Perinatales Outcome bei Frauen mit Gestationsdiabetes unter besonderer Berücksichtigung eines Migrationshintergrundes – Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie in Berlin

Hintergrund Etwa 25 % der Bevölkerung Deutschlands haben einen Migrationshintergrund (MH), der mit einem schlechteren perinatalen Outcome einhergehen kann. Der Gestationsdiabetes (GDM) gehört zu den häufigsten Schwangerschaftserkrankungen; von ihm sind Frauen mit MH in höherem Maße betroffen. Bisher liegen keine systematisch erhobenen Daten zur Betreuung von Migrantinnen mit GDM vor.

Fragestellung Ziel der Studie war es, Auswirkungen eines MH auf Schwangerschaften von Frauen mit GDM zu evaluieren: Haben Immigrantinnen und ihre Nachkommen ein schlechteres perinatales Outcome als Frauen ohne MH in den Parametern Geburtseinleitung, Sectio, Makrosomie, Apgar, Nabelschnur-pH-Wert, Verlegung auf eine neonatologische Intensivstation, Frühgeburt und prä-/postpartale Hb-Differenz? Beeinflusst ein MH außerdem den Zeitpunkt der ersten Schwangerenvorsorge sowie die Zahl der Vorsorgeuntersuchungen?

Methoden Datenerhebung an drei Berliner Geburtskliniken 2011/2012 unmittelbar in der Kreißsaalaufnahme über 12 Monate anhand standardisierter Interviews (Fragebogenset) in deutscher, türkischer und anderen Sprachen. Fragen zu soziodemografischen Aspekten, Schwangerenvorsorge sowie ggf. Migration und Akkulturation. Verknüpfung der Befragungsdaten mit Mutterpass- und klinischen Perinataldaten. Adjustierung für Alter, BMI, Parität und sozioökonomischen Status erfolgte in Regressionsmodellen.

Ergebnisse Die Daten von n = 2878 Frauen mit MH (GDM: 4,7 %) und n = 2785 Frauen ohne MH (GDM: 4,8 %) konnten verglichen werden. Eine multiple Regressionsanalyse zeigte keine Unterschiede in den Chancen der beiden Gruppen mit GDM hinsichtlich Sectio, Makrosomie, Apgar, Nabelschnur-pH-Werten, Verlegungen auf eine neonatologische Intensivstation sowie Zeitpunkt der ersten Schwangerenvorsorge ≥ 12 SSW und Zahl der Vorsorgeuntersuchungen < 10. Sowohl für Frauen mit GDM und MH (OR 1,57; 95 %-KI 1,08–2,27) als auch für solche mit GDM ohne MH (OR 1,47; 95 %-KI 1,01–2,14) bestand eine signifikant höhere Chance der Geburtseinleitung.

Schlussfolgerung Frauen mit GDM und MH zeigen ein ähnlich gutes Schwangerschaftsergebnis wie solche mit GDM und ohne MH, was auf eine hohe Qualität der peripartalen Betreuung und Versorgung hinweist. Im Vergleich zu Frauen ohne GDM wird bedingt durch diesen und den höheren BMI unabhängig vom MH vermehrt eingeleitet. Die Ergebnisse für Frauen mit GDM lassen unabhängig vom MH auf einen ähnlichen Standard der Inanspruchnahme von Vorsorgeuntersuchungen in der Schwangerschaft schließen.

Reduced Insulin Receptor Expression and Altered DNA Methylation in Fat Tissues and Blood of Women With GDM and Offspring

CONTEXT

Altered expression of the insulin receptor (IR) in adipose tissue (AT) could contribute to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) etiopathogenesis. Transcriptional regulation via epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation) may play a critical role. However, the human IR promoter DNA methylation patterns and involvement in gene expression are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated IR mRNA and protein expression accompanied by targeted DNA methylation analyses in AT and blood cells of women with GDM and their offspring.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Academic clinic and research unit.

PARTICIPANTS

GDM-affected (n = 25) and matched control (n = 30) mother-child dyads.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Maternal IR gene and protein expression in paired subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue samples (VAT). DNA methylation levels in IR promoter and intronic regions in maternal AT and blood cells of mother-offspring pairs.

