Identification and management of fetal isolated right-sided aortic arch in an unselected population

OBJECTIVE

Inclusion of the three vessels and trachea view in the routine assessment of the fetal heart at the 18-20-week morphology scan improves recognition of a right-sided aortic arch (RAA). We report our experience of RAA diagnosed in an unselected population of pregnant women attending for a routine morphology scan.

METHODS

The obstetric imaging databases of two ultrasound centers were reviewed retrospectively to identify all routine fetal morphology scans performed at 18-22 weeks' gestation between January 2011 and December 2014. A review of postnatal charts was conducted to ascertain findings at birth, neonatal complications and the anatomical findings at any neonatal echocardiographic or surgical procedure. Parents of older infants were contacted by phone to assess their wellbeing and identify any respiratory or feeding difficulties.

RESULTS

In the 48-month study period, 43 083 routine anomaly scans were performed. Twenty-three cases of isolated RAA were identified, a prevalence of 0.05%. Nineteen (83%) cases of isolated RAA had a left-sided arterial duct and four (17%) had a right-sided duct. Postnatal follow-up data were obtained in all cases. The prevalence of a symptomatic vascular ring due to a double aortic arch was 13% (3/23). One (4%) case was diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

RAA can be identified easily on a routine fetal anomaly scan, however the prevalence of RAA is low in an unselected population. Antenatally diagnosed cases should be referred for detailed fetal echocardiography and the patient should be made aware of the association with DiGeorge syndrome and the symptoms associated with a vascular ring. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Diagnosis of antenatal Bartter syndrome

Bartter syndrome is a rare heterogeneous group of autosomal-recessive salt-losing renal tubular disorders that can present in fetal life (antenatal Bartter syndrome; ABS) as "unexplained" early-onset polyhydramnios, often associated with growth restriction. Prenatal diagnosis of the condition involves assessment of amniotic fluid biochemistry in a setting of polyuric polyhydramnios; with elevated chloride levels considered a consistent and diagnostic finding. Other amniotic fluid biochemical markers have been described, notably increased aldosterone levels, and low total protein levels. NOVEL INSIGHT: Antenatal Bartter syndrome is a heterogeneous group of renal disorders. While certain biochemical features in amniotic fluid might heighten suspicion, final diagnosis can only be made in the postnatal setting. In the setting of unexplained severe polyhydramnios, clinicians should continue to entertain the diagnosis of antenatal Bartter Syndrome and maintain neonatal surveillance, even if amniotic fluid markers do not support the diagnosis.

Repeated adverse fetal outcome in pregnancy complicated by uncontrolled maternal phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria in pregnancy carries with it an increased risk of spontaneous abortion and development of a fetus that is affected by the maternal phenylketonuria syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by low birthweight, congenital heart disease, microcephaly, childhood growth failure, and cognitive impairment. It is the result of the hyperphenylalaninemia that accompanies the phenylketonuric state, and may therefore be avoided by maintaining maternal serum phenylalanine levels within the normal range. Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid and may be controlled by dietary manipulation. Presented here is a case history of a woman with phenylketonuria who was unable to satisfactorily control her serum phenylalanine levels in each of her three pregnancies. All three children were adversely affected by the fetopathy of the maternal phenylketonuria syndrome, each with evidence of growth failure and impaired neurodevelopment. This patient illustrates the difficulties that may be encountered when providing obstetric care to the woman with phenylketonuria who is not able or not willing to restrict her dietary intake of phenylalanine. The discussion includes consideration of management strategies, including dietary therapy and legal intervention.

Fetal inguinoscrotal hernia: sonographic diagnosis and obstetric management

Fetal inguinal hernia is a rare antenatal diagnosis. We present the sonographic features and outcome of a fetus diagnosed at 36 weeks' gestation as having an (indirect) inguinoscrotal hernia. Sonographic criteria for antenatal diagnosis are discussed within the context of differential diagnoses raised by the presence of a perineal mass. Guidelines for obstetric management and counselling are suggested.

Personality and coping style as influences on alcohol intake and cigarette smoking during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To determine if personality and coping style are central determinants of drinking and smoking at risk to fetal health during pregnancy.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A sample of 99 women recently confined at a Sydney obstetric hospital received a semi-structured interview and completed a number of questionnaires.

MEASURES

Alcohol and cigarette consumption over designated intervals since conception were assessed by interview. Questionnaires assessed maternal anxiety and postnatal depression, as well as coping strategies and personality characteristics such as impulsiveness.

RESULTS

After confirmation of pregnancy, two-thirds of those previously drinking ceased while only one-third of those who had been smokers then abstained, with intake levels showing a similar pattern of a relatively greater decrease in alcohol than cigarette consumption over the course of the pregnancy. Personality and coping style differences were not demonstrated between the following contrasting groups: (a) smokers v. non-smokers prior to confirmation of pregnancy; (b) on-going drinkers v. relative abstainers during pregnancy; and (c) excessive smokers and drinkers before pregnancy v. all other subjects. Comparison of drinkers and non-drinkers before pregnancy suggested less "mature" coping styles for the latter, an unexpected finding.

CONCLUSION

There was little support for the hypothesis that drinking and smoking at risk to health (before and during pregnancy) are determined by the individual's personality and general coping repertoires.