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Vergote S, Joyeux L, Basurto D, Bleeser T, Valenzuela I, Valentyn B, Emam D, Watananirun K, De Bie FR, Aertsen M, van der Merwe J, Deprest J. Duration of fetoscopic spina bifida repair does not affect the central nervous system in fetal lambs. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101156. [PMID: 37714330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101156] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal spina bifida aperta repair improves neurologic outcomes yet comes with a significant risk of prematurity and uterine scar-related complications. To reduce such complications, different fetoscopic techniques, for example, with varying numbers of ports, are being explored. This has an effect on the duration of the procedure, potentially affecting central nervous system development. Both the condition and anesthesia can affect the central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus, a region crucial for prospective and episodic memory. Previous animal studies have shown the potential influence of anesthesia, premature delivery, and maternal surgery during pregnancy on this area. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the effects of 2- vs 3-port fetoscopic spina bifida aperta repair in the fetal lamb model using neuron count of the hippocampus as the primary outcome. STUDY DESIGN Based on the hippocampal neuron count from previous lamb experiments, we calculated that we required 5 animals per group to achieve a statistical power of ≥ 80%. A spina bifida aperta defect was developed in fetal lambs at 75 days of gestation (term: 145 days). At 100 days, fetuses underwent either a 2-port or 3-port fetoscopic repair. At 143 days, all surviving fetuses were delivered by cesarean delivery, anesthetized, and transcardially perfused with a mixture of formaldehyde and gadolinium. Next, they underwent neonatal brain and spine magnetic resonance imaging after which these organs were harvested for histology. Hippocampus, frontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum samples were immunostained to identify neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and markers associated with cell proliferation, myelination, and synapses. The degree of hindbrain herniation and the ventricular diameter were measured on magnetic resonance images and volumes of relevant brain and medulla areas were segmented. RESULTS Both treatment groups included 5 fetuses and 9 unoperated littermates served as normal controls. The durations for both skin-to-skin (341±31 vs 287±40 minutes; P=.04) and fetal surgery (183±30 vs 128±22; P=.01) were longer for the 2-port approach than for the 3-port approach. There was no significant difference in neuron density in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. In the caudate nucleus, the neuron count was higher in the 2-port group (965±156 vs 767±92 neurons/mm2; P=.04). There were neither differences in proliferation, astrogliosis, synaptophysin, or myelin. The tip of the cerebellar vermis was closer to the foramen magnum in animals undergoing the 2-port approach than in animals undergoing the 3-port approach (-0.72±0.67 vs -2.47±0.91 mm; P=.009). There was no significant difference in the ratio of the hippocampus, caudate nucleus, or cerebellar volume to body weight. For the spine, no difference was noted in spine volume-to-body weight ratio for the lower (L1-L2), middle (L3-L4), and higher (L5-L6) levels. Compared with controls, in repaired animals, the cerebellar vermis tip laid closer to the foramen magnum, parietal ventricles were enlarged, and medulla volumes were reduced. CONCLUSION In the experimental spina bifida fetal lamb model, a 2-port repair took 40% longer than a 3-port repair. However, there was no indication of any relevant morphologic differences in the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simen Vergote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest)
| | - Luc Joyeux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (Dr Joyeux)
| | - David Basurto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Fetal Medicine and Fetal Surgery, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico (Dr Basurto)
| | - Tom Bleeser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Anaesthesiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Dr Bleeser); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Dr Bleeser)
| | - Ignacio Valenzuela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest)
| | - Britt Valentyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest)
| | - Doaa Emam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt (Dr Emam)
| | - Kanokwaroon Watananirun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (Dr Watananirun)
| | - Felix R De Bie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest)
| | - Michael Aertsen
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, Clinical Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Dr Aertsen)
| | - Johannes van der Merwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest)
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Biomedical Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium (Drs Vergote, Joyeux, Basurto, Bleeser, and Valenzuela, Ms Valentyn, and Drs Emam, Watananirun, De Bie, van der Merwe, and Deprest); Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom (Dr Deprest).
