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Background and Objectives. We developed a new procedure peripudendal block (PPB) by modifying the traditional pudendal nerve block (PNB). Methods. In a prospective randomized study, we examined the extent to which the PPB we developed changed the rate of episiotomies, injury rates. Results. A total of 333 primiparas and 324 multiparas were included in the study. In the case of primiparas, we used the PPD procedure in 133 cases, while in the case of multiparas, we used it in 103 cases. The rate of episiotomy in primiparas was 89/133 (66.9%) with PPD and 181/200 (90.5%) without PPD p < 0.02 . In multiparas, the episiotomy rate was 30/103 (29.1%) with PPD and 140/221 (63.3%) without PPD p < 0.02 . In the case of primiparas, the rate of perineal injury and lesion was 33/133 (24.8%) with PPD, while without PPD it was 12/200 (6.0%). Examining the need for all surgical care (due to episiotomy and/or injury), a total of 103/133 cases of operative surgery were required with PPD (77/4%) while 183/200 cases were required without PPD (91.5%) p < 0.02 . In the case of multiparas, the rate of perineal injury and lesion was 11/103 (10.7%) with PPD, while without PPD it was 9/221 (4.1%). In the case of multiparas, a total of 41/103 cases required surgical care with PPD (39.8%), while without PPD, 147/221 cases required surgical care (66.5%) p < 0.02 . Conclusion. The PPB is simpler, requires less medication, can be easily mastered, and perineal relaxation can also be observed, reducing the need for an episiotomy.

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Oxytocin for induction or augmentation of labor should not be started when there is a previous scar on the body of the uterus (such as previous classical cesarean section, uterine perforation or myomectomy when uterine cavity is reached) or in any other condition where labor or vaginal delivery are contraindicated. (Moderate quality evidence +++-; Strong recommendation). 2. Oxytocin should not be started before at least 1 h has elapsed since amniotomy, 6 h since the use of dinoprostone (30 min if vaginal insert) and 4 h since the use of misoprostol (Low quality evidence ++- -; Moderate recommendation). 3. Cardiotocography (CTG) should be performed and a normal pattern without tachysystole should be documented for at least 30 min before oxytocin is used. Continuous CTG, with adequate monitoring of both fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, should be maintained for as long as oxytocin is used, and thereafter until delivery (Low ++- - to moderate +++- quality evidence; Strong recommendation). 4. For labor induction, at least 1-h should be allowed after amniotomy before oxytocin infusion is started, to evaluate whether adequate uterine contractility has meanwhile ensued. For augmentation of labor, if the membranes are intact and there are conditions for a safe amniotomy, the latter should be considered before oxytocin is started (Very low quality evidence +- --; Weak recommendation). 5. Oxytocin should be administered intravenously using the following regimen: 5 IU oxytocin diluted in 500 mL of 0.9% normal saline (NaCl) (each mL contains 10 mIU of oxytocin), in an infusion pump at increasing rates, as shown in Table 1, until a frequency of 3-4 contractions per 10 min is reached, a non-reassuring CTG pattern ensues, or maximum rates are reached (Low quality evidence ++ - -; Strong recommendation). If the frequency of contractions exceeds 5 in 10 min, the infusion rate should be reduced, even if a normal CTG pattern is present. With a non-reassuring CTG pattern, urgent clinical assessment by an obstetrician is indicated, and strong consideration should be given to reducing or stopping the oxytocin infusion. The minimal effective dose of oxytocin should always be used. (Low ++- - to Moderate +++- - quality evidence; Strong recommendation). 6. Use of oxytocin for induction and augmentation of labor should be regularly audited (Low quality evidence ++--; Strong recommendation).

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés és célkitűzés: A gyakori autoszomális trisomiák és a nemi kromoszómaeltérések a mikroszkóppal észlelhető kromoszóma-rendellenességek kb. 80–85%-át képviselik. A ritka kromoszóma-rendellenességek klinikai következménye jelentős, kimutatásukat a jelenlegi szűrővizsgálatok ugyan nem célozzák, de a teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló, nem invazív praenatalis tesztelés új lehetőséget nyitott a korai felismerésükre. Módszer: Retrospektív analízis (2014–2019) a mikroszkóppal kimutatható kromoszóma-rendellenességek eloszlására, a fetoplacentaris mozaikosság előfordulására, klinikai összefüggéseire a praenatalis vizsgálatok tükrében egy hazai tercier centrumban. Eredmények: 2504 invazív beavatkozást végeztünk és 200 kromoszómaeltérést mutattunk ki (8%), melyek közül újonnan kialakult, ritka rendellenesség 27 volt (13,5%). Ritka autoszomális trisomia 14, poliploidia 6, de novo szerkezeti kromoszómaeltérés 5, marker kromoszóma 2 esetben igazolódott. A fetoplacentaris mozaikosság aránya a gyakori/ritka kromoszómaeltérésekben 12,4%/77,8% volt (p = 0,001), 17/40 esetben lepényre korlátozódott. A gyakori trisomiákkal kóros tarkóredő-vastagság 58%-ban, major ultrahangeltérés 35%-ban társult, melyek jelentősen különböztek a ritka kromoszómaeltérésekben (11%, p = 0,006; 67%, p = 0,047). A ritka kromoszómaeltérések jellemző praenatalis major ultrahangeltérése a facialis dysmorphismus volt. A teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló praenatalis tesztelés a ritka kromoszómaeltérések 12 lepényi mozaikos esetében (44%) feltételezhetően álpozitív, 1 esetben (3,7%) álnegatív eredményt generált volna, miközben a ritka autoszomális trisomiák 2 esetében ultrahangeltérés nélkül is korán detektálta volna a ritka magzati kromoszómaeltérést (7,4%). Következtetés: A normális tarkóredő-vastagság esetén észlelt major ultrahangeltérések felhívhatják a figyelmet a döntően mozaikos ritka kromoszóma-rendellenességekre. A teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló, nem invazív szűrőteszt a korai diagnosztika alternatívája lehet, a mozaikosságból adódó álpozitív eredményekre azonban számítani kell. A fetoplacentaris mozaikosság ismerete fontos klinikai információt biztosít, mely befolyásolhatja a terhesség kimenetelét, a terhesség követésének módját. A pontos citogenetikai karakterizálás elengedhetetlen. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(29): 1156–1165. Summary. Introduction and objective: To determine the prevalence of microscopically visible de novo atypical chromosomal aberrations and fetoplacental mosaicism in a prenatal tertial referral center, and to investigate the maternal and fetal characteristics in connection with genomewide non-invasive prenatal screening. Method: Retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2019 of pregnancies with invasive genetic analysis. Results: In the cohort of 2504 cases, the proportion of CVS was 53.3%. We diagnosed 200 chromosomal aberrations (8%), including 13.5% of de novo rare chromosomal aberrations (14 rare autosomal trisomies, 6 polyploidies, 5 structural aberrations and 2 small supernumerary marker chromosomes). The rate of fetoplacental mosaicism was 12.4%/77.8% in common/atypical chromosomal aberrations (p = 0.001) and confined to placenta in 17/40 cases. Associated ultrasound abnormalities were abnormal nuchal translucency and major malformations in 58% and 35% with common trisomies and 11% (p = 0.006) and 67% (p = 0.047) with true mosaic cases of rare abnormalities, respectively. Major ultrasound malformation was facial dysmorphism with rare aberrations. Potential application of genomewide non-invasive prenatal test in atypical chromosomal aberrations presumably would have been false-positive in 12 cases (44%), false-negative in 1 case (3.7%), and would have early detected 2 cases of rare autosomal trisomies (7.4%) without ultrasound anomalies. Conclusion: Structural ultrasound malformations with normal nuchal translucency thickness may be indicative of rare chromosomal aberrations. Application of genomewide non-invasive prenatal test is an alternative of early diagnostic methods with a potential of discordant results due to mosaicism. Knowledge about the presence of fetoplacental mosaicism influences risk estimation and genetic counseling, detailed cytogenetic characterization is of utmost importance. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(29): 1156–1165.

