Cribado de aneuploidía en gestación gemelar: resultados de la aplicación del test combinado

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Combined Test for trisomy 21 screening in twin pregnancies. To assess the performance of biochemical markers and nuchal translucency (NT) measurement in pregnancies with euploid fetuses and in twin pregnancies with one or two affected fetuses. To compare the value of markers according to chorionicity and the mode of conception.

Material and methods

Retrospective study including 161 twin pregnancies. Maternal serum fß-hCG and PAPP-A were determined at 8 to 12 weeks and fetal NT was measured at 11 to 14 weeks. The individual risk of trisomy 21 was calculated in each fetus using the Combined Test. In monochorionic pregnancies, the single risk for the pregnancy was obtained with the largest NT. An invasive diagnostic procedure was offered when the risk was 1:250 or more in one or both of the fetuses.

Results

All trisomy 21 pregnancies were identified (three pregnancies and four fetuses) by the combined testfor a false-positive rate of 6.4% of pregnancies and 3.5% of fetuses. The median fß-hCG level, expressed in MoM, was 1.72 and the median PAPP-A level was 2.01. The median NT was 1.05 MoM. Both fß-hCG and PAPP-A levels were significantly decreased in monochorionic pregnancies and PAPP-A was significantly decreased in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproduction. No significant differences were observed in NT measurement between monochorionic and dichorionic fetuses or between those conceived naturally or by assisted reproduction.

Conclusions

The combined test shows high sensitivity and specificity in screening for trisomy 21 in twin pregnancies. The differences obtained in the biochemical markers according to chorionicity or the mode of conception require confirmation in further studies with a larger number or cases.     

Enfermedad renal: urinoma. A propósito de un caso

Objective

Fetal ultrasound enables us to diagnose and follow the progress of obstructive uropathies including the occurrence of fetal urinomas.

Subject and methods

We report a case of hydronephrosis diagnosed in the second trimester with evolution urinoma.

Results

Patient at 21.4 weeks’ gestation showed in fetal ultrasound a left hydronephrosis grade II. At 27.5w showed a left hydronephrosis with a retroperitoneal fluid collection perirenal 40 × 50 × 30 mm and distortion of the kidney morphology compatible with urinoma.

Conclusions

the prenatal occurrence of an urinoma is often associated with the postnatal absence of function of the involved kidney.     

Anticoagulación en gestantes portadoras de prótesis mecánicas

Objective

To study distinct anticoagulation regimens in pregnant women with prosthetic heart valves.

Subjects and methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the required levels of anticoagulation prophylaxis, timing of the introduction of oral anticoagulation and its substitution by heparins, and the maternal and fetal risks associated with different anticoagulation regimens.

Results

A target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5-3.5 should be achieved. Although consensus on the heparin of choice is lacking, heparin dose requirements should be based on anti-factor Xa levels (around 1.0 U/mL) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (2-3 times control value). The risk of thrombosis in heparin-treated patients is approximately 7%, while the incidence of heparin embryopathy ranges from 1.6-7.4%. The switch from oral anticoagulation to heparin should be made no later than at weeks 35-36 of pregnancy.

Conclusions

The nticoagulation therapy of choice in the first trimester of pregnancy cannot currently be established. Prospective and randomized studies are required to determine the advisability of one treatment over the other     

Correlación entre la medición ecográfica del cordón umbilical y la edad gestacional,su relación con la biometría fetal y los resultados perinatales

Aim

(a) To evaluate the umbilical cord in normal pregnancies using ultrasonography in the third trimester with a view to obtaining gestational age values according to reference tables. (b) To compare umbilical cord measurements with fetal biometry, length, weight and perinatal outcomes to determine whether this type of correlation exists in our population and whether it could be used to establish values of normality that would help to diagnose abnormalities.

