The ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure: application of a new therapeutic paradigm

Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Oral Teratoma Successfully Treated in a Neonate

Teratomas are congenital malformations that rarely occur in the oral cavity. In the case reported here, fetal magnetic resonance imaging performed at 30 weeks of gestation informed the decision-making of the multidisciplinary management team, who closely followed the pregnancy until the scheduled cesarean delivery at 38 weeks of gestation. After delivery, tracheal intubation was performed to ensure airway patency, and tumor resection was scheduled immediately after ruling out contraindications to surgery based on preoperative examinations, allowing for safe excising of the tumor. Postoperative follow-up at 3 months showed no abnormalities.

Management and Outcomes of Patients With High-Risk (Congenital Lung Malformation Volume Ratio≥ 1.6) Congenital Lung Malformations

INTRODUCTION

Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) have a variable natural history. Larger lesions with CLM volume ratio (CVR) ≥ 1.6 are associated with hydrops and fetal mortality. The purpose of this study is to describe the management and outcomes of high-risk (CVR ≥ 1.6) CLM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed for all fetuses evaluated between May 2015 and May 2022. Demographics, prenatal imaging factors, prenatal and postnatal treatment, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the cohorts.

RESULTS

Of 149 fetal CLM patients referred to our fetal center, 21/149 (14%) had CVR ≥ 1.6. One CLM patient had intrauterine fetal demise, and 2 patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 18 patients, 11/18 (67%) received maternal steroids. Seven out of 18 patients (39%) underwent resection at the time of delivery with 1/7 (14%) undergoing exutero intrapartum treatment (EXIT)-to-resection, 5/7 (71%) undergoing EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection, and 1/7 (14%) undergoing a coordinated delivery to resection; among those undergoing resection, there were 2 fatalities (28.5%). Seven out of 18 (39%) patients required urgent neonatal open lobectomies, and the remaining 4/18 (22%) patients underwent elective thoracoscopic lobectomies with no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The natural history and outcomes of severe CLM patients remain highly variable. The EXIT-to-exteriorization-to-resection procedure may be a safe and effective approach for a subset of CLM patients with persistent symptoms of mass effect and severe mediastinal shift due to the observed decreased operative time requiring placental support observed in our study.

Multispecialty Approach to a Very Large Congenital Head and Neck Cystic Lymphatic Malformation in an Infant Born by SARS-CoV-2 Positive Mother—A Case Report

Masses of the head and neck are often diagnosed prenatally and require special care due to the risk of airway obstruction. The EXIT procedure is a preferable mode of delivery. A congenital cystic lymphatic malformation is one of the most common lesions of the cervical region described in neonates. The treatment consists of different strategies and involves the cooperation of multiple specialists. Up to now, no guidelines or protocols are available. We report a case of a congenital cystic lymphatic malformation of the head and neck delivered during the EXIT procedure by a mother who was SARS-CoV-2 positive. We analyzed clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and treatment with injections of sclerotic agents and orally administrated sirolimus. Sirolimus seems a valuable and safe therapeutic option for treating lymphatic malformations, especially with adjunct therapies.

Lymphatic malformations adjacent to the airway in neonates: Risk factors for outcome

PURPOSE

To evaluate imaging, treatment, and outcomes in neonates with a lymphatic malformation (LM) adjacent to the airway and to evaluate risk factors that can predict outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective case series was conducted of ten patients treated between January 2011 and July 2019. The main outcome measures included airway compromise and clinical response to sclerotherapy ± surgery. Categorical data were compared using the Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Ex-utero intrapartum therapy was performed in four cases, among whom one died due to sepsis. All patients underwent schlerotherapy, with surgical debulking in two. Four patients showed a good clinical response, and five started experimental systemic treatment. Patients with bilateral disease and patients with an LM with >180° tracheal surrounding were significantly at risk for airway compromise (bilateral: n = 6/6 versus n = 0/4, p = 0.005; >180°: n = 5/5 versus n = 1/5, p = 0.048). The need for LM treatment in the neonatal period was indicative of a poor clinical response ('non-responders' 5/6, 'responders' 0/4; p = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that bilateral disease and >180° tracheal surrounding are risk factors for airway compromise in neonates with an LM adjacent to the airway. In addition, the need for early treatment seems to be indicative of a poor clinical response.

