Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants BioMed Research International Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants Lead Guest Editor: Erich Cosmi Guest Editors: Enrico Grisan, Vassilios Fanos, Giuseppe Rizzo, Shanthi Sivanandam, and Silvia Visentin Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants BioMed Research International Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants Lead Guest Editor: Erich Cosmi Guest Editors: Enrico Grisan, Vassilios Fanos, Giuseppe Rizzo, and Shanthi Sivanandam Copyright © 2017 Hindawi. All rights reserved. This is a special issue published in “BioMed Research International.” All articles are open access articles distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Contents Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants Erich Cosmi, Enrico Grisan, Vassilios Fanos, Giuseppe Rizzo, Shanthi Sivanandam, and Silvia Visentin Volume 2017, Article ID 3191308, 4 pages DNA Damage as a Driver for Growth Delay: Chromosome Instability Syndromes with Intrauterine Growth Retardation Benilde García-de Teresa, Mariana Hernández-Gómez, and Sara Frías Volume 2017, Article ID 8193892, 14 pages A Psychological Perspective on Preterm Children: The Influence of Contextual Factors on Quality of Family Interactions Michela Gatta, Marina Miscioscia, Lorenza Svanellini, Chiara Peraro, and Alessandra Simonelli Volume 2017, Article ID 9152627, 10 pages Echocardiographic Techniques of Deformation Imaging in the Evaluation of Maternal Cardiovascular System in Patients with Complicated Pregnancies Silvia Visentin, Chiara Palermo, Martina Camerin, Luciano Daliento, Denisa Muraru, Erich Cosmi, and Luigi P. Badano Volume 2017, Article ID 4139635, 10 pages Paracetamol in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Treatment: Efficacious and Safe? Flaminia Bardanzellu, Paola Neroni, Angelica Dessì, and Vassilios Fanos Volume 2017, Article ID 1438038, 25 pages Metabolomics and Cardiology: Toward the Path of Perinatal Programming and Personalized Medicine Roberta Pintus, Pier Paolo Bassareo, Angelica Dessì, Martino Deidda, Giuseppe Mercuro, and Vassilios Fanos Volume 2017, Article ID 6970631, 8 pages Parental Genetic Variants, MTHFR 677C>TandMTRR66A>G, Associated Differently with Fetal Congenital Heart Defect Qian-nan Guo, Hong-dan Wang, Li-zhen Tie, Tao Li, Hai Xiao, Jian-gang Long, and Shi-xiu Liao Volume 2017, Article ID 3043476, 7 pages Postnatal Growth in a Cohort of Sardinian Intrauterine Growth-Restricted Infants Maria Grazia Clemente, Giampiero Capobianco, Paolo Mattia Galasso, Francesco Dessole, Giuseppe Virdis, Maria Grazia Sanna, Mauro Giorgio Olzai, Lino Argiolas, Salvatore Dessole, and Roberto Antonucci Volume 2017, Article ID 9382083, 5 pages The Role of Interleukin-17, Interleukin-23, and Transforming Growth Factor- in Pregnancy Complicated by Placental Insufficiency Dorota Darmochwal-Kolarz, Magdalena Michalak, Bogdan Kolarz, Monika Przegalinska-Kalamucka, Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak, Dariusz Sliwa, and Jan Oleszczuk Volume 2017, Article ID 6904325, 5 pages Does Chemotherapy for Gynecological Malignancies during Pregnancy Cause Fetal Growth Restriction? Nabil Abdalla, Magdalena Bizoń, Robert Piórkowski, Paweł Stanirowski, Krzysztof Cendrowski, and Włodzimierz Sawicki Volume 2017, Article ID 7543421, 7 pages Scientific Evidence for Different Options for GDM Screening and Management: Controversies and Review of the Literature Claudia Caissutti and Vincenzo Berghella Volume 2017, Article ID 2746471, 12 pages Apolipoprotein E Genotype in Very Preterm Neonates with Intrauterine Growth Restriction: An Analysis of the German Neonatal Network Cohort Stephen Norda, Tanja K. Rausch, Thorsten Orlikowsky, Matthias Hütten, Sören Schulz, Wolfgang Göpel, and Ulrich Pecks Volume 2017, Article ID 2837027, 8 pages Care-Related and Maternal Risk Factors Associated with the Antenatal Nondetection of Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Case-Control Study from Bremen, Germany Sinja Alexandra Ernst, Tilman Brand, Anna Reeske, Jacob Spallek, Knud Petersen, and Hajo Zeeb Volume 2017, Article ID 1746146, 10 pages Do miRNAs Play a Role in Fetal Growth Restriction? A Fresh Look to a Busy Corner Benito Chiofalo, Antonio Simone Laganà, Alberto Vaiarelli, Valentina Lucia La Rosa, Diego Rossetti, Vittorio Palmara, Gaetano Valenti, Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda, Roberta Granese, Fabrizio Sapia, Onofrio Triolo, and Salvatore Giovanni Vitale