Change in cervical length after arrested preterm labor and risk of preterm birth

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between preterm birth and cervical length after arrested preterm labor in high-risk pregnant women.

METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial, transvaginal cervical length was measured in women whose contractions had ceased 48 h after admission for threatened preterm labor. At admission, women were defined as having a high risk of preterm birth based on a cervical length of < 15 mm or a cervical length of 15-30 mm with a positive fetal fibronectin test. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of cervical length measured at least 48 h after admission and of the change in cervical length between admission and at least 48 h later, with preterm birth before 34 weeks' gestation and delivery within 7 days after admission.

RESULTS

A total of 164 women were included in the analysis. Women whose cervical length increased between admission for threatened preterm labor and 48 h later (32%; n = 53) were found to have a lower risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks compared with women whose cervical length did not change (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.24 (95% CI, 0.09-0.69)). The risk in women with a decrease in cervical length between the two timepoints was not different from that in women with no change in cervical length (aOR, 1.45 (95% CI, 0.62-3.41)). Moreover, greater absolute cervical length after 48 h was associated with a lower risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks (aOR, 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84-0.96)) and delivery within 7 days after admission (aOR, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82-1.02)). Sensitivity analysis in women randomized to receive no intervention showed comparable results.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the risk of preterm birth before 34 weeks is lower in women whose cervical length increases between admission for threatened preterm labor and at least 48 h later when contractions had ceased compared with women in whom cervical length does not change or decreases. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Decision-making in imminent extreme premature births: perceived shared decision-making, parental decisional conflict and decision regret

OBJECTIVE

To describe levels of perceived shared decision making (SDM), decisional conflict (DC), and decision regret (DR) in prenatal counseling by pregnant women, partners, neonatologists, and obstetricians regarding decision-making around imminent extreme premature birth in which a decision about palliative comfort care versus early intensive care had to be made.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, cross-sectional study using surveys to determine perceived SDM at imminent extreme premature birth in parents and physicians, and to determine DC and DR in parents.

RESULTS

In total, 73 participants from 22 prenatal counseling sessions were included (21 pregnant women, 20 partners, 14 obstetricians, 18 neonatologists). High perceived levels of SDM were found (median 82,2), and low levels of DC (median 23,4) and DR at one month (median 12, 5).

CONCLUSIONS

Reported levels of self-perceived SDM in the setting of prenatal counseling in extreme prematurity were high, by both the parents and the physicians. Levels of DC and DR were low.

How digital health affects the patient-physician relationship: An empirical-ethics study into the perspectives and experiences in obstetric care

BACKGROUND

Digital health technologies are believed to change the patient-physician relationship. Such changes are still speculative, as there are no studies in which both patients and health care professionals are asked for their experiences and perspectives on how digital health affects the patient-physician relationship.

METHODS

We performed a qualitative interview study (n = 25) to identify relevant aspects of the patient-physician relationship as perceived by both health care professionals (n = 14) and patients (n = 11) of a digital monitoring platform for hypertensive disorders related to pregnancy. We focus on roles, responsibilities and medical decision-making.

RESULTS

Digital monitoring helps patients to better understand their own condition and contributes to shared decision-making in terms of information exchange. Yet for clinical decision-making both patients and health care professionals argue that health care professionals should stay in the lead. The collected data is by some health care professionals considered hard data that allows objective and more standardized decision-making, while others believe digital monitoring requires further interpretation in order to personalize the clinical care to the patient.

CONCLUSION

Digital technologies have subtle, yet double-edged, effects on the patient-physician relationship in terms of roles and responsibilities and the value addressed to the digital data. These insights let to 6 ethical recommendations for the implementation of digital health technologies to replace and support clinical care.

Effect of maternal diabetes on fetal heart function on echocardiography: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Maternal diabetes in pregnancy is associated with structural anomalies of the fetal heart, as well as hypertrophy and functional impairment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the effect of maternal diabetes on fetal cardiac function as measured by prenatal echocardiography.

