Objective The objective of the Prospective Observational Trial to Optimize Pediatric Health in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) (PORTO Study), a national prospective observational multicenter ...study, was to evaluate which sonographic findings were associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality in pregnancies affected by growth restriction, originally defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile. Study Design Over 1100 consecutive ultrasound-dated singleton pregnancies with EFW <10th centile were recruited from January 2010 through June 2012. A range of IUGR definitions were used, including EFW or abdominal circumference <10th, <5th, or <3rd centiles, with or without oligohydramnios and with or without abnormal umbilical arterial Doppler (pulsatility index >95th centile, absent or reversed end-diastolic flow). Adverse perinatal outcome, defined as a composite outcome of intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, and death was documented for all cases. Results Of 1116 fetuses, 312 (28%) were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and 58 (5.2%) were affected by adverse perinatal outcome including 8 mortalities (0.7%). The presence of abnormal umbilical Doppler was significantly associated with adverse outcome, irrespective of EFW or abdominal circumference measurement. The only sonographic weight-related definition consistently associated with adverse outcome was EFW <3rd centile ( P = .0131); all mortalities had EFW <3rd centile. Presence of oligohydramnios was clinically important when combined with EFW <3rd centile ( P = .0066). Conclusion Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler and EFW <3rd centile were strongly and most consistently associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Our data call into question the current definitions of IUGR used. Future studies may address whether using stricter IUGR cutoffs comparing various definitions and management strategies has implications on resource allocation and pregnancy outcome.
Objective An objective of the Prospective Observational Trial to Optimize Pediatric Health in IUGR (PORTO) study was to evaluate multivessel Doppler changes in a large cohort of intrauterine growth ...restriction (IUGR) fetuses to establish whether a predictable progressive sequence of Doppler deterioration exists and to correlate these Doppler findings with respective perinatal outcomes. Study Design More than 1100 unselected consecutive ultrasound-dated singleton pregnancies with estimated fetal weight (EFW) less than the 10th centile were recruited between January 2010 and June 2012. Eligible pregnancies were assessed by serial Doppler interrogation of umbilical (UA) and middle cerebral (MCA) arteries, ductus venosus (DV), aortic isthmus, and myocardial performance index (MPI). Intervals between Doppler changes and patterns of deterioration were recorded and correlated with respective perinatal outcomes. Results Our study of 1116 nonanomalous fetuses comprised 7769 individual Doppler data points. Five hundred eleven patients (46%) had an abnormal UA, 300 (27%) had an abnormal MCA, and 129 (11%) had an abnormal DV Doppler. The classic pattern from abnormal UA to MCA to DV existed but no more frequently than any of the other potential pattern. Doppler interrogation of the UA and MCA remains the most useful and practical tool in identifying fetuses at risk of adverse perinatal outcome, capturing 88% of all adverse outcomes. Conclusion In contrast to previous reports, we have demonstrated multiple potential patterns of Doppler deterioration in this large prospective cohort of IUGR pregnancies, which calls into question the usefulness of multivessel Doppler assessment to inform frequency of surveillance and timing of delivery of IUGR fetuses. These data will be critically important for planning any future intervention trials.