Abstract: Invasive prenatal testing and conventional G-banding chromosome analysis have been considered to be the gold standard of fetal cytogenetic diagnosis. Standard karyotyping is, however, constrained by the limits of the resolution of using a microscope. The advantage of molecular karyotyping, array based methods is the evaluation of sub-microscopic copy number changes across the whole genome in a single analysis. The application of array comparative genome hybridization has greatly increased the detection of pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities in prenatal settings. Based on available data in the international literature of the last decade, the clinical utility of arrayCGH is the recognition of some 1–2% and 5–7% additional genetical information compared to metaphase karyotype alone in fetuses without ultrasound anomaly and in fetuses with ultrasonographically detected malformations, respectively. Thus arrayCGH improves the prenatal diagnosis of genetic abnormalities mainly in fetuses with structural sonographic findings. In the present paper we review the literature of chromosomal microarray and make a proposal for the application of the method in Hungarian prenatal genetical practice. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(13): 484–493.

Currently, noninvasive intrauterine screening for most chromosome abnormalities is available, but ultrasound examinations also play an important role during pregnancy, by drawing the attention to the suspect of a possible abnormality. Fetal ultrasound disorders can be classified into two major groups: (1) Major abnormalities are actually diagnosed malformations that are often associated with certain chromosome abnormalities but may be associated with other disorders (multiplex malformation) and may occur as isolated disorders (e.g., cardiac disorders, duodenal atresia, omphalocele, cystic hygroma (CH)). (2) Minor anomalies (“soft markers”) are not abnormal in themselves but are mild abnormalities that may occur in normal pregnancy but also increase the risk of certain chromosome aberrations. The minor anomalies in the second trimester include thickened nuchal fold (NF), mild ventriculomegaly, pyelectasis, hyperechogenic bowels, hyperechogenic papillary muscle, and shorter long bones. Plexus choroid cyst which is classified as a minor marker does not increase the risk of Down syndrome but increases the risk of trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). We want to emphasize the importance of screening of minor and major ultrasound abnormalities in detecting chromosomal abnormalities in the second trimester.

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés és célkitűzés: A gyakori autoszomális trisomiák és a nemi kromoszómaeltérések a mikroszkóppal észlelhető kromoszóma-rendellenességek kb. 80-85%-át képviselik. A ritka kromoszóma-rendellenességek klinikai következménye jelentős, kimutatásukat a jelenlegi szűrővizsgálatok ugyan nem célozzák, de a teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló, nem invazív praenatalis tesztelés új lehetőséget nyitott a korai felismerésükre. Módszer: Retrospektív analízis (2014-2019) a mikroszkóppal kimutatható kromoszóma-rendellenességek eloszlására, a fetoplacentaris mozaikosság előfordulására, klinikai összefüggéseire a praenatalis vizsgálatok tükrében egy hazai tercier centrumban. Eredmények: 2504 invazív beavatkozást végeztünk és 200 kromoszómaeltérést mutattunk ki (8%), melyek közül újonnan kialakult, ritka rendellenesség 27 volt (13,5%). Ritka autoszomális trisomia 14, poliploidia 6, de novo szerkezeti kromoszómaeltérés 5, marker kromoszóma 2 esetben igazolódott. A fetoplacentaris mozaikosság aránya a gyakori/ritka kromoszómaeltérésekben 12,4%/77,8% volt (p = 0,001), 17/40 esetben lepényre korlátozódott. A gyakori trisomiákkal kóros tarkóredő-vastagság 58%-ban, major ultrahangeltérés 35%-ban társult, melyek jelentősen különböztek a ritka kromoszómaeltérésekben (11%, p = 0,006; 67%, p = 0,047). A ritka kromoszómaeltérések jellemző praenatalis major ultrahangeltérése a facialis dysmorphismus volt. A teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló praenatalis tesztelés a ritka kromoszómaeltérések 12 lepényi mozaikos esetében (44%) feltételezhetően álpozitív, 1 esetben (3,7%) álnegatív eredményt generált volna, miközben a ritka autoszomális trisomiák 2 esetében ultrahangeltérés nélkül is korán detektálta volna a ritka magzati kromoszómaeltérést (7,4%). Következtetés: A normális tarkóredő-vastagság esetén észlelt major ultrahangeltérések felhívhatják a figyelmet a döntően mozaikos ritka kromoszóma-rendellenességekre. A teljes kromoszómaszerelvényt vizsgáló, nem invazív szűrőteszt a korai diagnosztika alternatívája lehet, a mozaikosságból adódó álpozitív eredményekre azonban számítani kell. A fetoplacentaris mozaikosság ismerete fontos klinikai információt biztosít, mely befolyásolhatja a terhesség kimenetelét, a terhesség követésének módját. A pontos citogenetikai karakterizálás elengedhetetlen. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(29): 1156-1165.To determine the prevalence of microscopically visible de novo atypical chromosomal aberrations and fetoplacental mosaicism in a prenatal tertial referral center, and to investigate the maternal and fetal characteristics in connection with genomewide non-invasive prenatal screening.Retrospective cohort study from 2014 to 2019 of pregnancies with invasive genetic analysis.In the cohort of 2504 cases, the proportion of CVS was 53.3%. We diagnosed 200 chromosomal aberrations (8%), including 13.5% of de novo rare chromosomal aberrations (14 rare autosomal trisomies, 6 polyploidies, 5 structural aberrations and 2 small supernumerary marker chromosomes). The rate of fetoplacental mosaicism was 12.4%/77.8% in common/atypical chromosomal aberrations (p = 0.001) and confined to placenta in 17/40 cases. Associated ultrasound abnormalities were abnormal nuchal translucency and major malformations in 58% and 35% with common trisomies and 11% (p = 0.006) and 67% (p = 0.047) with true mosaic cases of rare abnormalities, respectively. Major ultrasound malformation was facial dysmorphism with rare aberrations. Potential application of genomewide non-invasive prenatal test in atypical chromosomal aberrations presumably would have been false-positive in 12 cases (44%), false-negative in 1 case (3.7%), and would have early detected 2 cases of rare autosomal trisomies (7.4%) without ultrasound anomalies.Structural ultrasound malformations with normal nuchal translucency thickness may be indicative of rare chromosomal aberrations. Application of genomewide non-invasive prenatal test is an alternative of early diagnostic methods with a potential of discordant results due to mosaicism. Knowledge about the presence of fetoplacental mosaicism influences risk estimation and genetic counseling, detailed cytogenetic characterization is of utmost importance. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(29): 1156-1165.

Prenatal testing has changed greatly over the past two decades, which may affect the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Down syndrome. The present study aimed to analyze changes in the prevalence and distribution of CHD diagnosed via ultrasonography and fetopathology in 462 fetuses with trisomy 21 between two consecutive 10-year periods (1999-2018), as well as the associations between CHDs, ultrasound markers, and extracardiac malformations. Overall, the frequency of cardiovascular malformations in trisomy 21 was 27.7 and 26.5%, and ultrasound identified 70 and 62% of CHDs during these periods. A profound increase in first-trimester ultrasound findings and associated anomalies with CHDs (ventricular septal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot) since 2009 were observed. Second-trimester nonstructural heart abnormalities were associated with ultrasound anomalies (74%) and major extracardiac malformations (42.9%). During both study periods, mothers carrying fetuses with CHD were significantly younger than those without CHD (p = 0.038, p = 0.009, respectively). Comparing the two 10-year periods, there were no changes in the prevalence and detection of CHDs. Trend analysis revealed that, although the frequency of CHD remained stable, the diagnostic spectrum had shifted between the study periods. Detection of nonstructural heart abnormalities necessitates detailed follow-up for cardiac/extracardiac malformations and chromosomal disorders.

