from 8.83 ± 2.37 in the first trimester to 16.99 ± 3.31 in the late-third trimester. The mean SA-PI was 0.57 ± 0.12 in the first trimester and decreased progressively during the second trimester, reaching a nadir of 0.40 ± 0.10 at 24-25 weeks, and remaining constant until the end of pregnancy. SA-PSV was highest in early pregnancy with a mean of 57.16 ± 14.84 cm/s at 12-13 weeks' gestation, declined to a mean of 49.38 ± 17.88 cm/s at 20-21 weeks' gestation and continued to trend downward for the remainder of pregnancy, reaching a nadir of 34.50 ± 15.08 cm/s at 36-37 weeks' gestation. A statistically significant correlation was noted between SA-PI and UtA-PI (r = 0.5633; P < 0.001). Multilevel regression models with natural cubic splines were used to create reference ranges of SA-PSV and SA-PI for given gestational ages. CONCLUSION From early gestation, we have demonstrated the ability to image and quantify SA blood flow in normal pregnancy, and have developed reference ranges for use at various gestational ages throughout pregnancy. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Horgan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - E Sinkovskaya
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - G Saade
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - E Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - M M Rice
- George Washington University Biostatistics Center, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A Heeze
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - A Abuhamad
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fan J, Zhang J, Xu S, Liu H, Lv W, Bi X, Liu Y, Shi W, Zhang Y, Wu X. The predictive value of uterine artery Doppler in the success rate of pregnancy from the first frozen embryo transfer during the implantation window. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:825. [PMID: 38037011 PMCID: PMC10688035 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06150-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, frozen embryo transfer (FET) has become a new strategy for the treatment of infertility. The success of FET is closely related to endometrial receptivity. Does uterine artery Doppler during the implantation window predict pregnancy outcome from the first FET? METHODS A total of 115 retrospectively collected cycles were included in the study, with 64 cycles of clinical pregnancy and 51 cycles of nonclinical pregnancy; There were 99 nonabsent end-diastolic flow (NAEDF) cycles and 16 absent end-diastolic flow (AEDF) cycles. The differences in uterine artery Doppler findings between different pregnancy outcomes were investigated. The clinical pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate in the NAEDF and AEDF groups were compared. The predictive value of uterine artery Doppler during the implantation window in the success rate of pregnancy from the first FET was also investigated. RESULTS Between the clinical pregnancy group and the nonclinical pregnancy group, there were no significant differences in the mean resistance index (mRI) (Z = -1.065, p = 0.287), mean pulsatility index (mPI) (Z = -0.340, p = 0.734), and mean peak systolic/end-diastolic velocity(mS/D) (Z = -0.953, p = 0.341); there were significant differences in the mean peak systolic velocity (mPSV) (Z = -1.982, p = 0.048) and mean end-diastolic velocity (mEDV) (Z = -2.767, p = 0.006). Between the NAEDF and AEDF groups, there was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (χ2 = 0.003, p = 0.959), and there was a significant difference in the spontaneous abortion rate (χ2 = 3.465, p = 0.019). Compared with uterine artery Doppler alone, its combination with artificial abortion history, waist-to-hip ratio, LH (Luteinizing hormone) of P (Progesterone) administration day, mPSV and mEDV had a higher predictive value regarding clinical pregnancy from the first FET [ROC-AUC 0.782, 95% CI (0.680-0.883) vs. 0.692, 95% CI (0.587-0.797)]. CONCLUSIONS Uterine artery Doppler, particularly mPSV and mEDV during the implantation window, was useful for predicting clinical pregnancy, and AEDF was related to spontaneous abortion in the first trimester. Uterine artery Doppler combined with artificial abortion history, waist-to-hip ratio, LH of P administration day, mPSV and mEDV have a higher predictive value than uterine artery Doppler alone regarding the pregnancy from the first FET.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Junkun Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Suming Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Weigang Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingyu Bi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanling Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Wenjing Shi
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuxia Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xueqing Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Children's Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Affiliated of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Enakpene CA, Canci ME, Ventolini G. Obstetric vascular Doppler velocimetry: clinical applications and overuses. