Effects of vitamin E on the response of the fetal middle cerebral artery to the pressure test

Objective. To examine the effects of the maternal administration of vitamin E on the vasoreactivity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in preterm fetuses.

Study design. The vasoconstrictive response of the proximal segment of the MCA to brief and partial external occlusions of the umbilical vein (pressure test) was studied in 22 fetuses between 21 and 35 weeks of gestation, before, and 3 to 7 days after, the maternal administration of oral vitamin E (50 mg daily).

Results. The vasoconstrictive activity of the MCA was eliminated in 15 fetuses (68.2%), unchanged in six (27.3%), and decreased in one (4.5%). In the latter seven cases, vasoconstriction of the proximal MCA in response to the pressure test was eliminated by increasing the vitamin E dosage to 100 mg/day.

Conclusion. Vitamin E administered to the mothers had a pronounced effect on the proximal MCA reactivity in preterm fetuses.     

Effects of vitamin E on the response of the fetal middle cerebral artery to the pressure test.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the maternal administration of vitamin E on the vasoreactivity of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in preterm fetuses. STUDY DESIGN: The vasoconstrictive response of the proximal segment of the MCA to brief and partial external occlusions of the umbilical vein (pressure test) was studied in 22 fetuses between 21 and 35 weeks of gestation, before, and 3 to 7 days after, the maternal administration of oral vitamin E (50 mg daily). RESULTS: The vasoconstrictive activity of the MCA was eliminated in 15 fetuses (68.2%), unchanged in six (27.3%), and decreased in one (4.5%). In the latter seven cases, vasoconstriction of the proximal MCA in response to the pressure test was eliminated by increasing the vitamin E dosage to 100 mg/day. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E administered to the mothers had a pronounced effect on the proximal MCA reactivity in preterm fetuses.     

STAN® S21 fetal heart monitor for fetal surveillance during labor: an observational study in 637 patients

Objective: To assess the value of the STAN^® fetal heart monitor for intrapartum fetal monitoring using cardiotocography (CTG) and fetal electrocardiography (ECG).

Design: Prospective observational study.

Material and methods: Between August 2000 and November 2002, 637 high-risk labors were monitored using a STAN^® S21 fetal heart monitor, providing CTG plus automatic ST analysis of the fetal ECG. Guidelines with recommendations about when to intervene were available. During the study period labor-ward personnel were systematically instructed about the (patho)-physiology of asphyxia and CTG and ST changes during labor.

Results: Four hundred and forty-nine recordings were available for analysis of outcome in relation to ST changes. In 61 cases, ST changes requiring intervention occurred >?10?min before birth. In 35 (57%) of these cases, umbilical artery blood pH at delivery was <?7.15. Eighteen (4.0%) neonates were born with metabolic acidosis (umbilical artery pH <?7.05 and extracellular base deficit >?12?mmol/l). Significant ST changes (18–31?min before birth) were present in all five cases with pH <?7.00 and in six of the 13 cases with pH of 7.00–7.04 (false-negative rate 1.6%). Neonatal follow-up showed no adverse outcome. One hundred and ninety-two fetal blood samples (121 in the first stage and 71 in the second stage of labor) were taken from 142 women. Fetal scalp blood pH was <?7.15 in ten samples, 7.15–7.19 in 11 samples, 7.20–7.24 in 30 samples and ??7.25 in 141 samples. ST changes occurred in eight (80%), six (55%), nine (30%) and 15 (11%) of these cases, respectively. In 188 (29.5%) women, outcome could not be analyzed in relation to ST changes because of inadequate recording (time between end of recording and delivery >?20?min or poor signal quality) or the absence of umbilical cord gases. In this group, four (2.1%) neonates with metabolic acidosis were born. In three of these cases the fetal ECG signal was of was poor quality and in one case the recording had ended 60?min before birth.

Conclusion: ST changes were present in all five cases with severe metabolic acidosis (umbilical artery pH <?7.00). ST changes occurred in 46% of cases with mild metabolic acidosis. CTG plus ST analysis was more specific in detecting fetal acidemia than CTG alone.     

