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Todtenhaupt P, Kuipers TB, Dijkstra KL, Voortman LM, Franken LA, Spekman JA, Jonkman TH, Groene SG, Roest AA, Haak MC, Verweij EJT, van Pel M, Lopriore E, Heijmans BT, van der Meeren LE. Twisting the theory on the origin of human umbilical cord coiling featuring monozygotic twins. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302543. [PMID: 38830769 PMCID: PMC11147950 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The human umbilical cord (hUC) is the lifeline that connects the fetus to the mother. Hypercoiling of the hUC is associated with pre- and perinatal morbidity and mortality. We investigated the origin of hUC hypercoiling using state-of-the-art imaging and omics approaches. Macroscopic inspection of the hUC revealed the helices to originate from the arteries rather than other components of the hUC. Digital reconstruction of the hUC arteries showed the dynamic alignment of two layers of muscle fibers in the tunica media aligning in opposing directions. We observed that genetically identical twins can be discordant for hUC coiling, excluding genetic, many environmental, and parental origins of hUC coiling. Comparing the transcriptomic and DNA methylation profile of the hUC arteries of four twin pairs with discordant cord coiling, we detected 28 differentially expressed genes, but no differentially methylated CpGs. These genes play a role in vascular development, cell-cell interaction, and axis formation and may account for the increased number of hUC helices. When combined, our results provide a novel framework to understand the origin of hUC helices in fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Todtenhaupt
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas B Kuipers
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Sequencing Analysis Support Core, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Kyra L Dijkstra
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lenard M Voortman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Laura A Franken
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jip A Spekman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Thomas H Jonkman
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sophie G Groene
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Arno Aw Roest
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Pediatric Cardiology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Monique C Haak
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - EJoanne T Verweij
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Obstetrics, Division of Fetal Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Melissa van Pel
- NecstGen, Leiden, Netherlands
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Enrico Lopriore
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Neonatology, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan T Heijmans
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lotte E van der Meeren
- https://ror.org/05xvt9f17 Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Cromb D, Hall M, Story L, Shangaris P, Al-Adnani M, Rutherford MA, Fox GF, Gupta N. Clinical value of placental examination for paediatricians. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024; 109:362-370. [PMID: 37751993 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325674] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The placenta contains valuable clinical information that is linked to fetal development, neonatal morbidity and mortality, and future health outcomes. Both gross inspection and histopathological examination of the placenta may identify intrinsic or secondary placental lesions, which can contribute directly to adverse neonatal outcomes or indicate the presence of an unfavourable intrauterine environment. Placental examination therefore forms an essential component of the care of high-risk neonates and at perinatal post-mortem examination. In this article, we describe the clinical value of placental examination for paediatricians and perinatal clinicians. We discuss common pathological findings on general inspection of the placenta with photographic examples and provide an overview of the placental pathological examination, including how to interpret key findings. We also address the medico-legal and financial implications of placental examinations and describe current and future clinical considerations for clinicians in regard to placental examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cromb
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Neonatal Unit, Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Megan Hall
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Women's Children and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Story
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Women's Children and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Panicos Shangaris
- Department of Women's Children and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mudher Al-Adnani
- Department of Cellular Pathology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Women's Children and Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Grenville F Fox
- Neonatal Unit, Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Neelam Gupta
- Neonatal Unit, Evelina London Children's Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, UK
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Singireddy N, Chugh A, Bal H, Jadhav S. Re-evaluation of umbilical cord coiling index in adverse pregnancy outcome - Does it have role in obstetric management? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2024; 21:100265. [PMID: 38099232 PMCID: PMC10716745 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100265] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The placenta with the umbilical cord is a vital link between the mother and fetus. Umbilical cord supplies water, nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus. The most unique character of the umbilical cord is its coiling, where the contents of the cord course in a coiled helical fashion. The umbilical coiling index(UCI) can be measured antenatally using ultrasonography. In the present study we have attempted to assess the UCI antenatally by ultrasound screening and correlate abnormal antenatal UCI with the adverse maternal and neonatal outcome of pregnancy. Aims To study umbilical coiling index ultrasonographically and to correlate it with pregnancy outcome. Methodology 150 antenatal cases in the second trimester of pregnancy between 22 and 28weeks of gestation attending the outpatient department were included for the study in a continuous manner and subjected to antenatal UCI measurement. The cases were followed up till delivery and various factors