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Birgisdottir BT, Hulthén Varli I, Saltvedt S, Lu K, Abtahi F, Åden U, Holzmann M. Short-term variation of the fetal heart rate as a marker of intraamniotic infection in pregnancies with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: a historical cohort study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2024; 37:2345855. [PMID: 38679588 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2024.2345855] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intraamniotic infection (IAI) and subsequent early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) are among the main complications associated with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Currently used diagnostic tools have been shown to have poor diagnostic performance for IAI. This study aimed to investigate whether the exposure to IAI before delivery is associated with short-term variation of the fetal heart rate in pregnancies with PPROM. METHODS Observational cohort study of 678 pregnancies with PPROM, delivering between 24 + 0 and 33 + 6 gestational weeks from 2012 to 2019 in five labor units in Stockholm County, Sweden. Electronic medical records were examined to obtain background and exposure data. For the exposure IAI, we used the later diagnosis of EONS in the offspring as a proxy. EONS is strongly associated to IAI and was considered a better proxy for IAI than the histological diagnosis of acute chorioamnionitis, since acute chorioamnionitis can be observed in the absence of both positive microbiology and biochemical markers for inflammation. Cardiotocography traces were analyzed by a computerized algorithm for short-term variation of the fetal heart rate, which was the main outcome measure. RESULTS Twenty-seven pregnancies were categorized as having an IAI, based on the proxy diagnosis of EONS after birth. Fetuses exposed to IAI had significantly lower short-term variation values in the last cardiotocography trace before birth than fetuses who were not exposed (5.25 vs 6.62 ms; unadjusted difference: -1.37, p = 0.009). After adjustment for smoking and diabetes, this difference remained significant. IAI with a later positive blood culture in the neonate (n = 12) showed an even larger absolute difference in STV (-1.65; p = 0.034), with a relative decrease of 23.5%. CONCLUSION In pregnancies with PPROM, fetuses exposed to IAI with EONS as a proxy have lower short-term variation of the fetal heart rate than fetuses who are not exposed. Short-term variation might be useful as adjunct surveillance in pregnancies with PPROM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynhildur Tinna Birgisdottir
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's Health, Division of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingela Hulthén Varli
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's Health, Division of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sissel Saltvedt
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's Health, Division of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ke Lu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Ergonomics, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Åden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Holzmann
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's Health, Division of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Tournier A, Beacom M, Westgate JA, Bennet L, Garabedian C, Ugwumadu A, Gunn AJ, Lear CA. Physiological control of fetal heart rate variability during labour: Implications and controversies. J Physiol 2021; 600:431-450. [PMID: 34951476 DOI: 10.1113/jp282276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The interpretation of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns is the only available method to continuously monitor fetal wellbeing during labour. One of the most important yet contentious aspects of the FHR pattern is changes in FHR variability (FHRV). Some clinical studies suggest that loss of FHRV during labour is a sign of fetal compromise so this is reflected in practice guidelines. Surprisingly, there is little systematic evidence to support this observation. In this review we methodically dissect the potential pathways controlling FHRV during labour-like hypoxaemia. Before labour, FHRV is controlled by the combined activity of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, in part regulated by a complex interplay between fetal sleep state and behaviour. By contrast, preclinical studies using multiple autonomic blockades have now shown that sympathetic neural control of FHRV was potently suppressed between periods of labour-like hypoxaemia, and thus, that the parasympathetic system is the sole neural regulator of FHRV once FHR decelerations are present during labour. We further discuss the pattern of changes in FHRV during progressive fetal compromise and highlight potential biochemical, behavioural and clinical factors that may regulate parasympathetic-mediated FHRV during labour. Further studies are needed to investigate the regulators of parasympathetic activity to better understand the dynamic changes in FHRV and their true utility during labour. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexane Tournier
- Department of Obstetrics, Universite de Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS, Lille, F 59000, France
| | - Michael Beacom
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny A Westgate
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charles Garabedian
- Department of Obstetrics, Universite de Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS, Lille, F 59000, France
| | - Austin Ugwumadu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's Hospital, St George's University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Alistair J Gunn
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christopher A Lear
- The Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Henry A, Mahajan A, Crowther CA, Lainchbury A, Roberts L, Shand AW, Welsh AW. Short-Term Effects of Dexamethasone versus Betamethasone on Ultrasonic Measures of Fetal Well-Being: Cohort from a Blinded, Randomized Trial. Fetal Diagn Ther 2021; 48:526-540. [PMID: 34350865 DOI: 10.1159/000517623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal corticosteroid administration for anticipated preterm birth is common; however, the corticosteroid effect on fetal ultrasound and cardiotocograph (CTG) remains contested. This study aimed to evaluate short-term ultrasound and CTG impact of (a) dexamethasone versus betamethasone (b) pooled corticosteroid effect. METHODS Substudy of blinded randomized trial of dexamethasone versus betamethasone (given <34 weeks). Umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV), and uterine artery Doppler, myocardial performance index (MPI), biophysical profile (BPP), and CTG measured pre-corticosteroid then 1, 2, 4, and 7 days post-corticosteroid. RESULTS Of 47 fetuses (39 singleton; 4 dichorionic, diamniotic twins; and 4 monochorionic, diamniotic twins) in the February 2012-2013 period, 24 received dexamethasone and 23 betamethasone at average gestation 29.8 ± 2.9 weeks. Thirteen pregnancies (30%) had pre-corticosteroid fetal concerns (estimated weight <10th centile and/or abnormal UA/MCA Doppler). Few significant differences were seen post-corticosteroid: DV pulsatility index and right MPI initially decreased 15-20%, and average BPP decreased slightly on days 1-2. There were no major differential effects of dexamethasone versus betamethasone. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION No substantive post-corticosteroid effects were seen for most ultrasound/CTG measures in fetuses with heightened preterm birth risk but predominantly normal pre-corticosteroid measures. Clinically, this suggests avoiding overreliance on individual measures for delivery decisions post-corticosteroid; equally, multiple/marked ultrasound changes suggest true pathology and not corticosteroid effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Henry
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, St. George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aditi Mahajan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Anne Lainchbury
- Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynne Roberts
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, St. George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,St. George and Sutherland Clinical School, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonia W Shand
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Child Population and Translational Health Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alec W Welsh
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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4
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Antonelli MC, Frasch MG, Rumi M, Sharma R, Zimmermann P, Molinet MS, Lobmaier SM. Early Biomarkers and Intervention Programs for the Infant Exposed to Prenatal Stress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:94-106. [PMID: 33550974 PMCID: PMC9199558 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210125150955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional development of affective and reward circuits, cognition and response inhibition later in life exhibits vulnerability periods during gestation and early childhood. Extensive evidence supports the model that exposure to stressors in the gestational period and early postnatal life increases an individual's susceptibility to future impairments of functional development. Recent versions of this model integrate epigenetic mechanisms of the developmental response. Their understanding will guide the future treatment of the associated neuropsychiatric disorders. A combination of non-invasively obtainable physiological signals and epigenetic biomarkers related to the principal systems of the stress response, the Hypothalamic-Pituitary axis (HPA) and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), are emerging as the key predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes. Such electrophysiological and epigenetic biomarkers can prove to timely identify children benefiting most from early intervention programs. Such programs should ameliorate future disorders in otherwise healthy children. The recently developed Early Family-Centered Intervention Programs aim to influence the care and stimuli provided daily by the family and improving parent/child attachment, a key element for healthy socio-emotional adult life. Although frequently underestimated, such biomarker-guided early intervention strategy represents a crucial first step in the prevention of future neuropsychiatric problems and in reducing their personal and societal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires. Argentina
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. United States
| | - Mercedes Rumi
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires. Argentina
| | - Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Maria Sol Molinet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
