True Nodes of the Umbilical Cords of a Mono-Amniotic Pregnancy

The incidence of twin pregnancies, has increased due to assisted reproductive technologies [1]. We note a doubling between 1970 and 2010 from less than 8‰ to nearly 16‰ of pregnancies (Pison et al., 2014;Pison et al., 2015) in developed countries [2] and 17‰ to 20‰ in sub-Saharan Africa. Monozygotic twins are the product of fertilization of a single egg by a single sperm, with the egg splitting into two within the first few days after fertilization. If the division takes place after the 8th day, the pregnancy is mono-chorionic mono-amniotic (less 1% of cases of monozygotic pregnancies) and represents 1 in 30,000 pregnancies. It is the development of two fetuses within the same amniotic sac, representing the rarest type of twin pregnancy (1% of monozygotic twin pregnancies) but being the one with the highest fetal and maternal morbidity. The main complication feared is coiling and knots of the umbilical cords responsible for abnormal heartbeat, fetal suffering and eventual fetal death. We report the case of in utero fetal death of twins from a mono choral mono amniotic pregnancy secondary to knots and coiling of the cord in order to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.

Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in pregnancy: Fluoroscopy time and fetal exposure, does it matter?

AIM: To estimate the fetal radiation exposure using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD's) in pregnant patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and assess its relevance. METHODS: Data on thirty-five therapeutic ERCPs conducted in pregnant patients from 2001 to 2009 were retrieved from a prospective database. Techniques to minimize fluoroscopy time were implemented and the fluoroscopy times captured. TLD's were placed on the mother to estimate the fetal radiation exposure and the results were compared to the maximum allowed dose of radiation to the fetus [0.005 gray (Gy)]. Obstetrics consultations were obtained and the fetus was monitored before and after the ERCP. Fluoroscopy wasperformed at 75 kVp. ERCP was performed with the patients supine by dedicated biliary endoscopists performing more than 500 cases a year. RESULTS: A total of 35 pregnant patients underwent ERCP and biliary sphincterotomy (14 in first trimester, 11 in second trimester, and 10 in third trimester). Mean maternal age was 25 years (range 16-37 years) and mean gestational age was 18.9 wk (range 4-35 wk). Mean fluoroscopy time was 0.15 min (range 0-1 min). For 23 women, the estimated fetal radiation exposure was almost negligible (< 0.0001 Gy) while for 8 women, it was within the 0.0001-0.0002 Gy range. Three women had an estimated fetal radiation exposure between 0.0002 and 0.0005 Gy and 1 woman had an estimated fetal radiation exposure greater than 0.0005 Gy. Complications included 2 post-sphincterotomy bleeds, 2 post-ERCP pancreatitis, and 1 fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome. One patient developed cholecystitis 2 d after ERCP. CONCLUSION: ERCP with modified techniques is safe during pregnancy, and estimating the fetal radiation exposure from the fluoroscopy time or measuring it via TLD's is unnecessary.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Isolated Hypothyroxinemia during Pregnancy and Their Association with Pregnancy Outcome: A 2-Year Study

INTRODUCTION: Overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, but the effects of subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia on pregnancy outcomes are still controversial. Subclinical hypothyroidism might be associated with preterm delivery, low Apgar score, fetal death and miscarriages and isolated hypothyroxinemia with preterm labor, high birth weight and neurocognitive deficits in children. Other studies show no association with any complications at all. In the present study we tried to estimate whether maternal subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia are associated with complications during pregnancy in our population which represents the pregnant population of Western Greece. METHODS: In a total of 469 pregnant women, third trimester serum was assayed for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (free T4). Thyroid hypofunction was defined as 1) subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH levels above 3 mIU/L for the 3rd trimester and normal free T4 and 2) isolated hypothyroxinemia with TSH levels below 3 mIU/L for the 3rd trimester and free T4 below the 5th percentile. The results were associated with birth weight, week of labor, history of miscarriages and demographic characteristics. Patients with thyroid hypofunction were compared with euthyroid patients (TSH and free T4 between normal limits). The results were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and χ2 test. RESULTS: Subclinical hypothyroidism was documented in 10.9% and isolated hypothyroxinemia in 21.7% of pregnant women. Subclinical hypothyroidism was not associated with birth weight, week of labor, or history of miscarriages. On the contrary, hypothyroxinemia was associated with high birth weight (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we did not find a link between subclinical hypothyroidism and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Similarly, hypothyroxinemia was not associated with pregnancy complications. However, it was associated with higher birth weight. Our studies contribute to our understanding, whether or not subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinemia are associated with pregnancy adverse outcomes and whether treatment and test for hypothyroidism should become routine during pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy: Controversy over screening and intervention

