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Xu E, Jouannic JM, Alison M, Ancel PY, Friszer S, Rousseau J, Guilbaud L, Adamsbaum C, Goffinet F, Blondiaux E. Analysis of MRI brain biometrics in fetuses monitored for intra uterine growth restriction and their prognostic value: Results of a prospective multicenter study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 298:91-97. [PMID: 38735121 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.04.043] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Show a prognostic value of brain changes in fetuses with intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR) on early neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN We prospectively recruited pregnant women whose fetuses presented fetal weight < 5th centile. A brain MRI was performed between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation (WG). Several brain biometrics were measured (as fronto-occipital diameter (FOD) and transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD)). Neonatal prognosis was evaluated according to a composite criterion. RESULTS Of the 78 patients included, 62 had a fetal brain MRI. The mean centile value of FOD was lower in the unfavorable outcome group (n = 9) compared to the favorable outcome group (n = 53) (24.5 ± 16.8 vs. 8.6 ± 13.2, p = 0.004). The ROC curve for predicting risk of unfavorable neonatal outcome based on FOD presented an area under the curve of 0.81 (95 % CI, [0.63---0.99]) and a threshold determined at the 3rd centile was associated with sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.89. In multivariate analysis, a FOD less than the 3rd centile was significantly associated with an unfavorable neonatal risk. There also was a reduction in TCD (25.5 ± 21.5 vs. 10.4 ± 10.4, p = 0.03) in the unfavorable neonatal outcome group. CONCLUSION We found an association between a reduction in FOD and TCD in fetal MRIs conducted between 28 and 32 WG in fetuses monitored for IUGR with an unfavorable neonatal outcome. Our results suggest that these biometric changes could constitute markers of poor neonatal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Xu
- Service de Radiologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, GRC IMAGES, Médecine Sorbonne Université, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Jouannic
- Service de Médecine Fœtale, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Médecine Sorbonne Université, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Marianne Alison
- Service de Radiologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, APHP, Université Paris Diderot, Paris France
| | - Pierre-Yves Ancel
- Obstetrical, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology Team and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (U1153), INSERM and Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Unité de recherche clinique, CIC-Mère enfant, AP-HP, FHU PREMA, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Friszer
- Service de Médecine Fœtale, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Médecine Sorbonne Université, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jessica Rousseau
- Obstetrical, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology Team and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (U1153), INSERM and Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Lucie Guilbaud
- Service de Médecine Fœtale, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Médecine Sorbonne Université, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Adamsbaum
- Service de Radiopédiatrie, Hôpital Bicêtre, Université Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - François Goffinet
- Obstetrical, Perinatal, and Pediatric Epidemiology Team and Biostatistics Sorbonne Paris Cité Research Center (U1153), INSERM and Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Maternité Port Royal, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, DHU Risques et Grossesse, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Eléonore Blondiaux
- Service de Radiologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, GRC IMAGES, Médecine Sorbonne Université, APHP, Paris, France.
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Shah DK, Pereira S, Lodygensky GA. Long-Term Neurologic Consequences following Fetal Growth Restriction: The Impact on Brain Reserve. Dev Neurosci 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38740013 DOI: 10.1159/000539266] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) corresponds to the fetus's inability to achieve an adequate weight gain based on genetic potential and gestational age. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. SUMMARY In this review, we address the challenges of diagnosis and classification of FGR. We review how chronic fetal hypoxia impacts brain development. We describe recent advances on placental and fetal brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and how they offer new noninvasive means to study growth restriction in humans. We go on to review the impact of FGR on brain integrity in the neonatal period, later childhood, and adulthood and review available therapies. KEY MESSAGES FGR consequences are not limited to the perinatal period. We hypothesize that impaired brain reserve, as defined by structure and size, may predict some concerning epidemiological data of impaired cognitive outcomes and dementia with aging in this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divyen K Shah
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Neonatal Intensive Care, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Susana Pereira
- Obstetrics and Maternity Care, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Gregory A Lodygensky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Peterson HF, Eskild A, Sommerfelt S, Hillestad V. Placental size at gestational week 36: Comparisons between ongoing pregnancies and deliveries. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:85-92. [PMID: 37904568 PMCID: PMC10755138 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14700] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to compare placental size and placental size relative to fetal size (ratio) in ongoing pregnancies examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at gestational week 36 with placental size among all deliveries at gestational week 36 during the same time period. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ongoing unselected singleton pregnancies (n = 89) were examined by MRI at median gestational week 36+5 days during 2017-2018, and placental and fetal volumes (cm3 ) were calculated. The placental size and ratio in ongoing pregnancies were compared with placental size and ratio among all deliveries in Norway at gestational week 36 (median gestational week 36+4 days) during 2016-2019 (n = 5582). For comparison of size, we converted volume (cm3 ) in ongoing pregnancies into grams as: cm3 × 1.05 (density of placental and fetal tissue). RESULTS In ongoing pregnancies, median placental size was 873 (interquartile range [IQR] 265) grams and median size of all delivered placentas was 613 (IQR 290) grams. Placental size was smaller among the delivered placentas independent of delivery mode: 760 (IQR 387) grams among elective cesarean deliveries (n = 465) and 590 (IQR 189) grams among vaginal deliveries after spontaneous onset of labor (n = 2478). Median ratio in ongoing pregnancies was higher than among deliveries: 0.31 (IQR 0.08) vs 0.21 (IQR 0.08). The ratio was higher in ongoing pregnancies independent of delivery mode: 0.24 (IQR 0.17) among elective cesarean deliveries vs 0.21 (IQR 0.05) among vaginal deliveries after spontaneous onset of labor. CONCLUSIONS The placenta is larger in ongoing pregnancies than among deliveries. This finding suggests that placental size decreases during labor and delivery, possibly by transfer of blood to the fetus. Our finding also suggests that reference values of placental size based on delivered placentas are not valid for ongoing pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Fjeldvik Peterson
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Anne Eskild
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Silje Sommerfelt
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
| | - Vigdis Hillestad
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
- Institute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingAkershus University HospitalLørenskogNorway
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4
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Nakaki A, Crovetto F, Urru A, Piella G, Borras R, Comte V, Vellvé K, Paules C, Segalés L, Dacal M, Gomez Y, Youssef L, Casas R, Castro-Barquero S, Martín-Asuero A, Oller Guzmán T, Morilla I, Martínez-Àran A, Camacho A, Pascual Tutusaus M, Arranz A, Rebollo-Polo M, Gomez-Chiari M, Bargallo N, Pozo ÓJ, Gomez-Gomez A, Izquierdo Renau M, Eixarch E, Vieta E, Estruch R, Crispi F, Gonzalez-Ballester MA, Gratacós E. Effects of Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction on fetal and neonatal brain development: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101188. [PMID: 37839546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101188] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal suboptimal nutrition and high stress levels are associated with adverse fetal and infant neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate if structured lifestyle interventions involving a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction during pregnancy are associated with differences in fetal and neonatal brain development. STUDY DESIGN This was a secondary analysis of the randomized clinical trial Improving Mothers for a Better Prenatal Care Trial Barcelona that was conducted in Barcelona, Spain, from 2017 to 2020. Participants with singleton pregnancies were randomly allocated into 3 groups, namely Mediterranean diet intervention, stress reduction program, or usual care. Participants in the Mediterranean diet group received monthly individual sessions and free provision of extra-virgin olive oil and walnuts. Pregnant women in the stress reduction group underwent an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program adapted for pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging of 90 fetal brains was performed at 36 to 39 weeks of gestation and the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale was completed for 692 newborns at 1 to 3 months. Fetal outcomes were the total brain volume and lobular or regional volumes obtained from a 3-dimensional reconstruction and semiautomatic segmentation of magnetic resonance images. Neonatal outcomes were the 6 clusters scores of the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between the interventions and the fetal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS When compared with the usual care group, the offspring exposed to a maternal Mediterranean diet had a larger total fetal brain volume (mean, 284.11 cm3; standard deviation, 23.92 cm3 vs 294.01 cm3; standard deviation, 26.29 cm3; P=.04), corpus callosum (mean, 1.16 cm3; standard deviation, 0.19 cm3 vs 1.26 cm3; standard deviation, 0.22 cm3; P=.03), and right frontal lobe (44.20; standard deviation, 4.09 cm3 vs 46.60; standard deviation, 4.69 cm3; P=.02) volumes based on magnetic resonance imaging measures and higher scores in the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale clusters of autonomic stability (mean, 7.4; standard deviation, 0.9 vs 7.6; standard deviation, 0.7; P=.04), social interaction (mean, 7.5; standard deviation, 1.5 vs 7.8; standard deviation, 1.3; P=.03), and range of state (mean, 4.3; standard deviation, 1.3 vs 4.5; standard deviation, 1.0; P=.04). When compared with the usual care group, offspring from the stress reduction group had larger fetal left anterior cingulate gyri volume (1.63; standard deviation, 0.32 m3 vs 1.79; standard deviation, 0.30 cm3; P=.03) based on magnetic resonance imaging and higher scores in the Neonatal Neurobehavioral Assessment Scale for regulation of state (mean, 6.0; standard deviation, 1.8 vs 6.5; standard deviation, 1.5; P<.01). CONCLUSION Maternal structured lifestyle interventions involving the promotion of a Mediterranean diet or stress reduction during pregnancy were associated with changes in fetal and neonatal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Nakaki
