MFM Guidance for COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Healthcare providers should prepare internal guidelines covering all aspect of the organization in order to have their unit ready as soon as possible. This document addresses the current COVID-19 pandemic for maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) practitioners. The goals the guidelines put forth here are two fold- first to reduce patient risk through healthcare exposure, understanding that asymptomatic health systems/healthcare providers may become the most common vector for transmission, and second to reduce the public health burden of COVID-19 transmission throughout the general population. Box 1 outlines general guidance to prevent spread of COVID-19 and protect our obstetric patients. Section 1 outlines suggested modifications of outpatient obstetrical (prenatal) visits. Section 2 details suggested scheduling of obstetrical ultrasound. Section 3 reviews suggested modification of nonstress tests (NST) and biophysical profiles (BPP). Section 4 reviews suggested visitor policy for obstetric outpatient office. Section 5 discusses the role of trainees and medical education in the setting of a pandemic. These are suggestions, which can be adapted to local needs and capabilities. Guidance is changing rapidly, so please continue to watch for updates

Validation of the Intergrowth-21 curves for the diagnosis of fetal growth restriction in a high-risk population

Obiettivi: confrontare l’accuratezza di diversi parametri nella predizione dei nati piccoli per l’epoca gestazionale (SGA). Materiali e metodi: Studio retrospettivo su pazienti a rischio che afferivano agli Ambulatori degli Ospedali di Bologna e Padova tra il 2013 e il 2015. Abbiamo considerato i nati con peso <10’, 5’ e 3’ percentile. Nel primo studio sono state confrontate le curve della circonferenza addominale (CA) secondo Intergrowth-21 (IG-21) e secondo SIEOG. Nel secondo studio sono stati confrontati: CA secondo IG-21, peso fetale stimato (PFS) secondo gli standard neonatali IG-21, PFS secondo gli standard prenatali IG-21 e Hadlock. Gli z-scores della CA secondo IG-21 e secondo SIEOG sono stati confrontati per il primo studio. Per il secondo studio sono stati ricavati: PFS secondo la formula IG-21 ed interpretato secondo gli standard neonatali IG-21 e PFS secondo la formula Hadlock e interpretato secondo gli standard prenatali Hadlock e IG-21. L’accuratezza dei diversi parametri è stata valutata confrontando le ROC-AUC. Risultati: I studio: 428 pazienti. Il 19%, 9.3% e 6.2% dei nati aveva un peso rispettivamente <10’, 5’ e 3’ percentile. Le ROC-AUC della CA IG-21 e SIEOG sono risultate comparabili. II studio: 406 pazienti. Il 22.9% e l’8.9% dei nati era rispettivamente < al 10’e al 3’ percentile. Gli standard prenatali CA e PFS di IG-21 e di Hadlock hanno avuto una performance simile e significativamente migliore degli standard post-natali. Gli standard prenatali del PFS secondo IG-21 si sono dimostrate migliori nell’identificazione di nati <10 e <3’ percentile per l’epoca rispetto alle curve post-natali e alla CA. Conclusioni: Gli standard SIEOG e IG-21 della CA sono comparabili nella predizione degli SGA ed è preferibile il PFS alla sola CA. E’ preferibile utilizzare gli standard prenatali (Hadlock o IG-21) piuttosto che fare riferimento a standard postnatali IG-21.Objectives: to compare the accuracy of various parameters in the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA) newborns. Material and Methods: We included all patients with a singleton pregnancy who were seen in the University Hospital of Bologna and Padua from 2013 to 2015. In the first study we compared the curves of the fetal abdominal circumference (AC) according to Intergrowth-21 (IG-21) and according to SIEOG. The accuracy of IG-21 and SIEOG AC standards in the detection of SGA neonates was analyzed by ROC-AUC. In the second study we compared the IG-21 AC curves, estimated fetal weight (EFW) according to IG-21 neonatal standards, EFW according to Hadlock and IG-21 prenatal standard. We retrieved EFW according to neonatal IG-21 standards EFW according to prenatal Hadlock and IG-21 standards. The accuracy of these parameters was assessed by the comparison of their ROC-AUC. Results: I study: 428 patients. 19%, 9.3% and 6.2% of neonates were <10’, 5’ and 3’ percentile for GA. AC z-scores ROC curves according to IG-21 and SIEOG performed similarly. II study: 406 patients. 22.9% and 8.9% of neonates were <10’ and 3’ percentile for GA. Prenatal IG-21 and Hadlock standard of AC and EFW performed similarly and significantly better than post-natal standards. Prenatal EFW IG-21 curves were more accurate than postnatal curves and AC. Conclusions: SIEOG and IG-21 AC curves are both accurate in the prediction of SGA neonates. EFW performed better then AC measurement and prenatal standards performed better then IG-21 postnatal standard in the identification of SGA neonates

