Fetal left and right ventricle myocardial performance index: defining normal values for the second and third trimesters--single tertiary center experience

Multi-Organ Phenotypes of Offspring Born Following Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Hypertensive pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases in the offspring during later life. However, less is known about the potential impact on multi-organ phenotypes in offspring before disease symptoms occur. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the associations of fetal exposure to maternal hypertensive pregnancy with multi-organ phenotypes across developmental stages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), WoS, Scopus, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched until February 2024. Records were independently screened by 2 authors. Studies reporting on the structure or function of the heart, blood vessels, brain, liver, and kidneys in offspring of hypertensive pregnancies compared with a normotensive control population were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Extracted data were presented using harvest plots. Seventy-three studies including 7091 offspring of hypertensive pregnancies and 42 164 controls were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-two studies were investigations in fetuses, 24 in neonates and infants, 12 in children, 2 in adolescents, and 3 in adults. Offspring of hypertensive pregnancies had structural and functional changes in the heart compared with controls in some studies across developmental stages. Offspring of hypertensive pregnancies also had smaller occipital and parietal vessels, higher aortic intima-media thickness, and lower retinal arteriolar-to-venular ratio. Some conflicting evidence existed for other phenotypical alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

There is still inconsistent evidence of multi-organ structural and functional differences in offspring of hypertensive pregnancies. The evidence base could therefore be further strengthened through well-designed and conducted prospective studies.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

www.crd.york.ac.uk. Unique Identifier: CRD42023387550.

Using Doppler ultrasound to assess fetal cardiac function and pregnancy outcomes in obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome pregnancies: a case-control study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate fetal left ventricular function (LVF) in pregnant women with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (OAPS) by Doppler ultrasound and developed a clinical nomogram to predict adverse perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 105 pregnant women were enrolled and divided into the OAPS cohort (n = 60) and the control cohort (n = 45). Fetal cardiac function parameters were collected and compared between two cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to select the risk factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, and a clinical nomogram was developed based on these selected risk factors. The predictive performance of corresponding indicators for adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

The OAPS cohort revealed an increase in the isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and myocardial performance index (MPI), a decrease in the ejection time (ET), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) compared to the control cohort. Through univariate and multivariate analysis, gravidity, CPR, and MPI were the risk factors associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. A model predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in OAPS pregnant women was constructed based on these three factors and visualized as a nomogram. The nomogram could accurately predict adverse perinatal outcomes with an area under the curve of 0.923 (95% CI: 0.858-0.982). This performance was better than evaluating individual factors such as MPI (0.825, 95% CI: 0.739-0.911) and CPR (0.816, 95% CI: 0.705-0.927) for efficacy.

CONCLUSION

MPI can be used to assess fetal LVF and predict adverse perinatal outcomes. We developed a nomogram to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in OAPS women. This imaging-based evidence can provide timely clinical intervention, enabling personalized clinical decision-making.

Feasibility of automated measurement of fetal right ventricular modified myocardial performance index with development of reference values and clinical application

To establish normal reference ranges for fetal right ventricular modified myocardial performance index (RV Mod-MPI) using automatic synchronization of the RV inflow and outflow images (MPI+TM). Additionally, we aimed to clinically apply RV Mod-MPI to investigate its changes in fetal right congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to normal fetuses. This prospective study included uncomplicated singleton pregnancies between 16 and 38 weeks of gestational age. Cases with any maternal or fetal complications that developed during the enrollment period were excluded. Two experienced operators measured the RV Mod-MPI using the automated and manual methods. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for intra- and inter-operator reproducibility. The mean differences between the manual and automated measurements were also compared. The RV Mod-MPI was then compared between the right CDH fetuses and normal fetuses. Seventy normal fetuses were analyzed for the feasibility of an automated system, and 364 examinations from 272 fetuses were analyzed for developing the normal references. The automated system showed significantly higher intra- and inter-operator reproducibility of Mod-MPI than those of manual measurements (ICC = 0.962 vs. 0.913 and 0.961 vs. 0.889, respectively). The mean difference in Mod-MPI between the manual and automated method was 0.0002 ± 0.0586 with a 95% confidence interval of -0.0095-0.0099. The Mod-MPI and isovolumetric relaxation time increased throughout the gestational weeks. The isovolumetric contraction time increased until 24 weeks of gestation and then slightly decreased afterwards, and the ejection time also increased until 31 weeks of gestation and then decreased. There was no significant difference in the Mod-MPI between right CDH and normal fetuses. The automated system showed high inter- and intra-operator reproducibility. Furthermore, the normal reference values of Mod-MPI for each gestational age were established. Our results suggest that the automated system might be clinically feasible for evaluating fetal cardiac function.

Assessment of fetal cardiac function in early fetal life: feasibility, reproducibility, and early fetal nomograms

