Objective: To estimate the significance of the association between mid-trimester maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) level and fetal neuroanatomic findings in cases of open neural tube defect (ONTD).
Methods: Retrospective study of patients referred for prenatal ONTD repair between 2012 and 2018. Cases were classified into three groups based on their MSAFP level: 1)High MSAFP (>3.8MoM - n = 22), 2)Moderately high MSAFP (≤3.8 and ≥2.5MoM - n = 28), 3)Normal MSAFP (<2.5MoM - n = 18). MRI scans at the time of referral were used to assess the relationship between MSAFP and: A)Type of ONTD; B) Ventriculomegaly; C) Size of the myeloschisis lesion; D) Volume of myelomeningocele; E) Anatomical level of the lesion (LL).
Results: Having a high MSAFP level was more likely to be associated ventriculomegaly at mid-gestation than a moderately high or normal MSAFP level (OR = 8.4;CI95[0.9-73.4];p = 0.05 and OR = 2.8;CI95[0.9-8.8];p = 0.07). There were no differences between the three groups regarding type of lesion, size of the myeloschisis lesion, anatomic LL, or volume of the myelomeningocele sac. Myeloschisis cases with normal MSAFP had a larger surface area when compared to myeloschisis cases with moderately high MSAFP (219.8[104.4-551] vs 155.4[38.5-502.4] mm², p = 0.04).
Conclusion: A 2nd trimester MSAFP level >3.8MoM in a fetus with ONTD is associated with mid-gestation ventriculomegaly.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.02.010 | DOI Listing |
Metabolomics
January 2025
Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Background: Gestational exposure to non-persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. While many EDCs affect the endocrine system, their effects on endocrine-related metabolic pathways remain unclear. This study aims to explore the global metabolome changes associated with EDC biomarkers at delivery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Integr Neurosci
January 2025
Department of Anesthesia, Hangzhou Plastic Surgery Hospital, 310000 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Introduction: The effects of remimazolam (Re) in combination with andrographolide (AP) on learning, memory, and motor abilities in rats following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery were studied.
Methods: We hypothesized that the combination of Re and AP could improve postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in rats after CPB by modulating nervous system inflammation. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris Water Maze test, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Nutrients
January 2025
Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan.
Background/objectives: The DNA methylation of neonatal cord blood can be used to accurately estimate gestational age. This is known as epigenetic gestational age. The greater the difference between epigenetic and chronological gestational age, the greater the association with an inappropriate perinatal fetal environment and development.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutrients
January 2025
Unit of Internal Medicine, AOU Policlinico "P. Giaccone", Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several observational studies proved a certain efficacy of nutraceuticals, herbal products, and other dietary supplements as adjuvant therapies used alongside antiviral drugs. Although their use has not been widespread in Italy, according to preliminary evidence, many supplements with demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, such as vitamins C and D, herbal medicines and essential oils, might relieve the respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, since SARS-CoV-2 can activate inflammasome-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways. Other observational studies have shown that herbal treatments, such as and ginseng, help alleviate respiratory symptoms and reduce serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are typically overexpressed in both adult and pediatric SARS-CoV-2 patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Clin Med
January 2025
Department of Perinatology, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara 06170, Türkiye.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) presents significant risks for both maternal and neonatal health, affecting fetal growth and increasing the likelihood of future diabetes mellitus (DM) development in affected women. The dysregulation of metabolic biomarkers, including catestatin, has been implicated in GDM pathophysiology. However, the clinical significance of catestatin in GDM remains poorly understood, particularly in the context of different therapeutic approaches.
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