Clinical characteristics of preeclampsia in twin versus singleton pregnancies.

Objective: We aimed to compare features of preeclampsia between twin and singleton pregnancies.

Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, women with twin pregnancies who were diagnosed with preeclampsia were matched to singleton pregnancies controls.

Results: Ninety-four women with twin gestation diagnosed with preeclampsia were compared to singleton pregnancies with preeclampsia.

Fetal gender and umbilical cord characteristics at birth.

Objective: To determine fetal gender on umbilical cord parameters.

Methods: Umbilical cords were prospectively collected from uncomplicated, singleton, term pregnancies, which ended either by elective cesarean section or spontaneous vaginal delivery. Data regarding obstetrical history and pregnancy outcome were collected.

The effect of maternal sleep-disordered breathing on the infant's neurodevelopment.

Objective: We sought to examine the effect of maternal sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) on infant general movements (GMs) and neurodevelopment.

Study Design: Pregnant women with uncomplicated full-term pregnancies and their offspring were prospectively recruited from a community and hospital low-risk obstetric surveillance. All participants completed a sleep questionnaire on second trimester and underwent ambulatory sleep evaluation (WatchPAT; Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel).

The role of C-reactive protein measurement as a diagnostic aid in early pregnancy.

Objective: To investigate the values of C-reactive protein (CRP) in early pregnancy for detection of any abnormality of the conceptus and especially the condition of extra-uterine pregnancy (EUP).

Study Design: In this prospective observational study, we established reference values for CRP in early pregnancy. Next, we tested whether a single, wide-range CRP measurement could serve as a diagnostic tool for abnormal first trimester pregnancy by comparing CRP levels in three different pregnancy statuses: viable intrauterine pregnancy (Group A), EUP (Group B) and delayed abortion (Group C).

Severe pregnancy complications are associated with elevated factor VIII plasma activity.

The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of elevated factor VIII activity among women with severe complications of pregnancy. The study group included 49 patients with a previous history of pregnancy complications: severe preeclampsia (n = 9); intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) (n = 9); severe intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR) (n = 12); IUGR and preeclampsia (n = 7); preeclampsia and placental abruption (n = 2); IUFD and IUGR (n = 5); and abruptio placenta (n = 5). The control group included 49 healthy women who had had at least one normal pregnancy.

Neonatal outcome of preterm discordant twins.

Objective: To estimate the influence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) on neonatal morbidity and mortality among premature discordant twin neonates.

Study Design: Our medical records (2002-2007) of preterm twins born at 24-37 weeks' gestation were reviewed. Significant discordance was defined as >15% difference in birth weight.

Maternal snoring during pregnancy is associated with enhanced fetal erythropoiesis--a preliminary study.

Objective And Background: Snoring is common among pregnant women and early reports suggest that it may bear a risk to the fetus. Increased fetal erythropoiesis manifested by elevated circulating nucleated red blood cells (nRBCs) has been found in complicated pregnancies involving fetal hypoxia. Both erythropoietin (EPO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mediate elevation of circulating nRBCs.

Coiling characteristics of umbilical cords in breech vs. vertex presentation.

Objective: To compare selected umbilical cord parameters, especially cord coiling, between breech and vertex presentations.

Methods: We prospectively collected umbilical cords from uncomplicated breech and vertex obtained during elective term cesarean deliveries. We compared various cord parameters between the two groups as well as data regarding obstetric history and pregnancy outcome.

Reference values for strong ion difference--a novel tool for fetal metabolic assessment.

Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to establish reference values for strong ion difference (SID) in umbilical cord blood and investigate the feasibility of evaluating fetal metabolism according to the comprehensive approach to acid-base abnormalities, based on Stewart's physiochemical theory.

Study Design: A prospective observational study. Women who underwent an elective cesarean section at term (n=40) were compared to women who completed a normal spontaneous delivery at term (n=40).

The safety of low molecular weight heparin therapy during labor.

Objective: Current recommendations are to discontinue low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at least 24 hours prior to labor induction or administering epidural anesthesia. We assessed the safety of discontinuing LMWH 12-24 hours before delivery.

Methods: We evaluated the prevalence of hemorrhagic complications during labor, cesarean or epidural catheter placement in 284 women treated with enoxaparin during pregnancy as compared with 16132 untreated women.

Perinatal outcome in women with severe pregnancy complications and multiple thrombophilias.

Hypercoagulability leading to placental thrombosis has been implicated in severe pregnancy complications. We compared the perinatal outcome in women with severe preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and severe abruptio placentae and multiple acquired and inherited thrombophilias (study group, n=22) to matched women with similar complications and single thrombophilia (control group, n=22). Gestational age at delivery and birth weight were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.

Mid-trimester severe intrauterine growth restriction is associated with a high prevalence of thrombophilia.

Objective: To investigate the association between severe mid-trimester IUGR, whose causes are unknown in most cases, and maternal thrombophilias.

Design: Case-control study.

Setting: Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.