1
|
Benítez Marín MJ, Blanco Elena JA, Marín Clavijo J, Jiménez López J, Lubián López DM, González Mesa E. Neurodevelopment Outcome in Children with Fetal Growth Restriction at Six Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11043. [PMID: 36078758 PMCID: PMC9518559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe neurodevelopment in fetal growth restriction children at the age of six. Secondly, we tried to demonstrate influencing factors that can improve or exacerbate this development, as well as predictive factors that might select a population at risk to assist with early childhood support. METHOD It was a study of 70 children affected with FGR. FGR was based on these definitions: birth weight below the 3rd percentile or birth weight below the 10th percentile with an abnormal hemodynamic Doppler study. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 6 years old by means of Batelle Development Inventory. A global development quotient under a 100 score was considered a neurodevelopment delay. All variables regarding pregnancy care, delivery episode, postpartum, neonatal care, sociodemographic issues, and the need for support in the first years were studied. RESULTS The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 33.14 weeks (standard deviation (SD = 4.31), with 32.9% of early-onset diagnoses. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.61 (SD = 3.21), and the cesarean rate was 64.3%. The average age of the children at the moment of the evaluation was 76.20-month-old (SD = 3.70). The mean global development quotient was 97.28 (SD = 13.97). We were able to record a 57.1% of global development delay. In the cases of cognition, only 17.1% of the children registered a delay. Motor and communication skills were the most frequently affected. We discovered that socioeconomic status was positively related to the global development quotient, as well as both gestational age at delivery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was positively related to the global development quotient. CONCLUSIONS We found a higher neurodevelopment delay rate (57.1%). We could relate a higher gestational age at delivery and a higher MCA percentile with better global neurodevelopment quotients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María José Benítez Marín
- Medicine School, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Blanco Elena
- Medicine School, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- General Surgery Service, Infanta Margarita Hospital, 14940 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Jiménez López
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women’s Diseases and Reproductive Health, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel María Lubián López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Jerez de la Frontera, University of Cadiz, 11407 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Ernesto González Mesa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women’s Diseases and Reproductive Health, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sammallahti S, Tiemeier H, Louwen S, Steegers E, Hillegers M, Jaddoe VWV, White T. Fetal-placental blood flow and neurodevelopment in childhood: population-based neuroimaging study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:245-253. [PMID: 32851732 PMCID: PMC8457176 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal umbilical and cerebral circulations can predict perinatal complications; however, it is unclear if subtle variations in antenatal Doppler measurements are associated with long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. In this study, we examined whether antenatal Doppler measurements of the fetal-placental circulation are associated with cognitive and motor abilities and brain morphology in childhood. METHODS To evaluate differences in long-term sequelae across the continuum of the umbilical and cerebral artery circulations in the general population, we utilized a population-based longitudinal cohort study approach. In women from the Generation R study, we measured second- and third-trimester umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI). Children underwent non-verbal intelligence testing at 4-8 years of age, and at 8-12 years they underwent finger-tapping tests to measure fine motor skills, balance beam tests to measure gross motor skills and brain magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed the relationships between prenatal UA-PI and neurodevelopmental outcome using linear regression. We adjusted for child age and sex, maternal age, education, parity and smoking status. RESULTS The study sample included 2803 pregnancies. Higher third-trimester UA-PI was associated with poorer fine motor performance (0.41 (95% CI, 0.11-0.70) fewer taps on the finger-tapping test per 1 SD higher UA-PI) and gross motor performance (0.64 (95% CI, 0.20-1.08) fewer steps on the balance beam test per 1 SD higher UA-PI). One SD higher third-trimester UA-PI was also associated with 0.65 (95% CI, 0.04-1.25) points lower intelligence quotient; however, unlike the associations with motor abilities, this finding did not persist after correction for multiple testing. Higher second-trimester UA-PI was associated with smaller brain volume (6.1 (95% CI, 1.0-11.3) cm3 reduction per 1 SD higher UA-PI), but the association did not persist after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSION Higher placental vascular resistance may have mild adverse effects on neurodevelopmental outcome at school age. While these effects are subtle at population level, we encourage future research into the role of early circulation in brain development. This information could be used to develop targeted interventions. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Sammallahti
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral SciencesHarvard School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - H. Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Social and Behavioral SciencesHarvard School of Public HealthBostonMAUSA
| | - S. Louwen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of NeuroscienceErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - E. Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - M. Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - V. W. V. Jaddoe
