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Zeevi G, Regev N, Key-Segal C, Romano A, Houri O, Bercovich O, Hadar E, Berezowsky A. To know or not to know: Effect of third-trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation on outcomes of large-for-gestational age neonates. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 166:1108-1113. [PMID: 38532548 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15495] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of late third-trimester sonographic estimation of large for gestational age fetuses on pregnancy management and selected fetal and maternal adverse outcomes. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center between 2015 and 2019. All singleton large-for-gestational-age neonates born during this period were included. The cohort was divided into two groups: neonates for whom fetal weight was estimated on late third trimester (<14 days before delivery) sonography and neonates with no recent fetal weight estimation. The groups were compared for pregnancy management strategies, rates of labor induction, cesarean deliveries, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS A total of 1712 neonates were included in the study, among whom 791 (46.2%) had a late third-trimester fetal weight estimation (study group) and 921 (53.8%) did not (control group). Compared to the control group, the study group was characterized by higher rates of maternal primiparity (24.20% vs 19.20%, P = 0.013), higher maternal body mass index (26.0 ± 6.2 kg/m2 vs 24.7 ± 4.5 kg/m2, P = 0.002), more inductions of labor (29.84% vs 16.40%, P < 0.001) and cesarean deliveries (31.0% vs 19.97%, P < 0.001). There were no clinical differences in neonatal birth weight (4041 ± 256 g vs 3984 264 g, P < 0.001) and no significant differences between other neonatal outcomes, as rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and shoulder dystocia. CONCLUSION Late third-trimester sonographic fetal weight estimation is associated with a higher rate of labor induction and planned and intrapartum cesarean deliveries. In this retrospective cohort study, those interventions did not lead to reduction in maternal or neonatal adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Zeevi
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Noam Regev
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Chen Key-Segal
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Asaf Romano
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Ohad Houri
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Or Bercovich
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Eran Hadar
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Alexandra Berezowsky
- Faculty of Medical Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Morris RK, Johnstone E, Lees C, Morton V, Smith G. Investigation and Care of a Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetus and a Growth Restricted Fetus (Green-top Guideline No. 31). BJOG 2024; 131:e31-e80. [PMID: 38740546 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Key recommendations
All women should be assessed at booking (by 14 weeks) for risk factors for fetal growth restriction (FGR) to identify those who require increased surveillance using an agreed pathway [Grade GPP]. Findings at the midtrimester anomaly scan should be incorporated into the fetal growth risk assessment and the risk assessment updated throughout pregnancy. [Grade GPP]
Reduce smoking in pregnancy by identifying women who smoke with the assistance of carbon monoxide (CO) testing and ensuring in‐house treatment from a trained tobacco dependence advisor is offered to all pregnant women who smoke, using an opt‐out referral process. [Grade GPP]
Women at risk of pre‐eclampsia and/or placental dysfunction should take aspirin 150 mg once daily at night from 12+0–36+0 weeks of pregnancy to reduce their chance of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) and FGR. [Grade A]
Uterine artery Dopplers should be carried out between 18+0 and 23+6 weeks for women at high risk of fetal growth disorders [Grade B]. In a woman with normal uterine artery Doppler and normal fetal biometry at the midtrimester scan, serial ultrasound scans for fetal biometry can commence at 32 weeks. Women with an abnormal uterine artery Doppler (mean pulsatility index > 95th centile) should commence ultrasound scans at 24+0–28+6 weeks based on individual history. [Grade B]
Women who are at low risk of FGR should have serial measurement of symphysis fundal height (SFH) at each antenatal appointment after 24+0 weeks of pregnancy (no more frequently than every 2 weeks). The first measurement should be carried out by 28+6 weeks. [Grade C]
Women in the moderate risk category are at risk of late onset FGR so require serial ultrasound scan assessment of fetal growth commencing at 32+0 weeks. For the majority of women, a scan interval of four weeks until birth is appropriate. [Grade B]
