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Moreno-Espinosa AL, Hawkins-Villarreal A, Burgos-Artizzu XP, Coronado-Gutierrez D, Castelazo S, Lip-Sosa DL, Fuenzalida J, Gallo DM, Peña-Ramirez T, Zuazagoitia P, Muñoz M, Parra-Cordero M, Gratacòs E, Palacio M. Concordance of the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity assessed by quantitative ultrasound lung texture analysis in fetuses of twin pregnancies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9016. [PMID: 35637275 PMCID: PMC9151662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the concordance of the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity (NRM) assessed by quantitative ultrasound lung texture analysis (QuantusFLM) between twin fetuses of the same pregnancy. Prospective study conducted in twin pregnancies. Fetal ultrasound lung images were obtained at 26.0–38.6 weeks of gestation. Categorical (high or low) and continuous results of the risk of NRM were compared between twins. Fetal ultrasound lung images from 131 pairs (262 images) of twins were included. The images were classified into three gestational age ranges: Group 1 (26.0–29.6 weeks, 78 images, 39 pairs [29.8%]); Group 2 (30.0–33.6 weeks, 98 images, 49 pairs [37.4%]) and Group 3 (34.0–38.6 weeks, 86 images, 43 pairs [32.8%]). Concordance was good in Groups 1 and 3 and moderate in Group 2. In Groups 2 and 3 at least one fetus presented high-risk results in 26.5% and 11.6% of twin pairs, respectively. Only gestational age < 32 weeks, gestational diabetes mellitus, and spontaneous conception were associated with a high risk of NRM in Group 2. There was good concordance of the risk of NRM between twins < 30.0 weeks and > 34.0 weeks. From 30.0 to 33.6 weeks 26.5% of the twin pairs had discordant results, with moderate concordance of the risk of NRM.
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Xodo S, Trombetta G, Celante L, Pittini C, Driul L, Cagnacci A, Londero AP. Partial vs. complete course of antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis: An Italian single center retrospective study. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:894526. [PMID: 36046480 PMCID: PMC9420868 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.894526] [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: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to compare the outcomes of preterm infants given 12 vs. 24mg of betamethasone prophylaxis to understand whether a partial course of antenatal corticosteroids (CCS) could prevent or mitigate the major preterm birth complications. METHODS This is a retrospective single-center cohort study including neonates born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation from 2001 to 2019 at the University Hospital of Udine. The study population was divided into two groups: one group received 12mg, and another received a 24mg dose of betamethasone before the delivery. A separate analysis was performed for single and multiple pregnancies. The two groups were evaluated for various neonatal outcomes. RESULTS The study population included a total of 1,258 pregnancies and 1,543 neonates delivered between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, of which 1,022 (803 single and 219 multiple pregnancies) were exposed to the complete CCS prophylaxis, whereas 236 (192 single and 44 multiple pregnancies) received the incomplete CCS prophylaxis. In single pregnancies, as for maternal characteristics, the most significant differences observed between the two groups are the following: a higher prevalence of spontaneous vaginal deliveries in the incomplete CCS prophylaxis (36.46 vs. 23.91%) and, by contrast, a higher prevalence of cesarean deliveries in the complete CCS prophylaxis group (75.72 vs. 63.02%). As for neonatal outcomes, the low Apgar score in the first and fifth min was significantly more prevalent in the incomplete CCS prophylaxis group compared with the complete CCS prophylaxis group. The group of incomplete CCS prophylaxis reported a higher occurrence of the following outcomes: IVH grade 3-4 (7.81 vs. 3.74%, p < 0.05), PVL (7.29 vs. 1.99% p < 0.05), ROP (23.96 vs. 18.06% p = 0.062), and RDS (84.38 vs. 78.83% p = 0.085). After adjusting for covariates, the complete CCS prophylaxis group in single pregnancies was significantly protective for IVH grade 3-4, PVL, and low Apgar's scores. Similar results were found in multiple pregnancies except for RDS. DISCUSSION This retrospective single-center cohort study found that, compared with preterm infants treated with 24mg betamethasone in utero, those given half course of betamethasone had a significantly higher prevalence of IVH grade 3-4, PVL, RDS, and lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. In conclusion, the evidence from this single-center retrospective study supports the preference for the complete CCS prophylaxis in women at risk of preterm birth because of its beneficial effect on the main adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Xodo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giulia Trombetta
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lisa Celante
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Carla Pittini
- Unit of Neonatology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Lorenza Driul
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Department Medical Area, School of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Angelo Cagnacci