Volume2017,ArticleID6073167,8pages First-Trimester Crown-Rump Length and Embryonic Volume of Fetuses with Structural Congenital Abnormalities Measured in Virtual Reality: An Observational Study L.Baken,B.Benoit,A.H.J.Koning,P.J.vanderSpek,E.A.P.Steegers,andN.Exalto Volume 2017, Article ID 1953076, 6 pages Suspected Fetal Growth Restriction at 37 Weeks: A Comparison of Doppler and Placental Pathology William M. Curtin, Karmaine A. Millington, Tochi O. Ibekwe, and Serdar H. Ural Volume 2017, Article ID 3723879, 10 pages Hindawi BioMed Research International Volume 2017, Article ID 3191308, 4 pages https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/3191308 Editorial Growth Abnormalities of Fetuses and Infants Erich Cosmi,1 Enrico Grisan,1 Vassilios Fanos,2 Giuseppe Rizzo,3 Shanthi Sivanandam,4 and Silvia Visentin1 1 University of Padua, Padua, Italy 2University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy 3University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy 4University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA Correspondence should be addressed to Erich Cosmi; [email protected] Received 27 September 2017; Accepted 27 September 2017; Published 22 November 2017 Copyright © 2017 Erich Cosmi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The objective of this special issue is to address recent highest rates of infant mortality in the early 20th century research trends and developments about the advancements also had the highest rates of mortality from coronary heart of image processing and vision in healthcare. A substantial disease decades later. As the most commonly registered cause number of papers were submitted, and after a thorough peer of infant death at the start of 20th century was low birth reviewprocess,someofthesewereselectedtobeincluded weight, these observations led to the hypothesis that low birth in this special issue. Growth abnormalities (either growth weightbabieswhosurvivedinfancyandchildhoodmightbe restriction or large for gestational age) during perinatal and at increased risk of coronary heart disease in later life. There postnatal life are a hot topic issue, since they are often linked is an increased evidence of the link between intrauterine and to alteration of uterine environment caused by placental perinatal alterations and adult diseases. Although the main insufficiency, maternal metabolic syndrome, and in general focussofarhasbeenthetimingofdeliveryandfollow-up, under- or overnutrition of the fetus. These fetal abnormalities thestudyofthepathophysiologyandofpossiblerecoveryisof account for the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and paramount importance and needs the contributions of physi- mortality. Moreover, under the hypothesis of developmental cians from several fields, biologists, bioinformaticians, and origin of adult diseases, they bear consequences in later life, programming the infant physiology for a higher risk engineers. of noncommunicable diseases, cardiovascular adult diseases, The paper by C. Caissutti and V. Berghella presents and neurodevelopment delay. Low birth weight, caused either a comprehensive review about the most important and by preterm birth and/or by intrauterine growth restriction, employed guidelines about screening and management of isrecentlyknowntobeassociatedwithincreasedratesof gestational diabetes (GDM) that affects up to 7% of pregnant cardiovascular disease and noninsulin dependent diabetes women and is associated with several maternal and perinatal in adult life. The “developmental origins of adult disease” morbidities. It is well known that GDM represents over hypothesis, often called “the Barker hypothesis,” proposes time a risk factor of type 2 diabetes, for both the mother that these diseases originate through adaptations of the fetus and the fetus. Nowadays, there are many unsolved questions when it is undernourished. These adaptations may be cardio- concerning the indications of screening, the timing and type vascular, metabolic, or endocrine and they may permanently of screening, the criteria for diagnosis, and the population change the structure and function of the body, increasing to screen. The correct identification of universally approved coronary heart disease risk factors, such as hypertension, type andsharedrecommendationsshouldimprovetheGDM 2 diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidaemia. pregnancy outcomes (gestational hypertension, prematurity, This hypothesis originally involved from observation by cesarean deliveries, number of large for gestational age and Barker and colleagues that the regions in England with the small for gestational age fetuses, and 1-minute Apgar scores 2 BioMed Research International < 7), improving the health care and maintaining a cost- IUGR in our series showed significant postnatal catch-up effective benefit. growth essentially during the first 12 months of life. The The paper by B. Chiofalo et al. takes into account modern research describes a new personalized medicine the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) of the placenta
