Polycystic ovary syndrome and low-grade inflammation with special reference to YKL-40

Objective: To evaluate the plasma level of YKL-40 in a Danish polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) population and to investigate whether YKL-40 is associated with CVD risk factors such as waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance (IR), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, blood lipids and CRP.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Gynecological clinics at three Danish University Hospitals.

Patients: One hundred seventy-one premenopausal women with PCOS recruited consecutively from April 2010 to February 2012. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria.

Main outcome measures: Plasma level of YKL-40 in four phenotypes of PCOS defined by BMI and IR.

Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the plasma level of YKL-40 across the four BMI/IR-phenotypes. Positive associations were observed between YKL-40 and BMI, total and free testosterone, triglycerides, and CRP. Total and free testosterone were independent predictors of YKL-40.

Conclusion: YKL-40, the marker of low-grade inflammation is not increased in women with PCOS.     

ß-hCG and prediction of therapeutic success in ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate,results from a prospective observational study

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of different beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (ß-hCG) levels measurement, for predicting success of medical treatment in cases diagnosed as tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP).

Design: Five-year prospective observational study.

Setting: Prenatal Diagnosis Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital – Barcelona.

Patients: TEP cases fulfilling criteria for medical treatment with Methotrexate.

Interventions: ß-hCG levels were measured on d 0, 4 and 7 of treatment. Results were compared by non-parametrical tests. A ROC curve was plotted to define cut-off points. Diagnostic accuracy of the different measurements was evaluated.

Main outcome measure: Failure of treatment defined as need for surgical treatment or persistence of high ß-HCG levels despite treatment.

Results: 126 women were diagnosed as TEP, eligible for medical treatment. There were no differences in parity, age, previous TEP, or adnexal mass size. Success rate was 88%. ß-HCG decreased significantly more, between days 0–7 and 4–7, in the successful cases. LR for success prediction was 6.2 and 7.8 for ß-HCG levels at days 4 and 7 respectively, 4.02 and 2.47 for decrement between days 0–7 (25%) and 4–7 (20%), respectively.

Conclusion: ß-hCG cutoff values have a potential for predicting a successful medical treatment of TEP.     

The influence of psychological factors on postpartum weight retention 12 months post-birth

Background

During the first postpartum year 20% of women retain excessive weight from pregnancy (postpartum weight retention; PPWR), which predicts long-term overweight/obesity.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between psychological factors (depression, anxiety and stress symptoms and body attitudes) in late gestation and at 12-months postpartum with PPWR one-year post-birth.

Methods

Pregnant women (N = 176) completed questionnaires in early–mid pregnancy (Time 1; mean (SD) = 16.97 (1.35) weeks), late pregnancy (Time 2; mean (SD) = 33.33 (2.05) weeks), and one year postpartum (Time 3; mean (SD) = 53.12 (3.34) weeks). Women provided demographic characteristics, height and pre-pregnancy weight at Time 1. At Times 2 and 3, weight, depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms and body attitudes (salience of weight and shape, attractiveness, feeling fat, and strength and fitness) were assessed in addition to physiological, socio-contextual and lifestyle factors. Gestational weight gain and PPWR were calculated. Hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to explore variance in 12-month PPWR.

Results

Overall, models explained 26–39% variance in PPWR. Gestational weight gain in late pregnancy and low attractiveness at 12 months postpartum were the only variables associated significantly with 12-month PPWR.

Conclusion

While psychological factors did not appear to be important direct contributors to PPWR at 12 months, the overall contribution of all variables suggests that such factors may be implicated in a small and incremental way. Exploration of the interactions between variables will help unpack potential mechanisms of the development of PPWR at 12 months post-birth.     

Role of intraluminal bowel echogenicity on prenatal ultrasounds to determine the anatomical level of intestinal atresia

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between different degrees of bowel intraluminal echogenicity showed by prenatal ultrasounds and the anatomic level of intestinal atresia.

Methods: We report three cases of intestinal atresia at different intestinal levels verified during the neonatal surgery with specific ultrasonographic prenatal features. Intensity of sonolucency was analyzed using the image-processing program ImageJ for quantitative measurements based on the gray-scale intensity values.

Results: A total of three cases are reported, a jejunal, an ileal and a colonic atresia. All cases showed intestinal dilatation. Both, jejunal and ileal atresia, showed two degrees of hypoechoic intestinal content, while colonic atresia showed hyperechogenic content dilated loop at prenatal ultrasound scan.

