Fetal intra-abdominal tumors: assessment of spectrum, accuracy of prenatal diagnosis, perinatal outcome and therapy at a tertiary referral center.

Objective: To describe the varieties and ultrasound characteristics of prenatally diagnosed fetal abdominal tumors and to scrutinize the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis as well as the postnatal outcome and therapy of affected pregnancies.

Study Design: Retrospective study of 354 fetuses found to have abdominal tumors on prenatal sonogram, identified from 1993 to 2009 at a tertiary referral center for prenatal medicine. The cohort was classified into subgroups according to the sonographic appearance of the fetal tumor and the affected anatomic structure (urinary, gastrointestinal and genital tracts and other locations).

A 1 Mb-sized microdeletion Xq26.2 encompassing the GPC3 gene in a fetus with Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome Report, antenatal findings and review.

Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare X-linked recessive disorder encompassing pre- and postnatal overgrowth and a variety of additional anomalies including craniofacial dysmorphism, macrocephaly, congenital heart defects and genitourinary anomalies. There is little published information regarding the prenatal presentation of SGBS in pregnancy. In the present report we describe the antenatal features of an affected fetus from 12 gestational weeks onwards, subsequently diagnosed with SGBS by molecular testing positive for GPC3 gene mutation.

Emerging gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

Introduction: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist analogs (GnRHa) are peptides that mimic the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and are used to suppress subsequent sex steroid production. Although the analogs are a rather defined group of drugs, there have been developments in the past decades and there is still ample room for improvement. New therapeutic strategies in the use of GnRHs are discussed.

Prenatal course and outcome in 103 cases of fetal spina bifida: a single center experience.

Objective: To investigate the prenatal course and functional outcome for fetuses with spina bifida according to the level of the spinal lesion at prenatal ultrasound examination.

Design: Retrospective, descriptive study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center, Germany.

Obesity decreases the chance to deliver spontaneously.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of maternal obesity on labour, intrapartual assessment and delivery.

Methods: Retrospective cohort analysis of n = 11,681 deliveries supervised between 01 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. Results were analysed dividing the patients into two main groups according to their body mass index (BMI): group 1, control: BMI 18-24.

[Significance of reproductive medicine in regard to judicial and ethical concerns in Germany].

Reproductive medicine becomes more and more important due to demographic changes and an increased demand. Since the German "Embryonenschutzgesetz" was set in 1991 many medical improvements could be achieved which are not covered by law. Health can be improved avoiding multiple pregnancy rates.