RESULTS

In SAT and VAT, IR mRNA/protein expressions were significantly reduced in women with GDMs (P < 0.05). The decrease in VAT was more pronounced and independent of maternal body mass index. VAT IR protein levels were inversely associated with key maternal and neonatal anthropometric and metabolic parameters (P < 0.05). DNA methylation patterns were similar across tissues, with significant yet small size alterations between groups in mothers and offspring (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Decreased IR levels in AT may be a relevant pathogenic factor in GDM, affecting materno-fetal metabolism. Further investigation of causal factors for IR dysregulation is necessary, especially in VAT. Potential functional and/or clinical roles of altered DNA methylation also should be evaluated.

Alterations of adiponectin gene expression and DNA methylation in adipose tissues and blood cells are associated with gestational diabetes and neonatal outcome

Background

Adiponectin critically contributes to metabolic homeostasis, especially by insulin-sensitizing action. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by insulin resistance leading to materno-fetal hyperglycemia and detrimental birth outcomes. By investigating paired subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) as well as blood (cell) samples of GDM-affected (n = 25) vs. matched control (n = 30) mother-child dyads of the prospective “EaCH” cohort study, we addressed whether alterations of adiponectin plasma, mRNA, and DNA methylation levels are associated with GDM and offspring characteristics.

Results

Hypoadiponectinemia was present in women with GDM, even after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). This was accompanied by significantly decreased mRNA levels in both SAT and VAT (P < 0.05), independent of BMI. Maternal plasma adiponectin showed inverse relations with glucose and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (both P < 0.01). In parallel to reduced mRNA expression in GDM, significant (P < 0.05) yet small alterations in locus-specific DNA methylation were observed in maternal fat (~ 2%) and blood cells (~ 1%). While newborn adiponectin levels were similar between groups, DNA methylation in GDM offspring was variously altered (~ 1–4%; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Reduced adiponectin seems to be a pathogenic co-factor in GDM, even independent of BMI, affecting materno-fetal metabolism. While altered maternal DNA methylation patterns appear rather marginally involved, functional, diagnostic, and/or predictive implications of cord blood DNA methylation should be further evaluated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0567-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Maternal overweight is not an independent risk factor for increased birth weight, leptin and insulin in newborns of gestational diabetic women: observations from the prospective 'EaCH' cohort study

BACKGROUND

Both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as overweight/obesity during pregnancy are risk factors for detrimental anthropometric and hormonal neonatal outcomes, identified to 'program' adverse health predispositions later on. While overweight/obesity are major determinants of GDM, independent effects on critical birth outcomes remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate, in women with GDM, the relative/independent impact of overweight/obesity vs. altered glucose metabolism on newborn parameters.

METHODS

The prospective observational 'Early CHARITÉ (EaCH)' cohort study primarily focuses on early developmental origins of unfavorable health outcomes through pre- and/or early postnatal exposure to a 'diabetogenic/adipogenic' environment. It includes 205 mother-child dyads, recruited between 2007 and 2010, from women with treated GDM and delivery at the Clinic of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. Recruitment, therapy, metabolite/hormone analyses, and data evaluation were performed according to standardized guidelines and protocols. This report specifically aimed to identify maternal anthropometric and metabolic determinants of anthropometric and critical hormonal birth outcomes in 'EaCH'.

RESULTS

Group comparisons, Spearman's correlations and unadjusted linear regression analyses initially confirmed that increased maternal prepregnancy body-mass-index (BMI) is a significant factor for elevated birth weight, cord-blood insulin and leptin (all P < 0.05). However, consideration of and adjustment for maternal glucose during late pregnancy showed that no maternal anthropometric parameter (weight, BMI, gestational weight gain) remained significant (all n.s.). In contrast, even after adjustment for maternal anthropometrics, third trimester glucose values (fasting and postprandial glucose at 32nd and 36th weeks' gestation, HbA1c in 3rd trimester and at delivery), were clearly positively associated with critical birth outcomes (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neither overweight/obesity nor gestational weight gain appear to be independent determinants of increased birth weight, insulin and leptin. Rather, 3rd trimester glycemia seems to be crucial for respective neonatal outcomes. Thus, gestational care and future research studies should greatly consider late pregnancy glucose in overweight/obese women with or without GDM, for evaluation of critical causes and interventional strategies against 'perinatal programming of diabesity' in the offspring.