Longitudinal umbilical vein blood flow changes in normal and growth-retarded fetuses

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the umbilical vein blood flow of growth-retarded fetuses with normal Doppler parameters changes over time differently to that of normally grown fetuses. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive women whose fetus was diagnosed to be growth restricted were compared with 30 women whose fetus was normally grown. Two ultrasonographic evaluations were conducted at 2-weekly intervals (+/- 2 days) in all cases. At each sonographic evaluation, umbilical vein blood flow parameters were obtained by digital color Doppler velocity profile integration. To allow comparisons among fetuses, the umbilical vein blood flow per minute was normalized for abdominal circumference. RESULTS: The absolute vein blood flow was lower in growth-retarded than in normally grown fetuses (209 ml/min +/- 73 vs. 313 ml/min +/- 72, p < 0.01). The median (range) umbilical vein blood flow normalized for abdominal circumference was significantly lower in growth-retarded than in normally grown fetuses at the first [0.70 (0.32; 1.15) vs. 1.11 (0.65; 2.07), p < 0.05] and at the second [0.71(0.30; 1.09) vs. 1.14 (0.69; 2.05), p < 0.05] sonographic evaluation. The difference in umbilical vein blood flow normalized for abdominal circumference between the second and the first examination was significantly lower in growth-retarded than in appropriate for gestational age fetuses [-0.005 (- 0.08; 0.06) vs. 0.02 (- 0.08; 0.1), p < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that umbilical vein blood flow normalized for biometric parameters is lower in growth-retarded fetuses than in healthy fetuses even in the absence of umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities.     

Assessment of maternal–fetal status of some essential trace elements in pregnant women in late gestation: relationship with birth weight and placental weight

Objective: The status of the essential trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) has been investigated in maternal and umbilical cord blood in control, uncomplicated pregnancies at term, and the possibility assessed of a relationship between blood levels of these trace elements and newborn weight and placental weight. Fetal–maternal ratios of the elements were also computed to establish baseline values for the Kuwaiti obstetric population.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from a maternal vein, the umbilical artery and umbilical vein of normal pregnant women at the time of spontaneous delivery or Cesarean section, and the concentrations of various trace elements determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results: The concentration of Cu, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn averaged 2406.1, 3252.1, 11.6, 107.3 and 696.2?μg/l, respectively, in maternal venous blood in the pregnant women (n?=?39) at term. Umbilical venous/maternal venous ratios of Cu, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn averaged 0.32, 1.96, 1.03, 0.83 and 1.55, respectively. Neonatal birth weight did not correlate with maternal blood levels of the trace elements (p?>?0.05) in the mother–child pairs studied. However, neonatal weight correlated negatively (p?<?0.05) with umbilical venous Cu level. Placental weight correlated positively (p?<?0.05) with Fe and Mo levels and negatively with Zn level in umbilical venous blood.

Conclusions: Our results indicate an active placental transport for Fe and Zn, while Cu, Mo and Se appear to be exchanged passively between mother and fetus. Evaluation of Fe, Mo, Se and Zn levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood does not appear to be useful in the assessment of fetal growth.     

S100B protein cord blood levels and development of fetal behavioral states: a study in normal and small-for-dates fetuses

Objective: We aimed to determine whether S100B protein levels in cord blood and the development of fetal behavioral states were altered and interrelated in small-for-dates (SFD) fetuses. Methods:Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from 12 SFD fetuses with normal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler findings, from six SFD fetuses with abnormal Doppler waveform patterns and from 36 controls matched for gestational age. S100B protein levels were measured by means of a specific radioimmunoassay. Fetal behavioral state recordings were made before delivery by Cesarean section and data were expressed as percentage of quiet sleep coincidence (C1F), of activity state coincidence (C2-4F) and of no coincidence (NOC). Flow velocimetry waveforms were recorded from the uterine artery, UA and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA). Results: Mean S100B protein levels in umbilical plasma were significantly higher in the six SFD infants with abnormal prenatal Doppler findings (3.31 ± 0.65 μg/l) than in SFD infants with normal Doppler findings (1.56 ± 0.35 μg/l) and in controls (1.23 ± 0.43 μg/l). Similarly in these fetuses NOC was higher and C2F significantly lower (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in C1F. S100B concentrations were correlated with the UA pulsatility index (PI) (r = 0.78, p < 0.01), with the MCA PI (r = -0.78, p< 0.01) and with the UA PI/MCA PI ratio (r = 0.80, p < 0.01). Also, NOC and C2F percentages were correlated with the UA PI (r = 0.61, p < 0.01 and r = -0.61, p < 0.01, respectively), with the MCA PI (r = -0.72, p < 0.001 and r = 0.66, p < 0.01, respectively), and with the UA PI/MCA PI ratio (r = 0.60, p < 0.01 and r = -0.54, p < 0.05, respectively). NOC was also correlated with S100B protein (r = 0.48, p < 0.05); the correlation of S100B protein and C2F almost reached significance (r = -0.47, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of a relationship between a biochemical marker of brain development and/or integrity and the development of fetal behavioral states, offering additional information on brain maturation in normal and high-risk pregnancies.     