Thyroid hormones are critical for foetal neurological development and maternal health. Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with adverse impact on health of the mother as well as the progeny. Reduced thyroid hormone levels predispose the child to develop mental retardation and cognitive delay in early life. In the mother, hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with spontaneous abortion, placental abruption, preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders. Therefore, screening and therapeutic intervention is justified to prevent foetal as well as maternal co-morbidities. In view of impact of such a large-scale screening and intervention program on limited healthcare resources, it is debatable if a targeted rather than universal screening program will result in comparable outcomes. In addition, there is an ongoing debate regarding best evidence-based practice for the management of isolated hypothyroxinaemia, subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroid women with autoimmune hypothyroidism. We have carried out a review of the literature; firstly, to determine whether universal screening for asymptomatic women in early pregnancy would be cost-effective. Secondly, we have retrospectively reviewed the literature to analyse the evidence regarding the impact of therapeutic intervention in women with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Case Report: Anaplastic Astrocytoma Treated with Postoperative Radiotherapy Using Flattening Filter-Free Volumetric Arc Therapy (FFF-VMAT) during Pregnancy—Acceptable Fetal Dosimetry

Background: Postoperative irradiation for brain tumor in pregnant women is a matter of concern. Aim: We aimed to assess the safety of radiotherapy for brain tumors in pregnancy. We here report a successful treatment for anaplastic astrocytoma during pregnancy: surgery + postoperative irradiation. We wish to emphasize how we devised irradiation procedure to achieve both therapeutic effectiveness and safety to the fetus/infant. Case Presentation: A 34-year-old pregnant woman suffered with brain anaplastic astrocytoma. Tumor resection under craniotomy was performed with success. We decided to conduct postoperative radiotherapy at 25 weeks of gestation to reduce the risk of recurrence. We used a flattening filter-free volumetric arc therapy (FFF-VMAT) technique, which can achieve lower out-of-field dose than VMAT with a flattening filter or helical tomotherapy. We prescribed 60 Gy over 30 fractions. During actual beam delivery, surface and rectal dose to the patient (mother) were measured. The total fetal dose was estimated at 0.006 - 0.018 Gy, which is under the threshold set by the ICRP. A male healthy infant was born vaginally at the 37th week of pregnancy. The patient (mother) and the infant are healthy at the time of writing. Conclusion: FFF-VMAT is a good choice for brain tumors during pregnancy.

CONSERVATIVE MANAGEMENT OF TWIN PREGNANCY WITH SINGLE FETAL DEATH

Objective.Analysis of the cause of intrauterine death of one fetus of twin and to evaluate the outcome of conservative management of twin pregnancy with single fetal death. Method.A retrospective review was undertaken on PUMC hospital records of women who delivered twin between Jan. 1987 and Dec. 1998. Result.During the recent 12 years, 99 pregnant women were documented as twin pregnancies. Of the twin pregnancies during this period, 13 were complicated by a single intrauterine death. Four women suffered this complication during their first trimester. In the remain 9 cases one fetus died during second or third trimester. The cesarean section was given in three pregnant women soon after a single intrauterine death because of the survival fetal distress. No consumptive coagulopathy was apparent in all 13 pregnant women. It is wise that the pregnancy was managed conservatively, with regular coagulation parameters obtained. Conclusion.Our results support conservative management in twin pregnancies complicated by single fetal death.

Effects of gestational subclinical hypothyroidism and TPO-Ab on pregnancy outcomes

The prevalence of gestational subclinical hypothyroidism has been increasing with years, and it has become one of the common diseases happened to women during pregnancy in China. Gestational subclinical hypothyroidism can not only increase the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but also have a negative impact on the development of the offspring. Therefore, it is necessary to make an early detection, diagnosis and treatment.

Maternal diaphragmatic hernia in pregnancy:A systematic review with a treatment algorithm

