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Chen Z, Chen M, Huang S, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Li W, Huang X. Texture-Based Classification of Fetal Growth Restriction From Intrauterine Neurosonographic Image. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 39365033 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 09/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a condition where fetuses fail to reach their genetic potential for growth, posing a significant health challenge for newborns. The aim of this research was to explore the efficacy of texture-based analysis of neurosonographic images in identifying FGR in fetuses, which may provide a promising tool for early assessment of FGR. METHODS A retrospective analysis collected 100 intrauterine neurosonographic images from 50 FGR and 50 gestational age-appropriate fetuses. Using MaZda software, approximately 300 texture features were extracted from occipital white matter (OWM) and cerebellum of intrauterine neurosonographic images, respectively. Then 10 optimal features were separately selected by 3 algorithms, including the Fisher coefficient method, the method of minimizing classification error probability and average correlation coefficients, and the mutual information coefficient method. Further, the 10 statistically most significant features were selected from these sets to form the mixed feature set. After nonlinear discriminant analysis was performed to reduce feature dimensionality, the artificial neural network (ANN) classifier was conducted, respectively. RESULTS For OWM and cerebellum, a total of 11 and 14 statistically significant features were selected. When the mixed feature sets of OWM and cerebellum were applied to ANN classifier, classification accuracy were 90.00% (κ = 0.800; P < .001) and 93.00% (κ = 0.860; P < .001), and the receiver operating characteristic curve for identifying FGR showed an area under the curve of 0.82 and 0.87. CONCLUSIONS Texture analysis of fetal intrauterine neurosonographic images is a feasible and noninvasive strategy for evaluating FGR fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehao Chen
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Mengjie Chen
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shiying Huang
- Department of Medical Ultrasonics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhongming Wang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Yuhan Huang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Weiling Li
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, China
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Grah M, Poljak L, Starčević M, Stanojević M, Vukojević K, Saraga-Babić M, Salihagić AK. Does placental VEGF-A protein expression predict early neurological outcome of neonates from FGR complicated pregnancies? J Perinat Med 2024; 52:783-792. [PMID: 39028860 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2024-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fetal hypoxia due to placental dysfunction is the hallmark of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing effect), as a part of physiological placental cardiovascular compensatory mechanisms to hypoxia, in FGR was reported. Therefore, the correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) protein expression in the FGR placentas and newborns' early neurological outcome was examined. METHODS This study included 50 women with FGR complicated pregnancies and 30 uneventful pregnancies. Fetal hemodynamic parameters, neonatal acid-base status after delivery, placental pathohistology and VEGF-A expression were followed. Early neonatal morphological brain evaluation by ultrasound and functional evaluation of neurological status by Amiel - Tison Neurological Assessment at Term (ATNAT) were performed. RESULTS VEGF-A protein expression level was significantly higher in the FGR placentas than normal term placentas (Fisher-Freeman-Halton's test, p≤0.001). No statistically significant correlation between placental VEGF-A expression and different prenatal and postnatal parameters was noticed. Whereas the alteration of an early neurological status assessed by ATNAT was found in 58 % of FGR newborns, morphological brain changes evaluated by UZV was noticed in 48 % of cases. No association between the level of placental VEGF-A expression and the early neurological deficits was found. CONCLUSIONS As far as we know this is the first study of a possible connection between VEGF-A protein expression in the FGR placentas and neonates' early neurological outcomes. The lack of correlation between the FGR placental VEGF-A expression and neonates' neurological outcome could indicate that optimal early neurodevelopment may take place due to compensatory mechanism not related to placental VEGF-A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Grah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ljiljana Poljak
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starčević
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Hospital Center "Zagreb", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Milan Stanojević
- Neonatal Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Hospital "Sveti Duh", School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babić
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
| | - Aida Kadić Salihagić
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, 37632 University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
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Yakoub N, Reinelt T, Natalucci G. Behavioural outcomes of children born with intrauterine growth restriction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074417. [PMID: 37914302 PMCID: PMC10626825 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy condition, which is associated with poor perinatal outcomes and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Several studies also investigated the impact of IUGR on child behaviour (eg, internalising and externalising behaviour, social competencies). However, so far, no systematic review or meta-analysis has been conducted that summarises these effects while considering relevant third variables such as type of IUGR diagnosis and control group, or concurrent cognitive abilities. The objective of this study is to summarise the current evidence regarding the relationship between IUGR and behavioural outcomes from early childhood to young adulthood. Additionally, to explore how third variables such