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Noben L, Verdurmen KMJ, Warmerdam GJJ, Vullings R, Oei SG, van Laar JOEH. The fetal electrocardiogram to detect the effects of betamethasone on fetal heart rate variability. Early Hum Dev 2019; 130:57-64. [PMID: 30677639 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betamethasone is widely used to enhance fetal lung maturation in case of threatened preterm birth. Antenatal corticosteroids are known to reduce fetal heart rate variability (fHRV) in the days following administration. Since decreased fHRV is a marker for fetal distress, this transient decrease of fHRV can cause unnecessary medical intervention. AIM To describe the effect of betamethasone on fHRV, by applying spectral analysis on non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) recordings. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS Women with a singleton pregnancy, at risk for preterm delivery and receiving betamethasone, admitted to the obstetric high care unit in the period from March 2013 until July 2016. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was fHRV in both time- and frequency-domain. Secondary outcome measures included basal fetal heart rate (fHR) and fHR variance. FHRV parameters were then calculated separately for the quiet and active state. RESULTS Following 68 inclusions, 22 patients remained with complete series of measurements and sufficient data quality. FHRV parameters and fHR showed a decrease on day 2 compared to day 1, significant for short-term variability and high-frequency power. Similar results were found when analyzing for separate behavioral states. The number of segments in quiet state increased during days 1 and 2. Normalized values showed no difference for all behavioral states. CONCLUSION FHRV decreases on day 2 after betamethasone administration, while periods of fetal quiescence increase. No changes were found in the normalized values, indicating that the influence of autonomic modulation is minor. Clinical trial registration number NL43294.015.13.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Noben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands; Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
| | - K M J Verdurmen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands; Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - G J J Warmerdam
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - R Vullings
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - S G Oei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - J O E H van Laar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maxima Medical Center, Veldhoven, the Netherlands; Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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6
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Elwany E, Omar S, Ahmed A, Heba G, Atef D. Antenatal dexamethasone effect on Doppler blood flow velocity in women at risk for preterm birth: prospective case series. Afr Health Sci 2018; 18:596-600. [PMID: 30602992 PMCID: PMC6307019 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v18i3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal administration of corticosteroids is essential to improve fetal lung surfactant production and hasten the fetal lung maturity in women at risk for preterm birth. Objectives The current study aims to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental circulation in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth after 24 hours of its administration. Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary University Hospital and included 52 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies. Doppler studies were performed on maternal uterine arteries, umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) and fetal descending aorta and just before dexamethasone administration and repeated 24 hours after completion of the course. Results There was a statistically significant difference between all Doppler indices in the umbilical artery (PI= 1.09±0.4 and 1.05±0.39, RI= 0.66±0.14 and 0.63±0.14; p=0.001), fetal MCA (RI= 0.86±0.12 and 0.83±0.13, PI= 2.19±0.72 and 2.15±0.72; p=0.001) and aorta (RI= 0.9±0.55 and 0.87±0.55; p=0.001, PI= 1.91±0.44 and 1.89±0.44; p=0.040) in comparison before and 24 hours after maternal dexamethasone administration respectively. Also uterine artery PI was significantly different (0.9±0.27 and 0.87±0.26; p=0.001). Conclusion Antenatal dexamethasone for women at risk of preterm birth improves the fetal and uteroplacental blood flow at 24 hours after its administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsnosy Elwany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shaaban Omar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abbas Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Gaber Heba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Darwish Atef
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Woman's Health Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Hayat TTA, Rutherford MA. Neuroimaging perspectives on fetal motor behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:390-401. [PMID: 29886176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We are entering a new era of understanding human development with the ability to perform studies at the earliest time points possible. There is a substantial body of evidence to support the concept that early motor behaviour originates from supraspinal motor centres, reflects neurological integrity, and that altered patterns of behaviour precede clinical manifestation of disease. Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging (cineMRI) has established its value as a novel method to visualise motor behaviour in the human fetus, building on the wealth of knowledge gleaned from ultrasound based studies. This paper presents a state of the art review incorporating findings from human and preclinical models, the insights from which, we propose, can proceed a reconceptualisation of fetal motor behaviour using advanced imaging techniques. Foremost is the need to better understand the role of the intrauterine environment, and its inherent unique set of stimuli that activate sensorimotor pathways and shape early brain development. Finally, an improved model of early motor development, combined with multimodal imaging, will provide a novel source of in utero biomarkers predictive of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyib T A Hayat
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Perinatal Imaging & Health, Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering Division, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroids remain one of the crucial interventions in those at risk for imminent preterm birth. Therapeutic benefits include reducing major complications of prematurity such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as an overall decrease in neonatal deaths. Optimal reductions in neonatal morbidity and mortality require a thoughtful review of the timing of administration. In addition, a thorough understanding is required of which patients maximally benefit from this intervention in the management and counseling of those at risk for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney A Booker
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH 16-66, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH 16-66, New York, NY 10032, USA
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9
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Frasch MG, Lobmaier SM, Stampalija T, Desplats P, Pallarés ME, Pastor V, Brocco MA, Wu HT, Schulkin J, Herry CL, Seely AJE, Metz GAS, Louzoun Y, Antonelli MC. Non-invasive biomarkers of fetal brain development reflecting prenatal stress: An integrative multi-scale multi-species perspective on data collection and analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 117:165-183. [PMID: 29859198 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) impacts early postnatal behavioural and cognitive development. This process of 'fetal programming' is mediated by the effects of the prenatal experience on the developing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). We derive a multi-scale multi-species approach to devising preclinical and clinical studies to identify early non-invasively available pre- and postnatal biomarkers of PS. The multiple scales include brain epigenome, metabolome, microbiome and the ANS activity gauged via an array of advanced non-invasively obtainable properties of fetal heart rate fluctuations. The proposed framework has the potential to reveal mechanistic links between maternal stress during pregnancy and changes across these physiological scales. Such biomarkers may hence be useful as early and non-invasive predictors of neurodevelopmental trajectories influenced by the PS as well as follow-up indicators of success of therapeutic interventions to correct such altered neurodevelopmental trajectories. PS studies must be conducted on multiple scales derived from concerted observations in multiple animal models and human cohorts performed in an interactive and iterative manner and deploying machine learning for data synthesis, identification and validation of the best non-invasive detection and follow-up biomarkers, a prerequisite for designing effective therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Stampalija
- Unit of Fetal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, Institute for Mother and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paula Desplats
- University of California, Departments of Neurosciences and Pathology, San Diego, USA
| | - María Eugenia Pallarés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Pastor
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela A Brocco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas - Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | | | | | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yoram Louzoun
- Bar-Ilan University, Department of Applied Mathematics, Israel
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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The influence of betamethasone on fetal heart rate variability, obtained by non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram recordings. Early Hum Dev 2018; 119:8-14. [PMID: 29505915 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2018.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Betamethasone is widely used to enhance fetal lung maturation in case of threatened preterm labour. Fetal heart rate variability is one of the most important parameters to assess in fetal monitoring, since it is a reliable indicator for fetal distress. AIM To describe the effect of betamethasone on fetal heart rate variability, by applying spectral analysis on non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram recordings. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS Patients that require betamethasone, with a gestational age from 24 weeks onwards. OUTCOME MEASURES Fetal heart rate variability parameters on day 1, 2, and 3 after betamethasone administration are compared to a reference measurement. RESULTS Following 68 inclusions, 12 patients remained with complete series of measurements and sufficient data quality. During day 1, an increase in absolute fetal heart rate variability values was seen. During day 2, a decrease in these values was seen. All trends indicate to return to pre-medication values on day 3. Normalised high- and low-frequency power show little changes during the study period. CONCLUSIONS The changes in fetal heart rate variability following betamethasone administration show the same pattern when calculated by spectral analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram, as when calculated by cardiotocography. Since normalised spectral values show little changes, the influence of autonomic modulation seems minor.
