Search

Aim: To construct evidence-based algorithms for the assessment and management of common amniotic fluid abnormalities detected during labour., Population: Low-risk singleton, term pregnant women in labour., Setting: Birth facilities in low- and middle-income countries., Search Strategy: We searched international guidelines published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SOGC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We also searched The Cochrane Library and MEDLINE up to 20 January 2020 using keywords for relevant systematic reviews and randomised trials., Case Scenarios: We developed evidence-based intrapartum care algorithms for four case scenarios: oligohydramnios; meconium-stained amniotic fluid; bloody amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding; and purulent amniotic fluid or discharge. These conditions may be associated with fetal and /or maternal morbidity. Differential diagnosis includes uteroplacental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, fetal distress, abruption, placenta or vasa praevia, uterine rupture and intra-amniotic infection, respectively. Algorithms include how to assess for, diagnose and manage these conditions., Conclusions: Four algorithms are presented, to provide a systematic approach and guidance on the clinical management for the following amniotic fluid abnormalities: oligohydramnios; meconium-stained liquor; bloody amniotic fluid or vaginal bleeding; and purulent amniotic fluid or discharge. These algorithms may be beneficial in supporting clinical decision making, particularly in low-resource settings., Tweetable Abstract: Evidence based algorithms for management of common amniotic fluid abnormalities seen during labour., (© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objectives: The term oligohydramnios is linked to pregnancy complications. We previously presented the outcome of the low-risk population (no pregnancy complications) with term oligohydramnios. This study aims to address the high-risk group (Any maternal complication during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, pre-gestational diabetes, chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, anemia, asthma, obesity, and multi parity.)., Methods: This retrospective cohort study of 1,114 singleton term (≥37), oligohydramnios (AFI <50 mm) pregnancies from Shamir Medical Center between 2017 and 2021. Compering the low-risk to high-risk groups with subdivision by severity of oligohydramnios., Results: A total of 211 subjects (19 %) were high-risk cases and 903 (81 %) low-risk cases. Comparing these two groups, subjects of the high-risk group were older (31.34 ± 5.85 vs. 29.51 vs. 4.96), had earlier gestational age at delivery 39.53 ± 1.18 vs. 40, had higher mean AFI (35 ± 12.7 vs. 33 ± 14.5), were subject to more labor inductions (81 vs. 69.7 %), and CS rate (19.9 vs. 12.4 %). Logistic regression revealed a need for more cesarean sections in the high-risk group. Additionally, more labor inductions and a higher risk of negative fetal outcomes., Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering pregnancy risk factors when we are approaching oligohydramnios in high-risk pregnancies., (© 2024 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Technological advancements before and after delivery have greatly altered the counseling of pregnant patients facing a fetal diagnosis of severe oligohydramnios or anhydramnios secondary to congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract. Once considered a nearly uniformly lethal abnormality, long-term survival may now be possible secondary to prenatal innovations aimed at restoring the amniotic fluid volume and the availability of more advanced neonatal dialysis techniques. However, these available therapies are far from perfect. The procedures are onerous for pregnant patients without a guarantee of success, and families must prepare themselves for the complex life-long medical care that will be necessary for surviving individuals. Multidisciplinary counseling is imperative to help pregnant individuals understand the complexity of these conditions and assist them in exercising their right to informed decision-making. Moreover, as with any developing field of medicine, providers must contend with ethical questions related to the treatment options, including questions regarding patient-hood, distributive justice, and the blurred lines between research, innovation, and standard care. These ethical questions are best addressed in a multidisciplinary fashion with consideration of multiple points of view from various subspecialties. Only by seeing the entirety of the picture can we hope to best counsel patients about these highly complex situations and help navigate the most appropriate care path., (Copyright © 2024 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Objectives: To identify factors associated with poor prognoses in newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia, from 2011 to 2022., Methods: A multi-center retrospective case-control study was conducted on newborns with gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia. Poor prognosis was defined as the presence of sepsis, intestinal complications, or death., Results: The study included 101 patients. Preterm newborns under 32 weeks had a poor neonatal prognosis (OR 6.78 95 % CI 0.75-319). Oligohydramnios (OR 4.95 95 % CI 1.15-21.32) and staged closure with silo (OR 3.48; 95 % CI 1.10-10.96) were risk factors for neonatal death, and intra-abdominal bowel dilation of 20-25 mm was a factor for the development of intestinal complications (OR 3.22 95 % CI 1.26-8.23)., Conclusions: Intra-abdominal bowel dilation between 20 and 25 mm was associated with intestinal complications, while oligohydramnios was