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Peixoto-Filho FM, Cervante TP, Bellas AR, Gomes Junior SC, Lapa DA, Acácio GL, Carvalho PRND, Sá RAMD. Historical Clinical Outcomes of Children with Myelomeningocele Meeting the Criteria for Fetal Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Survey of Brazilian Patients. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:238-244. [PMID: 35139573 PMCID: PMC9948058 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the historical clinical outcomes of children with myelomeningocele (MMC) meeting the criteria for fetal surgery, but who underwent postnatal primary repair. METHODS Data from children undergoing postnatal MMC repair between January 1995 and January 2015 were collected from the Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic's medical records. Children were included if they had ≥ 1 year of postoperative follow-up and met the criteria for fetal surgery. The children's data were then stratified according to whether they received a shunt or not. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were educational delays, hospitalization, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and renal failure. RESULTS Over the 20-year period, 231 children with MMC were followed up. Based on clinical data recorded at the time of birth, 165 (71.4%) qualify of fetal surgery. Of the 165 patients, 136 (82.4%) underwent shunt placement. The mortality rate was 5.1% in the group with shunt and 0% in the group without, relative risk (RR) 3.28 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.19-55.9). The statistically significant RRs for adverse outcomes in the shunted group were 1.86 (95% CI, 1.01-3.44) for UTI, 30 (95% CI, 1.01-537) for renal failure, and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.09-2.87) for hospitalizations. CONCLUSION Children with MMC qualifying for fetal surgery who underwent shunt placement were more likely to have recurrent UTIs, develop renal failure, and be hospitalized. Since approximately half of the shunt procedures could be avoided by fetal surgery, there is a clinical benefit and a possible financial benefit to the implementation of this technology in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Denise Araújo Lapa
- Department of Fetal Medicine, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Sanz Cortes M, Chmait RH, Lapa DA, Belfort MA, Carreras E, Miller JL, Brawura Biskupski Samaha R, Sepulveda Gonzalez G, Gielchinsky Y, Yamamoto M, Persico N, Santorum M, Otaño L, Nicolaou E, Yinon Y, Faig-Leite F, Brandt R, Whitehead W, Maiz N, Baschat A, Kosinski P, Nieto-Sanjuanero A, Chu J, Kershenovich A, Nicolaides KH. Experience of 300 cases of prenatal fetoscopic open spina bifida repair: report of the International Fetoscopic Neural Tube Defect Repair Consortium. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:678.e1-678.e11. [PMID: 34089698 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multicenter randomized controlled trial Management of Myelomeningocele Study demonstrated that prenatal repair of open spina bifida by hysterotomy, compared with postnatal repair, decreases the need for ventriculoperitoneal shunting and increases the chances of independent ambulation. However, the hysterotomy approach is associated with risks that are inherent to the uterine incision. Fetal surgeons from around the world embarked on fetoscopic open spina bifida repair aiming to reduce maternal and fetal/neonatal risks while preserving the neurologic benefits of in utero surgery to the child. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to report the main obstetrical, perinatal, and neurosurgical outcomes in the first 12 months of life of children undergoing prenatal fetoscopic repair of open spina bifida included in an international registry and to compare these with the results reported in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study and in a subsequent large cohort of patients who received an open fetal surgery repair. STUDY DESIGN All known centers performing fetoscopic spina bifida repair were contacted and invited to participate in a Fetoscopic Myelomeningocele Repair Consortium and enroll their patients in a registry. Patient data entered into this fetoscopic registry were analyzed for this report. Fisher exact test was performed for comparison of categorical variables in the registry with both the Management of Myelomeningocele Study and a post-Management of Myelomeningocele Study cohort. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess the registry data for predictors of preterm birth at <30 weeks' gestation, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and need for postnatal cerebrospinal fluid diversion in the fetoscopic registry. RESULTS There were 300 patients in the fetoscopic registry, 78 in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study, and 100 in the post-Management of Myelomeningocele Study cohort. The 3 data sets showed similar anatomic levels of the spinal lesion, mean gestational age at delivery, distribution of motor function compared with upper anatomic level of the lesion in the neonates, and perinatal death. In the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (26.16±1.6 weeks) and post-Management of Myelomeningocele Study cohort (23.3 [20.2-25.6] weeks), compared with the fetoscopic registry group (23.6±1.4 weeks), the gestational age at surgery was lower (comparing fetoscopic repair group with the Management of Myelomeningocele Study; P<.01). After open fetal surgery, all patients were delivered by cesarean delivery, whereas in the fetoscopic registry approximately one-third were delivered vaginally (P<.01). At cesarean delivery, areas of dehiscence or thinning in the scar were observed in 34% of cases in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study, in 49% in the post-Management of Myelomeningocele Study cohort, and in 0% in the fetoscopic registry (P<.01 for both comparisons). At 12 months of age, there was no significant difference in the number of patients requiring treatment for hydrocephalus between those in the fetoscopic registry and the Management of Myelomeningocele Study. CONCLUSION Prenatal and postnatal outcomes up to 12 months of age after prenatal fetoscopic and open fetal surgery repair of open spina bifida are similar. Fetoscopic repair allows for having a vaginal delivery and eliminates the risk of uterine scar dehiscence, therefore protecting subsequent pregnancies of unnecessary maternal and fetal risks.
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Preliminary Results of a Reverse Thermal Gel Patch for Fetal Ovine Myelomeningocele Repair. J Surg Res 2021; 270:113-123. [PMID: 34655937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal surgical closure of Myelomeningocele (MMC) is considered part of the current age armamentarium. Clinical data has demonstrated the need for innovative patches to maximize the benefits and decrease the risks of this approach. Our team has developed a minimally invasive reverse thermal gel (RTG) patch with cellular scaffolding properties. Here, we demonstrate the initial gross and microscopic histological effects of this RTG patch in the fetal ovine model of MMC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A fetal ovine MMC defect was created at 68-75 days gestation, RTG patch application or untreated at 100-103 days, and harvest at 135-140 days. The RTG was applied to the defect and secured in place with an overlay sealant. Defect areas underwent gross and microscopic analysis for inflammation and skin development. Brains were analyzed for hindbrain herniation and hydrocephalus. RESULTS The untreated fetus (n = 1) demonstrated an open defect lacking tissue coverage, evidence of spinal cord injury, increased caspase-3, Iba1 and GFAP in spinal cord tissues, and hindbrain herniation and ventricular dilation. RTG treated fetuses (n = 3) demonstrated defect healing with well-organized dermal and epidermal layers throughout the entire healed tissue area overlaying the defect with minimal inflammation, reduced caspase-3, Iba1 and GFAP in spinal cord tissues, and no hindbrain herniation or ventricular dilation. CONCLUSION An RTG patch applied to MMC defects in fetal sheep promoted skin coverage over the defect, was associated with minimal inflammation of the spinal cord tissues and prevented brain abnormalities. The present findings provide exciting results for future comprehensive radiological, functional, and mechanistic evaluation of the RTG.
