Complication rate after termination of pregnancy for fetal defects

Trends in Invasive Prenatal Testing, Diagnosis, and Abortion for Fetal Aneuploidy

We aimed to assess trends in prenatal testing for aneuploidy, including indications, diagnostic yield, and the timing of diagnosis and abortions since the introduction of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) into routine prenatal care.In this observational retrospective study, all invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures performed at a single institution from 2010 to 2022 were evaluated. Clinical variables included gestational age (GA) at testing, indications, results, and pregnancy outcomes (continuation or abortion). Description statistics were used to characterize the sample.A total of 1,262 diagnostic procedures were performed during the study period, with 20.5% (n = 258) confirming genetic abnormalities. Amniocentesis accounted for 70.4% (n = 888) of diagnostic procedures, while 29.6% underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS; n = 374). The number of procedures decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Indications for testing shifted dramatically; testing for the indication of advanced maternal age alone fell from 45 to 5.6% (p < 0.001). Patients with abnormal cfDNA screening results underwent diagnostic testing at an earlier average gestational age (15.3 vs. 17.8 weeks; p < 0.001), had a higher likelihood of undergoing CVS (30.7 vs. 8.9%; p < 0.001), and had higher rates of abnormal cytogenetics (60.4 vs. 13.2%; p < 0.001) compared to patients with analyte testing. Patients diagnosed with aneuploidy following abnormal cfDNA underwent abortion at earlier GA (15.5 vs.19.3 weeks; p = 0.002).cfDNA screening has reduced prenatal invasive diagnostic procedures and shifted testing indications. Abnormal cfDNA screening is associated with a higher diagnostic yield and earlier GA at diagnosis and abortion after confirmation of aneuploidy. Despite these advances, aneuploidy diagnosis continues to extend into the second trimester, highlighting ongoing challenges in early detection. · The introduction of cfDNA has reduced rates of invasive diagnostic procedures, shifting the most frequent indications for testing from advanced maternal age to abnormal ultrasound findings.. · Despite the use of cfDNA screening at earlier gestational ages compared with traditional analyte testing, the gestational age at which diagnostic procedures and abortions are performed for fetal aneuploidy has remained in the second trimester.. · Although cfDNA testing leads to earlier and more frequent identification of aneuploidy, confirmation of abnormal results often occurs after gestational age thresholds for abortion in many states..

Induced Abortion After Previous Caesarean Section: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Previous caesarean section (CS) is increasingly common among women undergoing induced abortion.

AIMS

To map and analyse existing literature on abortion safety, outcomes and management in those with previous CS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four databases were systematically searched from inception to July 2024. Primary human studies in English reporting on outcomes, safety or management of first- or second-trimester medical (MToP) or surgical (SToP) abortion in women with previous CS were included. Uterine rupture incidence was analysed cumulatively in the first and secondtrimesters by the number of CS and the type of prostaglandin used. Data on the efficacy and safety of MToP and SToP, including studies reporting on the management of abortion in the setting of abnormal placentation, were collected and analysed by theme.

RESULTS

In total, 164 articles met inclusion criteria. Incidence of uterine rupture in first-trimester MToP was 0 of 2194 cases, in second-trimester misoprostol MToP in those with 1 previous CS was 0.5% (10/1910) and 2.2% (18/835) in women with ≥ 2 CS (p < 0.001). Mifepristone priming did not increase the rupture rate in second-trimester MToP (p = 0.77). Previous CS was a modest risk factor for retained products after MToP across both trimesters (OR 1.48, CI 1.29-1.70).

CONCLUSION

Medical and surgical abortion in the first and second trimester appears safe in women with prior CS; however, risks include uterine rupture, need for surgical intervention and haemorrhage from undiagnosed placenta accreta. Further research and guidance are needed on managing abortion after previous classical CS, ≥ 3 previous CS and those with abnormally invasive placenta.

Vacuum-induced management of hemorrhage using intrauterine foley catheter: A report of two cases

Hemorrhage is a common postpartum complication which can also occur during abortion. Most cases can be managed with uterine evacuation and uterotonics, but some require additional procedures. We present cases of hemorrhage following dilation and evacuation, and delayed postpartum hemorrhage, where a Foley catheter was used for vacuum-induced hemorrhage control.

