Lauren Ferrara

Contemporary outcomes with the latest 1000 cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR).

OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to report on the outcome of multifetal pregnancy reduction in the most up-to-date largest single center experience with this procedure, and compare the outcome to the first 1000 cases performed at the same institution. STUDY DESIGN 1000 consecutive cases of multifetal pregnancy reduction performed at the Mount Sinai Medical Center between the years 1999-2006 were identified. Pregnancy outcomes were retrieved from a large database as well as chart review. Differences in means and proportions were evaluated by analysis of variance, chi-square, Cochran-Armitage test for trend or 2-tailed Fisher exact test as appropriate. RESULTS Outcomes were available on 841 cases, for a follow-up rate of 84.1%; 95.2% of patients delivered after 24 weeks, for a complete loss rate of 4.7%. There was a significant trend toward decreasing loss rates with decreasing starting numbers. Mean gestational age at delivery was later, and birthweights greater, for reduction to singletons vs twins. CONCLUSION Loss rates after multifetal pregnancy reduction have remained stable at 4.7%. The lowest loss rate occurred in the patients reducing from twins to a singleton (2.1%). Reduction to a singleton was also associated with higher birthweights and lower rates of preterm deliveries.

Genomic loss of imprinting in first-trimester human placenta.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate imprinting patterns in first-trimester human placentas. STUDY DESIGN Using samples of 17 first-trimester and 14 term placentas from uncomplicated pregnancies, we assessed loss of imprinting (LOI) at the RNA level in a panel of 14 genes that are known to be imprinted in the placenta with the use of a quantitative allele-specific reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis of those genes that contained readout single nucleotide polymorphisms in their transcripts. RESULTS There is significant LOI (ie, biallelic expression) in all 14 genes in first-trimester placentas. LOI was more variable and generally at lower levels at term. Although there is little difference in gene expression, the level of LOI is higher in the first-trimester placentas, compared with term placentas. CONCLUSION Genomic imprinting appears to be a dynamic maturational process across gestation in human placenta. In contrast with prevailing theories, epigenetic imprints may continue to evolve past 12 weeks of gestation.

Epigenetics in Women's Health Care

Epigenetics refers to structural modifications to genes that do not change the nucleotide sequence itself but instead control and regulate gene expression. DNA methylation, histone modification, and RNA regulation are some of the mechanisms involved in epigenetic modification. Epigenetic changes are believed to be a result of changes in an organisms environment that result in fixed and permanent changes in most differentiated cells. Some environmental changes that have been linked to epigenetic changes include starvation, folic acid, and various chemical exposures. There are periods in an organisms life cycle in which the organism is particularly susceptible to epigenetic influences; these include fertilization, gametogenesis, and early embryo development. These are also windows of opportunity for interventions during the reproductive life cycle of women to improve maternal-child health. New data suggest that epigenetic influences might be involved in the regulation of fetal development and the pathophysiology of adult diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Various epigenetic mechanisms may also be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. Additionally, environmental exposures are being held responsible for causing epigenetic changes that lead to a disease process. Exposure to heavy metals, bioflavonoids, and endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, has been shown to affect the epigenetic memory of an organism. Their long-term effects are unclear at this point, but many ongoing studies are attempting to elucidate the pathophysiological effects of such gene-environment interactions.

The association between vasa previa, multiple gestations, and assisted reproductive technology.

Patients with multiple gestations, low-lying placentas, velamentous cord insertions, and history of assisted conception should be evaluated carefully for a vasa previa. Serial surveillance for signs of preterm labor and elective cesarean delivery at 34 to 35 weeks after corticosteroids for fetal lung maturity is a reasonable management strategy for vasa previa in multiple gestations.

Successful Management of a Consecutive Cervical Pregnancy by Sonographically Guided Transvaginal Local Injection Case Report and Review of the Literature

The purpose of this study was to describe the successful management of a recurrent cervical pregnancy with local injection and to review similarly treated cases to determine adverse outcomes.

Effect of Increased Body Mass Index on the Accuracy of Estimated Fetal Weight by Sonography in Twins

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing body mass index (BMI) decreases the accuracy of sonographic estimations of fetal weight in twin gestations. Methods. A chart review was conducted, in which 361 charts of patients with twin gestations over a 2‐year period were reviewed. A total of 194 patients had sonographic examinations for fetal weight within 6 days of delivery and were included in the analysis. The difference between the sonographically estimated fetal weight was compared with the actual birth weight for each twin and stratified for the patients BMI. Results. There was a significant increasing trend in mean absolute percent errors with increasing BMIs in both twins (P < .05). The mean absolute percent errors for twin A were 6% for patients with a BMI of less than 25 and 9% for those with a BMI of greater than 30. The mean absolute percent errors for twin B were 6.7% for patients with a BMI of less than 25 and almost 11.7% for those with a BMI of greater than 30. There was a significantly increasing trend in mean absolute differences in grams for both twins with increasing gestational age, with almost a 4‐fold increase from less than 28 weeks to greater than 36 weeks in both twins (P < .05). Conclusions. Increasing maternal obesity decreases the accuracy of sonographically determined fetal weight in twin gestations, particularly for twin B.

Does sonographic determination of placental location predict fetal birth weight in diamniotic-dichorionic twins?

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between placental location in diamniotic‐dichorionic twins as determined at the time of anatomic survey and birth weight.

Outcome after implementation of a modern management strategy for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether the institution of a modern management strategy affected pregnancy outcomes for intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with ICP at one hospital from 2005 to 2013. A new management protocol for ICP was instituted in 2009 for women with total bile acids >40 μmol/L at <36 weeks. This strategy included inpatient admission, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring, with delivery between 36 and 37 weeks. We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes prior and subsequent to the institution of this protocol. Results: We identified 186 singleton gestations with bile acids >40 μmol/L and diagnosis <36 weeks. Patient demographics were similar between the groups, with the exception of greater maternal age and gestational diabetes in the newer cohort. The newer cohort demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of stillbirth 0% versus 3.4%, p= 0.035). There was no difference in the age at delivery, cesarean delivery rates or NICU admissions. Conclusion: Application of our management strategy for ICP reduced the stillbirth rate without adversely affecting other maternal and neonatal outcomes.