Nucleated red blood cells in human fetal scalp capillary blood samples: a feasibility study

Objective: Elevated umbilical cord nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts have been suggested as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining fetal scalp capillary blood NRBC counts during labor and to assess their correlation with umbilical cord NRBC counts. Methods: Fetal scalp capillary blood specimens were prospectively collected in laboring patients who underwent scalp sampling because of the presence of an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern. Matched umbilical cord blood samples were collected immediately after birth. Outcome measures were the feasibility of obtaining fetal scalp NRBC counts and their correlation with umbilical cord NRBC counts. Results: Thirteen term singleton pregnancies formed the study population. In four patients, fetal scalp capillary blood sampling was performed twice. Of the attempts to evaluate fetal scalp capillary samples for NRBC counts, 16 out of 17 (94.1%) were successful. The mean fetal scalp capillary blood NRBC count per 100 white blood cells was 12.6 ± 7.6 (± SD). Umbilical cord mixed, venous and arterial NRBC counts were 15.5 ± 8.8, 13.4 ± 10.7 and 12.6 ± 10.7, with p = 0.09, p = 0.59 and p = 0.68, respectively, when compared to the corresponding scalp sample. The Spearman rank correlation between fetal scalp capillary samples and umbilical cord mixed, venous and arterial NRBC counts were r = 0.86, r = 0.92 and r = 0.95, respectively, with all p values < 0.001. Conclusion: Previous studies have established the clinical utility of umbilical cord NRBC counts. Our study demonstrated that it was possible to obtain NRBC counts from a fetal scalp capillary sample and that these counts correlated highly with umbilical cord NRBC counts. Future studies are needed to evaluate fetal scalp NRBC counts as a predictor of perinatal outcome.     

Exploring sexual dimorphism in placental circulation at 22–24 weeks of gestation: A cross-sectional observational study

IntroductionPlacental blood flow is closely associated with fetal growth and wellbeing. Recent studies suggest that there are differences in blood flow between male and female fetuses. We hypothesized that sexual dimorphism exists in fetal and placental blood flow at 22–24 weeks of gestation.MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study of 520 healthy pregnant women. Blood flow velocities of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical artery (UA), umbilical vein (UV) and the uterine arteries (UtA) were measured using Doppler ultrasonography. UV and UtA diameters were measured using two-dimensional ultrasonography and power Doppler angiography. Volume blood flows (Q) of the UV and UtA were calculated. Maternal haemodynamics was assessed with impedance cardiography. UtA resistance (R_uta) was computed as MAP/Q_uta.ResultsUA PI was significantly (p = 0.008) higher in female fetuses (1.19 ± 0.15) compared with male fetuses (1.15 ± 0.14). MCA PI, cerebro-placental ratio (MCA PI/UA PI), Q_uv, UtA PI, Q_uta and R_uta were not significantly different between groups. At delivery, the mean birth weight and placental weight of female infants (3504 g and 610 g) were significantly (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.039) lower than that of the male infants (3642 g and 634 g).DiscussionWe have demonstrated sexual dimorphism in UA PI, a surrogate for placental vascular resistance, at 22–24 weeks of gestation. Therefore, it would be useful to know when this difference emerges and whether it translates into blood flow differences that may impact upon the fetal growth trajectory.     

Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns during the active phase of labor: the value of fetal oxygen saturation

Objective: To determine the predictive value of intrapartum fetal oxygen saturation (SO₂) for prediction of an umbilical artery pH less than 7.15 at birth in labors complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate traces. Study design: Eighty-five primigravidas in spontaneous labor complicated by abnormal fetal heart rate traces underwent fetal SO₂ monitoring using the fetal pulse oximetry technique. Cases with an SO₂ of < 30% were delivered by Cesarean section. Umbilical artery pH was measured at birth in all women. Results: With the value set of 30% as the cut-off point of fetal oxygen saturation, the positive predictive value for umbilical artery pH of < 7.15 was 61.5% and the negative predictive value was 95.8%, with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 93%. Conclusions: Fetal pulse oximetry is a promising technique for assessment of fetal well-being during labor and may decrease the number of unnecessary Cesarean sections.     

静脉导管、脐静脉和脐动脉及大脑中动脉血流检测对子痫前期胎儿预后分析

目的:探讨子痫前期(PE)胎儿静脉导管(DV)、脐静脉(UV)和脐动脉(UA)及大脑中动脉(MCA)血流检测对围生儿预后分析。方法:应用彩色多普勒超声检测PE胎儿的DV、UV和UA及MCA血流参数,并与相应孕周正常妊娠胎儿的血流测值进行对照分析,研究分析其与胎儿不良结局的关系。结果:28~31+6周及36周~分娩前,重度PE胎儿的DV、UV血流测值较正常、轻度PE胎儿升高(P0.05),轻度PE与正常胎儿比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。32周~35+6周,PE胎儿的DV血流参数测值PLI、PVIV、PIV及Qdv/Quv随着PE严重程度呈上升趋势(P0.05)。28周~分娩前,重度PE胎儿UA血流测值较正常、轻度PE胎儿升高(P0.05),轻度PE胎儿UA血流测值RI、PI、S/D与正常胎儿比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),28~36周PE胎儿的MCA血流测值RI、PI、S/D与正常胎儿比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。PE胎儿DV、UV、UA血流测值与新生儿的出生体重、Apgar评分、脐动脉血氧饱和度、脐静脉p H值呈负相关。PE胎儿DV的PVIV、PIV,UV的Qdv/Quv,UA的PI、S/D和MCA的RI值与新生儿出生结局相关(P0.05)。结论:DV、UV血流频谱变化可反映PE胎儿宫内状况及预测出生不良结局,若结合UA、MCA血流频谱进行联合分析,将能更准确地评估胎儿的宫内状况。     

Cost analysis of Down syndrome screening in advanced maternal age

Objectives: Fetal pulse oximetry was performed during labor in high-risk cases for fetal distress to determine the diagnostic value of this method. Methods: The fetal SpO₂ values were blinded from the obstetrician so that these values did not influence clinical decisions. Mean and lowest SpO₂ measurements for the last 30 min prior to either fetal scalp blood sampling or delivery were correlated with scalp pH or pH from the umbilical artery. Results: No significant correlation was found between pH and mean fetal oxygen saturation (correlation coefficient -0.02, p = 0.9). There was no significant correlation between pH and lowest fetal oxygen saturation (correlation coefficient 0.04, p = 0.84). Concerning the feasibility of the method, we found that only 23 of 65 included patients were suitable for analysis; in 20% of cases, we were not able to perform a SpO₂ measurement. Conclusions: None of three cases with pH below 7.05 would have been detected using mean SpO₂ over the last 30 min prior to fetal scalp blood sampling or delivery. Only one case would have been detected using the lowest SpO₂ measurement over this period. We conclude that fetal SpO₂ measurements during labor are of poor diagnostic value, with a disappointing feasibility and therefore are not ready for implementing into daily clinical practice.     

Relationship of umbilical vein blood flow to growth parameters in the human fetus.