as type of control group, or cognitive abilities, relate to this association. METHODS Search strategy: The following electronic databases will be searched-Web of Science, Medline Ovid, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase. INCLUSION CRITERIA observational (eg, cohort studies and case-control studies) and intervention studies (if standard care is used and norm values are reported for the control group) will be included if they quantitatively compare children with and without IUGR from the age of 2 to 18 years. The main outcomes are internalising and externalising behaviour, and social competencies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No ethics approval was necessary for this protocol. Dissemination of findings will be done by publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals. The results of this systematic review will provide guidance for practice and counselling for clinicians and therapists facing patients affected by IUGR and their families. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022347467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninib Yakoub
- Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth and Nutrition of the Newborn, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tilman Reinelt
- Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth and Nutrition of the Newborn, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giancarlo Natalucci
- Family Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth and Nutrition of the Newborn, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Shin JA, Lee JY, Yum SK. Echocardiographic assessment of brain sparing in small-for-gestational age infants and association with neonatal outcomes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10248. [PMID: 37353588 PMCID: PMC10290080 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37376-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain sparing is an adaptive phenomenon (redistribution of blood flow to the brain) observed in fetuses exposed to chronic hypoxia, who are at risk of intrauterine growth restriction. Here, we assessed the blood flow distribution during the early neonatal period (< 7 days of life) using echocardiography, and evaluated the impact of brain-sparing on postnatal course and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This retrospective study included 42 small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants [further classified into asymmetric SGA (a-SGA, n = 21) and symmetric SGA (s-SGA, n = 21) groups according to their birth head circumference percentiles], and 1: 2 matched appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants (n = 84) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Left ventricular (LV) stroke volume, LV cardiac output (LVCO), upper body blood flow (UBBF), and UBBF/LVCO ratio (%) were significantly higher in both a-SGA and s-SGA infants than in AGA infants. Both a-SGA and s-SGA groups consisted predominantly of infants with higher UBBF/LVCO (%). A UBBF/LVCO ≥ 58.2% (3rd interquartile range) was associated with a later need for rehabilitative therapy after discharge. In summary, brain-sparing effect may continue during the early postnatal life in SGA infants, and may be a promising marker to detect future adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Ae Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook Kyung Yum
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea.
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Benítez Marín MJ, Blasco Alonso M, González Mesa E. Prenatal Predictors of Neurobehavioral Outcome in Children with Fetal Growth Restriction at 6 Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:997. [PMID: 37371229 DOI: 10.3390/children10060997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially in preterm newborns. This study aims to describe the behavioral results of FGR at 6 years of age and to demonstrate the relationship of certain predictive factors with this development. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 70 children born in 2015 at the University Hospital Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain who had been exposed to FGR during pregnancy; neonatal and infant data were recorded retrospectively. Children were assessed prospectively at 6 years of age by means of a strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) to study behavioral outcomes. (3) Results: We demonstrated that there are higher behavioral disability rates in children exposed to FGR during pregnancy and, in particular, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. We also proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score, along with a positive correlation between hyperactivity and the emotional and behavioral scales. Learning difficulties were more frequent in early-onset FGR than in late-onset FGR. (4) Conclusions: Our study of behavioral development has demonstrated higher behavioral disability rates in children with FGR at 6 years of age; specifically, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. At the same time, we have proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª José Benítez Marín
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women's Diseases and Reproductive Health, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Marta Blasco Alonso
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women's Diseases and Reproductive Health, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ernesto González Mesa
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women's Diseases and Reproductive Health, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