METHODS

We performed a search of the EMBASE, PubMed and The Cochrane Library databases, from inception to 4 July 2019, for studies evaluating fetal cardiac function using echocardiography in pregnancies affected by diabetes compared with uncomplicated pregnancies. Outcome measures were cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic, systolic and overall cardiac function as assessed by various ultrasound parameters. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data on interventricular septal (IVS) thickness, myocardial performance index (MPI) and E/A ratio were pooled for the meta-analysis using random-effects models. For pregnancies with diabetes, results were reported overall and according to whether diabetes was pregestational (PDM) or gestational (GDM). Results were also stratified according to the trimester in which fetal cardiac assessment was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies were included, comprising data for 2276 controls and 1925 women with pregnancy affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). Of these, 1120 had GDM, 671 had PDM and in 134 cases diabetes type was not specified. Fetal cardiac hypertrophy was more prevalent in diabetic pregnancies than in non-diabetic controls in 21/26 studies, and impaired diastolic function was observed in diabetic pregnancies in 22/28 studies. The association between DM and systolic function was inconsistent, with 10/25 studies reporting no difference between cases and controls, although more recent studies measuring cardiac deformation, i.e. strain, did show decreased systolic function in diabetic pregnancies. Of the studies measuring overall fetal cardiac function, the majority (14/21) found significant impairment in diabetic pregnancies. Results were similar when stratified according to GDM or PDM. These effects were already present in the first trimester, but were most profound in the third trimester. Meta-analysis of studies performed in the third trimester showed, compared with controls, increased IVS thickness in both PDM (mean difference, 0.75 mm (95% CI, 0.56-0.94 mm)) and GDM (mean difference, 0.65 mm (95% CI, 0.39-0.91 mm)) pregnancies, decreased E/A ratio in PDM pregnancies (mean difference, -0.09 (95% CI, -0.15 to -0.03)), no difference in E/A ratio in GDM pregnancies (mean difference, -0.01 (95% CI, -0.02 to 0.01)) and no difference in MPI in either PDM (mean difference, 0.04 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.09)) or GDM (mean difference, 0.03 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.06)) pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this review show that maternal diabetes is associated with fetal cardiac hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and overall impaired myocardial performance on prenatal ultrasound, irrespective of whether diabetes is pregestational or gestational. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the relationship with long-term outcomes. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Prognostic models versus single risk factor approach in first-trimester selective screening for gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective population-based multicentre cohort study

Objectives

To evaluate whether (1) first‐trimester prognostic models for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) outperform the currently used single risk factor approach, and (2) a first‐trimester random venous glucose measurement improves model performance.

Design

Prospective population‐based multicentre cohort.

Setting

Thirty‐one independent midwifery practices and six hospitals in the Netherlands.

Population

Women recruited before 14 weeks of gestation without pre‐existing diabetes.

Methods

The single risk factor approach (presence of at least one risk factor: BMI ≥30 kg/m², previous macrosomia, history of GDM, positive first‐degree family history of diabetes, non‐western ethnicity) was compared with the four best performing models in our previously published external validation study (Gabbay‐Benziv 2014, Nanda 2011, Teede 2011, van Leeuwen 2010) with and without the addition of glucose.

Main outcome measures

Discrimination was assessed by c‐statistics, calibration by calibration plots, added value of glucose by the likelihood ratio chi‐square test, net benefit by decision curve analysis and reclassification by reclassification plots.

Results

Of the 3723 women included, a total of 181 (4.9%) developed GDM. The c‐statistics of the prognostic models were higher, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 without glucose and from 0.78 to 0.80 with glucose, compared with the single risk factor approach (0.72). Models showed adequate calibration, and yielded a higher net benefit than the single risk factor approach for most threshold probabilities. Teede 2011 performed best in the reclassification analysis.

Conclusions

First‐trimester prognostic models seem to outperform the currently used single risk factor approach in screening for GDM, particularly when glucose was added as a predictor.

Tweetable abstract

Prognostic models seem to outperform the currently used single risk factor approach in screening for gestational diabetes.

Prognostic models seem to outperform the currently used single risk factor approach in screening for gestational diabetes.

Home-based telemonitoring versus hospital admission in high risk pregnancies: a qualitative study on women's experiences

BACKGROUND

Hospital admission during pregnancy complications is considered to be an event of significant impact. Besides conventional in-clinic maternal and fetal monitoring, recent technologies enable home-based telemonitoring with self-measurements in high risk pregnancy. This study is part of a feasibility pilot to explore the usability and acceptability of telemonitoring and aims to gain insight in the experiences and preferences of high risk pregnant women concerning the novel strategy of telemonitoring, opposed to women who were hospitalized in pregnancy.