associated with the risk of perinatal death, requiring increased antenatal surveillance of fetal wellbeing. Management with primary reduction when technically feasible is recommended in these infants, considering that the use of silos was associated with higher mortality., (© 2024 the author(s), published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate perinatal outcome in singleton pregnancies at term with isolated oligohydramnios, diagnosed by using the single deepest pocket method., Patients and Methods: In this historic cohort study, the perinatal outcomes of 196 women with isolated oligohydramnios at term, diagnosed by using the single deepest pocket method, were compared to 8,676 women with normal amniotic fluid volume. The primary outcome measure was the Cesarean section rate. Further outcome parameters included the rate of induction of labor, abnormal cardiotocography, umbilical cord pH and base excess, Apgar, meconium-stained liquor and admission to neonatal intensive care unit., Results: In the group with isolated oligohydramnios, there were significantly more Cesarean sections (p=0.0081) and more abnormal cardiotocographies (p=0.0005). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that this difference was seen particularly in nulliparous women (p=0.0025 for Cesarean section and 0.0368 for abnormal cardiotocography). Peripartal and perinatal outcome parameters were not different between the two groups., Conclusion: In women with isolated oligohydramnios at term, there is no impact on fetal outcome. The influence of isolated oligohydramnios on the rate of cesarean section and abnormal cardiotocography is considered to be less than that of parity., (Copyright © 2024, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Background: Renal oligohydramnios (ROH) describes an abnormally low volume of amniotic fluid (AF) during pregnancy. ROH is mostly caused by congenital fetal kidney anomalies. The ROH diagnosis frequently implies an increased risk of peri- and postnatal fetal mortality and morbidity. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of ROH on pre-and postnatal development in children with congenital kidney anomalies., Methods: This retrospective study included 168 fetuses with anomalies in the kidney and urinary tract. Based on the amount of AF measured by ultrasound, patients were divided into three groups: normal amniotic fluid (NAF), amniotic fluid in the lower normal range (LAF), and ROH. These groups were compared with respect to prenatal sonographic parameters, perinatal outcomes, and postnatal outcomes., Results: Among the 168 patients with congenital kidney anomalies, 26 (15%) had ROH, 132 (79%) had NAF, and 10 (6%) had LAF. Of the 26 families affected by ROH, 14 (54%) decided to terminate pregnancy. Of 10 live-born children in the ROH group, 6 (60%) survived the observation time; of these, 5/6 presented with chronic kidney disease, stages I-III, at their last examination. The main differences in postnatal development between the ROH group and the NAF and LAF groups were: restricted height and weight gain, respiratory issues, complicated feeding, and the presence of extrarenal malformations., Conclusions: ROH is not a mandatory indicator of severe postnatal kidney function impairment. However, children with ROH have complicated peri-and postnatal periods, due to the presence of concomitant malformations, which must be considered in prenatal care. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

We report on the case of prenatal detection of trisomy 2 in placental biopsy and further algorithm of genetic counseling and testing. A 29-year-old woman with first-trimester biochemical markers refused chorionic villus sampling and preferred targeted non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), which showed low risk for aneuploidies 13, 18, 21, and X. A series of ultrasound examinations revealed increased chorion thickness at 13/14 weeks of gestation and fetal growth retardation, a hyperechoic bowel, challenging visualization of the kidneys, dolichocephaly, ventriculomegaly, increase in placental thickness, and pronounced oligohydramnios at 16/17 weeks of gestation. The patient was referred to our center for an invasive prenatal diagnosis. The patient's blood and placenta were sampled for whole-genome sequencing-based NIPT and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), respectively. Both investigations revealed trisomy 2. Further prenatal genetic testing in order to confirm trisomy 2 in amniocytes and/or fetal blood was highly questionable because oligohydramnios and fetal growth retardation made amniocentesis and cordocentesis technically unfeasible. The patient opted to terminate the pregnancy. Pathological examination of the fetus revealed internal hydrocephalus, atrophy of brain structure, and craniofacial dysmorphism. Conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed chromosome 2 mosaicism with a prevalence of trisomic clone in the placenta (83.2% vs. 16.8%) and a low frequency of trisomy 2, which did not exceed 0.6% in fetal tissues, advocating for low-level true fetal mosaicism. To conclude, in pregnancies at risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities that refuse invasive prenatal diagnosis, whole-genome sequencing-based NIPT, but not targeted NIPT, should be considered. In prenatal cases of trisomy 2, true mosaicism should be distinguished from placental-confined mosaicism using cytogenetic analysis of amniotic fluid cells or fetal blood cells. However, if material sampling is impossible due to oligohydramnios and/or fetal growth retardation, further decisions should be based on a series of high-resolution fetal ultrasound examinations. Genetic counseling for the risk of uniparental disomy in a fetus is also required.

