Ultrasonic Estimation of Fetal Weight: Are Averaged Triplicate Measurements More Accurate Than Single Measurements?

Objective: To assess whether, and to what extent, performing triplicate measurements can improve accuracy of estimation of fetal weight (EFW) compared to single measurements.

Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at a single medical center. A total of 100 term parturients with an anticipated delivery within 72 hours were recruited for EFW measurements.

Visual biofeedback for shortening second stage of labor: randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether visual biofeedback can be used during labor as an effective tool for shortening the second stage of labor and reducing the need for instrumental delivery.

Methods: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial. Nulliparous women under epidural anesthesia were randomized at the point of full dilation into the biofeedback group (n = 50) or the control group (n = 50).

Maternal Exposure to Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis and Atopic Dermatitis in the Offspring: The Environmental Health Fund Birth Cohort.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants banned for use worldwide. Due to their biodegradation resistance, they accumulate along the food chain and in the environment. Maternal exposure to PCBs may affect the fetus and the infant.

Maternal and Newborn Thyroid Hormone, and the Association With Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Burden: The EHF (Environmental Health Fund) Birth Cohort.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants found in human tissues. PCBs can be transferred through the placenta and may disrupt the maternal thyroid homeostasis, and affect fetal thyroid hormone production. Several studies have shown that intrauterine exposure to PCBs might be associated with abnormal levels of thyroid hormones in mothers and their offspring.

Associations between intrauterine exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on neonatal ano-genital distance.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants. PCBs have endocrine disrupting properties which raises concerns regarding their effect on the developing fetus. This study aimed to examine the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns.

Two approaches for placenta accreta spectrum: B-lynch suture versus pelvic artery endovascular balloon.

Management of patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) varies widely, and scarce data exist concerning its management. The current study compared two different surgical approaches in the management of PAS: the B-lynch approach (Group A) compared to the endovascular balloon catheters (Group B) A retrospective cohort study in two tertiary university-affiliated hospitals between the years 2004 and 2015. Elective cesarean section was planned at 35-37 weeks of gestation.

[COMPARISON OF TWO APPROACHES FOR PLACENTA ACCRETA: UTERINE PRESERVATION VERSUS CESAREAN HYSTERECTOMY].

Aims: To compare the maternal and newborn outcome between cases that underwent conservative surgery with uterine preservation (Group A) to cesarean hysterectomy (Group B).

Background: Placenta accreta defines abnormally adherent and invasive placentation into the myometrium and in some cases invades adjacent organs. In recent years the incidence of placenta accreta cases has risen due to the increasing prevalence of cesarean delivery.

Bedside risk estimation of morbidly adherent placenta using simple calculator.

Purpose: To construct a calculator for 'bedside' estimation of morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) risk based on ultrasound (US) findings.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included all pregnant women with at least one previous cesarean delivery attending in our US unit between December 2013 and January 2017. The examination was based on a scoring system which determines the probability for MAP.

Postpartum Retained Products of Conception: A Novel Approach to Follow-Up and Early Diagnosis.

Purpose:  To investigate whether ultrasound follow-up for the detection of postpartum retained products of conception (RPOC) in women considered at risk for this condition may allow for early diagnosis.

Methods:  Parturients at risk for RPOC underwent an ultrasound exam on the second postpartum day. Based on the ultrasound findings, women were either: (1) discharged to routine postpartum care in cases of normal scans, (2) invited for follow-up in cases of abnormal scans.

The Rate of Cervical Length Shortening in the Management of Vasa Previa.

Objectives: There is no consensus about the optimal surveillance strategy in women with a diagnosis of vasa previa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the rate of change in cervical length measurements in the management of singleton pregnancies with a diagnosis of vasa previa.

Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study of our databases for pregnancies with a prenatal diagnosis of vasa previa that were followed with transvaginal sonography for cervical length and evaluated the impact of the changes in cervical length on the need for emergency cesarean delivery.

Evaluation of the impact of vasa previa on feto-placental hormonal synthesis and fetal growth.

Introduction: A vasa previa (VP) refers to aberrant chorionic vessels which can either connect the chorionic plate to a velamentous cord (type I) or a succenturiate or accessory lobe to the main placental mass (type II).

