The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retro...The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of 591 fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers from January 2015 to August 2016 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. It was found that 591 fetuses showed ultrasonic soft markers in 4927 cases with the occurrence rate being 12.0%. Among them, 564 fetuses（95.4%） were delivered and the remaining 27 cases（4.6%） were aborted. Five hundred and sixty-seven cases had single ultrasonic soft marker, including echogenic intracardiac focus（n=343）, mild renal pelvis dilatation（n=116）, short long bones（n=72）, single umbilical artery（n=31）, mild lateral ventriculomegaly（n=21）, choroid plexus cysts（n=19）, and echogenic bowel（n=13）, with the disappearing rates in pregnancy being 97.1%（333/343）, 77.6%（90/116）, 0%（0/72）, 0%（0/31）, 57.1%（12/21）, 89.5%（17/19） and 61.5%（8/13） respectively. The rate of pregnancy termination due to single ultrasonic soft marker was 3.4%（19/567）, and that was 33.3%（8/24） due to two ultrasonic soft markers with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The reasons of pregnancy termination included malformations（polycystic kidney, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, pcromphalus, hypospadias, hydrocephalus）, chromosome abnormality, and stillbirth. It was concluded that single ultrasonic soft marker is usually transient manifestation in pregnancy. Without the other structural defects, single ultrasonic soft marker usually disappears spontaneously with favorable prognosis in a low-risk population. It is suggested that ultrasonic soft markers should be appropriately interpreted to avoid unnecessary invasive examination.展开更多
Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent mat...Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent maternal ability) have a higher survival rate than piglets from Large White sows(a lean breed). To identify the main pathways involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue maturation during the last month of gestation, we compared the proteome and the expression levels of some genes at d 90 and d 110 of gestation in purebred and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed.Results: A total of 52 proteins in fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue were identified as differential y expressed over the course of gestation. Many proteins involved in energy metabolism were more abundant, whereas some proteins participating in cytoskeleton organization were reduced in abundance on d 110 compared with d 90. Irrespective of age,24 proteins differed in abundance between fetal genotypes, and an interaction effect between fetal age and genotype was observed for 13 proteins. The abundance levels of proteins known to be responsive to nutrient levels such as aldolase and fatty acid binding proteins, as wel as the expression levels of FASN, a key lipogenic enzyme, and MLXIPL, a pivotal transcriptional mediator of glucose-related stimulation of lipogenic genes, were elevated in the adipose tissue of pure and crossbred fetuses from Meishan sows. These data suggested that the adipose tissue of these fetuses had superior metabolic functionality, whatever their paternal genes. Conversely, proteins participating in redox homeostasis and apoptotic cel clearance had a lower abundance in Meishan than in Large White fetuses. Time-course differences in adipose tissue protein abundance were revealed between fetal genotypes for a few secreted proteins participating in responses to organic substances, such as alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin.Conclusions: These results underline the importance of not only fetal age but also maternal intrauterine environment in the regulation of several proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These proteins may be used to estimate the maturity grade of piglet neonates.展开更多
BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for...BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development,an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment.The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation(iSTIC)technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images.In this study,the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIM To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODS Between October 2014 and September 2015,a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital.iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software.Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve.The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume.The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume,the right cardiac output,and the right ejection fraction.The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed.The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer,and the intraobserver agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTS Among the 123 normal fetuses,the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99±0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69±0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43±0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36±0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62±0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33±0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23±40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83±32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation.Right ventricular end-diastolic volume,right ventricular end-systolic volume,right stroke volume,and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear(P<0.01).Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability.iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.展开更多
We followed up 1576 pennant women prospectively from less than 24 weeks of pregnancy,in order to investigate the effect of HBsAg antigenemia on fetuses and infants.The resultsshowed that there was no difference betwee...We followed up 1576 pennant women prospectively from less than 24 weeks of pregnancy,in order to investigate the effect of HBsAg antigenemia on fetuses and infants.The resultsshowed that there was no difference between HBsAg-positive and negative pregnant women in the incidence of fetal distress,Premature labor,asphyxia neonatorum, perinatal death,low birth weight,and congenital malformation,P= 0. 6035, 0.2177,0.8722,0.4673,0.9508,and 0.7892,respectively.展开更多
Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim o...Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.展开更多