Material and methods

From Juny 2001 to June 2002 we studied 48 pregnat women that have been controlled by ultrasound from week 28 to 38 of gestation. We just included patients with normal and controlled pregnancies, without any associated pathology. We obtain biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femoral long measurement, and umbilical cord diameter through a transversal cut of the umbilical area. Gestational age was obtain by last menstruation and by ultrasound according with biometry. measurement of the umbilical cord was compared with a nomogram of the gestational age (GA) performed by the Obstetric and Gynaecology Department of the Insubria University in Italy.We registered the type of birth the GA at birth, APGAR score length, weight, cephalic diameter, and eventually complications. For calculate the normal umbilical cord area according to the gestational age by last menstruation we use the Raio et al equations to construct the corresponding nomogram. It was apply statistics methods with an alfa of 5%.

Results

LMP-based gestational age was highly correlated with ultrasound measurements. Theoretical UCA was not correlated with observed UCA. Only 54.2% of UCAs were found to be within the 5th and 95th percentiles (P =0.001), and consequently only two-thirds of the patients were within the parameters of normality. No correlation was found between UCA and gestational age, when attempting to construct a nomogram for our population (P=.99). No association was found between UCA and fetal biometry parameters. No significant correlation was found with weight, length, head circumference or gestational age at delivery. Apgar score was favorable and stable in all neonates; Apgar score was thus considered a constant and was not correlated with UCA. UCA was significantly lower in women who underwent cesarean section than in those with normal deliveries (P<.05).

Conclusion

UCA was not correlated with gestational age, fetal biometry or perinatal outcomes. Values in our population cannot be extrapolated to existing nomograms.     

Implantación de una política de episiotomía selectiva en el Hospital de Baza. Resultados materno-fetales

Objective

To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes associated with the selective use of episiotomy.

Methods

A retrospective analytical study of births attended in the Hospital of Baza (Granada, Spain).

Results

Episiotomy rates fell from 69% (89% of nulliparas and 51.75% of multiparas) to 20% (35.7% of nulliparas and 8.43% of multiparas). Association tests showed that episiotomy was associated with nulliparity, maternal age in nulliparas, epidural analgesia, instrumental delivery and lithotomy position. Selective episiotomy did not affect neonatal Apgar scores. Different lithotomy positions reduced the performance of episiotomy and protected against severe lacerations. A selective episiotomy policy helped to preserve the perineum intact but also increased grade I and II perineal tears.

Conclusions

The implementation of a selective episiotomy policy favors humanized birth and helps to preserve the perineum intact, without worsening maternal and fetal outcomes.     

Análisis de coste-efectividad de la prueba de citología cervicovaginal

Introduction

Cervical cancer is a major public health concern, causing approximately 10% of deaths from cancer in women worldwide.

Objective

To determine the cost-effectiveness ratio of liquid-based cytology compared with the conventional cytological smear test for the detection of precancerous lesions of the cervix.

Methods

A decision analysis model was constructed from the perspective of the public healthcare system. The alternatives compared were conventional and liquid-based cytology. The economic evaluation compared the short-term effectiveness and cost of testing. The measures of effectiveness used were the yield of the test (the proportion of correctly identified cases of cervical lesion in the population) and the «adjusted yield» (the proportion of cases identified minus false negatives). Data on diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) and prevalence were obtained from a meta-analysis. Cost values were provided by the Virgen de las Nieves Hospital (Granada, Spain). To assess the uncertainty of the variables included in the model, several univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out.

Results

The incremental cost of liquid-based cytology compared with conventional cytology was €919.49 for each cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) or higher-stage lesion found. When the adjusted yield was used as the measure of effectiveness, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio increased to €574 per lesion identified.     

Cribado combinado del síndrome de Down: validación del riesgo estimado por Fetaltest

Objective

To validate empirically the risk for Down syndrome estimated by Fetaltest using biochemical markers in the first trimester (PAPP-A and free beta subunit of hCG) and nuchal translucency.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of the data from 15,009 pregnant women screened for Down Syndrome in the first trimester, included in the database prospectively maintained by the Fetaltest multicenter study, and completed before December 31, 2007. The study included 39 cases of Down syndrome detected either prenatally or postnatally, and used a previously established analysis method.