A prenatal standard for fetal weight improves the prenatal diagnosis of small for gestational age fetuses in pregnancies at increased risk

Objective: Our aim was to assess diagnostic accuracy in the prediction of small for gestational age (SGA &lt;10th centile) and fetal growth restricted (FGR) (SGA &lt;3rd centile) fetuses using three different sonographic methods in pregnancies at increased risk of fetal growth restriction: 1) fetal abdominal circumference (AC) z-scores, 2) estimated fetal weight (EFW) z-scores according to postnatal reference standard; 3) EFW z-scores according to a prenatal reference standard. Methods: Singleton pregnancies at increased risk of fetal growth restriction seen in two university hospitals between 2014 and 2015 were studied retrospectively. EFW was calculated using formulas proposed by the INTERGROWTH-21st project and Hadlock; data derived from publications by the INTEGROWTH-twenty-first century project and Hadlock were used to calculate z-scores (AC and EFW). The accuracy of different methods was calculated and compared. Results: The study group included 406 patients. Prenatal standard EFW z-scores derived from INTERGROWTH-21st project and Hadlock and co-workers performed similarly and were more accurate in identifying SGA infants than using AC z-scores or a postnatal reference standard. The subgroups analysis demonstrated that EFW prenatal standard was more or similarly accurate compared to other methods across all subgroups, defined by gestational age and birth weight. Conclusions: Prenatal standard EFW z-scores derived from either INTERGROWTH-21 st project or Hadlock and co-workers publications demonstrated a statistically significant advantage over other biometric methods in the diagnosis of SGA fetuses

Reduced short-term variation following antenatal administration of betamethasone: Is reduced fetal size a predisposing factor?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between fetal size and the incidence of reduced short-term variability (STV) following bethametasone administration for fetal lung maturity. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study conducted in two Tertiary University Units. Only uncomplicated singleton pregnancies admitted for threatened preterm labor between 26 and 34 weeks and submitted to betamethasone for fetal lung maturity were included. Delivery occurring within 72h from betamethasone administration represented criteria for exclusion. Computerized cardiotocography was carried out on a daily basis. Cases were identified by persistently reduced STV, defined as <5th percentile for gestational age and lasting for at least 72h after the first dose of betamethasone. The primary outcome was estimated fetal weight (EFW) at ultrasound in fetuses with normal and in those with persistently reduced STV. Pregnancy outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS: Persistently reduced STV occurred in 33/405 of the included patients (8.1%). Compared to women with normal STV, those with persistently reduced STV had significantly lower EFW (1472±435 vs 1812±532g, p 0.04), lower birthweight (2353±635 vs 2857±796g, p<0.01) and earlier gestational age at delivery (35.1±4.2 vs 37.3±2.4weeks, p<0.01), whereas all the other variables including gestational age on admission were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced STV following maternal betamethasone administration among appropriately grown fetuses seems to correlate with lower fetal size. Furthermore, fetuses with such abnormal response to steroids seem to carry a higher risk of perinatal complications, including lower birthweight and earlier gestational age at delivery

Labor and Delivery Guidance for COVID-19

This document addresses the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic for providers and patients in labor and delivery (L&D). The goals are to provide guidance regarding methods to appropriately screen and test pregnant patients for COVID-19 prior to, and at admission to L&D reduce risk of maternal and neonatal COVID-19 disease through minimizing hospital contact and appropriate isolation and provide specific guidance for management of L&D of the COVID-19-positive woman, as well as the critically ill COVID-19-positive woman. The first 5 sections deal with L&D issues in general, for all women, during the COVID-19 pandemic. These include Section 1: Appropriate screening, testing, and preparation of pregnant women for COVID-19 before visit and/or admission to L&D Section 2: Screening of patients coming to L&D triage; Section 3: General changes to routine L&D work flow; Section 4: Intrapartum care; Section 5: Postpartum care; Section 6 deals with special care for the COVID-19-positive or suspected pregnant woman in L&D and Section 7 deals with the COVID-19-positive/suspected woman who is critically ill. These are suggestions, which can be adapted to local needs and capabilities

Real-Time Volume Contrast Imaging in the A Plane with a Four-Dimensional Electronic Probe Facilitates the Evaluation of Fetal Extremities in Midtrimester Sonograms