were noted. Results We confirmed that maternal medical comorbidities ( gestational hypertension and anemia) have a significant correlation with abnormal umbilical cord coiling index, either hyper-coiling or hypo-coiling or both.Some studies have shown a particular adverse effect being manifested in both hypo and hypercoiling. In the present study significant correlation of abnormal coiling has been found with only anaemia and hypertension in pregnancy. The question, therefore, arises:"Does abnormal UCI have any significant role in prediction of adverse outcome in pregnancy or is it just a random association?" This study does not reflect any significant role of abnormal UCI in the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome. Hence efforts to monitor UCI in the antenatal period may not have any justification in the present scenario. The latest edition of William's Obstetrics also makes a similar comment. A population based larger study to generate cut offs for hypo and hyper coiling and finding any association between abnormal coiling and perinatal outcome may throw more light on the utility of UCI as a predictor of adverse outcome in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhila Singireddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, India
| | - Amey Chugh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, India
| | - Himadri Bal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, India
| | - S.L. Jadhav
- Department of PSM, Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411018, India
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Cersonsky TEK, Silver RM, Saade GR, Dudley DJ, Reddy UM, Pinar H. Macroscopic lesions of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion in stillborn placentas: Diagnosis in the absence of microscopic histopathological examination. Placenta 2023; 140:60-65. [PMID: 37536149 PMCID: PMC10530266 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.07.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lesions of maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) are common in placentas associated with both stillbirth and live birth. The objective of this study was to identify lesions present more commonly in stillborn placentas and those most indicative of MVM and FVM without microscopic pathologic evaluation. METHODS Data were derived from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network. Lesions were identified according to standard protocols published previously and categorized as either MVM or FVM according to the Amsterdam Placental Workshop Group Consensus Statement and macroscopic "umbilical cord at risk" findings. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the odds of stillbirth with macroscopic findings of MVM or FVM. RESULTS 595 stillbirths and 1,305 live births were analyzed. FVM lesions (85.2%) were marginally more common (though not statistically different) in stillbirths compared to MVM lesions (81.3%). Macroscopic findings of both MVM and FVM were more common in stillbirths versus livebirths (p < 0.001). Odds ratios of macroscopic MVM and FVM lesions for stillbirth, adjusted for gestational age at delivery, maternal race (minority), ethnicity (Hispanic), age, and history of hypertension or diabetes, were 1.48 (95% CI 1.30-1.69) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.18-1.53), respectively. DISCUSSION Macroscopic features of MVM and FVM are associated with higher odds of stillbirth versus live birth even when controlled for gestational age and maternal factors, which may be a useful clue in determining the pathophysiology of these events. This information is also useful for pathologists when microscopic examination is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess E K Cersonsky
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Robert M Silver
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 E, # 2B200 SOM, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - George R Saade
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 1005 Harborside Dr, 3rd Floor, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Donald J Dudley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Virginia, 200 Jeanette Lancaster Way, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Uma M Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University School of Medicine, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Halit Pinar
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley St, Providence, RI, 02905, USA
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Liang C, Xu Y. Analysis of factors associated with the umbilical cord pitch value by ultrasound measurement in late pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:583. [PMID: 37573329 PMCID: PMC10422707 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05894-x] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the antenatal umbilical cord pitch value by ultrasound measurement in late pregnancy. We investigated the factors associated with the umbilical cord pitch value under prenatal ultrasound measurement. METHODS This study included 528 pregnant women who underwent routine antenatal ultrasound examinations in Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from December 2020 to August 2021. Their umbilical cord pitch values and diameter, Wharton's jelly thickness, amniotic fluid indexes, umbilical artery blood flow parameters, and other relevant data, such as ages and gestational ages, were measured. Information about delivery methods, placenta, umbilical cord, and neonatal weight were recorded during follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed on the above data, and the factors associated with the pitch values were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS This study revealed that cord torsion (p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-34.81 to -19.01), cord entanglement (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 10.71 to 20.11), thickening of Wharton's jelly (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 5.39 to 20.24), and cord edema (p = 0.015, 95%CI = 2.09 to 19.44), gestational age (p = 0.024, 95%CI = 0.14 to 1.89), age of pregnant woman (p = 0.009, 95%CI= -1.15 to -0.16), and neonatal weight (p = 0.011, 95%CI = 0.002 to 0.012) were significantly correlated with the pitch values. CONCLUSION The umbilical cord pitch value significantly correlated with cord entanglement, cord torsion, cord edema, Wharton's jelly thickening, gestational age, age of the pregnant woman, and neonatal weight. Notably, the pitch value by prenatal ultrasound measurement is predictive of cord morphological abnormalities such as cord entanglement, cord torsion, cord edema, and Wharton's jelly thickening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China.