Retrospective analysis of the indications, methods, and complications of pregnancy termination

Objective

To evaluate the indications and methods of termination of pregnancy (TOP) and to identify maternal complications that occur during TOP.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at a single tertiary center with a total of 231 patients who underwent TOP from April 2019 to March 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on gestational age at the time of TOP and the presence of complications. Group 1 consisted of patients with a gestational age of 11-22+6 weeks (n=196), while Group 2 comprised patients with a gestational age of 23-30 weeks (n=35). Additionally, the patients were categorized based on complications into those with complications (n=63) and those without complications (n=168). The TOP protocol involves misoprostol, a uterine balloon, a combination of misoprostol and balloon, or oxytocin. Procedure-related complications included the following: Rehospitalization, rest placenta, infection, uterine rupture, blood transfusion, and repeated manual vacuum curettage.

Results

The median gestational age at TOP was 18.0±3.3 weeks for women without complications and 19.5±5.1 weeks for those with complications, it was 19.5±5.1 weeks (p=0.037). In the group with complications, the combined misoprostol-balloon method was used significantly more frequently, and the rate of previous cesarean sections was higher (p<0.05). The induction time was longer in the oxytocin group (p<0.05). The misoprostol-balloon combination group had the highest rate of uterine rupture (p<0.05).

Conclusion

TOP during advanced gestation is associated with increased rates of maternal complications, such as increased transfusion, uterine rupture, and hysterotomy. Higher gestational age and previous uterine surgery are the main causes of TOP-related maternal complications.

Combined first-trimester screening and invasive diagnostics for atypical chromosomal aberrations: Danish nationwide study of prenatal profiles and detection compared with NIPT

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to examine the prenatal profiles of pregnancies affected by an atypical chromosomal aberration, focusing on pathogenic copy-number variants (pCNVs). We also wanted to quantify the performance of combined first-trimester screening (cFTS) and a second-trimester anomaly scan in detecting these aberrations. Finally, we aimed to estimate the consequences of a policy of using non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) rather than invasive testing with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) to manage pregnancies identified as high risk by cFTS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the Danish Fetal Medicine Database of all pregnant women who underwent cFTS and a risk assessment for trisomy 21 between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018. Chromosomal aberrations diagnosed prenatally, postnatally or from fetal tissue following pregnancy loss or termination of pregnancy were identified. Chromosomal aberrations were grouped into one of six categories: triploidy; common trisomy (13, 18 or 21); monosomy X; other sex-chromosome aberration (SCA); pCNV; and rare autosomal trisomy (RAT) or mosaicism. The prevalence of each aberration category was stratified by the individual cFTS markers and trisomy 21 risk estimate, and the size of each pCNV diagnosed by CMA was calculated.

RESULTS

We retrieved data on 565 708 pregnancies, of which 3982 (0.70%) were diagnosed with a fetal chromosomal aberration. cFTS identified 87% of the common trisomies, but it also performed well in identifying triploidies (86%), monosomy X (92%), atypical SCAs (58%) and RATs or mosaicisms (70%). pCNVs comprised 27% (n = 1091) of the chromosomal aberrations diagnosed overall, and the prevalence increased during the study period, as prenatal CMA was increasingly being performed. In pregnancies with a maternal age < 30 years, nuchal translucency (NT) thickness ≤ 95th centile, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) ≥ 1 multiple of the median, or trisomy 21 risk of ≤ 1 in 1000, the prevalence of pCNVs exceeded significantly the prevalence of trisomies 21, 18 and 13. Pregnancies affected by a pCNV had significantly increased NT and decreased levels of the maternal biomarkers PAPP-A and β-human chorionic gonadotropin compared with unaffected pregnancies. However, only 23% of these pregnancies screened positive on cFTS and 51% of pCNVs were not detected until after birth. Among high-risk pregnancies, pCNVs comprised 14% of diagnosed aberrations, and when other atypical aberrations were considered, conventional NIPT (screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 and monosomy X) would miss 27% of all pathogenic aberrations diagnosed from invasive testing following a high-risk cFTS result. Thus, 1 in 26 pregnancies at high risk following cFTS would be affected by a chromosomal aberration despite a normal result from conventional NIPT. In a contingent screening model using NIPT for the 'intermediate'-risk group (trisomy 21 risk of 1 in 100-299), 50% of the aberrations would be missed. In our cohort, 79% of the pCNVs diagnosed were < 5Mb and therefore not detectable using current forms of 'genome-wide' NIPT.

