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Aim The aim of this study was to identify potential predictive factors for cervical disease in women with HIV and to evaluate adherence during follow-up to cervical cancer screening. Methods In order to identify the independent role of factors associated with the presence of a cervical abnormality, all of the variables showing in univariate analyses a potential association with the outcome variable (presence of cervical abnormalities) were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model, along with age at first visit to our center, and age at diagnosis. Results A total of 540 HIV-positive women who received screening for cervical cancer during the first year after their first visit to our center were included in the analysis; 423 (78.3%) had normal cytology and 117 (21.7%) had cytological abnormalities, classified as follows: 21 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (17.9%); 51 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (43.6%); 41 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (35.0%); and four cervical cancers (3.4%). In our study, women with more than two previous pregnancies were significantly associated with a lower risk of cervical cytological abnormalities compared to the other women. Women with CD4+ levels of 200-499/mm3 had a higher risk of developing cervical cytological abnormalities compared to those with a CD4+ level > 500/ mm3 . Conclusion In summary, management of HIV-positive women must be modeled on HIV-clinical status, CD4+ cell count, drug regimen, and adherence to follow-up, relying on the cooperation of highly qualified professionals. In HIV-positive women, an adequate screening and follow-up allows for a reduced occurrence of advanced cervical disease and prevents recourse to invalidating surgical interventions.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intracranial translucency (IT) in the detection of spina bifida (SB) in the first trimester of pregnancy. Methods We included study assessing the accuracy of sonographic measurements of IT in a mid-sagittal view of the fetal face in prediction of SB in the first trimester of pregnancy. The primary outcome was the accuracy of IT in prediction of spina bifida. Summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR), and diagnostic odds ratio for the overall predictive accuracy of IT were computed. Results Nine studies (21 070 fetuses) were included in the analysis. IT was successfully assessed in the majority of fetuses 97.8% (95% CI 97.6–98.0). The diagnostic performance of IT in detecting SB was as follows: sensitivity: 53.5% (95% CI 42.4–64.3), specificity: 99.7% (95% CI 99.6–99.8), positive LR: 62.1 (95% CI 12.2–317), negative LR:0.55 (95% CI 0.45–0.68), and diagnostic odds ratio: 223 (95% CI 25–2039). Conclusions Intracranial translucency had low diagnostic accuracy in prediction of open spina bifida, thus questioning its role as a screening marker for open SB in an unselected population. When looking at the individual study data, it appears that IT assessment for open SB prediction can be affected by a high rate of false positive results potentially leading to unnecessary parental anxiety. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy in preventing intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in women with apparently uncomplicated singleton pregnancy and previous IUGR pregnancy. Methods For this systematic review, the research protocol was designed a priori. Searches were performed in electronic databases for studies published from inception of each database to December 2014. A combination of search terms was used including ‘fish oil’, ‘long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids’, ‘intrauterine growth restriction’, ‘small for gestational age’ and ‘omega-3’. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy and a prior IUGR pregnancy who were randomized to receive prophylactic treatment with omega-3 supplementation or either placebo or no treatment (control). Trials that included women with multiple gestations and those with only biochemical outcomes available were excluded. Pooled estimates were based on relative risk (RR) with 95% CI. Primary outcome was incidence of IUGR as defined in the RCTs. Results Three RCTs including 575 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancy with prior IUGR were analyzed. Women who received omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy had the same incidence of IUGR, defined as estimated fetal weight

Objectives The aim of our study was to assess whether there is a relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in physiologic pregnancies. Methods Healthy pregnancy women, referred to our center at or before 32 weeks of gestation, were recruited. According to BMI, they were divided into underweight (BMI

Femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome (FHUFS) is a rare condition characterized by a variable degree of unilateral or bilateral femoral hypoplasia associated with facial clefting and other minor malformations. The prenatal diagnosis of this condition is possible, but so far has been reported prospectively in only two cases. We review all cases of FHUFS reported in the literature and also describe three cases detected prenatally in the mid-trimester, underlining the variable expression of the syndrome. The reported association with maternal diabetes mellitus and differential diagnosis with other syndromes characterized by femoral hypoplasia are also discussed.

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum, or Goldenhar syndrome, is characterized by varying degrees of prevalently unilateral underdevelopment of craniofacial structures (orbit, ear, mandible) and spinal anomalies. We report the prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis made at 24 weeks' gestation in a family with a negative history. The prenatal diagnosis was suspected due to the presence of marked hemifacial microsomia and moderate ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere hypoplasia in the absence of facial clefting.

Results: Ultrasound examination of a 30-year-old Caucasian female, pregnant for the first time, showed a monozygotic pregnancy with: scalp cystic hygromata, polycystic kidney, bilateral clubhand, varusequin foot and polyhydramnios. These anomalies indicated possibility of chromosomal abnormality and suggested to perform the amniocentesis; fetal chromosomal analysis showed abnormal karyotype 47, XY, +21. The parents opted for termination of this pregnancy. Conclusions: The necessity of routine ultrasound examination for the prenatal detection of chromosomal abnormalities to all pregnancies.