Results

The correlation between predicted risk and the observed prevalence of Down syndrome was very high (r = 0.999967).

Conclusions

The risk estimated by Fetaltest agrees closely with the observed prevalence of Down syndrome. Therefore, this calculation system is valid and can be used with confidence when counseling pregnant women in our environment.     

Aportación del Doppler de la arteria cerebral media y del genotipado RHD fetal en el manejo de la isoinmunización

Objective

To assess the clinical application of non-invasive methods in the management of alloimmunization from 2006 to 2010.

Subjects and methods

Seventy pregnancies with risk of fetal anemia were studied by fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV). The efficacy of MCA-PSV was compared between the first, second and third transfusions. Prenatal testing of fetal RHD blood group using maternal blood was performed in pregnancies followed-up in our center.

Results

Fetal blood sampling was performed in 22 pregnancies; of these, fetal transfusion was carried out in 20. Detection rates and the false-positive rate of MCA-PSV in the prediction of severe or moderate fetal anemia were 89% and 15% in pregnancies with no previous transfusions, 100% and 41% in patients with one previous transfusion, and 40% and 24% when more than one transfusion was performed.

Conclusion

MCA-PSV has high sensitivity when there is one previous fetal transfusion but its specificity is lower.     

Marcadores bioquímicos de cromosomopatía,pregnancy associated plasma proteína-A y fracción β de hormona gonadotropina coriónica humana,como predictores de alteraciones del crecimiento fetal

Objective

The principal aim of this study was to analyze the possible association between prenatal biochemical markers used in prenatal screening for aneuploidy, (pregnancy associated plasma protein A [PAPP-A] and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) and low birth weight.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent first trimester screening for aneuploidies. The first and fifth percentiles in our population were calculated for each main variable. We used the chi-square test to assess the relationship between the distinct variables.

Results

A total of 987 patients were included. There were three stillbirths (0.3%) and 10 midtrimester miscarriages (1%). Of 974 live births, body weight was under the 10^th percentile (p) in 84 (8.5%) and was under the third percentile in 21 (2.1%). There was a statistically significant association between low maternal serum PAPP-A and low birth weight.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that the biochemical markers used in prenatal screening for aneuploidy also predict low birth weight and can be used in clinical practice to provide an early diagnosis and improve the management of this entity.     

Embolización de las arterias uterinas en hematoma disecante de la episiotomía

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage is a potentially serious complication and includes bruising of the birth canal. It is vitally important that the diagnosis and treatment take place at an early stage.

Case

We report a serious case of bruising of the birth canal that required selective embolization after unsuccessful local surgical treatment, with hypovolemic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Conclusion

Embolization requires an infrastructure and technology that are available in tertiary care hospitals. Early diagnosis allows embolization to be performed in hemodynamically stable patients. Uterine artery embolization in expert hands enables future fertility to be preserved with few complications.     

Evolución y manejo intrauterino de las taquicardias fetales

Objective

To review the intrauterine management and outcome of fetal tachycardia.

Methods

A total of 23 fetuses with distinct types of tachycardia, diagnosed at a median gestational age of 30.2 weeks, were included. The inclusion criteria were fetal tachycardia diagnosed prenatally, and complete, long-term follow-up in utero and after birth in the Obstetrics Department, La Fe University Hospital, Valencia, Spain from 2002 to 2010. Data from included pregnancies were collected from a review of the patients’ medical records.