Oligohydramnios has been a topical issue in obstetrics. The prevalence of oligohydramnios ranges from 1 to 5%. Conflicting data exists concerning its effects on adverse perinatal outcome. This study aims to assess perinatal outcomes of oligohydramnios at the Mekelle Public Hospitals from April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019. This was a cross-sectional study and a total population purposive sampling method was employed to collect data prospectively. During the study period, there were a total of 10,451 deliveries in both hospitals. Oligohydramnios complicated 332 pregnancies (3.2%, 95%CI: 2.9%, 3.5%) across all gestations and 273 pregnancies (2.6%, 95% CI: 2.3%, 2.9%) at term. The composite adverse perinatal outcome rate was 29.7% (95% CI, 24.5, 35.4). Primigravidity and presenting at post-term gestation were associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Nearly 70% of mothers gave birth via Cesarean delivery. Oligohydramnios was found to be associated with a significant increase in adverse newborn and maternal outcomes in the study setting. Although a significant proportion of mothers underwent Cesarean delivery for a perceived increased complications associated with vaginal delivery in this population of patients, Cesarean delivery was found to not improve perinatal outcome. Primigravids and postdated pregnancies must receive increased surveillance to detect oligohydramnios early and to institute appropriate and timely interventions. Indications for Cesarean delivery in patients complicated by oligohydramnios must be carefully examined to balance the benefit on the perinatal outcome on the one hand and to avoid unnecessary major surgery with potential fatal maternal complications on the other.

Background: Oligohydramnios is associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcomes. In low-resource countries, including Uganda, oligohydramnios is under-detected due to the scarcity of ultrasonographic services. We determined the prevalence and associated factors of oligohydramnios among women with pregnancies beyond 36 weeks of gestation at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Southwestern Uganda., Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study from November 2019 to March 2020. Included were women at gestational age > 36 weeks. Excluded were women with ruptured membranes, those in active labour, and those with multiple pregnancies. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to capture demographic, obstetric, and clinical characteristics of the study participants. We determined oligohydramnios using an amniotic fluid index (AFI) obtained using an ultrasound scan. Oligohydramnios was diagnosed in participants with AFI ≤ 5 cm. We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with oligohydramnios., Results: We enrolled 426 women with a mean age of 27 (SD ± 5.3) years. Of the 426 participants, 40 had oligohydramnios, for a prevalence of 9.4% (95%CI: 6.8-12.6%). Factors found to be significantly associated with oligohydramnios were history of malaria in pregnancy (aOR = 4.6; 95%CI: 1.5-14, P = 0.008), primegravidity (aOR = 3.7; 95%CI: 1.6-6.7, P = 0.002) and increasing gestational age; compared to women at 37-39 weeks, those at 40-41 weeks (aOR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.1-5.6, P = 0.022), and those at > 41 weeks (aOR = 6.0; 95%CI: 2.3-16, P = 0.001) were more likely to have oligohydramnios., Conclusion: Oligohydramnios was detected in approximately one out of every ten women seeking care at MRRH, and it was more common among primigravidae, those with a history of malaria in pregnancy, and those with post-term pregnancies. We recommend increased surveillance for oligohydramnios in the third trimester, especially among prime gravidas, those with history of malaria in pregnancy, and those with post-term pregnancies, in order to enable prompt detection of this complication and plan timely interventions. Future longitudinal studies are needed to assess clinical outcomes in women with oligohydramnios in our setting., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

A fetal ultrasound (US) is a technique to examine a baby's maturity and development. US examinations have varying purposes throughout pregnancy. Consequently, in the second and third trimester, US tests are performed for the assessment of Amniotic Fluid Volume (AFV), a key indicator of fetal health. Disorders resulting from abnormal AFV levels, commonly referred to as oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios, may pose a serious threat to a mother's or child's health. This paper attempts to accumulate and compare the most recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based techniques for the diagnosis and classification of AFV levels. Additionally, we provide a thorough and highly inclusive breakdown of other relevant factors that may cause abnormal AFV levels, including, but not limited to, abnormalities in the placenta, kidneys, or central nervous system, as well as other contributors, such as preterm birth or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Furthermore, we bring forth a concise overview of all the Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques, along with the datasets supplied by various researchers. This study also provides a brief rundown of the challenges and opportunities encountered in this field, along with prospective research directions and promising angles to further explore.

