Project description:Steroid hormones have diverse roles in pregnancy; some help stabilise pregnancy and influence the stability of pregnancy and the onset of labour. Changes and disorders in steroidogenesis may be involved in several pregnancy pathologies. To date, only a few studies have performed a very limited steroid analysis in multiple pregnancies. Our teams investigated multiple pregnancies regarding the biosynthesis, transport, and effects of steroids. We recruited two groups of patients: pregnant women with multiple pregnancies as the study group, and a control singleton pregnancies group. Blood samples were drawn from the participants and analysed. Information about the mother, foetus, delivery, and newborn was extracted from medical records. The data were then analysed. The gestational age of twin pregnancies during delivery ranged from 35 + 3 to 39 + 3 weeks, while it was 38 + 1 to 41 + 1 weeks for the controls. Our findings provide answers to questions regarding the steroidome in multiple pregnancies. Results demonstrate differences in the steroidome between singleton and twin pregnancies. These were based on the presence of two placentae and two foetal adrenal glands, both with separate enzymatic activity. Since every newborn was delivered by caesarean section, analysis was not negatively influenced by changes in the steroid metabolome associated with the spontaneous onset of labour.
Project description:Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare x-linked overgrowth syndrome with distinct clinical features, which is difficult to diagnose prenatally. We report the diagnosis of SGBS in dichorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies in the first trimester by ultrasound and genetic testing. The affected fetus developed polyhydramnios and the cervical length of the mother decreased significantly. To save the unaffected twin, a selective feticide of the affected fetus was performed. Finally, the patient underwent preterm caesarean section due to premature rupture of membranes in the dead twin, and also intrauterine infection. While SGBS has been reported, this was the first case in a multiple pregnancy, with possible consequences for the healthy twin. In conclusion, SGBS is a rare condition, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of prenatal overgrowth syndromes and associated malformation.
Project description:INTRODUCTION:Potter's syndrome, also known as Potter's sequence, is an uncommon and fatal disorder. Potter's sequence in a multiple pregnancy is uncommon, and its frequency remains unknown. Worldwide in a diamniotic twin pregnancy, there are only a few cases described. CASE REPORT:We present an unusual case discordance for Potter's syndrome in a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy. Twin A had the typical physical and histological Potter's findings. Twin B had normal respiratory function and normal physical examination findings. There are many controversies about this condition in diamniotic twin pregnancy. One case report concluded that that the presence of a normal co-twin in diamniotic pregnancy prevented the cutaneous features seen in Potter's syndrome and ameliorated the pulmonary complications, whereas two other case studies reported that the affected twin had extrarenal features typical of the syndrome. CONCLUSION:We performed an autopsy and calculated lung weight/body weight ratio to diagnose pulmonary hypoplasia. Histopathologic examination of lungs and kidneys was performed. We concluded that the appearance of extrarenal features in the affected twin depends on the amniocity.
Project description:ObjectiveThis review aimed to identify guidelines with recommendations applicable to the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies within high-income countries, appraise their methodological quality, and discuss the similarities and variability across guidelines.MethodA systematic literature review of electronic databases was performed. Manual searches of guideline repositories and websites of professional organisations were performed to identify additional guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021248586, 25 June 2021). AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools were applied to assess the quality of eligible guidelines. A narrative and thematic synthesis described and compared the guidelines and their recommendations.ResultsTwenty-four guidelines were included, from which 483 recommendations were identified across 4 international organisations and 12 countries. Guidelines addressed eight themes and recommendations were classified accordingly: chorionicity and dating (103 recommendations), fetal growth (105 recommendations), termination of pregnancy (12 recommendations), fetal death (13 recommendations), fetal anomalies (65 recommendations), antenatal care (65 recommendations), preterm labour (56 recommendations) and birth (54 recommendations). Guidelines showed significant variability in recommendations, with conflicting recommendations regarding non-invasive preterm testing, definitions surrounding selective fetal growth restriction, screening for preterm labour and the timing of birth. Guidelines lacked a focus on standard antenatal management of DCDA twins, management of discordant fetal anomaly and single fetal demise.ConclusionsSpecific guidance for dichorionic diamniotic twins is overall indistinct and access to guidance regarding the antenatal management of these pregnancies is currently difficult. Management of discordant fetal anomaly or single fetal demise needs greater consideration.
Project description:BackgroundSimpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) is a rare X-linked overgrowth syndrome. The main clinical manifestations are overgrowth and multiple malformations.Case presentationA 38-year-old Chinese woman was pregnant with dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twins after in-vitro fertilization. Series of ultrasound examinations indicated that the measurements (abdominal circumference and estimated foetal weight) of one twin were significantly greater than those of the other one. The genetic testing results of the larger baby indicated of Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome.ConclusionSGBS is difficult to diagnose due to different clinical manifestations. Clinicians need to be more aware of typical SGBS's clinical findings and choose genetic testing methods individually to improve its prenatal diagnosis.
Project description:ObjectiveImplantation of the conceptus in a twin cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is considered the rarest type of ectopic pregnancy. Preserving the fetus in utero and effectively dealing with CSP can be challenging. This study aimed to determine the clinical value of ultrasonography by monitoring imaging changes in twin CSP following selective feticide.MethodsUltrasonographic and clinical data were collected from four patients with twin CSP who were treated between December 2017 and December 2018 at our hospital.ResultsAll patients had a history of cesarean section, followed by a heterotopic CSP, with one embryo implanted into the uterine cavity and the other located in the anterior isthmus. All of the patients were pregnant with twins with double chorionic and amniotic sacs, and all gave birth in our hospital. The patients underwent feticide at 8 to 9 weeks of gestation, after which we focused on monitoring the implantation. Delivery was performed by cesarean section according to scores of an ultrasonic scoring system and clinical manifestations. The patients' uterus was preserved and they recovered.ConclusionsThis study shows that ultrasound is useful for determining the timing of clinical termination of CSP by selective feticide.
