Dysregulated flow-mediated vasodilatation in the human placenta in fetal growth restriction.

Increased vascular resistance and reduced fetoplacental blood flow are putative aetiologies in the pathogenesis of fetal growth restriction (FGR); however, the regulating sites and mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesised that placental vessels dictate fetoplacental resistance and in FGR exhibit endothelial dysfunction and reduced flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMVD). Resistance was measured in normal pregnancies (n = 10) and FGR (n = 10) both in vivo by umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry and ex vivo by dual placental perfusion.

Combined internal and external Le Fort III distraction osteogenesis--the "elusive vector".

This article describes a modified surgical technique using both internal and external distractors for distraction osteogenesis at the Le Fort III level. This technique optimizes vector control, superior to single-device techniques, resulting in excellent control and, ultimately, a functional occlusion.