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Bargallo, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Department of Surgery and Surgical specializations, Faculty of Medicine and Helath Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Castro-Barquero, Arranz, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Francesca Crovetto
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Drs Crovetto, Izquierdo Renau, and Gratacos)
| | - Andrea Urru
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Urru and Piella, Mr Comte, and Dr Gonzalez-Ballester)
| | - Gemma Piella
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Urru and Piella, Mr Comte, and Dr Gonzalez-Ballester)
| | - Roger Borras
- Cardiovascular Institute, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Mr Borras); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (Mr Borras and Dr Bargallo)
| | - Valentin Comte
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Urru and Piella, Mr Comte, and Dr Gonzalez-Ballester)
| | - Kilian Vellvé
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Cristina Paules
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Laura Segalés
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Marta Dacal
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Yvan Gomez
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Lina Youssef
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona Campus, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Youssef)
| | - Rosa Casas
- Department of Internal Medicine Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERON), Madrid, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch)
| | - Sara Castro-Barquero
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Department of Internal Medicine Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERON), Madrid, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch)
| | - Andrés Martín-Asuero
- Instituto esMindfulness, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Martín-Asuero and Ms Oller Guzmán)
| | - Teresa Oller Guzmán
- Instituto esMindfulness, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Martín-Asuero and Ms Oller Guzmán)
| | - Ivette Morilla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, Neuroscience Institute, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Morilla, Martínez-Àran, and Vieta)
| | - Anabel Martínez-Àran
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, Neuroscience Institute, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Morilla, Martínez-Àran, and Vieta)
| | - Alba Camacho
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Mireia Pascual Tutusaus
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Angela Arranz
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos)
| | - Monica Rebollo-Polo
- Diagnostic Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Dèu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Drs Rebollo-Polo and Gomez-Chiari); Radiology Department, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland (Dr Rebollo-Polo)
| | - Marta Gomez-Chiari
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Diagnostic Imaging and Image Guided Therapy, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Dèu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Drs Rebollo-Polo and Gomez-Chiari); Diagnostic Imaging Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Dèu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Dr Gomez-Chiari)
| | - Nuria Bargallo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Bargallo, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain (Mr Borras and Dr Bargallo); Radiology Department, Center of Image Diagnostic, Hospital Clínic. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Bargallo)
| | - Óscar J Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Pozo and Gomez-Gomez)
| | - Alex Gomez-Gomez
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, IMIM-Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Pozo and Gomez-Gomez)
| | - Montserrat Izquierdo Renau
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Drs Crovetto, Izquierdo Renau, and Gratacos); Neonatology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Izquierdo Renau)
| | - Elisenda Eixarch
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Bargallo, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain (Drs Eixarch, Crispi, and Gratacos)
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clinic, Neuroscience Institute, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Morilla, Martínez-Àran, and Vieta)
| | - Ramon Estruch
- Department of Internal Medicine Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERON), Madrid, Spain (Drs Casas, Castro-Barquero, and Estruch)
| | - Fàtima Crispi
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Bargallo, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain (Drs Eixarch, Crispi, and Gratacos).
| | - Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Ballester
- BCN MedTech, Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Urru and Piella, Mr Comte, and Dr Gonzalez-Ballester); ICREA, Barcelona, Spain (Dr Gonzalez-Ballester)
| | - Eduard Gratacós
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center, Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Crovetto, Vellvé, Paules, Segalés, Ms Dacal, Drs Gomez, Youssef, Castro-Barquero, Mses Camacho and Pascual Tutsaus, and Drs Arranz, Gomez-Chairi, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (Drs Nakaki, Bargallo, Eixarch, Crispi and Gratacos); Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain (Drs Crovetto, Izquierdo Renau, and Gratacos); Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBER-ER), Madrid, Spain (Drs Eixarch, Crispi, and Gratacos)
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5
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Shorey-Kendrick LE, Roberts VHJ, D'Mello RJ, Sullivan EL, Murphy SK, Mccarty OJT, Schust DJ, Hedges JC, Mitchell AJ, Terrobias JJD, Easley CA, Spindel ER, Lo JO. Prenatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure is associated with changes in rhesus macaque DNA methylation enriched for autism genes. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:104. [PMID: 37415206 PMCID: PMC10324248 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01519-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the growing availability of cannabis and the popularization of additional routes of cannabis use beyond smoking, including edibles, the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy is rapidly increasing. However, the potential effects of prenatal cannabis use on fetal developmental programming remain unknown. RESULTS We designed this study to determine whether the use of edible cannabis during pregnancy is deleterious to the fetal and placental epigenome. Pregnant rhesus macaques consumed a daily edible containing either delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (2.5 mg/7 kg/day) or placebo. DNA methylation was measured in 5 tissues collected at cesarean delivery (placenta, lung, cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, and right ventricle of the heart) using the Illumina MethylationEPIC platform and filtering for probes previously validated in rhesus macaque. In utero exposure to THC was associated with differential methylation at 581 CpGs, with 573 (98%) identified in placenta. Loci differentially methylated with THC were enriched for candidate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database in all tissues. The placenta demonstrated greatest SFARI gene enrichment, including genes differentially methylated in placentas from a prospective ASD study. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings reveal that prenatal THC exposure alters placental and fetal DNA methylation at genes involved in neurobehavioral development that may influence longer-term offspring outcomes. The data from this study add to the limited existing literature to help guide patient counseling and public health polices focused on prenatal cannabis use in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsey E Shorey-Kendrick
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Victoria H J Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rahul J D'Mello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Elinor L Sullivan
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Owen J T Mccarty
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Danny J Schust
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Jason C Hedges
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - A J Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jose Juanito D Terrobias
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Charles A Easley
- Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia College of Public Health, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Eliot R Spindel
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Jamie O Lo
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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6