OBJECTIVE: Our purposes were to determine the relationship of the growth of umbilical blood flow to growth in body measurements of human fetuses in uncomplicated pregnancies. The study also aimed to assess the relative contributions of growth in umbilical vein diameter and of increased velocity to the increase in umbilical blood flow. STUDY DESIGN: An animal study was conducted to assess the accuracy of umbilical vein blood flow measurements obtained by triplex mode ultrasonography. Seven pregnant ewes underwent triplex mode umbilical vein flow determination. These results were compared with historical flow data obtained by a steady-state diffusion technique in 34 ewes matched for gestational age and weight. In a separate study performed on human beings, reproducibility and precision of triplex mode flow determination were assessed, as were the relationships between umbilical vein flow and gestational age and head and abdominal circumferences. This cross-sectional study was performed with 70 healthy fetuses ranging from 20 weeks' gestation to term. Best-fit interpolating equations and confidence limits were calculated for blood flow measurements versus gestational age and head and abdominal circumferences. RESULTS: In the validation study performed on sheep there were no significant differences between triplex mode and steady-state measurement groups with respect to gestational age or weight. The umbilical vein flows were similar between triplex mode and steady-state measurement groups (P =.881). In the human study the intraobserver and interobserver coefficients of variation for the vein diameter, mean velocity, and absolute umbilical vein blood flow varied from 2.9% to 12.7%. The mean duration of examination was 3 +/- 1 minutes. The umbilical vein diameter and mean velocity increased throughout pregnancy. The absolute umbilical vein flow increased exponentially from 97.3 mL/min at midgestation to 529.1 mL/min at 38 weeks' gestation, whereas umbilical vein flow per kilogram of fetal weight did not change significantly with gestational age. There was a strong correlation between absolute umbilical vein flow and the fetal head and abdominal circumferences. CONCLUSIONS: The triplex mode ultrasonographic technique can play an innovative role in obtaining quick and reproducible measurements of umbilical vein blood flow. The approach was validated with a sheep model. Umbilical vein blood normalized for fetal weight (milliliters per minute per kilogram of fetal weight) and absolute flow (in milliliters per minute) are consistent with previous human studies. We have established new reference values of umbilical vein blood flow relative to head and abdominal circumferences. The growth of umbilical venous diameter accounted for most of the growth in umbilical vein flow.     

Early and persistent reduction in umbilical vein blood flow in the growth-restricted fetus: a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown, in a cross-sectional study, that the reduction in umbilical vein blood flow in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses is due to reduced umbilical vein velocity. The purpose of this longitudinal study in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses was to determine whether the umbilical vein velocity reduction, which, in turn, reduces blood flow, persists throughout gestation or represents a late event that precedes indicated delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-one intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses with an abnormal umbilical artery velocimetry underwent serial sonographic and Doppler examinations from 23 to 36 weeks of gestation. Umbilical vein diameter and velocity were measured, and umbilical vein absolute (milliliters per minute) and weight-specific blood flow (milliliters per minute per kilogram) were calculated. Umbilical vein diameter, velocity, and blood flow were expressed per abdominal circumference. Intrauterine growth-restricted findings were compared to local reference data. RESULTS: Intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses showed persistent reductions in umbilical vein blood flow per abdominal circumference and weight-specific blood flow (milliliters per minute per kilogram) from the time of diagnosis of intrauterine growth-restriction. Umbilical vein velocity was reduced in the intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses, although umbilical vein diameter did not change. CONCLUSION: Reduction of umbilical vein blood flow is an early finding in intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses, and it can persist for several weeks until delivery. This reduction in blood flow is due to reduced umbilical vein velocity.     

The clinical value of maternal and fetal Doppler parameters in low-risk postdates pregnancies – a prospective study

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the clinical significance of maternal and fetal ultrasound Doppler flow indices in postdates pregnancies.