Maternity providers should ensure that they clearly identify the reference charts to plot SFH, individual biometry and estimated fetal weight (EFW) measurements to calculate centiles. For individual biometry measurements the method used for measurement should be the same as those used in the development of the individual biometry and fetal growth chart [Grade GPP]. For EFW the Hadlock three parameter model should be used. [Grade C]
Maternity providers should ensure that they have guidance that promotes the use of standard planes of acquisition and calliper placement when performing ultrasound scanning for fetal growth assessment. Quality control of images and measurements should be undertaken. [Grade C]
Ultrasound biometry should be carried out every 2 weeks in fetuses identified to be SGA [Grade C]. Umbilical artery Doppler is the primary surveillance tool and should be carried out at the point of diagnosis of SGA and during follow‐up as a minimum every 2 weeks. [Grade B]
In fetuses with an EFW between the 3rd and 10th centile, other features must be present for birth to be recommended prior to 39+0 weeks, either maternal (maternal medical conditions or concerns regarding fetal movements) or fetal compromise (a diagnosis of FGR based on Doppler assessment, fetal growth velocity or a concern on cardiotocography [CTG]) [Grade C]. For fetuses with an EFW or abdominal circumference less than the 10th centile where FGR has been excluded, birth or the initiation of induction of labour should be considered at 39+0 weeks after discussion with the woman and her partner/family/support network. Birth should occur by 39+6 weeks. [Grade B]
Pregnancies with early FGR (prior to 32+0 weeks) should be monitored and managed with input from tertiary level units with the highest level neonatal care. Care should be multidisciplinary by neonatology and obstetricians with fetal medicine expertise, particularly when extremely preterm (before 28 weeks) [Grade GPP]. Fetal biometry in FGR should be repeated every 2 weeks [Grade B]. Assessment of fetal wellbeing can include multiple modalities but must include computerised CTG and/or ductus venous. [Grade B]
In pregnancies with late FGR, birth should be initiated from 37+0 weeks to be completed by 37+6 weeks [Grade A]. Decisions for birth should be based on fetal wellbeing assessments or maternal indication. [Grade GPP]
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Sgayer I, Nskovica K, Murkhovskyi I, Shqara RA, Bilyk A, Lowenstein L, Wolf MF. The Impact on Birth Outcomes of Sonographic Fetal Weight Estimation in Neonatal Macrosomia. Am J Perinatol 2024. [PMID: 38698595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine the association between sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) and obstetrical and neonatal outcomes in women with neonatal macrosomia. STUDY DESIGN This study, conducted at a tertiary university-affiliated hospital from 2017 to 2021, compared obstetrical and neonatal outcomes between two groups of women who delivered macrosomic newborns (actual birthweight ≥ 4,000 g): (1) those with EFW ≥ 3,800 g (suspected impending macrosomia) and (2) those with EFW < 3,800 g (unsuspected impending macrosomia). RESULTS During the study period, 854 women with neonatal macrosomia attempted vaginal delivery. Only 9.2% had a sonographic EFW ≥ 4,000 g. Among women with EFW ≥ 3,800 g (n = 317) compared with EFW < 3,800 g (n = 537), the cesarean delivery (CD) rate was higher (17.0 vs. 10.5%, p = 0.004) and the operative delivery rate was lower (3.2 vs. 0.6%, p = 0.015). Among primiparous women, the CD rate was higher among those with EFW ≥ 3,800 versus <3,800 g (37.3 vs. 23.2%, p = 0.033). EFW ≥3,800 g was associated with CD, regardless of predelivery body mass index, parity, diabetes mellitus, maximal fetal weight at previous deliveries, actual birthweight, and labor induction (p = 0.014). EFW ≥ 3,800 g and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of CD. Among women with EFW ≥3,800 g and diabetes mellitus, the risk of CD was double that of those without diabetes and with EFW ≥ 3,800 g (31.4% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.02), although their actual birthweights were similar. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were similar between those with sonographic EFW ≥ 3,800 and < 3,800 g. CONCLUSION Larger EFW increased CD risk among pregnancies with actual neonatal macrosomia. Antenatally suspected macrosomia might alter labor management due to concerns for potential complications, especially when associated with primiparity, diabetes mellitus, or maternal obesity. The increase in the CD rate did not show an association with improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. KEY POINTS · Antenatally suspected macrosomia might alter labor management due to concerns about complications.. · Larger EFW increased cesarean delivery risk among pregnancies with actual neonatal macrosomia.. · The increase in the cesarean delivery rate was not associated with improved outcomes..
