Fetal gastroschisis: a report of 2 cases.

Background: The risk of stillbirth in fetuses diagnosed with gastroschisis may range from 6% to 12%. Currently there is no agreement on the role of antepartum fetal surveillance, as fetal death within days of reassuring antepartum fetal testing has been reported.

Cases: In 2 cases of fetal gastroschisis, fetal gastric distension was associated with decreased fetal movements and nonreactive nonstress tests.

Atypical variable decelerations and intrauterine growth restriction.

Variable decelerations of the fetal heart rate are the most common changes noted during continuous fetal monitoring. In general, they are presumed to represent a normal response to fetal baroceptor stimulation. When atypical features are present, other considerations are warranted.

The significance of transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the cervix in women treated with emergency cerclage.

Objective: Our purpose was to determine whether perioperative transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the incompetent cervix treated with emergency cerclage is predictive of pregnancy outcome.

Study Design: Twenty-nine women who underwent emergency cerclage at 16 to 26 weeks of gestation had transvaginal ultrasonographic evaluation of the cervix within 48 hours before and after surgery and at least three times thereafter until 28 weeks of gestation. The following measurements were obtained: (1) funnel width, (2) funnel length, (3) endocervical canal length, (4) the distance between the internal and external os, (5) upper cervix (length of closed endocervical canal above the cervical cerclage), (6) lower cervix (endocervical canal length below suture), and (7) cervical index (1+ Funnel length/Endocervical canal length).

Adverse perinatal outcome in patients with an abnormal umbilical coiling index.

Objective: To evaluate perinatal outcome in neonates with hypocoiled and hypercoiled cords.

Methods: From February 18 through June 13, 1994, 635 placentas from deliveries of at least 24 weeks' gestation were examined for umbilical coiling. The umbilical coiling index was calculated by dividing the total number of coils by the length of the cord.