Fernando Guerra

Vascular pattern in monochorionic placentas with spontaneous TAPS and TTTS with residual anastomoses after laser: a case–control study

This study aimed to compare the angio‐architecture of monochorionic placentas of spontaneous twin anaemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) with placenta of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) with residual anastomoses after laser coagulation and placentas of uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies.

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome

To evaluate the prognostic value of the Childrens Hospital Of Philadelphia (CHOP) cardiovascular score and the modified myocardial performance index (MPI), in determining the risk of recipient fetal loss in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Predictive value of cardiovascular parameters in stages 1 and 2 of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

The Quintero staging of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) does not include a comprehensive cardiovascular assessment. The aim of this study is to assess the predictive value of the myocardial performance index (MPI) and the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) score on recipient survival in Quintero stages 1 and 2 TTTS.

What is predictive of preterm delivery in the first trimester: isthmus or cervical length?

This study aims to evaluate the utility of first trimester cervical ultrasonography in predicting preterm delivery by separate analysis of measurements of cervical and isthmus length.

Evaluation of prenatal and postnatal diagnostic criteria for twin anemia-polycythemia sequence.

The aim of this study is to analyze the relevance of the prenatal and postnatal diagnostic parameters of twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence (TAPS).

Evaluation of the measurement of the middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity before and after placental laser coagulation in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of elevated middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) before and after laser and its predictive value for intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) occurring within 2 to 7 days following laser.

Experimental fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys: nonhuman primate models

ABSTRACT Objective: The monkey model is the best model to investigate some physiological response to the fetal transitory tracheal occlusion but it has never been described in Macaca monkeys. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) in a non-human primate model. Methods: Pregnant rhesus monkeys and cynomolgus were tested as a potential experimental model for FETO in the third trimester of pregnancy, by performing fetal tracheoscopies with and without tracheal occlusion. Results: A total of 22 pregnancies were followed in 16 monkeys and underwent fetal surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic access to the uterine cavity was possible in 20 cases (91%). Of these 20 pregnant monkeys, fetal tracheoscopy could be achieved in 15 cases (75%). In rhesus monkeys, the time between the onset of endoscopy and tracheal penetration decreases as operator experience increases. Neither maternal morbidity nor mortality was related to surgery. Two fetal losses were possibly due to the procedure. Conclusion: FETO is feasible in the non-human primate, which closely reflects procedures in humans. The non-human primate model for FETO, specially the rhesus monkeys, may be useful for future studies concerning the mechanisms related to the lung growth after transitory fetal tracheal occlusion.