- Department of Ultrasound, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China.
| | - Youfeng Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
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Corbetta-Rastelli CM, Altendahl M, Gasper C, Goldstein JD, Afshar Y, Gaw SL. Analysis of placental pathology after COVID-19 by timing and severity of infection. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100981. [PMID: 37094637 PMCID: PMC10122562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.100981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 during pregnancy can have serious effects on pregnancy outcomes. The placenta acts as an infection barrier to the fetus and may mediate adverse outcomes. Increased frequency of maternal vascular malperfusion has been detected in the placentas of patients with COVID-19 compared with controls, but little is known about how the timing and severity of infection affect placental pathology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on placental pathology, specifically whether the timing and severity of COVID-19 affect pathologic findings and associations with perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of pregnant people diagnosed with COVID-19 who delivered between April 2020 and September 2021 at 3 university hospitals. Demographic, placental, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were collected through medical record review. The timing of SARS-CoV-2 infection was noted, and the severity of COVID-19 was categorized on the basis of the National Institutes of Health guidelines. The placentas of all patients with positive nasopharyngeal reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 testing were sent for gross and microscopic histopathologic examinations at the time of delivery. Nonblinded pathologists categorized histopathologic lesions according to the Amsterdam criteria. Univariate linear regression and chi-square analyses were used to assess how the timing and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection affected placental pathologic findings. RESULTS This study included 131 pregnant patients and 138 placentas, with most patients delivered at the University of California, Los Angeles (n=65), followed by the University of California, San Francisco (n=38) and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (n=28). Most patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy (69%), and most infections were mild (60%). There was no specific placental pathologic feature based on the timing or severity of COVID-19. There was a higher frequency of placental features associated with response to infection in the placentas from infections before 20 weeks of gestation than that from infections after 20 weeks of gestation (P=.001). There was no difference in maternal vascular malperfusion by the timing of infection; however, features of severe maternal vascular malperfusion were only found in the placentas of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, not in the placentas of patients with COVID-19 in the first trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION Placentas from patients with COVID-19 showed no specific pathologic feature, regardless of the timing or severity of the disease. There was a higher proportion of placentas from patients with COVID-19-positive tests in earlier gestations with evidence of placental infection-associated features. Future studies should focus on understanding how these placental features in SARS-CoV-2 infections go on to affect pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara M Corbetta-Rastelli
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Corbetta-Rastelli and Gaw).
| | - Marie Altendahl
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar)
| | - Cynthia Gasper
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Dr Gasper)
| | - Jeffrey D Goldstein
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar); Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Goldstein)
| | - Yalda Afshar
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Ms Altendahl and Drs Goldstein and Afshar); Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Afshar)
| | - Stephanie L Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA (Drs Corbetta-Rastelli and Gaw)
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Zhang D, Lindsey SE. Recasting Current Knowledge of Human Fetal Circulation: The Importance of Computational Models. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:240. [PMID: 37367405 PMCID: PMC10299027 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10060240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational hemodynamic simulations are becoming increasingly important for cardiovascular research and clinical practice, yet incorporating numerical simulations of human fetal circulation is relatively underutilized and underdeveloped. The fetus possesses unique vascular shunts to appropriately distribute oxygen and nutrients acquired from the placenta, adding complexity and adaptability to blood flow patterns within the fetal vascular network. Perturbations to fetal circulation compromise fetal growth and trigger the abnormal cardiovascular remodeling that underlies congenital heart defects. Computational modeling can be used to elucidate complex blood flow patterns in the fetal circulatory system for normal versus abnormal development. We present an overview of fetal cardiovascular physiology and its evolution from being investigated with invasive experiments and primitive imaging techniques to advanced imaging (4D MRI and ultrasound) and computational modeling. We introduce the theoretical backgrounds of both lumped-parameter networks and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic simulations of the cardiovascular system. We subsequently summarize existing modeling studies of human fetal circulation along with their limitations and challenges. Finally, we highlight opportunities for improved fetal circulation models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie E. Lindsey
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
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Subashini G, Anitha C, Gopinath G, Ramyathangam K. A Longitudinal Analytical Study on Umbilical Cord Coiling Index as a Predictor of Pregnancy Outcome. Cureus 2023; 15:e35680. [PMID: 37012952 PMCID: PMC10066625 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The umbilical cord coiling index (UCI) is usually measured sonographically during antenatal follow-up and can be used to determine the fetuses at risk of adverse outcomes. Methodology UCI measured antenatally and postnatally whose correlation is studied along with the association of abnormal UCI with the adverse outcomes in terms of gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), intra-uterine death, birth weight, sex, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, the color of the liquor, Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score at one min and five mins and mode of delivery. All parameters are tested for significant differences among UCI and a p-value < 0.05 is considered significant. The correlation of UCI measured antenatally and postnatally is tested using the spearman correlation coefficient. Results A strong correlation is found between antenatal UCI and postnatal UCI with rs 0.9. The majority of the population had normo coiling. Hyper and hypo coiling are associated risks of emergency lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Low birth weight is seen in 88.89% of hypo coiled patients with a p-value < 0.01. The coiling index among sex is found to be insignificant with a p-value of 0.81. Meconium-Stained Liquor (MSL) is seen in 78.5% of hyper coiled patients. IUGR is found to be associated with hypo coiling as seen in 59.2% of patients with significant p-value (< 0.01). Age, gestational age, and birth weight are found to be statistically significant between various coiling indexes with p-value < 0.05. Conclusion Antenatal UCI correlates with postnatal UCI and any abnormal index found can be used as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes and help obstetricians to monitor continuously and put the patients at risk on prophylactic measures.