Natural Size Development of Myomata - Ultrasound Observational Study of 55 Premenopausal Patients

Objective: The natural growth progression of uterine leiomyomata will be studied and used to identify potential predictive criteria of myoma size development. This should answer the question of whether myoma growth is dependent on patient age, or on the localisation or original size of the myoma, as well as how much of a size increase can be expected per unit of time, and the proportion of myomata which shrink. Patients and Methods: Patient files of a myoma surgery from 2010 to 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The following inclusion criteria applied: diagnosis of at least one, but not more than three myomata, a minimum of two consultations within three years, the performance of a transvaginal ultrasound to determine size, no pregnancy, and no medical or surgical myoma reduction measures. Only premenopausal patients were included in the analysis. Myoma volume was approximated using a formula similar to that used to calculate the volume of an ellipsoid. Results: 55 out of 102 patients (median age: 38 years), in which a total of 72 myomata were diagnosed, could be included in the evaluation. The median diameter of the myomata at the start of the study was 3.8 cm, with an average growth rate of 30 % over 6 months (range: - 46 to + 459 %). 15 % of the myomata regressed. The linear regression analysis showed a correlation between myoma growth over 6 months, the original size of the myoma (p = 0.023) and patient age (p = 0.038), but no connection was found to the localisation of the myoma. Smaller myomata decreased significantly more in size than larger myomata (p = 0.011). Older patients presented with larger myomata. Conclusions: Myomata demonstrate a strikingly large variation in size development. Their growth is highly individual and not ultimately predictable. Patients should be advised of the possibility of spontaneous myoma regression.

Early postnatal life as a critical time window for determination of long-term metabolic health

Epidemiological studies demonstrated a clear phenomenological association between low birth weight and increased cardiometabolic risk later in life, very similar to that in high birth weight subjects. Pre- and/or neonatal overfeeding appears to be an etiological clue. In animal studies, irrespective of birth weight neonatal over-nutrition leads to later overweight, impaired glucose tolerance and cardiometabolic alterations. Probably, perinatally acquired alterations of DNA methylation patterns of gene promoters of central nervous regulators of body weight and metabolism play a key role in mediating these relationships. In humans, the long-term impact of neonatal nutrition is conclusively demonstrated by studies on the consequences of breastfeeding vs. formula-feeding. Taken together, the quantity and quality of nutrition during neonatal life plays a critical role, beyond prenatal development, in the long-term programming of health and disease. This opens a variety of opportunities and challenges to primarily prevent chronic diseases, e.g. the metabolic syndrome.

[Correlation between sonographic findings and level of knowledge/self-report of symptoms in women with uterine leiomyomata]

PURPOSE

Is there any correlation between the pre-therapeutic level of knowledge concerning the number/size of leiomyomata or self-reported symptoms and confirmation by sonography? How does the assumption of the number/size of leiomyomata influence the self-perception of symptoms?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In an anonymous questionnaire 498 patients were asked about the number, size and symptoms induced by leiomyomata using a visual chart from 0 - 10. The data were correlated with findings from transvaginal and abdominal ultrasound.

RESULTS

The self-reported number of leiomyomata corresponded with the sonographic findings in 80 % of patients with 1 leiomyoma and in 54 % of patients with 2 or 3 leiomyomata, while the self-reported size only corresponded with the sonographic findings in 20 % to 70 % of patients. There was no correlation between the number of leiomymata confirmed by sonography and self-reported symptoms. There are significant correlations between the sonography-defined size and self-reported level of dysmenorrhea (p = 0.003) and self-reported pressure in the abdomen (p = 0.02), as well as submucosal leiomyomata and hypermenorrhea (p = 0.01). Patients who assumed multiple or large leiomyomata ≥ 10 cm reported strong pressure on the bladder or pressure in the abdomen significantly more frequently than patients who assumed 1 leiomyoma (p = 0.03) or a leiomyoma less than 10 cm (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

There is a discrepancy between the relatively good knowledge about the number of leiomyomata and the lack of knowledge about their size. Subjective incorrect presumptions concerning the number or size of leiomymata can result in different disorders. Therefore, they should not be the exclusive indication for further operative interventions.

3D volume contrast imaging (VCI) for the visualization of placenta previa increta and uterine wall thickness in a dichorionic twin pregnancy

PURPOSE

Placenta increta is a rare event in pregnancy, but is associated with serious maternal morbidity and mortality due to life threatening hemorrhage. The incidence has increased due to high Cesarean rates. We describe a case of placenta previa increta in a dichorionic twin pregnancy, which was successfully treated conservatively, to discuss the role of ultrasound, especially 3D VCI and TUI, for diagnosis and conservative management in similar cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A GE Voluson Expert 730 ultrasound system which provides both conventional 2D imaging and 3D volume acquisitions using VCI and TUI was used for diagnosis and management in a case of placenta increta in a dichorionic twin pregnancy in which the placenta previa increta of the first fetus was left in situ and the other placenta was removed.

