Assessment of foetal ventriculomegaly from prenatal to early postnatal period: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early neonatal outcomes of cases with foetal ventriculomegaly (VM) and to investigate the aetiological and prognostic factors according to the degree of VM in a single tertiary referring centre. The medical records of 87 foetuses diagnosed with VM (≥10 mm) within 6 years were evaluated. Postnatal evaluation and early neonatal prognosis were determined in 39 cases divided into two groups as mild (10-15 mm, 30 cases) and severe (>15 mm, 9 cases) according to the ventricular size. The mean gestational age at which foetal VM was detected was 22 + 3 weeks. In terms of severity, severe cases of VM were more frequent in terminated pregnancies. There was no difference in gestational age, birth weight, fifth minute Apgar scores, or cord blood gases between mild and severe cases at delivery. Isolated VM was detected in 63% of mild and 22% of severe cases. In severe cases, the need for intensive care and surgery was higher than in mild cases. Antenatal VM regressed in 50% of mild cases and 22% of severe cases. Increasing knowledge about neonatal prognosis, the factors involved in aetiology, and the degree of VM will guide the management of foetal VM.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known in this subject? Some cases of foetal VM resolve spontaneously, and postnatal ultrasonography can detect normal ventricle sizes. While 74.6% of isolated VM cases show spontaneous regression, this rate is 52.1% in nonisolated cases. The gestational week at the time of diagnosis, the degree and cause of VM, intrauterine progression and the presence of any genetic, infectious, cerebral, or extracerebral disorders all influence the prognosis.What do the results of this study add? Antenatal VM regressed in 50% of mild cases and 22% of severe cases. In severe cases, the need for intensive care and surgery was higher than in mild cases. The higher frequency of accompanying cerebral findings in severe cases was striking.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The current study revealed that isolated VM with ventricular diameter less than 15 mm, after excluding out chromosomal abnormalities and prenatal infections, and no prior history of VM, has a favourable neonatal prognosis in terms of mortality and morbidity. In cases of foetal VM, increased knowledge of neonatal prognosis will guide pregnancy care and postnatal follow-up planning. Prospective multicentre studies on the neonatal period are required to bridge the gap between foetal VM and long-term consequences.

Long-term outcome of cases of fetal pleural effusion: A study at a single perinatal center in Japan

PURPOSE

To analyze the long-term prognosis of primary and secondary fetal pleural effusion (FPE).

METHODS

We investigated all cases of FPE in a single University hospital (2005-2020). Cases were classified as primary (cases with only pleural effusion) and secondary (cases with other abnormalities such as chromosomal abnormalities or fetal cardiac failure). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from the time of diagnosis, to assess medical procedures performed, chromosomal test results, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 18 027 deliveries, 17 FPEs were identified (primary FPE: 8, secondary FPE: 9). Most primary FPEs were diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy, while all secondary FPEs were diagnosed in the third trimester. Secondary FPE was often associated with chromosomal abnormalities, including trisomy 21. The prognosis of pleural effusion caused by trisomy 21 was relatively good, except for cases with TAM. Cases of secondary FPE without trisomy 21 were of cardiac origin, and the neonatal prognosis was poor. The short-term prognosis was better in the primary FPE group, but long-term follow-up identified conditions such as acute encephalitis with refractory, repetitive partial seizures, developmental delay and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

CONCLUSION

Fetal pleural effusion without the presence of chromosomal abnormalities or morphologies has a good short-term prognosis, but the long-term prognosis is poor. Thus, long-term follow-up is necessary for all cases of fetal pleural effusion.

Prenatal ultrasound measurements of mild congenital pulmonary airway malformation and long-term prognosis: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between mild congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) and its long-term prognosis in childhood and to explore whether surgery is necessary.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort of fetuses with mild CPAM diagnosed prenatally with available long-term outcomes in childhood from 2004 to 2016. The patients were divided into two groups according to the fetal CPAM-to-volume ratio (CVR) of less than 1.0 and 1.0-1.6. The primary outcome was a postnatal composite outcome including CPAM-associated respiratory symptoms and surgical resection of the lesion. The secondary outcomes included neonatal asphyxia, perinatal morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Forty-two fetuses were identified as having CVR <1.0 or CVR-1.0-1.6 respectively (n = 37 vs n = 5; 88.1% vs 11.9%), with the median duration of follow up 2.15 years (0.3-10.8 years). Of 42 patients, 32 (76%) remained asymptomatic without recurrent respiratory symptoms or surgical resection; the other 10 with CVR <1.0 had respiratory symptoms. Of 10 symptomatic cases, five recovered after expectant treatment, and five underwent resection, for an increase in lesion size and recurrent respiratory infection.

CONCLUSION

Patients with CVR <1.0 still need to be closely observed after birth. Conservative management is a reasonable option in asymptomatic cases, but surgery might be necessary in some.

[Neonatal prognosis for pulsating umbilical cord prolapse at the Befelatanana hospital of Madagascar]

Umbilical cord prolapse is an obstetrical emergency that is life-threatening for the fetus. This retrospective cross-sectional study examined cases of pulsating umbilical cord prolapses at our level-3 maternity unit over the past three years and sought to assess their prognosis. Cord prolapse occurred in 0.27% of deliveries. The women's mean age was 28 years, and 51% of the women were multiparous. Cesarean deliveries were performed in 96% of cases. Factors affecting neonatal outcome were the degree of cord prolapse (p = 0.0002981) and the appearance of amniotic fluid (p = 0.004078). The neonatal complications included admission to neonatal intensive care (33%), perinatal asphyxia (31%), prematurity (29%), neonatal infection (4%), and neonatal mortality (10%).

CONCLUSION

The fetus must be delivered rapidly, especially when the umbilical cord drops outside the mother's body and the amniotic fluid is meconial.