CONCLUSIONS

As a by-product of screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, most triploidies and the majority of atypical SCAs, RATs and mosaicisms are detected before birth. However, only 23% of pCNVs are associated with a high-risk result according to cFTS and only half are diagnosed before birth. Replacing invasive testing with NIPT for high-risk pregnancies would substantially decrease the first-trimester detection of pathogenic chromosomal anomalies. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Detection Rate of Fetal Anomalies in Early Mid-Trimester Compared to Late Mid-Trimester Detailed Scans: Possible Implications for First-Trimester Sonography

Objective: A late mid-trimester fetal organ scan (lMTS) is recommended between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy. Evidence has been accumulating on the effectiveness of first-trimester anatomy scans. Early mid-trimester fetal scans (eMTSs; 14-17 weeks) may have the advantage of visualization of most organs, hence allowing earlier genetic assessment and decision making. Our aim is to examine the effectiveness of eMTSs in identifying fetal anomalies compared to lMTSs. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on data from the multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis clinic in a tertiary center. During the study period (2011-2021), an out-of-pocket eMTS in a community setting was offered routinely to the general population. Women who had previously undergone an eMTS and were later assessed due to a fetal anomaly in our clinic were included in the study. The cohort was divided into two groups according to whether the anomaly had been detected during the eMTS. We then compared the groups for factors that may be associated with anomaly detection in eMTSs. We used t-tests and chi-square tests, for quantitative and qualitative variables, respectively, to determine variables related to eMTS anomaly detection, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results: Of 1525 women assessed in our multidisciplinary clinic, 340 were included in the study. The anomaly detection rate of the eMTS compared to the lMTS was 59.1% The eMTS detection rates for specific organ systems were as follows: skeletal, 57%; cardiac, 52%; congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT), 44%; central nervous system, 32.4%; chest, 33%; and abdominal, 28%. In multivariate analysis, abnormal first-trimester screening (aOR 3.2; 95%CI 1.26-8.08) and multiple anomalies (aOR 1.86; 95%CI 1.02-3.37) were found to be associated with eMTS anomaly detection. Conclusions: The eMTS detection rate was nearly 60% and was most accurate in detecting skeletal, cardiac, and CAKUT anomalies. Since the eMTS was community-based, this rate likely reflects a "real-world" scenario. Our findings support consideration of performing an eMTS or first-trimester scan routinely for earlier diagnosis and decision making, as an adjunctive to lMTSs. Future studies will examine the cost-effectiveness of early scans.

Psychological sequelae following second-trimester termination of pregnancy: A longitudinal study

INTRODUCTION

The decision to terminate a pregnancy due to fetal anomalies can have a significant emotional impact, especially in second-trimester terminations. Previous studies on the psychological consequences of pregnancy termination have had limitations, and little is known about the outcomes for partners and the impact of fetal donation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the psychological effects of second-trimester pregnancy termination and identify factors associated with outcomes in both women and men, including donation of fetal remains to science.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands, involving women and partners who underwent termination at or before 23 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Questionnaires were administered at termination, 6 weeks, and 4 months after. We utilized validated questionnaires to assess psychological morbidity (grief, post-traumatic stress and postnatal depression and quality of life [QoL]), and factors that could potentially influence outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 241 participants, women displayed more pronounced psychological distress than men, though both groups improved over time. Four months after termination, 27.4% of women and 9.1% of men showed signs of pathological grief. Scores indicative for postnatal depression occurred in 19.8% women and 4.1% of men. A prior psychiatric history was a consistent predictor of poorer outcomes. Fetal donation to the Dutch Fetal Biobank was associated with reduced likelihood of symptoms of complicated grief four months after termination.

CONCLUSIONS

Second-trimester termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies can lead to psychological morbidity, particularly in women. However, there is a notable improvement over time for both groups. Individuals with prior psychiatric history appear more vulnerable post-termination. Also, fetal donation to science did not have a negative impact on psychological well-being.

