The impact of fibroid characteristics on pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess the influence of different characteristics of fibroids on pregnancy outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

We identified women with fibroids 4 cm or greater in size on ultrasonography at the dating scan between January 2002 and December 2012. The size (4-7 cm, 7-10 cm, >10 cm), number (multiple/single), location (lower uterus/body of uterus), and type (intramural, combination of intramural/subserosal, subserosal) were ascertained. Medical records were reviewed to obtain pregnancy outcomes (preterm delivery, birthweight, mode of delivery, estimated blood loss, postpartum hemorrhage, and admission for fibroid-related pain).

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients with 179 pregnancies were identified. Preterm delivery was more likely in those with multiple fibroids compared with single fibroids (18% vs 6%; P = .05). The location of the fibroid had an important effect on the mode of delivery with a higher cesarean section rate for fibroids in the lower part of uterus than in the body of the uterus (86% vs 40%; P = .01), a higher rate of postpartum hemorrhage (22% vs 11%; P = .03), and greater estimated blood loss (830 mL [SD, 551] vs 573 mL [SD, 383]; P = .03). Increasing size of fibroid was associated with greater rates of hemorrhage (11% vs 13% vs 36%; P = .04), increased estimated blood loss (567 mL [SD, 365] vs 643 mL [SD, 365] vs 961 mL [SD, 764]; P = .01), and higher rates of admissions for fibroid-related pain (5% vs 23% vs 21%; P = .01).

CONCLUSION

Different fibroid characteristics affect pregnancy outcome in varying ways. This information can be used to aid counseling women antenatally and in risk-stratifying patients.

Evolution of fetal ventricular dilatation in relation to severity at first presentation

BACKGROUND

To assess the outcome of 360 cases of fetal ventriculomegaly in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Cases of fetal ventriculomegaly between June 1993 and December 2011 were identified from the departmental fetal database. The fetal medicine reports and obstetric notes were reviewed to ascertain the antenatal progression of the ventriculomegaly as well as the outcome of the pregnancy. Ventriculomegaly was defined by a lateral ventricular wall atrial measurement of greater than 10 mm. Cases were subdivided into mild (>10 to <12 mm), moderate (≥12 to <15 mm), and severe (≥15 mm). Termination of pregnancy was offered in cases where there were associated anomalies, aneuploidy, or the ventriculomegaly progressed.

RESULTS

Of the 360 cases, 189 were mild, 79 were moderate, and 92 were severe. Sixty-four percent of cases had associated anomalies. Forty-six percent of cases in the mild group and 26% in the moderate group resolved. Only one case in the severe group improved. The mean rate of progression in the mild group was 1.07 (SD 1.03) mm/week, whereas in the moderate group progression was at a mean rate of 1.41 (SD 0.77) mm/week. Progression of severe ventriculomegaly was significantly higher at a mean rate of 3.26 (SD 2.92) mm/week (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of fetuses with mild ventriculomegaly normalized, whereas the majority of moderate cases remained stable. The rate of progression of ventriculomegaly increased with severity. Fetuses with ventriculomegaly should be offered serial scans to allow the progression of ventriculomegaly to be ascertained with the option of late termination of pregnancy.

The RNA binding protein Larp1 regulates cell division, apoptosis and cell migration

The RNA binding protein Larp1 was originally shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, embryogenesis and cell-cycle progression in Drosophila. Our data show that mammalian Larp1 is found in a complex with poly A binding protein and eukaryote initiation factor 4E and is associated with 60S and 80S ribosomal subunits. A reduction in Larp1 expression by siRNA inhibits global protein synthesis rates and results in mitotic arrest and delayed cell migration. Consistent with these data we show that Larp1 protein is present at the leading edge of migrating cells and interacts directly with cytoskeletal components. Taken together, these data suggest a role for Larp1 in facilitating the synthesis of proteins required for cellular remodelling and migration.