Recommended publications
  • Stillbirths Preceded by Reduced Fetal Movements Are More Frequently Associated with Placental Insufficiency: a Retrospective Cohort Study
    J. Perinat. Med. 2021; aop Madeleine ter Kuile, Jan Jaap H.M. Erwich and Alexander E.P. Heazell* Stillbirths preceded by reduced fetal movements are more frequently associated with placental insufficiency: a retrospective cohort study https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0103 RFM were less frequently reported in twin pregnancies Received March 3, 2021; accepted June 25, 2021; ending in stillbirth and in intrapartum stillbirths. published online July 15, 2021 Conclusions: The association between RFM and placental insufficiency was confirmed in cases of stillbirth. This Abstract provides further evidence that RFM is a symptom of placental insufficiency. Therefore, investigation after RFM Objectives: Maternal report of reduced fetal movements should aim to identify placental dysfunction. (RFM) is a means of identifying fetal compromise in preg- nancy. In live births RFM is associated with altered Keywords: absent fetal movement; decreased fetal move- placental structure and function. Here, we explored asso- ment; perinatal mortality; placenta. ciations between RFM, pregnancy characteristics, and the presence of placental abnormalities and fetal growth re- striction (FGR) in cases of stillbirth. Introduction Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in a single UK tertiary maternity unit. Cases were divided into Stillbirth is an extensive problem that receives little atten- three groups: 109 women reporting RFM, 33 women with tion from worldwide initiatives [1]. Although only 2% of the absent fetal movements (AFM) and 159 who did not report 2.8 million stillbirths each year occur in high-income RFM before the diagnosis of stillbirth. Univariate and countries (HICs), this still accounts for significant number multivariate logistic regression was used to determine as- of deaths [2].
    [Show full text]
  • Changes in First Trimester Screening Test Parameters in Pregnancies
    212 Original Investigation Changes in first trimester screening test parameters in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa and association with hyperemesis gravidarum Fırat Tülek1, Alper Kahraman1, Salih Taşkın1, Esra Özkavukçu2, Feride Söylemez1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey 2Department of Radiology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey Abstract Objective: To assess the possible changes in first trimester screening test parameters in pregnancies complicated with placenta previa and to determine whether there is an association between hyperemesis gravidarum and placenta previa. Material and Methods: A total of 131 singleton spontaneously conceived pregnancies that were complicated by placenta previa and delivered between May 2006 and May 2013 were evaluated from birth charts. Ninety patients without placenta previa were selected amongst patients who delivered within the same period of time as the control group. Cases of low lying placenta (n=52) within the study group were assessed as a separate group. The rest of the cases was considered to be in a different group. Results: Beta human chorionic gonadotropin (BhCG) multiples of medians (MoMs) and nuchal translucency (NT) MoMs were significantly higher in the placenta previa group in comparison with the low lying placenta and control groups. Apgar scores at both the 1st and 5th minutes were significantly lower in the placenta previa group. Hyperemesis gravidarum was found to be significantly more frequent in the placenta previa group. Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum in the first trimester is higher in pregnancies complicated by placenta previa. Paying more attention to the development of placenta previa in the routine pregnancy follow-up of patients with hyperemesis gravidarum could be considered.