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Lapa DA, Chmait RH, Gielchinsky Y, Yamamoto M, Persico N, Santorum M, Gil MM, Trigo L, Quintero RA, Nicolaides KH. Percutaneous fetoscopic spina bifida repair: effect on ambulation and need for postnatal cerebrospinal fluid diversion and bladder catheterization. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2021; 58:582-589. [PMID: 33880811 PMCID: PMC9293198 DOI: 10.1002/uog.23658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A trial comparing prenatal with postnatal open spina bifida (OSB) repair established that prenatal surgery was associated with better postnatal outcome. However, in the trial, fetal surgery was carried out through hysterotomy. Minimally invasive approaches are being developed to mitigate the risks of open maternal-fetal surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel neurosurgical technique for percutaneous fetoscopic repair of fetal OSB, the skin-over-biocellulose for antenatal fetoscopic repair (SAFER) technique, on long-term postnatal outcome. METHODS This study examined descriptive data for all patients undergoing fetoscopic OSB repair who had available 12- and 30-month follow-up data for assessment of need for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion and need for bladder catheterization and ambulation, respectively, from eight centers that perform prenatal OSB repair via percutaneous fetoscopy using a biocellulose patch between the neural placode and skin/myofascial flap, without suture of the dura mater (SAFER technique). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the effect of different factors on need for CSF diversion at 12 months and ambulation and need for bladder catheterization at 30 months. Potential cofactors included gestational age at fetal surgery and delivery, preoperative ultrasound findings of anatomical level of the lesion, cerebral lateral ventricular diameter, lesion type and presence of bilateral talipes, as well as postnatal findings of CSF leakage at birth, motor level, presence of bilateral talipes and reversal of hindbrain herniation. RESULTS A total of 170 consecutive patients with fetal OSB were treated prenatally using the SAFER technique. Among these, 103 babies had follow-up at 12 months of age and 59 had follow-up at 30 months of age. At 12 months of age, 53.4% (55/103) of babies did not require ventriculoperitoneal shunt or third ventriculostomy. At 30 months of age, 54.2% (32/59) of children were ambulating independently and 61.0% (36/59) did not require chronic intermittent catheterization of the bladder. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that significant prediction of need for CSF diversion was provided by lateral ventricular size and type of lesion (myeloschisis). Significant predictors of ambulatory status were prenatal bilateral talipes and anatomical and functional motor levels of the lesion. There were no significant predictors of need for bladder catheterization. CONCLUSION Children who underwent prenatal OSB repair via the percutaneous fetoscopic SAFER technique achieved long-term neurological outcomes similar to those reported in the literature after hysterotomy-assisted OSB repair. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. A. Lapa
- Fetal Therapy Team CoordinatorHospital Infantil SabaraSão PauloBrazil
- Fetal Therapy GroupHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloBrazil
| | - R. H. Chmait
- Los Angeles Fetal Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKeck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Y. Gielchinsky
- Fetal Therapy, Helen Schneider Hospital for WomenRabin Medical CenterPetah TikvaIsrael
| | | | - N. Persico
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community HealthUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
- Fetal Medicine and Surgery Service, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - M. Santorum
- Fetal Medicine Research InstituteKing's College HospitalLondonUK
| | - M. M. Gil
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHospital Universitario de TorrejónMadridSpain
- School of MedicineUniversidad Francisco de VitoriaMadridSpain
| | - L. Trigo
- Fetal Therapy GroupHospital Israelita Albert EinsteinSão PauloBrazil
- BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research CenterBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - K. H. Nicolaides
- Fetal Medicine Research InstituteKing's College HospitalLondonUK
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Wataganara T, Trigo L, Lapa DA. Teaching and training the total percutaneous fetoscopic myelomeningocele repair. J Perinat Med 2021; 49:jpm-2020-0591. [PMID: 33818041 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Skin-over-biocellulose for Antenatal Fetoscopic Repair (SAFER) is a recently developed technique for fully percutaneous fetoscopic repair of myelomeningocele. The formation of a neo-dura mater triggered by the use of a biocellulose patch over the placode obviates the need of primary repair of fetal dura mater, and seems to further improve neurodevelopmental outcome. Insufflation of humidified carbon dioxide into the amniotic cavity requires proper training and a different equipment set from those used in the classic "under-water" fetoscopy. To shorten the learning curve of novice teams, we have developed a structured training course encompassing three critical steps: (1) visiting the proctor center, (2) selection of the first case, and (3) on-site training of the surgical team. Upon the site arrival, there will be: (1) theoretical lecture for all specialists involved in the fetal care, (2) simulation training, and (3) surgical proctoring. Proctor team can take over the surgery if the local team cannot complete. This training course has been successfully used in five different countries: Israel, Chile, Italy, USA and England and all local teams are already performing surgeries solo without any failures or maternal morbidity. Teaching new procedures in fetal medicine is challenging, because of the small number of candidate cases, and the direct relation of good outcomes and the number of cases operated. This proposed training modules may be adopted by other teams that want to embark on this type of novel minimally invasive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuangsit Wataganara
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lucas Trigo
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Fetal Therapy Program, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Denise Araujo Lapa