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Santana EFM, Castello RG, Passos MET, Ribeiro GCF, Araujo Júnior E. How to Reach the Best Ultrasound Performance in the Delivery Room. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:1070-1077. [PMID: 36580951 PMCID: PMC9800070 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1759773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasonography is an instrument that is present in the maternal-fetal assessment throughout pregnancy and with widely documented benefits, but its use in intrapartum is becoming increasingly relevant. From the assessment of labor progression to the assessment of placental disorders, ultrasound can be used to correlate with physiological findings and physical examination, as its benefit in the delivery room cannot yet be proven. There are still few professionals with adequate training for its use in the delivery room and for the correct interpretation of data. Thus, this article aims to present a review of the entire applicability of ultrasound in the delivery room, considering the main stages of labor. There is still limited research in evidence-based medicine of its various possible uses in intrapartum, but it is expected that further studies can bring improvements in the quality of maternal and neonatal health during labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Félix Martins Santana
- Medical Course, Albert Einstein Medical School, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Fetal Medicine Unit, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Medical Course, Municipal University of Sao Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Address for correspondence Edward Araujo Junior, PhD Rua Borges Lagoa, 1341, 04038-034, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SPBrazil
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Considering the Effects and Maternofoetal Implications of Vascular Disorders and the Umbilical Cord. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58121754. [PMID: 36556956 PMCID: PMC9782481 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The umbilical cord is a critical anatomical structure connecting the placenta with the foetus, fulfilling multiple functions during pregnancy and hence influencing foetal development, programming and survival. Histologically, the umbilical cord is composed of three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein, integrated in a mucous connective tissue (Wharton's jelly) upholstered by a layer of amniotic coating. Vascular alterations in the umbilical cord or damage in this tissue because of other vascular disorders during pregnancy are worryingly related with detrimental maternofoetal consequences. In the present work, we will describe the main vascular alterations presented in the umbilical cord, both in the arteries (Single umbilical artery, hypoplastic umbilical artery or aneurysms in umbilical arteries) and the vein (Vascular thrombosis, aneurysms or varicose veins in the umbilical vein), together with other possible complications (Velamentous insertion, vasa praevia, hypercoiled or hypocoiled cord, angiomyxoma and haematomas). Likewise, the effect of the main obstetric vascular disorders like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (specially pre-eclampsia) and chronic venous disease on the umbilical cord will also be summarized herein.
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Wu X, Wei C, Chen R, Yang L, Huang W, Huang L, Yan X, Deng X, Gou Z. Fetal umbilical artery thrombosis: prenatal diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:414. [PMID: 36371215 PMCID: PMC9652808 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analyze the ultrasound imaging and clinical characteristics of fetuses with umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT), explore the potential causes of UAT and construct a prognostic prediction model to guide clinical practice. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of fetal UAT cases examined at two academic tertiary referral care centers from 2014 to 2020. The basic information of the participants was obtained by interview during follow-up, and data on clinical treatment, delivery conditions, diagnosis and confirmation were obtained through medical records. Probable causes of thrombosis were explored by comparative analysis of the UAT group to the control group and by further regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the prognostic prediction model. RESULTS Thirty fetuses with UAT were included in this study. UAT occurred mostly in the third trimester of pregnancy, and there was an obvious predominance of right UAT. An abnormal pregnancy history (53.3%) was the most common comorbidity, followed by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (20.0%). GDM and umbilical cord (UC) abnormalities were found to be independent risk factors for the development of UAT. After comprehensive decision-making, over two-thirds of the patients with UAT received urgent treatment, and less than one-third received expectant management. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in fetal outcomes between the urgent treatment and expectant management groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age (GA) at clinical diagnosis and UC abnormalities were independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR 0.781, p = 0.042; OR 16.779, p = 0.023, respectively). Based on this, we constructed a comprehensive prognostic prediction model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.877 (95% CI 0.698-0.970; p < 0.001), which suggested that the combination of GA and UC abnormalities was a better predictor for fetal outcomes in our setting. CONCLUSION In summary, maternal GDM and fetal UC abnormalities are independent risk factors for UAT. UAT is more frequently observed on the right side. Moreover, poor clinical outcomes for fetuses with UAT are ascribed mainly to GA and UC abnormalities, which should be comprehensively evaluated to choose the appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiafang Wu
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Chenchen Wei
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Ruifeng Chen
- grid.452210.0Department of Ultrasonography, Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital of South China University, Changsha, Hunan China
| | - Linxian Yang
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Weifei Huang
- grid.469636.8Department of Ultrasonography, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang China
| | - Liang Huang
- grid.513202.7Department of Ultrasonography, Tongren People’s Hospital, Tongren, Guizhou, China
| | - XinXin Yan
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Xuedong Deng