Results

Of 23 fetuses with fetal tachycardia diagnosed in utero, 18 (78.26%) had supraventricular tachycardia, two (8.69%) had atrial flutter and three (13.04%) had tachycardia of unknown origin. Six fetuses (26.08%) developed hydrops. Of the 23 fetuses, 13 (56.52%) received digoxin, one (4.34%) digoxin with amiodarone, two (8.69%) digoxin with flecainide and one (4.34%) received flecainide alone. The initial treatment was adjusted in 15 fetuses (65.21%). The tachycardia was reverted in nine fetuses. Eleven pregnancies (47.82%) ended at full term by vaginal delivery. A cesarean section was performed in 12 women (52.17%).

Conclusion

Our data are consistent with current evidence that a significant proportion of fetal tachycardias can be treated successfully by transplacental administration of antiarrhythmic drugs. The first-line treatment is digoxin, which can be associated with flecainide. The long-term prognosis for fetuses diagnosed with tachycardia is excellent, with the abnormal rhythm resolving spontaneously during pregnancy in a high percentage of cases.     

La malformación arteriovenosa uterina. Una lesión más frecuente y grave de lo sospechado

Introduction

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is more common than it is reported to be and is a potentially life-threatening condition often secondary to uterine trauma or pregnancy. Congenital origin is also reported but is less common.

Material and methods

Eight cases are described.

Results and discussion

AVM is characterised by the presence of an intra-myometrial arteriovenous skein. Congenital cases may extend to vascular zones of the minor pelvis and/or other organs. The onset of AVMs is usually severe bleeding. Doppler ultrasound is the first diagnosis approach, but, angiography remains the gold standard for diagnostic evaluation. A previous negative pregnancy test is a “sine qua non” condition. Embolization is the more acceptable form of treatment. The therapeutic advances in their diagnosis and treatment are described, based on 8 personal cases.     

Conocimiento de los mecanismos de acción de los métodos de planificación familiar

Objective

To investigate women's knowledge of the mechanisms of action of birth control methods, especially those that act after fertilization, and to identify whether women want more information on this issue.

Methods

We performed a cross sectional study in a sample of 725 fertile women from primary care health centers in Pamplona (Spain) through a self-administered, anonymous, 30-item questionnaire on family planning. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Less than 5% knew all the mechanisms of action of oral contraceptives and the intrauterine device and only 7% knew those of the emergency contraception pill. Regardless of their beliefs, most women (91%) believed that they should be informed of any postfertilization effects.

Conclusions

To ensure their right to free choice,women should be informed of all the mechanisms of action of birth control methods.     

Comparación de la efectividad de la pulsioximetría y el electrocardiograma fetal en las situaciones de riesgo de pérdida de bienestar fetal

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of pulse oximetry and fetal electrocardiogram in the management of labor with fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being.

Subjects and methods

We performed an open, randomized, experimental trial with two groups: pulse oximetry was used in one group and the STAN® technique was used in the other. Each group included 40 women with single, term pregnancies in cephalic presentation and fetal heart rate patterns associated with a risk of loss of fetal well-being. The overall cesarean section rate, indications of risk of fetal distress, and neonatal acid-base balance were evaluated.

Results

No significant differences were found in the rate of cesarean section (47.5 vs 40%; P = .33), indications of risk of fetal distress (32.5 vs 37.5%; P = .41), or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions

The use of pulse oximetry and STAN®21, as auxiliary methods to cardiotocographic recording, showed no superiority in reducing the cesarean section rate or improving neonatal outcomes.     

Resultados de 1.000 cirugías ginecológicas laparoscópicas sucesivas

Objectives

To review the indications and outcomes of 1,000 consecutive laparoscopic surgeries.

Material and methods

We carried out an observational, retrospective study of the first 1,000 gynecological laparoscopic procedures performed in our hospital. Data on complications and conversions were recorded.

Results

Between January 2005 and November 2011, we performed 1000 laparoscopic surgeries: 452 (45.2%) ovarian procedures, 200 (20%) hysterectomies for benign causes, 105 (10.5%) gynecological neoplasms, 88 (8.8%) tubal ligations, 75 (7.5%) diagnostic laparoscopies, 56 (5.6%) myomectomies, 19 (1.9%) sacropexies and 5 (0.5%) appendectomies. There were 22 major complications (2.2%) and 32 conversions to open surgery (3.2%).