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Ambrogio P Londero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Infant Health, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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Tarca AL, Romero R, Pique-Regi R, Pacora P, Done B, Kacerovsky M, Bhatti G, Jaiman S, Hassan SS, Hsu CD, Gomez-Lopez N. Amniotic fluid cell-free transcriptome: a glimpse into fetal development and placental cellular dynamics during normal pregnancy. BMC Med Genomics 2020; 13:25. [PMID: 32050959 PMCID: PMC7017452 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-020-0690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The amniotic fluid (AF) cell-free transcriptome is modulated by physiologic and pathologic processes during pregnancy. AF gene expression changes with advancing gestation reflect fetal development and organ maturation; yet, defining normal expression and splicing patterns for biomarker discovery in obstetrics requires larger heterogeneous cohorts, evaluation of potential confounding factors, and novel analytical approaches. Methods Women with a normal pregnancy who had an AF sample collected during midtrimester (n = 30) or at term gestation (n = 68) were included. Expression profiling at exon level resolution was performed using Human Transcriptome Arrays. Differential expression was based on moderated t-test adjusted p < 0.05 and fold change > 1.25; for differential splicing, a splicing index > 2 and adjusted p < 0.05 were required. Functional profiling was used to interpret differentially expressed or spliced genes. The expression of tissue-specific and cell-type specific signatures defined by single-cell genomics was quantified and correlated with covariates. In-silico validation studies were performed using publicly available datasets. Results 1) 64,071 genes were detected in AF, with 11% of the coding and 6% of the non-coding genes being differentially expressed between midtrimester and term gestation. Expression changes were highly correlated with those previously reported (R > 0.79, p < 0.001) and featured increased expression of genes specific to the trachea, salivary glands, and lung and decreased expression of genes specific to the cardiac myocytes, uterus, and fetal liver, among others. 2) Single-cell RNA-seq signatures of the cytotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells, erythrocytes, monocytes, T and B cells, among others, showed complex patterns of modulation with gestation (adjusted p < 0.05). 3) In 17% of the genes detected, we found differential splicing with advancing gestation in genes related to brain development processes and immunity pathways, including some that were missed based on differential expression analysis alone. Conclusions This represents the largest AF transcriptomics study in normal pregnancy, reporting for the first time that single-cell genomic signatures can be tracked in the AF and display complex patterns of expression during gestation. We also demonstrate a role for alternative splicing in tissue-identity acquisition, organ development, and immune processes. The results herein may have implications for the development of fetal testing to assess placental function and fetal organ maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA. .,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Roger Pique-Regi
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Percy Pacora
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bogdan Done
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Marian Kacerovsky
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sunil Jaiman
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Pathology, Hutzel Women's Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, 𝐸𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑𝑦 𝑆ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicin, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Tsuda H, Kotani T, Nakano T, Imai K, Ushida T, Hirakawa A, Kinoshita F, Takahashi Y, Iwagaki S, Kikkawa F. The rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome/transient tachypnea in the newborn and the amniotic lamellar body count in twin pregnancies compared with singleton pregnancies. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 484:293-297. [PMID: 29894780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether or not the period of fetal lung maturity differs between twin and singleton pregnancies has not been clarified. We examined whether or not fetal lung maturity and fetal lung absorption are achieved earlier in twin fetuses than in singleton fetuses. METHODS We registered 454 singleton pregnancies and 398 twin pregnancies with no congenital abnormalities affecting the respiratory function or neonatal deaths. All patients were delivered by Caesarean section without labor between 24 and 38 gestational weeks. The amniotic fluid samples were analyzed immediately without centrifugation. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between twin pregnancy and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn (RDS/TTN). RESULTS The rate of RDS/TTN in infants was significantly higher and the lamellar body counts (LBCs) significantly lower in singleton pregnancies than that in twin pregnancies (P < .001). According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, twin pregnancy (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.55) was a significant preventive factor for neonatal RDS/TTN. CONCLUSIONS We showed that twin fetuses experience more rapid lung maturation and lung fluid absorption than singleton fetuses, as confirmed by the higher LBC values in twin fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tsuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Kotani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nakano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takafumi Ushida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hirakawa
