Publications
387 results found
Relph S, Vieira MC, Copas A, et al., 2023, Characteristics associated with antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age fetuses: prospective cohort study nested within DESiGN randomized controlled trial., Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, Vol: 61, Pages: 356-366
OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical characteristics and patterns of ultrasound use amongst pregnancies with an antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus, compared with those in which SGA is identified, to understand how to design interventions that improve antenatal SGA identification. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of singleton, non-anomalous SGA (birth weight < 10th centile) neonates born after 24 + 0 gestational weeks at 13 UK sites, recruited for the baseline period and control arm of the DESiGN trial. Pregnancy with antenatally unidentified SGA was defined if there was no scan or if the final scan showed estimated fetal weight (EFW) at the 10th centile or above. Identified SGA was defined if EFW was below the 10th centile at the last scan. Maternal and fetal sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were studied for associations with unidentified SGA using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Ultrasound parameters (gestational age at first growth scan, number and frequency of ultrasound scans) were described, stratified by presence of indication for serial ultrasound. Associations of unidentified SGA with absolute centile and percentage weight difference between the last scan and birth were also studied on unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, according to time between the last scan and birth. RESULTS: Of the 15 784 SGA babies included, SGA was not identified antenatally in 78.7% of cases. Of pregnancies with unidentified SGA, 47.1% had no recorded growth scan. Amongst 9410 pregnancies with complete data on key maternal comorbidities and antenatal complications, the risk of unidentified SGA was lower for women with any indication for serial scans (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.56 (95% CI, 0.49-0.64)), for Asian compared with white women (aOR, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.69-0.93)) and for those with non-cephalic presentation at birth (aOR, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.4
Smith ER, Oakley E, Grandner GW, et al., 2023, Clinical risk factors of adverse outcomes among women with COVID-19 in the pregnancy and postpartum period: A sequential, prospective meta-analysis, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol: 228, Pages: 161-177, ISSN: 0002-9378
OBJECTIVE: This sequential, prospective meta-analysis (sPMA) sought to identify risk factors among pregnant and postpartum women with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to: disease severity, maternal morbidities, neonatal mortality and morbidity, adverse birth outcomes. DATA SOURCES: We prospectively invited study investigators to join the sPMA via professional research networks beginning in March 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Eligible studies included those recruiting at least 25 consecutive cases of COVID-19 in pregnancy within a defined catchment area. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: We included individual patient data from 21 participating studies. Data quality was assessed, and harmonized variables for risk factors and outcomes were constructed. Duplicate cases were removed. Pooled estimates for the absolute and relative risk of adverse outcomes comparing those with and without each risk factor were generated using a two-stage meta-analysis. RESULTS: We collected data from 33 countries and territories, including 21,977 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy or postpartum. We found that women with comorbidities (pre-existing diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease) versus those without were at higher risk for COVID-19 severity and pregnancy health outcomes (fetal death, preterm birth, low birthweight). Participants with COVID-19 and HIV were 1.74 times (95% CI: 1.12, 2.71) more likely to be admitted to the ICU. Pregnant women who were underweight before pregnancy were at higher risk of ICU admission (RR 5.53, 95% CI: 2.27, 13.44), ventilation (RR 9.36, 95% CI: 3.87, 22.63), and pregnancy-related death (RR 14.10, 95% CI: 2.83, 70.36). Pre-pregnancy obesity was also a risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes including ICU admission (RR 1.81, 95% CI: 1.26,2.60), ventilation (RR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.20,3.51), any critical care (RR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.28,2.77), and pneumonia (RR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.18,2.33). Anemic pregnant women with COVID-19 also had in
Dall'Asta A, Melito C, Morganelli G, et al., 2023, Determinants of placental insufficiency in fetal growth restriction., Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, Vol: 61, Pages: 152-157