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Orzeł A, Unrug-Bielawska K, Filipecka-Tyczka D, Berbeka K, Zeber-Lubecka N, Zielińska M, Kajdy A. Molecular Pathways of Altered Brain Development in Fetuses Exposed to Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10401. [PMID: 37373548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210401] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxia is a major cause of neurodevelopmental impairment and subsequent motor and cognitive dysfunctions; it is associated with fetal growth restriction and uteroplacental dysfunction during pregnancy. This review aims to present the current knowledge on brain development resulting from perinatal asphyxia, including the causes, symptoms, and means of predicting the degree of brain damage. Furthermore, this review discusses the specificity of brain development in the growth-restricted fetus and how it is replicated and studied in animal models. Finally, this review aims at identifying the least understood and missing molecular pathways of abnormal brain development, especially with respect to potential treatment intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Orzeł
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Unrug-Bielawska
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 00-001 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dagmara Filipecka-Tyczka
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Berbeka
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Zeber-Lubecka
- Department of Genetics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 00-001 Warsaw, Poland
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zielińska
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Kajdy
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, I-st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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7
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Andescavage N, Bullen T, Liggett M, Barnett SD, Kapse A, Kapse K, Ahmadzia H, Vezina G, Quistorff J, Lopez C, duPlessis A, Limperopoulos C. Impaired in vivo feto-placental development is associated with neonatal neurobehavioral outcomes. Pediatr Res 2023; 93:1276-1284. [PMID: 36335267 PMCID: PMC10147575 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental problems, yet remains poorly understood. We sought to examine the relationship between intrauterine development and neonatal neurobehavior in pregnancies diagnosed with antenatal FGR. METHODS We recruited women with singleton pregnancies diagnosed with FGR and measured placental and fetal brain volumes using MRI. NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) assessments were performed at term equivalent age. Associations between intrauterine volumes and neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS We enrolled 44 women diagnosed with FGR who underwent fetal MRI and 28 infants underwent NNNS assessments. Placental volumes were associated with increased self-regulation and decreased excitability; total brain, brainstem, cortical and subcortical gray matter (SCGM) volumes were positively associated with higher self-regulation; SCGM also was positively associated with higher quality of movement; increasing cerebellar volumes were positively associated with attention, decreased lethargy, non-optimal reflexes and need for special handling; brainstem volumes also were associated with decreased lethargy and non-optimal reflexes; cerebral and cortical white matter volumes were positively associated with hypotonicity. CONCLUSION Disrupted intrauterine growth in pregnancies complicated by antenatally diagnosed FGR is associated with altered neonatal neurobehavior. Further work to determine long-term neurodevelopmental impacts is warranted. IMPACT Fetal growth restriction is a risk factor for adverse neurodevelopment, but remains difficult to accurately identify. Intrauterine brain volumes are associated with infant neurobehavior. The antenatal diagnosis of fetal growth restriction is a risk factor for abnormal infant neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickie Andescavage
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Prenatal Pediatric Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Theresa Bullen
- School of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa Liggett
- Division of Psychology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Scott D Barnett
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Anushree Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Homa Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Division of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Department of Radiology, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Adre duPlessis
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Prenatal Pediatric Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
- Department of Radiology, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
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8
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Mydtskov ND, Sinding M, Aarøe KK, Thaarup LV, Madsen SBB, Hansen DN, Frøkjær JB, Peters DA, Sørensen ANW. Placental volume, thickness and transverse relaxation time (T2*) estimated by magnetic resonance imaging in relation to small for gestational age at birth. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 282:72-76. [PMID: 36669243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.01.013] [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: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a valuable tool in the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) at birth. MRI provides reliable estimates of placental volume and thickness. In addition, placental transverse relaxation time (T2*) may be directly related to placental function. This study aimed to explore and compare the predictive performance of three placental MRI parameters - volume, thickness and T2* - in relation to SGA at birth. METHODS A mixed cohort of 85 pregnancies was retrieved from the placental MRI database at the study hospital. MRI was performed in a 1.5 T system at gestational weeks 15-41. In normal birthweight (BW) pregnancies [BW > -22 % of expected for gestational age (GA)], the correlation between each of the MRI parameters and GA was investigated by linear regression. The prediction of SGA was investigated by logistic regression analysis adjusted for GA at MRI. RESULTS In normal BW pregnancies, a significant linear correlation was found between GA and each of the MRI parameters. Univariate analysis demonstrated that placental volume [odds ratio (OR) 0.97, p = 0.001] and placental T2* (OR 0.79, p = 0.003), but not placental thickness (OR 0.92, p = 0.862) were significant predictors of SGA. A multi-variate model including all three MRI parameters found that placental T2* was the only independent predictor of SGA (OR 0.81, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Among the MRI parameters investigated in this study, placental T2* was the only independent predictor of SGA in a multi-variate model. This finding underlines the strong position of T2*-weighted placental MRI in the prediction of SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- N D Mydtskov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - M Sinding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - K K Aarøe
- Department of Surgery, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark
| | - L V Thaarup
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - S B B Madsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - D N Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - J B Frøkjær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - D A Peters
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - A N W Sørensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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9
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Kim F, Bateman DA, Goldshtrom N, Sheen JJ, Garey D. Intracranial ultrasound abnormalities and mortality in preterm infants with and without fetal growth restriction stratified by fetal Doppler study results. J Perinatol 2023; 43:560-567. [PMID: 36717608 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether fetal growth restriction (FGR) with or without abnormal Dopplers is associated with intracranial abnormalities and death in premature infants. STUDY DESIGN Premature infants with and without FGR born between 2016 and 2019 were included. Primary outcome was death, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Groups were compared using standard bivariate testing and multivariable regression. RESULTS Among 168 FGR and 560 non-FGR infants, FGR infants with abnormal Dopplers had an increased incidence of death, severe IVH or PVL compared to non-FGR infants (13% (16/123) vs. 7% (41/560); p = 0.03) while FGR infants with normal Dopplers had a nonsignificant decrease. In a logistic regression model, FGR with abnormal Dopplers was associated with more than three times higher odds of death, severe IVH or PVL (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.54,6.49; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Growth-restricted infants with abnormal Dopplers had an increased risk of death, intracranial abnormalities, and prematurity-related morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith Kim
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
| | - David A Bateman
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nimrod Goldshtrom
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Sheen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA
| | - Donna Garey
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix Regional Campus, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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10
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De Asis-Cruz J, Limperopoulos C. Harnessing the Power of Advanced Fetal Neuroimaging to Understand In Utero Footprints for Later Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 93:867-879. [PMID: 36804195 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.019] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adverse intrauterine events may profoundly impact fetal risk for future adult diseases. The mechanisms underlying this increased vulnerability are complex and remain poorly understood. Contemporary advances in fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have provided clinicians and scientists with unprecedented access to in vivo human fetal brain development to begin to identify emerging endophenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. In this review, we discuss salient findings of normal fetal neurodevelopment from studies using advanced, multimodal MRI that have provided unparalleled characterization of in utero prenatal brain morphology, metabolism, microstructure, and functional connectivity. We appraise the clinical utility of these normative data in identifying high-risk fetuses before birth. We highlight available studies that have investigated the predictive validity of advanced prenatal brain MRI findings and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. We then discuss how ex utero quantitative MRI findings can inform in utero investigations toward the pursuit of early biomarkers of risk. Lastly, we explore future opportunities to advance our understanding of the prenatal origins of neuropsychiatric disorders using precision fetal imaging.