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11
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Frasch MG, Baier CJ, Antonelli MC, Metz GAS. Perinatal Psychoneuroimmunology: Protocols for the Study of Prenatal Stress and Its Effects on Fetal and Postnatal Brain Development. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1781:353-376. [PMID: 29705857 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7828-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) impacts early behavioral, neuroimmune, and cognitive development. Pregnant rat models have been very valuable in examining the mechanisms of such fetal programming. A newer pregnant sheep model of maternal stress offers the unique advantages of chronic in utero monitoring and manipulation. This chapter presents the techniques used to model single and multigenerational stress exposures and their pleiotropic effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Carlos J Baier
- Departamento de Biología, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Bahía Blanca (INIBIBB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Bioquímica y Farmacia (DBByF), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. Eduardo De Robertis", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Department of Neuroscience, Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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12
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Ghi T, Dall'Asta A, Saccone G, Bellussi F, Frusca T, Martinelli P, Pilu G, Rizzo N. Reduced short-term variation following antenatal administration of betamethasone: Is reduced fetal size a predisposing factor? Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 216:74-78. [PMID: 28735176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between fetal size and the incidence of reduced short-term variability (STV) following bethametasone administration for fetal lung maturity. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study conducted in two Tertiary University Units. Only uncomplicated singleton pregnancies admitted for threatened preterm labor between 26 and 34 weeks and submitted to betamethasone for fetal lung maturity were included. Delivery occurring within 72h from betamethasone administration represented criteria for exclusion. Computerized cardiotocography was carried out on a daily basis. Cases were identified by persistently reduced STV, defined as <5th percentile for gestational age and lasting for at least 72h after the first dose of betamethasone. The primary outcome was estimated fetal weight (EFW) at ultrasound in fetuses with normal and in those with persistently reduced STV. Pregnancy outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS Persistently reduced STV occurred in 33/405 of the included patients (8.1%). Compared to women with normal STV, those with persistently reduced STV had significantly lower EFW (1472±435 vs 1812±532g, p 0.04), lower birthweight (2353±635 vs 2857±796g, p<0.01) and earlier gestational age at delivery (35.1±4.2 vs 37.3±2.4weeks, p<0.01), whereas all the other variables including gestational age on admission were comparable. CONCLUSIONS Reduced STV following maternal betamethasone administration among appropriately grown fetuses seems to correlate with lower fetal size. Furthermore, fetuses with such abnormal response to steroids seem to carry a higher risk of perinatal complications, including lower birthweight and earlier gestational age at delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tullio Ghi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Dall'Asta
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Bellussi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tiziana Frusca
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pasquale Martinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Pilu
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Rizzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Knaven O, Ganzevoort W, de Boer M, Wolf H. Fetal heart rate variation after corticosteroids for fetal maturation. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 216:38-45. [PMID: 28715659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several studies report a decrease of fetal heart rate (FHR) short-term variation (STV) after corticosteroids for improvement of fetal maturity and advice not to deliver a fetus for low STV within 2-3days after corticosteroids. However, literature is not unanimous in this respect. This study intends to asses STV longitudinally after corticosteroid administration. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary perinatal centre from 2009 to 2015 included all women who had been treated with corticosteroids at gestational age of 26-34 weeks, had a computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) before and after medication and did not deliver within 48h. FHR and STV were stratified over 12-h periods and compared before and after corticosteroids. Women with imminent preterm labour (including PPROM) and women with placental problems (fetal growth restriction (FGR) or preeclampsia) (PE) were analysed separately. The effect of co-medication and gestational age was assessed. RESULTS The study included 406 women, 211 with imminent preterm labour, 195 with FGR-PE. After corticosteroids STV increased 1-2ms (median 1.4; IQR 0.1-3.1) during the first 36h after start of corticosteroids. Thereafter a small decrease of less than 1ms (median -0,6; IQR -1.6 to 0.3) compared to before CC was seen. CONCLUSIONS The most conspicuous effect of corticosteroids is a short term increase of STV and decrease of FHR. A slight decrease after 48-71h is possible, but abnormally low values should be considered as a sign of fetal distress. The clinical guidance, given by some, not to intervene because of a low STV after corticosteroids appears invalid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Knaven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 22660, 1100DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 22660, 1100DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjon de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, VU Medical Centre, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Wolf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Centre, PO Box 22660, 1100DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Weyrich J, Setter A, Müller A, Schmidt G, Brambs CE, Ortiz JU, Lobmaier SM. Longitudinal progression of fetal short-term variation and average acceleration and deceleration capacity after antenatal maternal betamethasone application. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 212:85-90. [PMID: 28342395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of maternal betamethasone given for fetal lung maturation on fetal short-term variation (STV) and average acceleration and deceleration capacity (AAC/ADC). Both of these factors are calculated by phase-rectified signal averaging (PRSA) and represent new parameters to assess the fetal autonomic nervous system. STUDY DESIGN A longitudinal prospective study including 26 pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery was performed. Two injections of 12mg betamethasone were administered intramuscularly at a 24h interval for lung maturation. Cardiotocography recordings were performed at defined time intervals: day 0 (before the first injection) and days 1, 2, 4 after the first corticosteroid administration. AAC/ADC and STV were calculated. RESULTS An increase of all parameters (STV, AAC and ADC) was documented between day 0 and day 1. Between day 1 and day 2, all three indices were significantly reduced (p<0.05). STV declined by 19.8%, AAC by 10.1% and ADC by 14.8%. A normalization of these values was seen after 96h. CONCLUSION Similar to STV, AAC/ADC shows significant changes after maternal betamethasone administration. The corticosteroid-induced transient decrease of the levels needs to be taken into account in the assessment of the fetal status to avoid misinterpretation of these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Weyrich
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Anna Setter
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Department of Neurology, Klinikum Leverkusen, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Schmidt
- I. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine E Brambs
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Javier U Ortiz
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Elsnosy E, Shaaban OM, Abbas AM, Gaber HH, Darwish A. Effects of antenatal dexamethasone administration on fetal and uteroplacental Doppler waveforms in women at risk for spontaneous preterm birth. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Schmitz T. Prévention des complications de la prématurité par l’administration anténatale de corticoïdes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 45:1399-1417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Lobmaier SM, Mensing van Charante N, Ferrazzi E, Giussani DA, Shaw CJ, Müller A, Ortiz JU, Ostermayer E, Haller B, Prefumo F, Frusca T, Hecher K, Arabin B, Thilaganathan B, Papageorghiou AT, Bhide A, Martinelli P, Duvekot JJ, van Eyck J, Visser GH, Schmidt G, Ganzevoort W, Lees CC, Schneider KT, Bilardo CM, Brezinka C, Diemert A, Derks JB, Schlembach D, Todros T, Valcamonico A, Marlow N, van Wassenaer-Leemhuis A. Phase-rectified signal averaging method to predict perinatal outcome in infants with very preterm fetal growth restriction- a secondary analysis of TRUFFLE-trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:630.e1-630.e7. [PMID: 27343566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phase-rectified signal averaging, an innovative signal processing technique, can be used to investigate quasi-periodic oscillations in noisy, nonstationary signals that are obtained from fetal heart rate. Phase-rectified signal averaging is currently the best method to predict survival after myocardial infarction in adult cardiology. Application of this method to fetal medicine has established significantly better identification than with short-term variation by computerized cardiotocography of growth-restricted fetuses. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the longitudinal progression of phase-rectified signal averaging indices in severely growth-restricted human fetuses and the prognostic accuracy of the technique in relation to perinatal and neurologic outcome. STUDY DESIGN Raw data from cardiotocography monitoring of 279 human fetuses were obtained from 8 centers that took part in the multicenter European "TRUFFLE" trial on optimal timing of delivery in fetal growth restriction. Average acceleration and deceleration capacities were calculated by phase-rectified signal averaging to establish progression from 5 days to 1 day before delivery and were compared with short-term variation progression. The receiver operating characteristic curves of average acceleration and deceleration capacities and short-term variation were calculated and compared between techniques for short- and intermediate-term outcome. RESULTS Average acceleration and deceleration capacities and short-term variation showed a progressive decrease in their diagnostic indices of fetal health from the first examination 5 days before delivery to 1 day before delivery. However, this decrease was significant 3 days before delivery for average acceleration and deceleration capacities, but 2 days before delivery for short-term variation. Compared with analysis of changes in short-term variation, analysis of (delta) average acceleration and deceleration capacities better predicted values of Apgar scores <7 and antenatal death (area under the curve for prediction of antenatal death: delta average acceleration capacity, 0.62 [confidence interval, 0.19-1.0]; delta short-term variation, 0.54 [confidence interval, 0.13-0.97]; P=.006; area under the curve for prediction Apgar <7: average deceleration capacity <24 hours before delivery, 0.64 [confidence interval, 0.52-0.76]; short-term variation <24 hours before delivery, 0.53 [confidence interval, 0.40-0.65]; P=.015). Neither phase-rectified signal averaging indices nor short-term variation showed predictive power for developmental disability at 2 years of age (Bayley developmental quotient, <95 or <85). CONCLUSION The phase-rectified signal averaging method seems to be at least as good as short-term variation to monitor progressive deterioration of severely growth-restricted fetuses. Our findings suggest that for short-term outcomes such as Apgar score, phase-rectified signal averaging indices could be an even better test than short-term variation. Overall, our findings confirm the possible value of prospective trials based on phase-rectified signal averaging indices of autonomic nervous system of severely growth-restricted fetuses.