BACKGROUND Diaphragmatic hernia(DH)is extremely rarely described during pregnancy.Due to the rarity,there is no diagnostic or treatment algorithm for DH in pregnancy.AIM To summarize and define the most appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for DH in pregnancy based on scarce literature.METHODS Literature search of English-,German-,Spanish-,and Italian-language articles were performed using PubMed(1946–2021),PubMed Central(1900–2021),and Google Scholar.The PRISMA protocol was followed.The search terms included:Maternal diaphragmatic hernia,congenital hernia,pregnancy,cardiovascular collapse,mediastinal shift,abdominal pain in pregnancy,hyperemesis,diaphragmatic rupture during labor,puerperium,hernie diaphragmatique maternelle,hernia diafragmática congenital.Additional studies were identified by reviewing reference lists of retrieved studies.Demographic,imaging,surgical,and obstetric data were obtained.RESULTS One hundred and fifty-eight cases were collected.The average maternal age increased across observed periods.The proportion of congenital hernias increased,while the other types appeared stationary.Most DHs were left-sided(83.8%).The median number of herniated organs declined across observed periods.A working diagnosis was correct in 50%.DH type did not correlate to maternal or neonatal outcomes.Laparoscopic access increased while thoracotomy varied across periods.Presentation of less than 3 days carried a significant risk of strangulation in pregnancy.CONCLUSION The clinical presentation of DH is easily confused with common chest conditions,delaying the diagnosis,and increasing maternal and fetal mortality.Symptomatic DH should be included in the differential diagnosis of pregnant women with abdominal pain associated with dyspnea and chest pain,especially when followed by collapse.Early diagnosis and immediate intervention lead to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes.A proposed algorithm helps manage pregnant women with maternal DH.Strangulated DH requires an emergent operation,while delivery should be based on obstetric indications.

Helicobacter pylori infection in pregnant women:Gastrointestinal symptoms and pregnancy-related disorders

Helicobacter pylori(H.Pylori)is a gram-negative,flagellated and spiral-shaped bacterial pathogen that impacts approximately 46%among pregnant women globally and has been associated with various maternal-fetal complications.Iron deficiency anemia,fetal growth restriction,cardiovascular diseases,and insufficient nutrient absorption can be observed in pregnant women,as well as miscarriages and pregnancy-specific hypertensive disease,such as pre-eclampsia.Thus,the evidence supports the influence of H.pylori infection on fetal implantation/placentation failure,and positive strains of the cytotoxin-associated gene A of H.Pylori were reported as the most prevalent in these conditions.However,current knowledge indicates a relationship between this infection and the occurrence of hyperemesis gravidarum,characterized by frequent nausea and vomiting.Regarding the diagnosis of this bacterial infection,non-invasive approaches such as stool antigen test,urea breath test,and serological tests are more accepted during pregnancy,as they are easy to carry out and cost-effective.Finally,the bacteria eradication therapy should consider the risks and benefits for the pregnant woman and her child,with pharmacological intervention depending on the clinical presentation.

Immune rebalancing at the maternal-fetal interface of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during early pregnancy

The current coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARS-CoV-2)remains a threat to pregnant women.However,the impact of early pregnancy SARS-CoV-2 infection on the maternal-fetal interface remains poorly understood.Here,we present a comprehensive analysis of single-cell transcriptomics and metabolomics in placental samples infected with SARS-CoV-2 during early pregnancy.Compared to control placentas,SARS-CoV-2 infection elicited immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface and induced metabolic alterations in amino acid and phospholipid profiles during the initial weeks post-infection.However,subsequent immune cell activation and heightened immune tolerance in trophoblast cells established a novel dynamic equilibrium that mitigated the impact on the maternal-fetal interface.Notably,the immune response and metabolic alterations at the maternal-fetal interface exhibited a gradual decline during the second trimester.Our study underscores the adaptive immune tolerance mechanisms and establishment of immunological balance during the first two trimesters following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Externallyvalidated nomogramfor predicting short-term pregnancy outcome of singleton pregnancies with fetal growth restriction(FGR)

Objective This studyaimed at developing an available predictive model of singleton pregnancies with fetal growth restriction(FGR)for accurate and individualised prognosis assessment.Methods The prediction nomogram was developed by using multivariable Cox regression with data for 301 singleton FGR pregnancies at Peking University People's Hospital.External validation was performed in 321eligible singleton FGR pregnancies at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.Results Absent umbilical arterial flow,fetal anomaly,history of abnormal pregnancy,non-cephalic presentation and historyof caesarean sectionwere independent prognostic factors foradverse perinatal outcomes in singleton FGR pregnancies in the training set.In the training cohort of the internal validation set,the nomogram estimated pregnancy prognosis of FGR singleton pregnancies based on these five variables,with a concordance index(C-index)of 0.859(95%Cl:0.81 to 0.90)for predicting termination of pregnancy(TOP),which included intrauterine fetal death and therapeutic lethal induction,with a C-index of 0.92(95%Cl:0.86 to 0.98)for predicting stillbirth,and a C-index of 0.87(95%Cl:0.83 to 0.92)for predicting therapeutic lethal induction with indications.Encouragingly,consistent results wereobserved in the external validation set,witha C-index of 0.776(95%Cl:0.71 to 0.84)for predicting TOP,which included intrauterine fetal death and therapeutic lethal induction,with a C-index of 0.773(95%Cl:0.70 to 0.84)for predicting stillbirth,and a C-index of 0.776(95%Cl:0.70 to 0.85)for predicting therapeutic lethal induction with indications.Furthermore,the calibrations of the nomograms predicting the 28th and 34th TOPfreegestation week strongly corresponded to theactual survivaloutcome.Conclusion This prediction model may help clinicians indecision-making for singleton pregnancies with FGR,especially for patients with a single abnormal umbilical arterial flow orfetal anomaly,without induced labour indications for these abnormalities.