Terminal deletion of chromosome 4 (4q deletion syndrome) is a rare genetic condition that is characterized by a broad clinical spectrum and phenotypic variability. Diagnosis of the distinct condition can be identified by conventional chromosome analysis and small deletions by novel molecular cytogenetic methods such as microarray comparative genome hybridization (aCGH). Prenatal diagnosis is challenging; to date 10 cases have been described. We report a prenatally diagnosed case of de novo 4q deletion syndrome confirmed by conventional karyotyping and FISH due to an elevated combined risk for Down syndrome and prenatal ultrasound findings. aCGH validated the diagnosis and offered exact characterization of the disorder. Cytogenetic and microarray results described a 4q32.1qter terminal deletion of the fetus. Prenatal ultrasound detected multiple nonstructural findings (micrognathia, choroid plexus cysts, echogenic fetal bowel, short femur, and cardiac axis deviation). Pregnancy was terminated at 20 weeks. In addition to the index patient, we reviewed the 10 prenatally published cases of 4q deletion syndrome in the literature and compared these with our results. We summarize the patients' characteristics and prenatal clinical findings. Alterations of maternal serum biochemical factors, an elevated combined risk for trisomies, and distinct ultrasonographic findings can often be observed in cases of prenatal 4q deletion syndrome and may facilitate the otherwise difficult prenatal diagnosis.

Abstract: Pallister–Killian syndrome (PKS) is a rare, sporadic genetic disorder that is caused by the mosaic presence of a supernumerary marker chromosome, isochromosome 12p. The syndrome is a polydysmorphic condition characterized by mental retardation, craniofacial dysmorphism, hypotonia, seizures, epilepsy and certain organic malformations (diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease). Prenatal diagnosis is challenging due to the mosaic tissue-specific distribution of the chromosomal disorder and highly variable phenotype. Prenatal diagnosis is often accidental, however, appropriate laboratory techniques based on the second trimester ultrasound anomalies provide accurate prenatal diagnosis. We report a case of a 36-year-old primipara with second trimester ultrasound markers (polyhydramnion, ventriculomegaly, rhizomelic micromelia, abnormal facial profile). The patient underwent amniocentesis, the conventional karyotyping revealed a supernumerary chromosome in nearly 50 percent of amniocytes. FISH and targeted multicolour FISH probes verified mosaic tetrasomy of the short arm of chromosome 12 of the fetus. Fetopathological examinations and analysis of fetal tissues and blood confirmed the prenatal diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of prenatally diagnosed Pallister–Killian syndrome in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(21): 847–852.

Abstract: Introduction and aim: The birth prevalence of congenital malformations is around 2-3%. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of ultrasound diagnostics in detecting congenital malformations. Method: We have processed the prenatal sonographic and postnatal clinical details of 1867 inborn abnormalities in 1200 fetuses over a 7-year period. Results: The mean maternal age upon delivery/abortion was 29.96 ± 5.88 years. In 671 cases, the pregnancy concluded in delivery with a mean gestational age of 35.26 ± 4.2 weeks and mean weight of 2408.67 ± 944.41g. In case of the 529 abortions the mean gestational age was 19.88 ± 2.53 weeks. Seventy-three fetuses were chromosomally abnormal, while 211 had multiple malformations. Prenatal ultrasound was highly sensitive in the detection of central nervous system and thoracic anomalies in utero (72.65% vs. 67.7% sensitivity). The detection rate was high in case of abdominal (59.58%), urogenital (54.55%), and limb/skeletal (50%) malformations as well. However, the diagnosis of face/neck anomalies was somewhat less efficient (31.85%). Conclusions: In approximately half of the cases, postnatally diagnosed abnormalities coincided with the prenatally discovered congenital malformations. The results have confirmed that ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing malformations prenatally but it fails to detect all of the developmental abnormalities. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(45): 1794–1801.

Background. Small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) is a challenge in prenatal diagnosis. Its’ presence is associated with advanced maternal age and distinct ultrasound findings, prediction of postnatal clinical consequences and prenatal counselling is difficult. Exact characterization of an sSMC is augmented by the application of novel molecular methods such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH). Case presentation. Chorion villous sampling of a fetus of a 42-year old secundipara was carried out due to advanced maternal age and the conventional banding cytogenetic examination revealed a mosaic sSMC. Detailed prenatal ultrasound scan showed no fetal malformations. The karyotype from confirmatory amniocentesis was 47,XY,+mar[45]/46,XY. The level of mosaicism was 70% from chorionic villus and amnion cells as well. By using FISH and SNP based aCGH the exact origin of the marker was described and the final prenatal karyotype was determined as 47,XY,+mar[70].arr[GRCh38]16p11.2p11.1(31699804_35989873)x3dn/46,XY[30]. The increase in DNA dosage was 4,29 Mb affecting 20 genes with two OMIM ones (ZNF267 and TP53TG3), the SNP analysis excluded the possibility of uniparental disomy (UPD) of the chromosome. The application of the molecular cytogenetic methods allowed us the differentiate the mosaic marker chromosome from the known 16p11.2 duplication syndrome in close neighboring that is connected to developmental delay and autism spectrum disorder. The present case was identified as a harmless de novo euchromatic variant (EV) of the short arm of chromosome 16. Postnatal karyotyping from neonatal peripheral blood confirmed the presence of the marker. FISH analysis with probe D16Z2 on cultured lymphocyte and buccal smear samples revealed a 64% and 45% mosaic state of the sSMC, respectively. The precise karyotype was finally defined as 47,XY,+min(16)(:16p11.2->p11.1:)dn[64]/46,XY. Conclusions. Novel microarray methods combined with molecular cytogenetic analysis is particularly effective in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of sSMCs, especially in a prenatal situation when the exact characterization of a genomic imbalance is of utmost importance. Precise diagnosis facilitates proper genetic counseling, allows informed decision making and helps avoiding unnecessary pregnancy termination.

Invasive prenatal testing and conventional G-banding chromosome analysis have been considered to be the gold standard of fetal cytogenetic diagnosis. Standard karyotyping is, however, constrained by the limits of the resolution of using a microscope. The advantage of molecular karyotyping, array based methods is the evaluation of sub-microscopic copy number changes across the whole genome in a single analysis. The application of array comparative genome hybridization has greatly increased the detection of pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities in prenatal settings. Based on available data in the international literature of the last decade, the clinical utility of arrayCGH is the recognition of some 1-2% and 5-7% additional genetical information compared to metaphase karyotype alone in fetuses without ultrasound anomaly and in fetuses with ultrasonographically detected malformations, respectively. Thus arrayCGH improves the prenatal diagnosis of genetic abnormalities mainly in fetuses with structural sonographic findings. In the present paper we review the literature of chromosomal microarray and make a proposal for the application of the method in Hungarian prenatal genetical practice. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(13): 484-493.Absztrakt: Az invazív mintavétel kapcsán elvégzett hagyományos magzati kromoszómavizsgálat a mai napig a praenatalis diagnosztika alapvető vizsgálómódszere. Felhasználásának a fénymikroszkópos vizsgálat felbontási képessége szab határt. A kariotipizálással nem felismerhető, szubmikroszkópos kromoszóma-rendellenességek, microdeletiók és microduplicatiók, kópiaszám-variációk (CNV-k) vizsgálatára a nagy felbontású molekuláris vizsgálóeljárások biztosítanak lehetőséget. A kromoszomális összehasonlító microarray-vizsgálat (array-komparatív genomhibridizálás – arrayCGH) alkalmas az anyai életkortól függetlenül előforduló kópiaszám-variációk prae- és postnatalis kimutatására. A módszer a fejlett országok orvosi gyakorlatában rutinszerűen alkalmazott eljárás a magzati diagnosztikában. Az elmúlt egy évtized külföldi eredményei alapján alkalmazása ultrahangeltérést nem mutató magzatok esetén körülbelül 1–2%, strukturális ultrahangeltérést mutató magzatoknál körülbelül 5–7% többlet genetikai információval szolgál a hagyományos kromoszómavizsgálattal szemben. Közleményünkben áttekintjük az arrayCGH módszerét, praenatalis alkalmazásának nemzetközi gyakorlatát, s javaslatokat és indikációs kört fogalmazunk meg a módszer praenatalis használatának magyarországi bevezetésére. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(13): 484–493.