    [Show full text]
  • Review and Hypothesis: Syndromes with Severe Intrauterine Growth
    RESEARCH REVIEW Review and Hypothesis: Syndromes With Severe Intrauterine Growth Restriction and Very Short Stature—Are They Related to the Epigenetic Mechanism(s) of Fetal Survival Involved in the Developmental Origins of Adult Health and Disease? Judith G. Hall* Departments of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, UBC and Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Received 4 June 2009; Accepted 29 August 2009 Diagnosing the specific type of severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) that also has post-birth growth restriction How to Cite this Article: is often difficult. Eight relatively common syndromes are dis- Hall JG. 2010. Review and hypothesis: cussed identifying their unique distinguishing features, over- Syndromes with severe intrauterine growth lapping features, and those features common to all eight restriction and very short stature—are they syndromes. Many of these signs take a few years to develop and related to the epigenetic mechanism(s) of fetal the lifetime natural history of the disorders has not yet been survival involved in the developmental completely clarified. The theory behind developmental origins of origins of adult health and disease? adult health and disease suggests that there are mammalian Am J Med Genet Part A 152A:512–527. epigenetic fetal survival mechanisms that downregulate fetal growth, both in order for the fetus to survive until birth and to prepare it for a restricted extra-uterine environment, and that these mechanisms have long lasting effects on the adult health of for a restricted extra-uterine environment [Gluckman and Hanson, the individual. Silver–Russell syndrome phenotype has recently 2005; Gluckman et al., 2008].
    [Show full text]
  • Placental Pathology and Neonatal Thrombocytopenia: Lesion Type Is Associated with Increased Risk
    Journal of Perinatology (2014) 34, 914–916 © 2014 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved 0743-8346/14 www.nature.com/jp ORIGINAL ARTICLE Placental pathology and neonatal thrombocytopenia: lesion type is associated with increased risk JS Litt1 and JL Hecht2 OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between thrombocytopenia and placental lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Cases included singleton infants admitted to the intensive care unit (2005 to 2010) with platelet counts o100 000 μl−1. We selected a contemporaneous control group matched for gestational age: 49 cases and 63 controls. The frequency of thrombosis in fetal vessels, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy, acute chorioamnionitis, chronic villitis, infarcts, hematomas, cord insertion and increased circulating nucleated red blood cells were identified on retrospective review of placental histology. Logistic regression models were used to test for associations. RESULT: Placental lesions associated with poor maternal perfusion (odds ratio (OR) 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38, 8.15) or affecting fetal vasculature (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.05, 7.23), but not inflammation, were associated with thrombocytopenia. A Pearson Chi-Square Test for Independence for fetal and maternal lesions indicated that the two are independent factors. CONCLUSION: Poor maternal perfusion and fetal vascular lesions are independently associated with thrombocytopenia in the newborn. Journal of Perinatology (2014) 34, 914–916; doi:10.1038/jp.2014.117; published online 19 June 2014 INTRODUCTION placental lesions affecting the fetal circulation, such as fetal Isolated neonatal thrombocytopenia is a common condition and vascular thrombosis, are associated with neonatal thrombocyto- affects between 22% and 35% of all infants admitted to the penia.
