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Ramirez Zegarra R, Ghi T, Lees C. Does the use of angiogenic biomarkers for the management of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction improve outcomes?: Challenging the current status quo. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 300:268-277. [PMID: 39053087 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.07.042] [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: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Monitoring and timing of delivery in preterm preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction is one of the biggest challenges in Obstetrics. Finding the optimal time of delivery of these fetuses usually involves a trade-off between the severity of the disease and prematurity. So far, most clinical guidelines recommend the use of a combination between clinical, laboratory and ultrasound markers to guide the time of delivery. Angiogenic biomarkers, especially placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential role in the prediction and diagnosis of placenta-related disorders including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Another potential clinical application of the angiogenic biomarkers is for the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic kidney disease, as this condition shares similar clinical features with preeclampsia. Consequently, angiogenic biomarkers have been advocated as tools for monitoring and deciding the optimal time of the delivery of fetuses affected by placental dysfunction. In this clinical opinion, we critically review the available literature on PlGF and sFlt-1 for the surveillance and time of the delivery in fetuses affected by preterm preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. Moreover, we explore the use of angiogenic biomarkers for the differentiation between chronic kidney disease and superimposed preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Ramirez Zegarra
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tullio Ghi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Christoph Lees
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Fetal Care, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Department of Development and Regeneration, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Parker J, Hofstee P, Brennecke S. Prevention of Pregnancy Complications Using a Multimodal Lifestyle, Screening, and Medical Model. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4344. [PMID: 39124610 PMCID: PMC11313446 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13154344] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Prevention of pregnancy complications related to the "great obstetrical syndromes" (preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, spontaneous preterm labor, and stillbirth) is a global research and clinical management priority. These syndromes share many common pathophysiological mechanisms that may contribute to altered placental development and function. The resulting adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and increased post-partum risk of cardiometabolic disease. Maternal nutritional and environmental factors are known to play a significant role in altering bidirectional communication between fetal-derived trophoblast cells and maternal decidual cells and contribute to abnormal placentation. As a result, lifestyle-based interventions have increasingly been recommended before, during, and after pregnancy, in order to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and decrease long-term risk. Antenatal screening strategies have been developed following extensive studies in diverse populations. Multivariate preeclampsia screening using a combination of maternal, biophysical, and serum biochemical markers is recommended at 11-14 weeks' gestation and can be performed at the same time as the first-trimester ultrasound and blood tests. Women identified as high-risk can be offered prophylactic low dose aspirin and monitored with angiogenic factor assessment from 22 weeks' gestation, in combination with clinical assessment, serum biochemistry, and ultrasound. Lifestyle factors can be reassessed during counseling related to antenatal screening interventions. The integration of lifestyle interventions, pregnancy screening, and medical management represents a conceptual advance in pregnancy care that has the potential to significantly reduce pregnancy complications and associated later life cardiometabolic adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Parker
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia;
| | - Pierre Hofstee
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia;
- Tweed Hospital, Northern New South Wales Local Health District, Tweed Heads 2485, Australia
| | - Shaun Brennecke
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
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Hong J, Crawford K, Cavanagh E, da Silva Costa F, Kumar S. Prediction of preterm birth in growth-restricted and appropriate-for-gestational-age infants using maternal PlGF and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio-A prospective study. BJOG 2024; 131:1089-1101. [PMID: 38196326 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the utility of placental growth factor (PlGF) levels and the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1/placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) ratio to predict preterm birth (PTB) for infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA). DESIGN Prospective, observational cohort study. SETTING Tertiary maternity hospital in Australia. POPULATION There were 320 singleton pregnancies: 141 (44.1%) AGA, 83 (25.9%) early FGR (<32+0 weeks) and 109 (30.0%) late FGR (≥32+0 weeks). METHODS Maternal serum PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were measured at 4-weekly intervals from recruitment to delivery. Low maternal PlGF levels and elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were defined as <100 ng/L and >5.78 if <28 weeks and >38 if ≥28 weeks respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were used. The analysis period was defined as the time from the first measurement of PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio to the time of birth or censoring. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary study outcome was overall PTB. The relative risks (RR) of birth within 1, 2 and 3 weeks and for medically indicated and spontaneous PTB were also ascertained. RESULTS The early FGR cohort had lower median PlGF levels (54 versus 229 ng/L, p < 0.001) and higher median sFlt-1 levels (2774 ng/L versus 2096 ng/L, p < 0.001) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio higher (35 versus 10, p < 0.001). Both PlGF <100 ng/L and elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were strongly predictive for PTB as well as PTB within 1, 2 and 3 weeks of diagnosis. For both FGR and AGA groups, PlGF <100 ng/L or raised sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were strongly associated with increased risk for medically indicated PTB. The highest RR was seen in the FGR cohort when PlGF was <100 ng/L (RR 35.20, 95% CI 11.48-175.46). CONCLUSIONS Low maternal PlGF levels and elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio are potentially useful to predict PTB in both FGR and AGA pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesrine Hong