RESULTS

The 3D VCI provided superior resolution of the anterior wall of the uterus, delineating the myometrial thickness in the area of the placental implantation site. With superior image quality, the 3D VCI technique facilitates the evaluation of the myometrial thickness and the depth of placental invasion due to significantly improved enhancement of the contrast and differentiation between various tissues compared to the 2D scan.

CONCLUSION

We describe for the first time the application of 3D VCI and TUI for the visualization of the depth of placental invasion in such a case. Preoperative ultrasound diagnosis allows appropriate preoperative preparations and the decision to leave the placenta untouched to avoid a probable fatal outcome for the patient.

Fetal scalp pH and ST analysis of the fetal ECG as an adjunct to cardiotocography to predict fetal acidosis in labor--a multi-center, case controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between scalp pH (FBS) and ST analysis in situations of acidosis with special emphasis on the timing of cardiotocography (CTG), FBS and ST changes during labor.

STUDY DESIGN

From a European Union multicenter study on clinical implementation of the STAN methodology, 911 cases were identified where a scalp-pH had been obtained. In 53 cases, marked cord artery acidosis was found (cord artery pH<7.06) and 44 cases showed moderate acidemia at birth (pH 7.06-7.09). Comparisons were made with 97 control cases (pH>or=7.20).

RESULTS

Of those cases with FHR+ST events recorded within 16 min of delivery, 61% (17/28) had a cord artery pH>or=7.20. The corresponding figure for cases where STAN indications occurred for more than 16 min was 19% (13/69) (OR 6.66, 2.53-17.55, P<0.001). Out of the 121 cases with an abnormal CTG, 84 (69%) showed a cord artery pH of <7.10. STAN indicated abnormality in 83% (70 out of 84). The corresponding figure for scalp pH<7.20 was 43% (36/84). In the case of CTG changes at the start of an adequate recording STAN guidelines provided information on developing acidosis in all cases but one (16 out of 17) in the marked acidosis group. STAN guidelines indicated abnormality prior to an abnormal FBS in 14 out of 17 cases. The median duration between STAN indications to intervention and an abnormal FBS was 29 (95% CI 11-74) min.

CONCLUSIONS

ST analysis, as an adjunct to CTG, identifies adverse fetal conditions during labor similar to that of FBS but on a more consistent basis. The timing of CTG+ST changes relates to the level of acidosis at birth.

Actinomycotic inflammatory disease and misdiagnosis of ovarian cancer. A case report

Actinomycosis in the pelvic region is an uncommon diagnosis. This infection is caused by Actinomyces israelii, a gram-positive anerobic saprophyte bacterium that is a normal inhabitant of the upper intestinal tract in humans. Pelvic actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose pre-operatively and is diagnosed, in most cases, accidentally. Actinomycosis can mimic pelvic and abdominal malignancies. A case report of a 35-year-old female patient with a fixed pelvic mass is presented and the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic actinomycotic inflammatory disease in relation to ovarian cancer are discussed. Clinicians should be aware of this rare infection to spare women potential morbidity from excessive surgical procedures.

Fetal scalp pH and ST analysis of the fetal ECG as an adjunct to CTG. A multi-center, observational study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationships between scalp-pH and CTG plus ST waveform analysis of the fetal ECG (STAN) clinical guidelines as indicators of intrapartum hypoxia in term fetuses born with cord artery acidemia.

STUDY DESIGN

Data from 6999 term deliveries monitored by the STAN (R) S 21 as part of an EU multi-center study on clinical implementation of the STAN methodology for intrapartum fetal surveillance were analyzed. We identified 911 cases where a scalp-pH was obtained, including 53 cases with cord artery acidemia (pH < 7.06). Lag times between ST events and scalp-pH and time to delivery were related to cord artery metabolic and respiratory acidosis and neonatal outcome.

RESULTS

43 fetuses were identified by CTG plus ST as being in need of intervention 31 (25-46) minutes before delivery (median, 95% Cl). In five, no indications were given and in another five there were inadequate data. Fifteen cases with metabolic acidosis required special neonatal care, all 14 cases adequately monitored on STAN had indications to intervene for 19 minutes or more. In 30 adequately recorded cases, fetal blood sampling (FBS) was obtained within the last hour of labor. In 22 cases, FBS was obtained 13 (7-24) minutes after STAN guidelines had indicated abnormality and in eight no ST changes had occurred at time of FBS. The corresponding FBS data were pH 7.10 (7.01-7.15) and pH 7.21 (7.08-7.31), respectively, P = 0.01. In cases of metabolic acidosis, scalp-pH fell 0.01 units per minute after a baseline T/QRS rise was recorded during the second stage of labor. Apart from one newborn that died at 2 h from E. Coli septicemia, none of the neonates were affected neurologically.

