人类白细胞抗原G的表达与子痫前期发病的关系

目的 通过检测子痫前期孕妇相关组织中人类白细胞抗原G (HLA-G)的表达,探讨其与子痫前期发病的关系.方法 选择2009年3月至12月在陕西省妇幼保健院产科住院分娩的子痫前期孕妇30例,根据病情分为轻度子痫前期组8例,重度子痫前期组22例.选择同期健康孕妇30例为对照组.3组孕妇均以剖宫产方式分娩.采用ELISA法检测孕妇外周血、脐血及羊水中的可溶性HLA-G(sHLA-G)水平;采用蛋白印迹法检测胎盘、胎膜及脐带组织中HLA-G蛋白的表达.结果 (1)各组孕妇外周血、脐血、羊水中sHLA-G水平:轻、重度子痫前期组孕妇外周血sHLA-G水平分别为(50±14)、(30±6) μg/L,新生儿脐血中sHLA-G水平分别为(34±10)、( 26±8)μg/L,均明显低于对照组的(100±16)、(70±9) μg/L,分别与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01);重度子痫前期组与轻度子痫前期组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.01).重度子痫前期组新生儿脐血中sHLA-G水平虽低于轻度子痫前期组,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).轻、重度子痫前期组孕妇羊水中sHLA-G水平分别为(26±7)、( 25±5) μg/L,均低于对照组的(27±6)μg/L,但分别与对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);轻度子痫前期组与重度子痫前期组比较,差异也无统计学意义(P＞0.05).(2)各组孕妇胎盘、胎膜及脐带组织中的HLA-G蛋白表达:对照组胎盘组织中HLA-G蛋白表达水平为1.59±0.36,胎膜组织中表达水平为0.42±0.09,胎盘组织中的HLA-G蛋白表达水平明显高于胎膜组织,两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);对照组脐带组织中HLA-G蛋白表达水平为0.24±0.17,分别与胎盘及胎膜组织中的HLA-G蛋白表达水平比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).轻度子痫前期组胎盘组织中HLA-G蛋白表达水平为0.78±0.21,重度子痫前期组为0.29±0.17,分别与对照组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).轻、重度子痫前期组孕妇胎膜及脐带组织中均未检测出HLA-G蛋白的表达.结论 与健康孕妇相比,HLA-G在子痫前期孕妇外周血、脐血及胎盘组织中呈明显低表达,HLA-G表达水平的异常可能与子痫前期的发病有关.     

氧化低密度脂蛋白及其受体与子痫前期发病的关系

目的 探讨氧化低密度脂蛋白(oxLDL)及血凝集素样氧化低密度脂蛋白受体1(LOX-1)与子痫前期发病的关系.方法 选择2007年6月至2008年1月在青岛大学医学院附属医院产科住院分娩的子痫前期孕妇73例,其中轻度子痫前期孕妇35例(轻度子痫前期组),重度子痫前期孕妇38例(重度子痫前期组).选取同期正常晚期妊娠妇女45例为对照组.采用酶联免疫吸附试验检测各组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平;采用RT-PCR、蛋白印迹法分别检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA及蛋白表达水平;采用RT-PCR检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中半胱氨酸天门冬氨酸蛋白酶-3(caspase-3)mRNA表达水平.结果 (1)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平分别为(0.42±0.11)及(0.68±0.12)mg/L,明显高于对照组的(0.35±0.14)mg/L,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(2)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1mRNA表达水平分别为0.70±0.10及0.84±0.08,明显高于对照组的0.58±0.11,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(3)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中LOX-1蛋白表达水平分别为0.79±0.15及0.90±0.12,明显高于对照组的0.68±0.11,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(4)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中caspase-3 mRNA表达水平分别为3.82±0.18及5.39±0.14,明显高于对照组的2.19±0.20,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);重度子痫前期组又明显高于轻度子痫前期组(P<0.01).(5)轻度及重度子痫前期组孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平与胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.93,P<0.05);胎盘组织中LOX-1 mRNA表达与胎盘组织caspase-3 mRNA表达水平呈正相关(r=0.84,P<0.05).结论 子痫前期孕妇血浆中oxLDL水平升高,并上调胎盘组织中的LOX-1表达水平,从而参与子痫前期的病理生理过程.     