Project description:ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies that were reduced to singletons at different gestational ages.Study designThis was a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies that underwent fetal reduction to singletons in a single tertiary referral center between 2011 and 2020. A total of 433 cases were included. The cohort was divided into five groups according to gestational age at surgery: Group A: <16 weeks (125 cases); Group B: 16-19+6 weeks (80 cases); Group C: 20-23+6 weeks (74 cases); Group D: 24-26+6 weeks (48 cases); and Group E: ≥27 weeks (106 cases). Outcome data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical records or interviews.ResultsSelective reduction was technically successful. The clinical characteristics of the population were not different. The overall live birth rate and the survival rate were 96.5 and 95.4%, respectively. Although the rate of spontaneous miscarriage was comparable, gestational age at delivery significantly differed among groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a trend that gestational age at delivery decreased with the increasing gestational age at surgery in Groups A, B, C, and D, whereas gestational age at delivery in Group E was later than that in Group D. In Groups A, B, C, and D, the rates of preterm birth at <32 weeks and <34 weeks increased with the increasing gestational age at surgery, while the rates in Group E were significantly lower than that in Group D. Regression analysis showed that timing of reduction may be an independent factor after adjusting for maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, ART, and cervical length.ConclusionSelective reduction performed by experienced hands for a dizygotic abnormal twin is safe and effective. Gestational age at surgery (<26+6 weeks) was inversely correlated with gestational age at delivery and positively with the rate of preterm birth. Reduction after 27 weeks, where legal, can be performed with a good outcome for the retained fetus.
Project description:BackgroundCesarean scar defect (CSD) is a potential complication following cesarean section (CS), which has significant clinical implications, and is usually clinically diagnosed by ultrasound. However, the optimal timing for ultrasound diagnosis of CSD after CS has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate time for the diagnosis of CSD after CS by ultrasonography.MethodsThe prospective study involved 120 women who delivered by elective CS with single birth and term birth from January 2021 to June 2022. Sample enrollment was consecutive in the study. Each woman underwent 3 ultrasound examinations for CSD diagnosis at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum according to a modified Delphi method. The ultrasound indicators about the incision situation were recorded and statistically analyzed. Paired 4-fold table chi-square test was used to evaluate the consistency between the 3 diagnoses. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a 4-cell table. According to whether the diagnosis was consistent to that at 6 or 12 months, the 120 cases at week 6 were separated into a consistent group and inconsistent group for statistical evaluation of the ultrasound indicators. Additionally, the menstrual duration of the included women was also recorded to analyze the correlation to ultrasound indicators of CSD at 6 months postpartum using the Person correlation coefficient.ResultsThe included 120 women were divided into normal (3-7 days, n=52) and prolonged menstrual period (>7 days, n=68) groups. The 2 groups had no statistical differences in age, body mass index (BMI), gestational week of delivery, assisted reproduction rates, or postpartum complications. Among the 120 women, 100, 66, and 61 women were diagnosed as CSD at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum, respectively. The results indicated that the diagnostic results of 6 weeks were inconsistent with those of 6 or 12 months postpartum, but the last 2 diagnostic results were consistent. The diagnostic sensitivity of 6 months was 100% and the specificity was 91.53% [95% confidence interval (CI): 85.84-95.26%]. Further, significant differences were found in depth of the defect, and the thickness (T) and ratio of residual muscle between the inconsistent group and the consistent group at 6 weeks. The patients could be considered self-recovered from CSD at 6 months when the defect depth was equal to or less than 4.04±0.82 mm at 6 weeks after CS. Additionally, in the CSD group at 6 months, the length (r=0.828, P<0.001), depth (r=0.784, P<0.001), width (r=0.787, P<0.001) of the defect, the T (r=0.831, P<0.001) and ratio of residual muscle (r=0.821, P<0.001) were strongly correlated with menstrual duration.ConclusionsCSD evaluation at week 6 after CS may cause misdiagnosis or overdiagnosis. The diagnosis of CSD was suggested to be made following 6 months or longer postpartum.
Project description:The evolution of multidisciplinary team-based care for women with placenta accreta spectrum disorder has delivered stepwise improvements in clinical outcomes. Central to this overall goal is the ability to limit blood loss at surgery. Placement of inflatable balloons within the pelvic arteries, most commonly in the anterior divisions of the internal iliac arteries, became popular in many centers, at the expense of prolonging surgical care and with attendant risks of vascular injury. In tandem, the need to expose pelvic sidewall anatomy to safely identify the course of the ureters re-popularized the alternative strategy of ligating the same anterior divisions of the internal iliac arteries. With incremental gains in surgical expertise, described in 5 steps in this review, our teams have witnessed a steady decline in surgical blood loss. Nevertheless, a subset of women has the most severe form of placenta accreta spectrum, namely placenta previa-percreta. Such women are at risk of major hemorrhage during surgery from vessels arising outside the territories of the internal iliac arteries. These additional blood supplies, mostly from the external iliac arteries, pose significant risks of major blood loss even in experienced hands. To address this risk, some centers, principally in China, have adopted an approach of routinely placing an infrarenal aortic balloon, with both impressively low rates of blood loss and an ability to conserve the uterus by resecting the placenta with the affected portion of the uterine wall. We review these literature developments in the context of safely performing elective cesarean hysterectomy for placenta previa-percreta, the most severe placenta accreta spectrum disorder.