- Department of PediatricsErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - T. White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and PsychologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Delorme P, Kayem G, Lorthe E, Sentilhes L, Zeitlin J, Subtil D, Rozé JC, Vayssière C, Durox M, Ancel PY, Pierrat V, Goffinet F. Neurodevelopment at 2 years and umbilical artery Doppler in cases of very preterm birth after prenatal hypertensive disorder or suspected fetal growth restriction: EPIPAGE-2 prospective population-based cohort study. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2020; 56:557-565. [PMID: 32212388 DOI: 10.1002/uog.22025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between absent or reversed end-diastolic flow (ARED) on umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound and poor neurological outcome at 2 years of age after very preterm birth associated with suspected fetal growth restriction (FGR) or maternal hypertensive disorders. METHODS The study population comprised all very preterm (22-31 completed weeks) singleton pregnancies delivered because of suspected FGR and/or maternal hypertensive disorders that had umbilical artery Doppler and 2-year follow-up available included in EPIPAGE-2, a prospective, nationwide, population-based cohort of preterm births in France in 2011. Univariate and two-level multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of ARED in the umbilical artery, as compared with normal or reduced end-diastolic flow, with severe or moderate neuromotor and/or sensory disability and with an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) score below a threshold. This was defined as a score more than 2 SD below the mean in any of the five domains, at age 2, adjusting for gestational age at delivery. ASQ is used to identify children at risk of developmental delay requiring reinforced follow-up and further evaluation. Descriptive statistics and bivariate tests were weighted according to the duration of the inclusion periods. RESULTS The analysis included 484 children followed up at 2 years of age, for whom prenatal umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound was available. Among them, 8/484 (1.6%) had severe or moderate neuromotor and/or sensory disability, and 156/342 (45.4%) had an ASQ score below the threshold. Compared with normal or reduced end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery (n = 305), ARED (n = 179) was associated with severe or moderate neuromotor and/or sensory disability (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 11.3; 95% CI, 1.4-93.2) but not with an ASQ score below the threshold (adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.9). CONCLUSION Among children delivered before 32 weeks of gestation due to suspected FGR and/or maternal hypertensive disorder who survived until 2 years of age, prenatal ARED in the umbilical artery was associated with a higher incidence of severe or moderate neuromotor and/or sensory disability. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Delorme
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
| | - G Kayem
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, AP-HP, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France
| | - E Lorthe
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Sentilhes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - J Zeitlin
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - D Subtil
- Université de Lille, CHU Lille, Hop Jeanne de Flandre, EA 2694 - Santé Publique: Épidémiologie et Qualité des Soins, Lille, France
| | - J C Rozé
- CHU, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Hôtel-Dieu, Nantes, France
| | - C Vayssière
- UMR 1027 INSERM, Team SPHERE, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- CHU de Toulouse, Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, Toulouse, France
| | - M Durox
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - P Y Ancel
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- URC-CIC P1419, HUPC, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - V Pierrat
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- CHU Lille, Department of Neonatal Medicine, Jeanne de Flandre Hospital, Lille, France
| | - F Goffinet
- INSERM UMR 1153, Obstetrical, Perinatal and Pediatric Epidemiology Research Team (EPOPé), Center for Epidemiology and Statistics Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), FHU PREMA Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AP-HP Cochin Port Royal, FHU PREMA Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Olaya-C M, Vargas W, Martinez RA, Peñaloza IF, Sanchez M, Madariaga I, Aldana S, Bernal JE. Impact of umbilical cord length on fetal circulatory system by Doppler assessment. J Ultrasound 2020; 23:585-592. [PMID: 32654041 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-020-00495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Numerous studies have revealed the impact of umbilical cord (UC) length on fetal perfusion; abundant data implicate abnormal UC length to neurological delay and subsequent poor prognoses for fetuses and newborns. Indeed, our group previously developed theoretical approximations that contributed to formulas capable of explaining the impact of UC length on cardiac output. METHODS We performed an observational study that measured the pulsatility index and flow velocity in umbilical arteries. A special Doppler measured proximal and distal indexes in both arteries. After birth, medical staff measured complete UC length. We obtained maternal and neonatal outcomes from clinical records. RESULTS Our study enrolled 20 pregnant mothers. We found that flow velocities in the two edges were different: fetal edges exhibited greater velocity in the majority of cases; but, when we compared pressure differentials (ΔP), the pulsatility index was significantly related to umbilical cord length. CONCLUSIONS Fetal perfusion, welfare, and viability are related to UC function as the conveyor of all fetal volemia. Excessive UC length affects cardiac dynamics and increases peripheral vascular resistance. Further studies could validate routine use of the differential proximal and distal measurements proposed in this article, and their implications in in utero fetal heart function. We also hope that early diagnosis or UC alterations could alert neonatologists and obstetricians to clinical conditions of the fetus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Olaya-C
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia. .,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia.