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Affiliation(s)
- Inshirah Sgayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Karina Nskovica
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Iuliia Murkhovskyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Raneen Abu Shqara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Artyom Bilyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Lior Lowenstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Maya Frank Wolf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
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Kingdom J, Ashwal E, Lausman A, Liauw J, Soliman N, Figueiro-Filho E, Nash C, Bujold E, Melamed N. Directive clinique n o 442 : Retard de croissance intra-utérin : Dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge en contexte de grossesse monofœtale. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102155. [PMID: 37730301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIF Le retard de croissance intra-utérin est une complication obstétricale fréquente qui touche jusqu'à 10 % des grossesses dans la population générale et qui est le plus souvent due à une pathologie placentaire sous-jacente. L'objectif de la présente directive clinique est de fournir des déclarations sommaires et des recommandations pour appuyer un protocole clinique de dépistage, diagnostic et prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. POPULATION CIBLE Toutes les patientes enceintes menant une grossesse monofœtale. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: La mise en application des recommandations de la présente directive devrait améliorer la compétence des cliniciens quant à la détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin et à la réalisation des interventions indiquées. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été colligée par des recherches effectuées jusqu'en septembre 2022 dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et Cochrane Library en utilisant un vocabulaire contrôlé au moyen de termes MeSH pertinents (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) et de mots-clés (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Seuls les résultats de revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés ou comparatifs et d'études observationnelles ont été retenus. La littérature grise a été obtenue par des recherches menées dans des sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, des registres d'essais cliniques et des sites Web de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteurs ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la force des recommandations en utilisant le cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Voir l'annexe A en ligne (tableau A1 pour les définitions et tableau A2 pour l'interprétation des recommandations fortes et conditionnelles [faibles]). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Obstétriciens, médecins de famille, infirmières, sages-femmes, spécialistes en médecine fœto-maternelle, radiologistes et autres professionnels de la santé qui prodiguent des soins aux patientes enceintes. RéSUMé POUR TWITTER: Mise à jour de la directive sur le dépistage, le diagnostic et la prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin pour les grossesses à risque ou atteintes. DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATIONS: Prédiction du retard de croissance intra-utérin Prévention du retard de croissance intra-utérin Détection du retard de croissance intra-utérin Examens en cas de retard de croissance intra-utérin soupçonné Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin précoce Prise en charge du retard de croissance intra-utérin tardif Prise en charge du post-partum et consultations préconception.
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5
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Kingdom J, Ashwal E, Lausman A, Liauw J, Soliman N, Figueiro-Filho E, Nash C, Bujold E, Melamed N. Guideline No. 442: Fetal Growth Restriction: Screening, Diagnosis, and Management in Singleton Pregnancies. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2023; 45:102154. [PMID: 37730302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.05.022] [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] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth restriction is a common obstetrical complication that affects up to 10% of pregnancies in the general population and is most commonly due to underlying placental diseases. The purpose of this guideline is to provide summary statements and recommendations to support a clinical framework for effective screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies that are either at risk of or affected by fetal growth restriction. TARGET POPULATION All pregnant patients with a singleton pregnancy. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Implementation of the recommendations in this guideline should increase clinician competency to detect fetal growth restriction and provide appropriate interventions. EVIDENCE Published literature in English was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library through to September 2022 using appropriate controlled vocabulary via MeSH terms (fetal growth retardation and small for gestational age) and key words (fetal growth, restriction, growth retardation, IUGR, FGR, low birth weight, small for gestational age, Doppler, placenta, pathology). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Table A1 for definitions and Table A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE Obstetricians, family physicians, nurses, midwives, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, radiologists, and other health care providers who care for pregnant patients. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Updated guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and management of pregnancies at risk of or affected by FGR. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS: Prediction of FGR Prevention of FGR Detection of FGR Investigations in Pregnancies with Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Early-Onset Fetal Growth Restriction Management of Late-Onset FGR Postpartum management and preconception counselling.