METHODS

Using secured Facebook Groups, we conducted four online focus groups: two focus groups with women who were admitted during pregnancy (n = 11) and two with women who received home telemonitoring in the pilot phase (n = 11). The qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Four major themes emerged from both participant groups: [1] care experience, [2] emotions regarding pregnancy, [3] privacy and [4] impact on daily life. Different views were reported on all four themes, resulting in a direct comparison of experiences during hospitalization and telemonitoring. Most admitted patients reported a growing sense of boredom and anxiety during their clinical admission. Lack of privacy on ward was a great concern, as it affected their contact with hospital staff and family. This issue was not reported amongst telemonitored women. These participants still felt like a patient at times but responded that the comfort of their own home and bed was pleasant. Only a minority of telemonitored participants reported being anxious at times at home, while not having a physician or nurse nearby. Being at home resulted in less travel time for partners or family for hospital visits, which had its positive effects on family life.

CONCLUSIONS

Telemonitoring of a high-risk pregnancy provides an innovative manner to monitor fetal and maternal condition from home. Compared to the experiences of hospital admission in high risk pregnancy, it allows women to be in a comforting and private environment during an anxious time in their lives. As future studies should further investigate the safety and cost effectiveness of this novel strategy, women's views on the preference of telemonitoring need to be taken into consideration.

Associations of preconception Body Mass Index in women with PCOS and BMI and blood pressure of their offspring

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have unfavorable metabolic profiles. Their offspring may be affected by such risks. The objective of the current study was to disclose associations between preconception health of these women and health of their offspring. 74 women diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria were screened systematically before conception. Cardiovascular health of their offspring was assessed at 2.5-4 (n = 42) or at 6-8 years of age (n = 32). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed with adjustments for potential confounders. In the primary analyses the association between preconception Body Mass index (BMI) and offspring BMI was evaluated. Secondly associations between preconception blood pressure, androgens, insulin-resistance (HOMA-IR), and LDL-cholesterol in women with PCOS and BMI and blood pressure of offspring were assessed. Results show that preconception BMI of women with PCOS was positively associated with sex- and age-adjusted BMI of their offspring at 6-8 years of age (β = 0.55 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.97), p = .012). No other significant associations were found. In conclusion, our data suggest that preconception BMI in PCOS is significantly associated with offspring BMI at 6-8 year of age. If this suggestion could be confirmed this may provide an opportunity for improving the future health of these children.

Views and preferences of medical professionals and pregnant women about a novel primary prevention intervention for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a qualitative study

Background

Calcium and low-dose aspirin are two potential approaches for primary prevention of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This study aimed to explore the acceptability, views and preferences of pregnant women and primary healthcare providers for a fixed-dose combined preparation of aspirin and calcium (a polypill) as primary prevention of HDP in an unselected pregnant population.

Methods

In this qualitative study eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with Dutch primary care midwives and general practitioners. Seven focus group discussions were organised with women with low-risk pregnancies. Topics discussed were: perceptions of preeclampsia; information provision about preeclampsia and a polypill; views on the polypill concept; preferences and needs regarding implementation of a polypill. Thematic analysis of the data transcripts was carried out to identify emerging themes.

Results

Two major themes shaped medical professionals’ and women’s views on the polypill concept: ‘Informed Choice’ and ‘Medicalisation’. Both could be divided into subthemes related to information provision, personal choice and discussions with regard to the balance between ‘unnecessary medicalisation’ and ‘scientific progress’.

Conclusions

In general, women and healthcare practitioners expressed a positive attitude towards a polypill intervention as primary prevention strategy with aspirin and calcium, providing some conditions are met. The most important conditions for implementation of such a strategy were safety, effectiveness and the possibility to make a well-informed autonomous decision.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-019-0707-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antenatal staging of congenital lower urinary tract obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To propose a staging system for congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) capable of predicting the severity of the condition and its prognosis.

METHODS

This was a national retrospective study carried out at the eight Academic Hospitals in The Netherlands. We collected prenatal and postnatal data of fetuses at high risk of isolated LUTO that were managed conservatively. Postnatal renal function was assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), calculated using the Schwartz formula, considering the length of the infant and the creatinine nadir in the first year after birth. Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination were performed in order to identify the best antenatal predictors of perinatal mortality and postnatal renal function.