BACKGROUND

Fetal cardiology has shown a rapid development in the past decades. Fetal echocardiography is not only used for the detection of structural anomalies but also to assess fetal cardiac function. Assessment of the fetal cardiac function is performed mostly in the second and third trimesters. The study of fetal cardiac function at the end of first trimester has not been investigated properly, and there is a lack of reference values at early gestational weeks.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess if the measurement of time-related parameters of cardiac function in the left ventricle of the fetal heart is feasible and reproducible at the end of the first trimester. If possible, we provide nomograms of these parameters from 11 to 13+6 gestational weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a prospective observational study from March to September 2022. The study was carried out in 2 hospitals (Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, and Hospital VITAHS 9 Octubre, Valencia, Spain). The scans were performed by 3 specialists in fetal medicine. The exclusion criteria were fetal cardiac rhythm abnormalities, abnormal nuchal translucency, abnormal ductus venosus, fetal malformations, stillbirth, estimated fetal weight <10 percentile, diabetes, and gestational hypertensive disorders. The cardiac function parameters studied in the left ventricle were isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time, ejection time, filling time, cycle time, myocardial performance index, ejection time fraction, and filling time fraction. We study the feasibility and intra- and interobserver reproducibility of these parameters using the interclass correlation coefficient. Nomograms were created and the percentiles of the values of the different parameters were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 409 cases were recruited but only 296 could be included in the statistical analysis once the exclusion criteria were applied. The intraobserver reproducibility study was excellent (interclass correlation coefficient >0.900), and the interobserver reproducibility study was good (interclass correlation coefficient >0.700). The data regression analysis showed that cycle time, filling time, isovolumetric contraction time, and filling time fraction increased with gestational age, whereas ejection time fraction decreased with gestational age and myocardial performance index (mean, 0.43±0.08), isovolumetric relaxation time (mean, 0.04±0.01), and ejection time (mean, 0.16±0.01) remained constant from 11 to 13 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The study of fetal cardiac function is feasible and reproducible at 11 to 13+6 gestational weeks. Nomograms of the studied parameters are provided.

Prenatal Echo-Sonographic Parameters in Fetuses Wrapped with the Umbilical Cord in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

This study constitutes a description of prenatal echo-sonographic parameters in fetuses wrapped with the umbilical cord in the third trimester of pregnancy and demonstrates the practical importance of the umbilical cord collision. Echocardiographic examinations were performed within 6 months, and a group of patients in the third trimester with a mean age of 28.1 ± 0.79 weeks of gestation (p = 0.075) was distinguished. The group included 46 fetuses from single pregnancies with the umbilical cord around the fetal neck and 70 fetuses without the umbilical cord around the fetal neck. The course of the umbilical cord coiling around the fetal neck was recorded by color Doppler. We also conducted a follow-up with the newborns. In the study group, there was an elevated peak systolic velocity of the umbilical artery (UMB PSV) at a level of 44.17 cm/s vs. 38.90 cm/s in the control group (p = 0.004), and caesarean sections were significantly more frequent (54.5% vs. 31.4%). The persistence of the nuchal cord during delivery was observed in 37% of newborns in the study group, while the occurrence of umbilical wrapping during delivery was found in 18.6% of newborns in the control group (p = 0.027). In the studied cases, caesarean sections were 2.62 times more frequent (OR = 2.62), whereas nuchal cords during delivery were 2.57 times more often observed (OR = 2.57). Fetal umbilical cord wrapping in the third trimester of pregnancy does not have a significant hemodynamic impact; however, the UMB PSV might be slightly elevated in this group, and the frequency of umbilical cord collision during delivery and the need to perform a caesarean section at term seem to be more common.

How Automated Techniques Ease Functional Assessment of the Fetal Heart: Applicability of MPI+™ for Direct Quantification of the Modified Myocardial Performance Index

(1) Objectives: In utero functional cardiac assessments using echocardiography have become increasingly important. The myocardial performance index (MPI, Tei index) is currently used to evaluate fetal cardiac anatomy, hemodynamics and function. An ultrasound examination is highly examiner-dependent, and training is of enormous significance in terms of proper application and subsequent interpretation. Future experts will progressively be guided by applications of artificial intelligence, on whose algorithms prenatal diagnostics will rely on increasingly. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whether less experienced operators might benefit from an automated tool of MPI quantification in the clinical routine. (2) Methods: In this study, a total of 85 unselected, normal, singleton, second- and third-trimester fetuses with normofrequent heart rates were examined by a targeted ultrasound. The modified right ventricular MPI (RV-Mod-MPI) was measured, both by a beginner and an expert. A calculation was performed semiautomatically using a Samsung Hera W10 ultrasound system (MPI+™, Samsung Healthcare, Gangwon-do, South Korea) by taking separate recordings of the right ventricle's in- and outflow using a conventional pulsed-wave Doppler. The measured RV-Mod-MPI values were assigned to gestational age. The data were compared between the beginner and the expert using a Bland-Altman plot to test the agreement between both operators, and the intraclass correlation was calculated. (3) Results: The mean maternal age was 32 years (19 to 42 years), and the mean maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index was 24.85 kg/m2 (ranging from 17.11 to 44.08 kg/m2). The mean gestational age was 24.44 weeks (ranging from 19.29 to 36.43 weeks). The averaged RV-Mod-MPI value of the beginner was 0.513 ± 0.09, and that of the expert was 0.501 ± 0.08. Between the beginner and the expert, the measured RV-Mod-MPI values indicated a similar distribution. The statistical analysis showed a Bland-Altman bias of 0.01136 (95% limits of agreement from -0.1674 to 0.1902). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.624 (95% confidence interval from 0.423 to 0.755). (4) Conclusions: For experts as well as for beginners, the RV-Mod-MPI is an excellent diagnostic tool for the assessment of fetal cardiac function. It is a time-saving procedure, offers an intuitive user interface and is easy to learn. There is no additional effort required to measure the RV-Mod-MPI. In times of reduced resources, such assisted systems of fast value acquisition represent clear added value. The establishment of the automated measurement of the RV-Mod-MPI in clinical routine should be the next level in cardiac function assessment.