- Biostatics Laboratory, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumie Kinoshita
- Biostatics Laboratory, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Takahashi
- Department of Fetal and Maternal Medicine, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Shigenori Iwagaki
- Department of Fetal and Maternal Medicine, Nagara Medical Center, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Gomez-Lopez N, Romero R, Xu Y, Miller D, Leng Y, Panaitescu B, Silva P, Faro J, Alhousseini A, Gill N, Hassan SS, Hsu CD. The immunophenotype of amniotic fluid leukocytes in normal and complicated pregnancies. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 79:e12827. [PMID: 29500850 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The immune cellular composition of amniotic fluid is poorly understood. Herein, we determined: 1) the immunophenotype of amniotic fluid immune cells during the second and third trimester in the absence of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation; 2) whether amniotic fluid T cells and ILCs display different phenotypical characteristics to that of peripheral cells; and 3) whether the amniotic fluid immune cells are altered in women with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation. METHOD OF STUDY Amniotic fluid samples (n = 57) were collected from 15 to 40 weeks of gestation in women without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation. Samples from women with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation were also included (n = 9). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy adults were used as controls (n = 3). Immunophenotyping was performed using flow cytometry. RESULTS In the absence of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation, the amniotic fluid contained several immune cell populations between 15 and 40 weeks. Among these immune cells: (i) T cells and ILCs were greater than B cells and natural killer (NK) cells between 15 and 30 weeks; (ii) T cells were most abundant between 15 and 30 weeks; (iii) ILCs were most abundant between 15 and 20 weeks; (iv) B cells were scarce between 15 and 20 weeks; yet, they increased and were constant after 20 weeks; (v) NK cells were greater between 15 and 30 weeks than at term; (vi) ILCs expressed high levels of RORγt, CD161, and CD103 (ie, group 3 ILCs); (vii) T cells expressed high levels of RORγt; (viii) neutrophils increased as gestation progressed; and (ix) monocytes/macrophages emerged after 20 weeks and remained constant until term. All of the amniotic fluid immune cells, except ILCs, were increased in the presence of intra-amniotic infection/inflammation. CONCLUSION The amniotic fluid harbors a diverse immune cellular composition during normal and complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yaozhu Leng
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bogdan Panaitescu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Pablo Silva
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonathan Faro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ali Alhousseini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Navleen Gill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD and Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chaur-Dong Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR, Basso O. On the pitfalls of adjusting for gestational age at birth. Am J Epidemiol 2011; 174:1062-8. [PMID: 21946386 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwr230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm delivery is a powerful predictor of newborn morbidity and mortality. Such problems are due to not only immaturity but also the pathologic factors (such as infection) that cause early delivery. The understanding of these underlying pathologic factors is incomplete at best. To the extent that unmeasured pathologies triggering preterm delivery also directly harm the fetus, they will confound the association of early delivery with neonatal outcomes. This, in turn, complicates studies of newborn outcomes more generally. When investigators analyze the association of risk factors with neonatal outcomes, adjustment for gestational age as a mediating variable will lead to bias. In the language of directed acyclic graphs, gestational age is a collider. The theoretical basis for colliders has been well described, and gestational age has recently been acknowledged as a possible collider. However, the impact of this problem, as well as its implications for perinatal research, has not been fully appreciated. The authors discuss the evidence for confounding and present simulations to explore how much bias is produced by adjustments for gestational age when estimating direct effects. Under plausible conditions, frank reversal of exposure-outcome associations can occur. When the purpose is causal inference, there are few settings in which adjustment for gestational age can be justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen J Wilcox
- Epidemiology Branch (MD A3-05), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Durham, NC 27709, USA.