Nowadays, women's family planning intentions are postponed, and it is common that only later will the conditions be created for the woman to have children. Fortunately, in most cases, pregnancy is possible in this case, taking into account the increased genetic risk. However, this later childbirth may become impossible or significantly more difficult if we can detect sterility and infertility, and its genetic cause is revealed. Any procedure that can help to reduce the "aging" of society, the reproduction rate, must be treated as an important public health issue. It would be particularly important in cases where genetic causes can be detected in the background of female sterility and infertility. Endocrine causes, infections, immunological causes, psychic factors, stress, and weight problems may be among the causes of female infertility in addition to genetic causes and genetic developmental disorders. Infertility can also be caused by iatrogenic factors, previous interventions, and surgery. In this chapter we will discuss the diseases in which genetic factors play a role.

Background Premature ovarian failure / primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI) associated with the mutations of the FMR1 (Fragile-X Mental Retardation 1) gene belongs to the group of the so-called trinucleotide expansion diseases. Our aim was to analyse the relationship between the paternally inherited premutation (PIP) and the maternally inherited premutation (MIP) by the examination of the family members of women with POF, carrying the premutation allele confirmed by molecular genetic testing. Methods Molecular genetic testing was performed in the patients of the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with suspected premature ovarian failure. First we performed the southern blot analyses and for the certified premutation cases we used the Repeat Primed PCR. Results Due to POF/POI, a total of 125 patients underwent genetic testing. The FMR1 gene trinucleotide repeat number was examined in the DNA samples of the patients, and in 15 cases (12%) deviations (CGG repeat number corresponding to premutation or gray zone) were detected. In 6 cases out of the 15 cases the CGG repeat number fell within the range of the so-called gray zone (41–54 CGG repeat) (4.8%, 6/125), and the FMR1 premutation (55–200 CGG repeat) ratio was 7.2% (9/125). In 4 out of the 15 cases we found differences in both alleles, one was a premutation allele, and the other allele showed a repeat number belonging to the gray zone. Out of 15 cases, only maternal inheritance (MIP) was detected in 2 cases, in one case the premutation allele (91 CGG repeat number), while in the other case an allele belonging to the gray zone (41 CGG repeat number) were inherited from their mothers. In 10 out of 15 cases, the patient inherited the premutation allele only from the father (PIP). In 5 out of the 10 cases (50%) the premutation allele was inherited from the father, and the repeat number ranged from 55 to 133. Out of 125 cases, 9 patients had detectable cytogenetic abnormalities (7.2%). Conclusions The RP-PCR method can be used to define the smaller premutations and the exact CGG number. Due to the quantitative nature of the RP-PCR, it is possible to detect the mosaicism as well.

Our objective is to examine the effectiveness of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of craniospinal malformations compared to postnatal neonatological and pathological findings.Over a 7-year period, we preformed approximately 82.500 prenatal ultrasounds of 26.827 pregnancies. We detected 290 fetuses with 351 craniospinal malformations.Craniospinal abnormalities were found as a part of multiplex malformations in 84/290 cases: in 47/84 cases (55.95%) there was complete concurrence between prenatal and postnatal results. In 15/290 fetuses the craniospinal malformation was associated with chromosomal abnormalities. In 9/15 (60%) of these fetuses, malformations were fully diagnosed with ultrasound. Isolated craniospinal malformations occurred in 191/290 cases, in 162/191 (84.82%) the results of prenatal ultrasonography and postnatal or post abortion examinations showed complete concurrence. In addition to the 290 fetuses with craniospinal malformations, there were an additional 17 who were thought by ultrasound to have a craniospinal malformation, which could not be documented after birth (false positives).Prenatal ultrasound accurately diagnosed 218/290 (75,17%) craniospinal abnormalities, and partially defined the abnormalities in 9.66%, failed to detect abnormalities in 15.17%, with an approximate 0.06% false detection rate.

Background In animal studies, the inhibition of VEGF activity results in high mortality and impaired renal and glomerular development. Mechanical stimuli, like mechanical stretch in respiratory and circulatory systems, results in an elevated expression of VEGF. In animal models, the experimental urinary obstruction is associated with stretching of tubular cells and activations of the renin-angiotensin system. This results in the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and TNF-alfa. Material/methods Tissue samples from urinary tract obstruction were collected and immunohistochemistry was performed in 14 patients (average age: 7.1±4.1 years). The control histology group consisted of ureteropelvic junction tissue from 10 fetuses after midtrimester artificial abortion. The fetuses did not have any failure at ultrasound screening and pathological examination. The mean gestational age was 20.6 weeks of gestation (±2.2SD). Expression of VEGF was detected with immunohistochemistry method. Results Expression of VEGF was found in varying intensity in the submucosa and subserosa layers, but only in the test tissue (placental tissue). The tissue of the patients with urinary obstruction and the tissue of the fetal ureteropelvic junction without urinary obstruction were negative for expression of VEGF. The repeated examination showed negative cells and no color staining. Conclusions The pressure due to congenital urogenital obstruction resulting in mechanical stress in cells did not increase the expression of VEGF in young children in our study. To find a correlation between urogenital tract obstruction and increased expression of VEGF, we need to perform more examinations because the connection may be of therapeutic significance.

The birth prevalence of congenital malformations is around 2-3%. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of ultrasound diagnostics in detecting congenital malformations.We have processed the prenatal sonographic and postnatal clinical details of 1867 inborn abnormalities in 1200 fetuses over a 7-year period.The mean maternal age upon delivery/abortion was 29.96 ± 5.88 years. In 671 cases, the pregnancy concluded in delivery with a mean gestational age of 35.26 ± 4.2 weeks and mean weight of 2408.67 ± 944.41g. In case of the 529 abortions the mean gestational age was 19.88 ± 2.53 weeks. Seventy-three fetuses were chromosomally abnormal, while 211 had multiple malformations. Prenatal ultrasound was highly sensitive in the detection of central nervous system and thoracic anomalies in utero (72.65% vs. 67.7% sensitivity). The detection rate was high in case of abdominal (59.58%), urogenital (54.55%), and limb/skeletal (50%) malformations as well. However, the diagnosis of face/neck anomalies was somewhat less efficient (31.85%).In approximately half of the cases, postnatally diagnosed abnormalities coincided with the prenatally discovered congenital malformations. The results have confirmed that ultrasonography plays an important role in diagnosing malformations prenatally but it fails to detect all of the developmental abnormalities. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(45): 1794-1801.

Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in cases of ultrasound anomalies detected in the second trimester of pregnancy. Methods Serological examinations for toxoplasma and CMV infection were carried out in 655 cases with sonographic findings suggestive of fetal infection, 612 cases with single ultrasound markers and 43 cases with two or more markers. Results In cases of single ultrasound markers, serological examination diagnosed recent toxoplasma infection in 107/612 cases (17.5%) and recent CMV infection in 75 cases (12.3%). Recent toxoplasma infection accounted for 13.8% (52/377) of the intracranial sonographic findings and 23.9% (45/188) of the abdominal findings, whereas recent CMV infections accounted for 12.2 (46/377) and 11.7% (22/188), respectively. Recent CMV infection with sonographic manifestations had higher rates of intracranial than intra-abdominal sonographic findings (46/75 or 61% vs 22/75 or 29%), whereas recent toxoplasma infection with sonographic manifestations had similar rates of intracranial (52/107 or 49%) and intra-abdominal (45/107 or 42%) findings. In cases of two or more ultrasound markers, serological examination diagnosed recent toxoplasma infection in 12/43 cases (27.9%) and recent CMV infection in 10/43 cases (23.3%). Conclusions Ultrasound findings suspicious for toxoplasma and CMV infection are not pathognomonic for either pathologic entity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Objectives The aim of this study was to present our results of the sonographic measurement of the fetal iliac angle during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Methods A total of 2168 fetal iliac angle measurements were performed in a transverse section of the fetal pelvis. The iliac angle measurements were compared in fetuses with trisomy 21 (n = 52) and fetuses with normal karyotype (n = 1980). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and false positive rate in trisomy 21 fetuses were compared for multiple cut-off value. Statistical significance for measurements was estimated for trisomy 21. Results A total of 2064 fetuses had adequate images for satisfactory measurement of the iliac wing angle and 1831 patients asked for a genetic invasive procedure. Of the fetuses with chromosomal aberrations, only the fetuses with trisomy 21 were included in the investigation. The risk of trisomy 21 in our population was 1 of 39. In the euploid fetuses, the mean iliac wing angle was 63.72°. The mean iliac wing angle in the fetuses with trisomy 21 was 90.32°, significantly higher than those seen in fetuses with normal karyotype. Conclusion The proven larger iliac wing angle in neonates with Down syndrome can be demonstrated sonographically during the pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. This marker may be useful in prenatal screening or exclusion of trisomy 21. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Single umbilical artery (SUA) is a relatively common malformation that may call attention to the possibility of associated malformations (often chromosome aberrations). The current study aimed at surveying malformations associated with SUA on the basis of fetopathological investigations, analyzing the role of history, summarizing the clinically important factors emerging together with this malformation. In this study, we processed the details of 204 cases in which SUA was confirmed fetopathologically after miscarriage or induced abortion between 1990 and 2007. In our sample, SUA occurred in 7.38% of the cases. The history was positive in almost 30% of the cases. The majority of the cases had a positive obstetric and the minority of them a positive genetic history. The highest association of SUA with other malformations was found for craniospinal ones, but an association with cardiovascular malformations should also be mentioned. Regarding the individual types of malformation, SUA was most commonly associated with hydrocephalus, but Potter's sequence, trisomy 21, and atrioventricular septal defect also reached a higher rate in associated SUA. Previously published articles dealing with associated malformations found that urogenital malformations were most commonly associated with SUA. 'Itemizing' the different non-chromosomal malformations in association with SUA, we found that hydrocephalus, Potter's sequence, and atrioventricular septal defect were the most frequent malformations, while in earlier studies, the association with non-chromosomal malformations such as vertebral malformations, imperforated anus, cheilognathopalatoschisis, and renal agenesis occurred more frequently than usual.