Background: There is need to put forward more symptoms and signs that could suggest a diagnosis of uterine rupture so that clinicians' suspicion is increased; there is also need to put forward uncommon intraoperative findings in patients with uterine rupture to correlate with the signs and symptoms of patients., Case Presentation: A 33 year old Gravida 5 Para 4 + 0 with 2 previous caesarean section scars at 28 weeks of amenorrhoea, presented to hospital complaining of lower abdominal pain for 11 h. She had no vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge or pain on passing urine. On examination she had no pallor, pulse rate was 84 bpm, blood pressure was 110/80 mm of mercury (mmHg), fundal height was 27 cm (cm), fetal heart rate was regular at 150 beats per minute (bpm) and her cervix had a parous os. She was diagnosed with preterm labour and given dexamethasone intramuscularly, then an obstetric ultrasound scan was done and it revealed severe oligohydramnios. Decision do deliver her by emergency caesarean section was made and intraoperative findings were of a uterine rupture along the uterine scar with a fetal arm protruding through and vernix caseosa in the peritoneal cavity, without active uterine bleeding. The patient recovered well postoperatively., Conclusions: There is need to suspect uterine rupture in pregnant women with previous caesarean section scars if they present with abdominal pain and are found to have severe oligohydramnios despite having no history of any vaginal discharge, even when the fetal heart rate is normal and they are haemodynamically stable and without vaginal bleeding and remote from term., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To present the consequences of and risk factors for abnormal bleeding after ECV (external cephalic version)., Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review at a single center in Japan. Abnormal bleeding was defined as vaginal bleeding and/or intrauterine hemorrhage. We descriptively assessed birth outcomes among women with abnormal bleeding, and investigated the risk factors using a logistic regression analysis., Results: Of 477 women who received ECV, 39 (8.2%) showed abnormal bleeding, including 16 (3.4%) with intrauterine hemorrhage. Of the 16 women with intrauterine hemorrhage, 14 required emergency cesarean section; none experienced placental abruption, a low Apgar score at 5 min (<7), or low umbilical cord artery pH (<7.1). Among 23 women who had vaginal bleeding without intrauterine hemorrhage, four cases underwent emergency cesarean section and one case of vaginal delivery involved placental abruption. The risk of abnormal bleeding was higher in women with a maximum vertical pocket (MVP) of <40 mm in comparison to those with an MVP of >50 mm (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-9.90), as was higher in women with unsuccessful ECV than in those with successful ECV (aOR: 4.54, 95% CI: 1.95-10.6)., Conclusions: A certain number of women who underwent ECV had abnormal bleeding, including vaginal bleeding and/or intrauterine hemorrhage, many of them resulted in emergency cesarean section. Although all of cases with abnormal bleeding had good birth outcomes, one case of vaginal bleeding was accompanied by placental abruption. Small amniotic fluid volume and unsuccessful ECV are risk factors for abnormal bleeding., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

Background: The multiple causes of oligohydramnios make it challenging to study. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are sets of RNAs that have been proven to function in multiple biological processes. The purpose of this study is to study expression level and possible role of lncRNAs in oligohydramnios., Methods: In this study, total RNA was isolated from fetal membranes resected from oligohydramnios pregnant women (OP) and normal amount of amniotic fluid pregnant women (Normal). LncRNA microarray was used to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used to analyze the main enrichment pathways of differentially expressed mRNAs. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate the lncRNA expression level., Results: LncRNA microarray analysis revealed that a total of 801 lncRNAs and 367 mRNAs were differentially expressed in OP; in these results, 638 lncRNAs and 189 mRNAs were upregulated, and 163 lncRNAs and 178 mRNAs were downregulated. Of the lncRNAs, 566 were intergenic lncRNAs, 351 were intronic antisense lncRNAs, and 300 were natural antisense lncRNAs. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were primarily located in chromosomes 2, 1, and 11. KEGG enrichment pathways revealed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in focal adhesion as well as in the signaling pathways of Ras, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), estrogen, and chemokine. The qPCR results confirmed that LINC00515 and RP11-388P9.2 were upregulated in OP. Furthermore, the constructed lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network revealed tenascin R (TNR), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 12 (ABCA12), and collagen 9A2 (COL9A2) as the candidate targets of LINC00515 and RP11-388P9.2., Conclusions: In summary, we revealed the profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in OP. These results might offer potential targets for biological prevention for pregnant women with oligohydramnios detected before delivery and provided a reliable basis for clinical biological treatment in OP.