三维能量多普勒超声产前诊断凶险性前置胎盘合并胎盘植入价值研究

目的探讨三维能量多普勒超声在凶险性前置胎盘合并胎盘植入产前诊断中的价值。方法选取2015年2月至2017年1月中国医科大学附属盛京医院收治的凶险性前置胎盘孕妇63例作为病例组,随机选取同期相对应孕周且胎盘附着在子宫前壁的正常孕妇120例作为对照组。应用三维能量多普勒超声测量两组胎盘血管化指数(VI)、流量指数(FI)和血管流量指数(VFI),并分析其与胎盘植入的关系。结果病例组VI、FI、VFI值均高于对照组(P0.01),病例组中的胎盘植入者VI、FI、VFI值均高于无植入者(P0.01);病例组VI、FI、VFI诊断胎盘植入的ROC界值分别为37.710、34.875、15.330。按此ROC界值将病例组VI、FI、VFI分为高(high)和低(low)两层,分层后发现,病例组孕妇发生胎盘植入时与未胎盘植入时相比,VI-高、FI-高、VFI-高发生例数均显著增高(P0.01);此外,按VI、FI、VFI的ROC界值进行胎盘植入的诊断,其准确率均为93.7%。结论三维能量多普勒超声定量评估凶险性前置胎盘孕妇子宫下段胎盘周围血管有利于产前准确诊断凶险性前置胎盘合并胎盘植入。     

子痫前期患者胎盘和脐动脉组织Rho相关蛋白激酶Ⅱ的表达及意义

目的 探讨子痫前期患者胎盘和脐动脉组织中Rho相关蛋白激酶Ⅱ(RockⅡ)的表达变化及其意义.方法 采用RT-PCR、蛋白印迹法分别检测35例轻度子痫前期患者(轻度子痫前期组)、38例重度子痫前期患者(重度子痫前期组)及45例正常晚期妊娠妇女(对照组)胎盘及脐动脉组织中RockⅡmRNA及其蛋白表达水平;采用免疫组化方法 对RockⅡ在胎盘组织中的表达进行定位,B超检测脐动脉收缩期最大血流速度(S)与舒张末期血流速度(D)的比值.结果 (1)RockⅡ主要表达于胎盘合体滋养细胞的细胞质.(2)轻度子痫前期组、重度子痫前期组及对照组胎盘组织RockⅡmRNA表达水平分别为0.82±0.14、0.93±0.13及0.70 4-0.12,分别比较,差异也均有统计学意义(P＜0.01);轻度子痫前期组、重度子痫前期组及对照组胎盘组织RockⅡ蛋白表达水平分别为0.79±O.15、0.92±0.12及0.68±0.11,分别比较,差异也均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).(3)轻度子痫前期组、重度子痫前期组及对照组脐动脉组织RockⅡmRNA表达水平分别为0.69±0.13、0.55±0.12及0.76±0.10,分别比较,差异也均有统计学意义(P＜0.01);轻度子痫前期组、重度子痫前期组及对照组脐动脉组织RockⅡ蛋白表达水平分别为0.68±0.10、0.51±0.12及0.75±0.13,分别比较,差异也均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).(4)脐动脉组织RockⅡmRNA及蛋白表达水平与脐动脉S/D值均无相关性(P＞0.05).结论 RockⅡ在子痫前期患者胎盘组织中的表达水平升高,在脐动脉组织中的表达水平降低,可能参与了子痫前期的病理、生理过程.     

子痫前期孕妇血清与胎盘尿紧张素Ⅱ的表达及意义

目的:检测子痫前期孕妇外周血和新生儿脐血血清中尿紧张素Ⅱ(urotensinⅡ,UⅡ)水平和UⅡmRNA在胎盘组织的表达水平,探讨其在子痫前期发生发展中的作用。方法:(1)ELISA测定30例子痫前期患者及15例正常晚期妊娠孕妇(对照组)外周血和新生儿脐血血清UⅡ水平;(2)用RT-PCR法检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中UⅡmRNA的表达水平。结果:(1)重度子痫前期组孕妇外周血血清UⅡ水平明显高于轻度子痫前期组和对照组,差异均有显著性(P<0.05)。轻度和重度子痫前期组的脐静脉血清UⅡ浓度均明显高于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.001)。(2)胎盘组织UⅡmRNA表达水平在轻度和重度子痫前期组均明显高于对照组,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:UⅡ可能参与子痫前期全身小血管痉挛的机制并在胎盘组织缺血缺氧和动脉粥样硬化的发生起重要作用。     