A fetopatológiai vizsgálat nagy jelentőségű, hiszen egy következő terhesség vállalásának szempontjait szem előtt tartva az előfordult rendellenesség ismétlődésének kockázatait (is) hivatott megítélni.Célkitűzés:A szerzők tanulmányuk céljaként az ultrahang-diagnosztika hatékonyságának a fetopatológiai vizsgálatok eredményei alapján történő megítélését, elemzését határozták meg a nagyobb prevalenciájú fejlődési rendellenességek tekintetében.Módszer:Vizsgálataik során az 1995–2006 között a klinikán előfordult 683, központi idegrendszert, szív- és érrendszert, húgyúti rendszert, csontvázrendszert, illetve hasfalat/mellkasfalat érintő rendellenességgel járó terhesség adatait dolgozták fel.Eredmények:Szignifikáns különbség az anyai életkor, illetve a diagnózis felállításakor meghatározható gesztációs kor főbb statisztikai jellemzői kapcsán nem volt igazolható. A központi idegrendszert, a cardiovascularis rendszert, valamint a vázrendszert érintő malformációk egynegyedében, míg a húgyúti, illetve hasfalat/mellkasfalat érintő rendellenességek egyhatodában valamilyen terhelő előzményi adat fellelhető volt. A húgyúti, valamint cardiovascularis malformációk fiúmagzatokban lényegesen gyakoribbak voltak, ugyanakkor a központi idegrendszer, illetve a hasfal/mellkasfal rendellenességei esetén mérsékelt leánytúlsúly volt megfigyelhető. A vizsgált öt rendellenesség-csoportból négyben a post mortem vizsgálat eredményének teljesen megfelelő szonográfiai kórismék aránya 70% körül vagy a felett alakult, a húgyúti rendellenesség kapcsán azonban számottevően alacsonyabbnak (38%) bizonyult. A teljes minta alapján a szonográfiai és fetopatológiai diagnózisok teljes egyezésével járó esetek (A csoport) összesített aránya több mint 63%-nak, míg az ezektől való eltéréssel járó terhességek aránya (C csoport) 18%-nak bizonyult. Az ultrahangvizsgálat és a post mortem vizsgálat során nyert diagnózisok részleges egyezésével járó esetek (B csoport) aránya szintén 18%-nak bizonyult.Következtetések:A gyakran következményesen kevesebb magzatvízzel járó húgyúti fejlődési rendellenességek esetén genetikai centrumban történő (akár többszöri) szonográfiai vizsgálat indokolt. Mivel az omphalokele és a kromoszóma-rendellenességek társulási hajlama ismert, annak tükrében, hogy az omphalokelés esetek egy része gastroschisisként kerül kórismézésre, tanácsos lehet a kromoszómavizsgálat elvégzése az ultrahangvizsgálattal gastroschisisként diagnosztizált esetekben is. VSD esetei kapcsán javasolt a magasabb kockázatú terhességekben az echokardiográfiás vizsgálat minden konkrét általános ultrahang-diagnosztikai eltérés nélküli elvégzése.

Kartagener's syndrome is an inherited disease characterized by a triad of symptoms: bronchiectasis, situs inversus and sinusitis resulting from defective cilial motility. There are few reports in the literature regarding the optimum anesthetic technique in patients with Kartagener's syndrome. The main anesthetic considerations are related to the respiratory system and increased risk of infection. We report the case of a woman with Kartagener's syndrome and a twin pregnancy conceived by in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Despite recurrent pulmonary problems, the twin pregnancy resulted in a successful outcome. This was facilitated by a close working relationship between the obstetrician, anesthesiologist and patient.

Background Turner syndrome, a congenital condition that affects 1/2,500 births, results from absence or structural alteration of the second sex chromosome. Turner syndrome is usually associated with short stature, gonadal dysgenesis and variable dysmorphic features. The classical 45,X karyotype accounts approximately for half of all patients, the remainder exhibit mosaicism or structural abnormalities of the X chromosome. However, complex intra-X chromosomal rearrangements involving more than three breakpoints are extremely rare. Results We present a unique case of a novel complex X chromosome rearrangement in a young female patient presenting successively a wide range of autoimmune diseases including insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, celiac disease, anaemia perniciosa, possible inner ear disease and severe hair loss. For the genetic evaluation, conventional cytogenetic analysis and FISH with different X specific probes were initially performed. The complexity of these results and the variety of autoimmune problems of the patient prompted us to identify the exact composition and breakpoints of the rearranged X as well as methylation status of the X chromosomes. The high resolution array-CGH (assembly GRCh37/hg19) detected single copy for the whole chromosome X short arm. Two different sized segments of Xq arm were present in three copies: one large size of 80,3 Mb from Xq11.1 to Xq27.3 region and another smaller (11,1 Mb) from Xq27.3 to Xq28 region. An 1,6 Mb Xq27.3 region of the long arm was present in two copies. Southern blot analysis identified a skewed X inactivation with ≈ 70:30 % ratios of methylated/unmethylated fragments. The G-band and FISH patterns of the rearranged X suggested the aspect of a restructured i(Xq) chromosome which was shattered and fortuitously repaired. The X-STR genotype analysis of the family detected that the patient inherited intact maternal X chromosome and a rearranged paternal X chromosome. The multiple Xq breakages and fusions as well as inverted duplication would have been expected to cause a severe Turner phenotype. However, the patient lacks many of the classic somatic features of Turner syndrome, instead she presented multiorgan autoimmune diseases. Conclusions The clinical data of the presented patient suggest that fragmentation of the i(Xq) chromosome elevates the risk of autoimmune diseases.

The diagnosis of fetal malformations, especially those of the central nervous system, is strikingly important in the practice of genetic counseling. Early diagnosis is very significant, not only because of the prognosis, but also because of the emotional effects caused by the accompanying craniofacial malformations. The summary of the obstetrical and diagnostical characteristics should be useful in the management of holoprosencephaly. The analysis of the 50 cases we encountered between 1981 and 2000, including the anatomical, diagnostic and clinical aspects, as well as the associated craniofacial malformations, forms the essence of our publication. In one of the examined cases a familiar recurrence was verified.