Objective:To identify the occurrence of the amniotic deformity adhesions,mutilation(ADAM)complex and imperative role of fetal autopsy in diagnosing this condition.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study spanning nin...Objective:To identify the occurrence of the amniotic deformity adhesions,mutilation(ADAM)complex and imperative role of fetal autopsy in diagnosing this condition.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study spanning nine years,from January 2014 to January 2022,was conducted at the Department of Pathology within a tertiary care hospital in South India.The study focused on analyzing the clinical presentation,prenatal ultrasonogram,and morphological features of fetuses with the ADAM complex,limb body wall complex,or amniotic bands.Results:Among the 438 fetuses assessed during the study period,five fetuses showed features of the ADAM complex(0.01%).The most frequent gestational age observed was 12–18 weeks andmost fetuseswere female.The common anomaly encountered was limb defects,followed by abdominal and cranial anomalies.Conclusion:The diagnosis of the ADAM complex relies primarily on fetal autopsy to differentiate it from similar conditions like anencephaly or body-stalk anomalies.The pathologist plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of the ADAM complex.Advanced antenatal imaging and therapies offer potential for prevention through improved counseling.展开更多
Introduction Aortic arch anomalies are congenital malformations of the position or branching of the aortic arch,or both.Double aortic arch(DAA)is a very rare malformation,affecting approximately 0.005%~0.007% of fetus...Introduction Aortic arch anomalies are congenital malformations of the position or branching of the aortic arch,or both.Double aortic arch(DAA)is a very rare malformation,affecting approximately 0.005%~0.007% of fetuses[1],and there has been no relevant literature mentioning the prenatal finding DAA in Macao till now.展开更多
Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,ima...Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,imaging characteristics,and clinical behavior compared to their postnatal counterparts.This review summarizes the current understanding of the prenatal diagnosis and characterization of fetal brain tumors,with a particular focus on the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).We discuss the advantages of advanced MR sequences in enhancing lesion detection and anatomical delineation following suspicious findings on obstetric ultrasound.Common tumor types encountered in utero—including teratomas,as-trocytomas,medulloblastomas,choroid plexus papillomas,and craniopharyngiomas—are reviewed in terms of imaging fea-tures,differential diagnosis,and clinical implications.Furthermore,the review addresses the diagnostic challenges,prognostic considerations,and the potential role of fetal MRI in guiding perinatal management and parental counseling.展开更多
Background:Congenital heart disease(CHD)results from abnormal heart development during fetal development,leading to life-threatening complications.This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying myocardial pa...Background:Congenital heart disease(CHD)results from abnormal heart development during fetal development,leading to life-threatening complications.This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying myocardial parametric mapping in post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging and to examine differences in the left ventricular myocardium between fetuses with CHD and controls.Methods:This prospective case–control study was conducted on 14 deceased fetuses with CHD(CHD group)and 24 fetuses without CHD(control group).Fetuses with CHD were further stratified into the cyanotic(n=9)and non-cyanotic(n=5)CHD groups.T1,T2,and proton density relaxation times of the left ventricular myocardium were calculated and compared using multiple-dynamic multiple-echo post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging technology.Results:The myocardial T2 relaxation time was significantly different between the groups(p=0.033),with no difference in T1 or proton density relaxation times between the groups.A one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's test showed that the mean cyanotic CHD group showed a longer myocardial T2 relaxation time than the control group(98.00013.143 vs.83.5429.491 ms,p=0.003).Additionally,the correlation coefficient in the CHD group was significantly different between the myocardial T2 relaxation time and peak systolic velocity of pulmonary artery on a fetal echocardiogram(r2=0.681,p=0.010).Conclusions:These results suggest that using myocardial alterations in the T2 relaxation time may provide a accurate early warning for myocardial injury and enable noninvasive recognition of cardiac involvement in fetuses with CHD.展开更多
A pregnant woman underwent fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)following ultrasound detection of a posterior fossa cyst at 29 weeks'gestation.She presented with no relevant medical history and underwent a r...A pregnant woman underwent fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)following ultrasound detection of a posterior fossa cyst at 29 weeks'gestation.She presented with no relevant medical history and underwent a routine obstetric examination during pregnancy.The fetal head position,fetal cranial development,and limb development remained normal until 29 weeks.展开更多
During pregnancy,maternal immune activation(MIA),due to infection,chronic inflammatory disorders,or toxic exposures,can result in lasting health impacts on the developing fetus.MIA has been associated with an increase...During pregnancy,maternal immune activation(MIA),due to infection,chronic inflammatory disorders,or toxic exposures,can result in lasting health impacts on the developing fetus.MIA has been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders,such as autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in the offspring.ASD is characterized by increased repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and decreased sociability.As of 2020,1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD by the age of 8 years,with ASD rates continuing to increase in prevalence in USA(Tamayo et al.,2023).Post-mortem brain studies,biomarker and transcriptomic studies,and epidemiology studies have provided compelling evidence of immune dysregulation in the circulation and brain of individuals diagnosed with ASD.Currently,the etiology of ASD is largely unknown,however,genetic components and environmental factors can contribute to increased susceptibility.Maternal allergic asthma(MAA),a form of MIA,has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing neurodevelopmental disorders(Patel et al.,2020).Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by a T-helper type(TH)2 immune response.展开更多