孕妇血清及其新生儿脐血、胎盘组织中脂肪型脂肪酸结合蛋白表达变化与子痫前期发病的关系

目的 探讨孕妇血清及其新生儿脐血中脂肪型脂肪酸结合蛋白(FABP4)水平、胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA的表达变化在子痫前期发病中的作用.方法 选择2008年12月-2009年10月在福建省妇幼保健院产科住院分娩的60例重度子痫前期孕妇,按发病时孕周不同分为早发型子痫前期组(发病时孕周≤34周)和晚发型子痫前期组(发病时孕周>34周)各30例;另选同期正常晚期孕妇60例,根据孕周不同分为早发型对照组(孕周≤34周)和晚发型对照组(孕周>34周)各30例.采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测孕妇血清FABP4、空腹血糖(FPG)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)及新生儿脐血FABP4水平;采用稳态模型评估法计算胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR);采用逆转录(RT)PCR技术检测胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA的表达;记录临床相关指标,包括孕妇入院时体质指数(BMI)、收缩压(SP)、舒张压(DP)及平均动脉压(MAP)、血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白(LDL)、高密度脂蛋白(HDL)、肌酐(Cr)、尿酸(UA)、肾小球滤过率(GFR)、24 h尿蛋白定量和新生儿出生体质量.结果 (1)早发型及晚发型子痫前期组孕妇血清中FABP4水平分别为(176±9)及(170±9)ng/L,早发型及晚发型对照组分别为(81±13)及(94±15)ng/L,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).(2)早发型及晚发型子痫前期组孕妇血清FINS、HOMA-IR水平分别为(21.9±4.3)mU/L、5.1±1.7及(22.6±4.0)mU/L、4.9±1.5,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).(3)早发型及晚发型子痫前期组孕妇胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA的表达水平分别为3.17±0.89及2.97±0.72,均高于晚发型对照组的1.00±0.28,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);但早发型子痫前期组与晚发型子痫前期组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).(4)早发型及晚发型子痫前期组新生儿脐血中FABP4水平分别为(92±10)及(100±8)ng/L,均低于晚发型对照组的(141±18)ng/L,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).早发型子痫前期组、晚发型子痫前期组及晚发型对照组新生儿出生体质量两两比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).相关性分析结果显示,脐血FABP4水平与孕妇血清FABP4及胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA表达水平均呈明显负相关(r分别为-0.882、-0.678,P<0.05),与新生儿出生体质量呈明显正相关(r=0.728,P<0.05).(5)早发型及晚发型子痫前期组孕妇血清中FABP4水平与胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA表达水平均呈明显正相关(r分别为0.609、0.403,P<0.05),与血TG(r分别为0.702、0.562),FINS(r分别为0.528、0.423),HOMA-IR(r分别为0.566、0.519),Cr(r分别为0.443、0.523),UA(r分别为0.438、0.413)均呈明显正相关(P<0.05),而与血HDL(r分别为-0.539、-0.498),GFR(r分别为-0.717、-0.778)均呈明显负相关(P<0.05).结论 子痫前期孕妇血清FABP4水平及胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA表达水平均明显升高,且两者呈明显正相关.提示FABP4水平升高可能是子痫的期发病的重要因素之一,而胎盘组织中FABP4 mRNA表达水平升高可能是导致子痫的期孕妇血清FABP4水平升高的主要原因.     

