Prenatal diagnosis of fetal encephalomalacia after maternal diabetic ketoacidosis

Introduction Encephalomalacia in a developing fetus is a rare and devastating neurological finding on radiologic imaging. Maternal diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can lead to metabolic and vascular derangements which can cause fetal encephalomalacia. Case We report the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman with White's Class C diabetes mellitus who presented in the 25th week of gestation with DKA. Four weeks after her discharge, marked fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly was noted on ultrasound. A subsequent fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated extensive, symmetric cystic encephalomalacia, primarily involving both cerebral hemispheres. The pregnancy was continued with close fetal and maternal surveillance. The patient underwent a repeat cesarean delivery in her 37th week. The infant had a 1 month neonatal intensive care unit stay with care rendered by a multiple disciplinary team of pediatric subspecialists. The postnatal course was complicated by global hypotonia, poor feeding, delayed development and ultimately required anticonvulsants for recurrent seizures. He died at the age of 9 months from aspiration during a seizure. Discussion Although the maternal mortality from DKA has declined, DKA still confers significant neurological fetal morbidity to its survivors.

Predicting adverse outcomes following trauma in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To identify variables predicting adverse maternal or fetal outcome following trauma and to establish a composite morbidity model to predict poor obstetrical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of pregnant women following major and minor trauma from a single institution from 1985-2007 was performed. Abstracted data included maternal demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), laboratory and radiology studies,fetal monitoring and delivery information. Linear algorithm and logistic regression analysis estimated predictors of adverse obstetrical outcomes. Accuracy of composite morbidity models was tested using receiver operating characteristic.

RESULTS

A total of 292 pregnant trauma patients were analyzed. Forty-eight (13%) women had an ISS > or = 10. Adverse pregnancy outcomes occurred in 71 patients (24%). Predictors of poor outcomes included trauma in the third trimester, length of stay (LOS) >2 days, abdominal trauma, ISS >2 and a positive Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test. Composite morbidity models resulted in sensitivity and specificity ranging from 54.3% to 70.4% and 59.5% to 87.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Predicting adverse perinatal outcomes following major trauma remains challenging. Composite morbidity models using a combination of third trimester trauma, LOS > 2 days, abdominal trauma, ISS >2 or a positive KB test improves identification of those at risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.