1/96. Antenatal diagnosis of Bart's hydrops fetalis [correction of homozygous alpha thalassemia]. A case report.OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of the Bart's hydrops fetalis [corrected]. METHOD: Bart's hydrops fetalis [corrected] was discovered by chance in the fetus of a female Chinese patient. Major intrauterine growth retardation, oligohydramnios, an immobile fetus, and cardiomegaly were the principal echographic signs. cordocentesis showed fetal anemia, and electrophoresis of fetal hemoglobin revealed the presence of Bart's hemoglobin. RESULT: As there is no known effective treatment, termination of pregnancy was proposed to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Bart's hydrops fetallis [corrected] is a lethal condition. Early echographic signs (cardiothoracic index >0.50, placental thickening) can be screened during weeks 17-18 or even during weeks 13-14 of gestation. These signs would permit a reduction of invasive examinations in couples at risk.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = gestation, pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/96. Sirenomelia. Pathological features, antenatal ultrasonographic clues, and a review of current embryogenic theories.We aimed to discuss the prenatal diagnosis and pathological features of sirenomelia, and to review current embryogenic theories. We observed two sirenomelic fetuses that were at the 19th and 16th gestational week respectively. In the former, transvaginal ultrasound revealed severe oligohydramnios and internal abortion, whereas bilateral renal agenesis, absence of a normally tapered lumbosacral spine, and a single, dysmorphic lower limb were detected in the latter. In both cases, x-rays and autoptic examination allowed categorization on the basis of the skeletal deformity. Subtotal sacrococcygeal agenesis was present in both cases. Agenesis of the urinary apparatus and external genitalia and anorectal atresia were also found. classification of sirenomelia separately from caudal regression syndrome is still debated. Recent advances in the understanding of axial mesoderm patterning during early embryonic development suggest that sirenomelia represents the most severe end of the caudal regression spectrum. Third-trimester ultrasonographic diagnosis is usually impaired by severe oligohydramnios related to bilateral renal agenesis, whereas during the early second trimester the amount of amniotic fluid may be sufficient to allow diagnosis. Early antenatal sonographic diagnosis is important in view of the dismal prognosis, and allows for earlier, less traumatic termination of pregnancy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = gestation, pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/96. Rapid development of hydrops fetalis in the donor twin following death of the recipient twin in twin-twin transfusion syndrome.Intrauterine death of one fetus in monochorionic twinning is associated with high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the surviving fetus. Subsequent development of hydrops fetalis in the donor twin after fetal demise of the recipient twin has been described in only two case reports and pathophysiology remains unclear. We report on a monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by severe twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Ultrasound examination at 20 weeks of gestation showed discrepant twins with oligohydramnios in the smaller twins' sac and polyhydramnios in that of the larger twin. Repeated amniocenteses permitted prolongation of the pregnancy. However, the recipient twin developed deteriorating hydrops fetalis and died at 28 weeks of gestation. After this event, subsequent development of hydrops fetalis in the surviving donor twin could be observed, as well as an increase of amniotic fluid. An elective cesarean section was performed at 29 weeks of gestation. Initial hypoxemia could be effectively treated by high frequency oscillatory ventilation, surfactant therapy and inotropic support. The infant was discharged in good condition at the age of 2 months. Although rare, antenatal demise of the recipient twin in a monochorionic pregnancy can be associated with the subsequent development of hydrops fetalis in the surviving donor twin. We speculate that this phenomenon is due to ischemia-reperfusion injury of the previously poorly perfused twin.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 3keywords = gestation, pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/96. prenatal diagnosis of nonmosaic trisomy 9 in a fetus with severe renal disease.We report a case of nonmosaic trisomy 9 presenting at 21 weeks of gestation with polycystic, echogenic horseshoe kidney, collapsed bladder, absent amniotic fluid, and intrauterine growth restriction. color Doppler imaging demonstrated no blood flow signals from renal vessels. fetal blood sampling confirmed a 47,XX, 9 karyotype, with no evidence of mosaicism, and increased serum beta2-microglobulin levels of 10.7 mg/l, consistent with severe renal failure. A repeat scan at 23 weeks also revealed a dysmorphic face, bilateral microphthalmia, and a cerebellar vermian defect. Follow-up examinations showed progressive growth restriction leading to fetal death at 33 weeks of gestation. This report demonstrates that fetuses with nonmosaic trisomy 9 may present with severe renal abnormalities and confirms that cases seen in the second and third trimesters usually have a dismal outcome.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.6550496807888keywords = gestation (Clic here for more details about this article) |