Modified myocardial performance index for evaluation of fetal heart function and perinatal outcomes in intrahepatic pregnancy cholestasis

This study aims to evaluate cardiac function in cases of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and compare results with those from healthy controls using the fetal left ventricular modified myocardial performance index (LMPI) and E-wave/A-wave peak velocities (E/A ratio). Moreover, the association between LMPI values, total bile acid (TBA) levels, fetal Doppler measurements, and adverse neonatal outcomes was evaluated. A prospective cross-sectional study of 120 pregnant women was conducted, with 60 having ICP and the other 60 serving as controls. Doppler ultrasound and two-dimensional gray-scale fetal echocardiography were used to calculate the LMPI values and E/A ratios, respectively. The association between LMPI values and TBA levels, fetal Doppler measurements, and adverse neonatal outcomes was evaluated. Fetal LMPI values were significantly higher in the ICP group than in the control group (0.54 ± 0.54 vs. 0.44 ± 0.03; p < 0.001), but the E/A ratio was similar in both groups (0.69 ± 0.10 vs. 0.66 ± 0.14; p = 0.203). TBA levels were positively and significantly correlated with LMPI values (r = 0.546, p < 0.01); however, no significant correlation was found between umbilical arterial pulsatility index values and LMPI values (r = 0.071, p > 0.01). LMPI values were not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in ICP cases. Fetal cardiac function (LMPI) is associated with increased bile acid levels in ICP. However, because it was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in ICP cases, the clinical significance of this finding is unclear. Further studies are required to evaluate the implications of increased LMPI.

High Output Cardiovascular Physiology and Outcomes in Fetal Diagnosis of Vein of Galen Malformation

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a rare anomaly associated with poor outcomes from high output cardiac failure and neurologic complications. Studies addressing fetal cardiovascular status and outcomes in this population are limited. A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients with a prenatal diagnosis of VGAM who underwent a fetal echocardiogram between January 2015 and July 2019. Fetal echocardiographic data, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and outcomes were collected. Nine fetuses [median gestational age at echocardiogram 34 (1.1) weeks] were included. All patients had superior vena cava dilation and reversal of diastolic flow in the transverse aortic arch. Median cardiothoracic (CT) ratio was 0.39 (0.09). Right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was present in 66% and 11% fetuses, respectively. Four out of five patients that underwent postnatal endovascular neurosurgical interventions at our center were alive at follow-up (mean 2.7 years). Of the non-survivors (n = 5), 3 received comfort care because of severe brain damage and died in the neonatal period. Non-survivors more commonly had > mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (40% vs. 25%) and > mild RV dilation (60% vs. 25%). Combined cardiac index (CCI) was higher in non-survivors when compared to survivors (672.7 vs. 530.2 ml/kg/min, p = 0.016). Fetuses with significant parenchymal damage on brain MRI tended to have a higher CCI than those without (979.8 vs. 605.0 ml/kg/min, p = 0.047). RV dysfunction, TR and elevated CCI are more commonly seen in non-survivors with VGAM. A higher CCI is seen in those deemed untreatable due to significant parenchymal volume loss. Future multicenter studies are needed to assess for prenatal prediction of outcomes in this high-risk population.

Reference ranges of fetal heart function using a Modified Myocardial Performance Index: a prospective multicentre, cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this study was to establish the normal reference ranges of the fetal left ventricular (LV) Modified Myocardial Performance Index (Mod-MPI). A secondary aim was to evaluate the agreement between manual and automatic measurements for fetal Mod-MPI.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicentre, cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

Normal singleton pregnancies.

METHODS

The LV functions of normal singleton pregnancies were assessed in nine centres covering eight provinces in China using unified ultrasound protocols and settings and standardised measurements by pulsed Doppler at 20-24, 28-32 and 34-38 weeks of gestation. The isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), isovolumetric contraction time, ejection time (ET) and Mod-MPI were measured both automatically and manually.

RESULTS

This cross-sectional study included 2081 fetuses, and there was a linear correlation between gestational age (GA) and Mod-MPI (0.416+0.001×GA (weeks), p<0.001, r²=0.013), IRT (36.201+0.162× GA (weeks), p<0.001, r²=0.021) and ET (171.418-0.078*GA (weeks), p<0.001, r²=0.002). This finding was verified using longitudinal data in a subgroup of 610 women. The agreement between the manual and automated measurements for Mod-MPI was good.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed normal reference values of fetal LV Mod-MPI. Automatic measurement can be considered for ease of measurement in view of the good agreement between the automatic and manual values.

Evaluation of right myocardial performance index of in vitro fertilization fetuses and spontaneous pregnancy fetuses: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Whether the in vitro fertilization (IVF) has an effect on the cardiac function of the fetus is very important to evaluate the safety of the technique. The aim of this paper is to establish normal reference range for the fetal right myocardial performance index (RMPI), and compare the reference range between IVF fetuses and spontaneous pregnancy (SP) fetuses by automatic measurement of the RMPI.

METHODS

Three hundred seventy-one spontaneous singleton pregnancies (the control group) and 39 singleton pregnancies conceived by IVF (the experimental group) were enrolled into the current study. An automatic measurement system was used to acquire the RMPI. The cardiac function of the two groups was compared by t-test.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in normal reference range of RMPI between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses (RMPI 0.42 ± 0.05 vs 0.43 ± 0.05). No strong correlation was also noted between RMPI with gestational age and heart rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal reference ranges of RMPI of IVF fetuses and SP fetuses were established, and no significant difference between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses in RMPI was found. Thus, these findings may suggest that IVF has little impact on cardiac function of the fetus.

