Self-Amputation of the Extra Digit in a Fetus with Polydactyly: First Ultrasound Demonstration.

We herein report the first ultrasound evidence of the self-amputation of an extra digit in case of fetal polydactyly. The prenatal evidence of fetal polydactyly is not always followed by postnatal confirmation. This is not always due to ultrasound misdiagnosis, but often to an in utero self-amputation phenomenon.

How often an isolated cardiac disproportion predicts a coarctation of the aorta? Single center experience and systematic review of the literature.

Background: Cardiac disproportion is considered as an indirect sign of coarctation of the aorta (CoA). In this review, we have reassessed the positive predictive value (PPV) of such finding for a postnatal confirmation of CoA.

Data Sources: All cases of isolated cardiac disproportion diagnosed in the four-chamber and/or three-vessel/three-vessel and trachea views (right/left sections >1.

Quantitative analysis of fetal facial morphology using 3D ultrasound and statistical shape modeling: a feasibility study.

Background: The antenatal detection of facial dysmorphism using 3-dimensional ultrasound may raise the suspicion of an underlying genetic condition but infrequently leads to a definitive antenatal diagnosis. Despite advances in array and noninvasive prenatal testing, not all genetic conditions can be ascertained from such testing.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of quantitative assessment of fetal face features using prenatal 3-dimensional ultrasound volumes and statistical shape modeling.

Is the short axis view of the fetal heart useful in improving the diagnostic accuracy of outlet ventricular septal defects?

Objectives: Outlet ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are usually suspected on the five-chamber view of the fetal heart; however, postnatal confirmation occurs only in a small number of cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the systematic assessment of the short axis view may improve the prediction of prenatally detected outlet VSDs.

Methods: Cases where isolated outlet VSD was suspected on the five-chamber view were assessed by using the short axis scanning plane for confirmation of the defect.

Maternal arterial stiffness in pregnancies complicated by gestational and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: We sought to investigate whether maternal arterial stiffness is altered in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes compared to normoglycemic women.

Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 34 women with GDM and their controls (n = 34), and 34 women with type 2 diabetes and their controls (n = 34). Maternal arterial stiffness was assessed using applanation tonometry.

Cervical length as a predictor of preterm delivery: gestational age-related percentiles vs fixed cut-offs.

Background: To determine whether preterm delivery is more effectively predicted by sonographic cervical length measurement using fixed cut-off or gestational age-specific percentiles.

Methods: One hundred and eight patients hospitalized for suspected preterm labor (PTL) were studied prospectively between the 20th and the 33rd week of gestation.

Results: Cervical length below 15 mm, 25 mm and the 2.

Maternal circulating endothelial progenitor cells in normal singleton and twin pregnancy.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) that contribute to vascular repair in normal pregnancy.

Study Design: The concentration of EPCs in maternal blood was measured in healthy nonpregnant women (group A, n = 8), normal singleton pregnancies (group B, n = 24), and normal twin pregnancies (group C, n = 21).

Results: In group A, the mean (SD) level of EPCs was 77.

Circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin at 23-25 weeks of pregnancy in women with impaired placentation and in those with established fetal growth restriction.

Adiponectin and leptin, two adipose-tissue-derived proteins, have been reported to be elevated in women with established PE (pre-eclampsia). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether alterations in adiponectin and leptin levels predate the development of PE and FGR (fetal growth restriction) in women at increased risk of these complications, as assessed by Doppler examination of the uterine arteries during the second trimester of pregnancy. We also sought to investigate the circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin in women with established severe early-onset FGR.

Alteration of the amniotic fluid and neonatal outcome.

Quantitative and qualitative alterations of the amniotic fluid complicate 7% of the pregnancies. Polyhydramnios complicates 1-3% while oligohydramnios involves 3-5% of the pregnancies. The most common causes of polyhydramnios are fetal abnormalities, maternal diabetes and twin pregnancies, but are idiopathic in the 60%.

Prelabour rupture of the membranes: recent evidence.

Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) complicates 10% of all gestations and 2-4% of preterm pregnancy. Our success in preventing preterm PROM and preterm birth is hampered by our limited knowledge of its etiology. PROM remains the single most identifiable cause of preterm delivery and the major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Chemically assisted dissection of tissues in laparoscopic excision of endometriotic cysts.

Study Objective: To evaluate the capacity of chemical dissection of tissues using a mucolytic substance, Mesna, in improving laparoscopic excision of endometriotic cysts.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

Setting: University-affiliated training hospital.