Familiari A, Napolitano R, Visser GHA, et al., 2023, Antenatal corticosteroids and perinatal outcome in late fetal growth restriction: analysis of prospective cohort., Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, Vol: 61, Pages: 191-197
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of antenatal administration of corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation on the short-term perinatal outcome of pregnancy complicated by late fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: This cohort study was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study, the TRUFFLE-2 feasibility study, conducted between 2017 and 2018 in 33 European perinatal centers. The study included women with a singleton pregnancy from 32 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation with a fetus considered at risk for FGR, defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) and/or fetal abdominal circumference < 10th percentile, or umbilicocerebral ratio (UCR) ≥ 95th percentile or a drop of more than 40 percentile points in abdominal circumference measurement from the 20-week scan. For the purposes of the current study, we identified women who received a single course of steroids to improve fetal lung maturation before delivery. Each exposed pregnancy was matched with one that did not receive antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) (control), based on gestational age at delivery and birth weight. The primary adverse outcome was a composite of abnormal condition at birth, major neonatal morbidity or perinatal death. RESULTS: A total of 86 pregnancies that received ACS were matched to 86 controls. The two groups were similar with respect to gestational age (33.1 vs 33.3 weeks), EFW (1673 vs 1634 g) and UCR (0.68 vs 0.62) at inclusion, and gestational age at delivery (35.5 vs 35.9 weeks) and birth weight (1925 vs 1948 g). No significant differences were observed between the exposed and non-exposed groups in the incidence of composite adverse outcome (28% vs 24%; P = 0.73) or any of its elements. CONCLUSION: The present data do not show a beneficial effect of steroids on short-term outcome of fetuses with late FGR. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology p
Valensise H, Farsetti D, Pometti F, et al., 2023, The cardiac-fetal-placental unit: fetal umbilical vein flow rate is linked to the maternal cardiac profile in fetal growth restriction., Am J Obstet Gynecol, Vol: 228, Pages: 222.e1-222.e12
BACKGROUND: The functional maternal-fetal hemodynamic unit includes fetal umbilical vein flow and maternal peripheral vascular resistance. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationships between maternal and fetal hemodynamics in a population with suspected fetal growth restriction. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study of normotensive pregnancies referred to our outpatient clinic for a suspected fetal growth restriction. Maternal hemodynamics measurement was performed, using a noninvasive device (USCOM-1A) and a fetal ultrasound evaluation to assess fetal biometry and velocimetry Doppler parameters. Comparisons among groups were performed with 1-way analysis of variance with Student-Newman-Keuls correction for multiple comparisons and with Kruskal-Wallis test where appropriate. The Spearman rank coefficient was used to assess the correlation between maternal and fetal hemodynamics. Pregnancies were observed until delivery. RESULTS: A total of 182 normotensive pregnancies were included. After the evaluation, 54 fetuses were classified as growth restricted, 42 as small for gestational age, and 86 as adequate for gestational age. The fetus with fetal growth restriction had significantly lower umbilical vein diameter (P<.0001), umbilical vein velocity (P=.02), umbilical vein flow (P<.0001), and umbilical vein flow corrected for fetal weight (P<.01) than adequate-for-gestational-age and small-for-gestational-age fetuses. The maternal hemodynamic profile in fetal growth restriction was characterized by elevated systemic vascular resistance and reduced cardiac output. The umbilical vein diameter was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.261), whereas there was a negative correlation between maternal systemic vascular resistance (rs=-0.338) and maternal potential energy-to-kinetic energy ratio (rs=-0267). The fetal umbilical vein time averaged max velocity was positively correlated to maternal cardiac output (rs=0.189) and maternal inotr
Oyelese Y, Lees CC, Jauniaux E, 2023, The case for screening for vasa previa: time to implement a life-saving strategy., Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol, Vol: 61, Pages: 7-11
Smith ER, Oakley E, Grandner GW, et al., 2023, Adverse maternal, fetal, and newborn outcomes among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection: an individual participant data meta-analysis., BMJ Glob Health, Vol: 8, ISSN: 2059-7908