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Stephens K, Charnock-Jones DS, Smith GCS. Group B Streptococcus and the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality following term labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:S1305-S1312. [PMID: 37164497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus) colonizes the genital tract of approximately 20% of pregnant women. In the absence of intervention, approximately 1% of infants born to colonized mothers exhibit a clinical infection. This has led to implementation of screening and intervention in the form of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in many countries, including the United States. However, screening has not been introduced in a substantial minority of other countries because of the absence of supportive level 1 evidence, the very large number needed to treat to prevent 1 case, and concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Optimal screening would involve rapid turnaround (to facilitate intrapartum testing) and report antibiotic sensitivity, but no such method exists. There is significant scope for a personalized medicine approach, targeting intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to cases at greatest risk, but the pathogen and host factors determining the risk of invasive disease are incompletely understood. Epidemiologic data have indicated the potential of prelabor invasion of the uterus by group B Streptococcus, and metagenomic analysis revealed the presence of group B Streptococcus in the placenta in approximately 5% of pregnant women at term before onset of labor and membrane rupture. However, the determinants and consequences of prelabor invasion of the uterus by group B Streptococcus remain to be established. The vast majority (98%) of invasive neonatal disease is caused by 6 serotypes, and hexavalent vaccines against these serotypes have completed phase 2 trials. However, an obstacle to phase 3 studies is conducting an adequately powered trial to demonstrate clinical effectiveness given that early-onset disease affects approximately 1 in 1000 births in the absence of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Stephens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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Knights S, Prasad S, Kalafat E, Dadali A, Sizer P, Harlow F, Khalil A. Impact of point-of-care ultrasound and routine third trimester ultrasound on undiagnosed breech presentation and perinatal outcomes: An observational multicentre cohort study. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004192. [PMID: 37023211 PMCID: PMC10079042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate knowledge of fetal presentation at term is vital for optimal antenatal and intrapartum care. The primary objective was to compare the impact of routine third trimester ultrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) with standard antenatal care, on the incidence of overall and proportion of all term breech presentations that were undiagnosed at term, and on the related adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS AND FINDINGS This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study where we included data from St. George's (SGH) and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals (NNUH). Pregnancies were grouped according to whether they received routine third trimester scan (SGH) or POCUS (NNUH). Women with multiple pregnancy, preterm birth prior to 37 weeks, congenital abnormality, and those undergoing planned cesarean section for breech presentation were excluded. Undiagnosed breech presentation was defined as follows: (a) women presenting in labour or with ruptured membranes at term subsequently discovered to have a breech presentation; and (b) women attending for induction of labour at term found to have a breech presentation before induction. The primary outcome was the proportion of all term breech presentations that were undiagnosed. The secondary outcomes included mode of birth, gestational age at birth, birth weight, incidence of emergency cesarean section, and the following neonatal adverse outcomes: Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, unexpected neonatal unit (NNU) admission, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and perinatal mortality (including stillbirths and early neonatal deaths). We employed a Bayesian approach using informative priors from a previous similar study; updating their estimates (prior) with our own data (likelihood). The association of undiagnosed breech presentation at birth with adverse perinatal outcomes was analyzed with Bayesian log-binomial regression models. All analyses were conducted using R for Statistical Software (v.4.2.0). Before and after the implementation of routine third trimester scan or POCUS, there were 16,777 and 7,351 births in SGH and 5,119 and 4,575 in NNUH, respectively. The rate of breech presentation in labour was consistent across all groups (3% to 4%). In the SGH cohort, the percentage of all term breech presentations that were undiagnosed was 14.2% (82/578) before (years 2016 to 2020) and 2.8% (7/251) after (year 2020 to 2021) the implementation of universal screening (p < 0.001). Similarly, in the NNUH cohort, the percentage of all term breech presentations that were undiagnosed was 16.2% (27/167) before (year 2015) and 3.5% (5/142) after (year 2020 to 2021) the implementation of universal POCUS screening (p < 0.001). Bayesian regression analysis with informative priors showed that the rate of undiagnosed breech was 71% lower after the implementation of universal ultrasound (RR, 0.29; 95% CrI 0.20, 0.38) with a posterior probability greater than 99.9%. Among the pregnancies with breech presentation, there was also a very high probability (>99.9%) of reduced rate of low Apgar score (<7) at 5 minutes by 77% (RR, 0.23; 95% CrI 0.14, 0.38). There was moderate to high probability (posterior probability: 89.5% and 85.1%, respectively) of a reduction of