Umbilical Artery Doppler Patterns and Right Ventricular Outflow Abnormalities in Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association of abnormal Doppler velocimetric patterns in the umbilical arteries (UAs) and right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities (RVOTAs) in twin- twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved women who had laser surgery for TTTS between January 2012 and May 2018 at a single institution. The prevalence of an RVOTA in either twin was compared among TTTS cases in which both twins had positive end-diastolic flow (EDF) in the UA and those in which either twin had intermittent or persistent absent/reversed UA EDF. Nonparametric tests were used for comparisons. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with an RVOTA in either twin, adjusted for moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, the Quintero stage, and other confounders. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 126 consecutive TTTS cases were included. Right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities were seen in 8.7% (11of 126) of cases, all in recipient twins. Significant differences in the rate of RVOTAs in the recipient twin were seen between TTTS cases with intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF and those with positive UA EDF (26.9% [7 of 26] versus 3.7% [3 of 82]; P = .002]. However, no significant differences were noted among the other study groups. Intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF was associated with a significantly increased risk for an RVOTA (adjusted odds ratio, 20.6 [95% confidence interval, 3.1-138]; P = .002) after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Intermittent changes in vascular impedance to UA flow may contribute to the pathogenesis of acquired right-sided cardiac lesions in the recipient twin affected with TTTS.

Optimizing the Use of iPSC-CMs for Cardiac Regeneration in Animal Models

Simple Summary

In 2006, the first induced pluripotent stem cells were generated by reprogramming skin cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells undergo fast cell division, can differentiate into many different cell types, can be patient-specific, and do not raise ethical issues. Thus, they offer great promise as in vitro disease models, drug toxicity testing platforms, and for autologous tissue regeneration. Heart failure is one of the major causes of death worldwide. It occurs when the heart cannot meet the body’s metabolic demands. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be differentiated into cardiac myocytes, can form patches resembling native cardiac tissue, and can engraft to the damaged heart. However, despite correct host/graft coupling, most animal studies demonstrate an arrhythmogenicity of the engrafted tissue and variable survival. This is partially because of the heterogeneity and immaturity of the cells. New evidence suggests that by modulating induced pluripotent stem cells-cardiac myocytes (iPSC-CM) metabolism by switching substrates and changing metabolic pathways, you can decrease iPSC-CM heterogeneity and arrhythmogenicity. Novel culture methods and tissue engineering along with animal models of heart failure are needed to fully unlock the potential of cardiac myocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells for cardiac regeneration.

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a common disease in which the heart cannot meet the metabolic demands of the body. It mostly occurs in individuals 65 years or older. Cardiac transplantation is the best option for patients with advanced HF. High numbers of patient-specific cardiac myocytes (CMs) can be generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and can possibly be used to treat HF. While some studies found iPSC-CMS can couple efficiently to the damaged heart and restore cardiac contractility, almost all found iPSC-CM transplantation is arrhythmogenic, thus hampering the use of iPSC-CMs for cardiac regeneration. Studies show that iPSC-CM cultures are highly heterogeneous containing atrial-, ventricular- and nodal-like CMs. Furthermore, they have an immature phenotype, resembling more fetal than adult CMs. There is an urgent need to overcome these issues. To this end, a novel and interesting avenue to increase CM maturation consists of modulating their metabolism. Combined with careful engineering and animal models of HF, iPSC-CMs can be assessed for their potential for cardiac regeneration and a cure for HF.

Use of the modified myocardial performance index for evaluating fetal cardiac functions in pregestational diabetic pregnancy babies

The aim of this study is assessment of importance of use of the modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) for the evaluation of foetal cardiac function in foetuses of women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PDM). In this study, data of 30 pregnant patients aged 18-45 years diagnosed with PDM and 30 pregnant women aged 18-45 years with normal pregnancy and their babies were evaluated. Foetal echocardiographic and doppler measurements, foetal biometric measurements, umbilical artery and ductus venosus pulsatility indexes were measured in both PDM and control groups. The Mod-MPI was significantly higher in foetuses of PDM women. Many influences especially cardiac and postpartum complications are observed in infants of PDM women. The Mod-MPI is a simple and useful method for assessing foetal ventricular function. Our study has shown that PDM is associated with foetal ventricular dysfunction.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Although MPI is frequently used in routine clinical assessment of neonates, it is not used adequately in foetuses. Many influences especially cardiac and postpartum complications are observed in infants of PDM women. However, there are few studies focussed specifically on the assessment of foetal cardiac function in PDM.What do the results of this study add? MPI, which shows both diastolic and systolic functions is independent of ventricular anatomy and foetal heart rate, was found significantly higher in diabetic mother foetuses, can be said to be a valuable parameter in evaluating foetal cardiac functions globally.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study has shown that foetuses PDM are associated with foetal ventricular dysfunction. For this MPI measurement can be routinely performed at foetal cardiac measurements in foetuses of PDM mothers.

Fetal cardiac findings and hemodynamic changes associated with severe lower urinary tract obstruction in utero

