Third-trimester fetoscopic ablation therapy for types II and III vasa previa.

Background: Vasa previa is an obstetrical condition in which fetal vessels located near the cervix traverse the fetal membranes unprotected by underlying placenta. Type I vasa previa arises directly from a velamentous cord root, whereas types II and III arise from an accessory lobe or a distal lobe of the same placenta, respectively. Fetoscopic laser ablation for types II and III vasa previa is a novel therapeutic option with benefits that include surgical resolution of the vasa previa, avoidance of prolonged hospitalization, and opportunity for a term vaginal delivery.

Bile acid concentration reference ranges in a pregnant Latina population.

Objective: The total bile acid (TBA) concentration criterion for diagnosing intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy varies in the published literature. The purpose of this study was to establish pregnancy-specific reference ranges for the TBA concentration among Latina women.

Study Design: Self-identified Latina women (n = 211) over 18 years of age with a singleton pregnancy were recruited and had random serum samples drawn during the second and third trimesters.

Sudden fetal death in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Background: Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal death. The mechanism of death is unknown.

Cases: The first case involved a young primipara with pruritus and a bile acid concentration of 79 mumol/dL.