Objective:To explore the correlation between fetal foot length measured by ultrasound and gestational age.Methods:This study employed ultrasound to measure the fetal foot length,femoral length,and foot length/femoral ...Objective:To explore the correlation between fetal foot length measured by ultrasound and gestational age.Methods:This study employed ultrasound to measure the fetal foot length,femoral length,and foot length/femoral length ratio in 214 pregnant women from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation,all of whom had no pregnancy complications or obstetric complications,and whose fetuses were normal.Results:A significant positive correlation was found between fetal foot length and gestational age(r=0.967,p<0.001);a similarly significant positive correlation was observed between fetal femoral length and gestational age(r=0.972,p<0.001);and a non-significant positive correlation was noted between the foot length/femoral length ratio and gestational age(r=0.943,p<0.001).Conclusion:Ultrasound can accurately measure fetal foot length and femoral length,both of which exhibit a significant positive correlation with gestational age,making them important reference indicators for assessing fetal growth and development.展开更多
寄生胎(fetus in fetu,FIF)是一种先天性疾病,遗传学上又称“胎内胎”,指完整胎体的某部分寄生有另一个或几个不完整的胎体,这种异常的胚胎发育方式极少见,其发病率约为1/500 000,男女比例无明显差异[1]。因其好发部位为腹膜后及腹腔,...寄生胎(fetus in fetu,FIF)是一种先天性疾病,遗传学上又称“胎内胎”,指完整胎体的某部分寄生有另一个或几个不完整的胎体,这种异常的胚胎发育方式极少见,其发病率约为1/500 000,男女比例无明显差异[1]。因其好发部位为腹膜后及腹腔,临床表现为逐渐增大的腹部包块,常需与腹部肿瘤相鉴别。本文收集宁波大学附属妇女儿童医院2015年收治的腹膜后寄生胎2例,探讨其诊治过程并结合文献复习,现报道如下。展开更多
Background Umbilical cord around neck, a common obstetric complication, affects fetal hemodynamics. Does it influence fetal cardiac functions？ The purpose of this study was to investigate the left and right ventricu...Background Umbilical cord around neck, a common obstetric complication, affects fetal hemodynamics. Does it influence fetal cardiac functions？ The purpose of this study was to investigate the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck in the third trimester by applying velocity vector imaging （VVI）. Methods Thirty-five cases of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck whose gestational ages from 35 to 40 weeks were selected, including 20 cases of umbilical artery ratio of the highest systolic velocity （S） to the lowest diastolic velocity （D） （S/D） 〈3.0 and 15 cases of umbilical artery S/D ≥3.0, while 20 cases of normal fetuses of 35–40 gestational weeks were selected as the control group. The changes in longitudinal velocity, strain, and strain rate of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole in two groups, and the changes in fetal cardiac function under the situation of umbilical cord around neck were analyzed.Results Longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole were less in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 33.0 and umbilical cord around neck than those in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group （P 〈0.05）; there was no significant difference （P 〉0.05） in longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole between fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group.Conclusions Left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction was detected in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck and umbilical artery S/D 33.0. VVI could sensitively respond to cardiac function changes in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck, which provides another valuable method in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function.展开更多
Background Gap junction channels formed by connexin43 (Cx43) protein are important in cardiac morphogenesis, and Cx43 gene is thought to be associated with congenital heart malformation (CHM). This study was undertak...Background Gap junction channels formed by connexin43 (Cx43) protein are important in cardiac morphogenesis, and Cx43 gene is thought to be associated with congenital heart malformation (CHM). This study was undertaken to detect the mutations of Cx43 in fetuses with CHM.Methods Cx43 extron DNA was amplified by PCR from 16 fetuses with a variety of CHM. The PCR products were analyzed by SSCP and DNA sequencing. Thirty children who had no CHM were selected as controls. Results Eight homozygous mutations of Cx43 were observed in a fetus with double outlet right ventricule (DORV), five of the 8 mutations were missense mutations including Arg239Trp, Ser251Thr, Ala253Pro, Pro283Leu and Thr290Asn, and the remaining 3 were silent polymorphisms including Gly252Gly, Pro256Pro and Thr275Thr. No mutations were found in other fetuses and the control group.Conclusions Mutations of Cx43 may be associated with congenital conotruncal anomalies. PCR-SSCP is an effective method for screening the mutations of Cx43.展开更多
Microanatomy of the vast majority of human organs at birth is characterized by marked differences as compared toadult organs, regarding their architecture and the cell types detectable at histology. In preterm neonate...Microanatomy of the vast majority of human organs at birth is characterized by marked differences as compared toadult organs, regarding their architecture and the cell types detectable at histology. In preterm neonates, thesedifferences are even more evident, due to the lower level of organ maturation and to ongoing cell differentiation.One of the most remarkable finding in preterm tissues is the presence of huge amounts of stem/progenitor cells inmultiple organs, including kidney, brain, heart, adrenals, and lungs. In other organs, such as liver, the completelydifferent burden of cell types in preterm infants is mainly related to the different function of the liver duringgestation, mainly focused on hematopoiesis, a function that is taken by bone marrow after birth. Our preliminarystudies showed that the antigens expressed by stem/progenitors differ significantly from one organ to the next.Moreover, within each developing human tissue, reactivity for different stem cell markers also changes duringgestation, according with the multiple differentiation steps encountered by each progenitor during development. Abetter knowledge of stem/progenitor cells of preterms will allow neonatologists to boost preterm organmaturation, favoring the differentiation of the multiple cells types that characterize each organ in at term neonates.展开更多