    [Show full text]
  • Care of the Addicted Patient
    CARE OF THE ADDICTED PATIENT Andrew Linnaus, MD DISCLOSURE • No financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. GOALS • Review Traditional Toxidromes and associated drugs of abuse • Review Emerging Drugs of Abuse • Discuss the Current Opiate Epidemic • Discuss care for the recovering/addicted patient. SYMPATHOMIMETIC SYMPATHOMIMETIC • Cocaine, Amphetamines, LSD, Ectasy (MDMA) SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE • Eyes (Alpha 1): Pupil Dilation/Mydriasis • Heart (Beta 1): Increased HR, Contraction, irritability • Often sinus tachycardia but at risk for arrythmias. • Lungs (Beta2): Dilation of bronchial tree • Skin (Alpha 1): Sweating, goose bumps • Muscles (Beta2): Vasodilation-increased blood flow. • Tachycardia, Hypertension, Hyperthermia SYMPATHETIC RESPONSE • Physical Exam • Tremor, warm skin, diaphoresis, hypoactive bowel sounds. • Sympathetic stimulation Epinephrine (adrenalin) release form the adrenal glands • “Fight or flight” SYMPATHOMIMETIC-HYPERTHERMIA • Hyperthermia • Increased motor tone generates heat • Can be exacerbated by dehydration and vasoconstriction • Temp >106 F documented DIC and multisystem organ failure • Treatment • Aggressive use of fluid and benzodiazepines. • Neuromuscular paralysis and intubation as needed. • Continuous monitoring of core temperature-rectal probe. • Wet sheets with large fans, pack groin and axilla with ice packs • Goal of 102 or less within 20 minutes SYMPATHOMIMETIC-HYPERTENSION • Hypertensive Emergencies • Aortic Dissection, Pulmonary Edema, Myocardial Ischemia/Infarction, Intracranial Hemorrhage,
    [Show full text]
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: a Narrative Review
    children Review Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Narrative Review Chiara Monfredini 1, Francesco Cavallin 2 , Paolo Ernesto Villani 1, Giuseppe Paterlini 1 , Benedetta Allais 1 and Daniele Trevisanuto 3,* 1 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Mother and Child Health, Fondazione Poliambulanza, 25124 Brescia, Italy; [email protected] (C.M.); [email protected] (P.E.V.); [email protected] (G.P.); [email protected] (B.A.) 2 Independent Statistician, 36020 Solagna, Italy; [email protected] 3 Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: Meconium aspiration syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory failure occurring in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Worldwide, the incidence has declined in developed countries thanks to improved obstetric practices and perinatal care while challenges persist in developing countries. Despite the improved survival rate over the last decades, long-term morbidity among survivors remains a major concern. Since the 1960s, relevant changes have occurred in the perinatal and postnatal management of such patients but the most appropriate approach is still a matter of debate. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management and prognosis of infants with meconium aspiration syndrome. Keywords: infant newborn; meconium aspiration syndrome; meconium-stained amniotic fluid Citation: Monfredini, C.; Cavallin, F.; Villani, P.E.; Paterlini, G.; Allais, B.; Trevisanuto, D. Meconium Aspiration 1. Definition of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a clinical condition characterized by respira- Children 2021, 8, 230. https:// tory failure occurring in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid whose doi.org/10.3390/children8030230 symptoms cannot be otherwise explained and with typical radiological characteristics [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
    Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) happens when capabilities, a transfer to a higher-level-of-care NICU fetal stress occurs and the fetus/newborn gasps then should be initiated as soon as possible. aspirates meconium-stained amniotic fluid into his or her lungs before, during, or immediately after birth. MAS can Severe complications of MAS may include persistent be caused by placental insufficiency, maternal hyperten- pulmonary hypertension, pneumomediastinum, pneu- sion, preeclampsia, tobacco use, maternal infections, and mothorax, and pulmonary hemorrhage. The infant may fetal hypoxia, and most commonly postdates pregnancy. require a chest tube if a pneumothorax needs to be evac- MAS can be a serious respiratory condition causing respi- uated. Although surfactant therapy is not routinely rec- ratory failure, acute inflammatory response, and air leaks. ommended, it may be helpful in certain circumstances, Some infants with MAS will develop persistent pulmo- because meconium inactivates surfactant in the baby’s nary hypertension. MAS can range from mild to severe. lungs. A team trained in neonatal resusci- tation should attend all births with meconium-stained fluid. Not all infants delivered with meconium-stained fluid will develop MAS. Initial resuscitation steps are critical to prevent MAS. Please refer to current Neonatal Resuscitation Program guidelines to manage newborn during delivery. Newborns with mild to moderate MAS may present with meconium-stained skin, fingernails, or umbilical cord; tachynpea; rales; cyanosis; nasal flar- ing; grunting; and retractions. In severe cases of MAS, gasping respirations, pal- lor, and an increase in the anteroposte- rior diameter of the chest may be noted. Babies experiencing severe MAS may require oxygen, intubation, and ventilator support; inhaled nitric oxide; hypother- mia treatment; and even extracorpo- real membrane oxygenation.