子痫前期孕妇胎盘组织中生长阻滞和DNA损伤45α基因的表达变化及其临床意义

目的 通过检测子痫前期孕妇胎盘组织中生长阻滞和DNA损伤45α(Gadd45α)基因的定位及表达变化,探讨其与子痫前期发病的关系.方法 选择2009年9月至2010年3月在重庆医科大学附属第一医院住院分娩的36例子痫前期孕妇为研究对象,按病情分为子痫前期轻度组(20例),子痫前期重度组(16例),另以同期择期行足月剖宫产术的18例健康孕妇为对照组.3组孕妇分娩后取胎盘组织标本,采用免疫组化链霉菌抗生物素蛋白-过氧化物酶连接(SP)法检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中Gadd45α蛋白的定位及分布,采用逆转录(RT)-PCR技术检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中Gadd45α mRNA表达水平,采用蛋白印迹(western blot)技术检测各组孕妇胎盘组织中Gadd45α蛋白的表达水平.结果 (1)子痫前期轻度组及重度组胎盘组织中均有Gadd45α蛋白表达,主要定位于胎盘滋养层细胞的胞质及胞核中,血管内皮细胞及少量间质细胞胞核也可见阳性染色;对照组胎盘组织中阳性染色较弱,且仅见于胎盘滋养层细胞中,血管内皮细胞中未见阳性染色.(2)子痫前期重度组及轻度组胎盘组织中Gadd45αmRNA表达水平分别为0.75±0.07及0.44±0.13,明显高于对照组的0.18±0.04,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);子痫前期重度组Gadd45α mRNA表达水平与子痫前期轻度组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(3)子痫前期重度组及轻度组胎盘组织中Gadd45α蛋白表达水平分别为1.34±0.17及0.65±0.15,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);两组也明显高于对照组的0.22±0.11,分别比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 子痫前期患者胎盘组织中Gadd45α mRNA和蛋白表达水平均明显高于健康孕妇,并且随子痫前期患者病情加重其表达上调;Gadd45α定位在与子痫前期发生密切相关的胎盘滋养层细胞中,Gadd45α基因可能参与了子痫前期的发生与发展.     

脂联素在子痫前期患者胎盘组织中的表达与其发病的关系

目的 探讨脂联素在子痫前期患者胎盘组织中的表达与其发病的关系.方法 采用免疫组化链霉菌抗生物蛋白-过氧化物连接(SP)法及RT-PCR技术,检测20例正常足月妊娠孕妇(正常妊娠组)、12例轻度子痫前期(轻度子痫前期组)及22例重度子痫前期(重度子痫前期组)患者胎盘组织中脂联素蛋白及其mRNA的表达,并分析其与子痫前期发病的关系.结果 (1)3组孕妇胎盘绒毛合体滋养细胞及细胞滋养细胞胞质内脂联素蛋白均呈阳性表达,且各组内胎盘母面及子面脂联素蛋白的表达水平相互比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).(2)重度子痫前期组胎盘组织中脂联素蛋白的表达水平(30 984±14 604)低于轻度子痫前期组(58 360±8910)及正常妊娠组(53 246±17 554),差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).重度子痫前期组中妊娠足月者胎盘组织中脂联素蛋白的表达水平(38 890±20 386)与未足月者(29 319±8997)比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);但与正常妊娠组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).(3)3组孕妇胎盘组织中均有脂联素mRNA的表达.其中重度子痫前期组胎盘组织中脂联素mRNA表达水平(1.0±0.2)低于轻度子痫前期组(2.9±0.8)及正常妊娠组(3.3±1.1),差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 重度子痫前期患者胎盘组织中脂联素mRNA表达水平下降导致其蛋白表达水平也下降,提示脂联素的异常表达参与了子痫前期的发病.     

胎盘内质网应激相关分子伴侣ERdj1与子痫前期发病的关系

目的:探讨胎盘组织中内质网应激相关分子伴侣ERdj1的mRNA及蛋白的表达,及其与子痫前期发病的关系.方法:收集剖宫产分娩36例孕妇的胎盘,其中正常足月妊娠妇女12例(正常对照组),轻度子痫前期患者12例(轻度子痫前期组),重度子痫前期患者12例(重度子痫前期组).应用透射电镜扫描观察子痫前期胎盘组织中滋养细胞内质网超微结构改变,通过RT-PCR技术检测胎盘组织中ERdj1 mRNA的表达,蛋白印迹法检测胎盘组织中ERdjl蛋白的表达.结果:①正常对照组胎盘滋养细胞中内质网体积无明显增大,内质网无肿胀;子痫前期组胎盘滋养细胞中内质网体积增大、扩张及液泡化.②轻、重度子痫前期组ERdj1 mRNA的表达水平(2.1327±0.4855,2.3064±0.1004)显著高于正常对照组(0.2809±0.0064),差异有高度统计学意义(P＜0.01);重度子痫前期组与轻度子痫前期组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).③轻、重度子痫前期组ERdj1蛋白表达水平(3.8412±0.8423,4.9421±0.9810)显著高于正常对照组(1.5678±0.2315),差异有高度统计学意义(P＜0.01);重度子痫前期组与轻度子痫前期组比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:子痫前期胎盘滋养细胞内质网有明显扩张及肿胀性改变;内质网应激相关分子伴侣ERdj1参与了子痫前期的病理生理过程,可能是子痫前期发病的重要机制之一.     