Objective: To report the case of a partial molar pregnancy with live fetus and conduct a review of the literature regarding maternal and fetal complications associated to this condition., Methods: Case report of a partial mole with a 33 weeks live fetus complicated by intrauterine growth restriction, oligohydramnios and severe preeclampsia. We report satisfactory maternal and neonatal outcomes and 1-year follow-up. A search was conducted in the Medline via Pubmed, Lilacs, Ovid, Uptodate and Google Scholar databases using the following MESH terms: hiditadiform mole, partial mole, live fetus, coexisting live fetus. Case series and case reports of pregnant women with coexisting partial mole and live fetus at the time of diagnosis were selected and information regarding maternal and fetal prognosis was extracted., Results: Initially, 129 related titles were identified. Of these, 29 met the inclusion criteria, and 4 articles were excluded due to failed access to the full text. Overall, 31 reported cases were included; 9 ended in miscarriage, 8 in fetal demise or perinatal death, and 14 (45 %) resulted in a live neonate. The most frequent maternal complication was preeclampsia in 6 (19.35 %) cases., Conclusions: The coexistence of a partial mole with a live fetus poses a high risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and preeclampsia. The volume of information regarding this rare condition must be increased in order to better determine potential interventions in cases of euploid fetuses and to provide adequate counseling in clinical practice. Therefore, reporting these cases is important to build sufficient evidence about the natural course of this condition., Competing Interests: None declared, (Copyright© 2020 This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License by-nc-nd/4.0.)

Renal tubular dysgenesis (RTD) is a rare fatal disorder in which there is poor development of proximal tubules, leading to oligohydramnios and the Potter sequences. RTD occurs secondary to renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade during the early stages of fetal development or due to autosomal recessive mutation of genes in the RAS pathway. A boy born at 33+1 weeks due to cord prolapse was found to be anuric and hypotensive. Pregnancy was complicated by severe oligohydramnios from gestational age 28+4 weeks. Abdominal sonography revealed diffuse globular enlargement of both kidneys with increased cortical parenchymal echogenicity. Infantogram showed a narrow thoracic cage and skull X-ray showed large fontanelles and wide sutures suggestive of ossification delay. Basal plasma renin activity was markedly elevated and angiotensin-converting enzyme was undetectable. Despite adequate use of medications, peritoneal dialysis, and respiratory support, he did not recover and expired on the 23rd day of life. At first, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease was suspected, but severe oligohydramnios along with refractory hypotension, anuria, skull ossification delay and high renin levels made RTD suspicious. ACE gene analysis revealed compound heterozygous pathogenic variations of c.1454.dupC in exon 9 and c.2141dupA in exon 14, confirming RTD. Based on our findings, we propose that, although rare, RTD should be suspected in patients with severe oligohydramnios and refractory hypotension., Competing Interests: The authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2020 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.)

Background: The two most commonly used nomograms for amniotic fluid index (AFI) were developed by Moore and Cayle and Magann et al. However, there are several inconsistencies between the two methods. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether these differences carry clinical significance. Methods: A retrospective cohort of women with singleton pregnancies evaluated for AFI during pregnancy at a tertiary medical center in 2007-2014 were divided into five groups: group A, definite oligohydramnios-AFI below the fifth percentile according to the nomograms of both Moore and Cayle and Magann et al.; group B, intermediate oligohydramnios-AFI below the fifth percentile according to only one nomogram (Moore and Cayle); group C, euhydramnios-normal AFI according to both nomograms; group D, intermediate polyhydramnios-AFI above the 95th percentile according to one nomogram (Magann et al.); group E, definite polyhydramnios-above the 95th percentile according to both nomograms. The association of group by maternal and perinatal outcomes was analyzed. Results: A total of 6987 women were included: group A, 996 (14%); group B, 1344 (19%); group C, 2561 (37%); group D, 1051 (15%); group E, 1034 (15%). Group B (intermediate oligohydramnios) was characterized by significantly lower rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than group A (definite oligohydramnios): small for gestational age neonate (12.3 versus 15.2%, p  = .05), neonatal intensive care unit admission (11.1 versus 21.5%; p  < .001), composite respiratory outcome (4.8 versus 9.8%; p  < .001), and neonatal sepsis (6.4 versus 10.8%; p  < .001). No such differences were found between groups B and C. Group D (intermediate polyhydramnios) differed from group E (definite polyhydramnios) by lower rates of 5 minutes Apgar score <7 (1.3 versus 3.2%; p  = .003), neonatal intensive care unit admission (10.9 versus 14.4%; p  = .02), and major congenital anomalies (1.7 versus 5.6%; p  = .02). There was no difference in these parameters between groups D and C. Conclusion: This study suggests that intermediate oligohydramnios and intermediate polyhydramnios are not associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Outcome in these pregnancies is similar to pregnancies with euhydramnios. Commonly used AFI nomograms should be updated.