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11
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Wang J, Nichols ES, Mueller ME, de Vrijer B, Eagleson R, McKenzie CA, de Ribaupierre S, Duerden EG. Semi-automatic segmentation of the fetal brain from magnetic resonance imaging. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1027084. [PMID: 36440277 PMCID: PMC9692018 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1027084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volumetric measurements of fetal brain maturation in the third trimester of pregnancy are key predictors of developmental outcomes. Improved understanding of fetal brain development trajectories may aid in identifying and clinically managing at-risk fetuses. Currently, fetal brain structures in magnetic resonance images (MRI) are often manually segmented, which requires both time and expertise. To facilitate the targeting and measurement of brain structures in the fetus, we compared the results of five segmentation methods applied to fetal brain MRI data to gold-standard manual tracings. METHODS Adult women with singleton pregnancies (n = 21), of whom five were scanned twice, approximately 3 weeks apart, were recruited [26 total datasets, median gestational age (GA) = 34.8, IQR = 30.9-36.6]. T2-weighted single-shot fast spin echo images of the fetal brain were acquired on 1.5T and 3T MRI scanners. Images were first combined into a single 3D anatomical volume. Next, a trained tracer manually segmented the thalamus, cerebellum, and total cerebral volumes. The manual segmentations were compared with five automatic methods of segmentation available within Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs) and FMRIB's Linear Image Registration Tool (FLIRT) toolboxes. The manual and automatic labels were compared using Dice similarity coefficients (DSCs). The DSC values were compared using Friedman's test for repeated measures. RESULTS Comparing cerebellum and thalamus masks against the manually segmented masks, the median DSC values for ANTs and FLIRT were 0.72 [interquartile range (IQR) = 0.6-0.8] and 0.54 (IQR = 0.4-0.6), respectively. A Friedman's test indicated that the ANTs registration methods, primarily nonlinear methods, performed better than FLIRT (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Deformable registration methods provided the most accurate results relative to manual segmentation. Overall, this semi-automatic subcortical segmentation method provides reliable performance to segment subcortical volumes in fetal MR images. This method reduces the costs of manual segmentation, facilitating the measurement of typical and atypical fetal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Wang
- Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emily S. Nichols
- Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Megan E. Mueller
- Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Barbra de Vrijer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Roy Eagleson
- Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Charles A. McKenzie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sandrine de Ribaupierre
- Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Emma G. Duerden
- Biomedical Engineering, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Western Institute for Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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12
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King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
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13
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Schabel MC, Roberts VHJ, Gibbins KJ, Rincon M, Gaffney JE, Streblow AD, Wright AM, Lo JO, Park B, Kroenke CD, Szczotka K, Blue NR, Page JM, Harvey K, Varner MW, Silver RM, Frias AE. Quantitative longitudinal T2* mapping for assessing placental function and association with adverse pregnancy outcomes across gestation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270360. [PMID: 35853003 PMCID: PMC9295947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing methods for evaluating in vivo placental function fail to reliably detect pregnancies at-risk for adverse outcomes prior to maternal and/or fetal morbidity. Here we report the results of a prospective dual-site longitudinal clinical study of quantitative placental T2* as measured by blood oxygen-level dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI). The objectives of this study were: 1) to quantify placental T2* at multiple time points across gestation, and its consistency across sites, and 2) to investigate the association between placental T2* and adverse outcomes. 797 successful imaging studies, at up to three time points between 11 and 38 weeks of gestation, were completed in 316 pregnancies. Outcomes were stratified into three groups: (UN) uncomplicated/normal pregnancy, (PA) primary adverse pregnancy, which included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, birthweight <5th percentile, and/or stillbirth or fetal death, and (SA) secondary abnormal pregnancy, which included abnormal prenatal conditions not included in the PA group such as spontaneous preterm birth or fetal anomalies. Of the 316 pregnancies, 198 (62.6%) were UN, 70 (22.2%) PA, and 48 (15.2%) SA outcomes. We found that the evolution of placental T2* across gestation was well described by a sigmoid model, with T2* decreasing continuously from a high plateau level early in gestation, through an inflection point around 30 weeks, and finally approaching a second, lower plateau in late gestation. Model regression revealed significantly lower T2* in the PA group than in UN pregnancies starting at 15 weeks and continuing through 33 weeks. T2* percentiles were computed for individual scans relative to UN group regression, and z-scores and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves calculated for association of T2* with pregnancy outcome. Overall, differences between UN and PA groups were statistically significant across gestation, with large effect sizes in mid- and late- pregnancy. The area under the curve (AUC) for placental T2* percentile and PA pregnancy outcome was 0.71, with the strongest predictive power (AUC of 0.76) at the mid-gestation time period (20–30 weeks). Our data demonstrate that placental T2* measurements are strongly associated with pregnancy outcomes often attributed to placental insufficiency. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02749851.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias C. Schabel
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Victoria H. J. Roberts
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Karen J. Gibbins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Monica Rincon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jessica E. Gaffney
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Aaron D. Streblow
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Adam M. Wright
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Jamie O. Lo
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC), OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Byung Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Christopher D. Kroenke
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kathryn Szczotka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Nathan R. Blue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Page
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Kathy Harvey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Michael W. Varner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Antonio E. Frias
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
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14
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Amgalan A, Kapse K, Krishnamurthy D, Andersen NR, Izem R, Baschat A, Quistorff J, Gimovsky AC, Ahmadzia HK, Limperopoulos C, Andescavage NN. Measuring intrauterine growth in healthy pregnancies using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. J Perinatol 2022; 42:860-865. [PMID: 35194161 PMCID: PMC9380865 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01340-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine in utero fetal-placental growth patterns using in vivo three-dimensional (3D) quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). STUDY DESIGN Healthy women with singleton pregnancies underwent fetal MRI to measure fetal body, placenta, and amniotic space volumes. The fetal-placental ratio (FPR) was derived using 3D fetal body and placental volumes (PV). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the association of each measurement with increasing gestational age (GA) at MRI. RESULTS Fifty-eight (58) women underwent fetal MRI between 16 and 38 completed weeks gestation (mean = 28.12 ± 6.33). PV and FPR varied linearly with GA at MRI (rPV,GA = 0.83, rFPR,GA = 0.89, p value < 0.001). Fetal volume varied non-linearly with GA (p value < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS We describe in-utero growth trajectories of fetal-placental volumes in healthy pregnancies using qMRI. Understanding healthy in utero development can establish normative benchmarks where departures from normal may identify early in utero placental failure prior to the onset of fetal harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariunzaya Amgalan
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, 3900 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Dhineshvikram Krishnamurthy
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nicole R Andersen
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Rima Izem
- Division of Biostatistics & Study Methodology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Center for Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Alexis C Gimovsky
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Homa K Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.
| | - Nickie N Andescavage
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20037, USA.,Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
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15
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Maternal psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and structural changes of the human fetal brain. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:47. [PMID: 35647608 PMCID: PMC9135751 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00111-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Elevated maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes in offspring. The potential effects of intensified levels of maternal distress during the COVID-19 pandemic on the developing fetal brain are currently unknown.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled 202 pregnant women: 65 without known COVID-19 exposures during the pandemic who underwent 92 fetal MRI scans, and 137 pre-pandemic controls who had 182 MRI scans. Multi-plane, multi-phase single shot fast spin echo T2-weighted images were acquired on a GE 1.5 T MRI Scanner. Volumes of six brain tissue types were calculated. Cortical folding measures, including brain surface area, local gyrification index, and sulcal depth were determined. At each MRI scan, maternal distress was assessed using validated stress, anxiety, and depression scales. Generalized estimating equations were utilized to compare maternal distress measures, brain volume and cortical folding differences between pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts.
Results
Stress and depression scores are significantly higher in the pandemic cohort, compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Fetal white matter, hippocampal, and cerebellar volumes are decreased in the pandemic cohort. Cortical surface area and local gyrification index are also decreased in all four lobes, while sulcal depth is lower in the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes in the pandemic cohort, indicating delayed brain gyrification.
Conclusions
We report impaired fetal brain growth and delayed cerebral cortical gyrification in COVID-19 pandemic era pregnancies, in the setting of heightened maternal psychological distress. The potential long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of altered fetal brain development in COVID-era pregnancies merit further study.
