Mirror syndrome due to anti-Jra alloimmunization

ObjectiveWe report a case of fetal hydrops and mirror syndrome in a pregnancy with anti-Jra alloimmunization.Case reportA 34-year-old multiparous woman (G3P2) at 29 weeks of gestation had complications which included generalized edema and mild dyspnea. An indirect Coombs test was positive for anti-Jra antibodies. A blood examination showed hemodilution and elevated human chorionic gonadotropin. An ultrasound examination showed fetal hydrops with cardiomegaly and polyhydramnios. The patient delivered a pale and edematous infant by cesarean section and laboratory tests showed that the neonate had severe anemia (Hb 4.4 g/dL). A direct Coombs test was also positive. Microscopic examination of the placenta revealed diffuse villous edema. A genetic test for the ABCG2 gene showed the homozygous point mutation c.376C > T (376TT) in the mother, while her three offsprings all exhibited 376CT heterozygosity.ConclusionThe potential risk of severe fetal hydrops and mirror syndrome should be recognized in pregnancies with anti-Jra alloimmunization.     

与Hb Bart’s水肿胎相关镜像综合征母体并发症的病例对照研究

目的:评价Hb Bart’s水肿胎(即α-地中海贫血1纯合子)是否并发镜像综合征和分娩孕周对母体并发症的影响。方法:回顾性分析Hb Bart’s水肿胎并发镜像综合征13例(A组)、Hb Bart’s水肿胎未并发镜像综合征61例(B组)和排除Bart’s水肿胎和血红蛋白H病(HbH)、无产科合并症的孕妇74例(C组)临床资料,对3组的实验室检查结果和母体并发症情况进行比较。另外,将74例Hb Bart’s水肿胎按照分娩孕周是否大于28周分成两个亚组,比较两亚组母体的发病情况。结果:①A组血细胞比容、血红蛋白、血小板和血清白蛋白均明显低于B、C组(P<0.05),尿酸明显高于B、C组(P<0.05);而B组和C组以上指标比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。②A组母体严重并发症(包括弥漫性凝血功能障碍、心力衰竭、急性肺水肿、急性肾功能衰竭和HELLP综合征)、胎盘早剥、产后出血、肝肾功能损害和胎盘粘连的发生率均明显高于B组和C组(P<0.0167)。B组与C组比较,上述并发症发生率除产后出血和胎盘粘连外,其余均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。③74例Hb Bart’s水肿胎患者中,≥孕28周者,其有镜像综合征、母体有严重并发症、胎盘早剥、产后出血、肝肾功能损害和胎盘粘连的发生率均明显高于<孕28周组(P<0.05)。结论:Hb Bart’s水肿胎增加母体并发症的发生,其对母体的危害程度除了与是否并发镜像综合征有关,分娩孕周也是重要因素,临床上应重视Hb Bart’s水肿胎的早期产前诊断,一旦确诊应尽早终止妊娠,尽可能降低母体风险。     

Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis Secondary to Fetomaternal Hemorrhage: A Report of Two Cases

Although intrauterine transfusion may be warranted for fetomaternal hemorrhage with secondary nonimmune hydrops, delivery is the preferred treatment if the prognosis for neonatal survival is good. A 31-week fetus with a biophysical profile score of 2 improved after a transfusion, but persistent hemorrhage required a second transfusion and delivery. A 32-week fetus with a score of 10 was delivered without transfusion. Both neonates did well.     

Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Assessment of Children Born Growth Restricted to Mothers with and Without Preeclampsia

We examined neurological and intellectual outcome of growth‐restricted newborns of pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and without preeclampsia. Seventy‐five consecutive growth restricted newborns (<5th percentile) were prospectively followed up at 6 months' intervals. Newborns with major congenital malformations and newborns with evident intrauterine viral infection were excluded. At 3 years of age all children had detailed neurological examination and intellectual examination using the Mean developmental index (Stanford Binnet‐IQ). Eleven children were born to mother with preeclampsia (ACOG criteria), and 64 were born to mothers without a definite diagnosis of preeclampsia. Gestational age was 34.7 weeks in the preeclamptic group and 37 weeks in the non‐preeclamptic group. After adjustment for gestational age, there was no significant difference in the neurological exam score between groups, but the IQ was 85.5 in the preeclamptic group and 96.9 in the non‐preeclamptic group (p<0.03). We conclude that newborns born growth restricted after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia have a lower IQ at the age of 3 years compared to growth‐restricted babies without preeclampsia.     