Objective: Amniotic fluid volume (AFV) plays an important role in early fetal lung development, and oligohydramnios in early pregnancy is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between AFV at the time of presentation with early preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and severe neonatal respiratory morbidity and other adverse pregnancy outcomes., Methods: This was a retrospective study of all women with a singleton pregnancy, admitted to a single tertiary referral center between 2004 and 2014, for expectant management of PPROM at 20 + 0 to 28 + 6 weeks' gestation. The primary exposure was AFV at presentation, classified according to sonographic maximum vertical pocket (MVP) as: normal AFV (> 2 cm), oligohydramnios (≤ 2 cm and > 1 cm) or severe oligohydramnios (≤ 1 cm). The primary outcome was a composite variable of severe respiratory morbidity, defined as either of the following: (1) need for respiratory support in the form of mechanical ventilation using an endotracheal tube for ≥ 72 h and need for surfactant; or (2) bronchopulmonary dysplasia, defined as requirement for oxygen at postmenstrual age of 36 weeks or at the time of transfer to a Level-II facility. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CI for the primary and secondary outcomes were calculated for each AFV-at-presentation group (using normal AFV as the reference), adjusting for gestational age (GA) at PPROM, latency period, birth weight, mode of delivery and chorioamnionitis., Results: In total, 580 women were included, of whom 304 (52.4%) had normal AFV, 161 (27.8%) had oligohydramnios and 115 (19.8%) had severe oligohydramnios at presentation. The rates of severe respiratory morbidity were 16.1%, 26.7% and 45.2%, respectively. Compared with normal AFV at presentation, oligohydramnios (aOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 1.84-5.84) and severe oligohydramnios (aOR, 4.11; 95% CI, 2.26-7.56) at presentation were associated independently with severe respiratory morbidity. Other variables that were associated independently with the primary outcome were GA at PPROM (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43-0.69), latency period (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91-0.98) and Cesarean delivery (aOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.21-3.32)., Conclusions: In women with early PPROM, AFV at presentation, as assessed by the MVP on ultrasound examination, is associated independently with severe neonatal respiratory morbidity. This information may be taken into consideration when counseling women with early PPROM regarding neonatal outcome and management options. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: There are two methods to diagnose oligohydramnios: maximal vertical pocket (MVP) and amniotic fluid index (AFI). Following a recent large Cochrane review and other studies, MVP is being recommended as the method of choice by professional societies, after it was shown to result in fewer inductions of labor and C-sections (CS), without compromising neonatal outcome. There is controversy regarding the management of isolated oligohydramnios (IO). It is unclear whether this finding reflects an underlying pathological process, and therefore management protocols differ between different institutions. Studies have shown a higher rate of CS (RR of >2) in IO. Whether this is a true complication of IO or is a result of different confounders like labor inductions and primigravidity is unclear. The effects on neonatal outcomes are also unclear; whereas some authors did not show any adverse effects, others have shown higher rates of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, lower Apgar scores and higher rate of Meconium aspiration syndrome. Some studies have shown a higher rate of undiagnosed small for gestational age (SGA) in IO pregnancies. There is no consensus regarding the optimal management and time of delivery. Until now, common practice was to induce labor at term, and some advocate induction in late preterm. Recently, the growing awareness to early term morbidity has led practitioners to question the benefit of early induction. There are several studies that have shown maternal hydration to improve AFI, but there is insufficient data to show the effect on outcomes. In conclusion, many questions regarding IO are still unanswered, and further research, specifically RCT studies, is needed.