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Lovato I, Simonelli A, Visentin S, Priante E, Baraldi E, Sacchi C. Prenatal environment and developmental trajectories: the intrauterine growth restriction. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:62-74. [PMID: 35708036 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.22.06949-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal environment is of fundamental importance for the fetus, as the fetus is particularly susceptible to environmental influences while in utero, and several prenatal adversities may constitute a risk factor for fetal growth and child development. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) refers to a pregnancy complication involving the inadequate growth of the fetus in utero, with potential programming consequences on the children's brain-behavior development. In this narrative review we will discuss the most recent literature about IUGR children, including their development and their relationship with the prenatal and postnatal environment. In particular, as an attempt to an adaptive response to intrauterine changes, the brain development of IUGR fetuses follows abnormal developmental pathways, which likely has cascade effects on the future neurodevelopmental outcomes of the children. Cognitive and motor functions are in fact impaired, as well as IUGR children present, across studies, poor socio-emotional abilities and a greater risk for internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. The current work also highlights how the postnatal environment, and in particular parental care, has an important role in IUGR development, acting as a protective factor, or otherwise increasing their constitutional vulnerabilities. Overall, this narrative review has important implications for clinical practice, suggesting the need for long-term follow-up care with IUGR children and strategies supporting parent-child interactions as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lovato
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandra Simonelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Visentin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Priante
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Sacchi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy -
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Benítez Marín MJ, Blanco Elena JA, Marín Clavijo J, Jiménez López J, Lubián López DM, González Mesa E. Neurodevelopment Outcome in Children with Fetal Growth Restriction at Six Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11043. [PMID: 36078758 PMCID: PMC9518559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe neurodevelopment in fetal growth restriction children at the age of six. Secondly, we tried to demonstrate influencing factors that can improve or exacerbate this development, as well as predictive factors that might select a population at risk to assist with early childhood support. METHOD It was a study of 70 children affected with FGR. FGR was based on these definitions: birth weight below the 3rd percentile or birth weight below the 10th percentile with an abnormal hemodynamic Doppler study. Neurodevelopment was assessed at 6 years old by means of Batelle Development Inventory. A global development quotient under a 100 score was considered a neurodevelopment delay. All variables regarding pregnancy care, delivery episode, postpartum, neonatal care, sociodemographic issues, and the need for support in the first years were studied. RESULTS The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 33.14 weeks (standard deviation (SD = 4.31), with 32.9% of early-onset diagnoses. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.61 (SD = 3.21), and the cesarean rate was 64.3%. The average age of the children at the moment of the evaluation was 76.20-month-old (SD = 3.70). The mean global development quotient was 97.28 (SD = 13.97). We were able to record a 57.1% of global development delay. In the cases of cognition, only 17.1% of the children registered a delay. Motor and communication skills were the most frequently affected. We discovered that socioeconomic status was positively related to the global development quotient, as well as both gestational age at delivery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index was positively related to the global development quotient. CONCLUSIONS We found a higher neurodevelopment delay rate (57.1%). We could relate a higher gestational age at delivery and a higher MCA percentile with better global neurodevelopment quotients.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Benítez Marín
- Medicine School, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Blanco Elena
- Medicine School, Malaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- General Surgery Service, Infanta Margarita Hospital, 14940 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Jiménez López
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women’s Diseases and Reproductive Health, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel María Lubián López
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Jerez de la Frontera, University of Cadiz, 11407 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Ernesto González Mesa
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Regional University Hospital of Malaga, 29011 Málaga, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology Department, Málaga University, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women’s Diseases and Reproductive Health, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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Brain Sparing Effect on Neurodevelopment in Children with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8090745. [PMID: 34572177 PMCID: PMC8471063 DOI: 10.3390/children8090745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a pregnancy complication. Multiple studies have connected FGR to poor cognitive development, behavior disorders, and academic difficulties during childhood. Brain sparing has traditionally been defined as an adaptive phenomenon in which the brain obtains the blood flow that it needs. However, this adaptive phenomenon might not have a complete protective effect. This publication aims to systematically review the consequences of brain redistribution on neurodevelopment in children who presented with placental intrauterine growth restriction. Methods: We performed a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines. It included studies on intrauterine growth restriction or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses, which middle cerebral artery was measured, and neurodevelopment assessed during childhood. PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant published studies. Results: Of the 526 studies reviewed, only 12 were included. Brain sparing was associated with poor cognitive function and lower scores in IQ. Cerebral redistribution was related to better executive function and better behavior at 4 years old but not at 12 years old. Conclusions: We can assume that fetal brain sparing could not be a fully protective phenomenon. We could not find clinical differences in behavioral and executive functions because the results were heterogeneous. Some cognitive abilities could be affected in FGR brain sparing fetuses.