    [Show full text]
  • Umbilical Vein Constriction at the Abdominal Wall
    Umbilical vein constriction at the abdominal wall An ultrasound study in low risk pregnancies Svein Magne Skulstad Institute of Clinical Medicine Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Bergen and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Haukeland University Hospital Bergen, Norway 2005 Umbilical vein constriction at the abdominal wall An ultrasound study in low risk pregnancies Table of contents II Abbreviations IV List of original papers VI Acknowledgements VII Summary IX 1 Introduction 1 1.1 History 1 1.2 Developmental anatomy and physiology 3 1.2.1 Developmental anatomy 3 1.2.2 Developmental physiology 7 1.2.3 Umbilical cord growth 8 1.3 Some aspects of the fetal circulation 10 1.3.1 Cardiac function, output and blood pressure 10 1.3.2 Umbilical venous blood flow 10 1.3.3 Umbilical venous blood flow in fetal disease 12 1.3.4 Umbilical vein pulsation 14 1.3.5 Umbilical vein pulsations in fetal disease 16 1.4 Umbilical cord complications 17 1.5 The ultrasound examination 23 1.5.1 Physics 23 The transabdominal transducer 23 Resolution of the ultrasound image 25 Doppler investigations 26 Continous wave Doppler 28 Pulsed wave Doppler 28 Colour Doppler 28 1.5.2 Safety 29 II 2 Hypothesis, aims and objectives 34 2.1 Hypothesis 34 2.2 Aims and objectives 34 3 Subjects and methods 34 3.1 Selection of subjects 34 3.2 Methods 36 3.2.1 Ultrasound equipment 36 3.2.2 2D–imaging 36 3.2.3 Colour Doppler 36 3.2.4 Doppler velocimetry 37 3.2.5 Data quality assurance 38 3.2.6 Statistical analysis 38 4 Results 39 5 Discussion 42 5.1 Methodological
    [Show full text]
  • Enhanced Nitrite-Mediated Relaxation of Placental Blood Vessels Exposed to Hypoxia Is Preserved in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences Article Enhanced Nitrite-Mediated Relaxation of Placental Blood Vessels Exposed to Hypoxia Is Preserved in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Growth Restriction Teresa Tropea 1,2,*, Carina Nihlen 3, Eddie Weitzberg 3, Jon O. Lundberg 3, Mark Wareing 1,2, Susan L. Greenwood 1,2, Colin P. Sibley 1,2 and Elizabeth C. Cottrell 1,2,* 1 Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, UK; [email protected] (M.W.); [email protected] (S.L.G.); [email protected] (C.P.S.) 2 Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK 3 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; [email protected] (C.N.); [email protected] (E.W.); [email protected] (J.O.L.) * Correspondence: [email protected] (T.T.); [email protected] (E.C.C.) Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is essential in the control of fetoplacental vascular tone, maintaining a high flow−low resistance circulation that favors oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus. Reduced fetoplacental blood flow is associated with pregnancy complications and is one of the major causes Citation: Tropea, T.; Nihlen, C.; of fetal growth restriction (FGR). The reduction of dietary nitrate to nitrite and subsequently NO may Weitzberg, E.; Lundberg, J.O.; provide an alternative source of NO in vivo. We have previously shown that nitrite induces vasore- Wareing, M.; Greenwood, S.L.; Sibley, laxation in placental blood vessels from normal pregnancies, and that this effect is enhanced under C.P.; Cottrell, E.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
    MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME Background 1. Definition: meconium aspiration refers to fetal aspiration of meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) during the antepartum or intrapartum period. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) refers to newborn respiratory distress secondary to the presence of meconium in the tracheobronchial airways. 2. General: o MAS is distinct from aspiration of other substances such as blood and amniotic fluid (which may produce similar respiratory symptoms) Pathophysiology 1. Pathology of Disease o Meconium is made of amniotic fluid, lanugo, skin cells, and vernix swallowed by the fetus, combined with biliary acids, proteins, and cells of the gastrointestinal tract1 o Passage of meconium is normally inhibited but may occur as a result of: . Increased motilin at term, leading to expulsion of the meconium plug . Vagal stimulation, possibly associated with fetal distress or states such as hypoxia or acidosis which relax the anal sphincter. o MAS causes significant respiratory distress immediately-to-shortly after delivery. Mild or moderate MAS usually results from aspiration of MSAF at birth in a vigorous infant . Severe MAS is most likely caused by chronic in-utero insult or placental insufficiency2 o Meconium aspiration takes place in utero in most cases,3 caused by: . Decreased alveolar ventilation related to lung injury, ventilation- perfusion mismatch and air-trapping. Pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum in 15-30% of cases . Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in severe MAS(increased pulmonary vascular resistance with right-to-left shunting) . Fetal acidemia4 . Chemical pneumonitis . Surfactant inactivation caused by meconium’s disruption of surface tension 2. Incidence, Prevalence o 10-15% of deliveries involve meconium-stained amniotic fluid5 o 5-12% of infants delivered through meconium-stained fluid develop meconium aspiration syndrome6 o 25,000 to 35,000 cases of MAS per year in US7 3.