The Expression of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Pregnancies Complicated by Severe Preeclampsia or Fetal Growth Restriction

We tested the hypothesis that the expression of placental connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is enhanced in pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia (PE) or fetal growth restriction (FGR). CTGF expression was analyzed using immunostaining, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR in placental samples obtained after third trimester cesarean deliveries without labor from women with severe PE (n = 11), idiopathic FGR (n = 14), or healthy controls (n = 14). Serum CTGF concentrations were analyzed using ELISA. We found that CTGF was stably expressed in villous trophoblasts throughout pregnancy. The expression of CTGF mRNA in placentas from severe PE or FGR was higher than placentas from controls. Whereas the levels of placental CTGF protein were similar between normal and severe PE, maternal and fetal serum CTGF levels were elevated in severe PE. Maternal CTGF levels were also distinctively elevated in women with PE or FGR with histological evidence of placental injury. The enhancement of CTGF expression as well as serum CTGF levels in clinical conditions attributed to placental dysfunction suggests a role for this secretary protein in the pathophysiology of placental injury or its sequelae.     

Assessment of Genetic Contributions to Risk of Preeclampsia in Ecuadorian Women

Aim: To identify the immunogenetic factors that trigger the beginning of preeclampsia and eclampsia.?Methods:?A retrospective, case-control study of 142 pregnant women in Obstetrics and Gynecological Hospital Isidro Ayora in Quito, who are grouped into two different groups, diseased and healthy. The study analyzed ethnicity, age, gynecological history, contraception, immunizations, blood type and Rh factor, and family history of preeclampsia-eclampsia of each of the pregnant women; and gestational age, sex, weight, and blood type and Rh factor of the progeny.?Results:?Age, ethnicity, history of pregnancy, abortions, contraception, and blood type and Rh factor were similar for both groups (p > 0.05). Gestational age and weight of the progeny was lower in cases compared with controls (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference when comparing the blood type and Rh factor of the two groups (p > 0.05). Male gender was predominant in both groups for cases 69.01 and 87.32% for controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions:?There was a higher predisposition for inherited cases (26%) versus controls (9.85%), p < 0.05, for the occurrence of preeclampsia. The frequency of the recessive gene for Mendelian inheritance model mother-fetus homozygous (aa/aa), in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg Law, was 0.41 for the sample.     

Fetal Brain Death Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Summary: This case describes a new feature of fetal brain death syndrome, abnormal movements mimicking fetal convulsions being subsequently found to be decerebrate hypertonicity in a brain-dead fetus. It also confirms the diagnostic criteria of fetal brain death, both clinical and ultrasonic. The development of polyhydramnios both prior to and after the presumed neurological event is suggested as an association with the diagnosis of fetal brain death. Increased awareness of this event and the heterogeneity of the presentation may prevent further unnecessary Caesarean sections, as to date only 4 of the 10 cases in the literature were diagnosed prenatally. Utilization of techniques such as fetal blood sampling should be considered to further delineate the diagnosis.     

Preeclampsia: exposing future cardiovascular risk in mothers and their children

There is an increased risk for future cardiovascular disease in women who have had preeclampsia. In infants born to mothers with preeclampsia, there is growing evidence of increased risk for both cardiovascular disease and preeclampsia. Epidemiologic and experimental data provide a strong link between intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia and subsequent risk for the development of cardiovascular disease in women.     