HIE (RR, 0.32; 95% CrI 0.0.05, 1.77) and extended perinatal mortality rates (RR, 0.21; 95% CrI 0.01, 3.00). Using informative priors, the proportion of all term breech presentations that were undiagnosed was 69% lower after the initiation of universal POCUS (RR, 0.31; 95% CrI 0.21, 0.45) with a posterior probability greater of 99.9%. There was also a very high probability (99.5%) of a reduced rate of low Apgar score (<7) at 5 minutes by 40% (RR, 0.60; 95% CrI 0.39, 0.88). We do not have reliable data on number of facility-based ultrasound scans via the standard antenatal referral pathway or external cephalic versions (ECVs) performed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS In our study, we observed that both a policy of routine facility-based third trimester ultrasound or POCUS are associated with a reduction in the proportion of term breech presentations that were undiagnosed, with an improvement in neonatal outcomes. The findings from our study support the policy of third trimester ultrasound scan for fetal presentation. Future studies should focus on exploring the cost-effectiveness of POCUS for fetal presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Knights
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Smriti Prasad
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erkan Kalafat
- Department of Statistics, Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Koc University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anahita Dadali
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pam Sizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Francoise Harlow
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Vascular Biology Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Fetal Medicine Unit, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Relph S, Vieira MC, Copas A, Alagna A, Page L, Winsloe C, Shennan A, Briley A, Johnson M, Lees C, Lawlor DA, Sandall J, Khalil A, Pasupathy D. Characteristics associated with antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age fetuses: prospective cohort study nested within DESiGN randomized controlled trial. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 61:356-366. [PMID: 36206546 PMCID: PMC7616055 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the clinical characteristics and patterns of ultrasound use amongst pregnancies with an antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus, compared with those in which SGA is identified, to understand how to design interventions that improve antenatal SGA identification. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of singleton, non-anomalous SGA (birth weight < 10th centile) neonates born after 24 + 0 gestational weeks at 13 UK sites, recruited for the baseline period and control arm of the DESiGN trial. Pregnancy with antenatally unidentified SGA was defined if there was no scan or if the final scan showed estimated fetal weight (EFW) at the 10th centile or above. Identified SGA was defined if EFW was below the 10th centile at the last scan. Maternal and fetal sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were studied for associations with unidentified SGA using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Ultrasound parameters (gestational age at first growth scan, number and frequency of ultrasound scans) were described, stratified by presence of indication for serial ultrasound. Associations of unidentified SGA with absolute centile and percentage weight difference between the last scan and birth were also studied on unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, according to time between the last scan and birth. RESULTS Of the 15 784 SGA babies included, SGA was not identified antenatally in 78.7% of cases. Of pregnancies with unidentified SGA, 47.1% had no recorded growth scan. Amongst 9410 pregnancies with complete data on key maternal comorbidities and antenatal complications, the risk of unidentified SGA was lower for women with any indication for serial scans (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.56 (95% CI, 0.49-0.64)), for Asian compared with white women (aOR, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.69-0.93)) and for those with non-cephalic presentation at birth (aOR, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.46-0.73)). The risk of unidentified SGA was highest among women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (aOR, 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01-1.32)) and lowest in those with underweight BMI (aOR, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.48-0.76)) compared to women with BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 . Compared to women with identified SGA, those with unidentified SGA had fetuses of higher SGA birth-weight centile (adjusted odds for unidentified SGA increased by 1.21 (95% CI, 1.18-1.23) per one-centile increase between the 0th and 10th centiles). Duration between the last scan and birth increased with advancing gestation in pregnancies with unidentified SGA. SGA babies born within a week of the last growth scan had a mean difference between EFW and birth-weight centiles of 19.5 (SD, 13.8) centiles for the unidentified-SGA group and 0.2 (SD, 3.3) centiles for the identified-SGA group (adjusted mean difference between groups, 19.0 (95% CI, 17.8-20.1) centiles). CONCLUSIONS Unidentified SGA was more common amongst women without an indication for serial ultrasound, and in those with cephalic presentation at birth, BMI of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and less severe SGA. Ultrasound EFW was overestimated in women with unidentified SGA. This demonstrates the importance of improving the accuracy of SGA screening strategies in low-risk populations and continuing performance of ultrasound scans for term pregnancies. © 2022 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)
- S. Relph
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - M. C. Vieira
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - A. Copas