RESULTS

In total, 261 fetuses suspected of having LUTO and managed conservatively were included in the study. The pregnancy was terminated in 110 cases and perinatal death occurred in 35 cases. Gestational age at appearance of oligohydramnios showed excellent accuracy in predicting the risk of perinatal mortality with an area under the ROC curve of 0.95 (P < 0.001) and an optimal cut-off at 26 weeks' gestation. Fetuses with normal amniotic fluid (AF) volume at 26 weeks' gestation presented with low risk of poor outcome and were therefore defined as cases with mild LUTO. In fetuses referred before the 26^th week of gestation, the urinary bladder volume (BV) was the best unique predictor of perinatal mortality. ROC curve analysis identified a BV of 5.4 cm³ and appearance of oligohydramnios at 20 weeks as the best threshold for predicting an adverse outcome. LUTO cases with a BV ≥ 5.4 cm³ or abnormal AF volume before 20 weeks' gestation were defined as severe and those with BV < 5.4 cm³ and normal AF volume at the 20 weeks' scan were defined as moderate. Risk of perinatal mortality significantly increased according to the stage of severity, from mild to moderate to severe stage, from 9% to 26% to 55%, respectively. Similarly, risk of severely impaired renal function increased from 11% to 31% to 44%, for mild, moderate and severe LUTO, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Gestational age at appearance of oligo- or anhydramnios and BV at diagnosis can accurately predict mortality and morbidity in fetuses with LUTO. Our proposed staging system can triage reliably fetuses with LUTO and predict the severity of the condition and its prognosis. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Single- versus double-layer closure of the caesarean (uterine) scar in the prevention of gynaecological symptoms in relation to niche development - the 2Close study: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Double-layer compared to single-layer closure of the uterus after a caesarean section (CS) leads to a thicker myometrial layer at the site of the CS scar, also called residual myometrium thickness (RMT). It possibly decreases the development of a niche, which is an interruption of the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar. Thin RMT and a niche are associated with gynaecological symptoms, obstetric complications in a subsequent pregnancy and delivery and possibly with subfertility.

METHODS

Women undergoing a first CS regardless of the gestational age will be asked to participate in this multicentre, double blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT). They will be randomised to single-layer closure or double-layer closure of the uterine incision. Single-layer closure (control group) is performed with a continuous running, unlocked suture, with or without endometrial saving technique. Double-layer closure (intervention group) is performed with the first layer in a continuous unlocked suture including the endometrial layer and the second layer is also continuous unlocked and imbricates the first. The primary outcome is the reported number of days with postmenstrual spotting during one menstrual cycle nine months after CS. Secondary outcomes include surgical data, ultrasound evaluation at three months, menstrual pattern, dysmenorrhea, quality of life, and sexual function at nine months. Structured transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) evaluation is performed to assess the uterine scar and if necessary saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) or gel instillation sonohysterography (GIS) will be added to the examination. Women and ultrasound examiners will be blinded for allocation. Reproductive outcomes at three years follow-up including fertility, mode of delivery and complications in subsequent deliveries will be studied as well. Analyses will be performed by intention to treat. 2290 women have to be randomised to show a reduction of 15% in the mean number of spotting days. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed from a societal perspective.

DISCUSSION

This RCT will provide insight in the outcomes of single- compared to double-layer closure technique after CS, including postmenstrual spotting and subfertility in relation to niche development measured by ultrasound.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch Trial Register ( NTR5480 ). Registered 29 October 2015.

Clinical utility of non-invasive prenatal testing in pregnancies with ultrasound anomalies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the application of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) as an alternative to invasive diagnostic prenatal testing in pregnancies with abnormal ultrasound findings.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 251 singleton and multiple pregnancies at high risk for fetal chromosomal abnormality based on findings at sonographic examination, in which NIPT was performed as a first-tier genetic test. NIPT was performed by massively parallel sequencing of cell-free DNA in maternal plasma, allowing genome-wide detection of whole-chromosome, as well as partial, autosomal aneuploidy. Sex chromosomes were not analyzed, according to the current protocol in Dutch laboratories.