5/96. Bilateral renal agenesis and fetal ascites in association with partial trisomy 13 and partial trisomy 16 due to a 3:1 segregation of maternal reciprocal translocation t(13;16)(q12.3; p13.2).A female fetus with bilateral renal agenesis and fetal ascites was found to have partial trisomy 13 (pter-q12.3) and partial trisomy 16 (p13.2-pter), 47,XX, der(13)t(13;16)(q12.3; p13.2)mat. The chromosomal aberration was due to a 3:1 segregation with tertiary trisomy transmitted from a maternal reciprocal translocation 13;16. Prenatal ultrasound of a 29-year-old, gravida 2, para 0 woman at 22 gestational weeks showed fetal ascites, severe oligohydramnios and non-visualization of fetal urinary bladder and kidneys. The pregnancy was terminated. At delivery, the proband displayed dysmorphic features of hypertelorism, a prominent glabella, epicanthic fold, a stubby nose with a depressed nasal bridge, anteverted nares, thin lips, micrognathia, low-set ears, a short neck and a distended abdomen. Necropsy confirmed bilateral renal agenesis and ascites. A cytogenetic study performed on fibroblasts obtained from the proband's skin revealed an extra supernumerary chromosome. The mother was later found to have a reciprocal translocation. fluorescence in situ hybridization for a submicroscopic deletion in chromosome 22q11 in the proband was negative. The parents had no urological anomalies. Our observation further extends the clinical spectrum associated with proximal trisomy 13q and distal trisomy 16p. We suggest prenatal cytogenetic analysis in fetuses with urological anomalies, including renal agenesis, to uncover underlying genetic disorders.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = gestation, pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
6/96. Treatment of iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes with intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate (amniopatch): preliminary experience.OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe the treatment of iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes with the intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate (amniopatch). STUDY DESIGN: patients with iatrogenic previable premature rupture of membranes and without evidence of intra-amniotic infection underwent transabdominal intra-amniotic injection of platelets and cryoprecipitate through a 22-gauge needle. The study was approved by the Institutional review Board of St Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, florida, and all patients gave written informed consent. RESULTS: Seven patients with iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes underwent placement of an amniopatch. Membrane sealing was verifiable in 6 of 7 patients. Three patients had iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes after operative fetoscopy, 3 cases were after genetic amniocentesis, and 1 was after diagnostic fetoscopy. Three pregnancies progressed well, with restoration of the amniotic fluid volume and no further leakage. Two patients had unexplained fetal death despite successful sealing. One case of bladder outlet obstruction had no further leakage, but oligohydramnios persisted and did not allow unequivocal documentation of sealing. One patient miscarried from twin-twin transfusion, but the amniotic cavity was sealed. CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes can be treated effectively with an amniopatch. The technique is simple and does not require knowledge of the exact location of the defect. Unexpected fetal death from the procedure may be attributable to vasoactive effects of platelets or indigo carmine. Although the appropriate dose of platelets and cryoprecipitate needs to be established, the amniopatch may mean that iatrogenic preterm premature rupture of membranes no longer needs to be considered a devastating complication of pregnancy.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.1724751596056keywords = pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