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2023; 75:482-490. [PMID: 37140586 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05164-3] [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: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A safe and non-intrusive assessment of fetal health is not only crucial in low-risk gestations, but it is also the standard of care in high-risk pregnancies. Therefore, measuring blood flow across different vessels with non-invasive ultrasound methods has been accurately and painstakingly studied and published. Amongst these state-of-the-art techniques, umbilical artery (blood flow) Doppler velocimetry (UADV) has allowed for fetal well-being follow-ups and assess uteroplacental function, which obtains a more complete and clearer picture; particularly in regard to complicated pregnancies. Additionally, there are other modalities with diverse clinical applications that have emerged, including their clinical and research utilization in conditions such as fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia, fetal anemia, monochorionic twins vascular blood flow mismatch such as is in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia polycythemia sequence, and twin reverse arterial perfusion sequence. Nevertheless, their applications regarding various other maternal-fetal diagnoses in the same way as premature births and/or multiple gestation surveillance have not been reported to hold strong clinical evidence. With that in regard, the purpose of this unique study was to give update of the multiple clinical applications of this very important obstetrical tool. Additionally, to review the pathophysiology as well as revisit their reported significant valid uses and occasional overuses. We also delved into quality control measures as related to the application of Doppler in obstetrics. Lastly, it is essential to look through and reflect on the future developments of this valuable, non-invasive, high-risk marvelous modern device.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Enakpene
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, TX, USA
| | - Maria E Canci
- Department of Family Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, TX, USA
| | - Gary Ventolini
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin, TX, USA -
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Murtada SI, Latorre M, Humphrey JD. Remodeling of the uterine artery during and early after pregnancy in the mouse. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1531-1540. [PMID: 36550244 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01674-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy associates with dramatic changes in maternal cardiovascular physiology that ensure that the utero-placental circulation can support the developing fetus. Particularly striking is the marked flow-induced remodeling of uterine arteries during pregnancy and their recovery following birth. Whereas details are available in the literature on alterations in hemodynamics within and changes in the dimensions of uterine arteries during and following pregnancy in mice, we report here the first biaxial biomechanical phenotyping of these arteries during this dynamic period of growth and remodeling (G&R). To gain additional insight into the measured G&R, we also use a computational constrained mixture model to describe and predict findings, including simulations related to complications that may arise during pregnancy. It is found that dramatic pregnancy-induced remodeling of the uterine artery is largely, but not completely, reversed in the postpartum period, which appears to be driven by increases in collagen turnover among other intramural changes. By contrast, data on the remodeling of the ascending aorta, an elastic artery, reveal modest changes that are fully recovered postpartum. There is strong motivation to continue biomechanical studies on this critical aspect of women's health, which has heretofore not received appropriate consideration from the biomechanics community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Il Murtada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marcos Latorre
- Center for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jay D Humphrey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang L, Liu J, Feng X, Lash GE. Unraveling the mysteries of spiral artery remodeling. Placenta 2023; 141:51-56. [PMID: 37308346 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.013] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spiral artery remodeling is the process by which the uterine vessels become large bore low resistance conduits, allowing delivery of high volumes of maternal blood to the placenta to nourish the developing fetus. Failure of this process is associated with the pathophysiology of most of the major obstetric complications, including late miscarriage, fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. However, the point at which remodeling 'fails' in these pathological pregnancies is not yet clear. Spiral artery remodeling has predominantly been described in terms of its morphological features, however we are starting to understand more about the cellular and molecular triggers of the different aspects of this process. This review will discuss the current state of knowledge of spiral artery remodeling, in particular the processes involved in loss of the vascular smooth muscle cells, and consider where in the process defects would lead to a pathological pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Feng
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gendie E Lash
