Anencephaly-exencephaly sequence and congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a fetus with 46, XX karyotype: Early prenatal diagnosis, necropsy, and maternal folate pathway genetic analysis

Congenital Brain Malformations: An Integrated Diagnostic Approach

Congenital brain malformations are abnormalities present at birth that can result from developmental disruptions at various embryonic or fetal stages. The clinical presentation is nonspecific and can include developmental delay, hypotonia, and/or epilepsy. An informed combination of imaging and genetic testing enables early and accurate diagnosis and management planning. In this article, we provide a streamlined approach to radiologic phenotyping and genetic evaluation of brain malformations. We will review the clinical workflow for brain imaging and genetic testing with up-to-date ontologies and literature references. The organization of this article introduces a streamlined approach for imaging-based etiologic classification into malformative, destructive, and migrational abnormalities. Specific radiologic ontologies are then discussed in detail, with correlation of key neuroimaging features to embryology and molecular pathogenesis.

Prevalence of folic acid supplement consumption before and during pregnancy, and its determinants among community health center referrals

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of folic acid supplementation among women referred to community health centers.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 325 women referred to community health centers. The subjects were selected from 8 community health centers, using a stratified sampling technique. Data regarding demographics, socioeconomic status, obstetrics, folic acid supplementation status, and household food security status were obtained via questionnaires. The data was analyzed in SPSS v22.

Results

The prevalence of folic acid supplementation both before and during pregnancy was 54.5%. The results of the study showed that folic acid supplementation had a significant positive association with education level (odds ratio [OR],0 .441; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.199–0.977; P<0.05), being employed (OR, 0.353; 95% CI, 0.148–0.840; P<0.05), and planned pregnancy (OR, 18.113; 95% CI, 7.371–44.51; P<0.001). However, other variables, including age, husband's age, husband's education and employment status, the number of prior pregnancies, economic satisfaction, and household food security, were nonsignificant factors affecting folic acid supplementation.

Conclusion

Women with lower socioeconomic status are less likely to take folic acid supplements, and more effort should be made to increase their awareness of the importance of supplementation. Unplanned pregnancy is another strong risk factor for not supplementing with folic acid, and thus should be avoided.

3D Virtual Broncoscopy before FETO Procedure in a Fetus with Severe, Isolated Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

INTRODUCTION

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a life-threatening event in severe forms and fetuses affected may benefit from in utero treatment by fetoscopic endotracheal occlusion (FETO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Application of 3D virtual bronchoscopy in a case of severe, isolated, left CDH before performing FETO procedure at 27 week's gestation is reported.

RESULTS

The 3D virtual imaging of the fetal trachea was technically useful in planning the real FETO procedure. FETO successfully promoted fetal lung growth by decreasing the herniation of abdominal organs into the thorax and decreasing the risk of pulmonary hypoplasia. Ultrasound calculation of lung to head ratio (LHR) and fetal-MRI were used to assess lung development following FETO procedure.

CONCLUSION

3D virtual fetal reality enabled the fetal surgeon to review and navigate on demand inside the upper airway, reducing the risk of unexpected intervention complications.