- Centre for Pragmatic Global Health Trials, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A. Alagna
- Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, London, UK
| | - L. Page
- West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Isleworth, UK
| | - C. Winsloe
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Centre for Pragmatic Global Health Trials, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - A. Shennan
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A. Briley
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University and North Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - M. Johnson
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C. Lees
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - D. A. Lawlor
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J. Sandall
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - A. Khalil
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - D. Pasupathy
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - on behalf of the DESiGN Trial Team and DESiGN Collaborative Group
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- Centre for Pragmatic Global Health Trials, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, London, UK
- West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Isleworth, UK
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University and North Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Fetal Medicine Unit, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London, UK
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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9
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Schreiber V, Hurst C, da Silva Costa F, Stoke R, Turner J, Kumar S. Definitions matter: detection rates and perinatal outcome for infants classified prenatally as having late fetal growth restriction using SMFM biometric vs ISUOG/Delphi consensus criteria. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2023; 61:377-385. [PMID: 35866888 DOI: 10.1002/uog.26035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is often secondary to placental dysfunction and is suspected prenatally based on biometric or circulatory abnormalities detected on ultrasound. The aims of this study were to compare the screening performance of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) biometric criteria (estimated fetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) < 10th centile) with that of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG)-endorsed Delphi consensus criteria for late FGR for delivery of a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant at term, emergency Cesarean section (CS) for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS), perinatal mortality and composite severe neonatal morbidity. METHODS We classified retrospectively non-anomalous singleton infants as having late FGR (diagnosed ≥ 32 weeks) according to SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi criteria in a cohort of women who had been referred to the Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia and who delivered at term between January 2014 and December 2020. The study outcomes were delivery of a SGA infant (birth weight (BW) < 10th or < 3rd centile), emergency CS for NRFS, perinatal mortality (defined as stillbirth or neonatal death within 28 days of a live birth) and a composite of severe neonatal morbidity. We assessed the screening performance of various ultrasound variables by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values, false-positive and false-negative rates, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio. RESULTS The SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi consensus criteria collectively classified 1030 cases as having late FGR. Of these, 400 cases were classified by both SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi criteria, whilst 548 cases were classified using only SMFM criteria and 82 cases were classified only by ISUOG/Delphi criteria. Prenatal detection of late FGR by SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi criteria was associated with increased odds of delivery of an infant with BW < 10th centile (SMFM: adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 133.0 (95% CI, 94.7-186.6); ISUOG/Delphi: aOR, 69.5 (95% CI, 49.1-98.2)) or BW < 3rd centile (SMFM: aOR, 348.7 (95% CI, 242.6-501.2); ISUOG/Delphi: aOR, 215.4 (95% CI, 148.4-312.7)). Compared with the SMFM criteria, the ISUOG/Delphi criteria were associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.8)) of predicting a SGA infant with BW < 10th centile, but higher odds of predicting emergency CS for NRFS (aOR, 2.30 (95% CI, 1.14-4.66)) and composite neonatal morbidity (aOR, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.05-1.41)). Both SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi criteria were associated with high LR+, specificity, PPV and NPV for the prediction of infants with BW < 10th and BW < 3rd centile. However, both methods functioned much less efficiently for the prediction of composite severe neonatal morbidity or emergency CS for NRFS, with LR+ < 10. The SMFM biometric criteria alone, particularly AC < 3rd centile, had the highest LR+ values for the prediction of perinatal mortality. CONCLUSION Both the SMFM and ISUOG/Delphi criteria had strong screening potential for the detection of infants with BW < 10th or < 3rd centile but not for adverse neonatal outcome. © 2022 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)
- V Schreiber
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - C Hurst
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - F da Silva Costa
- Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit, Gold Coast University Hospital and School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - R Stoke
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - J Turner