INTRODUCTION: Despite a growing body of research on the risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy, there is continued controversy given heterogeneity in the quality and design of published studies. METHODS: We screened ongoing studies in our sequential, prospective meta-analysis. We pooled individual participant data to estimate the absolute and relative risk (RR) of adverse outcomes among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection, compared with confirmed negative pregnancies. We evaluated the risk of bias using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: We screened 137 studies and included 12 studies in 12 countries involving 13 136 pregnant women.Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection-as compared with uninfected pregnant women-were at significantly increased risk of maternal mortality (10 studies; n=1490; RR 7.68, 95% CI 1.70 to 34.61); admission to intensive care unit (8 studies; n=6660; RR 3.81, 95% CI 2.03 to 7.17); receiving mechanical ventilation (7 studies; n=4887; RR 15.23, 95% CI 4.32 to 53.71); receiving any critical care (7 studies; n=4735; RR 5.48, 95% CI 2.57 to 11.72); and being diagnosed with pneumonia (6 studies; n=4573; RR 23.46, 95% CI 3.03 to 181.39) and thromboembolic disease (8 studies; n=5146; RR 5.50, 95% CI 1.12 to 27.12).Neonates born to women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to be admitted to a neonatal care unit after birth (7 studies; n=7637; RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.08); be born preterm (7 studies; n=6233; RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.29) or moderately preterm (7 studies; n=6071; RR 2.92, 95% CI 1.88 to 4.54); and to be born low birth weight (12 studies; n=11 930; RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.40). Infection was not linked to stillbirth. Studies were generally at low or moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection at any time during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal death, severe maternal morbidities and neonatal morbidity, but not stillbirth or intrauterine growth restri
Stampalija T, Wolf H, Mylrea-Foley B, et al., 2022, Reduced fetal growth velocity and weight loss are associated with adverse perinatal outcome in fetuses at risk of growth restriction, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, Vol: 228, Pages: 71e1-71e10, ISSN: 0002-9378
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Fantasia I, Zamagni G, Lees C, et al., 2022, Current practice in the diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction: An international survey, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, Vol: 101, Pages: 1431-1439, ISSN: 0001-6349
IntroductionThe aim of this survey was to evaluate the current practice in respect of diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction among obstetricians in different countries.Material and methodsAn e-questionnaire was sent via REDCap with “click thru” links in emails and newsletters to obstetric practitioners in different countries and settings with different levels of expertise. Clinical scenarios in early and late fetal growth restriction were given, followed by structured questions/response pairings.ResultsA total of 275 participants replied to the survey with 87% of responses complete. Participants were obstetrician/gynecologists (54%; 148/275) and fetal medicine specialists (43%; 117/275), and the majority practiced in a tertiary teaching hospital (56%; 153/275). Delphi consensus criteria for fetal growth restriction diagnosis were used by 81% of participants (223/275) and 82% (225/274) included a drop in fetal growth velocity in their diagnostic criteria for late fetal growth restriction. For early fetal growth restriction, TRUFFLE criteria were used for fetal monitoring and delivery timing by 81% (223/275). For late fetal growth restriction, indices of cerebral blood flow redistribution were used by 99% (250/252), most commonly cerebroplacental ratio (54%, 134/250). Delivery timing was informed by cerebral blood flow redistribution in 72% (176/244), used from ≥32 weeks of gestation. Maternal biomarkers and hemodynamics, as additional tools in the context of early-onset fetal growth restriction (≤32 weeks of gestation), were used by 22% (51/232) and 46% (106/230), respectively.ConclusionsThe diagnosis and management of fetal growth restriction are fairly homogeneous among different countries and levels of practice, particularly for early fetal growth restriction. Indices of cerebral flow distribution are widely used in the diagnosis and management of late fetal growth restriction, whereas maternal biomarkers and hemodynam
Relph S, Vieira MC, Copas A, et al., 2022, Improving antenatal detection of small-for-gestational-age fetus: economic evaluation of Growth Assessment Protocol, ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY, Vol: 60, Pages: 620-631, ISSN: 0960-7692
Dennehy N, Lees C, 2022, Preeclampsia: Maternal cardiovascular function and optimising outcomes, EARLY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, Vol: 174, ISSN: 0378-3782
Zielinska AP, Mullins E, Magni E, et al., 2022, Remote multimodality monitoring of maternal physiology from the first trimester to postpartum period: study results., Journal of Hypertension, Vol: 40, Pages: 2280-2291, ISSN: 0263-6352