OBJECTIVES

To describe fetal echocardiographic findings associated with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) and to compare anatomic and hemodynamic measurements between fetuses with LUTO and gestational age (GA)-matched controls, with an emphasis on quantitative indices of diastolic function and cardiac output.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of fetuses diagnosed with severe LUTO with giant bladder, which underwent at least one fetal echocardiogram at our center between January 2005 and June 2018. Fetuses with major congenital heart disease were excluded. Control fetuses did not have any structural or functional abnormalities and were GA-matched to the LUTO fetuses based on the time of the first fetal echocardiogram. Cardiac anatomy and hemodynamic measurements were compared between fetuses with LUTO and controls. In infants with LUTO, serial fetal and postnatal echocardiographic data were assessed, when available, and clinical outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-six fetuses with LUTO and at least one fetal echocardiogram available were identified, one of which was excluded due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome, leaving 25 LUTO fetuses in the final cohort. The mean GA at the first fetal echocardiogram was 25.4 ± 5.1 weeks in the LUTO group and 25.3 ± 5.0 weeks in the control group. Common findings in fetuses with LUTO included cardiomegaly (40%), pericardial effusion (44%), right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy (64%) and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (48%). Compared with GA-matched controls, LUTO fetuses had lower ascending aorta Z-score (-0.10 ± 0.94 vs -0.93 ± 1.03; P = 0.02) and aortic isthmus Z-score (-0.14 ± 0.86 vs -1.62 ± 1.11; P < 0.001), shorter mitral valve inflow time indexed to cardiac cycle length (0.46 ± 0.04 vs 0.41 ± 0.06; P = 0.002), and worse (increased) LV myocardial performance index (0.39 ± 0.03 vs 0.44 ± 0.04; P < 0.001). In addition, the ratio of RV to LV cardiac index was higher in LUTO fetuses compared with controls (1.62 ± 0.13 vs 1.33 ± 0.11; P < 0.001). Of the 25 LUTO pregnancies, two were lost to follow-up, three underwent elective termination of pregnancy and three ended in intrauterine fetal demise. Four (16%) patients had mildly hypoplastic left-heart structures, comprising two with aortic arch hypoplasia and two with mitral and aortic stenosis.

CONCLUSION

In addition to presenting with cardiomegaly, pericardial effusion and ventricular hypertrophy, fetuses with LUTO demonstrate LV diastolic dysfunction and appear to redistribute cardiac output as compared to control fetuses, which may contribute to the development of left-heart hypoplasia. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Case of resuscitation from cardiac failure by intrauterine transfusion after single fetal death in monochorionic twin pregnancy

In case of a single fetal death in monochorionic twin pregnancy, the surviving fetus is thought to become hypovolemic. However, there is no report of any evidence of fetal circulatory insufficiency in such cases. We present a case of a single fetal death in a monochorionic twin pregnancy with type III selective intrauterine growth restriction that involved low fractional shortening, high myocardial performance index, elevated pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery and fetal ascites. After immediate intrauterine transfusion, each parameter improved promptly. The surviving baby grew up without cardiac and neurological complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on transient circulatory insufficiency and decreased cardiac function in the surviving fetus.

Exposure to systemic and intrauterine inflammation leads to decreased pup survival via different placental mechanisms

PROBLEM

Exposure to systemic maternal inflammation (i.e., maternal sepsis, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, or pyelonephritis) and intrauterine (IU) inflammation (i.e., chorioamnionitis or preterm labor) have been associated with adverse perinatal sequelae. Whether systemic and localized inflammation leading to adverse outcomes have similar placental mechanisms remain unclear.

METHOD OF STUDY

We conducted a study by murine modeling systemic and localized IU inflammation with injections of either intraperitoneal (IP) or IU interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and compared fetoplacental hemodynamic changes, cytokine/chemokine expression, and fetal loss.

RESULTS

IU IL-1β exposure reduced offspring survival by 31.1% and IP IL-1β exposure by 34.5% when compared with control pups. Despite this similar outcome in offspring survival, Doppler analysis revealed a stark difference: IU group displayed worsened fetoplacental hemodynamic changes while no differences were found between IP and control groups. While both IU and IP groups had increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, specific gene expression trends differed between the two groups, once again highlighting their mechanistic differences.

CONCLUSION

While both IP and IU IL-1β exposure similarly affected pup survival, only IU inflammation resulted in fetoplacental hemodynamic changes. We speculate that exposure to maternal systemic and IU inflammation plays a key role in fetal injury by utilizing different placental inflammatory pathways and mechanisms.

Reference ranges for the left ventricle modified myocardial performance index, respective time periods, and atrioventricular peak velocities between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation

Objective: To establish reference ranges for the fetal left ventricle (LV) modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI), respective time periods, and right and left atrioventricular peak velocities between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation.Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 360 low-risk singleton pregnancies between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. The LV Mod-MPI was calculated as (isovolumetric contraction time + isovolumetric relaxation time)/ejection time. Polynomial regression was used to obtain the best-fit using Mod-MPI and atrioventricular peak velocity measurements and gestational age (GA) with adjustments using the coefficient of determination (R²). The intra- and interobserver reliability was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC).Results: LV Mod-MPI (R² = 0.026, p = .002) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) (R² = 0.036, p < .001) significantly increased with advancing GA. Isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and ejection time (ET) did not significantly change with GA. RV and LV E wave, A wave, and E/A ratio significantly increased with GA (p < .001). The mean of each parameter ranged as follows: LV Mod-MPI (0.44-0.47 s), IRT (0.041-0.045 s), ICT (0.032-0.034 s), ET (0.167-0.167 s), RV E (30.2-46.91 cm/s), RV A (47.1-60.7 cm/s), RV E/A (0.65-0.78 cm/s), LV E (27.0-41.4 cm/s), LV A (43.2-53.8 cm/s), and LV E/A (0.63-0.78 cm/s). Only LV A wave measurements demonstrated an intraobserver CCC >0.80. The remaining intra- and interobserver reproducibility parameters demonstrated lower CCC.Conclusions: Reference values were replicated for the fetal LV Mod-MPI and LV and RV transvalvular peak velocities between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation.