Trauma in Pregnancy at the Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital in Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso:Epidemiological,Clinical,Therapeutic and Prognostic Aspect

Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of trauma in pregnancy at the Yalgado Ouedraogo teaching hospital in Ouagadougou. Patients and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was done over a period of three years from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2012. We included in our sample, all pregnant women admitted for trauma in pregnancy and eligible in three clinics: obstetrics/gynecology, orthopedics, general and visceral surgery. Anonymity and confidentiality of collected data were respected. Results: We recorded 224 emergency consultations for trauma in pregnancy out of 26,735 obstetric and gynecological consultations which gave a frequency of 0.8%. The mean age of our patients was 25.9 ± 5 years and mean parity was 1. Housewives accounted for 50% of patients and referrals were the mode of admission in 74.6% of cases. The causes of injury were dominated by road traffic accidents in 82.6% of cases, falls in 9.8% and assault in 7.6%. The mean gestational age of onset of trauma was 26.3 ± 7 weeks amenorrhea. The management was multidisciplinary with a medical component in 99.1% of cases, obstetric component in 13% of cases, a visceral surgery component in 6.7% of cases and an orthopedic component in 4.2% case. Multiple traumas were found in 4 patients. The fetal prognosis showed in the 1st trimester 3 cases of abortion in the 2nd trimester 5 cases of intrauterine fetal death and in the 3rd trimester 10 cases of preterm labor. Conclusion: Traumas during pregnancy are beyond emergencies within multiple causes and requiring a multidisciplinary management. Seen the limited means of support, establishment of a national strategy to prevent trauma in pregnancy will improve the prognosis for mother and child.

Thirty-eight Cases of Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy: A 6-year Single Center Retrospective Analysis

Summary： Thirty-eight pregnant inpatients with acute pancreatitis （AP） were retrospectively re- viewed from 2006 to 2012 in our hospital. The incidence of pregnancy-associated AP was 2.27%o. Most （78.95%） of the attack occurred in the third trimester. The median of APACHE II score was 6 and severe AP accounted for 31.58% （12 cases）. Primary diseases were absent in most cases （57.89%） The most common clinical presentations were abdominal pain （89.47%） and vomiting （68.42%）. Pleural effusion and ascites were found only in the third trimester. Elevated white blood cell count, amylase and lipase were commonly found in biochemical examinations. Eleven cases required inten- sive care in ICU and 21 cases received caesarean section. There were 2 maternal deaths and 12 fetal losses including 4 abortions. It is concluded that AP is a rare entity in pregnancy. The incidence of pancreatitis increases with the gestational age. However, the severity is not necessarily related with the pregnancy trimesters. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentations, laboratory tests and imag- ing examinations. Although the treatment strategy of a pregnant woman with pancreatitis is similar to the general non-pregnant patient with AP, a multidisciplinary team consisting of gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal surgeon, radiologist, obstetrician, and ICU doctor should be set up.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy-current achievements and unsolved problems

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is the most common pregnancy-related liver disorder. Maternal effects of ICP are mild; however, there is a clear association between ICP and higher frequency of fetal distress, preterm delivery, and sudden intrauterine fetal death. The cause of ICP remains elusive, but there is evidence that mutations in genes encoding hepatobiliary transport proteins can predispose for the development of ICP. Recent data suggest that ursodeoxycholic acid is currently the most effective pharmacologic treatment, whereas obstetric management is still debated. Clinical trials are required to identify the most suitable monitoring modalities that can specifically predict poor perinatal outcome. This article aims to review current achievements and unsolved problems of ICP.