Conclusions: We propose the use of prenatal ultrasounds echogenicity of intestinal dilated loop fluid content to help in determining the level of obstruction in bowel atresia. These are initial results, to be confirmed by a multicentric research with more cases.     

Fetal and neonatal abnormalities due to congenital rubella syndrome: a review of literature

Objective: Rubella virus infection during the first trimester of pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). We aimed to describe the abnormalities in order to define the ultrasound features to look for when performing prenatal scans. The goal of this review is to focus specifically on the signs of CRS accessible to prenatal diagnosis.

Methods: We analyzed every case of CRS described before and/or after birth that we identified in the Pubmed database and classified them as accessible or not to prenatal diagnosis.

Results: The most frequently reported malformations accessible to prenatal diagnosis were: cardiac septal defects, pulmonary artery stenosis, microcephaly, cataract, microphtalmia, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Conclusion: This extensive literature review shows that the ultrasound features of CRS are not well known, even though rubella was the first teratogenic virus described. This review will help clinicians in the management of rubella during pregnancy by clarifying the findings to be sought.     

Transcervical Foley’s catheter versus Cook balloon for cervical ripening in stillbirth with a scarred uterus: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of the use of transcervical Foley’s catheter versus Cook cervical ripening balloon in pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: El Minia University Hospital, El Minia, Egypt.

Patients and methods: Two-hundred pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus were recruited into this study. They were randomized into two groups. In group I (n?=?100), cervical ripening was done using Foley’s catheter. In group II (n?=?100), cervical ripening was done using Cook cervical ripening balloon.

Main outcome measures: Balloon insertion to delivery interval, successful ripening rate, cesarean delivery rate, maternal adverse events and maternal satisfaction.

Results: Time from balloon insertion to expulsion and from balloon insertion to delivery was significantly shorter in Foley’s catheter group. However, the difference between the two groups regarding time from balloon insertion to active labor, time from balloon expulsion to delivery, cervical ripening, cesarean section, instrumental delivery, pain score, need for analgesia, hospital stay and maternal satisfaction was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Foley’s catheter and Cook cervical ripening balloon are comparable regarding efficacy and safety profile when used to ripen the cervix in pregnant women with stillbirth, unfavorable cervix and scarred uterus. However, Foley’s catheter has a shorter induction to delivery interval and is relatively cheaper device.     

Little beneficial effect of maternal vitamin supplement on metabolic disturbances in the offspring from the obese mother mice

Objective: To examine whether vitamin supplement before and during pregnancy alters the detrimental effect of maternal obesity on the offspring.

Methods: Obese C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups and fed with the control, vitamin D, folic acid or multivitamin supplement diet before and during pregnancy. Physiologic and biochemical variables were obtained.

Results: No significant differences were observed in glucose and lipid variables among offspring from each maternal obese group.

Conclusions: Overall, vitamin D, folic acid or multivitamin supplement cannot ameliorate the detrimental effect of maternal obesity on the metabolic disturbances in the offspring.     

Role of ultrasound in the management of diabetes in pregnancy

The purpose of this review is to discuss the established role of ultrasound (US) in the management of pregnancy complicated by diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as new developments with regard to the use of US in this situation. We choose to explore the role of US in pregnancy complicated by DM in three areas:

(1) Role of US in estimation of fetal weight.

(2) Role of US in diagnosis of congenital malformation.

(3) Role of US in monitoring diabetic pregnant patients.     

Micronized progesterone reduces vasoconstriction in the placenta

Objective: To investigate if micronized progesterone (P4) has the ability to attenuate thromboxane mimetic U46619-mediated fetoplacental artery vasoconstriction.

Methods: Paired cotyledons obtained from the same placenta of five-term subjects were analyzed. The fetal artery and maternal intervillous space of one cotyledon was infused with P4 while another cotyledon was infused with control perfusate. After 30?min, a bolus dose of U44619 was administered to both cotyledons.

Results: The change in the measured fetoplacental vascular pressure caused by bolus administration of U46619 was less in the cotyledons infused with P4 (p?=?0.009).

Conclusion: Continuous treatment with P4 significantly attenuates the U46619-mediated fetoplacental vasoconstriction.     

Support for family diversity: a three-country study

Objective: To understand levels of support for differences between families in terms of sexuality and mode of family formation across three countries.

Background: Previous research has found that attitudes towards family diversity continue to improve over time, although differences remain.

Methods: Subjects were 1605 people living in Australia, the United Kingdom or the United States who completed a questionnaire which sought to explore levels of support for a diverse range of family forms and modes of family formation.

