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Biomedical subjects

Y Ville

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ville.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Monitoring of fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the time sequence of changes in fetal monitoring variables in intrauterine growth restriction and to correlate these findings with fetal outcome at delivery. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal observational multicenter study on 110 singleton pregnancies with growth-restricted fetuses after 24 weeks of gestation. Short-term variation of fetal heart rate, pulsatility indices of fetal arterial and venous Doppler waveforms and amniotic fluid index were assessed at each monitoring session. The study population was divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised pregnancies with severely premature fetuses, which were delivered < or =32 weeks and Group 2 included pregnancies delivered after 32 completed weeks. Logistic regression was used for modeling the probability for abnormality of a variable in relation to the time interval before delivery. Trends over time were analyzed for all variables by multilevel analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-three (60 in Group 1 and 33 in Group 2) fetuses had at least three data sets (median, 4; range, 3-27) and had the last measurements taken within 24 h of delivery or intrauterine death. The percentage of abnormal test results and the degree of abnormality were higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Amniotic fluid index and umbilical artery pulsatility index were the first variables to become abnormal, followed by the middle cerebral artery, aorta, short-term variation, ductus venosus and inferior vena cava. In Group 1, short-term variation and ductus venosus pulsatility index showed mirror images of each other in their trend over time. Perinatal mortality was significantly higher if both variables were abnormal compared to only one or neither being abnormal (13/33 (39%) vs. 4/60 (7%); P = 0.0002; Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: Ductus venosus pulsatility index and short-term variation of fetal heart rate are important indicators for the optimal timing of delivery before 32 weeks of gestation. Delivery should be considered if one of these parameters becomes persistently abnormal.

Case-Control Studies↗

Acquired right heart outflow tract anomaly without systemic hypertension in recipient twins in twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

Significant hemodynamic changes are commonly observed in both fetuses in twin-twin transfusion syndrome. In the recipient twin there is cardiac dysfunction with hypertrophy of both ventricles and overall enlargement of the heart. We describe five cases of recipient twins in twin-twin transfusion syndrome with right ventricle hypertrophy, pulmonary stenosis and tricuspid regurgitation acquired in utero. These symptoms developed with no signs of systemic hypertension. Three of the five recipient twins survived and were developing normally at 3-30 months of age. Postnatal outcome is likely to have improved as a result of prenatal diagnosis of right ventricle outflow tract obstruction and timed delivery. These acquired anomalies of the right heart might be related to the particular hemodynamic conditions of the recipient twin. A global heart dilatation is logically expected, but this hypertrophy without dilatation is probably related to the shared plasma of fetuses with opposite hemodynamic conditions. This is what we consider as the hemodynamic-hormonal paradox. These acquired anomalies, though severe, are accessible to neonatal treatment if treated early.

Adult↗

Induction of labour with a viable infant: a randomised clinical trial comparing intravaginal misoprostol and intravaginal dinoprostone.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol (50 microg) with vaginal dinoprostone. DESIGN: Double-blind randomised trial. SETTING: Obstetrics Department, Poissy Hospital, France. PARTICIPANTS: 370 patients with medical indications for induction of labour. OUTCOME MEASURES: Vaginal deliveries within 24 hours, as well as time to vaginal deliveries, caesarean rates, costs, and fetal, neonatal and maternal condition. RESULTS: Compared with vaginal dinoprostone, vaginal misoprostol resulted in greater efficacy in several areas: vaginal delivery within 24 hours; time to vaginal delivery; and vaginal delivery within 12 hours. There was a non-significant increase in the caesarean section rate for fetal distress in the misoprostol group, but fewer caesarean sections for failed induction. Fetal tolerance was similar in the two groups, although significantly more neonates had a cord pH <7.20 and (non-significantly) none had meconium stained amniotic fluid in the misoprostol group. The incidence of poor neonatal outcome was similar in both groups. Subgroup analysis by indication for induction showed that the higher rates of arterial cord pH <7.20 and of meconium-stained amniotic fluid with misoprostol persisted only in possible fetal compromise. Poor neonatal outcome was less frequent in the misoprostol group in cases of induction for non-fetal indications. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal misoprostol resulted in successful and earlier induction of labour more often than dinoprostone, but the safety of misoprostol raises some concern in potentially compromised infants. Misoprostol should be preferred to dinoprostone in cases of induction for non-fetal indications.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

[Premature delivery and inflammation].