EXIT-to-airway: Fundamentals, prenatal work-up, and technical aspects

Ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is a delivery strategy developed to manage a variety of prenatally diagnosed conditions in the transition to newborn life. This procedure allows control and provides time for intervention in otherwise life-threatening malformations, such as congenital upper airway obstructions. EXIT-to-airway has changed the outcome of fetuses with these anomalies. The main purpose of this intervention is to improve the safety of establishing a reliable airway at birth. Maximal but controlled uterine relaxation to maintain feto-maternal perfusion and thus gas exchange, while keeping the fetal and maternal well-being are the paradigms of any type of EXIT. The most important aspect of fetal airway management is to consolidate a highly trained, well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team that is prepared for every contingency. A comprehensive prenatal assessment, including ultrasound, fetal echocardiogram, fetal MRI, and genetic testing is imperative for patient selection. Extensive preoperative planning, ad-hoc team meetings, and surgical simulations for challenging cases are critical strategies to achieve the best outcomes. This article outlines the prenatal work-up, decision making, technical aspects, and principles for a successful EXIT-to-airway procedure.

The Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure: case report of a multidisciplinary team approach

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

The EXIT-to-airway procedure is aimed to provide the time required to secure airways when an extrinsic or intrinsic fetal mass raise concerns about airways control at delivery. Due to the rarity of the procedure, we aim to provide a summary of the appropriate prenatal planning by a multidisciplinary team.

METHODS

Report of a case of EXIT-to-airway procedure.

RESULTS

A 30 years-old woman, G2P1 with previous cesarean section, was referred to our Unit at 34 gestational weeks due to a fetal cervical mass of 7cm. An EXIT-to-airways procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team after accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations. The partial fetal extraction and the amnioinfusion of pre-heated saline were used to prevent fetal complications. The use of supplemental intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil and better control of uterine tone with nitroglycerin allowed to reduce the exposure to volatile halogen for both the mother and the fetus. The accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations allowed us to perform the treatment safely in urgency due to the onset of spontaneous labor at 37 weeks and 6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong cooperation among specialists, accurate prenatal planning, and adopting all the required procedures and precautions are of paramount importance to successfully perform the EXIT-to-airway procedure.

Delivery of an Infant with Airway Compression Due to Cystic Hygroma at 37 Weeks' Gestation Requiring a Multidisciplinary Decision to Use a Combination of Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) and Airway Palliation at Cesarean Section

Patient: Female, 22-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Central line infection • cystic hygroma • pregnancy

Symptoms: Cystic hygroma • neck mass • pregnancy

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Cesarean section • ex utero intrapartum treatment • fiberoptic bronchoscopy • general anesthesia • laryngoscopy • rigid bronchoscopy • spinal anesthesia • video laryngoscopy

Specialty: Anesthesiology • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Otolaryngology

Prenatal Imaging Findings Predict Obstructive Fetal Airways Requiring EXIT

OBJECTIVE

Detection of fetal airway compromise through imaging raises the possible need for ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures. Despite EXIT procedures involving massive resource utilization and posing increased risk to the mother, decisions for EXIT are usually based on anecdotal experience. Our objectives were to analyze prenatal consultations with potential fetal airway obstruction for imaging and obstetric findings used to determine management strategy.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for prenatal abnormal fetal airway consults between 2004-2019 at a quaternary pediatric facility. Data collected included demographics, imaging characteristics, delivery information, and airway management. Our primary outcome was EXIT performance and the secondary outcome was postnatal airway management. Fisher's exact test was used to compare management decisions, outcomes, and imaging findings.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses observed were lymphatic malformation, teratoma, and micrognathia. Of the imaging findings collected, only midline neck mass location was associated with EXIT procedure performance. Factors associated with invasive airway support at birth were mass-induced in-utero neck extension and neck vessel compression, polyhydramnios, and micrognathia.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary input and interpretation of prenatal imaging can guide management of fetal airway-related pathology. EXIT is an overall safe procedure and can decrease risk due to airway obstruction at birth. We identified in-utero neck extension, neck vessel compression, micrognathia, and polyhydramnios as better indicators of a need for invasive airways measures at birth and suggest use of these criteria in combination with clinical judgement when recommending EXIT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1357-E1362, 2021.

EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) surgery for the management of fetal airway obstruction: A systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

To provide a comprehensive overview of the perinatal and maternal outcomes of fetuses undergoing EXIT surgery for the management of fetal airway obstruction secondary to cervical or oral tumors.

METHODS

A comprehensive search from inception to September 2018 was conducted on databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and LILACS. All studies that reported an EXIT surgery in singleton were considered eligible. A descriptive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Out of the 250 full-text study reports, 120 articles reporting 235 cases of EXIT surgery were included. EXIT surgery was performed at 35.1 weeks of gestation on average. The most frequent diagnosis was teratoma (46.4%, n = 109/235). There were 13 adverse maternal events, and the most frequent one was postpartum hemorrhage (4.7%, n = 11/235). No maternal death was reported. Fetal and neonatal death occurred in 17% (40/235) of the cases. There were 29 adverse fetal events (12.2%), and the most frequent one was the failure of intubation or tracheostomy (3.4%, n = 8/235).