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Medical Ultrasound, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
| | - Zhongshan Gou
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242# Guangji Road, Suzhou, 215002 Jiangsu China
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12
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Salsi G, Fiorentini M, Caprara G, Pilu G. Unusual umbilical Doppler waveform and fetal distress likely due to hypercoiled cord. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:506-508. [PMID: 34319062 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04817-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Both reduced and increased umbilical cord coiling patterns have been associated with fetal distress and adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal death. Prenatal diagnosis of cord coiling anomalies is challenging but potentially very useful for identifying those that may benefit from a more intensive monitoring. Nevertheless, there is no standardized approach for this potentially lethal complication when suspected. We report a case of fetal Doppler alterations and cardiotocographic anomalies likely due to hypercoiled cord in a 29-week primigravida referred to our clinic, who therefore underwent an emergency cesarean section. This case could help clinicians to consider cord anomalies as a possible cause of fetal distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ginevra Salsi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Fiorentini
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy -
| | - Giacomo Caprara
- Histopathological and Molecular Diagnostic Unit of Solid Organ and Transplantation, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Pergialiotis V, Bellos I, Vrachnis N, Papantoniou N, Loutradis D, Daskalakis G. Early versus delayed oxytocin infusion following amniotomy for induction of labor: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4889-4896. [PMID: 33441039 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1872535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin infusion prior to confirmation of delay in labor is discouraged by the World Health Organization. However, evidence from the Cochrane library seems to support early amniotomy and oxytocin to reduce the rates of cesarean sections (CS). OBJECTIVES To investigate differences in mode of delivery among parturient receiving early versus delayed oxytocin infusion following amniotomy as a mean for augmentation of labor. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Google Scholar databases from inception till February 2020. Selection criteria: Randomized controlled trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were collected using a modified Cochrane data collection form for intervention reviews. Meta-analysis was performed using the meta function in RStudio. MAIN RESULTS Five studies were included that involved 1.232 parturient. The meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in the mode of delivery among women that were randomized to receive immediate oxytocin infusion and those that received delayed oxytocin infusion (operative vaginal delivery OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.48, 2.69) and CS OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.53, 1.25)). The interval from amniotomy to delivery was significantly smaller in the immediate oxytocin infusion group; however, prediction intervals were not significant. CONCLUSIONS The results of our meta-analysis suggest that there is no difference in the mode of delivery and interval from amniotomy to delivery when oxytocin is delayed for at least one hour following amniotomy. Taking in mind this information as well as current recommendations drawn from the WHO physicians should consider withholding oxytocin infusion at least until protracted labor is confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Pergialiotis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athinon, Greece
| | - Ioannis Bellos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vrachnis
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papantoniou
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Chaidari, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athinon, Greece
| | - George Daskalakis
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athinon, Greece
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14
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Chen R, Yan J, Han Q, Zheng L. Factors related to morbidity and maternal and perinatal outcomes of umbilical cord torsion. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520905421. [PMID: 32223647 PMCID: PMC7133088 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520905421] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study analyzed factors influencing umbilical cord torsion, measured the umbilical coiling index (UCI) postnatally, and analyzed the association of umbilical cord torsion with maternal and perinatal outcomes. Methods In total, 845 antenatal women who went into labor at the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children’s Hospital from January 2016 to January 2017 were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into those with and without umbilical cord torsion. Possible influencing factors and the UCI were noted, and maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared. Results Higher morbidity in the presence of umbilical cord torsion was affected by multiparous pregnancy and a long cord. The area under the curve was 0.666 for the UCI to predict fetal distress and 0.505 for the umbilical artery peak systolic to end diastolic flow velocity ratio (S/D ratio) to predict fetal distress. Umbilical cord torsion was associated with higher rates of fetal distress, forceps-assisted delivery, cesarean sections, fetal heart rate abnormalities, amniotic fluid meconium staining, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and small for gestational age. Conclusions Multiparous status and longer umbilical cord length were highly associated with umbilical cord torsion. The UCI is a better predictor of fetal distress than is the umbilical artery S/D ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jianying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qing Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Lianghui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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15