Premature delivery results from multiple closely interdependent factors. Inflammation is most generally caused by cervicovaginal infection that may progress to intra-uterine infection or inflammation. Severe chorioamniotitis is found in 75% of all premature deliveries compared with 15% in term deliveries. Premature rupture of the membranes is the cause of premature delivery in 30-40% of premature deliveries although the diagnosis of chorioamniotitis can also be established with intact membranes, sometimes on the basis of histological findings alone. The degree of prematurity is correlated with the severity of the histological chorioamniotitis. The severity and the duration of the lesions is often the cause of antibiotic failure for the treatment of threatening premature delivery. Inflammation mediators, mainly proinflammatory cytokines (IL1, TNF-alpha), chemokines (IL6, IL8 and MIP-1alpha) and immunomodulator cytokines (IL6) and immunosuppressive cytokines (IL10, IL4) are produced by the amniotic and decidual membranes and are found in the fetal circulation and amniotic fluid. This reaction triggers a cascade of events leading to the production of prostaglandins and cyclooxygenase (COX2) activity, that cause uterine contractions. The inflammation may be initiated locally, even from an extrapelvic location, This leads to a fetal and/or maternal systemic inflammatory reaction. Systemic fetal expression of deregulated inflammatory phenomena can lead to neonatal lesions of lung and brain white matter tissue. This explains the failure of tocolysis and antibiotics in uncontrolled situations and suggests new avenues for therapy using selective inhibitors of COX2.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Fetal biometric parameters, twin type and birth weight difference. A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between twin type, divided by zygosity, chorionicity, and birth weight difference [more or less than 15% intertwin weight difference at delivery] on fetal biometric measurements, including biparietal diameter, transverse abdominal diameter, head and abdominal circumferences (AC) and head and abdominal areas, femur length (FL), transverse cerebellar diameter, cerebellar circumference and cerebellar area at 18, 23, 28 and 32 weeks of gestational age. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective and longitudinal study was done on 75 twin pairs that did not present the twin-twin transfusion syndrome (150 fetuses) divided into birth weight difference group I (<15%) and group II (>/=15%). The twin pairs were divided into three groups: dizygotic, monochorionic, and dichorionic-monozygotic. In each group the differences in various ultrasound indices were evaluated in reference to discordant growth or concordant growth. RESULTS: In our sample, there were no monozygotic twin pairs with dichorionic placentation with a birth weight difference of more than 15%. Significant associations of group and gestational age were found in dizygotic and monochorionic twins. Intrapair differences were significantly higher in group II (>/=15%) than in group I (<15%) for all fetal parameters studied except for AC, abdominal area and all cerebellar parameters. The value of these discrepancies increased according to gestational age except for FL. Significant interactions between group and zygosity type indicated that intrapair FL differences were more associated with group in monochorionic twins, whereas intrapair transverse cerebellar diameter differences were more associated with group in dizygotic twins. CONCLUSION: Our data show that most fetal biometric parameters are associated with birth weight discordancy. Abdominal area could be a relevant marker for twins with obstetric complications. Note that this is the first research that has studied a twin sample divided by both twin type and birth weight group.

Biometry↗

Longitudinal changes in the ductus venosus, cerebral transverse sinus and cardiotocogram in fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in flow velocity waveforms in the transverse cerebral sinus in growth-restricted fetuses and to correlate these changes with (1) flow velocity waveforms in the ductus venosus and (2) changes in computerized analysis of the fetal cardiotocogram. DESIGN: Fetuses between 22 and 37 weeks' gestation with an estimated fetal weight below the fifth centile were included in this prospective longitudinal study. Doppler measurements of the umbilical artery, descending aorta, middle cerebral artery, transverse cerebral sinus and ductus venosus were recorded. Fetal heart rate was analyzed by a computer system according to the Dawes-Redman criteria. RESULTS: We measured a significant correlation between pulsatility index in the cerebral transverse sinus and in the ductus venosus over the study period and at delivery. There was a negative correlation between these indices and short- and long-term variability of the fetal heart rate. There was a parallel increase in pulsatility in the ductus venosus and the transverse cerebral sinus. These changes were inversely correlated with fetal heart rate variability and preceded fetal distress. CONCLUSION: Cerebral venous blood flow in IUGR fetuses may be a useful additional investigation to discriminate between fetal adaptation and fetal decompensation in chronic hypoxemia.