OBJECTIVES: Current antenatal care largely relies on widely spaced appointments, hence only a fraction of the pregnancy period is subject to monitoring. Continuous monitoring of physiological parameters could represent a paradigm shift in obstetric care. Here, we analyse the data from daily home monitoring in pregnancy and consider the implications of this approach for tracking pregnancy health. METHODS: Prospective feasibility study of continuous home monitoring of blood pressure, weight, heart rate, sleep and activity patterns from the first trimester to 6 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: Fourteen out of 24 women completed the study (58%). Compared to early pregnancy [week 13, median heart rate (HR) 72/min, interquartile range (IQR) 12.8], heart rate increased by week 35 (HR 78/min, IQR 16.6; P = 0.041) and fell postpartum (HR 66/min, IQR 11.5, P = 0.021). Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower at mid-gestation (week 20: SBP 103 mmHg, IQR 6.6; DPB 63 mmHg, IQR 5.3 P = 0.005 and P = 0.045, respectively) compared to early pregnancy (week 13, SBP 107 mmHg, IQR 12.4; DPB 67 mmHg, IQR 7.1). Weight increased during pregnancy between each time period analyzed, starting from week 15. Smartwatch recordings indicated that activity increased in the prepartum period, while deep sleep declined as pregnancy progressed. CONCLUSION: Home monitoring tracks individual physiological responses to pregnancy in high resolution that routine clinic visits cannot. Changes in the study protocol suggested by the study participants may improve compliance for future studies, which was particularly low in the postpartum period. Future work will investigate whether distinct adaptative patterns predate obstetric complications, or can predict long-term maternal cardiovascular health.
Morton VH, Toozs-Hobson P, Moakes CA, et al., 2022, Monofilament suture versus braided suture thread to improve pregnancy outcomes after vaginal cervical cerclage (C-STICH): a pragmatic randomised, controlled, phase 3, superiority trial, LANCET, Vol: 400, Pages: 1426-1436, ISSN: 0140-6736
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Relph S, Coxon K, Vieira MC, et al., 2022, Effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol on the DEtection of Small for GestatioNal age fetus: process evaluation from the DESiGN cluster randomised trial, IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE, Vol: 17, ISSN: 1748-5908
Jaspal R-K, Allen M, Cornette J, et al., 2022, Validation of Non-invasive Measurement of Cardiac Output: Using Whole-Body Bio-impedance Versus Inert Gas Rebreathing in Healthy Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (Sept, 10.1007/s44200-022-00019-9, 2022), ARTERY RESEARCH, Vol: 28, Pages: 112-112, ISSN: 1872-9312
Khalil A, Samara A, O'Brien P, et al., 2022, Monkeypox vaccines in pregnancy: lessons must be learned from COVID-19, The Lancet Global Health, Vol: 10, Pages: e1230-e1231, ISSN: 2214-109X
Zohra N, Munim S, Ijaz S, et al., 2022, Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Pakistan Guideline on Second Trimester Anomaly Scan, PAKISTAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, Vol: 38, Pages: 2039-2042, ISSN: 1682-024X
Jaspal R, Allen M, Cornette J, et al., 2022, Validation of non-invasive measurements of cardiac output: using whole body bio-impedance versus inert gas rebreathing in healthy women undergoing in vitro fertilisation, Artery Research, Vol: 28, Pages: 100-104, ISSN: 1872-9312
Background:Haemodynamic assessment in and before pregnancy is becoming increasingly important in relation to pregnancy complications and outcomes. Different methodologies exist but there is no gold-standard technique for non-invasive measurement of cardiac output (CO). We sought to assess two methods of CO measurement in healthy women undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation Cycles (IVF). This was a prospective longitudinal study of 71 women aged 18-44yrs planning IVF undergoing CO measurements obtained via Inert Gas rebreathing (IGR) using InnocorTM and whole-body bio-impedance (WBI) using NicasTM in order to assess the reproducibility between the methods. Four visits occurred at which both techniques were used: initial assessment, embryo transfer, day of pregnancy test and 4 weeks post transfer (regardless of whether conception occurred).Cross-sectional agreement of the methods was assessed using the calculation of bias, percentage error and Limits of Agreement (LOA) via the Bland-Altman analysis. Longitudinal agreement of the methods was assessed using a 4-quadrant plot with concordance rate, angular bias and radial limits of agreement (%).Results:113 measurements from 44 participants were suitable for cross-sectional (Bland-Altman) analysis. IGR (InnocorTM) Mean CO was 4.61 L/min and 5.05 L/min with WBI (NicasTM). The bias was 0.44L/min. The percentage error was 76% and intra-correlation coefficient was 0.135 (95%CI -0.43 – 0.306).59 measurements from 28 participants were suitable for longitudinal (4Q-plot) analysis. The concordance rate was 64.4 %, angular bias -0.14, radial limits of agreement +- 13.25°.Conclusions:There was poor cross-sectional and longitudinal agreement between inert gas rebreathing and whole-body bio- impedance techniques. These techniques cannot be used interchangeably when measuring CO in women undergoing IVF, and these results may be more generalizable.
