Finding the most accurate method to measure head circumference for fetal weight estimation.

Objective: Accurate measurement of fetal head biometry is important for fetal weight estimation (FWE) and is therefore an important prognostic parameter for neonatal morbidity and mortality and a valuable tool for determining the further obstetric management. Measurement of the head circumference (HC) in particular is employed in many commonly used weight equations. The aim of the present study was to find the most accurate method to measure head circumference for fetal weight estimation.

Prediction of postnatal outcomes in fetuses with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernias using different lung-to-head ratio measurements.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare different methods for measuring the fetal lung area-to-head circumference ratio and to investigate their prediction of postpartum survival and the need for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in fetuses with isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Methods: This prospective study included 118 fetuses of at least 20 weeks' gestation with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias. The lung-to-head ratio was measured with 3 different methods (longest diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and tracing).

New formulas for calculating the lung-to-head ratio in healthy fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop new formulas for the expected fetal lung area-to-head circumference ratio in normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation.

Methods: The lung-to-head ratio and complete fetal biometric parameters of 126 fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks' gestation were prospectively measured. The lung-to-head ratio was measured by 3 different methods (longest diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and tracing).

Prediction of mortality and the need for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy by 3-dimensional sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Objectives: To compare different rotation angles for assessment of fetal lung volume by 3-dimensional (3D) sonography with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) regarding prediction of mortality and the need for neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Methods: One hundred patients with fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernias between 22 and 39 weeks' gestation were examined by 3D sonography and MRI. Sonographic contralateral fetal lung volumes were assessed by the rotational technique (virtual organ computer-aided analysis) at 3 different rotation angles: 6°, 15°, and 30°.

Women's acceptance of a double-balloon device as an additional method for inducing labour.

Objective: A wide variety of pharmacological and mechanical methods (e.g. balloon devices) are available for inducing labour, but little information is available about the way in which women regard balloon devices.

Influence of gender on mortality and need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of gender in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) on survival and to assess the necessity of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy.

Patients And Methods: All parturients with newborns suffering from CDH were included. A total of 425 infants with CDH were analyzed.

Sex-specific differences in the concentration of tubular parameters in the amniotic fluid of second trimester fetuses.

Objective: Renal dysplasia and obstructive uropathy are more common in males and are associated with an increased tubular loss of electrolytes. We aimed to compare the midtrimester concentration of tubular parameters in the prenatal period between healthy male and female fetuses.

Methods: Amniotic fluid was collected at 16 weeks of gestation at the time of genetic amniocentesis.

Assessment of lung volume by 3-dimensional sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different rotation angles in assessment of the contralateral lung volume by 3-dimensional (3D) sonography in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.

Methods: A total of 126 measurements by 3D sonography and MRI were conducted in 81 patients between 18 and 39 weeks' gestation. The 3D sonographic volumes of the contralateral fetal lung were calculated by the rotational technique (virtual organ computer-aided analysis) with rotation angles of 6°, 15°, and 30°.

Combination of misoprostol and mechanical dilation for induction of labour: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate a combination of oral misoprostol (OM) and mechanical dilation of the cervix to improve efficacy in inducing labour.

Study Design: This prospective, randomized study included 122 term pregnancies with an indication for induced labour. Each woman was randomly assigned to one of two groups.

In vitro models of the fetal lung: comparison of lung volume measurements with 3-dimensional sonography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) sonography is an established volumetric method in gynecology and obstetrics. The aim of this study was to investigate the variability of 3D sonographic measurements and their accuracy in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessing fetal lung volume using in vitro lung models.

Methods: Twenty-three in vitro lung models with randomly defined volumes ranging from 1 to 60 mL were made from gelatin with plastic sheaths, manually molded into the shape of fetal lungs.

Influence of different rotation angles in assessment of lung volumes by 3-dimensional sonography in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging in healthy fetuses.

Objectives: Three-dimensional (3D) sonographic volumetry is established in gynecology and obstetrics. Assessment of the fetal lung volume by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in congenital diaphragmatic hernias has become a routine examination. In vitro studies have shown a good correlation between 3D sonographic measurements and MRI.

Role of fetal abdominal circumference as a prognostic parameter of perinatal complications.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of fetal abdominal circumference (AC) measurement as predictor of perinatal complications in term newborns.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study included 324 consecutive term pregnancies within a 6-month period between February and August 2009. Inclusion criteria were a singleton pregnancy with at least 37 weeks of gestation, vertex presentation, absence of structural or chromosomal disorders and complete ultrasound examination within 3 days of delivery.

Associated malformations in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe neonatal anomaly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and types of malformations associated with CDH. The outcome was compared with that in newborns with CDH alone.

Comparison of different sonographic methods to determine fetal abdominal circumference.

Purpose: In modern obstetric management, accurate estimation of fetal weight is an important prognostic parameter of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and a valuable tool for determining further treatment. Fetal abdominal measurements, mostly abdominal circumference (AC), are not only included in the majority of commonly used weight equations, but also have the greatest impact on weight estimation. This therefore underlines the importance of accurate determination of the AC.

Umbilical cord blood donation during caesarean section does not lead to increased maternal blood loss.

Background: Umbilical cord blood haematopoietic stem cell donation (UCBD) has increased in recent years. While performing UCBD during caesarean section, suturing the uterotomy is delayed for a few minutes. The aim of our study was to analyse if this causes an increase in maternal blood loss.

Increased accuracy of fetal weight estimation with a gender-specific weight formula.

Objective: To test whether Schild's sex-specific formula for estimating fetal weight is more accurate than commonly used regression formulae.

Methods: The gender-specific formula and 10 widely used equations were evaluated in a group of 989 pregnancies. Each fetus underwent ultrasound examination with complete biometric parameters within 7 days before delivery.

Gender-specific weight estimation of fetuses between 2,501 and 3,999 g--new regression formulae.

Objective: To develop new gender-specific regression formulae to estimate fetal weight focusing on a particular weight range from 2,501 to 3,999 g.

Methods: 3,254 singleton pregnancies were included to generate new regression formulae for female and male fetuses, and to evaluate their accuracy.

Results: In comparison with commonly used formulae, the new gender-specific and weight-range-specific method of fetal weight estimation provided greater accuracy.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection as a risk factor for infertility among women in Ghana, West Africa.

In developing countries, data about the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections and their sequelae, especially tubal infertility, is scarce. A prospective case-control study was performed enrolling 439 Ghanaian women. The case group included 191 patients with primary or secondary infertility.