Linguistic Differences by Gender in Letters of Recommendation for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Applicants.

Objective: As in many realms of academia and medicine, in obstetrics and gynecology, women experience gender bias in residency evaluations and academic promotions. More specifically, women in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) are underrepresented within departmental leadership positions. As a means of identifying spaces where bias may exist, multiple investigators have previously reported on gender bias in letters of recommendation (LORs) for residency and subspecialty training programs.

Fetal liver and lung volume index of neonatal survival with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assesses pulmonary hypoplasia in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Neonatal mortality may occur with CDH.

Objective: To quantify MRI parameters associated with neonatal survival in fetuses with isolated CDH.

Establishment of a multidisciplinary fetal center streamlines approach for congenital lung malformations.

Purpose: Fetuses with a diagnosis of congenital lung malformations (CLM) on prenatal imaging are commonly referred to a multi-disciplinary specialty team for prenatal assessment and postnatal management. The net effect of such services is broadly stated to improve the outcomes of affected newborns. However, these claims are relatively unsubstantiated.

Impact of Additional Anomalies on Postnatal Outcomes in Congenital Lung Malformations.

Background: Approximately 20% of fetuses diagnosed with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are found to have additional anomalies. We aim to determine if additional anomalies have an impact on postnatal outcomes for patients with CLMs.

Methods: After institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective review of live-born patients with CLMs from 2008 to 2018.

The in-utero diagnosis of choledochal cyst: can postnatal imaging predict benefit from early surgical intervention?

Background: Infants prenatally suspected of having a choledochal cyst (CDC) typically undergo ultrasound imaging shortly after birth. This study sought to evaluate features on the initial postnatal ultrasound (IPU) that could identify newborns at risk for early complications.

Methods: Following IRB approval, patients from four US fetal centers with prenatal suspicion for CDC and postnatal imaging from 2000 to 2017 were reviewed.

North American Fetal Therapy Network: Timing of and indications for delivery following laser ablation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Background: Despite improvements in fetal survival for pregnancies affected by twin-twin transfusion syndrome since the introduction of laser photocoagulation, prematurity remains a major source of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Objective: To investigate the indications and factors influencing the timing of delivery following laser treatment, we collected delivery information regarding twin-twin transfusion syndrome cases in a large multicenter cohort.

Study Design: Eleven North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) centers conducted a retrospective review of twin-twin transfusion syndrome patients who underwent laser photocoagulation.

Fetal Head and Neck Masses: MRI Prediction of Significant Morbidity.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine which MRI parameters of fetal head and neck masses predict high-morbidity neonatal outcomes, including ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study (2004-2016) included parameters of polyhydramnios (based on largest vertical pocket), mass effect on the trachea, mass midline extension, and morphologic grade and size of masses. The morbid cohort included those requiring an EXIT procedure, difficult intubation at delivery, or lethal outcome.

Prognostic significance of an antenatal magnetic resonance imaging staging system on airway outcomes of fetal craniofacial venolymphatic malformations.

Background: The aim of the article was to determine if anatomical findings on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of venolymphatic malformations of the face and neck (VLMFN) can be used to create a staging system predictive of airway outcomes.

Methods: We reviewed 13 fetuses evaluated for VLMFN. Stage was assigned based on anatomical findings on fetal MRI.

Sonographic Detection and Clinical Importance of Growth Restriction in Pregnancies With Gastroschisis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to estimate the utility of sonography to detect small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates in pregnancies with gastroschisis and to evaluate neonatal outcomes according to birth weight percentile.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with fetal gastroschisis delivered at our hospital between August 1997 and December 2012. Diagnosis of growth restriction was based on estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile using the nomogram of Hadlock et al (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1985; 151:333-337), evaluated at 4-week intervals throughout gestation and compared with subsequent birth weight, to evaluate the accuracy of sonography to detect and exclude SGA neonates.

Sonographic findings in two cases of complicated pregnancy in women previously treated with endometrial ablation.

When medical therapy fails for menorrhagia in a premenopausal woman, minimally invasive endometrial ablation can be used as a conservative management alternative to hysterectomy. Endometrial ablation alone is not considered effective contraception, and women of reproductive age can become pregnant after ablative therapy. We now present two cases of pregnancy after endometrial ablation and associated imaging where both cases required cesarean hysterectomy due to post-partum hemorrhage.

Antenatal depression: a rationale for studying exercise.

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in pregnancy or antenatal depression poses unique treatment challenges and has serious consequences for mothers, unborn babies, and families when untreated. This review presents current knowledge on exercise during pregnancy, antidepressant effects of exercise, and the rationale for the specific study of exercise for antenatal depression.

Method: A systematic literature review was performed using English language articles published in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library from 1985 to January 2010.

Outcomes of pregnancies with fetal gastroschisis.

Objective: To describe pregnancy outcomes with fetal gastroschisis, including the associations of prenatal ultrasound findings with neonatal surgical complications and other morbidities.

Methods: This was a review of pregnancies complicated by fetal gastroschisis and delivered from January 1998 through June 2006. The last ultrasonogram before delivery was reviewed to determine stomach dilatation, bowel dilatation, or abnormalities of amniotic fluid volume.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C in pregnant women who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus co-infection among pregnant women who are infected by human immunodeficiency virus and who attend an obstetric complications prenatal clinic.

Study Design: A de-identified research obstetric human immunodeficiency virus database was reviewed regarding patient demographic characteristics, risk factors for infection, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and initial CD4 count.

Results: Four hundred fifty-five women who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus with 572 pregnancies were delivered over 11 years.