Alteration of vascularization in preeclamptic placentas measured by three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the alteration of vascularization in preeclamptic placentas measured by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound.

Methods: We performed a prospective study of placental vascularization and placental volume in 27 singleton pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and 41 normal pregnancies from 27 to 39 weeks of gestation. The placental volume was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging analysis program and 3D power histogram was used to calculate the placental vascular indices including vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI).

Results: Of the 27 preeclamptic pregnancies, 9 were complicated by intrauterine growth restriction and 15 were severe preeclampsia. Furthermore, nine of the preeclamptic pregnancies had abnormal end diastolic flow in the umbilical artery. No significant correlation was noted between the placental vascular indices and gestational age in normal pregnancies. The placental vascular indices including VI, FI and VFI were significantly lower in preeclamptic placentas compared with controls (VI, p?<?0.001; FI, p?=?0.022; VFI, p?<?0.001). Preeclamptic placental volume was also decreased compared with that of the controls (p?=?0.002). After adjustment for confounding factors, significant differences were observed in VI and placental volume. However, no correlation was found between 3D power Doppler vascular indices and umbilical artery flow velocities, and neither intrauterine growth restriction nor the severity of preeclampsia could be predicted by the vascular indices.

Conclusion: VI and placental volume are reduced in preeclamptic placenta. Placental vascular indices using 3D power Doppler ultrasound provide insights of placental vascularization in preeclampsia.     

Evaluation of the utero-placental circulation by three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound in the second trimester of normal pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To define normative data with three-dimensional (3D) Doppler ultrasound in the second trimester spiral arteries and placental volume blood flow. METHODS: An entry criterion was a documented singleton pregnancy at 14-25 weeks with normal outcome. Each patient had a 3D power Doppler exam. Automatic volume acquisition of the placental and spiral arteries blood flow was obtained. We calculated vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI). The patients were further divided into subgroups based on two gestational week intervals. The outcome measure was normal pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-nine patients were included in this study. Placental and spiral arteries vascular indices slowly increased indicating progressive development of vascular network and increase in the volume blood flow. The range for placental VI was 11.43-14.63, FI was 37.44-40 and VFI was 4.77-6.06. The range for spiral arteries VI was 19-20.91, FI was 39.66-41.1 and VFI was 8.49-8.92. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38.18 weeks. CONCLUSION: We defined normal 3D power Doppler vascular indices in pregnancies between 14 and 25 weeks of singleton gestation. The study indicated that placental and spiral arteries volume blood flow increased with the advancement of gestational age.     

Three-dimensional power Doppler indices of preeclamptic placentas correlated to umbilical artery Doppler and albuminuria

Purpose: To obtain three-dimensional power Doppler (3DPD) indices of placenta in pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia compared to normal pregnancies and correlated to umbilical artery Doppler and albuminuria.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Evaluation of placental vascular indices, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), was done using 3DPD in 80 preeclampsia pregnancies compared to 80 normal controls.

Results: 3DPD indices (VI, FI and VFI) of preeclampsia cases revealed lower values than controls (p?p?Conclusion: 3DPD indices of placental vasculature revealed lower values in preeclamptic pregnancies than normal pregnancies. Further studies are needed to discuss the possible role of 3DPD in predicting preeclampsia.     

An assessment of vascularity and flow intensity of the placenta in normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia using three-dimensional ultrasound

Objective.?To test the hypothesis that parameters of vascularity and flow intensity of the placenta as determined by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound, (1) are different in normal pregnancy compared to pre-eclampsia (2) decrease from the basal plate towards the chorionic plate.

Methods.?Twenty women with normal pregnancy and 17 women with pre-eclampisa were studied. 3D power Doppler ultrasound was used to acquire individual placental volumes. Rotational measurements of placental volumes were acquired using virtual organ computer aided analysis (VOCAL?). The power Doppler signals were then semi-quantified within ‘histogram facility’, which generates three vascularity and flow intensity parameters: flow index (FI), vascular index (VI) and vascularisation flow index (VFI).