| | - William Vargas
- Forensic Physics Group, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Rodolfo Andres Martinez
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ivan Felipe Peñaloza
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Melissa Sanchez
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ithzayana Madariaga
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Sergio Aldana
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia.,Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Kra 7 40-62, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Jaime E Bernal
- Instituto de Genetica Humana, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ylijoki MK, Ekholm E, Ekblad M, Lehtonen L. Prenatal Risk Factors for Adverse Developmental Outcome in Preterm Infants-Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:595. [PMID: 30971974 PMCID: PMC6445261 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Preterm infants are still at an increased risk for suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcomes when compared with term born infants. The development of a child born preterm can be jeopardized by suboptimal conditions during pregnancy, in addition to the suboptimal growth environment postnatally compared to the normal in utero environment. This review summarizes the literature on the role of chorioamnionitis, placental insufficiency, and maternal smoking on the developmental outcomes of preterm infants. Methods: A systematic database search was performed to identify all original articles published on or before September 12, 2018 that evaluated the impact of clinical or histological chorioamnionitis, abnormal prenatal fetal and placental blood flow, and prenatal smoking exposure on the neuropsychological and cognitive outcomes of preterm infants. We identified a total of 54 studies. Thirty five original articles evaluated the effects of clinical or histological chorioamnionitis; 15 studies evaluated the effects of abnormal blood flow patterns; and four studies evaluated the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy. Results: The studies on prenatal risk factors showed conflicting results about the impact on the neurodevelopment of preterm infants. The majority of the studies did not show that chorioamnionitis poses a direct risk to the development of preterm infants. The role of abnormal prenatal placental and fetal blood flow on the development of preterm infants remained inconclusive because the sample sizes were often small and methodological problems complicated the interpretation of the data. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was assessed only in one cohort which showed that maternal smoking is a risk for suboptimal cognitive and neuropsychological development in preterm infants. Conclusions: This review summarizes the data on several prenatal risk factors which play a role in the developmental outcomes of preterm infants. To optimize the developmental outcomes, we need to first optimize the fetal wellbeing before birth. More research that extends from the fetal life to long-term developmental outcomes is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milla K Ylijoki
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Paediatric Neurology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Ekholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mikael Ekblad
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Department of General Practice, Turku University Hospital, Turku University, Turku, Finland
| | - Liisa Lehtonen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gardella B, Iacobone AD, Bogliolo S, Musacchi V, Orcesi S, Tzialla C, Spinillo A. Obstetric risk factors and time trends of neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in very-low-birthweight infants: a single institution study. Dev Med Child Neurol 2015; 57:1035-41. [PMID: 26239047 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the time trends of neonatal survival and infant neurodevelopmental outcome in very-low-birthweight children at 24 months corrected age over a 20-year period. METHOD The study cohort comprised 857 infants (439 males and 418 females) weighing less than 1500g at birth or delivered before 32 weeks gestational age in the period 1989 to 2008. Neurological examination and cognitive assessment of the infants (Bayley Scales of Infant Development and Griffiths Mental Developmental Scale) were performed at 24 months corrected age. RESULTS The prevalence of neonatal survival with normal neurodevelopmental outcome increased from 55.3% (104/188) in 1989 to 1993, to 61.4% in 1994-1998 (116/189), 68.3% in 1999 to 2003 (138/202), and 84.5% in 2004 to 2008 (235/278) (annual increase=1%, 95% CI 2.1-4.1; p<0.001). In logistic models, the increase in the rate of normal neurodevelopmental outcome during the periods studied was consistent across the categories of birthweight (≤1000g as opposed to >1000g), gestational age (≤28wks as opposed to >28wks), and clinical characteristics (pre-eclampsia/growth restriction as opposed to spontaneous prematurity/rupture of membranes). INTERPRETATION The increased rate of normal neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years among very-low-birthweight infants is independent of obstetric risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gardella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Daniela Iacobone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bogliolo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Musacchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS C Mondino, National Institute of Neurology Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Chryssoulla Tzialla