Placental malperfusion in response to intrauterine inflammation and its connection to fetal sequelae

Exposure to intrauterine inflammation (IUI) is associated with short- and long-term adverse perinatal outcomes. However, little data exist on utilizing placenta to prognosticate fetal injury in this scenario. Our study aimed to utilize imaging modalities to evaluate mechanisms contributing to placental injury following IUI exposure and correlated it to concomitant fetal brain injury. CD1 pregnant dams underwent laparotomies and received intrauterine injections of either lipopolysaccharide (LPS; a model of IUI) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In utero ultrasound Doppler velocimetry of uterine and umbilical arteries and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of placental volumes with confirmatory immunohistochemical (vimentin) and histochemistry (fibrin) analyses were performed. ELISA for thrombosis markers, fibrinogen and fibrin was performed to analyze thrombi in placenta. Fetal brain immunohistochemistry was performed to detect microglial activation (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1). On ultrasound, LPS group demonstrated elevated resistance indices, pulsatility indices and a greater occurrence of absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical and uterine arteries. In the fetus, there was an increased cardiac Tei indices in the LPS group. MRI revealed decreased volume of placenta in the LPS group associated with placental thinning and placental endothelial damage on immunohistochemistry. Decreased fibrinogen content and more thrombi staining in placenta exposed to maternal LPS indicated the hypercoagulability. Furthermore, the expression of Iba1was significantly associated with placental thickness (r = -0.7890, Pearson correlation coefficient). Our data indicate that IUI can trigger events leading to maternal placental malperfusion and fetal vessel resistance, as well as predispose the developing fetus to cardiac dysfunction and brain damage. Furthermore, our data suggest that prenatal ultrasound can be a real-time clinical tool for assessing fetal risk for adverse neurologic outcomes following the potential IUI exposure.

Z-Score Reference Ranges for Fetal Heart Functional Measurements in a Large Brazilian Pregnant Women Sample

The objective of this study was to determine the reference values for fetal heart functional measurements at 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and to develop Z-score equations for all measurements. A single-center, prospective, cross-sectional study with normal fetuses between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation was performed. All pregnant women underwent a comprehensive fetal Doppler echocardiogram with anatomical and functional analysis. Measurements of left and right cardiac output, combined cardiac output, mitral and tricuspid valve flow, inferior vena cava flow, and pulmonary vein flow were performed. The Shapiro-Wilk test and histogram evaluation were performed on all variables. Linear regression was used to assess the relationships between measurements and gestational age. A total of 612 pregnant women with singleton and normal fetuses were included. We assessed the reference values and percentiles of cardiac function as a function of gestational age. The variables that were not normally distributed were subjected to logarithmic or square root transformation. Eleven Z-score equations were developed, with equations for left and right ventricle output and combined cardiac output that were dependent on gestational age and with other equations that were independent of gestational age. The present study produced a large database, allowing the demonstration of reference values and percentiles as well as the development of Z-score equations to facilitate the echocardiographic evaluation of fetal heart function.

Novel Technique for Measurement of Fetal Right Myocardial Performance Index Using Dual Gate Pulsed-Wave Doppler

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reproducibility of the fetal right myocardial performance index determined by simultaneous recording of inflow and outflow using a dual gate pulsed-wave Doppler (DD).

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 39 normal singleton fetuses. Two experienced operators each measured the right myocardial performance index in three ways, twice: (1) separate recording of the inflow and outflow using single-gate pulsed-wave Doppler (PD), (2) simultaneous recordings of the inflow and outflow using tissue Doppler (TD), and (3) simultaneous recordings of the inflow and outflow using DD. Intra- and interoperator reproducibility were assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. The measurements from all three methods taken by the more experienced operator were compared using Bland-Altman plots and mean differences.

RESULTS

For both operators, intra-operator reproducibility was the highest when using DD, followed by PD, and TD. Interoperator agreement was the highest for PD measurements, followed by DD, and TD. The smallest mean difference was between the PD and DD measurements by the more experienced operator. There was a positive correlation between PD and DD values (r = 0.369, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual gate pulsed-wave Doppler may be an effective alternative to the PD or TD methods, and can separately evaluate systolic and diastolic myocardial function.

Right Heart Function of Fetuses and Infants with Large Ventricular Septal Defect: A Longitudinal Case-Control Study

The objective of this study was to detect the effect of a large ventricular septal defect (VSD) on right ventricular function before and after birth. All consecutive children with large VSD who were born in our hospital between January 2013-February 2016 and followed up throughout early infancy, and who lacked malformations or chromosomal abnormalities, were identified by a retrospective review of the medical records and included in this retrospective longitudinal case-control study (n = 30). Thirty normal control cases with an equivalent gestational age and gender served as controls. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricle (RV) Tei index, and tricuspid E/E _m were measured in the fetal, neonatal (day 1-28), and infant (day 29-70) periods. In all periods, the VSD and control groups did not differ in TAPSE values, but VSD associated with higher Tei indices and tricuspid E/E _m values (in the fetal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.48 ± 0.12 and E/E _m was 11.84 ± 1.53, control group RV Tei was 0.42 ± 0.16 and E/E _m was 10.16 ± 1.61; in neonatal period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.41 ± 0.17 and E/E _m was 12.21 ± 1.59, control group RV Tei was 0.30 ± 0.13 and E/E _m was 7.20 ± 1.28; in the infant period: VSD group RV Tei was 0.39 ± 0.09 and E/E _m was 11.89 ± 2.80, control group RV Tei was 0.28 ± 0.12 and E/E _m was 5.26 ± 1.90, all p < 0.05). In the fetal and neonatal periods, TAPSE correlated negatively with Tei index and tricuspid E/E _m in both groups. However, in the infant period, only the control group exhibited correlations between TAPSE and Tei index or tricuspid E/E _m. Tei index correlated positively with tricuspid E/E _m in both groups in all three periods. The VSD group had smaller correlation coefficients than the control group. Large VSD may already start to impair RV diastolic and global function before birth. This impairment continued and increased after birth. These changes did not associate with obvious RV longitudinal systolic function impairment. Large VSD mainly affected RV function by decreasing diastolic function and myocardial performance.