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16
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Percentiles of intrauterine placental volume and placental volume relative to fetal volume: A prospective magnetic resonance imaging study. Placenta 2022; 121:40-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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17
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Yakiştiran B, Altinboğa O, Halici Öztürk F, Erol SA, Canpolat FE, Yücel A. Neurosonographic assessments of corpus callosum related structures in growth-restricted fetuses. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND : JCU 2021; 49:828-833. [PMID: 34363232 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether corpus callosum length (CCL), corpus callosum-fastigium length (CCFL) and the angle between CCL-CCFL (CCFA) were altered in growth-restricted fetuses. METHODS This prospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary center. A total of 80 singleton fetuses were included in the study, classified as 36 late-onset growth-restricted fetuses and 44 adequate-for-gestational-age fetuses. All biometric measurements and Doppler assessments of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and ductus venosus were performed via the trans-abdominal route. CCL, CCLF, and CCFA were assessed via the trans-vaginal route. RESULTS Late-onset growth-restricted fetuses showed significantly reduced CCL and CCFL. There was no statistically significant differences in terms of CCFA. Moderate-high correlations between CCL and biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, FL and gestational age were detected (r: 0.482 p: 0.000; r: 0.537 p: 0.000; r: 0.488 p: 0.000; r: 0.519 p: 0.000; and r: 0.472 p: 0.000, respectively). CONCLUSION This study adds to the literature that CCFA has not changed despite the decrease in CCL and CCFL in late-onset fetal growth restriction that might be a result of the redistribution of cerebral blood flow. To clarify the prognostic implications of these results in terms of neural and cognitive functions in postnatal life, there is a need for larger prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betül Yakiştiran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Orhan Altinboğa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Filiz Halici Öztürk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seyit Ahmet Erol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fuat Emre Canpolat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aykan Yücel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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18
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Andescavage N, Limperopoulos C. Emerging placental biomarkers of health and disease through advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113868. [PMID: 34562472 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Placental dysfunction is a major cause of fetal demise, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth, as well as significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Infant survivors of placental dysfunction are at elevatedrisk for lifelong neuropsychiatric morbidity. However, despite the significant consequences of placental disease, there are no clinical tools to directly and non-invasively assess and measure placental function in pregnancy. In this work, we will review advanced MRI techniques applied to the study of the in vivo human placenta in order to better detail placental structure, architecture, and function. We will discuss the potential of these measures to serve as optimal biomarkers of placental dysfunction and review the evidence of these tools in the discrimination of health and disease in pregnancy. Efforts to advance our understanding of in vivo placental development are necessary if we are to optimize healthy pregnancy outcomes and prevent brain injury in successive generations. Current management of many high-risk pregnancies cannot address placental maldevelopment or injury, given the standard tools available to clinicians. Once accurate biomarkers of placental development and function are constructed, the subsequent steps will be to introduce maternal and fetal therapeutics targeting at optimizing placental function. Applying these biomarkers in future studies will allow for real-time assessments of safety and efficacy of novel interventions aimed at improving maternal-fetal well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Department of Radiology, Children's National, Washington DC, USA; Department of Neonatology, Children's National, Washington DC, USA
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19
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Bao Z, Zhang Q, Pan M, Xi X, Wang Y, Zhang F, Wang F, Zou Y, Qu F. Alterations of brain metrics in fetuses of women with polycystic ovary syndrome : a retrospective study based on fetal magnetic resonance imaging. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:557. [PMID: 34391385 PMCID: PMC8364105 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has potential detrimental effects on the neurodevelopment of offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the brain metrics in fetuses of women with PCOS based on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This retrospective study included 60 pregnant women with PCOS (PCOS group) and 120 pregnant non-PCOS women (control group). Fetal MRI was performed followed an ultrasound and for numerous clinical indications including known or suspected fetal pathology, history of fetal abnormality in previous pregnancy or in a family member. Fetal brain biometry and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value were analysed. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, fetuses in the PCOS group showed the following characteristics compared to fetuses in the control group: (1) smaller cerebral fronto-occipital diameter (FOD), vermian height (VH) and anteroposterior diameter of the pons (APDP) (evident before 32 weeks; P = 0.042, P = 0.002 and P = 0.016, respectively); (2) larger left and right biparietal index (evident before 32 weeks; P = 0.048 and P = 0.025, respectively); (3) smaller left lateral ventricle (LV) (evident after 32 weeks; P = 0.005); (4) larger anteroposterior diameter of the vermis (APDV) and hippocampal infolding angle (HIA) (evident after 32 weeks; P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively); (5) higher ADC value in frontal white matter (FWM) and in basal ganglia (BG) (evident before and after 32 weeks; all P < 0.05). Conclusions There exist a different pattern of brain metrics in PCOS offspring in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkun Bao
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Manman Pan
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Xi
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanlin Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1 Xueshi Road, Zhejiang, 310006, Hangzhou, China.
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20
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Andescavage NN, Limperopoulos C. Placental abnormalities in congenital heart disease. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:2148-2156. [PMID: 34584887 PMCID: PMC8429875 DOI: 10.21037/tp-20-347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) remains the most common birth defect in infants, and critical CHD is associated with significant rates of morbidity and mortality. With the advent of powerful yet noninvasive advanced fetal imaging, it is becoming increasingly evident that the presence of CHD in utero disrupts typical development and contributes to the lifelong morbidity in this population. Across healthy and high-risk populations, intrauterine influences can permanently alter fetal development that may manifest in complex morbidities later in life, the so-called fetal-onset-of-adult-disease (FOAD) phenomenon. The placenta plays a critical role in not only supporting fetal development, but also by adapting to specific intrauterine conditions. The role of placental health, adaptation and dysfunction, however, in CHD is not well understood. In this article, we will review current evidence relating placental health in CHD, appraise existing knowledge-gaps in the field and highlight promising new avenues to better understand the impact of placental function on fetal well-being. We will review evidence of ex vivo human placental studies that describe abnormal placental findings in pregnancies complicated by CHD, as well evidence for in vivo assessments of the human placenta. While overall clinical in vivo assessments of placental development are rather limited, we will also review emerging evidence from advanced quantitative and functional magnetic resonance imaging that are bringing new insights into placental structure and function throughout gestation. By providing novel information about placental development, we can now explore the maternal-fetal-placental connection in greater detail, and better understand the multi-factorial mechanisms that may contribute to adverse outcomes seen in survivors of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickie N Andescavage
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.,Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Radiology, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
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21
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Andescavage N, Kapse K, Lu YC, Barnett SD, Jacobs M, Gimovsky AC, Ahmadzia H, Quistorff J, Lopez C, Andersen NR, Bulas D, Limperopoulos C. Normative placental structure in pregnancy using quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Placenta 2021; 112:172-179. [PMID: 34365206 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.07.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To characterize normative morphometric, textural and microstructural placental development by applying advanced and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) techniques to the in-vivo placenta. METHODS We enrolled 195 women with uncomplicated, healthy singleton pregnancies in a prospective observational study. Women underwent MRI between 16- and 40-weeks' gestation. Morphometric and textural metrics of placental growth were calculated from T2-weighted (T2W) images, while measures of microstructural development were calculated from diffusion-weighted images (DWI). Normative tables and reference curves were constructed for each measured index across gestation and according to fetal sex. RESULTS Data from 269 MRI studies from 169 pregnant women were included in the analyses. During the study period, placentas undergo significant increases in morphometric measures of volume, thickness, and elongation. Placental texture reveals increasing variability with advancing gestation as measured by grey level non uniformity, run length non uniformity and long run high grey level emphasis. Placental microstructure did not vary with gestational age. Placental elongation was the only metric that differed significantly between male and female fetuses. DISCUSSION We report quantitative metrics of placental morphometry, texture and microstructure in a large cohort of healthy controls during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. These measures can serve as normative references of in-vivo placental development to better understand placental function in high-risk conditions and allow for the early detection of placental mal-development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickie Andescavage
- Division of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Scott D Barnett
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Marni Jacobs
- Division of Biostatistics & Study Methodology, George Washington University School of Medicine, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC, 20037, USA
| | - Alexis C Gimovsky
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Homa Ahmadzia
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Nicole Reinholdt Andersen
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Dorothy Bulas
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging & Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA; Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
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22
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Kohat D, Keepanasseril A, Chinnakali P, Mondal N, Bhat BV. Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Preterm Newborns with Abnormal Umbilical Artery Doppler - A Prospective Cohort Study. Indian J Pediatr 2021; 88:555-561. [PMID: 33146884 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-020-03547-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm neonates with absent/reversed end diastolic flow (A/REDF) in umbilical artery Doppler at 1 year of corrected age. METHODS A cohort of 70 preterm newborns with fetal growth restriction (FGR), defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile, confirmed by birthweight <10th centile, along with A/REDF in the umbilical artery Doppler was followed up till 1 year of corrected age (CA). An equal number of gestation and gender matched preterm newborns with birthweight >10th centile [appropriate for gestational age (AGA)] and normal antenatal ultrasound were taken as controls. Primary outcome was a composite of death or major neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) at 1 year of corrected age. Matched analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 140 newborns were enrolled, of which, 20 expired and 8 were lost to follow-up. The primary outcome (death/major NDD) occurred in 26.8% of the FGR (A/REDF) newborns as compared to 9.3% of their AGA counterparts (RR-2.83, p = 0.02, 95% CI:1.11-7.18). Mean motor quotient in Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII) at 1 year of corrected age was significantly lower in FGR (A/REDF) infants (91 ± 13.6 vs. 96.3 ± 7.1, p < 0.05). Multiple other co-morbidities were also significantly more among these newborns. CONCLUSIONS Preterm newborns with FGR and A/REDF are at significantly increased risk of death/major NDD at 1 year of corrected age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilesh Kohat
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Anish Keepanasseril
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Palanivel Chinnakali
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Nivedita Mondal
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.