7/96. Intrauterine sling: a complication of the stuck twin syndrome.Stuck twin syndrome usually presents with polyhydramnios in the recipient sac and severe oligohydramnios in the donor sac. The donor is displaced against the uterine wall and remains adherent in that position. We present a case in which the diagnosis was more complicated, owing to the suspension of the stuck twin by a sling within the sac of the recipient. A monochorionic diamnionic twin gestation was complicated by twin-twin transfusion syndrome at 18 weeks of gestation. In our example, the stuck twin was suspended by a sling from the placenta. The sling band represented the intertwin membrane that was folded upon itself. amniotic fluid from the recipient twin was present in three dimensions around the stuck twin, except for the sling band. The suspension of the stuck twin by a sling within the amniotic fluid of the recipient is an unusual manifestation of the stuck twin syndrome.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.6550496807888keywords = gestation (Clic here for more details about this article) |
8/96. Diamniotic twin gestation discordant for renal dysplasia and oligohydramnios.Severe oligohydramnios and renal dysplasia were detected in one of diamniotic, monochorionic twins at 19 weeks' gestation. At birth (37 weeks), the affected twin had only minimal extrarenal Potter's features and mild pulmonary hypoplasia, despite severe renal dysplasia due to posterior urethral valves. The effects of virtual absence of amniotic fluid during the latter half of gestation from bilateral renal dysplasia were ameliorated by the presence of a normal co-twin and its normal amniotic fluid levels, even though the affected twin did not share the same amniotic fluid.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 4.9651490423664keywords = gestation (Clic here for more details about this article) |
9/96. Transabdominal amnioinfusion to avoid fetal demise and intestinal damage in fetuses with gastroschisis and severe oligohydramnios.BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Despite dramatic improvement in survival rate for neonates with gastroschisis, significant postoperative morbidity and a low mortality rate still occur. Furthermore, even in recent publications, some fetal death has been reported. Does this mean that antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis is a missed opportunity? In fact, decreased amniotic fluid (AF) volume is observed in some fetuses with gastroschisis. However, oligohydramnios is associated with an increased risk of fetal suffering. When severe oligohydramnios is observed, intrapartum amnioinfusion, to restore AF volume, may help avoid fetal complications. methods: Two fetuses with gastroschisis and severe oligohydramnios were treated antenatally with amnioinfusion of saline solution. In one case, fetal heart beat decelerations were observed at 27 weeks' gestation among with the oligohydroamnios and serial transabdominal amnioinfusions were performed. In the second case, severe oligohydramnios was observed at 31, weeks and an amnioinfusion was performed. The 2 babies were delivered at 31 and 34 weeks, respectively. RESULTS: In both cases, exteriorized bowel was nearly normal at birth, and primary closure could be performed. Outcome was favorable, and they were discharged home on day 43 and day 54, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Because fetuses with gastroschisis and oligohydramnios are part of a particular high-risk group, serial ultrasound examination and computerized fetal heart beat monitoring are necessary during the third trimester. In selected cases of gastroschisis associated with severe oligohydramnios, serial amnioinfusion may be required.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 0.8275248403944keywords = gestation (Clic here for more details about this article) |
10/96. Successful outcome after antibiotic treatment of postamniocentesis membrane rupture and chorioamnionitis in multiple pregnancy.Postamniocentesis chorioamnionitis is usually managed with induction of labor to prevent maternal sepsis and related morbidity and mortality. We report a case of chorioamnionitis in a triplet pregnancy after midtrimester genetic amniocentesis, in which multiple antibiotic treatment (ampicillin 2 g i.v. loading dose followed by 1 g i.v. every 6 hr; clindamycin 900 mg i.v. every 8 hr; gentamicin 120 mg i.v. loading dose followed by 100 mg i.v. every 8 hrs; and erythromycin 500 mg i.v. every 6 hr) for 7 days and delivery of the presumably infected triplet A successfully reversed the clinical symptomatology, allowing prolongation of pregnancy until 26 weeks and survival of the remaining fetuses. At age 2 years, both infants are doing well and are meeting their developmental milestones. The viable outcome of this management strategy suggests that antibiotic treatment and expectancy may be an option in selected cases of postamniocentesis chorioamnionitis in multiple pregnancies.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1.0348509576336keywords = pregnancy (Clic here for more details about this article) |
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