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Slack JC, Boyd TK. Fetal Vascular Malperfusion Due To Long and Hypercoiled Umbilical Cords Resulting in Recurrent Second Trimester Pregnancy Loss: A Case Series and Literature Review. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2021; 24:12-18. [PMID: 32986509 DOI: 10.1177/1093526620962061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine fetal demise due to fetal vascular malperfusion in mid-gestation is a rare occurrence. Abnormally long and hypercoiled umbilical cords are associated with an increased risk of umbilical cord blood flow restriction, which in turn can result in adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. The factors that regulate umbilical cord development, specifically umbilical cord length and coiling, are poorly understood. METHODS Maternal history, along with fetal and placental findings (post-mortem, pathological, and molecular), were reviewed for a series of 3 consecutive pregnancies that ended in second trimester intrauterine fetal demise. RESULTS All 3 umbilical cords were exceptionally long and hypercoiled, and all placentas showed evidence of high-grade fetal vascular malperfusion. At fetopsy, all 3 fetuses were developmentally normal for gestational age and lacked congenital anomalies. Maternal medical history and antenatal testing (including an extensive work-up for maternal hypercoagulability syndromes) were normal and/or noncontributory. CONCLUSION Although excessively long and hypercoiled cords are generally thought of as sporadic, nongenetic events, rare examples of recurrent intrauterine fetal demise secondary to such exist have been reported. This intrafamilial clustering of a rare event is suggestive that at least a subset of hypercoiled, long umbilical cords may have an underlying genetic etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C Slack
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theonia K Boyd
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Hayes DJL, Warland J, Parast MM, Bendon RW, Hasegawa J, Banks J, Clapham L, Heazell AEP. Umbilical cord characteristics and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239630. [PMID: 32970750 PMCID: PMC7514048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Current data on the role of the umbilical cord in pregnancy complications are conflicting; estimates of the proportion of stillbirths due to cord problems range from 3.4 to 26.7%. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to determine which umbilical cord abnormalities are associated with stillbirth and related adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Google Scholar were searched from 1960 to present day. Reference lists of included studies and grey literature were also searched. Cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control studies of singleton pregnancies after 20 weeks’ gestation that reported the frequency of umbilical cord characteristics or cord abnormalities and their relationship to stillbirth or other adverse outcomes were included. Quality of included studies was assessed using NIH quality assessment tools. Analyses were performed in STATA. Results This review included 145 studies. Nuchal cords were present in 22% of births (95% CI 19, 25); multiple loops of cord were present in 4% (95% CI 3, 5) and true knots of the cord in 1% (95% CI 0, 1) of births. There was no evidence for an association between stillbirth and any nuchal cord (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.62, 1.98). Comparing multiple loops of nuchal cord to single loops or no loop gave an OR of 2.36 (95% CI 0.99, 5.62). We were not able to look at the effect of tight or loose nuchal loops. The likelihood of stillbirth was significantly higher with a true cord knot (OR 4.65, 95% CI 2.09, 10.37). Conclusions True umbilical cord knots are associated with increased risk of stillbirth; the incidence of stillbirth is higher with multiple nuchal loops compared to single nuchal cords. No studies reported the combined effects of multiple umbilical cord abnormalities. Our analyses suggest specific avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexter J. L. Hayes
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jane Warland
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mana M. Parast
- University of California, San Diego, CL, United States of America
| | - Robert W. Bendon
- Retired from Norton Children’s Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | | | - Julia Banks
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Clapham
- Tommy’s Stillbirth Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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17
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Takita H, Tokunaka M, Arakaki T, Goto M, Saito M, Hamada S, Oba T, Nakamura M, Matsuoka R, Sekizawa A. Perinatal outcomes of cases with umbilical hypocoiled cord: a study at a single perinatal center. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:2879-2882. [PMID: 32847445 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1808613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the perinatal outcomes of hypocoiled cord. METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Showa University Hospital between 2011 and 2017. Umbilical cord index (UCI) was calculated by dividing the total number of coils by the total length of umbilical cord. All umbilical cords were measured and calculated coiling index by obstetrician after delivery. Perinatal outcomes like non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), emergency cesarean sections, and other perinatal complications were compared. RESULTS From January 2011 to December 2017, a total of 4047 fetuses were born at our hospital after 28 weeks' gestation. After excluding 100 fetuses of hypercoiled cord, a total of 3947 fetuses were included in this study, of which 71 fetuses were hypocoiled cord and 3876 fetuses were normal coiled cord. There were no association between maternal background and both UCI group. NRFS during labor was significantly associated with hypocoiled cord compared with normal cord (p = .02). Additionally, the rates of emergency cesarean section were raised in cases of hypocoiled cord (p = .02). CONCLUSION In this study, it was found that hypocoiled cord is related to NRFS and emergency cesarean section. In addition, hypocoiled cord was not associated with any maternal factors. However, in previous studies, no opinion has been reported on the timing of diagnosis of hypocoiled cord during pregnancy. It is difficult to evaluate hypocoiled cord correctly in third trimester. It is a task to find the hypocoiled cord correctly before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Takita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tokunaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minako Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizue Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryu Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Sharp I, Adeyeye T, Peacock L, Mahdi A, Farrant