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kylie Crawford
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Erika Cavanagh
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fabricio da Silva Costa
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Papastefanou I, Menenez M, Szczepkowska A, Gungil B, Syngelaki A, Nicolaides KH. Comparison of competing-risks model with angiogenic factors in midgestation screening for preterm growth-related neonatal morbidity. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:613-618. [PMID: 38057964 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES First, to evaluate the predictive performance for preterm growth-related neonatal morbidity of a high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio or low PlGF at midgestation and, second, to compare the performance of a high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF with that of the competing-risks model for small-for-gestational age (SGA), utilizing a combination of maternal risk factors, sonographic estimated fetal weight and uterine artery pulsatility index. METHODS This was a prospective observational study in women attending for a routine hospital visit at 19-24 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. The visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, carrying out an ultrasound scan and measuring serum PlGF and sFlt-1. The primary outcome was delivery < 32 and < 37 weeks' gestation of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10th or < 3rd percentile, combined with neonatal unit (NNU) admission for ≥ 48 h or a composite of major neonatal morbidity. The detection rates in screening by PlGF < 10th percentile, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile and the competing-risks model for SGA were estimated and then compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS In the study population of 40 241 women, prediction of preterm growth-related neonatal morbidity provided by the competing-risks model for SGA was superior to that of screening by low PlGF concentration or high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. For example, at a screen-positive rate of 10.0%, as defined by the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile, the competing-risks model predicted 70.1% (95% CI, 61.0-79.2%) of SGA < 10th percentile and 76.9% (95% CI, 67.6-86.3%) of SGA < 3rd percentile with NNU admission for ≥ 48 h delivered < 32 weeks' gestation. The respective values for SGA with major neonatal morbidity were 73.8% (95% CI, 64.4-83.2%) and 77.9% (95% CI, 68.0-87.8%). These were significantly higher than the respective values of 35.1% (95% CI, 25.6-44.6%), 35.9% (95% CI, 25.3-46.5%), 38.1% (95% CI, 27.7-48.5%) and 39.7% (95% CI, 28.1-51.3%) achieved by the application of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile (all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION At midgestation, the prediction of growth-related neonatal morbidity by the competing-risks model for SGA is superior to that of a high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Papastefanou
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Menenez
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Szczepkowska
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - B Gungil
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Syngelaki
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - K H Nicolaides
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Palmrich P, Kalafat E, Pateisky P, Schirwani-Hartl N, Haberl C, Herrmann C, Khalil A, Binder J. Prognostic value of angiogenic markers in pregnancy with fetal growth restriction. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:619-626. [PMID: 37774098 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) are at increased risk for pre-eclampsia. Angiogenic markers including soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) are altered in pregnancies complicated by FGR, but their utility for predicting pre-eclampsia in growth-restricted pregnancies is uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of angiogenic markers for predicting the development of pre-eclampsia in pregnancies with FGR and suspected pre-eclampsia. METHODS This was a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with FGR, defined according to Delphi consensus criteria, which underwent sampling of sFlt-1 and PlGF for suspicion of pre-eclampsia at the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, between 2013 and 2020. Women with an established diagnosis of pre-eclampsia at sampling were excluded. Cox regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association of angiogenic markers with the development of pre-eclampsia at various timepoints. RESULTS In this cohort of 93 women, pre-eclampsia was diagnosed in 14 (15.1%) women within 1 week after sampling, 21 (22.6%) within 2 weeks after sampling and 38 (40.9%) at any time after assessment. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio consistently showed a stronger association with the development of pre-eclampsia compared to sFlt-1 or PlGF alone (pre-eclampsia within 1 week: area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve, 0.87 vs 0.82 vs 0.72). Models including the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were associated more strongly with pre-eclampsia hazard compared to models including sFlt-1 or PlGF alone (concordance index, 0.790 vs 0.759 vs 0.755). The risk classification capability of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio decreased after the 2-week timepoint. The established cut-off value for the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of < 38 was effective for ruling out pre-eclampsia within 2 weeks, with a negative predictive value of 0.933 and sensitivity of 0.952. CONCLUSIONS Use of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is preferrable to the use of PlGF alone for the prediction of pre-eclampsia in pregnancies with FGR. Established cut-offs for ruling out the development of pre-eclampsia in the short term seem to be effective in these patients. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Palmrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - P Pateisky