Results: Religiosity, political leanings and beliefs about the importance of genetic relatedness were all correlated with level of support. Gender of participant was a predictor of level of support. Cluster analysis indicated three clusters (unsupportive, neutral and supportive) for level of support, for which both sexuality and parent status were predictors.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the normative status of reproductive heterosex, and demonstrate the considerable value accorded to genetic relatedness.     

Ultrasound evaluation of cortical brain development in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction

Objective: We evaluated the ultrasound appearance of brain volume and cortical development in fetuses with early growth restriction and placental insufficiency.

Methods: We examined a cohort of 20 fetuses with severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and evidence of placental insufficiency by three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound between 24 and 34 weeks. We graded cortical development and measured the supratentorial intracranial volume. The cortical grading and volume were compared to data obtained from a reference population of 28 adequate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses.

Results: Ultrasound examinations were performed in 20 fetuses with IUGR. The biometry and brain volume were significantly reduced in IUGR fetuses. There was evidence of accelerated cortical development in IUGR fetuses.

Conclusion: This study confirms that the smaller brain volume in IUGR fetuses, with normal or accelerated cortical maturation as previously depicted with postnatal MRI examination, can be demonstrated by prenatal 3D ultrasound.     

The effects of isolated single umbilical artery on first and second trimester aneuploidy screening test parameters

Objective: Reliability of first and second trimester screening tests largely depends on accurate estimation of maternal serum marker values. Reduced reliability could lead redundant invasive tests or misdiagnosis. Adjustments of serum marker values for confounding factors like insulin-dependent diabetes, maternal weight or maternal rhesus status are essential. We aimed to investigate whether isolated single umbilical artery alters first and second trimester test parameters or not.

Methods: Routine detailed obstetric ultrasonographies performed were retrospectively screened for this study. Among spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies, women who were found to have single umbilical artery without any additional structural anomalies or aneuploidies were selected.

First and second trimester screening test results were accessible for 98 and 102 of the cases with isolated single umbilical artery, respectively.

Results: Among first trimester screening test parameters, PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) MoMs were found significantly higher in isolated single umbilical artery group. AFP MoMs were found significantly elevated in isolated single umbilical artery group in second trimester quadruple tests.

Conclusion: Existence of single umbilical artery could alter the estimation of MoM values of maternal serum markers. Reliability of prenatal screening tests could be improved by adjusting these parameters in accordance with isolated single umbilical artery.     

Comparison between resveratrol and cabergoline in preventing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a rat model

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of resveratrol in a rat model of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and compare with cabergoline.

Design: Randomized controlled, animal study.

Animal(s): Female Wistar rats.

Material and methods: A rat OHSS model was used to investigate the effects of resveratrol compare with cabergoline administration for preventing OHSS. Body weight, ovary weight, diameter, vascular permeability (VP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression (immunohistochemistry), and serum estradiol (E2) levels were then compared.

Results: The ovarian VEGF concentration was significantly increased in the OHSS Groups (Groups 3–5) compared with the control groups (1 and 2). But vascular permeability, VEGF, and COX-2 expressions were reduced in animals treated with the resveratrol group compared with the cabergoline group (group 5) and the severe OHSS (group 3) group. Blood E2 levels were decreased in group treated with the resveratrol group compared with the cabergoline group (group 5) and severe the OHSS (group 3) group.

Conclusion(s): Our results in a rat model suggest that resveratrol has a beneficial effect on OHSS by reducing the increases in ovarian daimeter, VP, and VEGF expression associated with OHSS. These effects may be mediated by the COX-2 inhibitory capacity of resveratrol.     

Prognostic value of funisitis and/or chorionic vasculitis compared to histologic chorioamnionitis in full-term infants

Aim: To compare pathological findings in the placenta and cord with the prognosis of full-term infants in cases of neonatal infection and microbial analyses.

Methods: The pathological findings in the placenta and cord and microbial analyses of amniotic fluid and neonatal samples based on culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were observed in 1208 full-term mother–infant pairs at our center. We also collected neonatal clinical infection data, such as the occurrence of septicemia and other infectious diseases.

Results: Neonatal infection and positive identification of microorganisms were more common in the funisitis and/or chorionic vasculitis group than in the histologic chorioamnionitis group.

Conclusion: Funisitis and/or chorionic vasculitis is a valuable pathological marker for assessing the comparison between intrauterine infection and neonatal inflammatory conditions in infants delivered at full-term.     