CONCLUSION

EXIT surgery could be considered for the management of an oral or cervical tumor that's highly suspicious of blocking the fetal airway. This systematic review reports that EXIT surgery poses substantial risks of maternal and fetal adverse events, including neonatal death.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV case series with no comparison group.

Death Shortly after Delivery Caused by Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome

Background: Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS) is an uncommon anomaly. Prenatal ultrasonography allows a prenatal diagnosis to prepare for immediate surgical correction at birth. If the obstruction is severe and a correct therapeutic approach is not planned, CHAOS can cause neonatal death shortly after delivery from a potentially surgically correctable lesion.Case report: This neonate died unexpectedly shortly after delivery due to CHAOS. Ultrasonographic findings of enlarged echogenic lungs, dilated airways distal to the obstruction, flattened or inverted diaphragms, or ascites were absent. This was due to a type-II laryngeal-atresia and a type-C esophageal-atresia, with a resultant distal fistula that allowed intrauterine decompression of the fluid in the lungs.Conclusions: The absence of prenatal ultrasonographic findings of CHAOS may be due to a lower fistula between respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. This set of associations may not be a surgically correctable cause of CHAOS.

Causes of death shortly after delivery and medical malpractice claims in congenital high airway obstruction syndrome: Review of the literature

Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome is a rare pathology that may conduct the baby to death shortly after delivery. This outcome may cause emotional distress in the parents but it may also generate expensive medical malpractice claims about the reasons why the syndrome was not identified and/or correctly treated. The authors conducted a review of the cases in which Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome caused death of the baby shortly after delivery. Then, they pointed out these ultrasonographic and anatomical reasons why the syndrome may be not identified and/or correctly treated: negative prenatal ultrasonography, recurrence of non-specific findings at prenatal ultrasonography, connection of respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, tracheal agenesis or atresia, parent's refuse of post-partum therapeutic procedures, multiple malformations of the fetus/child. In conclusion, the authors highlighted that death shortly after delivery is usually caused by specific conditions that are not influenced by healthcare team's practice.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures

Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a technique developed to safely and efficiently establish cardiopulmonary support at delivery while maintaining placental bypass. Indications for the EXIT approach are expanding and currently include EXIT-to-airway, EXIT-to-resection, EXIT-to-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and EXIT-to-separation of conjoined twins. The EXIT technique involves planned partial delivery of the fetus via hysterotomy while maintaining uterine relaxation and placental support, allowing for the establishment of neonatal cardiopulmonary stability in a controlled manner. Fetal interventions performed during EXIT can include endotracheal intubation, tracheostomy, mass excision, removal of a temporary tracheal occlusive device, ECMO cannulation, and others. The most important aspect of an EXIT procedure is the formation of a multi-disciplinary team with broad expertise in fetal intervention to collaborate throughout the pre, intra, and post-partum periods. This chapter reviews the prenatal workup, decision making, surgical indications, and operative considerations associated with EXIT procedures.

Ex utero intrapartum treatment for giant congenital omphalocele

BACKGROUND

To determine whether ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is an appropriate approach for managing fetuses antenatally diagnosed with giant congenital omphaloceles.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with omphaloceles who underwent either an EXIT procedure or a traditional repair surgery. Basic and clinical parameters including gender, gestational age, birth weight, maternal blood loss, operative times and operative complications were analyzed. During the 6-12-month follow-ups, postoperative complications including bowel obstruction, abdominal infections, postoperative abdominal distension were monitored, and survival rate was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of seven patients underwent the EXIT procedure and 11 patients underwent the traditional postnatal surgery. We found no differences in maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis, gestational age at delivery and birth weight between the two groups. In the EXIT group, the average operation time for mother was 68.3 ± 17.5 minutes and the average maternal blood loss was 233.0 ± 57.7 mL. The operation time in the EXIT group (22.0 ± 4.5 minutes) was shorter than that in the traditional group (35 ± 8.7 minutes), but the length of hospital stay in the EXIT group (20.5 ± 3.1 days) was longer than that in the traditional group (15.7 ± 2.5 days, P < 0.05). During the follow-up, one patient in the EXIT group had an intestinal obstruction, one developed abdominal compartment syndrome and one died in the traditional group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, EXIT is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of giant congenital omphaloceles. However, more experience is needed before this procedure can be widely recommended.

EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) in a growth restricted fetus with tracheal atresia

Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) encompasses a heterogeneous group of pathologies leading to poor lung development and difficulty oxygenating the newborn after delivery. While previously uniformly fatal, the ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) procedure has provided a method to treat these patients and provide an airway to potentiate survival. We present a patient diagnosed prenatally with CHAOS secondary to tracheal atresia complicated by severe intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) who was successfully delivered via an EXIT procedure at 33-weeks. Multidisciplinary care and planning is paramount.

