Euploid First-Trimester Cystic Hygroma: A More Benign Entity than Previously Thought?

Objective: Studies summarizing the outcome of first-trimester septated cystic hygroma are generally based on small studies or from multiple centers with limited ascertainment. We reviewed the natural history of a large cohort of such cases from a single tertiary referral center, with the aim being to establish contemporary outcome data, particularly in the setting of normal karyotype.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study from 2007 to 2017 was conducted at a single tertiary referral prenatal diagnosis center.

Timing of administration of antenatal magnesium sulfate and umbilical cord blood magnesium levels in preterm babies.

Background: The optimum timing of administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO) in relation to delivery is not known. The general consensus is to achieve administration to the mother at least 4 hours prior to preterm delivery.

Objective: To investigate potential predictors of umbilical cord blood magnesium (Mg) concentrations, in particular, timing of antenatal MgSO administration in relation to delivery.

Platelet behaviour on von Willebrand Factor changes in pregnancy: Consequences of haemodilution and intrinsic changes in platelet function.

Platelet function in pregnancy is poorly understood. Previous studies of platelet function in pregnancy have used non-physiological assays of platelet function with conflicting results. This study using a physiological assay of platelet function investigated platelet interactions with von Willebrand Factor (VWF) in blood from healthy pregnant women and healthy non-pregnant controls.

Evaluation of normalization of cerebro-placental ratio as a potential predictor for adverse outcome in SGA fetuses.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction accounts for a significant proportion of perinatal morbidity and mortality currently encountered in obstetric practice. The primary goal of antenatal care is the early recognition of such conditions to allow treatment and optimization of both maternal and fetal outcomes. Management of pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction remains one of the greatest challenges in obstetrics.

Prenatal detection of major congenital heart disease - optimising resources to improve outcomes.

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common major structural fetal abnormality and the benefits of prenatal detection are well described. The objective of this study was to evaluate the precision of prenatal diagnosis at a single tertiary referral unit over two three year periods (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, 2011, 2012), before and after a prenatal screening protocol for CHD was developed to include extended cardiac views, mandatory recall for suboptimal views, and a multidisciplinary Fetal Cardiac clinic was established. There exists a single national centre for paediatric cardiothoracic surgery in Ireland, a situation which facilitates near complete case ascertainment.

Altered Platelet Function in Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Cause or a Consequence of Uteroplacental Disease?

Objective A limited number of platelet function studies in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have yielded conflicting results. We sought to evaluate platelet reactivity in IUGR using a novel platelet aggregation assay. Study Design Pregnancies with IUGR were recruited from 24 weeks' gestation (estimated fetal weight < 10th centile) and had platelet function testing performed after diagnosis.

Age-related changes in platelet function are more profound in women than in men.

Age is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), however the effect of age on platelet function remains unclear. Ideally, platelet function should be assayed under flow and shear conditions that occur in vivo. Our study aimed to characterise the effect of age on platelet translocation behaviour using a novel flow-based assay that measures platelet function in less than 200 μl of blood under conditions of arterial shear.

Outcome following selective fetoscopic laser ablation for twin to twin transfusion syndrome: an 8 year national collaborative experience.

Objective: With the recognition of the role of fetoscopic laser ablation for twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), there is a requirement for auditable standards for this technically challenging and specialized treatment. The purpose of this study is to report on the perinatal and medium-term neurodevelopmental outcomes following an 8-year national single center experience in the management of TTTS using the selective fetoscopic laser ablation technique.

Study Design: An audit of all cases of TTTS treated with selective laser ablation by a single national fetal medicine team was performed.

Platelet function in patients with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage who subsequently miscarry again.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate platelet aggregation in pregnant women with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) and to compare platelet function in such patients who go on to have either another subsequent miscarriage or a successful pregnancy.

Study Design: A prospective longitudinal study was performed to evaluate platelet function in a cohort of patients with a history of unexplained RM. Platelet reactivity testing was performed at 4-7 weeks gestation, to compare platelet aggregation between those with a subsequent miscarriage and those who had successful live birth outcomes.