- Department of Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Division of Uterine Vascular Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mondeilh A, Yovo E, Accrombessi M, Hounkonnou C, Agbota G, Atade W, Ladikpo OT, Mehoba M, Degbe A, Vianou B, Sossou D, Ndam NT, Massougbodji A, McGready R, Fievet N, Rijken MJ, Cottrell G, Briand V. Malaria Infections and Placental Blood Flow: A Doppler Ultrasound Study From a Preconception Cohort in Benin. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad376. [PMID: 37577115 PMCID: PMC10414806 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) has been associated with fetal growth restriction, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of which remain poorly understood. Malaria in pregnancy is suspected to induce abnormalities in placental vascularization, leading to impaired placental development. Our study evaluated MIP's effect on uterine artery (UtA) and umbilical artery (UA) blood flow. Methods The analysis included 253 Beninese women followed throughout pregnancy and screened monthly for submicroscopic and microscopic malaria. Uterine artery Doppler measurement was performed once between 21 and 25 weeks' gestation (wg), and UA Doppler measurement was performed 1-3 times from 28 wg. Linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of malaria infections on UtA Doppler indicators (pulsatility index and presence of a notch), whereas a logistic mixed model was used to assess the association between malaria infections and abnormal UA Doppler (defined as Z-score ≥2 standard deviation or absent/reversed UA end-diastolic flow). Results Primigravidae represented 7.5% of the study population; 42.3% of women had at least 1 microscopic infection during pregnancy, and 29.6% had at least 1 submicroscopic infection (and no microscopic infection). Both microscopic and submicroscopic infections before Doppler measurement were associated with the presence of a notch (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2-16.3 and aOR 3.3, 95% CI = .9-11.9, respectively). No associations were found between malaria before the Doppler measurement and abnormal UA Doppler. Conclusions Malaria infections in the first half of pregnancy impair placental blood flow. This highlights the need to prevent malaria from the very beginning of pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aude Mondeilh
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emmanuel Yovo
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Montpellier Interdisciplinary Center on Sustainable Agri-food Systems (MoISA), Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Manfred Accrombessi
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Disease Control Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Cornelia Hounkonnou
- Centre d'investigation clinique, module épidémiologie clinique (CIC-EC 1425), Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Paris, France
- Département d’Épidémiologie, Biostatistique et Recherche Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital BichatParis, France
| | - Gino Agbota
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - William Atade
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | | | - Murielle Mehoba
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Auguste Degbe
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Bertin Vianou
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Dariou Sossou
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin (IRCB), Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Nicaise Tuikue Ndam
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Fievet
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Marcus J Rijken
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gilles Cottrell
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), UMR 261 MERIT, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Briand
- Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) EMR 271, Bordeaux Population Health Centre, National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM) UMR 1219, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aygun EG, Karabuk E, Dilek TUK. A Retrospective Cohort Study to Determine Whether the Previous Route of Delivery Affects the Uterine Artery Blood Flow. Cureus 2023; 15:e39552. [PMID: 37378119 PMCID: PMC10292039 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.39552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of the previous delivery route on uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and obstetric outcome. We aim to assess the effects of previous cesarean delivery (CD) and placental location on first- and second-trimester uterine artery Doppler indices as well as first-trimester pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) multiples of the median (MoM) levels in the subsequent pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We designed a retrospective cohort study to collect the participants' clinical and uterine artery Doppler. Data regarding pregnant women's first- and second-trimester exams, who were referred to our maternal-fetal medicine unit, were collected from hospital records between June 2015 and December 2019. RESULTS Uterine artery PI MoM values were not different between the cases with the anterior and non-anterior placental locations. No significant difference was found in the first- and second-trimester uterine artery PI MoM values by delivery route (p = 0.57). However, the intrauterine growth restriction rate was higher in the CD group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In this study, we compared the uterine blood flow indices between the previous cesarean and vaginal delivery groups. We observed no significant difference between the patients with different delivery routes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif G Aygun
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Atakent University Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | - Emine Karabuk
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem University, Istanbul, TUR
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Acibadem Atakent University Hospital, Istanbul, TUR