The EXIT (ex-utero intrapartum treatment) procedure - from the paediatric ENT perspective

The main principle of the EXIT procedure is to maintain uteroplacental circulation with neonatal anaesthesia by controlled uterine hypotonia. This enables securing the foetal airways and decompress or resect large neck and mediastinal foetal masses. The authors present their experience with use of the EXIT procedure in 7 foetuses in whom evaluation and management of the airways were performed. In 4 patients, the neck mass was surgically removed in the neonatal period, in 1 the propranolol treatment was introduced. Two newborns died shortly after the EXIT procedure. The EXIT procedure allows the paediatric otolaryngologist to provide airway patency of newborns during delivery. Both ultrasound and MR imaging are crucial in the prenatal assessment of foetal head and neck masses. Their application in the evaluation of any foetal anomaly is essential for proper prognosis and treatment. Maternal monitoring for complications such as polyhydramnios and preterm labour are important in planning and desirability of the EXIT procedure.

Novel multidisciplinary approach to monitor and treat fetuses with gastroschisis using the Svetliza Reducibility Index and the EXIT-like procedure

OBJECTIVE

To describe our initial experience with a novel approach to follow-up and treat gastroschisis in "zero minute" using the EXITlike procedure.

METHODS

Eleven fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis were evaluated. The Svetliza Reductibility Index was used to prospectively evaluate five cases, and six cases were used as historical controls. The Svetliza Reductibility Index consisted in dividing the real abdominal wall defect diameter by the larger intestinal loop to be fitted in such space. The EXIT-like procedure consists in planned cesarean section, fetal analgesia and return of the herniated viscera to the abdominal cavity before the baby can fill the intestines with air. No general anesthesia or uterine relaxation is needed. Exteriorized viscera reduction is performed while umbilical cord circulation is maintained.

RESULTS

Four of the five cases were performed with the EXIT-like procedure. Successful complete closure was achieved in three infants. The other cases were planned deliveries at term and treated by construction of a Silo. The average time to return the viscera in EXIT-like Group was 5.0 minutes, and, in all cases, oximetry was maintained within normal ranges. In the perinatal period, there were significant statistical differences in ventilation days required (p = 0.0169), duration of parenteral nutrition (p=0.0104) and duration of enteral feed (p=0.0294).

CONCLUSION

The Svetliza Reductibility Index and EXIT-like procedure could be new options to follow and treat gastroschisis, with significantly improved neonatal outcome in our unit. Further randomized studies are needed to evaluate this novel approach.

Prenatal diagnosis and management of nasal glioma

Advances in foetal imaging have increased our detection rate of craniofacial abnormalities in utero. Nasal glioma is a rare, benign, congenital facial defect. Once detected, further imaging is required to assess for intracranial communication, the presence of additional defects, determine the patency of the aerodigestive tract and decide on timing of delivery. The authors review the current literature on diagnosis and management of nasal glioma in this rapidly advancing field of craniofacial anomalies detected in utero. Literature search of EMBASE and MEDLINE databases yielded 594 articles, which were screened by 2 independent reviewers. A total of 7 papers were selected after exclusion. There have been seven cases of prenatally diagnosed nasal glioma. The earliest of these was detected at 20 wk gestation. The majority were investigated with foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to establish any intracranial communication or bony defects. Ultrasound monitoring, doppler waveform and 3D rendered images were utilised to delineate the lesion, monitor growth and differentiate potential diagnosis. Postnatal MRI is favoured by most to re-evaluate the lesion and aid surgical planning. Surgical resection was performed within the first few months of life. Diagnostic uncertainty was seen in all cases, until formal histology was obtained, emphasising the challenges, and need for early appropriate specialist input. Whilst the prenatal detection of craniofacial abnormalities increases, there remain diagnostic challenges in differentiating prenatal congenital midfacial defects in utero. These defects are best investigated and monitored using prenatal ultrasound and MRI, to narrow the differential diagnosis, guide timing of delivery and allow for appropriate surgical planning. Prenatally detected nasal glioma, may only be confirmed on histology and families must be counselled appropriately to prepare them for the possible alternative diagnoses. Early surgical resection was undertaken to achieve more favourable aesthetic outcomes, reduce complications of ocular development and provide definitive histological diagnosis.

Anesthesia for ex utero intrapartum treatment: renewed insight on a rare procedure

The ex utero intrapartum treatment is a rare surgical procedure performed in cases of expected postpartum fetal airway obstruction. The technique lies on a safe establishment of a patent airway during labor in anticipation of a critical respiratory event, without interrupting maternal-fetal circulation. Anesthetic management is substantially different from that regarding standard cesarean delivery and its main goals include uterine relaxation, fetal anesthesia and preservation of placental blood flow. We present the case of an ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure performed on a fetus with a large cervical lymphangioma and prenatal evidence of airway compromise. Modifications to the classic ex utero intrapartum treatment management strategies were successfully adopted and will be discussed in the following report.