| | - B Vishnu Bhat
- Department of Neonatology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
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23
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Halevy T, Nezer M, Halevy J, Ziv-Baran T, Barzilay E, Katorza E. Twin discordance: a study of volumetric fetal brain MRI and neurodevelopmental outcome. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:6676-6685. [PMID: 33723640 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-07773-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare brain volumes of discordant twins and examined their neurodevelopment after birth by using a validated exam. STUDY DESIGN A prospective historical cohort study of discordant dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) or monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin fetuses, who undergone an MRI scan to evaluate growth restriction in the discordant twin (weight < 10th centile) during 6 years period, at a single tertiary center. Twenty-seven twin pairs were included in the volumetric study and 17 pairs were included in the neurodevelopmental outcome examination. The volumes of the supratentorial brain region, both hemispheres, eyes, and the cerebellum were measured by 3D MRI semi-automated volume measurements. Volumes were plotted on normal growth curves and discordance was compared between weight at birth and brain structure volumes. Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated using the VABS-II questionnaire at a mean age of 4.9 years. RESULTS The volume of major brain structures was significantly larger in the appropriate-for-gestational-age twins (AGA) compared to the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) co-twins (p < 0.001). The birth weight discordance was 32.3% (24.9-48.6) and was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than the discordance of the prenatal supratentorial brain (13.6% [5.6-18]), cerebellum volume (21.7% [9.5-30.8]). Further neurodevelopmental outcome evaluation found no significant difference between the AGA twin and the SGA twin. CONCLUSION In discordant twins, the smaller twin showed a "brain-preserving effect," which in our study was not associated with a worse neurodevelopmental outcome. The use of MRI in such cases may aid in decision-making and parental consultation. KEY POINTS • Weight discordance at birth was significantly greater compared to intrauterine brain volume discordance measured by 3D MRI. • Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses preserve brain development. • In highly discordant twins, there was no long-term difference in neurodevelopmental outcome at a mean age of 4.9 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Halevy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Meirav Nezer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Jorden Halevy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tomer Ziv-Baran
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Barzilay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samson Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Ashdod, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Eldad Katorza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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24
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Sagberg K, Eskild A, Sommerfelt S, Gjesdal KI, Higgins LE, Borthne A, Hillestad V. Placental volume in gestational week 27 measured by three-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:1412-1418. [PMID: 33556213 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ultrasound is the diagnostic tool of choice in pregnancy. We lack valid ultrasound methods for placental size measurements. Our aim was therefore to compare three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measurements of placental volume. MATERIAL AND METHODS We measured placental volume by 3D ultrasound and MRI in 100 unselected pregnancies at 27 weeks of gestation (25+4 -28+4 weeks). The 3D ultrasound acquisitions were analyzed offline, and the placental outline was manually traced using the virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL) 30° rotational technique. The MRI examinations included a T2-weighted gradient echo sequence in the sagittal plane, with 5-mm slices through the entire uterus. The placental outline was manually traced in each slice. The correlation between 3D ultrasound and MRI placental volumes was estimated by intraclass correlation coefficients. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to visualize systematic bias and limits of agreement, in which the ratio MRI placental volume/3D ultrasound placental volume was plotted against the average of the two methods. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficient between 3D ultrasound and MRI measurements was 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.33-0.63). In general, 3D ultrasound measured smaller placental volumes (median 373 cm3 , interquartile range 309-434 cm3 ) than MRI (median 507 cm3 , interquartile range 429-595 cm3 ) and the systematic bias was 1.44. The 95% limits of agreement between the two methods were wide (0.68-2.21). CONCLUSIONS We found poor to moderate correlation between 3D ultrasound and MRI placental volume measurements. Generally, 3D ultrasound measured smaller placental volumes than MRI, suggesting that 3D ultrasound failed to visualize the entire placenta. Our findings may hopefully contribute to the improvement of ultrasound methods for placental measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karianne Sagberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Eskild
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Sommerfelt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjell I Gjesdal
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Lucy E Higgins
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Arne Borthne
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Vigdis Hillestad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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25
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Lu YC, Kapse K, Andersen N, Quistorff J, Lopez C, Fry A, Cheng J, Andescavage N, Wu Y, Espinosa K, Vezina G, du Plessis A, Limperopoulos C. Association Between Socioeconomic Status and In Utero Fetal Brain Development. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e213526. [PMID: 33779746 PMCID: PMC8008281 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.3526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Children raised in settings with lower parental socioeconomic status are at increased risk for neuropsychological disorders. However, to date, the association between socioeconomic status and fetal brain development remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between parental socioeconomic status and in vivo fetal brain growth and cerebral cortical development using advanced, 3-dimensional fetal magnetic resonance imaging. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study of fetal brain development enrolled 144 healthy pregnant women from 2 low-risk community obstetrical hospitals from 2012 through 2019 in the District of Columbia. Included women had a prenatal history without complications that included recommended screening laboratory and ultrasound studies. Exclusion criteria were multiple gestation pregnancy, known or suspected congenital infection, dysmorphic features of the fetus, and documented chromosomal abnormalities. T2-weighted fetal brain magnetic resonance images were acquired. Each pregnant woman was scanned at up to 2 points in the fetal period. Data were analyzed from June through November 2020. EXPOSURES Parental education level and occupation status were documented. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Regional fetal brain tissue volume (for cortical gray matter, white matter, cerebellum, deep gray matter, and brainstem) and cerebral cortical features (ie, lobe volume, local gyrification index, and sulcal depth) in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes were calculated. RESULTS Fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed among 144 pregnant women (median [interquartile range] age, 32.5 [27.0-36.1] years) with gestational age from 24.0 to 39.4 weeks; 75 fetuses (52.1%) were male, and 69 fetuses (47.9%) were female. Higher parental education level was associated with significantly increased volume in the fetal white matter (mothers: β, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.26 to 4.45; P = .001; fathers: β, 2.39; 95% CI, 0.97 to 3.81; P = .001), deep gray matter (mothers: β, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.32; P = .048; fathers: β, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.31; P = .02), and brainstem (mothers: β, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.10; P = .01; fathers: β, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.004 to 0.08; P = .03). Higher maternal occupation status was associated with significantly increased volume in the fetal white matter (β, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.88 to 3.26; P = .001), cerebellum (β, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.29; P = .01), and brainstem (β, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.07; P = .04), and higher paternal occupation status was associated with significantly increased white matter volume (β, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.71 to 3.25; P < .01). However, higher socioeconomic status was associated with significantly decreased fetal cortical gray matter volume (mothers: β, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.03; P = .01; fathers: β, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.18 to -0.03; P = .01). Higher parental socioeconomic status was associated with increased volumes of 3 brain lobes of white matter: frontal lobe (mothers: β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.13; P = .01; fathers: β, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.11; P = .03), parietal lobe (mothers: β, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.11; P < .001; fathers: β, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.10; P = .001), and temporal lobe (mothers: β, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.07; P < .001; fathers: β, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.07; P < .001), and maternal SES score was associated with significantly decreased volume in the occipital lobe (β, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.002 to 0.04; P = .03). Higher parental socioeconomic status was associated with decreased cortical local gyrification index (for example, for the frontal lobe, mothers: β, -1.1; 95% CI, -1.9 to -0.3; P = .01; fathers: β, -0.8; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.1; P = .03) and sulcal depth, except for the frontal lobe (for example, for the parietal lobe, mothers: β, -9.5; 95% CI, -13.8 to -5.3; P < .001; fathers: β, -8.7; 95% CI, -13.0 to -4.4; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found an association between parental socioeconomic status and altered in vivo fetal neurodevelopment. While being born and raised in a lower socioeconomic status setting is associated with poorer neuropsychological, educational, and socioeconomic outcomes in children, these findings suggest that altered prenatal programming may be associated with these outcomes and that future targeted prenatal interventions may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chiao Lu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nicole Andersen
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jessica Quistorff
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Andrea Fry
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jenhao Cheng
- Department of Quality and Patient Safety, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Yao Wu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kristina Espinosa
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Adre du Plessis
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Schlatterer SD, du Plessis AJ. Exposures influencing the developing central autonomic nervous system. Birth Defects Res 2020; 113:845-863. [PMID: 33270364 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autonomic nervous system function is critical for transition from in-utero to ex-utero life and is associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric outcomes later in life. Adverse prenatal and neonatal conditions and exposures can impair or alter ANS development and, as a result, may also impact long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this article is to provide a broad overview of the impact of factors that are known to influence autonomic development during the fetal and early neonatal period, including maternal mood and stress during and after pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, congenital heart disease, toxic exposures, and preterm birth. We touch briefly on the typical development of the ANS, then delve into both in-utero and ex-utero maternal and fetal factors that may impact developmental trajectory of the ANS and, thus, have implications in transition and in long-term developmental outcomes. While many types of exposures and conditions have been shown to impact development of the autonomic nervous system, there is still much to be learned about the mechanisms underlying these influences. In the future, more advanced neuromonitoring tools will be required to better understand autonomic development and its influence on long-term neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological function, especially during the fetal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Schlatterer