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gumina DL, Su EJ. Mechanistic insights into the development of severe fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:679-695. [PMID: 37186255 PMCID: PMC10241202 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR), which most commonly results from suboptimal placental function, substantially increases risks for adverse perinatal and long-term outcomes. The only "treatment" that exists is delivery, which averts stillbirth but does not improve outcomes in survivors. Furthermore, the potential long-term consequences of FGR to the fetus, including cardiometabolic disorders, predispose these individuals to developing FGR in their future pregnancies. This creates a multi-generational cascade of adverse effects stemming from a single dysfunctional placenta, and understanding the mechanisms underlying placental-mediated FGR is critically important if we are to improve outcomes and overall health. The mechanisms behind FGR remain unknown. However, placental insufficiency derived from maldevelopment of the placental vascular systems is the most common etiology. To highlight important mechanistic interactions within the placenta, we focus on placental vascular development in the setting of FGR. We delve into fetoplacental angiogenesis, a robust and ongoing process in normal pregnancies that is impaired in severe FGR. We review cellular models of FGR, with special attention to fetoplacental angiogenesis, and we highlight novel integrin-extracellular matrix interactions that regulate placental angiogenesis in severe FGR. In total, this review focuses on key developmental processes, with specific focus on the human placenta, an underexplored area of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diane L Gumina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CO, U.S.A
| | - Emily J Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CO, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Combination of Maternal Serum ESM-1 and PLGF with Uterine Artery Doppler PI for Predicting Preeclampsia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020459. [PMID: 36675388 PMCID: PMC9864636 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020459] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether the combination of pregnancy-associated endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM-1), the placental growth factor (PLGF) in the first- and second-trimester maternal serum, and the uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index (PI) in the second trimester can predict preeclampsia (PE). METHODS The serum levels of ESM-1 and PLGF in 33 severe preeclampsia (SPE) patients, 18 mild preeclampsia patients (MPE), and 60 age-matched normal controls (CON) were measured. The Doppler ultrasonography was performed, and the artery pulsatility index (PI) was calculated for the same subjects. RESULTS The 2nd PLGF level was significantly lower and the 2nd PI was higher than those in the MPE group. Combining the 2nd PLGF with the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.819 (83.33% sensitivity and 70.00% specificity). In the SPE group, the 1st ESM-1 level and the 2nd PLGF level were significantly lower, and the 2nd ESM-1 level and the 2nd PI were significantly higher in the SPE group. The combination of the 1st ESM-1, the 2nd PLGF, and the 2nd PI yielded an AUC of 0.912 (72.73% sensitivity and 95.00% specificity). CONCLUSIONS The 1st ESM-1 and the 2nd PLGF levels and the 2nd PI were associated with PE. The combination of serum biomarkers and the PI improved the screening efficiency of the PE prediction, especially for SPE.
Collapse
|
12
|
Stevens D, Schiffer V, Severens‐Rijvers C, de Nobrega Teixeira J, van Haren A, Spaanderman M, Al‐Nasiry S. The association between decidual vasculopathy and abnormal uterine artery Doppler measurement. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2022; 101:910-916. [PMID: 35684972 PMCID: PMC9564457 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental syndrome is an umbrella term encompassing the clinical phenotypes of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity. In women with placental syndrome, histologicl examination of the uteroplacental unit commonly demonstrates pathological lesions, such as decidual vasculopathy. Decidual vasculopathy are pathological changes in the spiral arteries, which are associated with adverse outcome in preeclampsia and long-term maternal cardiovascular health. The relation between placental syndrome phenotypes and placental pathology has been previously demonstrated; however, the role of uteroplacental Doppler measurements as a link between placental syndrome phenotypes and the underlying placental pathology is still unclear. We hypothesized that decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uteroplacental Doppler profiles and ultrasound placental parameters, independent of clinical phenotype. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort of pregnancies with placental syndrome, as well as cases without hypertensive disease or fetal growth restriction. The study group was divided into women with decidual vasculopathy on histologic analysis of placental specimen and those without the lesions. Outcome parameters included maternal and fetal Dopplers, estimated fetal weight, placental weight and thickness, placental lacunae and abnormal placental calcification. RESULTS Compared with the women without the lesions (n = 91), the group with decidual vasculopathy (n = 25) had a higher mean uterine artery pulsatility index (1.70 vs 0.81, p < 0.001) and uterine artery pulsatility index percentile (>p99 vs p67, p < 0.001). Decidual vasculopathy was associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler profile (defined as pulsatility index p > 95 and/or bilateral notch) (82%) compared with women without the lesions (33%) (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, 95% CI 2.4-36.0), which remained significant after adjusting for possible confounding factors preeclampsia, tobacco use and gestational age at birth (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.3-39.1). Decidual vasculopathy was not associated with fetal Doppler abnormalities or placental parameters and only modestly so with lower cerebroplacental ratio (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS Histologic decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler, independent of clinical phenotype during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Droïma Stevens