Results.?FI, VI and VFI were lower in pre-eclampsia compared to normal pregnancy in all regions of the placenta. This difference was statistically significant in most regions of the placenta after accounting for gestational age, body mass index and placental site. We were not able to demonstrate a decreasing gradient of these parameters from basal plate to chorionic plate.

Conclusion.?3D ultrasound to assess placental vascularity and flow intensity appears to be an interesting research tool. However, other indices derived from Power Doppler may be more relevant to obstetric practice.     

Placental Vascular Sonobiopsy Using Three-dimensional Power Doppler Ultrasound in Normal and Growth Restricted Fetuses

ObjectiveTo investigate placental vascular sonobiopsy using three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound to assess placental vascularization in normal and growth restricted fetuses.MethodsPlacental vascular sonobiopsy using 3D power Doppler ultrasound with the VOCAL imaging analysis program was performed on 208 normal fetuses between 12 and 40 weeks of gestation and 13 pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) at 22–39 weeks' gestation. Only pregnancies with an entirely visualized anterior placenta were included in the study. 3D power Doppler indices related to placental vascularization (vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI)) were calculated in each placenta. Intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients and intra- and inter-observer agreements of measurements were assessed.ResultsA weak linear relationship was found between the gestational age and VI, FI, and VFI, respectively. VI values in 8 of 13 FGR pregnancies (61.5%), FI value in one FGR pregnancy (7.7%) and VFI values of 6 FGR pregnancies (46.2%) were below ?1.5SD of the reference ranges for VI, FI and VFI, respectively. After 32 weeks of gestation, VI, FI, and VFI values in 10 FGR pregnancies were significantly lower compared to 79 normal pregnancies, respectively (P < 0.01). All 3D power Doppler indices (VI, FI and VFI) showed a correlation greater than 0.85, with good intra- and inter-observer agreements.ConclusionOur findings suggest that placental vascular sonobiopsy using 3D power Doppler ultrasound may provide new information on the assessment of placental vascularization in normal and FGR pregnancies, while placental perfusion is reduced in FGR compared to normal pregnancy. However, the data and its interpretation in our study should be taken with some degree of caution because of the small number of FGR subjects studied. Further studies involving a larger sample size of FGR pregnancies are needed to confirm the usefulness of placental vascular sonobiopsy using 3D power Doppler ultrasound in clinical practice.     

Reproducibility of the study of placental vascularization by three-dimensional power Doppler

AIMS: To assess the reproducibility of 3D power Doppler study of placental vascularization in order to establish its methodological bases for its further application in normal and pathological pregnancies. METHODS: A prospective study was carried on 30 normal singleton pregnancies from 14 to 40 weeks. To evaluate placental vascularization 3D power Doppler was applied to obtain a "placental biopsy". The spherical volume acquired was analyzed using the VOCAL imaging program. Two consecutive measurements were taken from each patient by a single observer, obtaining a total of 60 datasets. Placental volume (PV), Mean Gray (MG), Vascularization Index (VI), Flow Index (FI) and Vascularization Flow Index (VFI) were calculated. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and intra-observer agreement was evaluated. RESULTS: PV and MG presented an ICC of 0.98 and 0.94 respectively, with differences approaching zero. All 3D power Doppler vascular indices (VI, FI and VFI) showed a correlation greater than 0.85, with a better intra-observer agreement for the flow indices (FI and VFI). CONCLUSIONS: Placental vascular biopsy through 3D power Doppler is a new and simple tool to routinely study placental vascularization in human pregnancy. Our results provide the validation of the technique demonstrating a good reproducibility of the 3D power Doppler parameters when applied to the study of the placental vascular tree in normal pregnancies.     