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Derks JB, Giussani DA, Van Dam LM, Jenkins SL, Winter JA, Zhao XF, Hammond GL, Nathanielsz PW. Differential Effects of Betamethasone and Dexamethasone Fetal Administration of Parturition in Sheep. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155769600300607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Laboratory for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; London Regional Cancer Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
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Kurjak A, Kupesic S, Kos M. Three-Dimensional Sonography for Assessment of Morphology and Vascularization of the Fetus and Placenta. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760200900403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Kurjak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Sveti Duh 64, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - M. Kos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School University of Zagreb, Sveti Duh Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
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Namdar Ahmadabad H, Kayvan Jafari S, Nezafat Firizi M, Abbaspour AR, Ghafoori Gharib F, Ghobadi Y, Gholizadeh S. Pregnancy outcomes following the administration of high doses of dexamethasone in early pregnancy. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:15-25. [PMID: 27104153 PMCID: PMC4838577 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.1.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of high doses of dexamethasone (DEX) in early pregnancy on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS Pregnant BALB/c mice were treated with high-dose DEX in the experimental group or saline in the control group on gestational days (GDs) 0.5 to 4.5. Pregnant mice were sacrificed on GDs 7.5, 13.5, or 18.5 and their peripheral blood, placentas, fetuses, and uterine tissue were collected. Decidual and placenta cell supernatants were examined to evaluate the effect of DEX on the proliferation of mononuclear cells, the quantity of uterine macrophages and uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, and levels of progesterone and 17β-estradiol, as determined by an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also were measured fetal and placental growth parameters on GD 18.5. RESULTS We found that high doses of DEX were associated with an increased abortion rate, enhancement of the immunosuppressive effect of the decidua, alterations in placental growth parameters, decreased progesterone and 17β-estradiol levels, and a reduced frequency of macrophages and uNK cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the high-dose administration of DEX during early pregnancy negatively affected pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnord, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Nezafat Firizi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnord, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Abbaspour
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnord, Iran
| | - Fahime Ghafoori Gharib
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnord, Iran
| | - Yusef Ghobadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Gholizadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Niroomanesh S, Shojaei K, Moghadam SF, Mohammadi N, Rahimi Z, RezaeiKeyhanaei K. Effect of prenatal betamethasone on fetal, uteroplacental, and maternal blood flow velocity in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2015; 130:270-3. [PMID: 26184101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess Doppler flow velocity in fetal, uteroplacental, and maternal arteries before and after betamethasone therapy among singleton pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS A prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study was conducted at three university-affiliated hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between January 1 and November 30, 2013. The inclusion criteria were FGR, a gestational age of 24-34 weeks, no fetal anomalies, and no previous betamethasone therapy. Doppler blood flow was measured in uterine, umbilical, and middle cerebral arteries before treatment, and 24 hours and 5 days after completion of betamethasone therapy (two 12-mg doses at a 24-hour interval). RESULTS Overall, 40 women were enrolled. Doppler blood flow through the uterine and umbilical arteries showed significant but transient changes across the three timepoints (P<0.001), whereas the middle cerebral artery showed no changes. CONCLUSION Prenatal betamethasone led to transient improvements in blood flow in the uterine and umbilical arteries among pregnancies affected by FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Niroomanesh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kobra Shojaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sahar F Moghadam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noshin Mohammadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadija RezaeiKeyhanaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shojaei K, Mohammadi N. Comparing the effects of antenatal betamethasone on Doppler velocimetry between intrauterine growth restriction with and without preeclampsia. Glob J Health Sci 2015; 7:344-50. [PMID: 25716415 PMCID: PMC4796510 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v7n2p344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the effects of betamethasone on patients with intrauterine growth restriction in couple with preeclampsia is not well studied. This study was designed to assess and compare the changes of Doppler flow in maternal, fetal and placental arteries in singleton pregnancies complicated by IUGR and preeclampsia which are at 24-34 weeks of gestation after betamethasone therapy. This prospective, longitudinal and multicenter study was conducted in 2013 on the 40 singleton pregnant women with IUGR fetuses and concerned over maternal or fetal well-being. Three Doppler measurements including absolutely before betamethasone, one day after betamethasone and 5 days after betamethasone administration were performed. Flow velocity waveforms were obtained from uterine arteries (UA), Umbilical (UM), and middle cerebral artery (MCA). The Systolic/Diastolic ratio (S/D), Resistance Index (RI), and Pulsatility Index (PI) were determined for waveforms. Comparison of baseline mean scores between IUGR with and without preeclampsia showed no statistically significant differences. The mean scores of UA, MCA-UM-RI, UM-S/D, UM-PI, and UM-RI did not differ statistically significant between three time points when compared trend between negative and positive preeclampsia subjects. However, UM-RI had close P value to the margin of statistical significance (P value = 0.055). In other words, in our study, UM-RI had a clear tendency to be significance. We can conclude that preeclampsia alone could not be major prognostic factor in pregnancies with IUGR. While, other prognostic factors such as gestational age, fetal weight, and fetal vascular Doppler flow may are more important for decision making about termination of preeclampsia.
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Hodges RJ, Wallace EM. Mending a growth-restricted fetal heart: should we use glucocorticoids? J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2012; 25:2149-53. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2012.697940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Thuring A, Malcus P, Maršál K. Effect of maternal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental blood flow velocity waveforms. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 37:668-672. [PMID: 21618314 DOI: 10.1002/uog.8879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of antenatal betamethasone on fetal and uteroplacental hemodynamics. METHODS The study comprised 33 women with singleton high-risk pregnancies (23-33 weeks; 27 pregnancies < 30 weeks) not in labor, but at risk for preterm delivery based on fetal or maternal indications. They were treated with two doses of 12 mg betamethasone intramuscularly 24 h apart to enhance fetal lung maturity. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded with Doppler ultrasound from the umbilical artery, the fetal middle cerebral artery, the ductus venosus and both maternal uterine arteries, once before and twice after betamethasone administration. RESULTS Twenty-one (64%) women delivered within 4 days, nine (27%) women within 5-7 days and three (9%) within 8-15 days after the first dose of betamethasone. Two days after betamethasone, a decrease in pulsatility index was found in the umbilical artery (P = 0.0002) and ductus venosus (P = 0.003). Changes in the umbilical artery waveform from reversed to absent, and from absent to positive diastolic flow, were noted in 12 of 15 cases (P < 0.01). After 4 days, umbilical artery and ductus venosus velocity waveforms in the undelivered fetuses either returned to the type of waveform observed before treatment or showed further deterioration. No significant effects of betamethasone were observed in the fetal middle cerebral artery and uteroplacental circulation. CONCLUSIONS Maternal antenatal betamethasone resulted in a significant transient change in the velocity waveform and a decrease in the pulsatility index in the umbilical artery and ductus venosus, but did not influence uteroplacental circulation. These findings indicate a direct effect of betamethasone on fetal circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Thuring
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Schneider U, Arnscheidt C, Schwab M, Haueisen J, Seewald HJ, Schleussner E. Steroids That Induce Lung Maturation Acutely Affect Higher Cortical Function. Reprod Sci 2010; 18:99-106. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719110381140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Schneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Arnscheidt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
| | - Jens Haueisen
- Biomagnetic Center, Department of Neurology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Hans Joachim Seewald
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Schleussner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany
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Vinagre LEDF, Marba STM. Uso antenatal do corticosteroide e hemorragia peri-intraventricular. REVISTA PAULISTA DE PEDIATRIA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-05822010000300014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o uso antenatal do corticosteroide na prevenção da hemorragia peri-intraventricular. FONTES DE DADOS: Levantamento bibliográfico por meio do Pubmed e SciELO abrangendo os últimos 20 anos. Foram utilizadas as palavras chaves no idioma inglês: "cerebral hemorrhage", "steroids" e "newborn, infant". SÍNTESES DE DADOS: A hemorragia peri-intraventricular é uma importante patologia nos prematuros, sobretudo nos menores de 34 semanas, devido a suas graves sequelas neurológicas. Uma vez ocorrido o sangramento, não há tratamento específico. Desta forma, a prevenção torna-se o maior objetivo das pesquisas. O resultado da meta-análise de estudos randomizados demonstrou que o corticosteroide antenatal reduz a mortalidade e a incidência da doença de membrana hialina e da hemorragia peri-intraventricular. O efeito protetor na redução do risco da hemorragia peri-intraventricular não está completamente esclarecido. Além de acelerar a maturidade pulmonar, o corticosteroide antenatal estimula a maturação da microvasculatura da matriz germinativa, promove o espessamento da membrana basal, acelera a formação proteica nas junções firmes e estabiliza o fluxo sanguíneo cerebral. Também melhora as condições de nascimento dos fetos pré-termo. CONCLUSÕES: O uso antenatal do corticosteroide associado à implementação de melhores práticas de atendimento ao prematuro tem sido responsável pela evidente redução dos índices dessa doença. Apesar de comprovada eficácia e segurança, não é amplamente utilizado. Medidas devem ser tomadas para estimular seu uso como prática rotineira no atendimento de gestantes com risco de parto prematuro.