Mullins E, Perry A, Banerjee J, et al., 2022, Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19: The PAN-COVID study., European Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Vol: 276, Pages: 161-167, ISSN: 0301-2115
OBJECTIVE: To assess perinatal outcomes for pregnancies affected by suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Prospective, web-based registry. Pregnant women were invited to participate if they had suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1st January 2020 and 31st March 2021 to assess the impact of infection on maternal and perinatal outcomes including miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction, pre-term birth and transmission to the infant. RESULTS: Between April 2020 and March 2021, the study recruited 8239 participants who had suspected or confirmed SARs-CoV-2 infection episodes in pregnancy between January 2020 and March 2021. Maternal death affected 14/8197 (0.2%) participants, 176/8187 (2.2%) of participants required ventilatory support. Pre-eclampsia affected 389/8189 (4.8%) participants, eclampsia was reported in 40/ 8024 (0.5%) of all participants. Stillbirth affected 35/8187 (0.4 %) participants. In participants delivering within 2 weeks of delivery 21/2686 (0.8 %) were affected by stillbirth compared with 8/4596 (0.2 %) delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection (95 % CI 0.3-1.0). SGA affected 744/7696 (9.3 %) of livebirths, FGR affected 360/8175 (4.4 %) of all pregnancies. Pre-term birth occurred in 922/8066 (11.5%), the majority of these were indicated pre-term births, 220/7987 (2.8%) participants experienced spontaneous pre-term births. Early neonatal deaths affected 11/8050 livebirths. Of all neonates, 80/7993 (1.0%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Infection was associated with indicated pre-term birth, most commonly for fetal compromise. The overall proportions of women affected by SGA and FGR were not higher than expected, however there was the proportion affected by stillbirth in participants delivering within 2 weeks of infection was significantly higher than those delivering ≥ 2 weeks after infection. We suggest that clinicians' thresh
Khalil A, Samara A, O'Brien P, et al., 2022, Monkeypox and pregnancy: what do obstetricians need to know?, ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY, Vol: 60, Pages: 22-27, ISSN: 0960-7692
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Zielinska A, Mullins E, Lees C, 2022, The feasibility of multi-modality remote monitoring of maternal physiology during pregnancy, Medicine, Vol: 101, ISSN: 0025-7974
Objectives: Gestational hypertension affects 10% of pregnancies, may occur without warning and has wide ranging effects on maternal, fetal and infant health. Antenatal care largely relies on in-person appointments, hence only <4% of the pregnancy period is subject to routine clinical monitoring. Home monitoring offers a unique opportunity to collect granular data and identify trends in maternal physiology that could predict pregnancy compromise. Our objective was to investigate the feasibility of remote multi-domain monitoring of maternal cardiovascular health both in and after pregnancy. Methods: Prospective feasibility study of continuous remote monitoring of multiple modalities indicative of cardiovascular health from the first trimester to six weeks post-partum.Results: Twenty-four pregnant women were asked to monitor body weight, heart rate, blood pressure, activity levels and sleep patterns daily. Study participants took on average 4.3 (SD= 2.20) home recordings of each modality per week across the three trimesters and 2.0 post-partum (SD= 2.41), out of a recommended maximum of 7. Participant retention was 58.3%. Wearing a smartwatch daily was reported as feasible (8.6/10, SD= 2.3) and data could be entered digitally with ease (7.7/10, SD= 2.4). Conclusion: Remote digital monitoring of cardiovascular health is feasible for research purposes and hence potentially so for routine clinical care throughout and after pregnancy. 58% of women completed the study. Multiple modalities indicative of cardiovascular health can be measured in parallel, giving a global view that is representative of the whole pregnancy period in a way that current antenatal care is not.