K, Sharp AN, Greenwood SL, Heazell AEP. Investigation of the outcome of pregnancies complicated by increased fetal movements and their relation to underlying causes - A prospective cohort study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 100:91-100. [PMID: 32683676 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retrospective studies have reported an association between a single episode of significantly increased fetal movements (IFMs) and stillbirth after 28 weeks' gestation. This prospective study aimed to report the outcome of pregnancies associated with maternal perception of IFMs and determine whether this symptom is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, a pathological intrauterine environment or placental dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Women reporting IFMs after 28 weeks' gestation were recruited from St Mary's Hospital, Manchester and Liverpool Women's Hospital, UK, between 1 November 2017 and 1 May 2019. Demographic and clinical information were obtained and an ultrasound scan was performed to assess fetal biometry, liquor volume and umbilical artery Doppler. Maternal serum samples were collected for analysis of placentally derived biomarkers using ELISA. After delivery, maternal and fetal outcome data were collected and placentas and umbilical cord blood were obtained for analysis using immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Placental and serum samples were matched by gestation and maternal characteristics to participants with normal fetal activity. RESULTS Seventy-seven women presented with IFM, representing 0.45% of the maternity population; 64 women consented to participate in the study, of which 7 (10.9%) experienced adverse pregnancy outcome: birthweight <3rd centile, 2 (3.1%); pH ≤7.10, 1 (1.6%); neonatal intensive care unit admission, 4 (6.3%). Women had IFM for varying lengths of time before presenting: 17.2% had IFM for less than 1 hour and 29.7% reported IFM lasting longer than 24 hours. Four women (6.3%) had abnormalities of the fetal heart rate trace on assessment. Women with IFM had similar modes of birth to women giving birth in participating maternity units. There was no evidence of macroscopic placental or umbilical cord abnormalities, alterations in microscopic placental structure, placental endocrine dysfunction or intrauterine hypoxia or infection in women with IFM compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This prospective study did not find evidence of an association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome. It also did not find evidence of underlying placental dysfunction, cord anomalies, intrauterine hypoxia or infection in pregnancies with IFM. Further work is required to determine the strength of association between IFM and adverse pregnancy outcome and its origins. At present, IFM cannot be used to identify fetuses at increased risk of adverse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Sharp
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Temidayo Adeyeye
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Linda Peacock
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Amy Mahdi
- Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kimberley Farrant
- St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew N Sharp
- Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK.,Harris-Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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Debebe SK, Cahill LS, Kingdom JC, Whitehead CL, Chandran AR, Parks WT, Serghides L, Baschat A, Macgowan CK, Sled JG. Wharton's jelly area and its association with placental morphometry and pathology. Placenta 2020; 94:34-38. [PMID: 32421532 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wharton's jelly (WJ) is the mucoid connective tissue that surrounds the vessels in the human umbilical cord and provides protection from compression and torsion in response to fetal movement. WJ is known to be altered in the presence of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. The present study examined associations between the cross-sectional area of WJ measured by ultrasound and postpartum placental pathology and morphometry. METHODS The area of WJ was measured by ultrasound in 156 eligible participants between 23 and 37 weeks' gestation. Morphometric assessment of fixed cord cross sections was conducted, together with assessment of the cord and placenta for specific pathologies using standard criteria. RESULTS From 156 participants, 123 ultrasound images met the data quality requirements and pathology reporting was completed for 99 placentas. 17 of the participants (14%) delivered a small for gestational age neonate and 32 of the 99 placentas examined (32%) had significant placental pathology findings. Area of WJ was associated with low birth weight (p = 0.002) and was associated with specific placental pathology (p = 0.01). WJ area was positively associated with placental dimensions such as width, length and surface area. DISCUSSION Decreased WJ area is associated with clinically-significant placental pathology and WJ area scales proportionally with placental size. These findings suggest that WJ area correlates with functional capacity of the placenta and thus merits further evaluation alongside currently-available tests of placental function in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Debebe
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Lindsay S Cahill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John C Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - W Tony Parks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lena Serghides
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Immunology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmet Baschat
- Centre for Fetal Therapy, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christopher K Macgowan
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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20