RESULTS

NIPT was performed at a median gestational age of 20 weeks, indicated by the presence of multiple congenital anomalies (n = 13), isolated structural anomalies (n = 57), increased nuchal translucency ≥ 3.5 mm (n = 58), soft markers (n = 73), growth restriction (n = 40) and other anomalies (n = 10). NIPT results were normal in 224 (89.2%) pregnancies, inconclusive in one (0.4%) and abnormal in 26 (10.4%). Most genetic aberrations detected by NIPT were common whole-chromosome aneuploidies: trisomy 21 (n = 13), trisomy 18 (n = 6) and trisomy 13 (n = 3). Four further NIPT results were abnormal; one was suspected of being confined placental mosaicism and one was of maternal origin. In those with normal NIPT results, sonographic follow-up or examination of the newborn indicated the need for diagnostic genetic testing in 33/224 (14.7%) pregnancies. Clinically relevant genetic aberrations were revealed in 7/224 (3.1%) cases, two of which were whole-chromosome aneuploidies: trisomy 13 and monosomy X. As sex chromosomal aberrations are not included in NIPT analysis, the latter cannot be considered a false-negative result. Other discordant findings were subchromosomal aberrations (< 20 megabases, n = 2) and monogenic aberrations (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

NIPT should not be recommended for genetic evaluation of the etiology of ultrasound anomalies, as both resolution and sensitivity, or negative predictive value, are inferior to those of conventional karyotyping and microarray analysis. Nonetheless, some pregnant women consider NIPT to be an acceptable alternative to invasive diagnostic testing. © 2016 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

[Infection prevention in newborns through maternal vaccination: current insights and developments]

- In the first few months of life, newborns are vulnerable to infections.- Vaccination of the pregnant mother leads to transplacental antibody transfer, resulting in the best possible protection of the newborn.- Maternal vaccination has long been given for the prevention of tetanus in developing countries, and for the prevention of pertussis and influenza in developed countries, such as the United States, England and Belgium. These vaccinations give newborns good protection and, to date, no adverse effects are known for the foetus or the pregnancy.- Currently, phase 3 trials during pregnancy are ongoing following maternal vaccination against group B streptococci and respiratory syncytial virus. Here, again, no risks to mother or child have been reported.- Recently, the Dutch Health Council advised that all pregnant women in the Netherlands be vaccinated against pertussis in a vaccination programme.- This paper gives an overview of effectiveness, safety and practicalities of maternal vaccination.

Prenatal detection of congenital heart disease--results of a national screening programme

OBJECTIVE

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital malformation and causes major morbidity and mortality. Prenatal detection improves the neonatal condition before surgery, resulting in less morbidity and mortality. In the Netherlands a national prenatal screening programme was introduced in 2007. This study evaluates the effects of this screening programme.

DESIGN

Geographical cohort study.

SETTING

Large referral region of three tertiary care centres.

POPULATION

Fetuses and infants diagnosed with severe CHD born between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2012.

METHODS

Cases were divided into two groups: before and after the introduction of screening.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Detection rates were calculated.

RESULTS

The prenatal detection rate (n = 1912) increased with 23.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 19.5-28.3) from 35.8 to 59.7% after the introduction of screening and of isolated CHD with 21.4% (95% CI 16.0-26.8) from 22.8 to 44.2%. The highest detection rates were found in the hypoplastic left heart syndrome, other univentricular defects and complex defects with atrial isomerism (>93%). Since the introduction of screening, the 'late' referrals (after 24 weeks of gestation) decreased by 24.3% (95% CI 19.3-29.3).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest cohort study to investigate the prenatal detection rate of severe CHD in an unselected population. A nationally organised screening has resulted in a remarkably high detection rate of CHD (59.7%) compared with earlier literature.

Jugular lymphatic sacs in first-trimester fetuses with normal nuchal translucency

OBJECTIVE

To assess the ultrasonographic appearance of the jugular lymphatic sacs (JLS) in first-trimester fetuses with a normal nuchal translucency (NT).

METHODS

Seventy-five fetuses with a normal NT thickness (< 95(th) percentile) were examined weekly between 11 and 17 weeks of gestation. After measurement of the NT thickness, the neck region was examined using both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography for the presence of JLS. If present, their dimensions were measured in three directions and the volume was calculated using the formula for a spheroid. Data were analyzed using multilevel analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five fetuses were evaluated and a total of 243 ultrasound examinations of the neck region were performed. In 25 (33%) of the 75 fetuses, the JLS could be observed once or more than once. In 19 fetuses JLS were visualized once, in five fetuses twice and in one fetus three times. In total, the JLS were visualized 32 times (n = 15 bilaterally, n = 15 only the left JLS and n = 2 only the right JLS). Relatively greater NT thickness was associated with a higher probability of the presence of JLS, although this was not statistically significant (NT < 1 mm, probability 0.07; NT 1-2 mm, probability 0.15, P = 0.10; NT > 2 mm, probability 0.20, P = 0.08). Gestational age was predictive for the presence of JLS, with the highest probability between 13 and 15 weeks of gestation (P < 0.01). No relationship was found between gestational age and the volumes of the left and right JLS.