Methods: This prospective study comprised 120 low-risk pregnant women beyond 40 weeks of gestation. All participants underwent Doppler assessment including of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA), umbilical, and uterine arteries. Perinatal outcomes were recorded and evaluated for possible associations with Doppler flow values. Adverse perinatal outcomes were defined as umbilical cord arterial pH <7.1, Apgar score <7 at 5?min, neonatal admission to a neonatal intensive care unit, and emergency cesarean section due to abnormal intrapartum cardiotocogram

Results: Adverse perinatal outcome rate was 17.5% (n?=?21). Doppler indices of umbilical artery, MCA, uterine artery and the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) did not differ significantly between pregnant women with and without adverse perinatal outcomes. Neonatal birth weight was found to correlate negatively with umbilical artery Doppler indices, including the peak systolic to end diastolic ratio (p?=?.04), the resistance index (p?=?.02), and the pulsatility index (p?=?.01). Doppler values of the uterine artery, MCA and CPR did not correlate with neonatal birth weight.

Conclusions: The contribution of maternal and fetal ultrasound Doppler to the prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes in low-risk postdates pregnancies is low. Hence, performing routine Doppler examination as part of postdates pregnancy assessments is unlikely to yield significant clinical benefit.     

Prediction of neonatal acidosis by ductus venosus Doppler pattern in high risk pregnancies

Study objectiveEvaluate whether ductus venosus (DV) Doppler velocimetry might be a good diagnostic tool of neonatal acidosis than umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood velocities.DesignProspective observational study.SettingHigh risk pregnancy unit of Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital.PatientsThirty high-risk pregnant patients in their third trimester.MethodRecording of DV, UA and MCA blood velocity in complicated pregnancies referred to umbilical artery (UA) velocimetry as one aspect of fetal surveillance.Measurements and main resultsDV S/D ratio was not reliable to predict hypoxia (AUC 66%), PI was weak (73%), but RI was reliable to predict hypoxia (AUC 88%). On comparing the diagnostic ability of DV RI and MCA S/D, DV RI showed a diagnostic ability than MCA S/D, AUC 88% and 82% respectively.ConclusionAbnormal DV blood velocity is more frequently recorded in high-risk pregnancies than UA, MCA blood velocities. Ductus venosus resistance index (DV RI) appears to be a better predictor of perinatal outcome than MCA S/D.     

Application of ultrasonic transit time flowmetry to the measurement of umbilical vein blood flow at caesarean section

Objective To determine the applicability of ultrasonic transit time flowmetry to the measurement at caesarean section of umbilical vein blood flow rate and to examine the relationship between flow rates and birthweight for gestational age.
Design Umbilical vein blood flow was measured at caesarean section using a transonic time flow probe on a loop of the umbilical cord in 33 appropriate and 21 small for gestational age fetuses.
Results The mean (SD) umbilical vein blood flow in the 54 fetuses was 78.4 (23.1) ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹. There was a linear relation between umbilical vein blood flow measured by ultrasonic transit time flowmetry and birthweight (   r = 0.63, P < 0.0001  ). The mean umbilical vein blood flow in appropriate for gestational age fetuses [90 (18) ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹] was greater than that in the small for gestational age group [66 (23) ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹];   P < 0.04  ).
Conclusions Umbilical vein blood flow measurements obtained by the ultrasonic transit time flowmetry technique are simple to perform and compare well with reported values obtained by the Doppler ultrasound technique (when vessel diameter is greater than 4 mm). Umbilical venous blood flow rate is significantly lower in small for gestational age fetuses.     

Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in the blood of a mother and umbilical vein in diabetic pregnant women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the total concentration of fatty acids (FAs) in the maternal vein serum and in the umbilical vein serum in pregnant women suffering from Type 1 diabetes compared to healthy women. Additional goal was to determine the percentages of arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in comparison to the total concentration of FAs.

Methods: The study included 63 pregnant women, 32 suffering from Type 1 diabetes and 31 healthy pregnant women. Extraction of total lipids was performed using gas chromatography.

Results: There was statistically significant difference in the total FAs concentration in the maternal vein serum and the umbilical vein serum between the two groups. There was a statistically significant higher concentration of total FAs in the maternal and umbilical vein serum of the diabetic group. Higher AA and DHA concentrations were found in the maternal vein serum compared to an umbilical vein serum of the diabetic group.

Conclusion: No difference was found in AA and DHA percentages in the maternal or in the umbilical vein serum of diabetic pregnant women. Despite of T1DM, a good metabolic control leads to insignificant changes in the AA and DHA levels in diabetic pregnancy.     