Breaking bad news in prenatal medicine: a literature review

Background: The diagnosis of a fetal anomaly in perinatal medicine forces expectant parents and healthcare providers to face the difficult process of breaking bad news.

Objectives: This exploratory literature review was aimed at providing a medical and psychological view of the psychological experience in expectant parents and physicians in the context of prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly.

Method: An exploratory search of PubMed and PsycINFO/PsycARTICLES databases performed by an interdisciplinary team composed of a physician and psychologists. Search terms were: prenatal diagnosis AND bad news; prenatal diagnosis AND psychological consequences; prenatal diagnosis AND psychological sequelae; prenatal diagnosis AND fetal abnormality. The processing of selected articles followed a standardised five-step procedure.

Results: A total of 860 articles were screened of which 32 were retained for analysis. Four main themes emerged from the explanatory content analysis: (1) parents’ subjective experience; (2) physicians’ subjective experience; (3) encounters between expectant parents and professionals; and (4) ethical challenges in breaking bad news in prenatal medicine.

Conclusion: Expectant parents go through a complex and multidimensional experience when the diagnosis of a fetal anomaly is disclosed. Simultaneously, physicians consider breaking bad news as a very stressful event and are poorly prepared in this regard. A better knowledge of factors underlying psychological adjustment of the parental dyad and on the subjective experience of physicians delivering these diagnoses could enable better adaptation for both patients and professionals.     

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal right and left congenital ventricular aneurysms

Aim: To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of fetal ventricular aneurysm.

Methods: Ultrasound characteristics of two cases of prenatally diagnosed fetal ventricular aneurysm were reviewed.

Results: There was one case of left ventricular aneurysm diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound at 38 weeks of gestation. Another case of fetal right ventricular aneurysm was diagnosed prenatally at 36 weeks of gestation. Both the babies expired in the immediate post-natal period.

Conclusion: Congenital ventricular aneurysm is a rare cardiac malformation characterized by protrusion or out pouching of a portion of the ventricular wall. It is important to differentiate an aneurysm from diverticulum, as the latter has favorable prognosis. The aneurysms are usually large and have broad-based communication with the ventricular cavity in contrast to diverticuli, which are small and connected by a narrow base.     

Does preeclampsia involve the pancreas? A report of original research

Objective: To analyze the effect, if any, of pregnancy-related hypertension on the pancreas.

Methods: A database of pregnant women with hyperbilirubinemia was reviewed for cases with serum amylase values. These cases were linked to a computerized obstetric database, and women were analyzed according to the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Results: A total of 292 consecutive women with hyperbilirubinemia during pregnancy delivered at our institution between 2005 and 2011. Of these, 52 (18%) were diagnosed with preeclampsia, and in only nine was serum amylase abnormally elevated.

Conclusion: Using serum analytes as surrogates for organ injury, it appears preeclampsia infrequently affects the pancreas.     

Increase of neuronal injury markers Tau and neurofilament light proteins in umbilical blood after intrapartum asphyxia

Aim: Compare the levels of the brain injury biomarkers Tau and neurofilament light protein (NFL) in cases of asphyxia with those in controls.

Materials and methods: We analyzed the neuronal proteins Tau and NFL in umbilical blood of 10 cases of severe-moderate intrapartum asphyxia and in 18 control cases.

Results: The levels of both Tau and neurofilament were significantly higher after asphyxia and it appeared to be a correlation between the levels of the biomarkers and the severity of the insult.

Discussion: Future studies are warranted to support or refute the value of Tau/NFLin clinical practice.

Conclusion: Fetal asphyxia remains a clinical problem resulting in life-long neurological disabilities. We urgently need more accurate early predictive markers to direct the clinician when to provide neuroprotective therapy.     

Maternal burn-out: an exploratory study

Introduction: Maternal burn-out is a psychological, emotional and physiological condition resulting from the accumulation of various stressors characterised by a moderate but also a chronic and repetitive dimension. Little research has focused on this syndrome.

Objective: The current study aims to assess maternal burn-out rate and to identify factors associated with this state of exhaustion.

Method: 263 French mothers aged between 20 and 49 years answered five scales quantifying maternal burn-out, perceived social support, parental stress, depression and anxiety symptoms and history of postnatal depression.

Results: About 20% of mothers were affected by maternal burn-out. The main factors related to maternal burn-out were having a child perceived as difficult, history of postnatal depression, anxiety, satisfaction of a balance between professional and personal life and parental stress.

Conclusion: This research shows the need for further work on maternal burn-out to better understand and prevent this syndrome.