Mário Henrique Burlacchini de Carvalho

Cervical length at 11–14 weeks' and 22–24 weeks' gestation evaluated by transvaginal sonography, and gestational age at delivery

To compare cervical length measurements obtained at 11 to 14 weeks and 22 to 24 weeks of gestation in an unselected group of pregnant women and to correlate the measurements with time of delivery.

Prediction of preterm delivery in the second trimester.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the probability of spontaneous delivery at 34 weeks or less according to cervical assessment by transvaginal scan associated with previous obstetric history. METHODS: Ultrasound transvaginal cervical length and presence of funneling were evaluated in 1,958 singleton pregnancies between 21 and 24 weeks of gestation. For the prediction of preterm delivery, the results of cervical assessment were analyzed in association with the previous obstetric history of preterm delivery, spontaneous miscarriage, and curettage. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the various cutoff cervical lengths in the groups with or without previous history of preterm delivery were calculated. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify the predictive factors for preterm delivery at 34 weeks or less. RESULTS: The incidence of spontaneous delivery at gestational age of 34 weeks or less was 3.4%. The mean cervical length was 30.1 mm (standard deviation 10.1 mm) in the group with previous history of prematurity (n = 180) and 35.8 mm (standard deviation 7.9 mm) in the group without previous history of prematurity (P < .001). The mean cervical length in the group of patients who delivered at or before 34 weeks was 23.8 mm, and for patients who delivered after 34 weeks it was 35.6 mm (P < .001). The mean gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in the group with funneling compared with the group without funneling (33.5 weeks versus 38.8 weeks, P < .001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that cervical length, funneling, and history of previous preterm delivery were independent contributors for preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound cervical assessment may be useful in the prediction of preterm delivery, but it should also be considered in association with the obstetric history of prematurity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2

Caracterização sociodemográfica e resultados perinatais das gestações com diagnóstico ultrassonográfico de malformação fetal

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to describe the socio demographic profile and perinatal outcome of pregnant women with prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of major fetal malformation at the Hospital das Clinicas, Medical School, Sao Paulo University. The study was performed from December 15th 2005 to December 15th 2006. METHODS: This is an observational descriptive study where 335 pregnant women were interviewed after agreement. Postnatal information was obtained until a month after due date of birth. Cases that were not confirmed and did not consent to participate in the study were excluded. RESULTS: Mean maternal age was 27.1 years and skin color was brown in 48.1% of cases. According to the education level and salary, 57.8% did not finish college and the mean monthly income was 3.1 minimal wages. A previous history of fetal malformation was reported by 10.4% of women. The central nervous system was the most frequent site of malformation (28.1%), followed by renal (9.3%) and cardiac (9%) defects. Fetal karyotype results were abnormal in 23.6% of fetuses. Pregnancy outcome was ascertained in 311 cases (92.8%): 76.8% were alive, 25.7% were neonatal deaths, 16.4% were stillborn and 6.3% miscarried. CONCLUSION: This study describes socialdemographic features and perinatal outcome in pregnancies with major fetal malformation diagnosed antenatally. This information is useful for parent counselingin cases with an abnormal fetal diagnosis.

Ultrasound detection rate of single umbilical artery in the first trimester of pregnancy.

To determine accuracy of first trimester detection of single umbilical artery (SUA).

Análise dos resultados maternos e fetais dos procedimentos invasivos genéticos fetais: um estudo exploratório em Hospital Universitário

OBJECTIVE To characterize the indications of pregnant women who sought the Fetal Medicine Services of the Hospital das Clínicas, at the Medical School of the Universidade de São Paulo for performing invasive diagnostic procedures, and to evaluate the results of fetal karyotypes and their pregnancies. METHODS A retrospective and observational study on pregnant women who underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, and cordocentesis in the period from February, 2005 to December, 2009. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were not included. The result of pregnancy was obtained by consulting patient electronic records, medical records, and/or telephone call. RESULTS 713 procedures were performed (113 CVS, 340 amniocenteses, and 260 cordocenteses). The main indication for performing invasive procedures was the presence of structural changes in fetuses, followed by increased values of nuchal translucency, and advanced maternal age. Fetal karyotype was altered in 186 cases (26.1%). The 18 trisomy was the commonest aneuploidy followed by the 21 trisomy, X monosomy, and 13 trisomy. There were 4.9% cases of miscarriage, 25.7% cases of stillborn infants, and 13% cases of neonatal deaths. Eight pregnant women opted for legally induced abortion. 99% of pregnant women whose fetuses did not present abnormalities and presented normal fetal karyotype had infants who were born alive.Summary Objective: To characterize the indications of pregnant women who sought the Fetal Medicine Services of the Hospital das Clinicas, at the Medical School of the Universidade de Sao Paulo for performing invasive diagnostic procedures, and to evaluate the results of fetal karyotypes and their pregnancies. Methods: A retrospective and observational study on pregnant women who underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amniocentesis, and cordocentesis in the period from February, 2005 to December, 2009. Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were not included. The result of pregnancy was ob tained by consulting patient electronic records, medical records, and/or telephone call. Results: 713 procedures were performed (113 CVS, 340 amniocenteses, and 260 cordocenteses). The main indication for performing invasive procedures was the presence of structural changes in fetuses, followed by increased values of nuchal translucency, and advanced maternal age. Fetal karyotype was altered in 186 cases (26.1%). The18 trisomy was the commonest aneuploidy followed by the 21 trisomy, X monosomy, and 13 trisomy. There were 4.9% cases of miscarriage, 25.7% cases of stillborn infants, and 13% cases of neonatal deaths. Eight pregnant women opted for legally induced abortion. 99% of pregnant women whose fetuses did not present abnormalities and presented normal fetal karyotype had infants who were born alive.