The safety and feasibility of anesthesia during pregnancy are the public concern to human and veterinary medicines,respiratory and cardiac suppression is the most serious side effect of anesthetic. In order to evaluat...The safety and feasibility of anesthesia during pregnancy are the public concern to human and veterinary medicines,respiratory and cardiac suppression is the most serious side effect of anesthetic. In order to evaluate the effects of Enflurane on pregnant dogs their fetuses,we established the animal model of the artery catheterization,and investigated the maternal and fetal anesthetic concentrations as well as blood gases in the pregnant dogs anesthetized by inhalation of Enflurane. In this experiment,the femoral artery catheterization of 12 pregnant dogs and their 12 fetuses were performed through the anterior tibia artery by using 17 G and 18 G arterial puncture needle,4F expanded tube,3 F induction tube and the C-arm monitoring system. The results showed that the fetuses survived in uterus for 36 h (two cases),4 ~ 5 d (two cases),6 ~7 d (three cases),8 ~10 d (three cases) and 12 ~14 d (two cases) after operation,respectively. 10 fetuses that survived over 4 days in uterus after the operation were successfully delivered. The fetuses were healthy and their catheters were kept well,the other two pregnant dogs aborted their fetuses. After establishing the model successfully,Atropine sulfate in dose of 0. 04 mg/kg bw were injected into cutaneous muscle of dogs in right clinostatism. 15 minutes later after application of Atropine sulfate,the induced anesthesia was carried out by vein injection of 2. 5% Pentothal sodium (10 mg/kg/bw). The tracheal cannula was performed and the dogs were anesthetized for 10 min by Enflurane inhalation from anesthetic machine. Subsequently,the respiratory rate of experimental animals was controlled to 20-22 times/min by a mechanical ventilator,and the tidal volume was 13 ~ 15 mL/kg/bw. The maternal and fetal arterial anesthetic concentrations and blood gases including pH,PO 2,PCO 2,TCO 2,HCO 3-,SB,BEb and Sat. O 2 were measured after Enflurane inhalation anesthesia. The results showed Enflurane can cross placenta and reach fetal blood. The arterial anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were lower than that in their mothers,but the changes of anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were very similar to their mothers. The pH and BEb in the maternal and fetal blood were significantly lower (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),PO 2,PCO 2,and Sat. O 2 were significantly higher (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),compared to the prior anesthesia. SB decreased,HCO 3-and T-CO 2 increased (P 】 0. 05) in the early stage of anesthesia,but there were no significant difference after and before anesthesia. These results indicated that Enflurane crosses the placenta very quickly in dogs and is characterized by the quick induction anesthesia and elimination in the body. There were slight respiratory and metabolic acidosis in the period of anesthesia in both pregnant dogs and their fetus and the state were gradually restored to normal with the elimination of the Enflurane in blood. Taken together,Enfluence should be considerated the candidate for the induction and maintenance anesthesia for veterinary and human medicine.展开更多
BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effect...BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effective way to detect thrombosis.The mother can monitor her own fetal health using ultrasound,which enables her to take preventative action in case of emergency.AIM To investigate ultrasonic blood signal after UAT in the umbilical artery,and evaluate the relationship between hypercoagulability and UAT.METHODS We described a case of a newly formed UAT with markedly altered ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,and retrospectively studied it with 18 UAT patients confirmed by histopathology from October 2019 and March 2023 in Xiamen Women and Children's Hospital.Patients’information was collected from medical archives,including maternal clinical data,neonatal outcomes,pathological findings and ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,such as systolic-diastolic duration ratio(S/D),resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI)and peak systolic velocity(PSV).Ultrasound and coagulation indices were analyzed with matched samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test using the statistical packages in R(version 4.2.1)including car(version 3.1-0)and stats(version 4.2.1),and visualized by ggplot2 package(version 3.3.6).RESULTS A patient with normal findings in second and third-trimester routine ultrasound scan developed UAT with severe changes in ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow(within 2.5th of reference ranges)in a short period of time.Statistical analysis of umbilical artery blood flow ultrasound indices for 19 patients with UAT showed that the decrease in S/D,RI,and PI and increase of PSV during the disease process was greater than that of non-UAT.All 18 patients delivered in our hospital showed characteristic manifestations of UAT on histological examination after delivery,most of which(16/18)showed umbilical cord abnormalities,with 15 umbilical cord torsion and 1 pseudoknot.Coagulation parameters were not significantly changed in UAT patients compared with normal pregnancy women.CONCLUSION Significant changes in ultrasound indicators after UAT were demonstrated.PSV can play important roles in the diagnosis of UAT.Hypercoagulability alone is not sufficient for the occurrence of UAT.展开更多
Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to ...Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.展开更多
Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and ...Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.展开更多
基金supported by the Innovation Platform Project of Science and Technology of Hubei Province(No.WJ2017H0003)
文摘The present study aimed to examine the value of ultrasonic soft markers in prenatal screening by analyzing the clinical outcome of fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers during the second trimester of pregnancy. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcome of 591 fetuses with ultrasonic soft markers from January 2015 to August 2016 in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, China. It was found that 591 fetuses showed ultrasonic soft markers in 4927 cases with the occurrence rate being 12.0%. Among them, 564 fetuses（95.4%） were delivered and the remaining 27 cases（4.6%） were aborted. Five hundred and sixty-seven cases had single ultrasonic soft marker, including echogenic intracardiac focus（n=343）, mild renal pelvis dilatation（n=116）, short long bones（n=72）, single umbilical artery（n=31）, mild lateral ventriculomegaly（n=21）, choroid plexus cysts（n=19）, and echogenic bowel（n=13）, with the disappearing rates in pregnancy being 97.1%（333/343）, 77.6%（90/116）, 0%（0/72）, 0%（0/31）, 57.1%（12/21）, 89.5%（17/19） and 61.5%（8/13） respectively. The rate of pregnancy termination due to single ultrasonic soft marker was 3.4%（19/567）, and that was 33.3%（8/24） due to two ultrasonic soft markers with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The reasons of pregnancy termination included malformations（polycystic kidney, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, pcromphalus, hypospadias, hydrocephalus）, chromosome abnormality, and stillbirth. It was concluded that single ultrasonic soft marker is usually transient manifestation in pregnancy. Without the other structural defects, single ultrasonic soft marker usually disappears spontaneously with favorable prognosis in a low-risk population. It is suggested that ultrasonic soft markers should be appropriately interpreted to avoid unnecessary invasive examination.