- Division of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Arsenio Spinillo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Su EJ. Role of the fetoplacental endothelium in fetal growth restriction with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 213:S123-30. [PMID: 26428491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Growth-restricted fetuses with absent or reversed end-diastolic velocities in the umbilical artery are at substantially increased risk for adverse perinatal and long-term outcome, even in comparison to growth-restricted fetuses with preserved end-diastolic velocities. Translational studies show that this Doppler velocimetry correlates with fetoplacental blood flow, with absent or reversed end-diastolic velocities signifying abnormally elevated resistance within the placental vasculature. The fetoplacental vasculature is unique in that it is not subject to autonomic regulation, unlike other vascular beds. Instead, humoral mediators, many of which are synthesized by local endothelial cells, regulate placental vascular resistance. Existing data demonstrate that in growth-restricted pregnancies complicated by absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities, an imbalance in production of these vasoactive substances occurs, favoring vasoconstriction. Morphologically, placentas from these pregnancies also demonstrate impaired angiogenesis, whereby vessels within the terminal villi are sparsely branched, abnormally thin, and elongated. This structural deviation from normal placental angiogenesis restricts blood flow and further contributes to elevated fetoplacental vascular resistance. Although considerable work has been done in the field of fetoplacental vascular development and function, much remains unknown about the mechanisms underlying impaired development and function of the human fetoplacental vasculature, especially in the context of severe fetal growth restriction with absent or reversed umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities. Fetoplacental endothelial cells are key regulators of angiogenesis and vasomotor tone. A thorough understanding of their role in placental vascular biology carries the significant potential of discovering clinically relevant and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment of fetal growth restriction with compromised umbilical artery end-diastolic velocities.
Collapse
|
8
|
Veerbeek JHW, Nikkels PGJ, Torrance HL, Gravesteijn J, Post Uiterweer ED, Derks JB, Koenen SV, Visser GHA, Van Rijn BB, Franx A. Placental pathology in early intrauterine growth restriction associated with maternal hypertension. Placenta 2014; 35:696-701. [PMID: 25052232 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.06.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To identify key pathological characteristics of placentas from pregnancies complicated by early intrauterine growth restriction, and to examine their relations with maternal hypertensive disease and umbilical artery Doppler waveform abnormalities. METHODS Single-center retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler flow patterns resulting in a live birth <34 weeks of a baby with a weight <10th percentile for gestational age. Umbilical artery end diastolic flow was classified as being either present or absent/reversed (AREDF). Data were stratified into intrauterine growth restriction with or without hypertensive disease and pathological characteristics were compared between these various conditions according to predefined scoring criteria. RESULTS Among 164 placentas studied, we found high rates of characteristic histopathological features that were associated with intrauterine growth restriction, including infarction (>5% in 42%), chronic villitis (21%), chronic chorioamnionitis (36%), membrane necrosis (20%), elevated nucleated red blood cells (89%), increased syncytial knotting (93%), increased villous maturation (98%), fetal thrombosis (32%) and distal villous hypoplasia (35%). Chronic inflammation of fetal membranes and syncytial knotting were more common in women with concomitant hypertensive disease as compared to women with normotensive IUGR (p < 0.05). Placentas from women with umbilical artery AREDF were more likely to show increased numbers of nucleated red blood cells and distal villous hypoplasia (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION Placentas of women with early IUGR show high rates of several histological aberrations. Further, concomitant maternal hypertension is associated with characteristic inflammatory changes and umbilical artery AREDF with signs of chronic hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J H W Veerbeek
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands.
| | - P G J Nikkels
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Pathology, The Netherlands
| | - H L Torrance
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - J Gravesteijn
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - E D Post Uiterweer
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - J B Derks
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - S V Koenen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - G H A Visser
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| | - B B Van Rijn
- University of Southampton, Academic Unit of Human Development and Health, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - A Franx
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Perinatology, Department of Obstetrics, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|