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Altered neurodevelopmental DNA methylation status after fetal growth restriction with brain-sparing. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2021; 13:378-389. [PMID: 34325767 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is under debate how preferential perfusion of the brain (brain-sparing) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) relates to long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Epigenetic modification of neurotrophic genes by altered fetal oxygenation may be involved. To explore this theory, we performed a follow-up study of 21 FGR children, in whom we prospectively measured the prenatal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) with Doppler sonography. At 4 years of age, we tested their neurodevelopmental outcome using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. In addition, we collected their buccal DNA to determine the methylation status at predefined genetic regions within the genes hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), erythropoietin (EPO), EPO-receptor (EPOR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2 (NTRK2) by pyrosequencing. We found that FGR children with fetal brain-sparing (CPR <1, n = 8) demonstrated a trend (0.05 < p < 0.1) toward hypermethylation of HIF1A and VEGFA at their hypoxia-response element (HRE) compared with FGR children without fetal brain-sparing. Moreover, in cases with fetal brain-sparing, we observed statistically significant hypermethylation at a binding site for cyclic adenosine monophophate response element binding protein (CREB) of BDNF promoter exon 4 and hypomethylation at an HRE located within the NTRK2 promoter (both p <0.05). Hypermethylation of VEGFA was associated with a poorer Performance Intelligence Quotient, while hypermethylation of BDNF was associated with better inhibitory self-control (both p <0.05). These results led us to formulate the hypothesis that early oxygen-dependent epigenetic alterations due to hemodynamic alterations in FGR may be associated with altered neurodevelopmental outcome in later life. We recommend further studies to test this hypothesis.
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Terstappen F, Richter AE, Lely AT, Hoebeek FE, Elvan-Taspinar A, Bos AF, Ganzevoort W, Pels A, Lemmers PM, Kooi EMW. Prenatal Use of Sildenafil in Fetal Growth Restriction and Its Effect on Neonatal Tissue Oxygenation-A Retrospective Analysis of Hemodynamic Data From Participants of the Dutch STRIDER Trial. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:595693. [PMID: 33344386 PMCID: PMC7744464 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.595693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Sildenafil is under investigation as a potential agent to improve uteroplacental perfusion in fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the STRIDER RCT was halted after interim analysis due to futility and higher rates of persistent pulmonary hypertension and mortality in sildenafil-exposed neonates. This hypothesis-generating study within the Dutch STRIDER trial sought to understand what happened to these neonates by studying their regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) within the first 72 h after birth. Methods: Pregnant women with FGR received 25 mg placebo or sildenafil thrice daily within the Dutch STRIDER trial. We retrospectively analyzed the cerebral and renal rSO2 monitored with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in a subset of neonates admitted to two participating neonatal intensive care units, in which NIRS is part of standard care. Secondarily, blood pressure and heart rate were analyzed to aid interpretation. Differences in oxygenation levels and interaction with time (slope) between placebo- and sildenafil-exposed groups were tested using mixed effects analyses with multiple comparisons tests. Results: Cerebral rSO2 levels were not different between treatment groups (79 vs. 77%; both n = 14) with comparable slopes. Sildenafil-exposed infants (n = 5) showed lower renal rSO2 than placebo-exposed infants (n = 6) during several time intervals on day one and two. At 69-72 h, however, the sildenafil group showed higher renal rSO2 than the placebo group. Initially, diastolic blood pressure was higher and heart rate lower in the sildenafil than the placebo group, which changed during day two. Conclusions: Although limited by sample size, our data suggest that prenatal sildenafil alters renal but not cerebral oxygenation in FGR neonates during the first 72 post-natal hours. The observed changes in renal oxygenation could reflect a vasoconstrictive rebound from sildenafil. Similar changes observed in accompanying vital parameters support this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fieke Terstappen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and Brain Center, Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anne E Richter
- University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Division of Neonatology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - A Titia Lely
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Freek E Hoebeek
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital and Brain Center, Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ayten Elvan-Taspinar
- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Obstetrics, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Arend F Bos
- University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Division of Neonatology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wessel Ganzevoort
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Obstetrics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anouk Pels
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Obstetrics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Petra M Lemmers
- Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth M W Kooi
- University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Division of Neonatology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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