Sustained activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron system after fetal exposure to AT1 blockers: Effects on kidney and bone in a preterm newborn.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in development of fetal kidney. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) antagonists alter RAAS-signaling compromising metanephrogenesis, and vascular and tubular development. The result is a fetal "RAS blockage syndrome" that may occur not only following exposure during the second and third trimester, but also after the use of these drugs at the beginning of pregnancy.

Cell-free DNA analysis of maternal blood in prenatal screening for chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications: a systematic review.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Scientific Societies do not recommend the use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing as a first-tier screening for microdeletion and microduplication syndromes (MMs). The aim of this study was to review the current available literature on the performance of cell-free DNA as a screening for MMs.

Methods: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched electronically from 2000 to January 2020 and articles reporting the diagnostic performance of cfDNA screening for MMs in large (>5000 cases) series were included.

Incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with first trimester ultrasound anomalies and a low-risk cell-free DNA test for common trisomies.

Objective: To examine the incidence and type of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with first trimester ultrasound anomalies and a low-risk cfDNA test for common trisomies.

Methods: In 486 singleton pregnancies undergoing invasive testing after combined screening, a detailed first trimester ultrasound assessment was carried out and a maternal blood sample was sent for cfDNA analysis. Ultrasound and cfDNA data were analyzed in relation to fetal karyotype.

Tetralogy of Fallot and Outlet Ventricular Septal Defect with Anterior Malalignment Detected at Early Fetal Echocardiography.

Objectives: To examine the evolution of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and outlet ventricular septal defect (VSD) with anterior malalignment (am) from the initial diagnosis at early fetal echocardiography through the gestation and to evaluate the impact of the first-trimester scan on the outcome.

Methods: We identified cases of TOF or outlet VSD with am diagnosed before 16 weeks' gestation. For all cases, prenatal data and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.

Cleft Palate with or without Cleft Lip: The Role of Retronasal Triangle View and Maxillary Gap at 11-14 Weeks.

Objective: To evaluate the presence of maxillary gap (MG) and abnormal retronasal triangle (RT) as markers of cleft palate (CP) with and without cleft lip in the first trimester and to assess their association with the type of orofacial cleft (OC).

Methods: The RT and the mid-sagittal view of the face were evaluated retrospectively by two operators in 26 fetuses with OC and in 80 normal controls to detect abnormal RT and/or MG. The agreement between operators was calculated.