胎儿生长受限的病因和治疗

胎儿生长受限是产科重要并发症之一,是围产儿死亡和发病的重要原因.该病的病因包括母体、胎儿、胎盘三方面的因素.B超可用于早期诊断.补充营养素,卧床休息,氧疗以及应用阿斯匹林、舒喘宁等药物可能会增加胎儿体重.孕晚期及时处理可以改善胎儿预后.     

Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation of the Lung Type I Associated with Hydrops Successfully Treated with Serial Aspiration

We present a case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung diagnosed at 17 weeks and 6 days of gestation, initially classified as a type II lesion and reclassified as a type I lesion at 19 weeks, which shows that the natural evolution of CCAM of the lung can include cyst enlargement leading to reclassification. At 22 weeks of gestation ascites developed. The second successful in-utero treatment of hydrops secondary to this condition hy serial simple aspiration is described.     

Fetal hydrops and the risk of severe preeclampsia

Objective: To assess the incidence and severity of preeclampsia in pregnancies complicated by fetal hydrops.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations from 2005 to 2008 in California. The primary predictor was fetal hydrops and the primary outcome was preeclampsia. Selected adverse maternal and neonatal events were assessed as secondary outcomes. Potential confounders examined included fetal anomalies, polyhydramnios, race/ethnicity, nulliparity, chronic hypertension, and gestational or pregestational diabetes mellitus.

Results: We identified 337 pregnancies complicated by fetal hydrops, 70.0% had a concomitant fetal anomaly and 39.8% had polyhydramnios. Compared to the general population, hydrops was associated with an increased risk for severe preeclampsia (5.26 versus 0.91%, p?p?=?.29). In multivariable analysis, fetal hydrops remained an independent risk factor for severe preeclampsia (as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 3.13, 1.91–5.14). Hydrops was also associated with increased rates of eclampsia, acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, preterm birth, and neonatal death.

Conclusions: We find that fetal hydrops is an independent risk factor for severe preeclampsia. In light of serious concerns for maternal and neonatal health, heightened surveillance for signs and symptoms of severe preeclampsia is warranted in all pregnancies complicated by fetal hydrops.     

Favorable Maternal and Fetal Effects of Danshensu in an Experimental Mice Model of Preeclampsia

Background. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-specific complication that results in high maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Till date, there is no satisfactory pharmacotherapeutic treatment, except for aspirin and heparin, to stop the preeclampsia progression. Although the mechanism of preeclampsia is poorly understood, it has proved to be associated with coagulation activation. Researches on prophylactic and remedial application of anticoagulants maybe benefit the clinical aspects of preeclampsia individuals. Methods. Sixty-six preeclampsia-like pregnant mice, induced by phosphatidyleserine/phosphatidylcholine (PS/PC) microvesicle administration, were randomly divided into six groups as follows: control group (group C), preeclampsia model group (group PE), group treated with heparin (group H), group treated with aspirin (group A), group treated with low-dose danshensu (group LD), and group treated with high-dose danshensu (group HD). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), proteinuria, mean platelet counts, plasma antithrombin III activity (AT III), D-dimmer levels, thrombin time (TT), fibrin deposition with phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin (PTAH) staining, and thrombomodulin (TM) expression with immunohistochemistry staining in placentas were examined as indices for maternal syndrome. Meanwhile, the number of potentially viable fetuses, weight of fetuses and placentas, weight of fetal brains, nose-breech length, ponderal index (PI), and neurons with hematoxylin-eosin (H/E) and toluidine blue-eosin (Nissl's) staining were all evaluated as indices for fetal syndrome. Results. Heparin presents significant effects on maternal syndrome of preeclampsia such as hypertension and proteinuria, and different dose danshensu also presents the certain effects. High-dose danshensu and aspirin all process better effects than low-dose danshensu on decreasing blood pressure to normal level, whereas high-dose danshensu process better effects than aspirin and low-dose danshensu on decreasing proteinuria to normal level. As to danshensu's effects on hemostatic function, high- and low-dose danshensu's marked effects on increasing the plasma AT III activity are same as that of aspirin and inferior to heparin. High-dose danshensu's better effect on elevating the platelet counts is superior to low-dose danshensu and aspirin. Low-dose danshensu's obvious effect on decreasing D-dimmer levels is close to heparin and superior to high-dose danshensu and aspirin. High- and low-dose danshensu's significant effects on reduced TT level are same to that of heparin. Different anticoagulants all have the improvement roles on placental fibrin depositions, but heparin and high-dose danshensu's roles on lowering thrombomodulin expression in placentas are superior to low-dose danshensu and aspirin. But anticoagulant function of high-dose danshensu is still inferior to heparin. Furthermore, we found the following changes: increasing fetal body weight and length in every group, obvious overall improvement in group H, greater amelioration equaling to that in heparin group on maternal body weight, fetal nose-breech length and fetal brain weight in group HD, better changes on survival fetal number in group LD than in other groups, and more corrected brain development in group HD than in group A. We found long-term use of heparin and aspirin, in spite of low-dose administration, can raise the risk of bleeding such as placental abruption and intestinal hemorrhage. But no side effect was observed in mice treated with different dose of danshensu in our study. Conclusions. Danshensu has proven effective in ameliorating the prognosis of maternal syndrome and fetal syndrome in the PE mouse model. We suggest long-term provision of low-dose danshensu in pregnancy, leading to an improvement of preeclampsia syndrome with considerable maternal safety.     