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - S Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Mater Mother's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Turner JM, Cincotta R, Chua J, Gardener G, Petersen S, Thomas J, Lee-Tannock A, Kumar S. Decreased fetal movements-the utility of ultrasound to identify infants at risk and prevent stillbirth is poor. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100782. [PMID: 36280144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100782] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a paucity of evidence, it is widely accepted that a perceived reduction in fetal movements is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth and poor obstetrical outcome. Consequently, many international guidelines recommend urgent ultrasound assessment of fetal well-being in women presenting with decreased fetal movements. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare rates of abnormal ultrasound findings reflective of fetal compromise between women presenting with decreased fetal movements and gestation-matched controls in the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study performed at the Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane between 2017 and 2020. We undertook propensity score matching analysis comparing abnormal ultrasound parameters in women with singleton, nonanomalous pregnancies presenting with decreased fetal movements after 28 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was a composite of any abnormal scan parameter: umbilical artery pulsatility index >95th centile, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index <5th centile, cerebroplacental ratio <10th centile, estimated fetal weight <10th centile for gestation, middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity >1.5 multiples of the median, or deepest vertical pocket of amniotic fluid <2 or >8 cm. RESULTS After propensity score matching, the study cohort comprised 1466 cases and 2207 controls. The rate of the primary composite outcome was not significantly different between the 2 cohorts (20.2% vs 21.3%; P=.42). There were 30 new cases of small-for-gestational-age detected in the decreased fetal movements cohort, giving a number needed to scan of 48 in the decreased fetal movements group to detect 1 case of small-for-gestational-age. However, the frequency of the composite outcome was higher (13.0% vs 5.4%) at the final scan before birth in women with multiple decreased fetal movement presentations. Despite this, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the 2 cohorts. CONCLUSION Ultrasound abnormalities are not increased in women with decreased fetal movements compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Turner
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Turner and Kumar); Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Turner and Kumar)
| | - Rob Cincotta
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Jacqueline Chua
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Glenn Gardener
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Scott Petersen
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Joseph Thomas
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Alison Lee-Tannock
- Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar)
| | - Sailesh Kumar
- Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Turner and Kumar); Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Turner and Kumar); Mater Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia (Drs Cincotta, Chua, Gardener, Petersen, Thomas, Tannock, and Kumar); National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (Dr Kumar).
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11
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Ayaz H, Awan MW, Usmani NN, Iqbal S, Bilal M, Niazi AB, Mumtaz H. Diagnostic Accuracy of Cerebroplacental Ratio in Prediction of Postnatal Outcomes in Oligohydramnios. Cureus 2022; 14:e33131. [PMID: 36721532 PMCID: PMC9884427 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The evidence on isolated oligohydramnios (IO) patients and their postnatal outcomes are inconsistent. Recent research has clarified the connection between that IO and negative outcomes in the postnatal period. Our goal was to analyze the correlation between Doppler measurements and postnatal outcomes in oligohydramnios patients, with a focus on the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). METHODOLOGY A cohort study was conducted in the Radiology Department of Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) Hospital from October 2021 to July 2022. One hundred women were chosen as the sample size. For this study, we used the Raosoft sample size calculator with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% margin of error. Both the middle cerebral artery and the umbilical artery were imaged using ultrasound, and the systolic-to-diastolic ratio and peak systolic velocity are recorded. Pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index (RI) were also calculated. If the amniotic fluid index (AFI) is less than 5 cm, the condition is known as oligohydramnios. The newborn's APGAR score was taken immediately after birth as well as after 5 minutes. RESULTS We have determined that, on average, mothers are 35.45 weeks/248.15 days pregnant. When compared to the reference standard, CPR diagnostic features showed a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 77.27. Overall diagnostic accuracy is predicted to be 93.0%, with a 93.50% positive prognosis and a 73.91% negative prognosis. The effect size for the change in APGAR scores before and after the test was -2.38 1.03, with a 95% confidence interval of -2.58 to -2.17 and a significance level of 0.00. CONCLUSION This study concludes that CPR is an effective screening tool and that it can be used to predict postnatal outcomes in patients with oligohydramnios. Clinical prediction rules were found to be a more effective screening tool, with a sensitivity of 92%, a specificity of 77.27%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 92.3%.