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Fetal Therapy Program, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Soltani Khaboushan A, Shakibaei M, Kajbafzadeh AM, Majidi Zolbin M. Prenatal Neural Tube Anomalies: A Decade of Intrauterine Stem Cell Transplantation Using Advanced Tissue Engineering Methods. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:752-767. [PMID: 33742349 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10150-w] [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] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common congenital defects during neurulation. Spina bifida is a type of NTD that can occur in different forms. Since myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most severe form of spina bifida, finding a satisfactory treatment for MMC is a gold standard for the treatment of spina bifida. The Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS) demonstrated that intrauterine treatment of spina bifida could ameliorate the complications associated with spina bifida and would also reduce the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt by 50%. Recently developed tissue engineering (TE) approaches using scaffolds, stem cells, and growth factors allow treatment of the fetus with minimally invasive methods and promising outcomes. The application of novel patches with appropriate stem cells and growth factors leads to better coverage of the defect with fewer complications. These approaches with less invasive surgical procedures, even in animal models with similar characteristics as the human MMC defect, paves the way for the modern application of less invasive surgical methods. Significantly, the early detection of these problems and applying these approaches can increase the potential efficacy of MMC treatment with fewer complications. However, further studies should be conducted to find the most suitable scaffolds and stem cells, and their application should be evaluated in animal models. This review intends to discuss advanced TE methods for treating MMC and recent successes in increasing the efficacy of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Soltani Khaboushan
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.,Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Shakibaei
- Musculoskeletal Research Group and Tumor Biology, Chair of Vegetative Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Pettenkoferstrasse 11, D-80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Abdol-Mohammad Kajbafzadeh
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.
| | - Masoumeh Majidi Zolbin
- Pediatric Urology and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Section of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Therapy, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, No. 62, Dr. Gharib's Street, Keshavarz Boulevard, Tehran, 1419433151, Iran.
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Mann LK, Won JH, Trenton NJ, Garnett J, Snowise S, Fletcher SA, Tseng SCG, Diehl MR, Papanna R. Cryopreserved human umbilical cord versus acellular dermal matrix patches for in utero fetal spina bifida repair in a pregnant rat model. J Neurosurg Spine 2020; 32:321-331. [PMID: 31675701 DOI: 10.3171/2019.7.spine19468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite significant improvement in spinal cord function after in utero spina bifida (SB) repair compared with traditional postnatal repair, over half of the children who undergo this procedure do not benefit completely. This lack of benefit has been attributed to closure methods of the defect, with subsequent spinal cord tethering at the repair site. Hence, a regenerative patch or material with antiinflammatory and anti-scarring properties may alleviate comorbidities with improved outcomes. The authors' primary objective was therefore to compare cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) versus acellular dermal matrix (ADM) patches for regenerative repair of in utero SB lesions in an animal model. METHODS In vivo studies were conducted in retinoic acid-induced SB defects in fetuses of Sprague-Dawley rats. HUC or ADM patches were sutured over the SB defects at a gestational age of 20 days. Repaired SB defect tissues were harvested after 48-52 hours. Tissue sections were immunofluorescently stained for the presence of neutrophils, macrophages, keratinocytes, meningeal cells, and astrocytes and for any associated apoptosis. In vitro meningeal or keratinocyte cell coculture experiments with the ADM and HUC patches were performed. All experiments were scored quantitatively in a blinded manner. RESULTS Neutrophil counts and apoptotic cells were lower in the HUC-based repair group (n = 8) than in the ADM patch repair group (n = 7). In the HUC patch repair group, keratinocytes were present on the outer surface of the patch, meningeal cells were present on the inner surface of the patch adjacent to the neural placode, and astrocytes were noted to be absent. In the ADM patch repair group, all 3 cell types were present on both surfaces of the patch. In vitro studies showed that human meningeal cells grew preferentially on the mesenchymal side of the HUC patch, whereas keratinocytes showed tropism for the epithelial side, suggesting an inherent HUC-based cell polarity. In contrast, the ADM patch studies showed no polarity and decreased cellular infiltration. CONCLUSIONS The HUC patch demonstrated reduced acute inflammation and apoptosis together with superior organization in regenerative cellular growth when compared with the ADM patch, and is therefore likely the better patch material for in utero SB defect repair. These properties may make the HUC biomaterial useful as a "meningeal patch" during spinal cord surgeries, thereby potentially reducing tethering and improving on spinal cord function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovepreet K Mann
- 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston
| | - Jong H Won
- 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston
| | | | - Jeannine Garnett
- 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston
| | - Saul Snowise
- 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston
| | - Stephen A Fletcher
- 3Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Pediatric Surgery, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas; and
| | | | | | - Ramesha Papanna
- 1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, UTHealth The University of Texas McGovern Medical School and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston
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9