Objective Probiotics are live microorganisms that may confer health benefits on the host. Recent trials of probiotic use among healthy pregnant women demonstrate potential for improved glycemic ...control. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a probiotic capsule intervention on maternal metabolic parameters and pregnancy outcome among women with gestational diabetes. Study Design This double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial recruited pregnant women with a new diagnosis of gestational diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance following a 3-hour 100-g glucose tolerance test. Women were randomized to a daily probiotic ( Lactobacillus salivarius UCC118) or placebo capsule from diagnosis until delivery. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and 4-6 weeks after capsule commencement for analysis of glucose, insulin, c-peptide, and lipids. The primary outcome was difference in fasting glucose postintervention, first analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis and followed by per-protocol analysis that excluded women commenced on pharmacological therapy (insulin or metformin). Secondary outcomes were changes in insulin, c-peptide, homeostasis model assessment and lipids, requirement for pharmacological therapy, and neonatal anthropometry. Results Of 149 women recruited and randomized, there were no differences between the probiotic and placebo groups in postintervention fasting glucose (4.65 ± 0.49 vs 4.65 ± 0.53 mmol/L; P = 373), requirement for pharmacological therapy (17% vs 14%; P = .643), or birthweight (3.57 ± 0.64 vs 3.60 ± 0.57 kg; P = .845). Among 100 women managed with diet and exercise alone, fasting plasma glucose decreased significantly within both the probiotic (4.76 ± 0.45 to 4.57 ± 0.42 mmol/L; P < .001) and placebo (4.85 ± 0.58 to 4.58 ± 0.45 mmol/L; P < .001) groups, but the levels between groups did not differ ( P = .316). The late gestation-related rise in total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was attenuated in the probiotic vs the placebo group (+0.27 ± 0.48 vs +0.50 ± 0.52 mmol/L total cholesterol, P = .031; +0.08 ± 0.51 vs +0.31 ± 0.45 mmol/L LDL cholesterol, P = .011). No differences were noted between groups in other metabolic parameters or pregnancy outcome. Conclusion A probiotic capsule intervention among women with abnormal glucose tolerance had no impact on glycemic control. The observed attenuation of the normal pregnancy-induced rise in total and LDL cholesterol following probiotic treatment requires further investigation, particularly in this obstetric group at risk of future metabolic syndrome.
Objective Fetuses of diabetic pregnancy experience cardiomyopathy, the intracardiac cause of which is understood poorly. The aim of this study was to assess the interrelation between cardiac ...functional and structural changes in fetuses of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus. Study Design Twenty-six mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus were recruited prospectively to have a fetal echocardiogram at 13, 20, and 36 weeks of gestation to assess cardiac function and structure. For comparison, 30 healthy control subjects were recruited at each gestational age. Results In the first trimester, there was evidence of poorer fetal cardiac diastolic function among the diabetic cohort (lower left early/atrial ratio, longer isovolumetric relaxation time and higher left myocardial performance index; P < .05). In the third trimester, the fetal interventricular septum and the right ventricular free wall were thicker in the diabetic cohort ( P < .05). Conclusion In fetuses of pregestational diabetic pregnancy, sonographic evidence of altered cardiac function is evident before ultrasound evidence of cardiac structural changes. This suggests that altered cardiac function may precede cardiac structural changes in fetuses of pregestational diabetic pregnancy.
Abstract Objective Caesarean section at full cervical dilatation is a challenging procedure with a higher risk of fetal and maternal morbidity. We wished to elicit the essential clinical components ...of a CS at full dilatation performed skilfully and safely. Methods We conducted a prospective study with both qualitative (individual interviews) and quantitative (questionnaire) components. In the qualitative components, senior clinicians were interviewed using open-ended questions regarding techniques used for performance of CS at full cervical dilatation. Interviews were recorded and thematic analysis was performed until saturation was achieved. In the second (quantitative) component of the study, clinicians completed a questionnaire regarding tips and techniques to perform a CS at full cervical dilatation. Results For the qualitative component, 15 clinicians agreed to participate. There was a 90% (n = 27) response rate to the questionnaire. Common themes from both components of the study included the advice to routinely re-examine the patient (with abdominal and vaginal examinations) in the operating room after induction of anaesthesia to determine pelvic architecture, fetal size, and the station of the presenting part, and especially to assess for progress since the initial decision to perform a CS in the labour room. When the decision is made to proceed with CS, the following modifications to a standard CS technique were suggested: first, to make a more superior transverse uterine incision than usual, and second, to secure each uterine angle separately before uterine closure is commenced in order to identify and manage angle extension and thereby minimize blood loss. Other modifications, such as vaginal disimpaction of the fetal head before beginning the operation, were more controversial. Participants developed their own techniques by combining teaching from senior obstetricians, watching others operate, and learning from their own clinical experience. Conclusion There is an increasing role for good quality clinical training programs on how best to perform complex deliveries such as CS at full cervical dilatation. After identifying the essential components of CS at full cervical dilatation reported by multiple skilled clinicians, these can then be translated into a useful educational tool.
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