To evaluate factors influencing parental decisions toward continuing or terminating a pregnancy with prenatal diagnosis of sex chromosome aneuploidy.We reviewed the records of patients with fetuses with sex chromosome aneuploidy between 1990 and 2001. A questionnaire survey of women who chose to terminate such pregnancies was designed to examine aspects of their decision-making process.Forty-nine of 89 pregnancies with sex chromosome aneuploidy were terminated (termination rate 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.65). Pregnancies with abnormal ultrasound findings (14/16, 87%), with 45,X or 47,XXY karyotypes (26/36, 72%), and with nonmosaic karyotypes (30/48, 63%) were terminated significantly more often than pregnancies with normal ultrasound findings (35/73, 48%; P.01), with 47,XXX or 47,XYY karyotypes (4/12, 33%; P.05), and with mosaic karyotypes (5/25, 20%; P =.01). There was a trend (P =.136) toward a lower rate of termination from 67% to 36% across time, with a significant decrease from 67% to 7% in pregnancies with 47,XXX; 47,XYY; and mosaic karyotypes (P.01), and no change in cases with 45,X and 47,XXY karyotypes (67% compared with 69%; P = 1.0). Abnormal sexual development and infertility were the greatest parental concerns related to termination.Fear of having a child with abnormal sexual development or infertility remains the major determinant of parental decision toward terminating pregnancy, resulting in consistently high termination rates across time in pregnancies with 45,X and 47,XXY karyotypes. In cases with 47,XXX; 47,XYY; and mosaic karyotypes, the declining termination rate across time is a consequence of recent studies reporting normal sexual development and fertility.

Objective: The authors conducted a retrospective study of obstetric and genetic data, obstetric problems, and pregnancy outcome by investigating 149 pregnancies of patients who received genetic counselling because of hemophilia A or B over a 20-year period. Methods: In cases with a heterozygous mother, fetal sex was determined. In 23 of 35 cases with male fetuses, a DNA examination was performed. In cases with hemophilic male fetuses, the couple made a decision on whether or not to continue the pregnancy after thorough counselling regarding genetic risk. Hemophilia A occurred 135 pregnancies (98 pregnancies from 55 heterozygous mothers and 37 pregnancies from 20 hemophilic fathers). Hemophilia B occurred in 14 pregnancies (9 pregnancies from 3 heterozygous mothers and 5 pregnancies from 4 hemophilic fathers). Results: In pregnant women who were carriers of hemophilia A, 32 of the fetuses were male, and DNA examinations were performed in 22 cases. In 16 cases abortions were induced (in 10 cases hemophilia was confirmed by DNA examination), and in 4 of 16 deliveries affected males were born (the disease was confirmed by DNA examination during pregnancy). Of 3 confirmed male fetuses of heterozygous women with hemophilia B, 1 healthy male was born. In 2 cases abortions were induced (in 1 case on the basis of DNA diagnosis). Conclusions: In cases of heterozygous mothers (hemophilia A and B together) the rate of spontaneous abortions was 13.1%. The rates of premature deliveries (8.2%) and cesarean sections (8.2%) were no higher than national average. The rate of bleeding complications during pregnancy was 18.7%, in 2.7% of cases transfusions were necessary. In case of hemophilic fathers (in heterozygous female fetuses the hemostasis may change from the fetal side) the rate of bleeding complications during pregnancy was 18.2%. In terms of deliveries, obstetrical bleeding complications occurred in 12.2%, atonia in 2%, curettage after delivery in 4.1%, and transfusion in 10.2% of the heterozygous mothers with hemophilia A and B combined. Neonatal complications were cerebral hemorrhage in 1 case and bleeding from the umbilical stump in another case (both newborns were hemophilic males). In connection with delivery, there was no sign of hematoma development on the skull of the newborns, nor were transfusions necessary. In cases of paternal disease the rate of curettage was 6.7% and there were no neonatal or other obstetrical complications.

The authors describe experiences gained over the period of 1984–1999 at two medical centers with chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Altogether 1,149 CVSs had been performed between the 10th and 32nd gestational weeks. Prior to 1993 the transcervical approach (TC-CVS), after 1994 the transabdominal method (TA-CVS) was used. Analysis of data collected within the framework of this study was based on the following factors: indications for sampling, complications and incidence of pregnancy loss. 91.6% of the CVSs were carried out for the purposes of cytogenetic examination of the fetus. Over the past few years an increasing number of procedures had been carried out for molecular-genetic tests (7.6% of the total number of cases). Though the primary indication for cytogenetic tests was the advanced age of the mother, a remarkable increase in the number of samplings had taken place for the purpose of examining ‘suspicious ultrasound findings’, minor anomalies detected by ultrasound. In this group the proportion of pathological cases was significantly higher (14%) than in all the other samplings, carried out for other indications. This data in itself underlines the importance of ultrasound screening performed in the 18–20th weeks of gestation. Over the first half of the period being reviewed (1984–1993, TC-CVS), a fetal loss of 4.8% occurring within 3 weeks from the date of sampling, dropped to 1.7% in the period subsequent to year 1994 (TA-CVS). In cases of TA-CSV, both the complications and spontaneous abortions were fewer. In 74.1% of the cases studied, birth had taken place after the 37th week of gestation. Premature births (6.4%) and stillbirth rate (1.1%) did not exceed normal rates observed in the general population. On the basis of our results, it is safe to say that in prenatal diagnosis, TA-CVS is a real alternative method of mid-trimester amniocentesis and it is recommended for use at any stage of the pregnancy.

Objective Premutation of fragile X mental retardation 1 gene is known to cause fragile X associated tremor ataxia syndrome in males at 50–60 years of age, and fragile X associated primary ovarian insufficiency (FXPOI) in females at around 40. Females rarely exhibit tremor/ataxia. The exact molecular pathomechanism of FXPOI is unknown. Our aim was to perform a systematic study on tremor, eye movements and neuropsychological performance in female Fragile X (FraX) premutation carriers. Methods We have examined 13 young female premutation carriers (mean age 38 years) with/without FXPOI. Tremor (resting, postural, intentional, kinetic) was recorded with an accelerometry-based test system. Electrooculography (EOG) system was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of eye movements. Neuropsychological assessment was performed with a complex battery including Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Rey auditory verbal learning test, Rey Complex Figure Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Results We could detect cerebellar tremor in only 1/13 case. Saccadic smooth pursuit eye movements and decreased velocity of the horizontal reflexive saccades were recorded in 6/11 females with valid EOG. Neuropsychology tests showed impaired verbal memory and visuo-spatial memory with preserved visuo-spatial perception. Tests showed neither impairments in the executive functions, nor decrease of general intelligence. Discussion Objective neurophysiological methods are needed to reveal neurological signs of female premutation carriers. Conclusions Female FraX premutation carriers might exhibit subclinical neurological signs at young age. Significance To best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative study on eye movements of female FraX premutation carriers. Our study provides new insight into movement disorders of female premutation carriers.

A nation-wide survey of pain relief in childbirth in Hungary was carried out in 1993. Information was provided on 104 137 deliveries in 98 units. The frequencies of different methods of pain relief for vaginal delivery were as follows: systemic opiates in 7387 cases (8.3%), epidural analgesia in 4611 cases (5.2%) and inhalational analgesia (nitrous oxide) in 4470 cases (5%). Epidural analgesia was available in 36 units (36.7%). For 71 744 vaginal deliveries (80.5%) no pain relief was provided at all. For caesarean section ( n = 13 240) the rate of spinal or epidural anaesthesia was 36.7%. It was concluded that despite an increasing rate of pain relief in labour elsewhere, the numbers of epidurals are still rather low in Hungary.

To evaluate the prevalence of toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in cases of ultrasound anomalies detected in the second trimester of pregnancy.Serological examinations for toxoplasma and CMV infection were carried out in 655 cases with sonographic findings suggestive of fetal infection, 612 cases with single ultrasound markers and 43 cases with two or more markers.In cases of single ultrasound markers, serological examination diagnosed recent toxoplasma infection in 107/612 cases (17.5%) and recent CMV infection in 75 cases (12.3%). Recent toxoplasma infection accounted for 13.8% (52/377) of the intracranial sonographic findings and 23.9% (45/188) of the abdominal findings, whereas recent CMV infections accounted for 12.2 (46/377) and 11.7% (22/188), respectively. Recent CMV infection with sonographic manifestations had higher rates of intracranial than intra-abdominal sonographic findings (46/75 or 61% vs 22/75 or 29%), whereas recent toxoplasma infection with sonographic manifestations had similar rates of intracranial (52/107 or 49%) and intra-abdominal (45/107 or 42%) findings. In cases of two or more ultrasound markers, serological examination diagnosed recent toxoplasma infection in 12/43 cases (27.9%) and recent CMV infection in 10/43 cases (23.3%).Ultrasound findings suspicious for toxoplasma and CMV infection are not pathognomonic for either pathologic entity.