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Oostendorp C, Geutjes PJ, Smit F, Tiemessen DM, Polman S, Abbawi A, Brouwer KM, Eggink AJ, Feitz WFJ, Daamen WF, van Kuppevelt TH. Sustained Postnatal Skin Regeneration Upon Prenatal Application of Functionalized Collagen Scaffolds. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 27:10-25. [PMID: 31971880 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2019.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary closure of fetal skin in spina bifida protects the spinal cord and improves clinical outcome, but is also associated with postnatal growth malformations and spinal cord tethering. In this study, we evaluated the postnatal effects of prenatally closed full-thickness skin defects in sheep applying collagen scaffolds with and without heparin/vascular endothelial growth factor/fibroblast growth factor 2, focusing on skin regeneration and growth. At 6 months, collagen scaffold functionalized with heparin, VEGF, and FGF2 (COL-HEP/GF) resulted in a 6.9-fold increase of the surface area of the regenerated skin opposed to 1.7 × for collagen only. Epidermal thickness increased 5.7-fold at 1 month, in line with high gene expression of S100 proteins, and decreased to 2.1 at 6 months. Increased adipose tissue and reduced scaffold degradation and number of myofibroblasts were observed for COL-HEP/GF. Gene ontology terms related to extracellular matrix (ECM) organization were enriched for both scaffold treatments. In COL-HEP/GF, ECM gene expression resembled native skin. Expression of hair follicle-related genes in COL-HEP/GF was comparable to native skin, and de novo hair follicle generation was indicated. In conclusion, in utero closure of skin defects using functionalized collagen scaffolds resulted in long-term skin regeneration and growth. Functionalized collagen scaffolds that grow with the child may be useful for prenatal treatment of closure defects like spina bifida. Impact statement Prenatal closure of fetal skin in case of spina bifida prevents damage to the spinal cord. Closure of the defect is challenging and may result in postnatal growth malformations. In this study, the postnatal effects of a prenatally applied collagen scaffold functionalized with heparin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were investigated. An increase of the surface area of regenerated skin ("growing with the child") and generation of hair follicles was observed. Gene expression levels resembled those of native skin with respect to the extracellular matrix and hair follicles. Overall, in utero closure of skin defects using heparin/VEGF/FGF functionalized collagen scaffolds results in long-term skin regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corien Oostendorp
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Geutjes
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dorien M Tiemessen
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Polman
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aya Abbawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien M Brouwer
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alex J Eggink
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wout F J Feitz
- Department of Urology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke F Daamen
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Toin H van Kuppevelt
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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10
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Mazzone L, Moehrlen U, Ochsenbein-Kölble N, Pontiggia L, Biedermann T, Reichmann E, Meuli M. Bioengineering and in utero transplantation of fetal skin in the sheep model: A crucial step towards clinical application in human fetal spina bifida repair. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 14:58-65. [PMID: 31595702 DOI: 10.1002/term.2963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
An intricate problem during open human fetal surgery for spina bifida regards back skin closure, particularly in those cases where the skin defect is much too large for primary closure. We hypothesize that tissue engineering of fetal skin might provide an adequate autologous skin substitute for in utero application in such situations. Eight sheep fetuses of four time-mated ewes underwent fetoscopic skin biopsy at 65 days of gestation. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes isolated from the biopsy were used to create fetal dermo-epidermal skin substitutes. These were transplanted on the fetuses by open fetal surgery at 90 days of gestation on skin defects (excisional wounds) created during the same procedure. Pregnancy was allowed to continue until euthanasia at 120 days of gestation. The graft area was analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. The transplanted fetal dermo-epidermal skin substitutes was well discernable in situ in three of the four fetuses available for analysis. Histology confirmed healed grafts with a close to natural histological skin architecture four weeks after in utero transplantation. This experimental study generates evidence that laboratory grown autologous fetal skin analogues can successfully be transplanted in utero. These results have clinical implications as an analogous procedure might be applied in human fetuses undergoing prenatal repair to facilitate primary skin closure. Finally, this study may also fertilize the field of fetal tissue engineering in general, particularly when more interventional, minimally invasive, and open fetal surgical procedures become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzone
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Zurich, Switzerland.,Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Moehrlen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Ochsenbein-Kölble
- Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Pontiggia
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Biedermann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ernst Reichmann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Meuli
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, Zurich, Switzerland.,Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Somuncu ÖS, Coşkun Y, Ballica B, Temiz AF, Somuncu D. In vitro artificial skin engineering by decellularized placental scaffold for secondary skin problems of meningomyelocele. J Clin Neurosci 2018; 59:291-297. [PMID: 30385168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meningomyelocele (MMC) is a condition that is originated by the fusion defect of the neural tube. It is a congenital anomaly and can be characterized by spinal cord defects and impaired skin integrity. It is very important to close the skin openings via three-dimensional artificial skin like construction for preventing infection and maintaining the healthy skin structure. Therefore, we aim to generate artificial skin like structures formed by the own cells of donor for treating the MMC-related skin disorder. METHODS In this study, waste placental tissues were collected and decellularization process was applied. Decellularized and normal placental tissues were compared by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Donor's own