Pessary or cerclage (PC study) to prevent recurrent preterm birth: a non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial.

Background: Previous spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) is a strong risk indicator for recurrent preterm birth (PTB). Cervical cerclage is an accepted intervention to prevent recurrent PTB in high risk patients. Cervical pessary might be a less invasive alternative.

Cervical pessary versus vaginal progesterone in women with a singleton pregnancy, a short cervix, and no history of spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks' gestation: open label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone in the prevention of adverse perinatal outcomes and preterm birth in pregnant women of singletons with no prior spontaneous preterm birth at less than 34 weeks' gestation and who have a short cervix of 35 mm or less.

Design: Open label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

Setting: 20 hospitals and five obstetric ultrasound practices in the Netherlands.

Vaginal delivery in women with a low-lying placenta: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Low-lying placentas are positioned close to the internal os of the cervix. The preferred way of delivery within this group is unclear.

Objectives: To review the literature on the success of a vaginal delivery with a low-lying placenta.

Aberrant lymphatic development in euploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency including Noonan syndrome.

Objective: Increased nuchal translucency in the human fetus is associated with aneuploidy, structural malformations and several syndromes such as Noonan syndrome. In 60–70% of the Noonan syndrome cases, a gene mutation can be demonstrated. Previous research showed that aneuploid fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT) demonstrate an aberrant lymphatic endothelial differentiation.

Abnormal ductus venosus flow in first-trimester fetuses with increased nuchal translucency: relationship with the type of cardiac defect?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate ductus venosus flow velocities and a possible relationship with the type of cardiac defect in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT).

Methods: Seventy-two fetuses with normal NT and 137 fetuses with increased NT (>95th percentile) were evaluated. The ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins (PIV), late diastolic velocity (velocity during atrial contraction [a-V]), and intracardiac velocities were evaluated.