Masini G, Foo LF, Tay J, et al., 2022, Reply: Preeclampsia has 2 phenotypes that require different treatment strategies, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, Vol: 227, Pages: 114-115, ISSN: 0002-9378
Matsuzaki S, Youssefzadeh AC, Matsuo K, et al., 2022, Optimizing the strategy of antenatal corticosteroids in threatened preterm labor, AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, Vol: 227, Pages: 116-+, ISSN: 0002-9378
Vieira MC, Relph S, Muruet-Gutierrez W, et al., 2022, Evaluation of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) for antenatal detection of small for gestational age: The DESiGN cluster randomised trial, PLoS Medicine, Vol: 19, ISSN: 1549-1277
BACKGROUND: Antenatal detection and management of small for gestational age (SGA) is a strategy to reduce stillbirth. Large observational studies provide conflicting results on the effect of the Growth Assessment Protocol (GAP) in relation to detection of SGA and reduction of stillbirth; to the best of our knowledge, there are no reported randomised control trials. Our aim was to determine if GAP improves antenatal detection of SGA compared to standard care. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This was a pragmatic, superiority, 2-arm, parallel group, open, cluster randomised control trial. Maternity units in England were eligible to participate in the study, except if they had already implemented GAP. All women who gave birth in participating clusters (maternity units) during the year prior to randomisation and during the trial (November 2016 to February 2019) were included. Multiple pregnancies, fetal abnormalities or births before 24+1 weeks were excluded. Clusters were randomised to immediate implementation of GAP, an antenatal care package aimed at improving detection of SGA as a means to reduce the rate of stillbirth, or to standard care. Randomisation by random permutation was stratified by time of study inclusion and cluster size. Data were obtained from hospital electronic records for 12 months prerandomisation, the washout period (interval between randomisation and data collection of outcomes), and the outcome period (last 6 months of the study). The primary outcome was ultrasound detection of SGA (estimated fetal weight <10th centile using customised centiles (intervention) or Hadlock centiles (standard care)) confirmed at birth (birthweight <10th centile by both customised and population centiles). Secondary outcomes were maternal and neonatal outcomes, including induction of labour, gestational age at delivery, mode of birth, neonatal morbidity, and stillbirth/perinatal mortality. A 2-stage cluster-summary statistical approach calculated the absolute difference
Smith ER, Oakley E, He S, et al., 2022, Protocol for a sequential, prospective meta-analysis to describe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the pregnancy and postpartum periods, PLoS One, Vol: 17, ISSN: 1932-6203
We urgently need answers to basic epidemiological questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant and postpartum women and its effect on their newborns. While many national registries, health facilities, and research groups are collecting relevant data, we need a collaborative and methodologically rigorous approach to better combine these data and address knowledge gaps, especially those related to rare outcomes. We propose that using a sequential, prospective meta-analysis (PMA) is the best approach to generate data for policy- and practice-oriented guidelines. As the pandemic evolves, additional studies identified retrospectively by the steering committee or through living systematic reviews will be invited to participate in this PMA. Investigators can contribute to the PMA by either submitting individual patient data or running standardized code to generate aggregate data estimates. For the primary analysis, we will pool data using two-stage meta-analysis methods. The meta-analyses will be updated as additional data accrue in each contributing study and as additional studies meet study-specific time or data accrual thresholds for sharing. At the time of publication, investigators of 25 studies, including more than 76,000 pregnancies, in 41 countries had agreed to share data for this analysis. Among the included studies, 12 have a contemporaneous comparison group of pregnancies without COVID-19, and four studies include a comparison group of non-pregnant women of reproductive age with COVID-19. Protocols and updates will be maintained publicly. Results will be shared with key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) Research Working Group. Data contributors will share results with local stakeholders. Scientific publications will be published in open-access journals on an ongoing basis.