placental stem cells were seeded onto biological scaffold and were differentiated into skin related cell types. Finally, gene expressions were evaluated, and the structural integrity were analyzed with IHC. Tube formation assay was also performed for examining the angiogenesis formation of the tissue in order to evaluate the possibility of a healthy organ development. RESULTS Characterization experiments proved that the decellularized skin preserved a normal skin 3D construction and vasculature along with significant ECM arrangements. The well-kept placental ECM scaffold was cytocompatible, supportive of mesenchymal cell types. Native organ related scaffold is expected to carry a huge influence in skin tissue engineering via delivering a niche for skin-based cells and even for stem/progenitor cells. Regarding to the data obtained from this study, in vivo investigation the skin-like structure in animal models is thought to be the next step as a future prospect. CONCLUSION This study is a reference investigation for skin engineering based on placental stem cells and biological scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeşim Coşkun
- Bahçeşehir University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Turkey
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12
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Lapa Pedreira DA, Acacio GL, Gonçalves RT, Sá RAM, Brandt RA, Chmait RH, Kontopoulos EV, Quintero RA. Percutaneous fetoscopic closure of large open spina bifida using a bilaminar skin substitute. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2018; 52:458-466. [PMID: 29314321 DOI: 10.1002/uog.19001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We have described previously our percutaneous fetoscopic technique for the treatment of open spina bifida (OSB). However, approximately 20-30% of OSB defects are too large to allow primary skin closure. Here we describe a modification of our standard technique using a bilaminar skin substitute to allow closure of large spinal defects. The aim of this study was to report our clinical experience with the use of a bilaminar skin substitute and a percutaneous fetoscopic technique for the prenatal closure of large OSB defects. METHODS Surgery was performed between 24.0 and 28.9 gestational weeks with the woman under general anesthesia, using an entirely percutaneous fetoscopic approach with partial carbon dioxide insufflation of the uterine cavity, as described previously. If there was enough skin to be sutured in the midline, only a biocellulose patch was placed over the placode (single-patch group). In cases in which skin approximation was not possible, a bilaminar skin substitute (two layers: one silicone and one dermal matrix) was placed over the biocellulose patch and sutured to the skin edges (two-patch group). The surgical site was assessed at birth, and long-term follow-up was carried out. RESULTS Percutaneous fetoscopic OSB repair was attempted in 47 consecutive fetuses, but surgery could not be completed in two. Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurred in 36 of the 45 (80%) cases which formed the study group, and the mean gestational age at delivery was 32.8 ± 2.5 weeks. A bilaminar skin substitute was required in 13/45 (29%) cases; in the remaining 32 cases, direct skin-to-skin suture was feasible. There were 12 cases of myeloschisis, of which 10 were in the two-patch group. In all cases, the skin substitute was located at the surgical site at birth. In five of the 13 (38.5%) cases in the two-patch group, additional postnatal repair was needed. In the remaining cases, the silicone layer detached spontaneously from the dermal matrix (on average, 25 days after birth), and the lesion healed by secondary intention. The mean operating time was 193 (range, 83-450) min; it was significantly longer in cases requiring the bilaminar skin substitute (additional 42 min on average), although the two-patch group had similar PPROM rate and gestational age at delivery compared with the single-patch group. Complete reversal of hindbrain herniation occurred in 68% of the 28 single-patch cases and 33% of the 12 two-patch cases with this information available (P < 0.05). In four cases there was no reversal; half of these occurred in myeloschisis cases. CONCLUSIONS Large OSB defects may be treated successfully in utero using a bilaminar skin substitute over a biocellulose patch through an entirely percutaneous approach. Although the operating time is longer, surgical outcome is similar to that in cases closed primarily. Cases with myeloschisis seem to have a worse prognosis than do those with myelomeningocele. PPROM and preterm birth continue to be a challenge. Further experience is needed to assess the risks and benefits of this technique for the management of large OSB defects. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Lapa Pedreira
- Fetal Therapy Program, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - G L Acacio
- Obstetrics Department, University of Taubaté, Taubaté, Brazil
| | - R T Gonçalves
- Fetal Therapy Program, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R A M Sá
- Fetal Medicine, Perinatal da Barra, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R A Brandt
- Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R H Chmait
- The USFetus Research Consortium, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - R A Quintero
- The USFetus Research Consortium, Miami, Florida, USA
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13
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Snowise S, Mann L, Morales Y, Moise KJ, Johnson A, Fletcher S, Grill RJ, Tseng SCG, Papanna R. Cryopreserved human umbilical cord versus biocellulose film for prenatal spina bifida repair in a physiologic rat model. Prenat Diagn 2017; 37:473-481. [PMID: 28295455 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal spina bifida (SB) repair with a regenerative patch may improve neurological outcomes by decreasing inflammatory scarring. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and biocellulose film (BCF) patches sutured over SB lesions for regeneration of native cells and inflammatory response. STUDY DESIGN Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with retinoic acid (RA) on embryonic day 10 to induce SB. Hysterotomy was performed on embryonic day 20 and on HUC or BCF patches sutured over the defect. Pups were harvested 30 to 34 h later, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and Trichrome staining assessed basic cellular migration. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated the exact nature of the cellular migration. Patches and surrounding exudates were evaluated with microscopy and cells quantified. RESULTS Histology showed cellular migration with all HUC patches compared with none with BCF patches. Epithelial cells were noted migrating over the dorsal HUC surface, astrocytes were noted along the HUC surface adjacent to the lesion, and endothelial cells were noted within the HUC. HUC patches showed minimal inflammatory cells. Exudates surrounding the HUC patches had fewer inflammatory cells than exudates around BCF patches. CONCLUSION HUC promotes cellular migration of native cells with minimal inflammatory response compared with BCF. HUC may be the superior patch material for prenatal SB repair. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saul Snowise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lovepreet Mann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yisel Morales