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - N Schirwani-Hartl
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Haberl
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Herrmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of London, London, UK
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - J Binder
- Department of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Hong J, Crawford K, Cavanagh E, da Silva Costa F, Kumar S. Placental growth factor and fetoplacental Doppler indices in combination predict preterm birth reliably in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:635-643. [PMID: 37820083 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between placental biomarkers (placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/PlGF ratio) and fetoplacental Doppler indices (umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) and uterine artery (UtA) PI) in various combinations for predicting preterm birth (PTB) in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS This was a prospective observational cohort study, performed at Mater Mother's Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, from May 2022 to June 2023, of pregnancies complicated by FGR and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) pregnancies. Maternal serum PlGF levels, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, UA-PI and UtA-PI were measured at 2-4-weekly intervals from recruitment until delivery. Harrell's concordance statistic (Harrell's C) was used to evaluate multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models featuring various combinations of placental biomarkers and fetoplacental Doppler indices to ascertain the best combination to predict PTB (< 37 weeks). Multivariable Cox regression models were used with biomarkers as time-varying covariates. RESULTS The study cohort included 320 singleton pregnancies, comprising 179 (55.9%) affected by FGR, defined according to a Delphi consensus, and 141 (44.1%) with an AGA fetus. In the FGR cohort, both low PlGF levels and elevated sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were associated with significantly shorter time to PTB. Low PlGF was a better predictor of PTB than was either sFlt-1/PlGF ratio or a combination of PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (Harrell's C, 0.81, 0.78 and 0.79, respectively). Although both Doppler indices were significantly associated with time to PTB, in combination they were better predictors of PTB than was either UA-PI > 95th centile or UtA-PI > 95th centile alone (Harrell's C, 0.82, 0.75 and 0.76, respectively). Predictive utility for PTB was best when PlGF < 100 ng/L, UA-PI > 95th centile and UtA-PI > 95th centile were combined (Harrell's C, 0.88) (hazard ratio, 32.99; 95% CI, 10.74-101.32). CONCLUSIONS Low maternal serum PlGF level (< 100 ng/L) and abnormal fetoplacental Doppler indices (UA-PI > 95th centile and UtA-PI > 95th centile) in combination have the greatest predictive utility for PTB in pregnancies complicated by FGR. Their assessment may help guide clinical management of these complex pregnancies. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hong
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - K Crawford
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - E Cavanagh
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - F da Silva Costa
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University and Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Papastefanou I, Nobile Recalde A, Silva Souza Y, Syngelaki A, Nicolaides KH. Evaluation of angiogenic factors in prediction of growth-related neonatal morbidity at term and comparison with competing-risks model. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:457-465. [PMID: 37963283 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES First, to describe the distribution of biomarkers of impaired placentation in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) pregnancies with neonatal morbidity; second, to examine the predictive performance for growth-related neonatal morbidity of a high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio or low PlGF; and, third, to compare the performance of a high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF with that of the competing-risks model for SGA in predicting growth-related neonatal morbidity. METHODS This was a prospective observational study of women attending for a routine hospital visit at 35 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks' gestation in two maternity hospitals in England. The visit included recording of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history, an ultrasound scan and measurement of serum PlGF and sFlt-1. The primary outcome was delivery within 4 weeks after assessment and at < 42 weeks' gestation of a SGA neonate with birth weight < 10th or < 3rd percentile, combined with neonatal unit (NNU) admission for ≥ 48 h or a composite of major neonatal morbidity. The detection rates in screening by PlGF < 10th percentile, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 90th percentile, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38 and the competing-risks model for SGA, using combinations of maternal risk factors and Z-scores of estimated fetal weight (EFW) with multiples of the median values of uterine artery pulsatility index, PlGF and sFlt-1, were estimated. The detection rates by the different methods of screening were compared using McNemar's test. RESULTS In the study population of 29 035 women, prediction of growth-related neonatal morbidity at term provided by the competing-risks model was superior to that of screening by low PlGF concentration or a high sFlt-1/PlGF concentration ratio. For example, at a screen-positive rate (SPR) of 13.1%, as defined by the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38, the competing-risks model using