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of real-time volume contrast imaging in the A plane (VCI-A) of fetal extremities, compared with conventional two-dimensional ultrasound (2D). Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial of 100 patients undergoing midtrimester sonography. The fetal limbs were imaged with either 2D or VCI-A with a four-dimensional (4D) electronic probe. Time required for the examination, number of images stored, and quality of the documentation were compared. During the study, 6 fetuses with abnormal extremities were scanned with both 2D and VCI-A, and the diagnostic accuracy and quality of the images were also compared. Results: In the VCI-A group, the fetal extremities were imaged more rapidly (2.3 \ub1 1.1 vs. 3.3 \ub1 0.9 min, p < 0.0001), less images were required to document the examination (5.6 \ub1 1.4 vs. 7.3 \ub1 1.6), and an optimal documentation was more frequently obtained (84 vs. 54%, p < 0.0001) compared with the 2D group. In malformed fetuses, a precise diagnosis was achieved with both techniques, although images obtained with VCI-A were found to be of superior quality. Conclusions: Real-time VCI-A with a 4D electronic probe is an effective tool for imaging the fetal extremities in midtrimester examinations and carries some advantages over conventional 2D sonography

Ultrasound evaluation of the uterus in the uncomplicated postpartum period: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to define the means and the upper limits of normal for endometrial thickness and uterine measurements in uncomplicated pregnancies at different postpartum periods

Type of paternal sperm exposure before pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia: A systematic review

Objective The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the role of paternal sperm exposure before pregnancy on the risk of preeclampsia. Study design The search was conducted using electronic databases from inception of each database through October 2019. Review of articles also included the abstracts of all references retrieved from the search. Only studies evaluating exposure to paternal sperm before pregnancy on the risk of preeclampsia in the subsequent pregnancy were included. Exposure group was defined as significant exposure to paternal sperm, either measured by sexual cohabitation, oral sex habit, or by absence of barrier methods. Control groups was defined as minimal exposure to paternal sperm, either measured by lack of sexual cohabitation or oral sex habit, or by use of barrier methods. Sperm exposure identifiable before pregnancy that may be suspected to modify the risk of preeclampsia was examined. The primary outcome was the incidence of preeclampsia. Subgroup analyses by parity and type of sperm exposure were planned. All analyses were carried out using the random effects model. The pooled results were reported as the OR with 95 % confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was measured using I-squared (Higgins I 2). Results Seven studies including 7125 pregnant women were included in this systematic review. Overall, the incidence of preeclampsia was similar in women with a higher overall sperm exposure compared to controls, 774/5512 (14 %) vs 220/1619 (13.6 %); OR 1.04, 95 % CI 0.88–1.22, respectively. The incidence of preeclampsia was significantly reduced in women with a higher overall sperm exposure when including only nulliparous women, 643/3946 (16.1 %) vs 170/725 (23.4 %); OR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.52 to 0.76. Significant lower rate of preeclampsia was also found for ≥12-month sexual cohabitation, 494/3627 (13.6 %) vs 123/691 (17.8 %); OR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.59−0.90. Significantly higher rate of preeclampsia was reported in women not using barrier methods, 315/1904 (16.5 %) vs 103/962 (10.7 %); OR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.30–2.10. Conclusions Paternal sperm exposure in nulliparous women and sexual cohabitation &gt; 12 months before pregnancy are associated with a decreased risk of preeclampsia

Subpubic Arch Angle and Mode of Delivery in Low-Risk Nulliparous Women

Objective: To assess whether subpubic arch angle (SPA) measurement before labor onset can predict labor outcome among low-risk pregnant women. Methods: 3D ultrasound volume was transperineally acquired from a series of nulliparous women with uncomplicated pregnancy at term before the onset of labor. SPA was measured offline using Oblique View Extended Imaging (OVIX) on each volume performed by an investigator not involved in the clinical management. Labor outcome was prospectively investigated in the whole study group. Results: Overall, 145 women were enrolled in the study. Of these, 83 underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery, whereas obstetric intervention was performed in 62 cases (Cesarean section in 40 and vacuum extraction in 22). The SPA appeared to be significantly narrower in the women submitted to obstetric intervention compared with those undergoing spontaneous vaginal delivery (116.8 ± 10.3° vs. 123.7 ± 9.6°, p < 0.01). At multivariate analysis SPA and maternal age were identified as independent predictors of the mode of delivery. On the other hand, the duration of labor did not show a significant relationship with SPA. Conclusions: In low-risk nulliparous women at term gestation, SPA measurement obtained by 3D ultrasound before the onset of labor seems to predict the likelihood of an obstetric intervention but not the duration of labor