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth J Moise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen Fletcher
- The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raymond J Grill
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | | | - Ramesha Papanna
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, UTHealth School of Medicine and the Fetal Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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14
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Belfort M, Deprest J, Hecher K. Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis 1: in utero therapy for spina bifida is ready for endoscopic repair. Prenat Diagn 2016; 36:1161-1166. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Belfort
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology; Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Medical Center; Houston TX USA
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University Hospitals Leuven and Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences; Leuven Belgium
- Research Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Institute for Women's Health; University College London; London UK
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine; University Medical Center; Hamburg Germany
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15
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Pedreira DAL, Reece EA, Chmait RH, Kontopoulos EV, Quintero RA. Fetoscopic repair of spina bifida: safer and better? ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2016; 48:141-147. [PMID: 27273812 PMCID: PMC5113790 DOI: 10.1002/uog.15987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D A L Pedreira
- Fetal Therapy Program, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - E A Reece
- Office of the Dean and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R H Chmait
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - E V Kontopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center, Fetal Therapy, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - R A Quintero
- Elizabeth J. Ferrell Fetal Health Center, Fetal Therapy, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
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16
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Pedreira DA, Zanon N, Nishikuni K, Moreira de Sá RA, Acacio GL, Chmait RH, Kontopoulos EV, Quintero RA. Endoscopic surgery for the antenatal treatment of myelomeningocele: the CECAM trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214:111.e1-111.e11. [PMID: 26386383 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2015.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent randomized clinical trial named Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS trial) showed that prenatal correction of open spina bifida (OSB) via open fetal surgery was associated with improved infant neurological outcomes relative to postnatal repair, but at the expense of increased maternal morbidity. OBJECTIVE We sought to report the final results of our phase I trial (Cirurgia Endoscópica para Correção Antenatal da Meningomielocele [CECAM]) on the feasibility, safety, potential benefits, and side effects of the fetoscopic treatment of OSB using our unique surgical technique. STUDY DESIGN Ten consecutive pregnancies with lumbosacral OSB were enrolled in the study. Surgeries were performed percutaneously under general anesthesia with 3 ports and partial carbon dioxide insufflation. After appropriate surgical positioning of the fetus, the neuroplacode was released with scissors and the skin was undermined to place a biocellulose patch over the lesion. The skin was closed over the patch using a single running stitch. Preoperative, postoperative, and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess hindbrain herniation. Neurodevelopmental evaluation was performed before discharge and at 3, 6, and 12 months. All cases were delivered by cesarean delivery, at which time the uterus was assessed for evidence of thinning or dehiscence. RESULTS The median gestational age at the time of surgery was 27 weeks (range 25-28 weeks). Endoscopic repair was completed in 8 of 10 fetuses. Two cases were unsuccessful due to loss of uterine access. The mean gestational age at birth was 32.4 weeks with a mean latency of 5.6 weeks between surgery and delivery (range 2-8 weeks). There was 1 fetal and 1 neonatal demise, and 1 unsuccessful case underwent postnatal repair. Of the 7 infants available for analysis, complete reversal of hindbrain herniation occurred in 6 of 7 babies. Three babies required ventriculoperitoneal shunting or third ventriculostomy. Functional motor level was the same or better than the anatomical level in 6 of 7 cases. There was no significant maternal morbidity and no evidence of myometrial thinning or dehiscence. However, surgeries were complicated by premature rupture of membrane and prematurity. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the antenatal treatment of OSB using a fetoscopic approach and our unique surgical technique can result in a watertight seal, reversal of the hindbrain herniation, and better than expected motor function. Our technique differs substantially from the classic repair of OSB used in prior open fetal surgery and fetoscopic studies, in which the dura mater is dissected and the defect is closed in multiple layers. Instead, we use a biocellulose patch placed over the lesion and simple closure of the skin. As such, our technique is an alternative to the current paradigms in the antenatal treatment of OSB. Our clinical outcomes are in line with the results of our extensive prior animal work. Maternal benefits of our approach and technique include minimal morbidity and no myometrial legacy. Current limitations of the approach include potential loss of access, premature rupture of membranes, and attendant prematurity. Phase II trials are needed to prevent these complications and to further assess the risks and benefits of our distinct surgical approach and technique.
