Fetal Echogenic Bowel: What Is Real Echogenicity? A Quantitative Method Based on Histogram Analysis of the Grayscale.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to use computerized analysis of the grayscale spectrum (histogram) to provide an objective assessment of the echogenicity of the fetal bowel. Moreover, we investigated the role of histogram analysis in the prenatal prediction of postnatal outcomes in fetuses with echogenic bowel (fetal echogenic bowel [FEB]).

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study including all fetuses with a diagnosis of echogenic bowel (FEB) in the mid-second trimester between 2015 and 2021.

Additional value of advanced ultrasonography in pregnancies with two inconclusive cell-free DNA draws.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the additional value of advanced fetal anatomical assessment by ultrasound in pregnancies with twice inconclusive noninvasive testing (NIPT) due to low fetal fraction (FF).

Methods: We performed a multicenter-retrospective study between 2017 and 2020 including 311 pregnancies with twice inconclusive NIPT due to low FF ≤ 1%. Women were offered invasive testing and advanced fetal anatomical assessment at ≤18 weeks' gestation.

Timing of diagnosis of fetal structural abnormalities after the introduction of universal cell-free DNA in the absence of first-trimester anatomical screening.

Introduction: Since 2021, first-trimester anatomical screening (FTAS) is offered in the Netherlands alongside genome-wide cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Previously, only second-trimester anatomical screening (STAS) was offered. This study identifies structural abnormalities amenable to first-trimester diagnosis detected at/after STAS in the period following cfDNA implementation and preceding FTAS introduction.

Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of major structural anomalies detectable in the first trimester: A population-based cohort study in the Netherlands.

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of several major congenital anomalies can be achieved in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Objective: This study investigates the timing of diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of foetuses and neonates with selected structural anomalies in the Northern Netherlands over a 10-year period when the prenatal screening programme changed significantly, but no first-trimester anatomical screening was implemented.

Methods: We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study with data from the EUROCAT Northern Netherlands database on pregnancies with delivery or termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (TOPFA) date between 2010 and 2019.

Prenatal Use of Sildenafil in Fetal Growth Restriction and Its Effect on Neonatal Tissue Oxygenation-A Retrospective Analysis of Hemodynamic Data From Participants of the Dutch STRIDER Trial.

Sildenafil is under investigation as a potential agent to improve uteroplacental perfusion in fetal growth restriction (FGR). However, the STRIDER RCT was halted after interim analysis due to futility and higher rates of persistent pulmonary hypertension and mortality in sildenafil-exposed neonates. This hypothesis-generating study within the Dutch STRIDER trial sought to understand what happened to these neonates by studying their regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO) within the first 72 h after birth.

Cardiovascular Hemodynamic Changes After Antenatal Corticosteroids in Growth Restricted and Appropriate for Gestational Age Fetuses.

Purpose:  To investigate hemodynamic effects after antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administration in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and early growth restricted (GR) fetuses by measurement of Doppler cardiovascular function parameters.

Materials And Methods:  Prospective cohort study. AGA and GR singleton pregnancies receiving ACS for fetal lung maturation between 24 + 0-33 + 6 weeks were enrolled.

Water immersion in preeclampsia.

Objective: Preeclampsia is associated with profound vasoconstriction in most organ systems and reduced plasma volume. Because water immersion produces a marked central redistribution of blood volume and suppresses the renin-angiotensin system response and sympathetic activity, we hypothesized that water immersion might be useful in the treatment of preeclampsia.

Study Design: The effects of thermoneutral water immersion for 3 hours on central and peripheral hemodynamics were evaluated in 7 preeclamptic patients, 7 normal pregnant control patients, and 7 nonpregnant women.

Arterial stiffness and fetal growth in normotensive pregnancy.

Background: Normal pregnancy is characterized by a decrease in peripheral resistance and generalized vasodilation resulting in plasma volume expansion, which is associated with intrauterine growth. Stiffness of the arterial system may be a measure of the degree of plasma volume expansion. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), measured by applanation tonometry, is a validated approach to determine arterial stiffness.

Stiffness of the arterial wall, joints and skin in women with a history of pre-eclampsia.

Objective: The epidemiology of pre-eclampsia suggests a constitutional component for the disorder. We have recently shown an association for blood pressure (BP) with stiffness of joints and skin in adolescents, suggesting that constitutionally determined stiffness of body tissues is associated with blood pressure. Therefore, we compared stiffness of the arterial wall, joints and skin between women with a history of pre-eclampsia and women with an uncomplicated pregnancy.

Central hemodynamics of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.

Background: Preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in peripheral vasoconstriction. Studies of central hemodynamics are limited. Noninvasive evaluation of aortic stiffness and pressure waveform is possible by applanation tonometry.

Validation and use of the Finometer for blood pressure measurement in normal, hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnancy.

Objective: Although a large variety of automated blood pressure devices are available, only some have been validated for use in clinical practice. The British Hypertension Society (BHS) recommends separate validation of automated devices in special subgroups, e.g.