CONCLUSION

The JLS can be visualized on ultrasound examination in a significant proportion of fetuses with normal NT, most often between 13 and 15 weeks of gestation, and this does not seem to be associated with any abnormality in these fetuses.

Increased nuchal translucency and distended jugular lymphatic sacs on first-trimester ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the presence and volume of jugular lymphatic sacs (JLS) in first-trimester fetuses with normal nuchal translucency thickness (NT) and in those with increased NT.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 26 fetuses with NT > 95(th) percentile, which were compared with 137 fetuses with normal NT. Following crown-rump length (CRL) and NT measurement the neck region of the fetus was studied by transvaginal ultrasound. The JLS presented as spheroidal translusencies in the anterolateral region of the neck.

RESULTS

The prevalence of JLS differed significantly between fetuses with enlarged NT and the control group (P < 0.0001). In the group of 26 fetuses with increased NT, 22 had clearly visible JLS. Chorionic villus sampling revealed aneuploidy in 10 and euploidy in 16 fetuses. In the control group two fetuses, with NT values of 2.8 mm and 2.9 mm, had JLS; pregnancy outcome was normal in both cases. Logistic regression analysis in the total study group showed that an increase in NT was associated with a greater probability of JLS being present (for NT = 3-3.5 mm, probability = 0.67; for NT > 3.5 mm, probability = 0.93). In fetuses with JLS, an increase in CRL was associated with a significant increase in right JLS volume (r = 0.51; P-value = 0.01) and a non-significant increase in left sac volume (r = 0.40; P-value = 0.09). Increase in NT was not associated with a significant increase in JLS volume.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between increased NT and the presence of JLS on first-trimester ultrasound. In our opinion, the pathophysiological explanation for increased NT lies in a disturbance in lymphangiogenesis.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies

Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) has become a useful adjuvant in evaluating fetal structural anomalies when ultrasound (US) is equivocal. It has a significant promise in confirming a US suspected abnormality and providing new information that was previously not available. The first studies on prenatal MR were hindered by fetal motion and long acquisition times. This degraded imaging and, therefore, maternal or fetal sedation was needed. Since fast and ultrafast MR with scan times of <1 s have become available, the amount of motion artifacts is decreased and sedation is no longer needed.MR has proved to be especially beneficial in detecting CNS anomalies. Agenesis of the corpus callosum, migration abnormalities and abnormalities of the posterior fossa are better seen on MR. Masses in the fetal neck and thorax can be identified on MR, as some abdominal anomalies. However, the fetal skeletal is difficult to visualize with MR. In the future, it is most likely that real time MR will become clinically available which would improve MR imaging even more.

Ultrafast scan magnetic resonance in prenatal diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) can give additional information in prenatal diagnosis of congenital anomalies, when the ultrasound (US) analysis is not conclusive.

METHODS

Ultrafast MR scanning examined 39 pregnant women with 41 fetuses in whom US was suspicious of fetal congenital abnormalities. Two techniques were used namely (1) HASTE inversion recovery sequence and (2) FISP 2D.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients with 41 fetuses were referred for MR because of an equivocal US with regard to brain, spine, skeletal and miscellaneous anomalies. In 1 twin pregnancy, 1 co-twin has not been examined with MRI because of its demise. In 22 of them, additional information was obtained by MR. In 9 the MR was confirmative with the US examination. Four were false negative, comparing with the postnatal diagnosis. Three failed because of maternal claustrophobia and in 2 a diagnosis could not be made. From the 40 fetuses in this study, 38 were examined postnatally by MR, US, plain X-ray or autopsy was performed to confirm the prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The use of MRI in obstetrics has been limited, until recently. With fast MRI sequences it is not necessary to sedate the fetus. It is advisable in cases where US is equivocal concerning congenital anomalies of the fetus to use MR with fast or ultrafast scan technique, especially when the central nervous system is concerned.