Echocardiographic Parameters and Outcomes in Primary Fetal Cardiomyopathy

OBJECTIVES

Primary fetal cardiomyopathy is a rare entity, with a poor prognosis. We sought to describe its echocardiographic characteristics and outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a 12-year retrospective review of fetuses with primary cardiomyopathy.

RESULTS

Of more than 6000 fetuses evaluated, 25 met criteria for primary cardiomyopathy, and 18 had sufficient echocardiographic and pregnancy outcome data for inclusion. At echocardiography, the median gestational age was 29.6 weeks (range, 21.0-36.4 weeks); median cardiovascular profile score was 6 (range, 1-9); median right ventricular Tei index was 0.52 (range, 0.32-0.94); and median left ventricular Tei index was 0.40 (range, 0.15-0.88). Two had fetal demise, and 16 survived to delivery. The median cardiovascular profile score in those with fetal demise was 3.0 and in those who survived to delivery was 6.5 (range, 3-9; P = .14). The median right ventricular Tei index in those with fetal demise was 0.39 and in those surviving to delivery was 0.53 (range, 0.38-0.94; P = .49). The median left ventricular Tei index in those with fetal demise was 0.29 and in those surviving to delivery was 0.42 (range, 0.15-0.88; P = .50). Sixty-day survival was available in 11 of 16 fetuses. In addition to the 2 with fetal demise, 4 had postnatal demise, and 5 were alive at a median follow-up of 39 months. Hydrops (P = .01), skin edema (P = .01), and mild or greater mitral regurgitation (P = .02) were associated with fetal or postnatal demise, with a trend toward an association between moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation (P = .07) and fetal or postnatal demise.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrops and atrioventricular valvar regurgitation are ominous signs in primary fetal cardiomyopathy. Although other commonly used methods for assessing cardiovascular performance may help in diagnosing primary cardiomyopathy, these data suggest limited predictive value.

Fetal left ventricular myocardial performance index: Defining normal values for Indian population and a review of literature

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine normal values for fetal left ventricular (LV)-myocardial performance index (MPI) in Indian population and to assess its relation to advancing gestation and fetal heart rate (FHR).

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred pregnant women without any pregnancy-related complications and whose fetuses were shown to have structurally normal hearts were enrolled in this study. Doppler waveform involving simultaneous display of mitral inflow and LV outflow was obtained in all. Various intervals including isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), and ejection time (ET) were measured and then the MPI was calculated using the formula IVCT + IVRT/ET. Also the correlation between MPI and gestation age and FHR was assessed. We also reviewed the literature on the use of MPI for the assessment of fetal LV function.

Results:

The normal MPI in second and third trimester fetuses of Indian population was 0.42 ± 0.03. The mean IVCT was 33 ± 4 milliseconds (ms), mean IVRT was 39 ± 5 ms, and mean ET was 169 ± 9 ms. The mean heart rate was 148 ± 8 bpm and the mean PR interval was 111 ± 10 ms. There was no significant association of LV-MPI with either FHR or advancing gestation.

Conclusion:

MPI is a useful parameter for the assessment global cardiac function. MPI has the advantage of not being affected by FHR, ventricular size, and geometry or image quality. The review of literature shows its significant importance in monitoring complicated pregnancies.

Fetal left modified myocardial performance index measured by the Auto Mod-MPI system: development of reference values and application to recipients of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To establish normal reference ranges for the fetal left modified myocardial performance index (Mod-MPI) measured by the Auto Mod-MPI system and evaluate Mod-MPI changes in recipients of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) before and after fetoscopic laser coagulation.

METHODS

This was a prospective longitudinal study of normal singleton fetuses from 12.0 to 40.0 weeks of gestation. TTTS cases treated by laser coagulation were reviewed for Mod-MPI measurements of recipients. All measurements were performed using the Auto Mod-MPI system by a single experienced operator.

RESULTS

Among a total 447 examinations from 222 fetuses, we were unable to measure the Mod-MPI in two cases, and therefore, 445 examinations were analyzed. The median Mod-MPI consistently increased from 0.44 to 0.56 throughout gestation. The median isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) also increased with advancing gestational age. The ejection time (ET) increased until 27 weeks of gestation and decreased thereafter. In the 30 recipients, Mod-MPI, ICT, and IRT increased before laser coagulation and significantly decreased after laser coagulation.

CONCLUSION

Normal reference values for left Mod-MPI were established using the Auto Mod-MPI system, and these might be useful for assessing cardiac function in TTTS. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Monitoring intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy using the fetal myocardial performance index: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate use of the fetal myocardial performance index (MPI) in assessing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

METHODS

This was a cohort study including cross-sectional and longitudinal data from 31 women with ICP recruited from June 2012 to March 2014. Fetal left, right and delta MPI (LMPI, RMPI and DMPI), and routine measures of fetal growth and wellbeing, were obtained at each ultrasound examination. Results were evaluated with respect to gestational age (GA)-adjusted reference intervals, level of maternal serum bile acid (SBA) and fetal outcome. Lower SBA (≥ 7.5 and < 40 μmol/L) and high SBA (≥ 40 μmol/L) subgroups of cases were defined for the analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 51 ultrasound examinations were performed in 33 fetuses. The mean LMPI, and means of its isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) components were significantly higher in all subgroups of cases of ICP relative to the normal reference mean. Considering only the first examination in each case of ICP, IRT was significantly more prolonged in the high SBA group (n = 10) in comparison to the lower SBA group (n = 23) (52.7 ± 8.0 ms vs 47.3 ± 4.8 ms, P = 0.02), and both IRT (r = 0.538, P = 0.001) and LMPI (r = 0.367, P = 0.036) were significantly correlated with SBA concentration. The proportion of high SBA cases with LMPI, RMPI or DMPI > 2 SD above the GA-adjusted reference mean was not significantly greater than for the lower SBA group. On analysis of all data from those cases with more than one examination, no significant correlation was found between SBA concentration and any of the MPI variables.