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de Heus R, Mulder EJH, Derks JB, Visser GHA. The effects of the tocolytics atosiban and nifedipine on fetal movements, heart rate and blood flow. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 22:485-90. [PMID: 19479644 DOI: 10.1080/14767050802702349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choice of first-line tocolytic agent is a topic of worldwide debate. The oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban and the calcium antagonist nifedipine appear to be effective in postponing delivery. However, information is lacking on their possible effects on the fetal biophysical profile. OBJECTIVE To study the direct fetal effects of tocolysis with atosiban or nifedipine combined with a course of betamethasone. METHOD We performed a randomised controlled study including women with preterm labour requiring tocolytic treatment. Primary outcome measures were the effects on fetal heart rate (FHR) and its variation. Secondary endpoints were the effects on fetal movement and blood flow (pulsatility index - PI) of the umbilical (UA) and medial cerebral arteries (MCA). RESULTS One-hour recordings of FHR and fetal movements were made on each of five successive days (days 0-4). Fetal blood flow velocity patterns were studied daily by Doppler ultrasound. Baseline characteristics of 31 women who had not delivered at day 0 and needed no escape tocolysis did not differ between the study groups. Multilevel analysis showed no significant effect of either tocolytic on FHR and movement parameters over the 5-day study period. The use of tocolytics also did not significantly alter the time courses of PI-values for UA (p = 0.37) and MCA (p = 0.62). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates for the first time the direct effects of atosiban on fetal movement, heart rate and blood flow. Tocolysis with either atosiban or nifedipine combined with betamethasone administration appears to have no direct fetal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel de Heus
- Department of Woman and Baby, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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de Heus R, Mulder EJH, Derks JB, Koenen SV, Visser GHA. Differential effects of betamethasone on the fetus between morning and afternoon recordings. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 21:549-54. [DOI: 10.1080/14767050802128214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Mariotti V, Marconi AM, Pardi G. Undesired effects of steroids during pregnancy. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/jmf.16.2.5.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V Mariotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DMSD San Paolo University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - AM Marconi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DMSD San Paolo University of Milan Milan Italy
| | - G Pardi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'L.Mangiagalli' University of Milan Milan Italy
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Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: short-term effects on fetal behaviour and haemodynamics. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 14:151-6. [PMID: 19059817 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal corticosteroid therapy to enhance fetal lung maturity in threatened preterm delivery has a number of non-pulmonary side-effects, both beneficial and undesirable. This review focuses on the short-term (transient) effects of betamethasone and dexamethasone on aspects of fetal circulation and behaviour which are used clinically as markers of fetal well-being. We summarise the effects observed, discuss the proposed underlying mechanisms, and emphasise the consequences for clinical decision-making. Recommendations are given to optimise medical care and to minimise the risk of unwarranted iatrogenic preterm delivery.
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Fetal acid–base balance after betamethasone administration: relation to fetal heart rate variability. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2008; 278:333-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-008-0582-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Schäffer L, Burkhardt T, Müller-Vizentini D, Rauh M, Tomaske M, Mieth RA, Bauersfeld U, Beinder E. Cardiac autonomic balance in small-for-gestational-age neonates. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 294:H884-90. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00318.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The cardiac sympathetic nervous system is one putative key factor involved in the intrauterine programming of adult cardiovascular disease. We therefore analyzed cardiac autonomic system activity in small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Heart rate variability (HRV) from 24-h ECG recordings were analyzed for time-domain and frequency-domain parameters in 27 SGA neonates [median 261 (240–283) days of gestation] compared with 27 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates [median 270 (239–293) days of gestation]. In addition, salivary α-amylase levels were analyzed during resting conditions and in response to a pain-induced stress event in 18 SGA [median 266 (240–292) days of gestation] and 34 AGA [median 271 (240–294) days of gestation] neonates. Overall HRV was not significantly different in SGA neonates compared with AGA neonates (SD of all valid NN intervals: P = 0.14; triangular index: P = 0.29), and the sympathovagal balance [low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF)] was similar ( P = 0.62). Parameters mostly influenced by sympathetic activity did not reveal significant differences: (SD of the average of valid NN intervals: P = 0.27; average of the hourly means of SDs of all NN intervals: P = 0.66, LF: P = 0.83) as well as vagal tone-influenced parameters were unaltered (average of the hourly square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals: P = 0.59; proportion of pairs of adjacent NN intervals differing by >50 ms: P = 0.93; HF: P = 0.82). Median resting levels for α-amylase were not significantly different in SGA neonates ( P = 0.13), and a neonatal stress stimulus revealed similar stress response patterns ( P = 0.29). HRV and salivary α-amylase levels as indicators of cardiac autonomic activity were not altered in SGA neonates compared with AGA neonates. Thus, it appears that the intrauterine activation of the sympathetic system in SGA fetuses does not directly persist into postnatal life, and neonatal sympathovagal balance appears to be preserved.
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Turan S, Turan OM, Berg C, Moyano D, Bhide A, Bower S, Thilaganathan B, Gembruch U, Nicolaides K, Harman C, Baschat AA. Computerized fetal heart rate analysis, Doppler ultrasound and biophysical profile score in the prediction of acid-base status of growth-restricted fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2007; 30:750-6. [PMID: 17688309 DOI: 10.1002/uog.4101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the performance of non-stress test (NST), computerized fetal heart rate analysis (cCTG), biophysical profile scoring (BPS) and arterial and venous Doppler ultrasound investigation in the prediction of acid-base status in fetal growth restriction. METHODS Growth-restricted fetuses, defined by abdominal circumference < 5(th) percentile and umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index > 95(th) percentile, were tested by NST, cCTG, BPS, and UA, middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV) and umbilical vein (UV) Doppler investigation. The short-term variation (STV) of the fetal heart rate was calculated using the Oxford Sonicaid 8002 cCTG system. Relationships between antenatal test results and cord artery pH < 7.20 were investigated, using correlation, parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS Fifty-six of 58 patients (96.6%) received complete assessment of all variables. All were delivered by pre-labor Cesarean section at a median gestational age of 30 + 6 weeks. The UA pulsatility index (PI) was negatively correlated with the cCTG STV (Pearson correlation - 0.29, P < 0.05). The DV PI was negatively correlated with the pH (Pearson correlation - 0.30, P < 0.02). The cCTG mean minute variation and pH were not significantly correlated (Pearson correlation 0.13, P = 0.34). UV pulsations identified the highest proportion of neonates with a low birth pH (9/17, 53%), the highest number of false positives among patients with an abnormal BPS, abnormal DV Doppler and a STV < 3.5 ms, and also stratified false negatives among patients with an equivocal or normal BPS. Abnormal DV Doppler correctly identified false positives among patients with an abnormal BPS. cCTG reduced the rate of an equivocal BPS from 16% to 7.1% when substituted for the traditional NST. Elevated DV Doppler index and umbilical venous pulsations predicted a low pH with 73% sensitivity and 90% specificity (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION In fetal growth restriction with placental insufficiency, venous Doppler investigation provides the best prediction of acid-base status. The cCTG performs best when combined with venous Doppler or as a substitute for the traditional NST in the BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Turan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schlabritz-Loutsevitch NE, Hodara VL, Parodi LM, Hubbard GB, Jenkins SL, Dudley DJ, Nathanielsz PW, Giavedoni LD. Three weekly courses of betamethasone administered to pregnant baboons at 0.6, 0.65, and 0.7 of gestation alter fetal and maternal lymphocyte populations at 0.95 of gestation. J Reprod Immunol 2006; 69:149-63. [PMID: 16376433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2005.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2005] [Revised: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/15/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a major role in the communication between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Glucocorticoids are potent immunomodulatory hormones. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of three weekly courses of betamethasone, administered to pregnant baboons at 0.6, 0.65, and 0.7 of gestation, on maternal hematological parameters during treatment, maternal and fetal hematological parameters and lymphocyte populations at 0.95 of gestation, and fetal lymphoid organs and placental structure. Each weekly betamethasone course resulted in decreased granulocytes and increased lymphocytes and monocytes in maternal circulation (by percentage, p < 0.05). The percentage and absolute number of CD8+ T-cells in the maternal circulation were lower and CD4+ T-cells higher (p < 0.05) in treated pregnant animals at 0.95 gestation. The percentage of proliferating CD3- CD8+ cells was lower in blood obtained from the fetal heart of betamethasone-treated animals. In the betamethasone group, the number of CD8+ T-cells and NK cells were elevated and the number of T and CD4+ T-cells were reduced in fetal heart blood compared with the umbilical vein blood. The number of placental macrophages (CD68+ cells) per visual field in betamethasone-treated and control animals were not different. Taken together, our data show that betamethasone treatment of pregnant females with no indication of preterm labor affects some components of the fetal and maternal immune system, altering the maternal CD4+/CD8+ ratio and absolute number of fetal NK cell and maternal CD8+ T-cell.