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Pergialiotis V, Fanaki M, Bellos I, Tzortzis A, Loutradis D, Daskalakis G. Evaluation of umbilical cord entanglement as a predictive factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes: A meta-analysis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 243:150-157. [PMID: 31704532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present systematic review is to summarize current data concerning the impact of umbilical cord entanglement on adverse pregnancy outcomes. We used the Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases. We selected all observational (both prospective and retrospective) studies for inclusion. Meta-analysis of the risk ratios (RR) was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. Univariate meta-regression and leave-one-out meta-analysis was performed with Open Meta-Analyst statistical software. Trial sequential analysis was performed with the TSA software. Overall, twenty studies were included in the present study with 267,233 pregnant women (50.103 with cord entanglement and 217,130 controls). An increased risk of neonatal Apgar score <7 at the first minute of life was observed among cases with cord entanglement (RR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.46, 2.11). Fetal distress was significantly higher in the entanglement group (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.33, 1.69). The incidence of fetal pH < 7.1 was also significantly higher in the entanglement group (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.48, 2.03). Adequate power was observed in all investigated outcomes of our primary analysis after evaluating the results of the TSA analysis. Prediction intervals designated that future studies were likely to report increased risk of low Apgar score at the first minute of life, increased risk of fetal distress as well as of observing a fetal pH < 7.1. Concluding, the findings of this systematic review suggest that there is sufficient evidence to support the involvement of cord entanglement to adverse neonatal perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Pergialiotis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Fanaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Bellos
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Andrianos Tzortzis
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research N.S. Christeas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Daskalakis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Capelle X, Schaaps JP, Bavi Dido JV, Dauby M, Desaive T, Van Linthout C, Seidel L, Kridelka F, Dauby PC, Machrafi H. Variation of the maximum velocity along the umbilical vein supports the Reynolds pulsometer model. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2019; 49:101617. [PMID: 31386916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2019.07.012] [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: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To challenge, with a modern sonographic approach and a numerical model, the Reynolds's concept which suggests that the vascular structure of the umbilical cord could act as a pulsometer facilitating the venous return to the foetus. METHOD Forty-five patients between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The blood maximum velocity in the umbilical vein, measured at both foetal and placental ends, was assessed. Several sonographic parameters of the cord, including the diameter of the umbilical vein at both extremities, cord cross-sectional area and Wharton's jelly section surface were measured. We compare our data with those of a numerical model. RESULTS A difference in maximum velocity between the two extremities of the umbilical vein (ΔUVVmax) was noted. The maximum velocity was significantly higher at the foetal umbilical end (14.12 +/-3.18 cm/s) than at the placental end (11.93 +/-2.55 cm/s; p < 0.0001). The mean difference is 2.2 +/- 2.3 cm/s. No difference in the umbilical vein diameter was measured at both cord ends (umbilical 4.85 +/-0.9 mm, placental 4.86 +/-0.87 mm, p < 0.0001). There is no significant relationship between ΔUVVmax and the cord cross-sectional area or Wharton's jelly index. CONCLUSION Modifications of the spatial velocity profile together with the pulsometer model could explain the maximum velocity changes that is measured in the umbilical vein along the cord. This numerical model consolidates the sonographic observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Capelle
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | - J P Schaaps
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - J V Bavi Dido
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - M Dauby
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - T Desaive
- University of Liege, GIGA-In Silico medicine, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - C Van Linthout
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - L Seidel
- CHU of Liege, Department of Biostatistics and Medico-economic Information, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - F Kridelka
- CHU of Liege, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - P C Dauby
- University of Liege, GIGA-In Silico medicine, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - H Machrafi
- University of Liege, GIGA-In Silico medicine, 4000, Liege, Belgium
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Nakamura M, Oba T, Takita H, Tokunaka M, Arakaki T, Goto M, Koyano M, Hamada S, Matsuoka R, Sekizawa A. Differences in perinatal outcomes according to forming period of single umbilical cord in singleton pregnancy. Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:588-594. [PMID: 31063270 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to establish the frequency and associations of single umbilical artery (SUA) diagnosed until the first vs second or third trimester. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnancies at a tertiary perinatal center. All women underwent both the first and second trimester scans in which the number of arteries in the umbilical cord was routinely documented. SUA was classified as aplastic type when the diagnosis was made in the first trimester and as occlusion type when diagnosed in the second or third trimester. Adverse perinatal outcome was calculated as occurrence of fetal death, birthweight centile < 10th , or Apgar score at 5 minutes < 7. RESULTS A total of 8675 women underwent ultrasound examinations during the study period. Of the 32 SUA cases, 17 (0.2%) were of the aplastic type and 15 (0.2%) of the occlusion type. Congenital anomalies were more in aplastic than in occlusive SUA (58.8% vs 20%, .043). The occlusive SUA had higher postnatal coiling index (0.3 vs 0.2, .034) and diagnosis of hypercoiled cord (46.7% vs 5.9%, .013) than the aplastic type. CONCLUSIONS The different gestational age at diagnosis and coiling characteristics suggest two types of SUA, namely, aplastic and occlusion types, which are associated with differences in perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamitsu Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Takita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tokunaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minako Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maya Koyano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryu Matsuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Sekizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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