Liver disease in pregnancy

Liver diseases in pregnancy may be categorized into liver disorders that occur only in the setting of pregnancy and liver diseases that occur coincidentally with pregnancy. Hyperemesis gravidarum, preeclampsia/eclampsia, syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver tests and low platelets (HELLP), acute fatty liver of pregnancy, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy are pregnancy-specific disorders that may cause elevations in liver tests and hepatic dysfunction. Chronic liver diseases, including cholestatic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease, and viral hepatitis may also be seen in pregnancy. Management of liver disease in pregnancy requires collaboration between obstetricians and gastroenterologists/hepatologists. Treatment of pregnancy-specific liver disorders usually involves delivery of the fetus and supportive care, whereas management of chronic liver disease in pregnancy is directed toward optimizing control of the liver disorder. Cirrhosis in the setting of pregnancy is less commonly observed but offers unique challenges for patients and practitioners. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of liver diseases seen in pregnancy.

Abdominal Pregnancy, Case Report from Latifa Hospital DHA, Dubai, UAE

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. A high index of suspicion enables early diagnosis and prompt management. Ultrasound is a gold standard tool for diagnosis and Magnetic Resonance imaging has a limited role. Appropriate management of the condition is important to avoid grave maternal morbidity.

Helicobacter pylori and pregnancy-related disorders

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is investigated in gastric diseases even during pregnancy.In particular,this Gram-negative bacterium seems to be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum,a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.During the last decade,the relationship among H.pylori and several extra-gastric diseases strongly emerged in literature.The correlation among H.pylori infection and pregnancy-related disorders was mainly focused on iron deficiency anemia,thrombocytopenia,fetal malformations,miscarriage,pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.H.pylori infection may have a role in the pathogenesis of various pregnancy-related disorders through different mechanisms:depletion of micronutrients(iron and vitamin B12)in maternal anemia and fetal neural tube defects;local or systemic induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines release and oxidative stress in gastrointestinal disorders and pre-eclampsia;cross-reaction between specific anti-H.pylori antibodies and antigens localized in placental tissue and endothelial cells(preeclampsia,fetal growth restriction,miscarriage).Since H.pylori infection is most likely acquired before pregnancy,it is widely believed that hormonal and immunological changes occurring during pregnancy could activate latent H.pylori with a negative impact not only on maternal health(nutritional deficiency,organ injury,death),but also on the fetus(insufficient growth,malformation,death)and sometime consequences can be observed later in life.Another important issue addressed by investigators was to determine whether it is possible to transmit H.pylori infection from mother to child and whether maternal anti-H.pylori antibodies could prevent infant’s infection.Studies on novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for H.pylori are no less important,since these are particularly sensitive topics in pregnancy conditions.It could be interesting to study the possible correlation between H.pylori infection and other pregnancy-related diseases of unknown etiology,such as gestational diabetes mellitus,obstetric cholestasis and spontaneous preterm delivery.Since H.pylori infection is treatable,the demonstration of its causative role in pregnancy-related disorders will have important social-economic implications.

Effects of Aspirin on Pregnancy Outcome and Serum Endothelin-1 and Thrombomodulin Levels in Pregnancy Patients with Chronic Hypertension

Objective: To investigate the effect of aspirin on pregnancy outcome and serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thrombomodulin (TM) in pregnancy patients with chronic hypertension. Methods: Selected patients with chronic hypertension (mild to moderate) during pregnancy, who were enrolled and delivered in the Beijing Tongren Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 1, 2019 and December 30, 2020. The patients were randomly divided into control group (60) and experimental group (60). The control group was treated with labetalol and the test group was treated with labetalol and aspirin. The therapeutic effect and pregnancy outcome of the two groups were compared. The serum levels of ET-1 and TM were measured before treatment and one week after treatment. Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly one week after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05). One week after treatment, the values of ET-1 and TM in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the Control Group, the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of Preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios, placental abruption, Cesarean section and preterm birth in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups, especially Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Retardation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Besides routine treatment, aspirin can improve the outcome of pregnant women with chronic hypertension, which may be related to the regulation of ET-1 and TM by aspirin.

Thyroid disease in pregnancy: A review of diagnosis, complications and management

Malfunction of the thyroid gland is the second most common endocrine disorder encountered during pregnancy. It is well known that overt disease of the thyroid gland, either hyper or hypo can adversely affect pregnancy outcome. There is also an ongoing debate surrounding the issue of subclinical hypothyroidism and its effect on the cognitive development of the unborn child. The goal of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature and the current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease in pregnancy and postpartum.

Treatment for Mild Chronic Hypertension during Pregnancy

Background:The benefits and safety of the treatment of mild chronic hypertension(blood pressure,<160/100 mm Hg)during pregnancy are uncertain.Data are needed on whether a strategy of targeting a blood pressure of less than 140/90 mm Hg reduces the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes without compromising fetal growth.