Gyselaers W, Lees C, 2022, Maternal Low Volume Circulation Relates to Normotensive and Preeclamptic Fetal Growth Restriction, FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE, Vol: 9
Rizzo G, Ghi T, Henrich W, et al., 2022, Ultrasound in labor: clinical practice guideline and recommendation by the WAPM-World Association of Perinatal Medicine and the PMF-Perinatal Medicine Foundation, JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE, Vol: 50, Pages: 1007-1029, ISSN: 0300-5577
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Mylrea-Foley B, Thornton JG, Mullins E, et al., 2022, Perinatal and 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome in late preterm fetal compromise: the TRUFFLE 2 randomised trial protocol, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, Pages: 1-8, ISSN: 2044-6055
Introduction Following the detection of fetal growth restriction, there is no consensus about the criteria that should trigger delivery in the late preterm period. The consequences of inappropriate early or late delivery are potentially important yet practice varies widely around the world, with abnormal findings from fetal heart rate monitoring invariably leading to delivery. Indices derived from fetal cerebral Doppler examination may guide such decisions although there are few studies in this area. We propose a randomised, controlled trial to establish the optimum method of timing delivery between 32 weeks and 36 weeks 6 days of gestation. We hypothesise that delivery on evidence of cerebral blood flow redistribution reduces a composite of perinatal poor outcome, death and short-term hypoxia-related morbidity, with no worsening of neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years.Methods and analysis Women with non-anomalous singleton pregnancies 32+0 to 36+6 weeks of gestation in whom the estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference is <10th percentile or has decreased by 50 percentiles since 18–32 weeks will be included for observational data collection. Participants will be randomised if cerebral blood flow redistribution is identified, based on umbilical to middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio values. Computerised cardiotocography (cCTG) must show normal fetal heart rate short term variation (≥4.5 msec) and absence of decelerations at randomisation. Randomisation will be 1:1 to immediate delivery or delayed delivery (based on cCTG abnormalities or other worsening fetal condition). The primary outcome is poor condition at birth and/or fetal or neonatal death and/or major neonatal morbidity, the secondary non-inferiority outcome is 2-year infant general health and neurodevelopmental outcome based on the Parent Report of Children’s Abilities-Revised questionnaire.Ethics and dissemination The Study Coordination Centre has obtaine
Salvesen K, Ter Haar G, Miloro P, et al., 2022, ISUOG Safety Committee updated recommendation on use of respirators by practitioners undertaking obstetric and gynecological ultrasound in context of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern, Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol: 59, Pages: 411-411, ISSN: 0960-7692
Lees CC, Romero R, Stampalija T, et al., 2022, Clinical Opinion: The diagnosis and management of suspected fetal growth restriction: an evidence-based approach, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol: 226, Pages: 366-378, ISSN: 0002-9378
This study reviewed the literature about the diagnosis, antepartum surveillance, and time of delivery of fetuses suspected to be small for gestational age or growth restricted. Several guidelines have been issued by major professional organizations, including the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The differences in recommendations, in particular about Doppler velocimetry of the ductus venosus and middle cerebral artery, have created confusion among clinicians, and this review has intended to clarify and highlight the available evidence that is pertinent to clinical management. A fetus who is small for gestational age is frequently defined as one with an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile. This condition has been considered syndromic and has been frequently attributed to fetal growth restriction, a constitutionally small fetus, congenital infections, chromosomal abnormalities, or genetic conditions. Small for gestational age is not synonymous with fetal growth restriction, which is defined by deceleration of fetal growth determined by a change in fetal growth velocity. An abnormal umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility index reflects an increased impedance to flow in the umbilical circulation and is considered to be an indicator of placental disease. The combined finding of an estimated fetal weight of <10th percentile and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry has been widely accepted as indicative of fetal growth restriction. Clinical studies have shown that the gestational age at diagnosis can be used to subclassify suspected fetal growth restriction into early and late, depending on whether the condition is diagnosed before or after 32 weeks of gestation. The early type is associated with umbilical artery Doppler abnormalities, whereas the late type is often associated with a low pulsatility index in the middle cerebral artery. A large randomized clinical trial indicate
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