基金financial support from the French National Agency for Research(PORCINET project,ANR-09-GENMOO5)supported by grants from Biogenouest,IBi SA and Conseil Regional de Bretagne(France)
文摘Background: The degree of adipose tissue development at birth may influence neonatal survival and subsequent health outcomes. Despite their lower birth weights, piglets from Meishan sows(a fat breed with excellent maternal ability) have a higher survival rate than piglets from Large White sows(a lean breed). To identify the main pathways involved in subcutaneous adipose tissue maturation during the last month of gestation, we compared the proteome and the expression levels of some genes at d 90 and d 110 of gestation in purebred and crossbred Large White or Meishan fetuses gestated by sows of either breed.Results: A total of 52 proteins in fetal subcutaneous adipose tissue were identified as differential y expressed over the course of gestation. Many proteins involved in energy metabolism were more abundant, whereas some proteins participating in cytoskeleton organization were reduced in abundance on d 110 compared with d 90. Irrespective of age,24 proteins differed in abundance between fetal genotypes, and an interaction effect between fetal age and genotype was observed for 13 proteins. The abundance levels of proteins known to be responsive to nutrient levels such as aldolase and fatty acid binding proteins, as wel as the expression levels of FASN, a key lipogenic enzyme, and MLXIPL, a pivotal transcriptional mediator of glucose-related stimulation of lipogenic genes, were elevated in the adipose tissue of pure and crossbred fetuses from Meishan sows. These data suggested that the adipose tissue of these fetuses had superior metabolic functionality, whatever their paternal genes. Conversely, proteins participating in redox homeostasis and apoptotic cel clearance had a lower abundance in Meishan than in Large White fetuses. Time-course differences in adipose tissue protein abundance were revealed between fetal genotypes for a few secreted proteins participating in responses to organic substances, such as alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin.Conclusions: These results underline the importance of not only fetal age but also maternal intrauterine environment in the regulation of several proteins in subcutaneous adipose tissue. These proteins may be used to estimate the maturity grade of piglet neonates.
文摘BACKGROUND Heart defects are the most common congenital malformations in fetuses.Fetal cardiac structure and function abnormalities lead to changes in ventricular volume.As ventricular volume is an important index for evaluating fetal cardiovascular development,an effective and reliable method for measuring fetal ventricular volume and cardiac function is necessary for accurate ultrasonic diagnosis and effective clinical treatment.The new intelligent spatiotemporal image correlation(iSTIC)technology acquires high-resolution volumetric images.In this study,the iSTIC technique was used to measure right ventricular volume and to evaluate right ventricular systolic function to provide a more accurate and convenient evaluation of fetal heart function.AIM To investigate the value of iSTIC in evaluating right ventricular volume and systolic function in normal fetuses.METHODS Between October 2014 and September 2015,a total of 123 pregnant women received prenatal ultrasound examinations in our hospital.iSTIC technology was used to acquire the entire fetal cardiac volume with off-line analysis using QLAB software.Cardiac systolic and diastolic phases were defined by opening of the atrioventricular valve and the subsequent closure of the atrioventricular valve.The volumetric data of the two phases were measured by manual tracking and summation of multiple slices and recording of the right ventricular end-systolic volume and the right ventricular end-diastolic volume.The data were used to calculate the right stroke volume,the right cardiac output,and the right ejection fraction.The correlations of changes between the above-mentioned indices and gestational age were analyzed.The right ventricular volumes of 30 randomly selected cases were measured twice by the same sonographer,and the intraobserver agreement measurements were calculated.RESULTS Among the 123 normal fetuses,the mean right ventricular end-diastolic volume increased from 0.99±0.34 mL at 22 wk gestation to 3.69±0.36 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right ventricular end-systolic volume increased from 0.43±0.18 mL at 22 wk gestation to 1.36±0.22 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right stroke volume increased from 0.62±0.29 mL at 22 wk gestation to 2.33±0.18 mL at 35+6 wk gestation.The mean right cardiac output increased from 92.23±40.67 mL/min at 22 wk gestation to 335.83±32.75 mL/min at 35+6 wk gestation.Right ventricular end-diastolic volume,right ventricular end-systolic volume,right stroke volume,and right cardiac output all increased with gestational age and the correlations were linear(P<0.01).Right ejection fraction had no apparent correlation with gestational age(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Fetal right ventricular volume can be quantitatively measured using iSTIC technology with relative ease and high repeatability.iSTIC technology is expected to provide a new method for clinical evaluation of fetal cardiac function.
文摘We followed up 1576 pennant women prospectively from less than 24 weeks of pregnancy,in order to investigate the effect of HBsAg antigenemia on fetuses and infants.The resultsshowed that there was no difference between HBsAg-positive and negative pregnant women in the incidence of fetal distress,Premature labor,asphyxia neonatorum, perinatal death,low birth weight,and congenital malformation,P= 0. 6035, 0.2177,0.8722,0.4673,0.9508,and 0.7892,respectively.