Aorta↗

The relationships between antenatal management, the cause of delivery and neonatal outcome in a large cohort of very preterm singleton infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the cause of very preterm delivery influences neonatal outcome. DESIGN: A cohort study of 685 consecutive singletons born before 33 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Causes of birth and perinatal outcome variables were correlated for statistical significance by uni- and multi-variate analyses. RESULTS: Intrauterine growth retardation or pre-eclampsia were associated with a higher rate of respiratory distress syndrome compared with prolonged rupture of membranes, after controlling for gestational age, antenatal corticosteroid therapy, antenatal antibiotic administration, mode of delivery and origin (inborn or outborn) (adjusted OR 3.12; 95% CI 1.55-6.28). The prevalence of grade 3-4 intraventricular haemorrhage or cystic periventricular leukomalacia was 25% in newborn babies born after intrauterine infection or prolonged rupture of membranes. Among infants born after intrauterine growth retardation/pre-eclampsia, the rate of severe intraventricular haemorrhage was 3.2% and the rate of periventricular leukomalacia was 0.9%. Compared with intrauterine infection and after controlling for potential confounding covariates, intrauterine growth retardation/pre-eclampsia was associated with a lower rate of periventricular leukomalacia (adjusted OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.02-0.41). In the same multiple logistic regression model, antenatal corticosteroid administration was associated with a lower incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (adjusted OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The cause of very preterm delivery has an important influence on neonatal outcome.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Monochorionic twin pregnancies : dangerous liasons].

Monochorionic twin pregnancies are characterized by a shared placental circulation; this induces a high degree of hemodynamic interdependency between the twins. This is particularly dramatic in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome or when one twin dies in utero. In both conditions, the severity of the hemodynamic imbalance can lead to significant sequelae in 15-25% of the cases. Ischemic accidents can be prevented by interruption of placental anastomoses through laser coagulation of their chorionic branches. This can be performed when intrauterine death of one twin is inevitable or as a first line treatment in severe TTS. In the latter indication it is important to compare this approach with serial amniodrainage.

Amniocentesis↗

Color Doppler study of the venous circulation in the fetal brain and hemodynamic study of the cerebral transverse sinus.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the venous circulation in the fetal brain; to describe the normal blood flow velocity waveform in the transverse sinus and to establish normal reference ranges for the second half of gestation. POPULATION: A total of 126 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies at 20-42 weeks of gestation. METHODS: A combination of color-coded Doppler and two-dimensional real-time ultrasound was used to identify the main venous systems in the fetal brain. Blood flow velocity waveforms of the transverse sinus were obtained from a transverse plane of the head at the level of the cerebellum. RESULTS: A waveform could be obtained in the cerebral transverse sinus in 98% of the cases. The waveform obtained was triphasic with a forward systolic component, a forward early diastolic component and a lower forward component in late diastole. Reverse flow during atrial contraction was seen before 28 weeks and the diastolic flow increased with gestation thereafter. Pulsatility and resistance indices decreased and flow velocities increased in the transverse sinus throughout gestation. CONCLUSION: The venous circulation of the fetal brain can be identified by color Doppler. The gestational age-related decrease in resistance and increase in flow velocities suggest that hemodynamic studies of the cerebral transverse sinus might have clinical implications in studying compromised fetuses.

Adult↗

Trisomy 10: first-trimester features on ultrasound, fetoscopy and postmortem of a case associated with increased nuchal translucency.

We report a case of the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 10 in a fetus presenting with an increased nuchal translucency thickness (5 mm) on a routine first-trimester anomaly scan at 12 weeks' gestation. Multiple abnormalities were diagnosed by ultrasound and fetoscopy. Karyotyping on chorionic villus sampling led to the diagnosis of homogeneous trisomy 10 which was confirmed by in situ hybridization on fetal tissue samples. Postmortem examination confirmed major anatomical malformations, including facial cleft, arthrogryposis of the upper and lower limbs and bilateral diaphragmatic hernia, and also revealed hypoplastic lungs, right renal agenesis and a complex cardiac malformation. Trisomy 10 is an uncommon chromosomal abnormality that is likely to be associated with increased fetal nuchal translucency. This case also emphasizes the value of a detailed anomaly scan in high-risk patients in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Diagnosis of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence in the first trimester by transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound.

A case of twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence was diagnosed at 12 weeks' gestation using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound, which demonstrated the presence of retrograde perfusion in the umbilical artery of the abnormal twin. Ultrasound imaging showed a monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy with an inappropriately grown second twin, the morphological evaluation of which revealed an abnormal cephalic pole with acrania, diffuse subcutaneous edema and the presence of cardiac activity in an abnormal heart with a single chamber.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal adrenal masses: differentiation between hemorrhage and solid tumor by color Doppler sonography.