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17
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Pedreira DAL, Zanon N, de Sá RAM, Acacio GL, Ogeda E, Belem TMLOU, Chmait RH, Kontopoulos E, Quintero RA. Fetoscopic single-layer repair of open spina bifida using a cellulose patch: preliminary clinical experience. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2014; 27:1613-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2013.871701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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18
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Meuli M, Meuli-Simmen C, Flake AW, Zimmermann R, Ochsenbein N, Scheer I, Mazzone L, Moehrlen U. Premiere use of Integra™ artificial skin to close an extensive fetal skin defect during open in utero repair of myelomeningocele. Pediatr Surg Int 2013; 29:1321-6. [PMID: 24057923 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-013-3412-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are fetuses demonstrating very large myelomeningocele lesion which can not be covered with autochothonous skin. MATERIAL AND METHODS We use Integra™ artificial skin for intrauterine coverage of the back lesion. A reverse latissimus dorsi flap was used postnatally to reinforce the repair site. CONCLUSION Integra™ appears to be a suitable coverage for large soft tissue defects in utero. Moreover, a postnatal reverse latissimus dorsi flap appears to markedly strengthen tissue coverage over a spinal cord rescued in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Meuli
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, Zurich, Switzerland,
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Weber B, Kehl D, Bleul U, Behr L, Sammut S, Frese L, Ksiazek A, Achermann J, Stranzinger G, Robert J, Sanders B, Sidler M, Brokopp CE, Proulx ST, Frauenfelder T, Schoenauer R, Emmert MY, Falk V, Hoerstrup SP. In vitro fabrication of autologous living tissue-engineered vascular grafts based on prenatally harvested ovine amniotic fluid-derived stem cells. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2013; 10:52-70. [PMID: 23881794 DOI: 10.1002/term.1781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) have been proposed as a valuable source for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, before clinical implementation, rigorous evaluation of this cell source in clinically relevant animal models accepted by regulatory authorities is indispensable. Today, the ovine model represents one of the most accepted preclinical animal models, in particular for cardiovascular applications. Here, we investigate the isolation and use of autologous ovine AFCs as cell source for cardiovascular tissue engineering applications. Fetal fluids were aspirated in vivo from pregnant ewes (n = 9) and from explanted uteri post mortem at different gestational ages (n = 91). Amniotic non-allantoic fluid nature was evaluated biochemically and in vivo samples were compared with post mortem reference samples. Isolated cells revealed an immunohistochemical phenotype similar to ovine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and showed expression of stem cell factors described for embryonic stem cells, such as NANOG and STAT-3. Isolated ovine amniotic fluid-derived MSCs were screened for numeric chromosomal aberrations and successfully differentiated into several mesodermal phenotypes. Myofibroblastic ovine AFC lineages were then successfully used for the in vitro fabrication of small- and large-diameter tissue-engineered vascular grafts (n = 10) and cardiovascular patches (n = 34), laying the foundation for the use of this relevant pre-clinical in vivo assessment model for future amniotic fluid cell-based therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Weber
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Debora Kehl
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Food Animals, Vetsuisse-Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luc Behr
- IMM Recherche, Institute Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | | | - Laura Frese
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Agnieszka Ksiazek
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerald Stranzinger
- Breeding Biology Group, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Robert
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bart Sanders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Soft Tissue Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands
| | - Michele Sidler
- Musculo-sceletal Research Unit, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chad E Brokopp
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Steven T Proulx
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Frauenfelder
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roman Schoenauer
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maximilian Y Emmert
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Volkmar Falk
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon P Hoerstrup
- Swiss Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery and Department of Surgical Research, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Centre for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine (CABMM), Zurich, Switzerland
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Herrera SRF, Leme RJDA, Valente PR, Caldini ÉG, Saldiva PHN, Pedreira DAL. Comparison between two surgical techniques for prenatal correction of meningomyelocele in sheep. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2012; 10:455-61. [DOI: 10.1590/s1679-45082012000400011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the classical neurosurgical technique with a new simplified technique for prenatal repair of a myelomeningocelelike defect in sheep. METHODS: A myelomeningocele-like defect (laminectomy and dural excision) was created in the lumbar region on day 90 of gestation in 9 pregnant sheep. Correction technique was randomized. In Group 1 the defect was corrected using the classic neurosurgical technique of three-layer suture (dura mater, muscle and skin closure) performed by a neurosurgeon. In Group 2, a fetal medicine specialist used a biosynthetic cellulose patch to protect the spinal cord and only the skin was sutured above it. Near term (day 132 of gestation) fetuses were sacrificed for pathological analysis. RESULTS: There were two miscarriages and one maternal death. In total, six cases were available for pathological analysis, three in each group. In Group 1, there were adherence of the spinal cord to the scar (meningo-neural adhesion) and spinal cord architecture loss with posterior funiculus destruction and no visualization of grey matter. In Group 2, we observed in all cases formation of a neo-dura mater, separating the nervous tissue from adjacent muscles, and preserving the posterior funiculus and grey matter. CONCLUSION: The new simplified technique was better than the classic neurosurgical technique. It preserved the nervous tissue and prevented the adherence of the spinal cord to the scar. This suggests the current technique used for the correction of spina bifida in humans may need to be reassessed.
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