Detection of Circulating Trophoblast Particles in Peripheral Maternal Blood in Preeclampsia Complicated Pregnancies

Objective. Data on trophoblast particles in peripheral maternal circulation are rare. Applying a new enrichment technique, Oncoquick®, we evaluated the number of trophoblast particles in maternal blood in preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnancies. Methods. After isolation of trophoblast particles using Oncoquick®, trophoblast particles were detected by immunocytochemistry, applying a monoclonal pan cytokeratin (CK) antibody. Fetal origin of the detected particles was verified by XY- fish analysis in women delivering male infants. Results. Trophoblast particles were identified in 25/52 (48%) of preeclamptic and 1/20 (5%) of non-preeclamptic pregnancies. Conclusion. The number of trophoblast particles in peripheral maternal blood of preeclamptic pregnancies was significantly higher than in non-preeclamptic pregnancies.     

Expectant Management of Severe Preeclampsia Remote from Term: A Structured Systematic Review

Objective: To compare outcomes associated with expectant vs. interventionist care of severe preeclampsia in observational studies. Data Sources: Medline (01/1980–07/2007), bibliographies of retrieved papers, personal files, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Study Selection: Expectant or interventionist care of preeclampsia at <34 wk. Tabulation, Integration, Results: Data abstraction independently by two reviewers. Median [IQR] of clinical maternal/perinatal outcomes presented. Results: 72 publications, primarily from tertiary care centres in Dutch and developed world sites. Expectant care of severe preeclampsia <34 wk (39 cohorts, 4,650 women), for which 40% of women are eligible, is associated with pregnancy prolongation of 7–14 d, and few serious maternal complications (median <5%), similar to interventionist care (2 studies, 42 women). Complication rates are higher with HELLP <34wk (12 cohorts, 438 women) and severe preeclampsia <28wk (6 cohorts, 305 women), similar to interventionist care (6 cohorts, 467 women and 2 cohorts, 70 women, respectively). Expectant care of HELLP <34 wk (12 cohorts, 438 women) is associated with fewer days gained (median 5), but more serious maternal morbidity (e.g., eclampsia, median 15%). More than half of women have at least temporary improvement of HELLP. In the developed world, expectant (vs. interventionist) care of severe preeclampsia or HELLP <34 wk is associated with reduced neonatal death and complications. Stillbirth is higher in Dutch and developing world sites where viability thresholds are higher. For preeclampsia <24wk (4 cohorts), perinatal mortality is >80%. No predictors of adverse maternal/perinatal outcomes were identified (13 studies). Conclusions: Future research should establish the best maternal/fetal monito regimen and indications for delivery with expectant care. A definitive RCT is needed.