Evaluation of Sequential Urine Analysis when Selecting Candidates for Vesicoamniotic Shunting in Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess the utility of sequential fetal urine analysis in severe lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) when selecting cases suitable for vesicoamniotic shunting.

Material And Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of cases of severe LUTO treated in our fetal medicine center from 1994 to 2013. Two fetal bladder samples were taken 24-48 h apart to assess renal function.

Congenital unilateral renal agenesis: Prevalence, prenatal diagnosis, associated anomalies. Data from two birth-defect registries.

Background: The different mechanisms leading to a solitary kidney should be differentiated because the long-term outcome might be different. The fetal period is the best moment to make a true diagnosis of congenital unilateral renal agenesis (URA). The objective was to determine the prevalence of URA at birth.

Prenatal diagnosis of focal dermal hypoplasia: Report of three fetuses and review of the literature.

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH) is a rare syndrome characterized by pleiotropic features knowing to involve mostly skin and limbs. Although FDH has been described in children and adults, the cardinal signs of the fetal phenotype are not straightforward impacting the quality of the prenatal diagnosis. We describe in depth the ultrasound, radiological, macroscopical, and histological phenotype of three female fetuses with a severe form of FDH, propose a review of the literature and an attempt to delineate minimal and cardinal signs for FDH diagnosis.

Evaluation of the Utility of in utero Treatment of Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the interest in the in utero treatment of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

Methods: The obstetrical and neonatal data on all cases of TAPS followed up in our institution between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Bayesian methods.

Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria for twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze the relevance of the prenatal and postnatal diagnostic parameters of twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

Methods: Diagnostic data of all cases of TAPS followed in our institution between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Statistical analyses were conducted using Bayesian methods.

Neural tube defects: the experience of the registry of congenital malformations of Alsace, France, 1995-2009.

Context And Objective: Considering the lack of accurate and up-to-date information available about neural tube defects (NTDs) in France, the purpose of this study was to review clinical and epidemiological data of NTDs and to evaluate the current efficiency of prenatal diagnosis in Alsace (northeastern France).

Methods: A population-based retrospective study was performed from data of the Registry of Congenital Malformations of Alsace between 1995 and 2009. Data were analyzed as a whole and according to the anatomical type of the malformation (anencephaly, cephalocele and spina bifida).

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in stages 1 and 2 of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Objective: The Quintero staging of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) does not include a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. The aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of the myocardial performance index (MPI) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) score on recipient survival in Quintero stages 1 and 2 TTTS.

Methods: The cohort study was based on prospectively collected data between May 2008 and February 2013 in a population of stages 1 and 2 TTTS.

Vascular pattern in monochorionic placentas with spontaneous TAPS and TTTS with residual anastomoses after laser: a case-control study.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the angio-architecture of monochorionic placentas of spontaneous twin anaemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) with placenta of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with residual anastomoses after laser coagulation and placentas of uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.

Methods: This case-control study compares the angio-architecture of monochorionic placentas of spontaneous TAPS (n = 12) with that of monochorionic placentas of TTTS treated by laser coagulation with residual anastomoses (TTTS + RA; n = 20) and placentas of monochorionic pregnancies without complications (n = 24), matched for gestational age. Placental sharing and angio-architecture were assessed by injection of colored dye.

What is predictive of preterm delivery in the first trimester: isthmus or cervical length?

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the utility of first trimester cervical ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery by separate analysis of measurements of cervical and isthmus length.

Methods: This is a cohort study based on data collected prospectively on singletons between 1 July 2011 and 1 February 2013. Mean cervical, isthmus and cervico-isthmic complex length were measured for deliveries before and after 37 weeks.

Acupuncture for breech version: principles, technique, mode of action and utility--a literature review.

Objective: Version to correct breech presentation at term remains important, because feet-first vaginal delivery of a baby is associated with a higher risk of fetal morbidity and mortality.

Method: The technique consists of puncture at point B67. This technique is thought to work by increasing the probability of the fetus turning by increasing active fetal movements.

Contribution of 3D ultrasound and fetal face studies to the prenatal diagnosis of Pallister-Killian syndrome.

Background: Pallister-Killian syndrome (PKS) is a multiple malformation syndrome caused by a chromosomal abnormality in which the presence of four copies of the short arm of chromosome 12 results in severe mental retardation. Cytogenetic diagnosis is particularly difficult due to the specific tissue distribution of the abnormality. PKS may be suspected based on the prenatal ultrasound detection of polyhydramnios and diaphragmatic hernia, possibly associated with rhizomelic micromelia.

What about informed consent in first-trimester ultrasound screening for Down syndrome?

Objectives: We evaluate the level of information and informed consent given for the screening of Down syndrome (DS) before the first-trimester ultrasound scan. We evaluate the nature of the medical information given and the patient's understanding. This makes it possible to analyze the existence of the necessary elements (level of information and consent) for the patients to exercise their autonomy as to their decision making during the first-trimester ultrasound scan.

How important is consent in maternal serum screening for Down syndrome in France? Information and consent evaluation in maternal serum screening for Down syndrome: a French study.

Objectives: To evaluate the level of information and informed consent for maternal serum screening (MSS) for Down syndrome (DS) in the second trimester of pregnancy and analyse the exercise of autonomy towards the test by the women concerned.

Methods: We studied the population of pregnant women attending obstetric consultations in two French hospitals over a 3-month period. The women were assigned to three groups according to MSS results for DS: women at high risk of having a child with DS (group 1), women at low risk (group 2) and women who did not undergo the test (group 3).

Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of the 49,XXXXY syndrome.

The 49,XXXXY syndrome is a rare sex chromosome anomaly with an approximate incidence of 1 in 85,000 male live births. The diagnosis is usually ascertained postnatally by the association of mental retardation, variable growth deficiency, Down syndrome-like facial dysmorphy, hypogenitalism and other malformations, especially involving the heart and skeleton. Prenatal diagnosis of the pentasomy 49,XXXXY is generally fortuitous and sonographic features have rarely been described in the literature.