Methods: We performed retrospective cohort study of 32 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with VP. The levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3) were measured at 15-18 weeks as part of the triple test screening for Trisomy 21.

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy and Morbidly Adherent Placenta: Different or Similar?

Background: Growing evidence suggests that cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) may represent a continuum of the same disease.

Objectives: To investigate and compare the prior risk factors in women with either CSP or MAP.

Methods: The study included 33 women diagnosed with CSP in our department between 2006 and 2014.

The mid-gestation triple test profile among women diagnosed with vasa previa.

Purpose: To assess the mid-trimester triple test biomarkers among women diagnosed with vasa previa (VP).

Methods: The study included 43 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with vasa previa between the years 1988 and 2011. The mid-gestation screening test for Down syndrome was calculated from the combination of triple serum markers and maternal age, and expressed as a multiple of the gestation specific normal mean (MoM).

Is there a correlation between time of delivery and newborn cord pH?

Purpose: Since more senior and attending physicians work in labor wards during morning shifts, we expect a better delivery outcome during that time period.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between 1/2005 and 12/2014. Records of 56 428 singleton deliveries from a tertiary hospital in which cord blood pH was routinely measured at birth were analyzed.

Prediction of morbidly adherent placenta using a scoring system.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of an ultrasound-based scoring system for diagnosing morbidly adherent placenta (MAP).

Methods: This study included pregnant women referred to our ultrasound unit during 2013-2015 because of suspected MAP on a previous ultrasound examination or because they had at least one previous Cesarean delivery. All women were assessed using a scoring system based on the following: number and size of placental lacunae; obliteration of the demarcation between the uterus and placenta; placental location; color Doppler signals within placental lacunae; hypervascularity of the placenta-bladder and/or uteroplacental interface zone; and number of previous Cesarean deliveries.

Ocular anterior segment changes in pregnancy.

Purpose: To evaluate the changes occurring in the cornea, anterior segment anatomy, and intraocular pressure (IOP) in pregnant women.

Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.

Design: Prospective single-center comparative study.

A search for the most accurate formula for sonographic weight estimation by fetal sex - a retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fetal sex on the accuracy of multiple formulas for sonographic estimation fetal weight (SEFW).

Methods: The cohort included all singleton live births recorded at a single medical center from January 2004 to September 2011. The accuracy of SEFW was compared between male and female fetuses using 6575 SEFW performed within 3 days prior to delivery.

Evaluation of Fetal Weight Estimation Formulas in Assessing Small-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of multiple sonographic fetal weight estimation models in assessing small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses.

Materials And Methods: The cohort included all singleton pregnancies recorded at a single medical center from January 2004 to September 2011, with a minimum of 24 weeks of gestation. SGA was defined as a fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile.

Sonographic fetal weight estimation - is there more to it than just fetal measurements?

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different maternal, fetal, and examiner related factors on the accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation (SFWE).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzing 9064 SFWEs performed within 1 week prior to delivery, including singleton pregnancies with a gestational age of 37 to 42 weeks, was recorded at one medical center from January 2004 to September 2011. Predicted birth weights were calculated according to models by Sabbagha et al.

Impaired lipopolysaccharide responsiveness of cord blood mononuclear cells and the risk of asthma: a longitudinal study.

Background: We previously demonstrated that the proliferative response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) is negatively correlated with the induced expression of interleukin (IL)-4. Our aim, therefore, was to examine whether an impaired cellular response to LPS in infancy is associated with the risk for asthma.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study, the relationship between the CBMC response to LPS and the risk of atopy and wheezing after the age of 4 y was evaluated.

Assessment of the accuracy of multiple sonographic fetal weight estimation formulas: a 10-year experience from a single center.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of sonographic fetal weight estimation models. The secondary aim was to define the most accurate time (4-7 or 3 days before delivery) for evaluating fetal weight.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 12,798 sonographic fetal weight estimations were analyzed, of which 9459 were performed within 3 days of delivery and 3339 within 4 to 7 days.

Fertility performance and obstetric outcomes among women with previous cesarean scar pregnancy.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess fertility performance and obstetric outcomes after treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a large tertiary hospital in Israel. The study included 18 women with a diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy between 2000 and 2009.