- Children's National Hospital, Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,George Washington University School of Health Sciences, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Adre J du Plessis
- Children's National Hospital, Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,George Washington University School of Health Sciences, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Link D, Many A, Ben Sira L, Tarrasch R, Bak S, Kidron D, Gordon Z, Yagel S, Harel S, Ben Bashat D. Placental vascular tree characterization based on ex-vivo MRI with a potential application for placental insufficiency assessment. Placenta 2020; 101:252-260. [PMID: 32933767 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding regarding the whole placental vascular network structure is limited. Our aim was to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular tree ex-vivo using high-resolution MRI. METHODS 34 normal placentas were rinsed and injected with a solution of gelatin and contrast agent through the umbilical vessels. A sample of six placentas taken from pregnancies with intrauterine-growth-restriction (IUGR) was used to demonstrate the potential application to cases with placental insufficiency. Structural ex-vivo MR scans of the placenta were performed using high resolution T1 weighted images. A semi-automatic method was developed to segment and characterize the placental vascular architecture: placental volume and cord insertion location; number of bifurcations, generations and vessels diameters. RESULTS Different vascular patterns were found in placentas with central versus marginal cord-insertion. Based on the placental volume and number of bifurcations we were able to predict birth weight. Furthermore, preliminary results on IUGR sample demonstrated the potential of this method to differentiate between small newborns with suspected IUGR from small normal newborns who reached their full growth potential. Results obtained using the automatic method were validated against manual values demonstrating no significant differences or bias. Histopathology supported the imaging findings. DISCUSSION This is the first study to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular architecture using high resolution ex-vivo MRI. Different patterns of vascular architecture may be related to different functioning of the placenta and affect fetal development. This method is simple, relatively fast, provides detailed information of the placental vascular architecture, and may have important clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphna Link
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Many
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Liat Ben Sira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Division of Pediatric Radiology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ricardo Tarrasch
- Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Stella Bak
- Division of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Debora Kidron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Pathology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Zoya Gordon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Medical Engineering Afeka, Tel Aviv Academic College of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Simcha Yagel
- Obstretrics and Gynecology Division, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shaul Harel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Pediatric Neurology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dafna Ben Bashat
- Sagol Brain Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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29
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Placental vascular tree characterization based on ex-vivo MRI with a potential application for placental insufficiency assessment. Placenta 2020; 96:34-43. [PMID: 32560856 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding regarding the whole placental vascular network structure is limited. Our aim was to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular tree ex-vivo using high-resolution MRI. METHODS 34 normal placentas were rinsed and injected with a solution of gelatin and contrast agent through the umbilical vessels. A sample of six placentas taken from pregnancies with intrauterine-growth-restriction (IUGR) was used to demonstrate the potential application to cases with placental insufficiency. Structural ex-vivo MR scans of the placenta were performed using high resolution T1 weighted images. A semi-automatic method was developed to segment and characterize the placental vascular architecture: placental volume and cord insertion location, number of bifurcations, generations and vessels diameters. RESULTS Different vascular patterns were found in placentas with central versus marginal cord-insertion. Based on the placental volume and number of bifurcations we were able to predict birth weight. Furthermore, preliminary results on IUGR sample demonstrated the potential of this method to differentiate between small newborns with suspected IUGR from small normal newborns who reached their full growth potential. Results obtained using the automatic method were validated against manual values demonstrating no significant differences or bias. Histopathology supported the imaging findings. DISCUSSION This is the first study to quantitatively characterize the human placental vascular architecture using high resolution ex-vivo MRI. Different patterns of vascular architecture may be related to different functioning of the placenta and affect fetal development. This method is simple, relatively fast, provides detailed information of the placental vascular architecture, and may have important clinical applications.
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30
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Aughwane R, Ingram E, Johnstone ED, Salomon LJ, David AL, Melbourne A. Placental MRI and its application to fetal intervention. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:38-48. [PMID: 31306507 PMCID: PMC7027916 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of placental invasion has been part of clinical practice for many years. The possibility of being better able to assess placental vascularization and function using MRI has multiple potential applications. This review summarises up-to-date research on placental function using different MRI modalities. METHOD We discuss how combinations of these MRI techniques have much to contribute to fetal conditions amenable for therapy such as singletons at high risk for fetal growth restriction (FGR) and monochorionic twin pregnancies for planning surgery and counselling for selective growth restriction and transfusion conditions. RESULTS The whole placenta can easily be visualized on MRI, with a clear boundary against the amniotic fluid, and a less clear placental-uterine boundary. Contrasts such as diffusion weighted imaging, relaxometry, blood oxygenation level dependent MRI and flow and metabolite measurement by dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, arterial spin labeling, or spectroscopic techniques are contributing to our wider understanding of placental function. CONCLUSION The future of placental MRI is exciting, with the increasing availability of multiple contrasts and new models that will boost the capability of MRI to measure oxygen saturation and placental exchange, enabling examination of placental function in complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Ingram
- Division of Developmental Biology & MedicineUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Edward D. Johnstone
- Division of Developmental Biology & MedicineUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Laurent J. Salomon
- Hôpital Necker‐Enfants Malades, AP‐HP, EHU PACT and LUMIERE PlatformUniversité Paris DescartesParisFrance
| | - Anna L. David
- Institute for Women's HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- National Institute for Health ResearchUniversity College London Hospitals Biomedical Research CentreLondonUK
| | - Andrew Melbourne
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Medical Physics and Biomedical EngineeringUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Hu HH, Branca RT, Hernando D, Karampinos DC, Machann J, McKenzie CA, Wu HH, Yokoo T, Velan SS. Magnetic resonance imaging of obesity and metabolic disorders: Summary from the 2019 ISMRM Workshop. Magn Reson Med 2019; 83:1565-1576. [PMID: 31782551 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.28103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
More than 100 attendees from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States convened in Singapore for the 2019 ISMRM-sponsored workshop on MRI of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. The scientific program brought together a multidisciplinary group of researchers, trainees, and clinicians and included sessions in diabetes and insulin resistance; an update on recent advances in water-fat MRI acquisition and reconstruction methods; with applications in skeletal muscle, bone marrow, and adipose tissue quantification; a summary of recent findings in brown adipose tissue; new developments in imaging fat in the fetus, placenta, and neonates; the utility of liver elastography in obesity studies; and the emerging role of radiomics in population-based "big data" studies. The workshop featured keynote presentations on nutrition, epidemiology, genetics, and exercise physiology. Forty-four proffered scientific abstracts were also presented, covering the topics of brown adipose tissue, quantitative liver analysis from multiparametric data, disease prevalence and population health, technical and methodological developments in data acquisition and reconstruction, newfound applications of machine learning and neural networks, standardization of proton density fat fraction measurements, and X-nuclei applications. The purpose of this article is to summarize the scientific highlights from the workshop and identify future directions of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houchun H Hu
- Department of Radiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rosa Tamara Branca
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Diego Hernando
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dimitrios C Karampinos
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Machann
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, Tübingen, Germany.,Section on Experimental Radiology, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Charles A McKenzie
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holden H Wu
- Department of Radiological Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - S Sendhil Velan
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore.,Singapore BioImaging Consortium, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore
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In vivo textural and morphometric analysis of placental development in healthy & growth-restricted pregnancies using magnetic resonance imaging. Pediatr Res 2019; 85:974-981. [PMID: 30700836 PMCID: PMC6531319 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to characterize structural changes in the healthy in vivo placenta by applying morphometric and textural analysis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to explore features that may be able to distinguish placental insufficiency in fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS Women with healthy pregnancies or pregnancies complicated by FGR underwent MRI between 20 and 40 weeks gestation. Measures of placental morphometry (volume, elongation, depth) and digital texture (voxel-wise geometric and signal-intensity analysis) were calculated from T2W MR images. RESULTS We studied 66 pregnant women (32 healthy controls, 34 FGR); during the study period, placentas undergo significant increases in size; signal intensity remains relatively constant, however there is increasing variation in spatial arrangements, suggestive of progressive microstructural heterogeneity. In FGR, placental size is smaller, with great homogeneity of signal intensity and spatial arrangements. CONCLUSION We report quantitative textural and morphometric changes in the in vivo placenta in healthy controls over the second half of pregnancy. These MRI features demonstrate important differences in placental development in the setting of placental insufficiency that relate to onset and severity of FGR, as well as neonatal outcome.