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Urban R, Lemancewicz A, Przepieść J, Urban J, Kretowska M. Antenatal corticosteroid therapy: a comparative study of dexamethasone and betamethasone effects on fetal Doppler flow velocity waveforms. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2005; 120:170-4. [PMID: 15925046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2004.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2004] [Revised: 09/04/2004] [Accepted: 09/23/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effects of antenatal administration of dexamethasone and betamethasone, used in two different regimens, on fetal Doppler flow velocities. STUDY DESIGN Sixty-seven women at risk for preterm delivery received course of corticosteroids by means of a computer-generated randomization table. The Doppler examination of the pulsatility index (PI) of the umbilical artery (UA), the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and the middle cerebral artery/umbilical artery PI ratio (MCA PI/UA PI) were performed before treatment, 24 and 72 h after the first dose of corticosteroids. The SAS system was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS No significant change was observed in UA PI through dexamethasone therapy. In MCA there was a significant decrease in PI at 72 h (2+/-0.43 before and 1.68+/-0.31 after, p=0.0001). Similarly a significant decrease in MCA PI/UA PI ratio was noted (2.09+/-0.51 before and 1.83+/-0.4 after, p=0.0137). No significant changes were observed in UA PI, MCA PI and MCA PI/UA PI ratio during betamethasone treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate significant decrease in fetal middle cerebral artery impedance at 72 h after maternal administration of the first dose of dexamethasone. Effects of dexamethasone on fetal brain warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigiusz Urban
- Department of Perinatology, Medical Academy of Bialystok, University Hospital, Sklodowska-Curie 24a, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland.
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Rotmensch S, Lev S, Kovo M, Efrat Z, Zahavi Z, Lev N, Celentano C, Ben-Rafael Z. Effect of Betamethasone Administration on Fetal Heart Rate Tracing: A Blinded Longitudinal Study. Fetal Diagn Ther 2005; 20:371-6. [PMID: 16113556 DOI: 10.1159/000086815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2004] [Accepted: 05/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Computerized fetal heart rate (FHR) analysis revealed that antenatal corticosteroids transiently suppress multiple parameters of fetal well-being, potentially leading to the erroneous diagnosis of fetal distress and to unnecessary iatrogenic delivery of premature infants. Our aim was to determine whether clinicians who visually analyze FHR tracings detect these suppressive effects, thereby potentially affecting their clinical management decisions. METHODS Singleton pregnancies admitted for preterm labor between 26 and 34 weeks' gestation received two doses of betamethasone, 24 h apart, and were monitored daily between 16:00 and 19:00 h for 5 days. FHR tracings were randomly coded and presented in a non-consecutive order to four clinicians, who were unaware of the time of steroid administration. FHR baseline, FHR variability, number of accelerations and amplitude of maximal FHR acceleration were determined. Variability was scored semiquantitatively based on a modified Hon score. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used for primary analysis and followed up with the Wald test of significance. Corrections for multiple comparisons were made and only p < 0.005 considered significant. ANOVA was also used to assess the uniformity of trend in the interpretation by the four examiners for each given day. RESULTS Baseline FHR was elevated, FHR variability was decreased, and the number of accelerations decreased on day 1 (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) and day 2 (p > 0.0001; p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) in comparison to day 0. On day 3, the FHR baseline, variability and number of accelerations returned to pre-exposure values (p = NS). The maximal amplitude of FHR accelerations showed a trend towards reduction (p = 0.08). Subgroup analysis by gestational age (group I = 26-30 weeks and group II = 30-34 weeks) showed the same response patterns and significance levels for both groups. CONCLUSIONS Betamethasone causes profound, but transient, suppression of FHR parameters, which can mimic fetal distress. This effect is clinically recognized by visual FHR analysis. Clinicians need to be aware of this phenomenon, in order to avoid unwarranted iatrogenic delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigi Rotmensch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel.
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Andriessen P, Oetomo SB, Peters C, Vermeulen B, Wijn PFF, Blanco CE. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity in human neonates: the effect of postmenstrual age. J Physiol 2005; 568:333-41. [PMID: 16051623 PMCID: PMC1474770 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2005.093641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed a cross-sectional study in human infants to determine if indices of R-R interval variability, systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability, and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity change with postmenstrual age (PMA: gestational age+postnatal age). The electrocardiogram, arterial SBP and respiration were recorded in clinically stable infants (PMA, 28-42 weeks) in the quiet sleep state in the first days after birth. (Cross-)spectral analyses of R-R interval series and SBP series were performed to calculate the power of low-frequency (LF, indicating baroreceptor reflex activity, 0.04-0.15 Hz) and high-frequency (HF, indicating parasympathetic activity, individualized between the p-10 and p-90 values of respiratory frequency) fluctuations, and transfer function phase and gain. The mean R-R interval, and LF and HF spectral powers of R-R interval series increased with PMA. The mean SBP increased with PMA, but not the LF and HF spectral powers of SBP series. In the LF range, cross-spectral analysis showed high coherence values (>0.5) with a consistent negative phase shift between R-R interval and SBP, indicating a approximately 3 s lag in R-R interval changes in relation to SBP. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, calculated from LF transfer gain, increased significantly with PMA, from 5 (preterm) to 15 ms mmHg-1 (term). Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity correlated significantly with the (LF and) HF spectral powers of R-R interval series, but not with the LF and HF spectral powers of SBP series. The principal conclusions are that baroreceptor reflex sensitivity and spectral power in R-R interval series increase in parallel with PMA, suggesting a progressive vagal maturation with PMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Andriessen
- Máxima Medical Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, PO Box 7777, 5500 MB Veldhoven, the Netherlands.