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7
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Lee J, Park JS, Norwitz ER, Kim BJ, Park CW, Jun JK, Syn HC. Identification and characterization of proteins in amniotic fluid that are differentially expressed before and after antenatal corticosteroid administration. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 202:388.e1-388.e10. [PMID: 20350648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2009] [Revised: 01/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to examine changes in the intraamniotic proteomic environment after the administration of antenatal corticosteroids to women with impending preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN Amniotic fluid samples were collected at the time of clinically indicated amniocentesis before and within 7 days of administration of antenatal corticosteroids for impending preterm delivery (n = 12). Proteins differentially expressed before and after corticosteroids were identified by surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. They were isolated, characterized, and quantified by fast protein liquid chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, in-gel tryptic digestion, immunodepletion assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Five protein peaks of interest were identified and characterized, all of which were significantly decreased after antenatal corticosteroid administration. These included 2 isoforms of transthyretin, albumin, prothrombin fragment 2, and lumican. CONCLUSION Four proteins, identified and characterized in amniotic fluid, were differentially expressed with antenatal corticosteroid administration. These data may provide additional insight into the molecular mechanisms by which antenatal corticosteroids prevent neonatal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonho Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Abstract
Neuromaturation is the functional development of the central nervous system (CNS). It is by its very nature a dynamic process, a continuous interaction between the genome and first the intrauterine environment, then the extrauterine environment. Understanding neuromaturation and being able to measure it is fundamental to infant neurodevelopmental assessment. Fetal and preterm neuromaturation has become easier to observe with the advent of prenatal ultrasonography and neonatal intensive care units. A number of measures of degree of fetal maturation have been developed and used to estimate gestational age (GA) at birth. The most reliable measures of GA are prenatal measures, especially from the first trimester. Postnatal GA measurements tend to be least accurate at the extremes of gestation, that is, in extremely preterm and post-term infants. Observations of measures of neuromaturation in infants born to mothers with pregnancy complications, including intrauterine growth restriction, multiple gestation, and chronic hypertension, have led to the discovery that stressed pregnancies may accelerate fetal pulmonary and CNS maturation. This acceleration of neuromaturation does not occur before 30 weeks' gestation and has a cost with respect to cognitive limitations manifested in childhood. The ability to measure fetal and preterm neuromaturation provides an assessment of neurodevelopmental progress that can be used to reassure parents or identify at risk infants who would benefit from limited comprehensive follow-up and early intervention services. In addition, measures of neuromaturation have the potential to provide insight into mechanisms of CNS injury and recovery, much-needed early feedback in intervention or treatment trials and a measure of early CNS function for research into the relationships between CNS structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilee C Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, Eudowood Division of Neonatology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-3200, USA.
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9
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Amiel-Tison C, Cabrol D, Denver R, Jarreau PH, Papiernik E, Piazza PV. Fetal adaptation to stress. Part I: acceleration of fetal maturation and earlier birth triggered by placental insufficiency in humans. Early Hum Dev 2004; 78:15-27. [PMID: 15177669 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2004.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review is an attempt to provide an integrative view for the biological changes triggered by fetal stress through a multidisciplinary approach. Acceleration of brain and lung maturation in certain risk pregnancies was first described clinically and confirmed by biochemical, electrophysiological and experimental data. Moreover, new experimental findings suggest that a fetal clock centrally mediated by fetal nutritional status could determine timing of parturition. However, some skepticism persisted about the usefulness of this body of knowledge for obstetrical management in developed countries. The interest concerning this adaptation to intrauterine stress was later renewed from various sources, as developed in Part II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Amiel-Tison
- Department of Pediatrics, Port-Royal, The University of Paris V, 75014 Paris, France.
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Torday JS, Rehan VK. Testing for fetal lung maturation: a biochemical "window" to the developing fetus. Clin Lab Med 2003; 23:361-83. [PMID: 12848449 DOI: 10.1016/s0272-2712(03)00030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Fetal lung maturity testing represents a major milestone in perinatology. This article critically evaluates specific controversies regarding the methodologies used to measure pulmonary surfactant in AF and how well each of these techniques performs both in principle and application. The clinical utility of fetal lung maturity testing as it applies to particularly difficult complications of pregnancy is discussed. These technical and clinical issues are framed by the scientific and empiric evidence that is used as the rationale for such testing and its implementation in the effective management of preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Torday
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, 1124 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502-2006, USA.
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11
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Abstract
Etiology of preterm birth and degree of maturation are the primary determinants of a preterm infant's survival and complications. Multiple gestation increases the likelihood of preterm birth but its influence on rate of maturation or complications of prematurity has been controversial, primarily because of confounding variables (e.g. race, aetiology of preterm delivery, degree of prematurity and pregnancy complications). Very low birthweight preterm multiples have virtually the same rates of neonatal mortality, complications and neuromaturation as preterm singletons of the same gestational age. There is no advantage of delivering twins or higher order multiples before 30 weeks gestation, unless a fetus decompensates in utero. Survival improves for near term intermediate-size preterm multiples while intrauterine growth decelerates and placental and fetal neuromaturation accelerate. These data and the high fetal death rate at term support delivery of multiples as soon as there is fetal lung maturity, and consideration of elective delivery of twins at 35-38 weeks gestation and triplets at 33-35 weeks gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilee C Allen
- The Eudowood Division of Neonatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-3200, USA.