maternal risk factors and EFW predicted 77.5% (95% CI, 71.7-83.3%) of SGA < 10th percentile and 89.3% (95% CI, 83.7-94.8%) of SGA < 3rd percentile with NNU admission for ≥ 48 h delivered within 4 weeks after assessment. The respective values for SGA with major neonatal morbidity were 71.4% (95% CI, 56.5-86.4%) and 90.0% (95% CI, 76.9-100%). These were significantly higher than the respective values of 41.0% (95% CI, 34.2-47.8%) (P < 0.0001), 48.8% (95% CI, 39.9-57.7%) (P < 0.0001), 37.1% (95% CI, 21.1-53.2%) (P = 0.003) and 55.0% (95% CI, 33.2-76.8%) (P = 0.035) achieved by the application of the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio > 38. At a SPR of 10.0%, as defined by PlGF < 10th percentile, the competing-risks model using maternal factors and EFW predicted 71.5% (95% CI, 65.2-77.8%) of SGA < 10th percentile and 84.3% (95% CI, 77.8-90.8%) of SGA < 3rd percentile with NNU admission for ≥ 48 h delivered within 4 weeks after assessment. The respective values for SGA with major neonatal morbidity were 68.6% (95% CI, 53.1-83.9%) and 85.0% (95% CI, 69.4-100%). These were significantly higher than the respective values of 36.5% (95% CI, 29.8-43.2%) (P < 0.0001), 46.3% (95% CI, 37.4-55.2%) (P < 0.0001), 37.1% (95% CI, 21.1-53.2%) (P = 0.003) and 55.0% (95% CI, 33.2-76.8%) (P = 0.021) achieved by the application of PlGF < 10th percentile. CONCLUSION At 36 weeks' gestation, the prediction of growth-related neonatal morbidity by the competing-risks model for SGA, using maternal risk factors and EFW, is superior to that of a high sFlt-1/PlGF ratio or low PlGF. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Papastefanou
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A Nobile Recalde
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Y Silva Souza
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Syngelaki
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - K H Nicolaides
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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8
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Mazarico E, Meler E, Mendoza M, Herraiz I, Llurba E, De Diego R, Comas M, Boada D, González A, Bonacina E, Armengol-Alsina M, Moline E, Hurtado I, Torre N, Gomez-Roig MD, Galindo A, Figueras F. Mortality and severe neurological morbidity in extremely preterm growth-restricted fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 62:788-795. [PMID: 37325877 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a model for the prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in growth-restricted fetuses requiring delivery before 28 weeks in order to provide individualized patient counseling. METHODS This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of singleton pregnancies with antenatal suspicion of fetal growth restriction requiring delivery before 28 weeks' gestation between January 2010 and January 2020 in six tertiary public hospitals in the Barcelona area, Spain. Separate predictive models for mortality only and mortality or severe neurological morbidity were created using logistic regression from variables available antenatally. For each model, predictive performance was evaluated using receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis. Predictive models were validated externally in an additional cohort of growth-restricted fetuses from another public tertiary hospital with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS A total of 110 cases were included. The neonatal mortality rate was 37.3% and, among the survivors, the rate of severe neurological morbidity was 21.7%. The following factors were retained in the multivariate analysis as significant predictors of mortality: magnesium sulfate neuroprotection, gestational age at birth, estimated fetal weight, male sex and Doppler stage. This model had a significantly higher area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared with a model including only gestational age at birth (0.810 (95% CI, 0.730-0.889) vs 0.695 (95% CI, 0.594-0.795); P = 0.016). At a 20% false-positive rate, the model showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 66%, 80% and 66%, respectively. For the prediction of the composite adverse outcome (mortality or severe neurological morbidity), the model included: gestational age at birth, male sex and Doppler stage. This model had a significantly higher AUC compared with a model including only gestational age at birth (0.810 (95% CI, 0.731-0.892) vs 0.689 (95% CI, 0.588-0.799); P = 0.017). At a 20% false-positive rate, the model showed a sensitivity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of 55%, 63% and 74%, respectively. External validation of both models yielded similar AUCs that did not differ significantly from those obtained in the original sample. CONCLUSIONS Estimated fetal weight, fetal sex and Doppler stage can be combined with gestational age to improve the prediction of death or severe neurological sequelae in growth-restricted fetuses requiring delivery before 28 weeks. This approach may be useful for parental counseling and decision-making. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mazarico
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Meler
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Seu Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Mendoza
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Herraiz
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0024, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Llurba
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R De Diego
- Hospital Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - M Comas
- Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (U3PT), Sabadell, Spain
| | - D Boada
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Seu Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A González
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Bonacina
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Armengol-Alsina
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Moline
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I Hurtado
- Hospital Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - N Torre
- Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (U3PT), Sabadell, Spain
| | - M D Gomez-Roig
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Clíniques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0003, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - A Galindo