Association between parental decisions regarding abortion and severity of fetal heart disease

The prenatal diagnosis of fetal heart disease potentially influences parental decision-making regarding pregnancy termination. Existing literature indicates that the severity, whether in complexity or lethality, significantly influences parental decisions concerning abortion. However, questions remain as to how fetal heart disease severity impacts parental decisions, given recent advancements in postsurgical outcomes. Therefore, we investigated risk factors associated with parents' decision-making regarding abortion following a prenatal diagnosis of fetal heart disease. Our analysis included 73 (terminated: n = 37; continued: n = 36) pregnancies with a fetal heart disease diagnosed before 22 weeks of gestation. Increased gestational age at diagnosis reduced the likelihood of parents' decision on termination (Model 1: adjusted odds ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.99; Model 2: 0.95 0.90-0.997). Critical disease (5.25; 1.09-25.19) and concurrent extracardiac or genetic abnormalities (Model 1: 4.19, 1.21-14.53; Model 2: 5.47, 1.50-19.96) increased the likelihood of choosing abortion. Notably, complex disease did not significantly influence parental decisions (0.56; 0.14-2.20). These results suggest that parental decision-making regarding abortion may be influenced by earlier gestational age at diagnosis, the lethality of heart disease, and extracardiac or genetic abnormalities, but not its complexity if prenatal diagnosis and parental counseling are provided at a cardiovascular-specialized facility.

Clinical implementation of first trimester screening for congenital heart defects

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility and performance of implementing a standardized fetal cardiac scan at the time of a routine first-trimester ultrasound scan.

METHOD

A retrospective, single-center study in an unselected population between March 2021 and July 2022. A standardized cardiac scan protocol consisting of a four-chamber and 3-vessel trachea view with color Doppler was implemented as part of the routine first-trimester scan. Sonographers were asked to categorize the fetal heart anatomy. Data were stratified into two groups based on the possibility of evaluating the fetal heart. The influence of maternal and fetal characteristics and the detection of major congenital heart disease were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 5083 fetuses were included. The fetal heart evaluation was completed in 84.9%. The proportion of successful scans increased throughout the study period from 76% in the first month to 92% in the last month. High maternal body mass index and early gestational age at scan significantly decreased the feasibility. The first-trimester detection of major congenital heart defects was 7/16, of which four cases were identified by the cardiac scan protocol with no false-positive cases.

CONCLUSION

First-trimester evaluation of the fetal heart by a standardized scan protocol is feasible to implement in daily practice. It can contribute to the earlier detection of congenital heart defects at a very low false positive rate.

First-Trimester Ultrasound Screening in Routine Obstetric Practice

Technologic advances and ultrasonographer-physician experience in fetal imaging have led to significant improvements in our ability to distinguish between normal and abnormal fetal structural development in the latter part of the first trimester. As a critical component of pregnancy care, assessment of fetal anatomy at the end of the first trimester with a standardized imaging protocol should be offered to all pregnant patients regardless of aneuploidy screening results because it has been demonstrated to identify approximately half of fetal structural malformations. Early identification of abnormalities allows focused genetic counseling, timely diagnostic testing, and subspecialist consultation. In addition, a normal ultrasound examination result offers some degree of reassurance to most patients. Use of cell-free DNA alone for aneuploidy screening while foregoing an accompanying early anatomic evaluation of the fetus will result in many anomalies that are typically detected in the first trimester not being identified until later in pregnancy, thus potentially diminishing the quality of obstetric care for pregnant individuals and possibly limiting their reproductive options, including pregnancy termination.

Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis: Noninvasive prenatal testing should replace other screening strategies for fetal trisomies 13, 18, 21

This is a written summary of the oral debate presented at the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis annual conference in Edinburgh in 2023. The topic under debate is whether noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free fetal DNA should replace other screening strategies for the detection of fetal trisomies 13, 18, 21. There is no disagreement that NIPT is far more sensitive and has better positive predictive values for identifying trisomies 13, 18, and 21 than traditional screening approaches using biochemical markers and measurement of nuchal translucency. The major issue lies in the potential adverse consequences associated with abandoning traditional screening methods. The source of disagreement stems primarily from whether you consider the role of ultrasound in the context of screening to be strictly for nuchal translucency measurement or whether it should be combined with a fetal anatomy scan. The debate featured two experts who presented evidence in favor of each argument.