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Eloundou SN, Lee J, Wu D, Lei J, Feller MC, Ozen M, Zhu Y, Hwang M, Jia B, Xie H, Clemens JL, McLane MW, AlSaggaf S, Nair N, Wills-Karp M, Wang X, Graham EM, Baschat A, Burd I. Placental malperfusion in response to intrauterine inflammation and its connection to fetal sequelae. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214951. [PMID: 30943260 PMCID: PMC6447225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to intrauterine inflammation (IUI) is associated with short- and long-term adverse perinatal outcomes. However, little data exist on utilizing placenta to prognosticate fetal injury in this scenario. Our study aimed to utilize imaging modalities to evaluate mechanisms contributing to placental injury following IUI exposure and correlated it to concomitant fetal brain injury. CD1 pregnant dams underwent laparotomies and received intrauterine injections of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a model of IUI) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In utero ultrasound Doppler velocimetry of uterine and umbilical arteries and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of placental volumes with confirmatory immunohistochemical (vimentin) and histochemistry (fibrin) analyses were performed. ELISA for thrombosis markers, fibrinogen and fibrin was performed to analyze thrombi in placenta. Fetal brain immunohistochemistry was performed to detect microglial activation (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1). On ultrasound, LPS group demonstrated elevated resistance indices, pulsatility indices and a greater occurrence of absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical and uterine arteries. In the fetus, there was an increased cardiac Tei indices in the LPS group. MRI revealed decreased volume of placenta in the LPS group associated with placental thinning and placental endothelial damage on immunohistochemistry. Decreased fibrinogen content and more thrombi staining in placenta exposed to maternal LPS indicated the hypercoagulability. Furthermore, the expression of Iba1was significantly associated with placental thickness (r = -0.7890, Pearson correlation coefficient). Our data indicate that IUI can trigger events leading to maternal placental malperfusion and fetal vessel resistance, as well as predispose the developing fetus to cardiac dysfunction and brain damage. Furthermore, our data suggest that prenatal ultrasound can be a real-time clinical tool for assessing fetal risk for adverse neurologic outcomes following the potential IUI exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange N. Eloundou
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - JiYeon Lee
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Dan Wu
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Jun Lei
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mia C. Feller
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Maide Ozen
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yan Zhu
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Misun Hwang
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Bei Jia
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Han Xie
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Julia L. Clemens
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Michael W. McLane
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Samar AlSaggaf
- Department of Pathology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nita Nair
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Marsha Wills-Karp
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Center on Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Ernest M. Graham
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Fetal Therapy, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Irina Burd
- Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Salavati N, Smies M, Ganzevoort W, Charles AK, Erwich JJ, Plösch T, Gordijn SJ. The Possible Role of Placental Morphometry in the Detection of Fetal Growth Restriction. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1884. [PMID: 30670983 PMCID: PMC6331677 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is often the result of placental insufficiency and is characterized by insufficient transplacental transport of nutrients and oxygen. The main underlying entities of placental insufficiency, the pathophysiologic mechanism, can broadly be divided into impairments in blood flow and exchange capacity over the syncytiovascular membranes of the fetal placenta villi. Fetal growth restriction is not synonymous with small for gestational age and techniques to distinguish between both are needed. Placental insufficiency has significant associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes (perinatal mortality and morbidity). Even in apparently healthy survivors, altered fetal programming may lead to long-term neurodevelopmental and metabolic effects. Although the concept of fetal growth restriction is well appreciated in contemporary obstetrics, the appropriate detection of FGR remains an issue in clinical practice. Several approaches have aimed to improve detection, e.g., uniform definition of FGR, use of Doppler ultrasound profiles and use of growth trajectories by ultrasound fetal biometry. However, the role of placental morphometry (placental dimensions/shape and weight) deserves further exploration. This review article covers the clinical relevance of placental morphometry during pregnancy and at birth to help recognize fetuses who are growth restricted. The assessment has wide intra- and interindividual variability with various consequences. Previous studies have shown that a small placental surface area and low placental weight are associated with a slower growth of the fetus. Parameters such as placental surface area, placental volume and placental weight in relation to birth weight can help to identify FGR. In the future, a model including sophisticated antenatal placental morphometry may prove to be a clinically useful method for screening or diagnosing growth restricted fetuses, in order to provide optimal monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Salavati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Maddy Smies
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Jan Jaap Erwich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Sanne J. Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Yamaleyeva LM, Brosnihan KB, Smith LM, Sun Y. Preclinical Ultrasound-Guided Photoacoustic Imaging of the Placenta in Normal and Pathologic Pregnancy. Mol Imaging 2018; 17:1536012118802721. [PMID: 30348036 PMCID: PMC6201183 DOI: 10.1177/1536012118802721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Placental oxygenation varies throughout pregnancy. The detection of early changes in placental oxygenation as pregnancy progresses is important for early identification of preeclampsia or other complications. This invited commentary discusses a recent preclinical study on the application of 3-dimensional photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for assessment of regional variations in placental oxygenation and longitudinal analysis of differences in placental oxygenation throughout normal pregnancy and pregnancy associated with hypertension or placental insufficiency in mice. Three-dimensional PAI more accurately reflects oxygen saturation, hemoglobin concentrations, and changes in oxygen saturation in whole placenta compared to 2-dimensional imaging. These studies suggest that PAI is a sensitive tool to detect different levels of oxygen saturation in the placental and fetal vasculature in pathologic and normal pregnancy in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya M. Yamaleyeva
- Department of Surgery, Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest
School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - K. Bridget Brosnihan
- Department of Surgery, Hypertension and Vascular Research, Wake Forest
School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lane M. Smith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine,
Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yao Sun
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC,
USA
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