3D power Doppler ultrasound assessment of placental perfusion during uterine contraction in labor

IntroductionTo assess placental perfusion during spontaneous or induced uterine contraction in labor at term using placental vascular sonobiopsy (PVS) by 3D power Doppler ultrasound with the VOCAL imaging analysis program.MethodPVS was performed in 50 normal pregnancies (32 in spontaneous labor group [SLG], and 18 in induced labor group with oxytocin or prostaglandin F_2α [ILG]) at 37–41 weeks of gestation to assess placental perfusion during uterine contraction in labor. Only pregnancies with an entirely visualized anterior placenta were included in the study. Data acquisition was performed before, during (at the peak of contraction), and after uterine contraction. 3D power Doppler indices such as the vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI) were calculated in each placenta.ResultsThere were no abnormal fetal heart rate tracings during contraction in either group. VI and VFI values were significantly reduced during uterine contraction in both groups (SLG, −33.4% [−97.0–15.2%], and ILG, −49.6% [−78.2–−4.0%]), respectively (P < 0.001). The FI value in the ILG group was significantly lower during uterine contraction (P = 0.035), whereas it did not change during uterine contraction in the SLG group. After uterine contraction, all vascular indices returned almost to the same level as that before uterine contraction. However, the FI value in ILG (−8.6%, [−19.7–16.0%]) was significantly lower than that in SLG (2.4%, [−13.4–38.1%]) after uterine contraction (P < 0.05). All 3D power Doppler indices (VI, FI, and VFI) during uterine contraction (at the peak of contraction) showed a correlation greater than 0.7, with good intra- and inter-observer agreements.DiscussionOur findings suggest that uterine contraction in both spontaneous and induced labors causes a significant reduction in placental perfusion. Reduced placental blood flow in induced uterine contraction has a tendency to be marked compared with that in spontaneous uterine contraction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the non-invasive assessment of placental perfusion during uterine contraction in labor using 3D power Doppler ultrasound. However, the data and their interpretation in the present study should be taken with some degree of caution because of the small number of subjects studied. Further studies involving a larger sample size are needed to assess placental perfusion and vascularity using PVS during normal and abnormal uterine contractions in normal and high-risk pregnancies.     

Novel placental ultrasound assessment: Potential role in pre-gestational diabetic pregnancy

Objectives

Management of women with pre-gestational diabetes continues to be challenging for clinicians. This study aims to determine if 3D power Doppler (3DPD) analysis of placental volume and flow, and calculation of placental calcification using a novel software method, differ between pregnancies with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and normal controls, and if there is a relationship between these ultrasound placental parameters and clinical measures in diabetics.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 50 women with diabetes and 250 controls (12–40 weeks gestation). 3DPD ultrasound was used to evaluate placental volume, vascularisation index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularisation-flow index (VFI). Placental calcification was calculated by computer analysis. Results in diabetics were compared with control values, and correlated with early pregnancy HbA1c, Doppler results and placental histology.

Results

Placental calcification and volume increased with advancing gestation in pre-gestational diabetic placentae. Volume was also found to be significantly higher than in normal placentae. VI and VFI were significantly lower in diabetic pregnancies between 35 and 40 weeks gestation. A strong relationship was seen between a larger placental volume and both increasing umbilical artery pulsatility index and decreasing middle cerebral artery pulsatility index. FI was significantly lower in cases which had a booking HbA1c level ≥6.5%. Ultrasound assessed placental calcification was reduced with a histology finding of delayed villous maturation. No other correlation with placental histology was found.

Conclusions

This study shows a potential role for 3D placental evaluation, and computer analysis of calcification, in monitoring pre-gestational diabetic pregnancies.     

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。     

Comparison of placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices and volume in the first and the second trimesters of pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective: To compare the changes of placental three-dimensional power Doppler indices and volume in the first and the second trimesters of pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: This was a prospective case-control study of singleton pregnancies with risk factors for GDM. Data on placental vascular indices including vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI), as well as placental volume were obtained and analyzed during the first and the second trimesters between pregnant women with and without GDM.

Results: Of the 155 pregnant women enrolled, 31 developed GDM and 124 did not. VI and VFI were significantly lower in the GDM group during the first and second trimesters (VI: p?=?.023, and VFI: p?=?.014 in the first trimester; VI: p?=?.049, and VFI: p?=?.031 in the second trimester). However, the placental volume was similar in both the groups during the first trimester, while it was significantly increased in the GDM group during the second trimester (p?=?.022). There were no significant differences in FI and uterine artery pulsatility index between the two groups. After adjustments in multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant differences were observed in the first trimester VFI (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.93), second trimester VFI (adjusted or 0.83, 95%CI 0.71–0.96), and second trimester placental volume (adjusted or 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05).

Conclusions: Placental vascular indices can provide an insight into placental vascularization in GDM during early pregnancy. VFI rather than placental volume may be a sensitive sonographic marker in the first trimester of GDM placentas.