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach to gynecological surgery is safe and effective.     

Cribado combinado para la detección de trisomía 21 en el primer trimestre de la gestación. Impacto sobre la tasa de procedimientos invasivos de diagnóstico prenatal tras 5 años de implementación

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of first-trimester combined screening in the prenatal detection of Down syndrome after 5 years of use in our hospital and its impact in reducing invasive diagnostic tests.

Material and methods

The risk of fetal chromosomal anomalies was assessed in 10,669 pregnancies with first-trimester combined screening between May 2006 and December 2010. The cut-off to indicate an invasive diagnostic test was 1/270. The amniocenteses performed between 2005 and 2010 were also analyzed.

Results

The detection rate of screening for trisomy 21 was 90% and the false-positive rate was 3.56%. In pregnant women aged 35 years or more, the detection rate was 96.7%. In 2005 there were 496 amniocenteses. In 2010, 5 years after the introduction of screening, 148 amniocenteses were performed, representing a 70% reduction in invasive procedures.

Conclusions

The introduction of combined screening in our environment has proven effective for the detection of trisomy 21 and has substantially reduced the use of invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. The use of advanced maternal age as an isolated criterion to indicate invasive techniques to study fetal karyotype should be questioned if high-quality universal screening is to be offered.     

Muerte fetal: experiencia de 10 años en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile

Objetive

To know Fetal Mortality Rate during ten years in the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.

Material and methods

Intermedial and Late Fetal Mortality Rate (IFMR-LFMR) for Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile for the period between 1994 to 2004 were analyzed. The information was obtained from clinical date.

Results

IFMR: 1,43/1000, LFMR 4,28/1000. Causes of intrauterine fetal death were: maternal diseases (39%), placental and funicular accident (36%), structural abnormality (19%) and hypoxia (10%).

Conclusion

LFMR in this study is the same that the Chilean reality (4,3/1000).     

Resucitación fetal intrauterina

Introduction

Intrauterine fetal resuscitation includes a series of procedures performed in the mother to improve fetal oxygenation by correcting the cause of fetal compromise manifested by non-reassuring fetal heart rate.

Material and Methods

A literature review was performed with evaluation of the scientific evidence for the techniques traditionally used for this purpose (maternal position, intravenous fluids, oxygen, intrapartum tocolysis and amnioinfusion).

Results

Although the evidence could be more robust, there are sufficient data to suggest that these techniques benefit the fetus, and the risk of harm is minimal when used with common sense. These procedures do not reverse the state of fetal hypoxia but can help to improve fetal oxygenation during the process of preparing for delivery.

Conclusion

Until more data are available, it seems reasonable to err on the side of fetal safety by using these techniques when appropriate, based on the specific fetal heart rate pattern or any other intrapartum fetal surveillance test.     

Predicción de anemia fetal por isoinmunización tras transfusiones intrauterinas. Revisión de los casos tratados en nuestra unidad

Objetive

Evaluate the intrauterine blood transfusions performed in fetuses with anemia due to red blood cell alloimmunization in our unit and the detection rate of the middle cerebral artery Doppler to predict anemia after the first transfusion.

Material and methods

We performed 53 intrauterine blood transfusions in 15 patients with red blood cell alloimmunization. We analyze the characteristics of the cases and the value of the middle cerebral artery Doppler to predict fetal anemia.

Results

The detection rate of fetal anemia with the peak systolic velocity Doppler in the middle cerebral artery was 85% after the first transfusion and 72% after the second or more. There were no false positive results of the test in our series.

Conclusions

Doppler evaluation of the middle cerebral artery as predictor of fetal anemia has a lower detection rate after consecutive transfusions.