CONCLUSIONS

LMPI values increase above the population GA-adjusted mean in cases of ICP, particularly amongst women with higher SBA. A significant correlation between IRT and LMPI at initial examination and increasing SBA concentration was found. A future multicenter prospective study may clarify the prognostic utility of MPI in ICP.

Is There a Measurable Difference between the Left and Right Modified Myocardial Performance Indices, and Does This Change to Reflect Unilateral Myocardial Dysfunction in Pathology?

Introduction: Fetal cardiac dysfunction may manifest itself unilaterally as right and left ventricles differing in design, function and load, measurable as differing in myocardial performance indices (MPIs). We wished to define this difference (‘delta-MPI' or DMPI), present its normal range and pilot its use in pathological pregnancy. Material and Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study of 324 normal singleton fetuses (16-38 weeks of gestation). Left and right modified MPI (LMPI and RMPI) were performed during a single examination using the ‘peak' valve click technique. Thirty-seven pathological singleton and monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were compared as pilot data. Results: Modified MPIs (mean ± SD) were 0.45 ± 0.06 (LMPI) and 0.47 ± 0.09 (RMPI), being similar at 18 weeks' gestation with DMPI increasing slightly throughout pregnancy (0.02 ± 0.08). Both singleton intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and recipient twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) showed significantly elevated RMPI, LMPI and DMPI, most pronounced for DMPI (450 and 500% increase, respectively; p < 0.01). DMPI acquisition rates were 83.3% normal and 87.0% pathological. Discussion: We demonstrate for the first time differing intrafetal LMPI and RMPI in a large gestational cohort, with this difference increasing with gestational age. Pilot data confirm the potential for DMPI as a tool to assess unilateral myocardial function in singleton IUGR and recipient twins in TTTS, and further studies are under way to evaluate its clinical utility.

The effect of pregestational diabetes on fetal heart function

Pregestational diabetes affects nearly 2% of all pregnancies. Moreover, Type 2 diabetes in child-bearing women is on the rise because of the childhood obesity epidemic. Pregestational diabetes can affect the fetal heart in several ways. First, the risk of fetal congenital heart disease is markedly increased; second, fetal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may occur even with good glycemic control; third, studies have shown impaired function of the hearts of some infants and fetuses of diabetic pregnancies, which can occur with and without septal hypertrophy. Small-for-gestational-age infants of diabetic mothers may have diminished cardiovascular health in the long term. This review mainly discusses methods to detect fetal diabetic cardiomyopathy prenatally. The focus is on the noninvasive diagnostic markers that can serve as an outcome measure for future therapeutic trials, which are still lacking. There is some experimental research on treatment strategies to prevent fetal heart disease in diabetic pregnancies but little clinical data.

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prognostic value of the Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) cardiovascular score and the modified myocardial performance index (MPI), in determining the risk of recipient fetal loss in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

METHODS

This cohort study was based on data collected prospectively from 105 pregnancies complicated by TTTS (Quintero stages I-IV) and treated with laser photocoagulation between May 2008 and February 2013. Fetuses underwent detailed anatomical and Doppler ultrasonography with cardiac assessment as part of routine care. CHOP score and right MPI were calculated and cut-offs selected using receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. These were compared according to loss of recipient fetus, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage was determined and we investigated differences in MPI before and after laser coagulation in a cohort of 90 recipient fetuses.

RESULTS

Rates of recipient fetal loss were significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (39.5% vs 12.9%, P = 0.002) and when MPI z-score was > 1.645 (34.5% vs 10.6%, P = 0.004). After adjustment for Quintero stage, the risk of recipient fetal loss remained significantly higher when the CHOP score was ≥ 3 (odds ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.035-9.21). There was a positive correlation between CHOP score, MPI and Quintero stage. MPI was significantly lower after compared with before laser coagulation.

CONCLUSION

CHOP score and MPI are predictors of recipient fetal loss in TTTS and may be used to supplement Quintero's classification.

Reference ranges of myocardial performance index from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation

OBJECTIVE

To establish reference ranges of fetal myocardial performance index (MPI) in normal singleton pregnancies from 12 to 40 weeks gestation.

DESIGN

Prospective descriptive study.

SETTING

A tertiary care teaching center in the Northern part of Thailand.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 562 normal singleton pregnancies at 12-40 weeks of gestation.

INTERVENTION

Fetal echocardiography was performed for isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time, ejection time and MPI by one experienced sonographer, using strict criteria for measurement. The measured MPI values were regressed against gestational age (GA) and biparietal diameter (BPD) to determine the best-fitted model.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

MPI for each gestational week and each BPD point (cm).

RESULTS

A total of 562 measurements were successfully obtained with good-quality Doppler tracings and complete data for analysis. Predicted mean of MPI for GA and BPD is as follows: predicted mean MPI = 0.404 + 0.004 × GA (weeks) (r (2) = 0.143, p < 0.001) and = 0.419 + 0.015 × BPD (cm) (r (2) = 0.139, p < 0.001) as functions of GA and BPD, respectively. The predicted SD of MPI for GA and BPD is constant throughout pregnancy, 0.071348 and 0.073440, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MPI is significantly increased with GA. The reference ranges of MPI according to GA and BPD, as a marker in evaluating global cardiac function between 12 and 40 weeks of gestation was constructed.