We present four cases of fetal adrenal masses detected by routine prenatal ultrasound, of which three were adrenal hemorrhages and one was a fetal neuroblastoma. The differential diagnoses of fetal adrenal mass include adrenal hemorrhage, neuroblastoma, adrenal and cortical renal cysts, pulmonary sequestrations, duplication of the renoureteral system and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. These can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. A systematic comparison of the pre- and postnatal sonographic features including color Doppler imaging may help to differentiate adrenal hemorrhage from neuroblastoma prenatally.

Adult↗

Feasibility of the second-trimester fetal ultrasound examination in an unselected population at 18, 20 or 22 weeks of pregnancy: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To date, there have been no studies on the optimal timing of second-trimester ultrasound screening for fetal abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, of three gestational ages (18, 20 and 22 weeks), any one was associated with a significant advantage in terms of identification of abnormalities or need for further ultrasound assessment. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study of second-trimester unselected pregnant women, who had had an ultrasound examination with normal results at 10-14 weeks. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1206 women were randomized into three mutually exclusive groups relating to their second-trimester appointment for a screening ultrasound examination for fetal abnormalities in the second trimester of pregnancy: Group 1 at 18-18 + 6 weeks, Group 2 at 20-20 + 6 weeks and Group 3 at 22-22 + 6 weeks. The anomaly scans were carried out according to a standardized protocol. The fetuses were examined for structural and developmental abnormalities. Uterine artery Doppler measurements, including waveform recordings, were performed in all cases. The main end-points were the need for rescanning of all or part of the fetal anatomy, fetal outcome, placental localization, and incidence of notches in the uterine artery waveform. RESULTS: The baseline demographic characteristics and risk factors in the three groups were similar and gestational age-related fetal measurements were comparable. There were significantly higher percentages of completed scans in Group 2 (90%) and Group 3 (88%) than in Group 1 (76%; p < 0.001), but no significant difference between those scanned at 20 and at 22 weeks. This was associated with a higher incidence of non-cephalic presentation in Group 1 (46%) than in the other two groups (36%, p < 0.001). Significant differences in completing the assessment of the thorax, heart, spine and skeleton were also observed. There was no significant difference in maternal body habitus, fetal movements or the occurrence of uterine fibroids between the study groups. The incidences of low-lying placenta and of abnormal uterine artery Doppler screening were also higher at 18 weeks than at 20 and 22 weeks (p < 0.001 for both variables), with no difference seen between Groups 2 and 3. The numbers of fetal anomalies detected in the three groups were three, two and two, respectively; these did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that, in an unselected pregnant population, second-trimester ultrasound screening is easier to perform and less likely to require an additional scan at 20-22 weeks than at 18 weeks.

Adult↗

Prenatal diagnosis and follow-up of 14 cases of unilateral ventriculomegaly.

OBJECTIVE: To report prospectively the prenatal diagnosis, management and outcome of 14 cases of unilateral ventriculomegaly. METHODS: Fourteen fetuses were diagnosed as having one ventricle of > or = 10 mm, as measured at the level of the atrium. RESULTS: In ten cases, the scan showed mild unilateral ventriculomegaly with an atrium width between 11 and 13 mm and this remained stable up to term. Eight of these fetuses had a magnetic resonance imaging scan in utero between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation which confirmed the diagnosis of mild ventriculomegaly without other brain abnormalities and showed a normal cortical mantle. No obvious cause was found and the outcome was normal in all cases. In four cases, the unilateral ventriculomegaly evolved rapidly with an atrium width up to 20-25 mm. Causes included atresia of the foramen of Monro, toxoplasmosis, brain atrophy and Weaver syndrome. Three underwent termination of pregnancy and the postmortem examination confirmed the diagnosis. The baby with brain atrophy and schizencephaly had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placed at 1 month of age and has severe developmental delay at 9 months. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of unilateral ventriculomegaly is uncertain. Examination of both ventricles during the anomaly scan should be performed, as should ultrasound follow-up of these cases up to the end of the third trimester. Fetuses with an isolated, mild, stable unilateral ventriculomegaly seem to have a favourable neurological outcome. However, fetuses with rapidly evolving unilateral ventriculomegaly or cases associated with other brain abnormalities may have a poor neurological outcome.

Adult↗