Maternal–fetal effects of magnesium sulfate on serum osmolality in pre-eclampsia

Objective: To determine the effects of magnesium sulfate therapy on maternal and fetal osmolality in pre-eclampsia. Methods: A total of 34 pre-eclamptic women and 22 normal pregnant women participated in the study. Venous blood was drawn upon admission to the labor and delivery unit. Pre-eclamptic patients received standard magnesium sulfate therapy and had a second sample of venous blood drawn 4 h following the beginning of therapy. Fetal umbilical vein blood was obtained immediately following delivery in both groups. Osmolality was measured using a vapor pressure osmometer. Electrolyte levels were measured with a NOVA 8 biomedical analyzer. Data were analyzed via Student's t test, linear regression and correlation with significance established at p < 0.05. Results:We found no significant difference between the maternal osmolalities of the control and pre-eclamptic groups. Interestingly, fetal cord blood osmolality was significantly lower than maternal osmolality in the normal pregnant women. Sodium levels were also lower, while potassium and ionized calcium levels were higher in the fetal blood. In women with pre-eclampsia treated with magnesium sulfate, there was no difference between the osmolality of the maternal and fetal blood, while potassium and ionized calcium levels were still higher in the fetal blood. Finally, we found no correlation between maternal osmolality and blood pressure. Conclusions: High blood pressure in pre-eclampsia is not associated with altered osmolality. An absence of the normal decrease in fetal osmolality is observed in pre-eclamptic women treated with magnesium sulfate.     

Phasic blood flow patterns in the common umbilical vein of fetal sheep during umbilical cord occlusion and the influence of autonomic nervous system blockade

The blood flow pattern in the common umbilical vein is under normal conditions nonpulsatile in contrast to the flow in the fetal inferior vena cava. We observed pulsatile flow patterns in the common umbilical vein of fetal lambs during changes in the fetal hemodynamic equilibrium. These pulsations may influence the mixing of oxygen-rich ductus venosus blood and oxygen-poor inferior vena cava blood. This study deals with the phasic changes in umbilical venous blood flow during cord occlusion. The experiments were performed in eight chronically instrumented fetal lambs between 114 and 133 days gestation (term 146 days). Umbilical venous blood flow was measured with an electromagnetic flow transducer around the intraabdominal common part of both umbilical veins. The fetuses were provided with catheter in the fetal abdominal aorta and with electrodes for monitoring arterial blood pressure and heart rate. Occlusion of the umbilical cord was performed by means of an inflatable balloon occluder around the total cord (occlusion time 20 to 90 seconds). Occlusions were performed in fetuses with an intact autonomic nervous system and after blockade of the alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic or cholinergic part of the autonomic nervous system.     

A combination of umbilical artery PI and normalized blood flow volume in the umbilical vein: Venous–arterial index for the prediction of fetal outcome

Objective

The objective was to assess the diagnostic power of the umbilical venous–arterial index (VAI) as a combination of the pulsatility index in the umbilical artery and the normalized blood flow volume in the umbilical vein for the prediction of poor fetal outcome.

Study design

This was a prospective clinical study in which the umbilical artery PI (UAPI), the normalized umbilical vein blood volume flow rate (nUV; ml/min/kg estimated fetal body weight), the venous–arterial index (VAI; nUV/UAPI), and the pulsatility index (PI) in the umbilical artery (UA), uterine artery (utA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and aorta were determined in 181 fetuses once (at between 17 and 41 weeks’ gestation) during pregnancy using standard Doppler ultrasound equipment. A risk score based on the umbilical blood pH, the 1 min Apgar score, birth weight, duration of gestation, type of postpartum respiratory support, and referral to the pediatric department was used, and fetuses were assigned to a control or a pathological group accordingly.

Results

The incidence of compromised neonates was 18.2%. The sensitivity of the UAPI in predicting the poor neonatal outcome was 51.5%, of the nUV 54.5%, the MCA PI 39.4%, the PI in the utA 61.5%, and the notching in the utAa and the VAI was 57.6% and 69.7% respectively.

Conclusion

A combination of the umbilical artery PI and the nUV as the VAI with a cut-off of 100 ml/min/kg can be used to predict fetal outcome.