文摘Purpose: Surfactant proteins exist in the digestive tract and may play an important role in the host defense. However, the expression of surfactant proteins in the premature digestive system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of surfactant proteins in the intes-tines and pancreas of murine fetuses. Methods: Immunostaining for SP-A and SP-D was assessed in the small intestine and pancreas of ICR murine fetuses on days 15, 16, 17 and 18 of gestation (normal duration of pregnancy: 19 - 21 days). RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of spa and spd mRNA in the small intestine and pancreas on day 16, 17 and 18 of gestation. Results: Immunoreactivity for SP-A and SP-D in the acinar cells of pancreas and intestinal mucosal surface were positive on day 16 of gestation onward. RT-PCR revealed that the expression of spa and spd mRNA was significant in the pancreas but weak in the small intestine. Conclusions: Our data revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the fetal intestines and pancreas and that a significant expression of spa and spd mRNA is detected in the fetal pancreas. Pancreas may be a possible organ involved in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins into the intestinal lumen.
文摘Objective:To identify the occurrence of the amniotic deformity adhesions,mutilation(ADAM)complex and imperative role of fetal autopsy in diagnosing this condition.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study spanning nine years,from January 2014 to January 2022,was conducted at the Department of Pathology within a tertiary care hospital in South India.The study focused on analyzing the clinical presentation,prenatal ultrasonogram,and morphological features of fetuses with the ADAM complex,limb body wall complex,or amniotic bands.Results:Among the 438 fetuses assessed during the study period,five fetuses showed features of the ADAM complex(0.01%).The most frequent gestational age observed was 12–18 weeks andmost fetuseswere female.The common anomaly encountered was limb defects,followed by abdominal and cranial anomalies.Conclusion:The diagnosis of the ADAM complex relies primarily on fetal autopsy to differentiate it from similar conditions like anencephaly or body-stalk anomalies.The pathologist plays a crucial role in understanding the complexities of the ADAM complex.Advanced antenatal imaging and therapies offer potential for prevention through improved counseling.
文摘Introduction Aortic arch anomalies are congenital malformations of the position or branching of the aortic arch,or both.Double aortic arch(DAA)is a very rare malformation,affecting approximately 0.005%~0.007% of fetuses[1],and there has been no relevant literature mentioning the prenatal finding DAA in Macao till now.
基金supported by the Medical Innovation Research Special Project of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(Grant/Award Number:23Y11907800)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Grant/Award Number:YG2023ZD22)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Child Brain and Development(Grant/Award Number:24dz2260100).
文摘Fetal intracranial tumors are rare,accounting for approximately 0.5%–1.9%of all pediatric tumors,though the true incidence may be underestimated.These tumors often present with distinct histopathological features,imaging characteristics,and clinical behavior compared to their postnatal counterparts.This review summarizes the current understanding of the prenatal diagnosis and characterization of fetal brain tumors,with a particular focus on the role of fetal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).We discuss the advantages of advanced MR sequences in enhancing lesion detection and anatomical delineation following suspicious findings on obstetric ultrasound.Common tumor types encountered in utero—including teratomas,as-trocytomas,medulloblastomas,choroid plexus papillomas,and craniopharyngiomas—are reviewed in terms of imaging fea-tures,differential diagnosis,and clinical implications.Furthermore,the review addresses the diagnostic challenges,prognostic considerations,and the potential role of fetal MRI in guiding perinatal management and parental counseling.
基金supported by Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant/Award number:ZCLTGY24H0401)Education Department of Zhejiang Province(Grant/Award number:Y202352970).
文摘Background:Congenital heart disease(CHD)results from abnormal heart development during fetal development,leading to life-threatening complications.This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of applying myocardial parametric mapping in post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging and to examine differences in the left ventricular myocardium between fetuses with CHD and controls.Methods:This prospective case–control study was conducted on 14 deceased fetuses with CHD(CHD group)and 24 fetuses without CHD(control group).Fetuses with CHD were further stratified into the cyanotic(n=9)and non-cyanotic(n=5)CHD groups.T1,T2,and proton density relaxation times of the left ventricular myocardium were calculated and compared using multiple-dynamic multiple-echo post-mortem magnetic resonance imaging technology.Results:The myocardial T2 relaxation time was significantly different between the groups(p=0.033),with no difference in T1 or proton density relaxation times between the groups.A one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's test showed that the mean cyanotic CHD group showed a longer myocardial T2 relaxation time than the control group(98.00013.143 vs.83.5429.491 ms,p=0.003).Additionally,the correlation coefficient in the CHD group was significantly different between the myocardial T2 relaxation time and peak systolic velocity of pulmonary artery on a fetal echocardiogram(r2=0.681,p=0.010).Conclusions:These results suggest that using myocardial alterations in the T2 relaxation time may provide a accurate early warning for myocardial injury and enable noninvasive recognition of cardiac involvement in fetuses with CHD.
基金supported by China Society for Maternal and Child Health Research(Grant/Award Number:2023CAMCHS003A17).
文摘A pregnant woman underwent fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)following ultrasound detection of a posterior fossa cyst at 29 weeks'gestation.She presented with no relevant medical history and underwent a routine obstetric examination during pregnancy.The fetal head position,fetal cranial development,and limb development remained normal until 29 weeks.
基金supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences(R21ES035492,R21ES035969)National Institutes of Child Health(R01HD090214)(to PA).