CONCLUSION

Cardiotocography plus ST analysis provides accurate information about intrapartum hypoxia similar to that obtained by scalp-pH.

Pulse oximetry during labour--does it give rise to hope? Value of saturation monitoring in comparison to fetal blood gas status

OBJECTIVE

Purpose of this presentation is to show the diagnostic power of fetal pulse oximetry in comparison to the other blood gas parameters from fetal blood samplings (FBS). The distribution of saturation readings in acidotic fetuses and normally oxygenated fetuses should be established.

STUDY DESIGN

A fetal pulse oximetry system (N400, FS14) was evaluated in a strictly observational study design based on blinded saturation display and on continuous data storing. The investigation was performed on 170 fetuses with non-reassuring fetal heart rate (FHR)-tracings. Since pulse oximetry readings were not available for decision finding, the clinical management was based on electronic fetal monitoring and fetal blood samplings. The oxygen saturation from FBS or umbilical cord blood was measured by blood gas analysers with an integrated hemoximeter (Bayer 865; ABL 625, Radiometer) and biosensors measuring lactate as metabolic component. Out of the 170 cases 17 cases were defined as group of acidemia (pH(umb.art.) < 7.16 + BD<-9.4). The distribution of saturation readings and the duration of desaturation periods (in minutes and percentage of total monitoring time SPO2 below 30%) were determined. ROC curve analysis from FBS preceding delivery compared the diagnostic power of other blood gas parameters with oxygen saturation. The Wilcoxon test for uneven pairs was used.

RESULTS

The distribution of oxygen saturation in the normal group of fetuses differs significantly from the acidemic group. The correlation coefficient between both methods to determine oxygen saturation was r=0.66. A specific evaluation of the distribution of SPO2 shows an overestimation of pulse oximetry in the low range and an underestimation in the high range of saturation. ROC-curve analysis showed a good diagnostic power of lactate in comparison to the oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry or by hemoximetry.

CONCLUSIONS

The advantage of continuous fetal pulse oximetry surveilling the fetus under suspicion of hypoxia appears limited by the poor diagnostic power of the respiratory parameter saturation itself and by the impairment of the precision of the technology.

Feasibility of simultaneous application of fetal electrocardiography and fetal pulse oximetry

BACKGROUND

Fetal pulse oximetry measures arterial oxygen saturation during delivery. The fetal electrocardiogram STAN S21 analyzes the repolarisation segment of ECG (ST) waveform, which is altered by the intramyocardial potassium release resulting from metabolic acidemia. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a simultaneous application of pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiography and to estimate any agreement between both methods indicating fetal compromise.

METHODS

In an observational trial 35 fetuses were simultaneously monitored by pulse oximetry (OBS-500) and electrocardiography. The evaluation focused on signal output and on the coincidence of desaturation in fetal pulse oximetry and on ST events. Desaturation was defined as a drop of at least 20% of oxygen saturation from base line level occurring within 1 min (steep desaturation) or duration of time (s) with oxygen saturation below the threshold of 30%. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Signal output of the simultaneous application of both sensors was not significantly reduced in the electrocardiogram and in pulse oximetry (8% vs. 12% reduction). In 15 of the 35 fetuses, ST events indicating fetal hypoxia occurred. In these cases, pulse oximetry showed significantly more episodes of desaturation in comparison with fetuses without ST events. Median saturation during the ST events was significantly lower than in the recordings without ST events (60% vs. 74%, p < 0.05). In the umbilical artery these neonates showed significantly lower pH (7.19 vs. 7.33, p < 0.001), significantly higher lactate (5.1 vs. 3.4 mmol/l, p < 0.05) and significantly lower base deficit (-9.4mmol/l vs. -4.0 mmol/l, p < 0.001) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of fetal pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiography appears feasible and indicates signs of intermittent hypoxia. These findings may encourage the development of technology that combines these different methods of monitoring.

Prenatal sonographic findings of thalamic cavernous angioma

A cavernous angioma of the thalamus is a rare congenital brain tumor. We report the perinatal management and follow-up to 2 years in a case diagnosed in utero at 37 weeks of gestation, and review the literature.