Objective The goal of the current publication is to review isolated central nervous system malformations (CSMs) using a database in excess of 75 000 cases, with special regard to the risk of recurrence of these malformations alone or in combination. Methods In the period between 1 January 1976 and 31 December 2005, among the 75 320 documented cases, consultations were requested due to earlier isolated CSMs in the patients' histories in 3030 cases (4.2%). Processing the data we only considered disorders of genetic origin, and that was why we excluded the cases due to intrauterine infection. Monogenically inherited malformations were also excluded from the analysis. The diagnosis of the malformations was based on the prenatal diagnosis of ultrasonography as well as the findings of the foetopathological examination. Results In 65% of the cases, the couples sought counselling because of malformation in a previous pregnancy. In these cases, the risk of recurrence was thought to be 5.2%, while in the case of two affected children this figure stood at 21.9%. Analysing the values for the risk of recurrence in 5-year periods, neural tube defects (NTDs) (particularly anencephaly and spina bifida) showed a detectable decrease, which could be attributed to a growing use of folic acid supplementation around the time of conception and during pregnancy. Conclusion There is a clear decrease of risk of recurrence of NTDs, while in the case of the other CSMs in this study, there is no noteworthy chronological change in their risk of recurrence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Célkitűzés: Tíz, praenatalisan diagnosztizált pulmonalis billentyűagenesia esetében a társuló cardialis, extracardialis és kromoszóma-rendellenességek, valamint a terhesség kimenetelének elemzése alapján a diagnosztikus és prognosztikus tényezők azonosítása. Beteganyag és módszer: A Semmelweis Egyetem Általános Orvostudományi Kar I. sz. Szülészeti és Nőgyógyászati Klinika Magzati Echokardiográfiás Laboratóriumában 1993. január 1. és 2005. december 31. között praenatalisan felismert pulmonalis billentyűagenesia-esetek adatainak retrospektív elemzése. A diagnózis ellenőrzése fetopatológiai, patológiai, illetve postnatalis ultrahangvizsgálattal történt. Vizsgálták a terhességi kort a praenatalis diagnózis idején, a magzati echokardiográfia indikációját, a társuló cardialis, extracardialis és kromoszóma-rendellenességek előfordulását. Eredmények: A pulmonalis billentyű agenesiájának diagnózisát praenatalisan tíz esetben állapították meg. A terhesség kora a diagnózis felállításának idején átlagosan 23,1 hét (18–33 hét) volt. Hat esetben a rendellenességet a 24. hét előtt, négy esetben pedig annál későbbi terhességi korban diagnosztizálták. A szülők kérésére hat esetben került sor a terhesség megszakítására. Négy terhességet viseltek tovább. Egy magzat elhalt méhen belül, két beteg újszülöttkorban halt meg. Egy újszülött sikeres műtéti beavatkozást követően él, és jól van, a közlemény írása idején 5 éves. Öt magzatnál a Botallo-vezeték hiánya társult a pulmonalis billentyű betegségéhez, közülük három magzatnál Fallot-tetralógia, egy magzatnál atrioventricularis septum defectus, egy betegnél pedig subaorticus kamrai septumdefectus volt a komplex cardialis rendellenesség része. Öt betegnél a Botallo-vezeték fejlettsége szabályos volt, közülük egy betegnél az aortabillentyű dysplasiája, egy másik betegnél pedig a tricuspidalis billentyű dysplasiája volt megfigyelhető. Három magzatnál nem volt társuló szívfejlődési rendellenesség. A magzati echokardiográfia indikációja két esetben kóros magzati szívkép, egy esetben magzati hydrops, három esetben mellkasi ciszta gyanúja, egy esetben extracardialis malformatio, három esetben a pozitív családi anamnézis volt. Konklúzió: Az arteria pulmonalis billentyű agenesiája súlyos fejlődési rendellenesség, melynek prognózisa a társuló rendellenességektől függ. Korrekt praenatalis diagnózis lehetséges, melynek birtokában körülhatárolhatók a lehetséges beavatkozások, és véleményezhetők a betegek életkilátásai. Jelen adatfeldolgozás alapján az ismétlődés kockázata egyes családokban autoszomális recesszív öröklődésmenetnek is megfelelhet.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the major demographic details, diagnostical and clinical features, as well as the risk of recurrence of cases with the major types of neural tube defects (NTD). We also examined the efficiency of ultrasonography based on autopsy examinations during 26 years. Methods The investigations were made into the sample of 743 NTD diagnosed between 1 January 1976 and 31 December 2002. A computerized database was used to sum up the available information about the individual cases; in addition to surveying the couples' major demographic details, we also had the opportunity to collect detailed information about the history, diagnostics (ultrasound) and outcome of the pregnancies as well as the results of the autopsies during the investigation. Results In the 743 cases of NTD, maternal and paternal median ages turned out to be 23.7 years (±5.22 years) and 28.7 years (±5.81 years), respectively. The male:female ratio was 0.78. Comparable samples of anencephaly and spina bifida allowed for the conclusion that a positive genetic history was equally often found while a positive obstetrical history was almost twice as common in anencephaly. The sensitivity of the maternal serum-alpha fetoprotein (AFP) screening test is the highest in anencephaly and lowest in encephalocele. While the majority of cases of anencephaly were diagnosed before the 24th gestational week, examples of diagnosing spina bifida and encephalocele at a later time could also be found. Among the associated malformations other than those of the central nervous system special mentioning should be made of fetal pyelectasia, cleft palate as well as diaphragmatic herniation. No pathological karyotypes were found in association with encephalocele or spina bifida, but anencephaly was accompanied with trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 in one case each. Anencephaly was found to have the highest risk of recurrence in both nervous system malformations and malformations other than those of the nervous system. Sonography proved to be the most reliable method in cases of enecephalocele. Conclusion The respective median values of maternal and paternal age show that aetas has no role in the occurrence of NTDs. NTDs are more common among girls. Positive genetic, obstetrical and medical findings are of great importance in the incidence of NTDs. Although reliable to only a limited extent, maternal serum-AFP tests are considered to be useful and necessary in screening NTDs, while sonography is the gold standard method in recognizing these frequent malformations. The knowledge of the eventual associated malformations is mainly important in certain cases of spina bifida, which may also yield a good post-natal prognosis. Our data obtained from the sample of 26 years also confirm that the periconceptional administration of folic acid reduces the incidence and risk of recurrence of NTDs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background: Craniospinal malformations represent a heterogeneous group of congenital malformations by their morphology and etiology alike. Certain craniospinal malformations could be diagnosed as early as the dawn of ultrasonography and this group of malformations has been the focus of attention ever since. Aims: The aim of the authors was to review the main characteristics of craniospinal malformations, as well as to evaluate the efficiency of ultrasonography based on autopsy examinations during twelve years. Study design: The current study comprises the details of 339 pregnancies terminated by induced abortion for craniospinal malformation between 1995 and 2006. Results: Maternal median age was 27 ± 5.8 years, ranging from 15 to 47 years. In 24.5% of the cases, there was a positive obsterical–gynecological or genetic history. In 68.1% of the cases, ultrasonographic and autopsy findings were completely identical; in 24.2% a partial coincidence was found, but autopsy allowed for further diagnoses, while in 26 cases (7.7%) different findings were obtained by prenatal ultrasonography and fetopathological investigations. In half of the latter 26 cases, induced abortion was suggested due to hydrocephalus confirmed by ultrasonography but not justified by autopsy or the autopsy revealed the presence of other craniospinal malformation(s). Conclusion: It can be concluded that – in view of the diagnostic efficiency of fetopathological investigations – the ultrasonographic diagnosis of hydrocephalus should be interpreted independently from other craniospinal malformations on the basis of principles of ultrasonographic methodology and at different times.

