Prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in women with previous full dilatation cesarean delivery.

Background: A previous term (≥37 weeks' gestation), full-dilatation cesarean delivery is associated with an increased risk for a subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. The mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that the cesarean delivery scar characteristics and scar position relative to the internal cervical os may compromise cervical function, thereby leading to shortening of the cervical length and spontaneous preterm birth.

Patient empowerment improves follow-up data collection after fetal surgery for spina bifida: institutional audit.

Objectives: To define and grade fetal and maternal adverse events following fetal surgery for spina bifida and to report on the impact of engaging patients in collecting follow-up data.

Methods: This prospective single-center audit included 100 consecutive patients undergoing fetal surgery for spina bifida between January 2012 and December 2021. In our setting, patients return to their referring unit for further pregnancy care and delivery.

Pulmonary hypertension in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: Antenatal prediction and impact on neonatal mortality.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); how we could predict it; and how PAH contributed to the model for mortality prediction.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis in three European centers. The primary outcome was the presence of PAH on postnatal day (d) 1, 7, and at discharge.

Maternal and fetal outcomes in women with cerebrovascular malformations in pregnancy: A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To determine maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of women with cerebrovascular malformations (CVMs) that include arterial venous malformations (AVMs) and cavernomas.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Six specialist centres managing pregnant women with neurological disorders.

Incidence and patterns of abnormal corpus callosum in fetuses with isolated spina bifida aperta.

Objective: To determine the incidence and characterise corpus callosum (CC) abnormalities in fetuses with spina bifida aperta (SBA) between 18 and 26 weeks of gestation.

Methods: This was a retrospective study on fetuses with isolated SBA and who were assessed for fetal surgery. Digitally stored ultrasound images of the brain were reviewed for the presence/absence of the CC, and the length and diameter of its constituent parts (rostrum, genu, body and splenium).

SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) infection: is fetal surgery in times of national disasters reasonable?

Even though the global COVID-19 pandemic may affect how medical care is delivered in general, most countries try to maintain steady access for women to routine pregnancy care, including fetal anomaly screening. This means that, also during this pandemic, fetal anomalies will be detected, and that discussions regarding invasive genetic testing and possibly fetal therapy will need to take place. For patients, concerns about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus 2 will add to the anxiety caused by the diagnosis of a serious fetal anomaly.