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto de Investigación Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Primary Care Interventions to Prevent Maternal and Child Chronic Diseases of Perinatal and Developmental Origin Network (RICORS), RD21/0012/0024, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Figueras
- Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Seu Maternitat, BCNatal, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Chaiworapongsa T, Romero R, Gotsch F, Suksai M, Gallo DM, Jung E, Krieger A, Chaemsaithong P, Erez O, Tarca AL. Preeclampsia at term can be classified into 2 clusters with different clinical characteristics and outcomes based on angiogenic biomarkers in maternal blood. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:569.e1-569.e24. [PMID: 36336082 PMCID: PMC10149598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An antiangiogenic state has emerged as a mechanism of disease in preeclampsia. Angiogenic biomarkers are used in the risk assessment of this syndrome, particularly of early disease. The role of an antiangiogenic state in late preeclampsia is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical significance of angiogenic/antiangiogenic factor abnormalities in women with preeclampsia stratified according to gestational age at delivery. STUDY DESIGN Two studies were conducted: (1) a longitudinal nested case-control study comprising women with preeclampsia (n=151) and a control group (n=540); and (2) a case series of patients with preeclampsia (n=452). In patients with preeclampsia, blood was collected at the time of diagnosis. Plasma concentrations of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. An abnormal angiogenic profile was defined as a plasma ratio of placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 expressed as a multiple of the median <10th percentile for gestational age based on values derived from the longitudinal study. The proportion of patients diagnosed with preeclampsia who had an abnormal angiogenic profile was determined in the case-series participants and stratified by gestational age at delivery into early (≤34 weeks), intermediate (34.1-36.9 weeks), and term (≥37 weeks) preeclampsia. The demographics, clinical characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes of women with preeclampsia with and without an abnormal angiogenic profile were compared. RESULTS The prevalence of an abnormal angiogenic profile was higher in preterm than in term preeclampsia (for early, intermediate, and term in the case-control study: 90%, 100%, and 39%; for the case series: 98%, 80%, and 55%, respectively). Women with preeclampsia at term who had an abnormal angiogenic profile were more frequently nulliparous (57% vs 35%), less likely to smoke (14% vs 26%), at greater risk for maternal (14% vs 5%) or neonatal (7% vs 1%) complications, and more often had placental lesions consistent with maternal vascular malperfusion (42% vs 23%; all, P<.05) than those without an abnormal profile. Women with preeclampsia at term who had a normal angiogenic profile had a higher frequency of chronic hypertension (36% vs 21%) and were more likely to have class ≥2 obesity (41% vs 23%) than those with an abnormal profile (both, P<.05). CONCLUSION Patients with early preeclampsia had an abnormal angiogenic profile in virtually all cases, whereas only 50% of women with preeclampsia at term had such abnormalities. The profile of angiogenic biomarkers can be used to classify patients with preeclampsia at term, on the basis of mechanisms of disease, into 2 clusters, which have different demographics, clinical characteristics, and risks of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. These findings provide a simple approach to classify preeclampsia at term and have implications for future clinical care and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI.
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.
| | - Francesca Gotsch
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Manaphat Suksai
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Dahiana M Gallo
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Eunjung Jung
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Arthur Krieger
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI
| | - Piya Chaemsaithong
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Offer Erez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Adi L Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Program for Perinatal Research and Obstetrics, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, and Detroit, MI; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, MI
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10
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Hong J, Kumar S. Circulating biomarkers associated with placental dysfunction and their utility for predicting fetal growth restriction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:579-595. [PMID: 37075762 PMCID: PMC10116344 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) leading to low birth weight (LBW) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Normal placental development involves a series of highly regulated processes involving a multitude of hormones, transcription factors, and cell lineages. Failure to achieve this leads to placental dysfunction and related placental diseases such as pre-clampsia and FGR. Early recognition of at-risk pregnancies is important because careful maternal and fetal surveillance can potentially prevent adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes by judicious pregnancy surveillance and careful timing of birth. Given the association between a variety of circulating maternal biomarkers, adverse pregnancy, and perinatal outcomes, screening tests based on these biomarkers, incorporating maternal characteristics, fetal biophysical or circulatory variables have been developed. However, their clinical utility has yet to be proven. Of the current biomarkers, placental growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 appear to have the most promise for placental dysfunction and predictive utility for FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesrine Hong
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Level 3, Aubigny Place, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
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11
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King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
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