Condutas para o trabalho de parto prematuro

Preterm delivery is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. About 75% of preterm births follow preterm labor. The pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth is complex and its clinical management is based on a careful assessment of the risks for mother and infant and on continuing the pregnancy versus delivery. The goal of the present article is to review the diagnosis of preterm labor, the tocolytic treatment, glucocorticoid therapy, antimicrobial treatment, and management of progressive preterm labor.

Predição do parto prematuro: avaliação sequencial do colo uterino e do teste para proteína-1 fosforilada ligada ao fator de crescimento insulina-símile

PURPOSE: To investigate the usefulness of the measurement of cervical length and of the test for phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (phIGFBP-1) performed sequentially in the prediction of preterm birth and the correlation between tests. METHODS: We analyzed data from 101 asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of premature delivery. The ultrasound measurement of cervical length and phIGFBP-1 test were performed in parallel every three weeks, between 24 and 34 week. The best cutoff value for each cervical evaluation was established by the ROC curve, and the two tests were compared using nonparametric tests. We determined the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of each test and of the association of the exams for the occurrence of delivery before the 37th weeks. RESULTS: There were 25 preterm births (24.8%). The cervix length showed the highest sensitivity and was able to predict preterm birth in all evaluations, with similar accuracy at different gestational ages. The test for phIGFBP-1 was not helpful at 24 weeks, but was able to predict prematurity when performed at 27, 30 and 33 weeks. The combination of tests increased the sensitivity (81.8%) and negative predictive value (93.7%) when compared to the separate use of each test. The mean cervical length was lower in women with a positive test. CONCLUSIONS: Both cervical length and the test for phIGFBP-1 were able to predict premature delivery, and sequential combination of both tests showed a high sensitivity and high negative predictive value.

Utilização de ácidos nucleicos fetais livres no plasma materno para o diagnóstico pré-natal: realidade do Brasil neste cenário

The discovery of cell-free fetal nucleic acids in the plasma of pregnant women has allowed the development of new, noninvasive prenatal diagnostic tests for the determination of fetal gender and Rh. These tests have been implemented in the public health system in several countries of Europe for over five years. The new possibilities for diagnostic use of these technologies are the detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies, monogenic fetal disorders, and placental-related disorders, subjects that have been intensively studied by several groups around the world. The aim of this review was to assess the Brazilian research and clinical scenarios regarding the utilization of commercially available tests that use these plasma markers, stressing the advantages, both economic and safety-related, that non-invasive tests have when compared to those currently used in the Brazilian public health system.

Should fetal growth be a matter of concern in isolated single umbilical artery

OBJECTIVE To examine birth weight in pregnancies with isolated single umbilical artery (ISUA). METHODS Case control study with retrospective review of 131 singleton pregnancies with isolated single umbilical artery diagnosed before birth. Control group consisted of 730 singleton pregnancies recruited prospectively, that had histological confirmation of a 3 vessels cord. Pregnancies were classified as uncomplicated or high-risk according to the presence of diseases that increase the risk of placental insufficiency during pregnancy. Mean birth weight and frequency of low birth weight (< 2.500 g), very low birth weight (< 1.500 g) and fetal growth restriction below the 5th and 10th centiles were compared between groups. RESULTS Mean birth weight difference between ISUA (n=131, 2840±701g) and control (n=730, 2.983 ± 671g) pregnancies was 143g (95% CI= 17-269; p=0.04) and birth weight below the 5thcentile was significantly more common in ISUA group [28/131 (21.4%) versus 99/730 (13.6%), p=0.02]. When only uncomplicated pregnancies were considered in both groups, no birth weight differences were observed. Amongst high-risk subgroups, birth weight below the 5th centile remained significantly more common in ISUA compared to control pregnancies [10/35 (28.6%) versus 53/377 (14.1%), p=0.04]. CONCLUSION Isolated single umbilical artery does not increase the risk of fetal growth restriction in uncomplicated singleton pregnancies.

Gastrosquise: Avaliação Pré-Natal dos Fatores Prognósticos para Sobrevida Pós-Natal

Purpose: to evaluate 24 cases of gastroschisis, in relation to the prognostic factors that interfered with postnatal outcome. Patients and Method: twenty-four pregnancies with fetal prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of gastroschisis, during an 8-year period, were analyzed. Gastroschisis was classified into isolated, when there were no other structural abnormalities, or associated, when other abnormalities were present. For both groups the following parameters were examined: ultrasound bowel dilatation (>18 mm), obstetric complications and postnatal outcome. Nonparametric Mann-Whitney and exact Fishers tests were used for statistical analyses. Results: in 9 cases (37.5%) gastroschisis was associated with other abnormalities, and in 15 cases it was isolated (62.5%). All cases of associated gastroschisis had a letal prognosis, therefore the overall mortality rate was 60.8%. In the group of isolated gastroschisis, all were born alive and were submitted to surgery, but the survival rate after surgical correction was 60%. The median gestational age at birth was 35 weeks and birth weight 2,365 grams. Premature delivery was observed in 10 cases, mainly as a consequence of obstetric complication. Two newborns were small for gestational age, and only 3 had birth weight >2,500 grams. Oligohydramnios was found in 46.6% and it was more frequent in the group of postnatal death (66.7%). Ultrasound assessment of bowel showed bowel dilatation in 86.6%, however, without relation to the prognosis and postnatal bowel findings. There was no significant difference between gestational age at birth and birth weight comparing the survivor and postnatal death groups. Conclusions: isolated gastroschisis had a better prognosis when compared to associated, therefore this prenatal differentiation is important. Isolated gastroschisis was often associated with prematurity, small birth weight and obstetric complications. Prenatal diagnosis allows better monitoring of fetal and obstetric conditions. Delivery should be at term, unless presenting with obstetric complications.