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12
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Finch L, Combs CA. Re-Evaluation of Fetal Anatomy During Third Trimester Follow-Up Ultrasound Examination. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022; 41:2373-2378. [PMID: 34850418 DOI: 10.1002/jum.15899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Finch
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - C Andrew Combs
- The Mednax Center for Research, Education, Quality & Safety, Mednax, Inc, Sunrise, FL, USA
- Obstetrix Medical Group, Campbell, CA, USA
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13
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King VJ, Bennet L, Stone PR, Clark A, Gunn AJ, Dhillon SK. Fetal growth restriction and stillbirth: Biomarkers for identifying at risk fetuses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:959750. [PMID: 36060697 PMCID: PMC9437293 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.959750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of stillbirth, prematurity and impaired neurodevelopment. Its etiology is multifactorial, but many cases are related to impaired placental development and dysfunction, with reduced nutrient and oxygen supply. The fetus has a remarkable ability to respond to hypoxic challenges and mounts protective adaptations to match growth to reduced nutrient availability. However, with progressive placental dysfunction, chronic hypoxia may progress to a level where fetus can no longer adapt, or there may be superimposed acute hypoxic events. Improving detection and effective monitoring of progression is critical for the management of complicated pregnancies to balance the risk of worsening fetal oxygen deprivation in utero, against the consequences of iatrogenic preterm birth. Current surveillance modalities include frequent fetal Doppler ultrasound, and fetal heart rate monitoring. However, nearly half of FGR cases are not detected in utero, and conventional surveillance does not prevent a high proportion of stillbirths. We review diagnostic challenges and limitations in current screening and monitoring practices and discuss potential ways to better identify FGR, and, critically, to identify the “tipping point” when a chronically hypoxic fetus is at risk of progressive acidosis and stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J. King
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Laura Bennet
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter R. Stone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alys Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Biomedical Engineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair J. Gunn
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simerdeep K. Dhillon
- Fetal Physiology and Neuroscience Group, Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Simerdeep K. Dhillon,
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14
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Sánchez-Fernández M, García-Cotes AE, Aceituno-Velasco L, Mazheika M, Mendoza-Ladrón de Guevara N, Mozas-Moreno J. Validity of two-dimensional ultrasound for determining extreme foetal weights to term. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:1030-1036. [PMID: 34985400 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1993801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the validity of ultrasound carried out within seven days prior to birth at term for the calculation of full term estimated foetal weight (EFW) in order to diagnose extreme foetal weight, performed using a single-center retrospective cohort study of 2500 pregnant women. Ultrasound calculations of EFW with a standard error of less than 10% showed an accuracy ratio of 75.1% for the total sample. This percentage was similar for appropriate for gestational age (78.6%) and normal foetal weights (77.5%) but decreased significantly (p < .01) in the case of extreme foetal weights. The simple error increased in both the high and low EFWs, taking on positive values for the low weights and negative values for the high weights. As for the percentage error values, there was a tendency for positive errors for low weights and negative errors for high weights; this led to a tendency to overestimate low foetal weights and underestimate high foetal weights.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Two-dimensional ultrasound is currently the principal tool used in obstetrics to evaluate foetal growth, mainly through the calculation of EFW. Foetal weight represents an important prognostic factor in perinatal results, with a greater risk of adverse effects in cases of extreme foetal weights. In this sense, there are few studies that assess the validity of EFW calculations focussing on extreme foetal weights to term.What do the results of this study add? The ultrasound estimates of EFW with an error lower than 10% in the seven days prior to birth showed an accuracy ratio of 75.1% for the total sample. This percentage was similar to appropriate for gestational age weights (78.6%) and of normal weights (77.5%), but decreased significantly (p < .01) in the case of extreme foetal weights: small for gestational age (52.1%), large for gestational age (68.2%), microsomia (49.1%), and macrosomia (61%). Likewise, we found high specificity and low sensitivity for ultrasound diagnosis of extreme foetal weights.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? The validity of ultrasound EFW is influenced by extreme foetal weights, with a tendency to overestimate low weights and underestimate high weights, which represents a clinically important finding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana E García-Cotes
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, La Inmaculada Hospital, Huércal-Overa, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Marina Mazheika
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Juan Mozas-Moreno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, Granada, Spain.,Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública-CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Biohealth Research Institute (Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
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