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Veronique Schiffer
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Carmen Severens‐Rijvers
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental BiologyMaastricht UniversityMaastrichtThe Netherlands,Department of PathologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Johnny de Nobrega Teixeira
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Ashlee van Haren
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Marc Spaanderman
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Salwan Al‐Nasiry
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyMaastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+)MaastrichtThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Roles of maternal HDL during pregnancy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2022; 1867:159106. [PMID: 34995789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High density lipoproteins (HDL) were first linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) over 30 years ago when an inverse relationship was shown between CVD and HDL-cholesterol levels. It is now apparent that HDL composition and function, not cholesterol levels, are the pertinent measurements describing HDL's role in various disease processes, especially those with subclinical or overt inflammation. SCOPE OF REVIEW Pregnancy is also an inflammatory state. When inflammation becomes excessive during pregnancy, there is an increased risk for adverse outcomes that affect the health of the mother and fetus, including preterm birth and preeclampsia. Though studies on HDL during pregnancy are limited, recent evidence demonstrates that HDL composition and function change during pregnancy and in women with adverse outcomes. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE In this review, we will discuss how HDL may play a role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy and how impairments in function could lead to pregnancies with adverse outcomes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Pitz Jacobsen D, Fjeldstad HE, Johnsen GM, Fosheim IK, Moe K, Alnæs-Katjavivi P, Dechend R, Sugulle M, Staff AC. Acute Atherosis Lesions at the Fetal-Maternal Border: Current Knowledge and Implications for Maternal Cardiovascular Health. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791606. [PMID: 34970270 PMCID: PMC8712939 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidua basalis, the endometrium of pregnancy, is an important interface between maternal and fetal tissues, made up of both maternal and fetal cells. Acute atherosis is a uteroplacental spiral artery lesion. These patchy arterial wall lesions containing foam cells are predominantly found in the decidua basalis, at the tips of the maternal arteries, where they feed into the placental intervillous space. Acute atherosis is prevalent in preeclampsia and other obstetric syndromes such as fetal growth restriction. Causal factors and effects of acute atherosis remain uncertain. This is in part because decidua basalis is challenging to sample systematically and in large amounts following delivery. We summarize our decidua basalis vacuum suction method, which facilitates tissue-based studies of acute atherosis. We also describe our evidence-based research definition of acute atherosis. Here, we comprehensively review the existing literature on acute atherosis, its underlying mechanisms and possible short- and long-term effects. We propose that multiple pathways leading to decidual vascular inflammation may promote acute atherosis formation, with or without poor spiral artery remodeling and/or preeclampsia. These include maternal alloreactivity, ischemia-reperfusion injury, preexisting systemic inflammation, and microbial infection. The concept of acute atherosis as an inflammatory lesion is not novel. The lesions themselves have an inflammatory phenotype and resemble other arterial lesions of more extensively studied etiology. We discuss findings of concurrently dysregulated proteins involved in immune regulation and cardiovascular function in women with acute atherosis. We also propose a novel hypothesis linking cellular fetal microchimerism, which is prevalent in women with preeclampsia, with acute atherosis in pregnancy and future cardiovascular and neurovascular disease. Finally, women with a history of preeclampsia have an increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. We review whether presence of acute atherosis may identify women at especially high risk for premature cardiovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Heidi Elisabeth Fjeldstad
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro Mørk Johnsen
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Knutsdotter Fosheim
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjartan Moe
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bærum Hospital, Vestre Viken HF, Bærum, Norway
| | | | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Cooperation of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Max-Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, HELIOS-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meryam Sugulle
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Cathrine Staff
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|