    [Show full text]
  • A Prospective Study of Women with Pre-Existing Diabetes in Pregnancy
    Diabetes Care 1 Suja Padmanabhan,1,2 Vincent W. Lee,2,3 The Association of Falling Insulin Mark Mclean,1,4,5 Neil Athayde,6 CLIN CARE/EDUCATION/NUTRITION/PSYCHOSOCIAL Valeria Lanzarone,7 Qemer Khoshnow,7 Requirements With Maternal Michael J. Peek,8 and N. Wah Cheung1,2 Biomarkers and Placental Dysfunction: A Prospective Study of Women With Pre-existing Diabetes in Pregnancy https://doi.org/10.2337/dc17-0391 OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of falling insulin requirements (FIR) among women with pre-existing diabetes with adverse obstetric outcomes and maternal bio- markers longitudinally in pregnancy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS 1Diabetes and Endocrinology, Westmead Hospital, A multicenter prospective cohort study of 158 women (41 with type 1 diabetes and Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 117 with type 2 diabetes) was conducted. Women with FIR of ‡15% from the peak 2Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, total daily dose after 20 weeks gestation were considered case subjects (n =32). Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 3 The primary outcome was a composite of clinical markers of placental dysfunction Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, £ New South Wales, Australia (pre-eclampsia, small for gestational age [ 5th centile], stillbirth, premature delivery 4Diabetes and Endocrinology, Blacktown Hospital, [<30 weeks], and placental abruption). Maternal circulating angiogenic markers Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (placental growth factor [PlGF] and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 [sFlt-1]), 5Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia placental hormones (human placental lactogen, progesterone, and tumor necrosis 6 a Obstetric Medicine, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, factor- ), HbA1c, and creatinine were studied serially during pregnancy.
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical Characteristics of Pregnancies Complicated by Both Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Placenta Previa Or Low-Lying Placenta (PPLLP)
    Hypertension Research 70 Fetal growth restrictionIn Pregnancy with placental insertion abnormality ORIGINAL ARTICLE Reprint request to: Shunji Suzuki, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Clinical characteristics of Maternity Hospital, 5-11-12 Tateishi, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo pregnancies complicated by both 124-0012, Japan. fetal growth restriction and E-mail: [email protected] Key words: fetal growth restriction, low-lying placenta previa or low-lying placenta, massive bleeding, placenta placenta previa Received: May 29, 2019 Revised: September 18, 2019 Jun Ogawa, Shunji Suzuki Accepted: September 30, 2019 J-STAGE Advance published date: October 19, 2019 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity DOI:10.14390/jsshp.HRP2019-009 Hospital, Tokyo, Japan Aim: This study aimed to examine the clinical characteristics of pregnancies complicated by both fetal growth restriction (FGR) and placenta previa or low-lying placenta (PPLLP). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to compare clinical characteristics of pregnancies complicated by FGR and/or PPLLP in women who do not habitually smoke or consume alcohol and who underwent delivery of singletons at ≥ 22 weeks’ gestation at Japanese Red Cross Katsushika Maternity Hospital between 2002 and 2015. Assessed factors related to patients and perinatal outcomes included maternal age, parity, history of in vitro fertilization, hypertensive disorders, delivery mode, fetal ultrasonographic findings, delivery mode, gestational age at delivery, neonatal asphyxia, and postpartum hemorrhage. Results: There were 24,118 singleton deliveries assessed for eligibility. Of these, 7 were complicated by both FGR and PPLLP. The development of FGR was not associated with the presence of PPLLP (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.54–2.4, P = 0.69).
    [Show full text]