文摘During pregnancy,maternal immune activation(MIA),due to infection,chronic inflammatory disorders,or toxic exposures,can result in lasting health impacts on the developing fetus.MIA has been associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders,such as autism spectrum disorder(ASD)in the offspring.ASD is characterized by increased repetitive and stereotyped behaviors and decreased sociability.As of 2020,1 in 36 children are diagnosed with ASD by the age of 8 years,with ASD rates continuing to increase in prevalence in USA(Tamayo et al.,2023).Post-mortem brain studies,biomarker and transcriptomic studies,and epidemiology studies have provided compelling evidence of immune dysregulation in the circulation and brain of individuals diagnosed with ASD.Currently,the etiology of ASD is largely unknown,however,genetic components and environmental factors can contribute to increased susceptibility.Maternal allergic asthma(MAA),a form of MIA,has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing neurodevelopmental disorders(Patel et al.,2020).Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by a T-helper type(TH)2 immune response.
文摘Objective:To explore the correlation between fetal foot length measured by ultrasound and gestational age.Methods:This study employed ultrasound to measure the fetal foot length,femoral length,and foot length/femoral length ratio in 214 pregnant women from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation,all of whom had no pregnancy complications or obstetric complications,and whose fetuses were normal.Results:A significant positive correlation was found between fetal foot length and gestational age(r=0.967,p<0.001);a similarly significant positive correlation was observed between fetal femoral length and gestational age(r=0.972,p<0.001);and a non-significant positive correlation was noted between the foot length/femoral length ratio and gestational age(r=0.943,p<0.001).Conclusion:Ultrasound can accurately measure fetal foot length and femoral length,both of which exhibit a significant positive correlation with gestational age,making them important reference indicators for assessing fetal growth and development.
文摘寄生胎(fetus in fetu,FIF)是一种先天性疾病,遗传学上又称“胎内胎”,指完整胎体的某部分寄生有另一个或几个不完整的胎体,这种异常的胚胎发育方式极少见,其发病率约为1/500 000,男女比例无明显差异[1]。因其好发部位为腹膜后及腹腔,临床表现为逐渐增大的腹部包块,常需与腹部肿瘤相鉴别。本文收集宁波大学附属妇女儿童医院2015年收治的腹膜后寄生胎2例,探讨其诊治过程并结合文献复习,现报道如下。
文摘Background Umbilical cord around neck, a common obstetric complication, affects fetal hemodynamics. Does it influence fetal cardiac functions？ The purpose of this study was to investigate the left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck in the third trimester by applying velocity vector imaging （VVI）. Methods Thirty-five cases of fetuses with umbilical cord around neck whose gestational ages from 35 to 40 weeks were selected, including 20 cases of umbilical artery ratio of the highest systolic velocity （S） to the lowest diastolic velocity （D） （S/D） 〈3.0 and 15 cases of umbilical artery S/D ≥3.0, while 20 cases of normal fetuses of 35–40 gestational weeks were selected as the control group. The changes in longitudinal velocity, strain, and strain rate of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole in two groups, and the changes in fetal cardiac function under the situation of umbilical cord around neck were analyzed.Results Longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole were less in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 33.0 and umbilical cord around neck than those in fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group （P 〈0.05）; there was no significant difference （P 〉0.05） in longitudinal strain and strain rate overall of fetal left and right ventricle in systole and diastole between fetuses with umbilical artery S/D 〈3.0 and those in control group.Conclusions Left and right ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction was detected in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck and umbilical artery S/D 33.0. VVI could sensitively respond to cardiac function changes in fetuses with umbilical cord around neck, which provides another valuable method in the evaluation of fetal cardiac function.
文摘Background Gap junction channels formed by connexin43 (Cx43) protein are important in cardiac morphogenesis, and Cx43 gene is thought to be associated with congenital heart malformation (CHM). This study was undertaken to detect the mutations of Cx43 in fetuses with CHM.Methods Cx43 extron DNA was amplified by PCR from 16 fetuses with a variety of CHM. The PCR products were analyzed by SSCP and DNA sequencing. Thirty children who had no CHM were selected as controls. Results Eight homozygous mutations of Cx43 were observed in a fetus with double outlet right ventricule (DORV), five of the 8 mutations were missense mutations including Arg239Trp, Ser251Thr, Ala253Pro, Pro283Leu and Thr290Asn, and the remaining 3 were silent polymorphisms including Gly252Gly, Pro256Pro and Thr275Thr. No mutations were found in other fetuses and the control group.Conclusions Mutations of Cx43 may be associated with congenital conotruncal anomalies. PCR-SSCP is an effective method for screening the mutations of Cx43.
文摘Microanatomy of the vast majority of human organs at birth is characterized by marked differences as compared toadult organs, regarding their architecture and the cell types detectable at histology. In preterm neonates, thesedifferences are even more evident, due to the lower level of organ maturation and to ongoing cell differentiation.One of the most remarkable finding in preterm tissues is the presence of huge amounts of stem/progenitor cells inmultiple organs, including kidney, brain, heart, adrenals, and lungs. In other organs, such as liver, the completelydifferent burden of cell types in preterm infants is mainly related to the different function of the liver duringgestation, mainly focused on hematopoiesis, a function that is taken by bone marrow after birth. Our preliminarystudies showed that the antigens expressed by stem/progenitors differ significantly from one organ to the next.Moreover, within each developing human tissue, reactivity for different stem cell markers also changes duringgestation, according with the multiple differentiation steps encountered by each progenitor during development. Abetter knowledge of stem/progenitor cells of preterms will allow neonatologists to boost preterm organmaturation, favoring the differentiation of the multiple cells types that characterize each organ in at term neonates.