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Anceschi MM, Ruozi-Berretta A, Piazze JJ, Cosmi E, Cerekja A, Meloni P, Cosmi EV. Computerized cardiotocography in the management of intrauterine growth restriction associated with Doppler velocimetry alterations. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2005; 86:365-70. [PMID: 15325854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2004] [Revised: 05/03/2004] [Accepted: 05/10/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify the reliability of computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) in the prediction of the oxygen metabolism status of fetuses with growth restriction and Doppler velocimetry alterations. METHODS From 24 third-trimester cesarean section performed because of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and Doppler velocimetry alterations, there were 11 cases of fetal heart rate alterations (Dawes-Redman criteria were not satisfied) and 13 cases of reactive cCTG. Fetal lung maturity was detected by amniocentesis and blood samples for umbilical blood gas analysis (UBGA) were collected before the first neonatal breath from the umbilical artery in a double-clamped segment of the cord. RESULTS Umbilical cord gas analysis showed arterial cord blood pH to be 7.20 or less in 11 newborns (45.8%), 7.10 or less in 6 (25%), and 7.00 or less in 3 (12.5%). Linear regression analysis showed short-term variation (STV) in the fetal heart rate to be significantly correlated with umbilical artery pH (r = 0.49; P = 0.01) and pCO2 (r = -0.50; P = 0.01). There were no significant correlations between cCTG and the other UBGA parameters considered. Receiver operator curves permitted to calculate the STV values at which pathological neonatal UBGA values can be expected (pH < 7.00 and pCO2 > 80 mmHg). A short-term variation less than 4.5 ms was found to predict acidemia with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 70% (positive predictive value, 33%; negative predictive value, 100%), and hypercarbia with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 77.8% (positive predictive value, 55.6%; negative predictive value, 100%). CONCLUSION In view of the results of this study, 4.5 ms for STV may be a threshold below which timing of delivery should be decided in cases of fetal growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Anceschi
- Department of Gynecology, Perinatology and Child Health, University 'La Sapienza' of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324 - 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Koenen SV, Mulder EJH, Wijnberger LD, Visser GHA. Transient loss of the diurnal rhythms of fetal movements, heart rate, and its variation after maternal betamethasone administration. Pediatr Res 2005; 57:662-6. [PMID: 15774821 DOI: 10.1203/01.pdr.0000159762.50504.1f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Antenatal betamethasone administration to enhance fetal lung maturation is associated with transient reductions in fetal heart rate (FHR) variation, breathing, and body movements 2 d after the first dose (d 2). This study examines whether steroid administration affects the natural diurnal rhythms of fetal variables. Sixteen women at 27-32 wk of gestation received two doses of betamethasone 24 h apart. One-hour recordings of FHR, breathing, and body movements were made in the morning, afternoon, and evening of d 2, and again in the morning of d 3. Repeat recordings were obtained at 4-6 d later from 9/16 women. Maternal blood samples were obtained with each recording to determine ACTH and cortisol. No diurnal rhythm was present for FHR, FHR variation, breathing, and body movements on d 2. This resulted from suppression of the expected natural rise in body and breathing movements, and heart rate variation in the course of the day. Suppression of the diurnal rhythm of body movements depended on gestation (R = -0.89; p < 0.01). All variables showed diurnal rhythms 4-6 d later. Maternal ACTH and cortisol diurnal rhythms were completely suppressed on d 2. Four to six days later, the normal diurnal pattern was resumed, although absolute levels of ACTH and cortisol were still suppressed. We conclude that maternal betamethasone administration transiently abolishes the fetal diurnal rhythms of heart rate and its variation, breathing, and body movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven V Koenen
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology; University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Lunshof MS, Boer K, Wolf H, Koppen S, Velderman JK, Mulder EJH. Short-term (0-48 h) effects of maternal betamethasone administration on fetal heart rate and its variability. Pediatr Res 2005; 57:545-9. [PMID: 15695600 DOI: 10.1203/01.pdr.0000155948.83570.eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The short-term (0-48 h) effects of maternal betamethasone administration on computerized fetal heart rate (FHR) parameters were studied in 36 pregnancies at increased risk for preterm delivery. FHR was recorded for 90 min immediately before the start of betamethasone treatment and again at 6-h intervals during the next 48 h. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the possible effects on FHR parameters of gestational age, time of day, clinical indication for treatment, and use of tocolytic drugs. Within 12 h after the start of treatment, significant increases occurred in FHR accelerations, and short- and long-term FHR variability (36%, 28%, and 22%, respectively), whereas basal FHR showed a 5% decrease. FHR variability was decreased by 10% at 42-48 h. The observed changes were more pronounced in older (29-33 wk of gestation) compared with younger fetuses (25-28 wk of gestation). Decelerations occurred only in 4 out of 11 compromised fetuses during betamethasone therapy. We conclude that there are significant changes in FHR parameters during the first 48 h after betamethasone administration. These changes are transient in normal fetuses. However, the compromised fetus may be adversely affected by betamethasone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Simone Lunshof
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, and Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Intrauterine growth restriction remains one of the major problems in obstetrics. Recent published literature on this problem is summarized in this review. RECENT FINDINGS Intrauterine growth restriction contributes disproportionately to neonatal mortality and morbidity in both preterm and term babies, and is a predisposing factor to major psychiatric sequelae such as depression, suicide and suicidal attempts. More evidence is accumulating to show that fetal Doppler changes of the ductus venosus and umbilical vein are good surrogate markers for fetal academia. The timing of delivery remains controversial, however. The Growth Restriction Intervention Trial showed that delayed delivery in those up to 30 weeks may be associated with lower rates of cerebral palsy and Griffiths development quotient under 70. In dichorionic twins, selective fetocide of one severe intrauterine growth restriction fetus in midtrimester twin pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia may abort the disease process and prolong the pregnancy. For monochorionic twins, the finding of intermittent absent or reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery may be a manifestation of the transmission of the bi-directional waveforms of arterio-arterial anastomosis, but has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of intrauterine death in the growth restricted fetus and brain damage in the larger fetus. SUMMARY The timing of delivery of the preterm growth restricted fetus remains controversial. Intrauterine growth restriction with intermittent absent or reversed end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery of monochorionic twins poses difficulties in assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Y T Tan
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
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Abstract
A favorable benefit-to-risk ratio is well established for a single dose of antenatal corticosteroids in women at risk of preterm delivery. The efficacy is real with an important decrease of mortality and morbidity. No adverse effects were described after one course. Possible beneficial effects of repeated courses include lower rates of RDS and a decrease in oxygen use, whereas an increasing body of evidence raises the concern of multiple short and long term adverse consequences, principally neurological. It seems rational to prescribe one course of corticosteroids. The indication for a second course should be discussed but multiples courses of this treatment should not be prescribed. We prefer betamethasone over dexamethasone because of the better side profile. Further work is needed to understand the long-term effects of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Saizou
- Service de Pédiatrie Réanimation, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48, boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris
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van Runnard Heimel PJ, Franx A, Schobben AFAM, Huisjes AJM, Derks JB, Bruinse HW. Corticosteroids, pregnancy, and HELLP syndrome: a review. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2005; 60:57-70; quiz 73-4. [PMID: 15618920 DOI: 10.1097/01.ogx.0000150346.42901.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Corticosteroids are potent antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, which are used in the treatment of a wide range of medical disorders. During pregnancy, several corticosteroids are administered for maternal as well as fetal reasons. Prednisone and prednisolone show limited transplacental passage and are thus used for treatment of maternal disease. Dexamethasone and betamethasone, drugs that can easily cross the placenta, are more suitable for fetal indications. During the last decade, administration of corticosteroids was introduced in the treatment of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP syndrome), a severe form of preeclampsia unique to human pregnancy. Several randomized, controlled trials as well as other prospective and retrospective studies have been performed to investigate this beneficial effect of corticosteroids on biochemical measures and clinical signs. This review discusses the characteristics of corticosteroids in humans and details the use of corticosteroids during pregnancy. A review of literature on the effect of corticosteroids on HELLP syndrome is given and possible mechanisms of action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J van Runnard Heimel
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Löhle M, Müller T, Wicher C, Roedel M, Schubert H, Witte OW, Nathanielsz PW, Schwab M. Betamethasone effects on fetal sheep cerebral blood flow are not dependent on maturation of cerebrovascular system and pituitary-adrenal axis. J Physiol 2005; 564:575-88. [PMID: 15718268 PMCID: PMC1464428 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2004.077537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids are administered to pregnant women in premature labour to accelerate fetal lung maturation at a time when fetal cerebrovascular and endocrine systems are maturing. Exposure to glucocorticoids at 0.8-0.9 of gestation increases peripheral and cerebrovascular resistance (CVR) in fetal sheep. We examined whether the increase of CVR and its adverse effect on cerebral blood flow (CBF) depend on the current level of maturation of the pituitary-adrenal axis and the cerebrovascular system. Using fluorescent microspheres, regional CBF was measured in 11 brain regions before and 24 h and 48 h after the start of 3.3 microg kg(-1) h(-1) betamethasone (n = 8) or vehicle (n = 7) infusions to fetal sheep at 0.73 of gestation. Hypercapnic challenges were performed before and 24 h after the onset of betamethasone exposure to examine betamethasone effects on cerebrovascular reactivity. Betamethasone exposure decreased CBF by approximately 40% in all brain regions after 24 h of infusion (P < 0.05). The decline in CBF was mediated by a CVR increase of 111 +/- 16% in the cerebral cortex and 129 +/- 29% in subcortical regions (P < 0.05). Hypercapnic cerebral vasodilatation and associated increase in CBF were blunted (P < 0.05). Fetal CBF recovered after 48 h of betamethasone administration. There were no differences in glucocorticoid induced CBF and CVR changes compared with our previous findings at 0.87 of gestation. We conclude that the cerebrovascular effects of antenatal glucocorticoids are independent of cerebrovascular maturation and preparturient increase in activity of the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Löhle
- Department of Neurology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07740 Jena, Germany.