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to evaluate the correspondence in fetal lung development between diamniotic twins. STUDY DESIGN Lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios were determined for amniotic fluid specimens collected from each sac in 58 diamniotic twin pregnancies. RESULTS Overall, the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios of twin A and twin B and those of the larger and smaller twins of each pair were closely correlated (r >/= 0.83, P <.001). When stratified by gestational age, however, the percentage disparity in lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios between members of twin pairs was significantly greater at </=32 weeks' gestation (25%) than at >32 weeks' gestation (15%, P =.027). An analysis of the lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios of twins with a large lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio disparity (>/=20%) suggested that this disparity was a result of 1 twin having a lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio that was advanced for gestational age with respect to that of the co-twin. Disparities in lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio were not significantly affected by fetal sex or by discordance in size between the twins. CONCLUSION At relatively early stages of diamniotic twin gestation (</=32 weeks' gestation), lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios should be obtained for both amniotic sacs to ensure accurate assessment of fetal lung maturity in both twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- N S Whitworth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
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13
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Abstract
Ambulatory management of multiple gestation requires careful and continuing care by the obstetrician. The initial evaluation should include a comprehensive history, including use of fertility enhancing drugs and ART, family history, social history; a general physical examination, including a pelvic examination; laboratory evaluation, including complete blood cell count, dipstick urinalysis for protein and glucose, urine culture, blood type, Rh factor and irregular blood antibody determination, serology for rubella, syphilis, hepatitis B surface antigen and varicella (if there is no history). A Papanicolaou smear should be done at the time of the pelvic examination, as should evaluation for bacterial vaginosis. Ultrasound assessment of placentation should be done at 14 weeks' gestation, but vaginal or perineal ultrasound of cervical length should be done at the initial visit. Other testing procedures should include repeat ultrasound evaluation for fetal growth every 4 weeks in a dichorionic placentation and every 3 weeks if monochorionic placentation is present. Triple screen MSAFP at 16-18 weeks' gestation and blood sugar screening at 22-26 weeks should be performed. After the first trimester, the patient should schedule physician visits every 2 weeks or less. Routine medications should include one prenatal vitamin per day, additional folic acid supplementation of 1.0 mg per fetus, supplemental iron preparation, and additional calcium to equal 1500 mg/day. The use of low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia in twin gestations has not been adequately studied. Continuing vigilance by the knowledgeable obstetrician should occur. Multiple gestations should not be cared for by non-physician providers or by family physicians. Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine unit is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Gall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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Friedman SA, Schiff E, Kao L, Kuint J, Sibai BM. Do twins mature earlier than singletons? Results from a matched cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997; 176:1193-6; discussion 1196-9. [PMID: 9215173 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9378(97)70334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to determine whether, as a consequence of advanced maturity, preterm twin infants have a more favorable neonatal outcome than matched singleton infants. STUDY DESIGN A matched cohort study design was used. Two hundred twenty-four twin infants (112 sets) were matched for gestational age, race, gender, and mode of delivery with singleton infants who were delivered because of refractory preterm labor. Pregnancies with maternal medical disease including preeclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and known fetal anomalies were excluded. Information was obtained by review of maternal and neonatal charts. RESULTS There was no difference in the incidence of neonatal death (5% vs 7%, p = 0.66), respiratory distress syndrome (38% vs 35%, p = 0.54), grades 3 and 4 intraventricular hemorrhage (5% vs 4%, p = 0.63), grades 2 and 3 necrotizing enterocolitis (4% vs 6%, p = 0.52), and 5-minute Apgar score < or = 6 (21% vs 21%, p = 1.00). Twins had a higher incidence of admission to the Special Care Unit (88% vs 72%, p < 0.001). Results were similar when analysis was limited to presenting twins, nonpresenting twins, and twins concordant with controls for antenatal glucocorticoid exposure. CONCLUSION Twin infants do not have accelerated maturation and improved neonatal outcome compared with matched singleton infants born at the same gestational age because of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Friedman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38103, USA
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