The role of ultrasound examination in second trimester screening for fetal aneuploidies.Authors sought to determine the frequency of ultrasound findings in major chromosomal defects. They also tried to evaluate possible patterns of ultrasound signs of fetal chromosomal defects.Through the time period of 15 years (1999-2004) 22,150 fetal karyotypings were done, and 514 abnormal karyotypes (2.3%, 514/22,150) were diagnosed prenatally. Congenital anomalies of these fetuses, detected by second trimester sonography, were analyzed in this study.Of the 514 chromosome aberrations, 207 fetuses with trisomy 21 (40.3%), 70 fetuses with trisomy 18 (13.6%), 28 fetuses with trisomy 13 (5.4%), 69 fetuses with Turner syndrome (13.4%) and 12 fetuses with triploidy (2.3%) were detected. The incidences of major structural defects and minor anomalies were evaluated then ultrasound signs with the highest incidences were established in each of the major chromosomal defects.This study may help to select the "optimal components" of the genetic sonogram that would assist the counseling of women for the risk of a chromosomal abnormality. Other advantages of such approach could be the standardization of the contents of ultrasound examination among different health care providers and institutions, and a decrease in false-positive rates.

Purpose. To investigate the role of second-trimester sonographic examination in the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18. Methods. Out of 22,150 fetal chromosomal analyses performed between 1990 and 2004, 70 trisomy 18 fetuses were found. The sonographic findings of this aneuploidy were analyzed. Results. The average maternal age was 32.4 years; the average gestational age was 19.5 weeks. Major anomalies were seen in 61 (87.1%) of the 70 fetuses with trisomy 18; among these, cardiac anomalies were the most common (47.1%), with a 27.1% incidence of ventricular septal defects. Anomalies of the central nervous system were seen in 35.7% of cases; abnormal head shape was the most frequently detected anomaly in this group (12.9%). Fifty-six (80%) of the fetuses had at least 1 minor anomaly; of these, choroid plexus cyst was the most common (38.6%). Increased nuchal fold thickness was detected in 17.1% of cases. Conclusion. The vast majority of trisomy 18 fetuses have sonographically detectable abnormalities in the second trimester. Both the 87.1% frequency of major anomalies and the 80% frequency of minor anomalies are substantially higher than multiple biochemical marker tests could achieve. It was also demonstrated that fetal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of trisomy 18. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 35:, 2007

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of different sonographic signs of fetuses with Turner syndrome in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Methods Between 1990 and 2004, Turner syndrome was found in 69 of 22,150 fetal karyotypings. Congenital anomalies detected by sonography were analyzed. Results Of the 514 (2.3%; 514/22,150) chromosome aberrations that were diagnosed, 69 Turner syndrome cases were found (13.4%; 69/514). Twenty-four fetuses had a 45,X karyotype (34.8%), and 45 fetuses were mosaic (65.2%). Forty-seven fetuses (68.1%; 47/69) showed symptoms on sonography. A substantial proportion of fetuses with Turner syndrome showed early-onset signs that could be detected in the first trimester (29.8%;14/69). The most common findings with sonography were hygroma colli (26.1%; 18/69), fetal hydrops (11.6%; 8/69), cardiac defects (13%; 9/69), and increased nuchal translucency (13%; 9/69). Among heart defects, coarctation of the aorta was the most common (44.4% of all cardial defects). Soft markers were also detected with relatively high frequency (23.2%; 16/69). Conclusions The diagnosis of severe Turner syndrome is possible in early pregnancy. A search for soft markers during second-trimester sonography and extensive use of echocardiography may increase the detection rate of Turner syndrome.

Together with chromosome 19, chromosome 20 belongs to group F, the group of small metacentric chromosomes. Trisomy 20 mosaicism is one of the most frequent chromosomal mosaicisms, representing approximately 16% of prenatally diagnosed cases. In nonmosaic trisomy 20, the usual findings are severe and manifold. Only 3 cases in the literature involved fetuses surviving past the first trimester.In case 1, a 42-year-old woman presented in her sixth pregnancy; she had had 4 vaginal deliveries of term infants and a miscarriage. Both her familial and personal genetic histories were unremarkable. Genetic amniocentesis was performed in the 18th gestational week for advanced maternal age. Sample analysis revealed a normal, male karyotype in 27 mitoses, while 4 were trisomy 20 (46,XY [27]/47,XY, +20 [4]). In the 37th gestational week a live, immature, male infant weighing 1,730 g was delivered. Chromosomal investigation of the newborn's blood sample did not reveal trisomy 20 but a normal male karyotype. In case 2, a healthy 37-year-old nullipara underwent amniocentesis at the 18th week of pregnancy for advanced maternal age. Amniotic fluid cell karyotype revealed trisomy 20 (47,XX, +20). Ultrasonography performed simultaneously with genetic amniocentesis showed slightly shortened fetal long bones, detectable narrowing of the cranium in the region of the frontal bone, lateral ventricles of 10 mm in width bilaterally, echogenic bowel and polyhydramnios. Abortion was induced in the 23rd week of pregnancy, and a 490-g female fetus was delivered.Based on these 2 well-documented, prenatally diagnosed cases, as far as genetic counseling is concerned, nonmosaic trisomy 20 is much less challenging than its mosaic form since the prognosis is uniformly poor in the former.

An abnormal course of the umbilical vein is a rare anomaly. Its association with the congenital absence of the ductus venosus is common. We found 3 cases of an abnormal course of the umbilical vein and an absent ductus venosus. In 2 of these cases, the umbilical vein turned down and continued in the internal iliac vein, and no ductus venosus was found. One of these pregnancies was terminated. From the continued pregnancy a growth-retarded baby was born. At follow-up examinations, mild microcephaly, mildly elevated levels of ammonia, delayed speech and mild muscular hypotonia were found. In the third case, the umbilical vein turned up from the level of umbilical ring and the anterior of the liver above the diaphragma and connected directly into the right atrium. Associated complex congenital heart malformations – transposition of the great arteries, and ventricular septal defect – were diagnosed prenatally. In the umbilical vein from the placenta to the umbilical ring, the flow was low velocity continuous; from the umbilical ring to the right atrium, the flow was biphasic high velocity (90 cm/s). Such an elevated blood flow could be a sign of increased cardiac preload. The long-term neurological follow-up of babies with prenatally diagnosed venous malformations is necessary.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of second-trimester sonographic examination in the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 13. Methods Of 22,150 fetal chromosome analyses, 28 fetuses with trisomy 13 were found between 1990 and 2004. Sonographic findings of this aneuploidy were analyzed in this study. Results The average maternal age was 32.4 years; the average gestational age was 19.5 weeks. There was an 89.3% (n = 25) total prevalence of sonographic abnormalities in fetuses with trisomy 13 in this series. Major (structural) malformations were seen in 23 cases (82.1%), whereas minor anomalies were detected on sonography in 16 cases (57.1%). Although in 2 fetuses 1 minor anomaly was the only sonographic sign of trisomy 13, other cases with minor anomalies (87.5% [n = 14]) were multiplex malformations, in which combinations of major and minor anomalies were detected on sonography. The most frequently seen structural abnormalities were central nervous system and facial anomalies (64.3% [n = 18]). Among central nervous system anomalies, ventriculomegaly and holoprosencephaly were seen most frequently. Cardiovascular anomalies were detected in 53.6% (n = 15) of the fetuses with trisomy 13. This high frequency underlines the importance of echocardiography in diagnosing this aneuploidy. Among minor anomalies, increased nuchal translucency (21.4%) and echogenic bowel (17.9%) were the most common findings. Conclusions Second-trimester sonographic examination is capable of showing anomalies that are characteristic of trisomy 13; thus, the scan can indicate whether fetal karyotyping is advisable. Incorporation of careful assessment of the fetal cardiovascular system by sonography certainly increases the detection rate of trisomy 13.