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Mulder EJH, Derks JB, Visser GHA. Effects of antenatal betamethasone administration on fetal heart rate and behavior in twin pregnancy. Pediatr Res 2004; 56:35-9. [PMID: 15128914 DOI: 10.1203/01.pdr.0000130476.97700.2b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in reducing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in twin pregnancy is controversial. The corticosteroid levels achieved with the current regimen might not be high enough to reach both siblings. In singleton fetuses, maternal betamethasone administration causes transient reductions in fetal heart rate (FHR), FHR variability, and body and breathing movements. We performed a prospective study to determine whether there are similar effects of betamethasone on FHR and behavior in preterm twin pregnancy and whether the effects occur similarly in both twin members. Eighteen women who were carrying twins received optimal corticosteroid treatment. Simultaneous recordings were made on twins before (day 0), during (days 1-2), and after (days 3-4) corticosteroid therapy using separate cardiotocography and ultrasound machines. Betamethasone administration was associated with significant transient decreases in basal FHR (day 1), FHR variability (days 2 and 3), and body and breathing movements (day 2). The overall changes in twins were similar to those previously found in singleton pregnancies. There was a high degree of association of response to betamethasone among individual members of twin pairs. The betamethasone-induced effects were unrelated to fetal sex, positioning, chorionicity, and discordance in size, but there was an effect of gestation on FHR. We conclude that the current regimen of antenatal corticosteroids used in preterm twin pregnancies results in observable physiologic and behavioral changes in twin pairs irrespective of their composition. This provides evidence that the achieved betamethasone levels are high enough to reach the compartment of either twin member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard J H Mulder
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Wijnberger LDE, Bilardo CM, Hecher K, Stigter RH, Visser GHA. Effect of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy on arterial and venous blood flow velocity waveforms in severely growth-restricted fetuses. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2004; 23:584-589. [PMID: 15170800 DOI: 10.1002/uog.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effects of antenatal glucocorticoid (betamethasone) therapy on blood flow velocity waveform patterns in the umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) and ductus venosus (DV) in severely intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses. METHODS Fifty-five severely IUGR fetuses at 24-34 weeks of gestation were included in the study. The effect of antenatal glucocorticoid administration on Doppler findings in the UA, MCA and DV was studied using two statistical approaches, namely paired sample analysis and multilevel analysis. RESULTS There were no effects of betamethasone on the pulsatility index (PI) of the vessels studied. The only changes noticed during the 14 days of observation were a gradual decrease of PI in the MCA, an increase in the UA-PI/MCA-PI ratio and an increase in the DV-PI. These changes with time may be explained by a progressive and gradual deterioration of the fetal condition. CONCLUSION Antenatal glucocorticoids (betamethasone) do not affect fetal Doppler waveform patterns of the UA, MCA and DV in severely IUGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D E Wijnberger
- Department of Obstetrics, Neonatology and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Bilardo CM, Wolf H, Stigter RH, Ville Y, Baez E, Visser GHA, Hecher K. Relationship between monitoring parameters and perinatal outcome in severe, early intrauterine growth restriction. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2004; 23:119-125. [PMID: 14770389 DOI: 10.1002/uog.965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether pathological changes in the umbilical artery (UA), ductus venosus (DV) and short-term fetal heart variation are related to perinatal outcome in severe, early intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS This multicenter, prospective, longitudinal, observational study was carried out in the Departments of Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Utrecht and London. In 70 singleton pregnancies with IUGR fetuses, delivered at 26-33 weeks of gestation because of antepartum fetal distress, short-term variation (STV) of fetal heart rate, pulsatility index of the fetal UA (UA PI) and DV pulsatility index for veins (DV PIV) were assessed at least weekly. The final measurement was performed within 24 h of delivery. Standard cut-off levels (2 SD or 3 SD, absent flow or reversed flow) were used and new cut-off levels were calculated by means of receiver-operating characteristics analysis. Adverse outcome was defined as perinatal death, cerebral hemorrhage (> or = Grade II) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia before discharge. The predictive value for adverse outcome was calculated for different cut-off levels of the monitoring parameters, adjusted for gestational age (GA), by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Data were analyzed separately for three different time blocks, namely 8-14, 2-7 and 0-1 days before delivery. RESULTS Adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 18/70 (26%) infants. During the last 24 h before delivery DV PIV and UA PI were significantly higher and STV lower in the adverse outcome group, while 2-7 days before delivery only DV PIV was significantly higher. Adverse perinatal outcome could be predicted at 0-1 days before delivery by DV PIV at a cut-off of three multiples of the SD (odds ratio (OR) 11.3; 95% CI 2.3-57) and GA (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3-0.8), at 2-7 days by DV PIV at 2 SD (OR 3.0; 95% CI 0.8-12) and GA (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.8) and at 8-14 days by DV PIV at 2 SD (OR 3.9; 95% CI 0.8-20) and GA (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-0.8). Other parameters did not contribute to the multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS DV PIV measurement is the best predictor of perinatal outcome. This measurement may be useful in timing the delivery of early IUGR fetuses and in improving perinatal outcome, even when delivery may be indicated at an earlier GA. However, as GA was also an important factor influencing outcome, with poorer outcome at earlier gestation at delivery, this hypothesis needs to be tested in a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Bilardo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Mulder EJH, Koenen SV, Blom I, Visser GHA. The effects of antenatal betamethasone administration on fetal heart rate and behaviour depend on gestational age. Early Hum Dev 2004; 76:65-77. [PMID: 14729164 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2003.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported decreases in fetal heart rate (FHR) variability and body and breathing movements after maternal betamethasone administration. We now test the hypothesis that fetal responsiveness to betamethasone depends on the gestational age at which glucocorticoid therapy is started. DESIGN OF THE STUDY 1-h recordings of FHR (n=350) and fetal movements (n=310) made during a 5-day period (days 0-4) were available for analysis. The recordings had been obtained from 63 pregnant women at high risk for preterm delivery who received betamethasone (two doses of 12 mg 24 h apart) between 26 and 34 weeks' gestational age (wGA). The response to betamethasone, i.e. the direction and magnitude of change in FHR and movement parameters compared with baseline (day 0), was studied in relation to gestational age at drug administration. RESULTS Fetuses exposed to betamethasone at 29-34 wGA showed a decrease in FHR on day 1 (indicative of baroreceptor reflex), and reduced breathing activity and prolonged episodes of quiescence with a concomitant decrease in body movements on days 1 and 2. However, these changes were not observed if betamethasone administration occurred at 26-28 wGA. Betamethasone-induced reductions in FHR variability were similar in young and older fetuses. CONCLUSIONS Age-related differential responsiveness to betamethasone was found for all studied fetal processes (body and breathing movements, FHR, and quiescence), except FHR variability. Our results suggest ontogenic changes in the mechanisms presumed to underlie these processes (glucocorticoid receptor (GR) maturation, cardiovascular and neuro-endocrine development).
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Affiliation(s)
- E J H Mulder
- Department of Perinatology and Gynaecology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre, KE.04.123.1, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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