文摘The safety and feasibility of anesthesia during pregnancy are the public concern to human and veterinary medicines,respiratory and cardiac suppression is the most serious side effect of anesthetic. In order to evaluate the effects of Enflurane on pregnant dogs their fetuses,we established the animal model of the artery catheterization,and investigated the maternal and fetal anesthetic concentrations as well as blood gases in the pregnant dogs anesthetized by inhalation of Enflurane. In this experiment,the femoral artery catheterization of 12 pregnant dogs and their 12 fetuses were performed through the anterior tibia artery by using 17 G and 18 G arterial puncture needle,4F expanded tube,3 F induction tube and the C-arm monitoring system. The results showed that the fetuses survived in uterus for 36 h (two cases),4 ~ 5 d (two cases),6 ~7 d (three cases),8 ~10 d (three cases) and 12 ~14 d (two cases) after operation,respectively. 10 fetuses that survived over 4 days in uterus after the operation were successfully delivered. The fetuses were healthy and their catheters were kept well,the other two pregnant dogs aborted their fetuses. After establishing the model successfully,Atropine sulfate in dose of 0. 04 mg/kg bw were injected into cutaneous muscle of dogs in right clinostatism. 15 minutes later after application of Atropine sulfate,the induced anesthesia was carried out by vein injection of 2. 5% Pentothal sodium (10 mg/kg/bw). The tracheal cannula was performed and the dogs were anesthetized for 10 min by Enflurane inhalation from anesthetic machine. Subsequently,the respiratory rate of experimental animals was controlled to 20-22 times/min by a mechanical ventilator,and the tidal volume was 13 ~ 15 mL/kg/bw. The maternal and fetal arterial anesthetic concentrations and blood gases including pH,PO 2,PCO 2,TCO 2,HCO 3-,SB,BEb and Sat. O 2 were measured after Enflurane inhalation anesthesia. The results showed Enflurane can cross placenta and reach fetal blood. The arterial anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were lower than that in their mothers,but the changes of anesthetic concentrations in fetuses were very similar to their mothers. The pH and BEb in the maternal and fetal blood were significantly lower (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),PO 2,PCO 2,and Sat. O 2 were significantly higher (P 【 0. 01 or 0. 05),compared to the prior anesthesia. SB decreased,HCO 3-and T-CO 2 increased (P 】 0. 05) in the early stage of anesthesia,but there were no significant difference after and before anesthesia. These results indicated that Enflurane crosses the placenta very quickly in dogs and is characterized by the quick induction anesthesia and elimination in the body. There were slight respiratory and metabolic acidosis in the period of anesthesia in both pregnant dogs and their fetus and the state were gradually restored to normal with the elimination of the Enflurane in blood. Taken together,Enfluence should be considerated the candidate for the induction and maintenance anesthesia for veterinary and human medicine.
基金Natural Science Foundation of Xiamen,No.3502Z202373120and National Key R&D Program of China,No.2022YFF0606301.
文摘BACKGROUND Umbilical artery thrombosis(UAT)is extremely uncommon and leads to adverse perinatal outcomes.Hypercoagulation of blood in pregnant women is suspected to be an important risk for UAT.Ultrasound is an effective way to detect thrombosis.The mother can monitor her own fetal health using ultrasound,which enables her to take preventative action in case of emergency.AIM To investigate ultrasonic blood signal after UAT in the umbilical artery,and evaluate the relationship between hypercoagulability and UAT.METHODS We described a case of a newly formed UAT with markedly altered ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,and retrospectively studied it with 18 UAT patients confirmed by histopathology from October 2019 and March 2023 in Xiamen Women and Children's Hospital.Patients’information was collected from medical archives,including maternal clinical data,neonatal outcomes,pathological findings and ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow,such as systolic-diastolic duration ratio(S/D),resistance index(RI),pulsatility index(PI)and peak systolic velocity(PSV).Ultrasound and coagulation indices were analyzed with matched samples t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test using the statistical packages in R(version 4.2.1)including car(version 3.1-0)and stats(version 4.2.1),and visualized by ggplot2 package(version 3.3.6).RESULTS A patient with normal findings in second and third-trimester routine ultrasound scan developed UAT with severe changes in ultrasonic indices of umbilical artery blood flow(within 2.5th of reference ranges)in a short period of time.Statistical analysis of umbilical artery blood flow ultrasound indices for 19 patients with UAT showed that the decrease in S/D,RI,and PI and increase of PSV during the disease process was greater than that of non-UAT.All 18 patients delivered in our hospital showed characteristic manifestations of UAT on histological examination after delivery,most of which(16/18)showed umbilical cord abnormalities,with 15 umbilical cord torsion and 1 pseudoknot.Coagulation parameters were not significantly changed in UAT patients compared with normal pregnancy women.CONCLUSION Significant changes in ultrasound indicators after UAT were demonstrated.PSV can play important roles in the diagnosis of UAT.Hypercoagulability alone is not sufficient for the occurrence of UAT.
文摘Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.
文摘Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.