Objective: We present detection of a familial 1q21.1 microdeletion and concomitant CHD1L mutation in a fetus with oligohydramnios and bilateral renal dysplasia on prenatal ultrasound., Case Report: A 37-year-old, primigravid woman was referred for level II ultrasound examination at 16 weeks of gestation because of oligohydramnios. The parents were phenotypically normal, and there were no congenital malformations in the family. Prenatal ultrasound at 17 weeks of gestation revealed a fetus with fetal growth biometry equivalent to 16 weeks, oligohydramnios with an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 1.4 cm and bilateral renal dysplasia without sonographic demonstration of bilateral renal arteries. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a 137-g fetus was delivered without characteristic facial dysmorphism. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis of the umbilical cord and parental bloods revealed normal karyotypes. However, array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from the umbilical cord revealed a 2.038-Mb microdeletion of 1q21.1-q21.2 encompassing 11 [Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)] genes of PRKAB2, FMO5, CHD1L, BCL9, ACP6, GJA5, GJA8, GPR89B, NBPF14, TRN-GTT2-1 and NBPF20. The mother was found to carry the same microdeletion. A missense mutation of c.2353T > G, p.Ser785Ala in CHD1L was detected in the umbilical cord. The father was found to carry a heterozygous mutation of c.2353T > G, p.Ser785Ala in CHD1L., Conclusion: Fetuses with a 1q21.1 microdeletion and concomitant CHD1L mutation may present oligohydramnios and bilateral renal dysplasia on prenatal ultrasound., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Breech, family history, first born and female sex are the main risk factors described for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Foot abnormalities and oligohydramnios have also been listed. Recent studies have discredited torticollis, multiple gestation pregnancy, mode of delivery and prematurity as risk factors. Definition of oligohydramnios in the literature is inconsistent. Our aim was to investigate the term oligohydramnios and evaluate whether it should be considered a risk factor for DDH. All live births in our institution between 2001 and 2014 were included. We identified all pregnancies classed as reduced amniotic fluid (AF) or oligohydramnios over that period. Data on DDH, breech presentation, female sex and positive family history were collected. The significance level was set to 5%. We identified 73 990 live births, 3408 pregnancies were classed as reduced AF or oligohydramnios. The incidence of DDH (Graf type IIb and higher) was 1: 1000 (75 babies, 18 bilateral). Oligohydramnios/reduced AF was found in 12 (16%) DDH babies. Breech presentation was found in 24 (32%), positive family history in 19 (25%) and female sex in 71 (94.7%). Oligohydramnios was found to be associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) for DDH [OR = 3.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1-7.3] as were breech presentation (OR = 10.6, 95% CI: 6.5-17.1) and female sex (OR = 19.1, 95% CI: 7-52.4). All examined risk factors showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). A regression analysis was performed to control for interactions and confounding factors and confirmed the findings. On the basis of our findings the diagnosis of reduced AF/oligohydramnios in consecutive antenatal sonographic scans should be regarded as an independent risk factor for DDH and be considered in any future studies regarding DDH. Level of evidence: Level IV: Case series.

Objective: It's proposed that oligohydramnios is caused by decreased renal perfusion due to redistribution of fetal blood at fetal growth restriction. Isolated oligohydramnios refers to the presence of oligohydramnios without fetal structural and chromosomal abnormalities, without fetal growth restriction, without intrauterine infection, and in the absence of known maternal disease. It's unknown whether the redistribution or decreased renal perfusion cause isolated oligohydramnios. The aim of the study was to evaluate fetal renal artery Doppler blood velocimetry and cerebro-placental ratio (CPR) among women with isolated oligohydramnios between 25-40 weeks of gestational age., Study Design: The middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery and, renal artery pulsatility index (PI) values were measured in 45 fetuses with isolated oligohydramnios and 65 fetuses with normal amniotic fluid. Oligohydramnios was defined as deepest vertical amniotic fluid being measured lower than 1cm. The CPR (middle cerebral artery PI/umbilical artery PI) and renal artery PI values were expressed as multiples of the normal median (MoM) and were compared between the two groups., Results: There was no difference in MoM of CPR PI (p=0.167) and MoM of renal artery PI values (right p=0.253, left p=0.353) between the groups., Conclusion: The renal artery Doppler velocimetry and CPR were not significantly different in the women with isolated oligohydramnios, compared to the women with normal amniotic fluid., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: We present prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 22 at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with facial cleft, oligohydramnios and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and we review the literature., Case Report: A 37-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 19 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+22[9]/46,XX[9]. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes showed a result of arr(22) × 3 [0.8]. Prenatal ultrasound revealed fetal median facial cleft, oligohydramnios and IUGR. Repeat amniocentesis at 22 weeks of gestation using uncultured amniocytes revealed an aCGH result of arr 22q11.1q13.33 (17,397,498-51,178,264) × 2.8 compatible with 80% mosaicism for trisomy 22, and a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) result of mosaic trisomy 22 with trisomy 22 in 54/100 interphase cells. The cultured amniocytes at repeat amniocentesis had a karyotype of 47,XX,+22[12]/46,XX[8]. The parental karyotypes were normal. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis confirmed a maternal origin of the extra chromosome 22. The pregnancy was terminated, and a 256-g female fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism and median facial cleft. Cytogenetic analysis of the skin fibroblasts revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+22[33]/46,XX[7]., Conclusion: Fetuses with high level mosaicism for trisomy 22 at amniocentesis may present IUGR, facial cleft and oligohydramnios on prenatal ultrasound., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The field of pediatric Surgery now encompasses fetal Surgery. The purpose of this article is to review aspects of antepartum care pertinent to the fetal and pediatric surgeon. We summarize antepartum screening, methods to assess the fetus, gestational disorders and variants of umbilical cord insertion sites and the placenta., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: To describe the natural history and perinatal outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic twins with midtrimester isolated oligohydramnios (iOligo)., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of iOligo patients who were initially referred for the management of evolving twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) or selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). iOligo was defined as a maximum vertical pocket of amniotic fluid of ≤2 cm in the iOligo twin's sac and normal fluid level (>2 and <8 cm) in the co-twin's sac. "Group A" patients did not subsequently develop TTTS or sIUGR Type II (umbilical artery persistent absent or reversed end-diastolic flow), and "Group B" patients did develop TTTS or sIUGR Type II. Results are reported as median (range)., Results: Of the 828 patients with complicated monochorionic twin gestations referred for possible TTTS or sIUGR, 36 (4.3%) were initially diagnosed with iOligo. After initial consultation, two patients terminated and one was lost to follow-up, resulting in a final study population of 33. Group A had 10 patients (30.3%) and Group B had 23 patients (69.7%). In Group A, nine of the 10 were expectantly managed, resulting in a median gestational age (GA) at delivery of 34.7 (18.0-36.4) weeks, a 30-day perinatal survival of at-least-one twin of 88.9% (8/9), and dual 30-day survivors in 8/9 (88.9%). In Group B, 12 (52.2%) developed TTTS and 11 (47.8%) developed sIUGR Type II. Fifteen Group B patients had laser surgery, resulting in a median GA at delivery of 33.7 (26.4-37.1) weeks, a 30-day perinatal survival of at-least-one twin of 100% (15/15), and dual survivorship of 46.7% (7/15)., Conclusions: Our findings show that the majority of patients with midtrimester iOligo have fetal growth restriction of the affected twin and subsequently progress to TTTS or sIUGR Type II.

Objective: To explore the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with fetal megacystis (enlarged bladder)., Study Design: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting on outcomes of fetal megacystis. The outcomes observed were chromosomal abnormalities, associated structural anomalies, spontaneous resolution, and survival rates. We also evaluated the potential role of fetal gender, oligohydramnios, gestational age at diagnosis, and intrauterine intervention as prenatal prognostic factors., Results: The search identified 558 articles in total, and 13 studies (1675 fetuses) were included in this systematic review. The overall incidences of chromosomal abnormalities and associated structural anomalies in fetal megacystis were 10% and 24%, respectively. Spontaneous resolution of megacystis occurred in 32% of fetuses, and 44% of fetuses were born alive and survived until the follow-up. The odds ratio of survival with oligohydramnios was 0.14, and the mean difference in gestational age at diagnosis between survival and non-survival was 3.43 weeks. No significant difference in survival rate was observed between the genders, and an intrauterine intervention did not significantly improve the prognosis., Conclusions: A considerable proportion of fetuses with megacystis are born with a good prognosis. Oligohydramnios and lower gestational age at diagnosis are associated with worse outcomes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Most studies of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) have focused on the first week following birth. Here, we determined the outcomes and risk factors for late AKI (>7d)., Methods: The international AWAKEN study examined AKI in neonates admitted to an intensive care unit. Late AKI was defined as occurring >7 days after birth according to the KDIGO criteria. Models were constructed to assess the association between late AKI and death or length of stay. Unadjusted and adjusted odds for late AKI were calculated for each perinatal factor., Results: Late AKI occurred in 202/2152 (9%) of enrolled neonates. After adjustment, infants with late AKI had higher odds of death (aOR:2.1, p = 0.02) and longer length of stay (parameter estimate: 21.9, p < 0.001). Risk factors included intubation, oligo- and polyhydramnios, mild-moderate renal anomalies, admission diagnoses of congenital heart disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, surgical need, exposure to diuretics, vasopressors, and NSAIDs, discharge diagnoses of patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and urinary tract infection., Conclusions: Late AKI is common, independently associated with poor short-term outcomes and associated with unique risk factors. These should guide the development of protocols to screen for AKI and research to improve prevention strategies to mitigate the consequences of late AKI.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the adverse perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated late preterm pregnancies with borderline oligohydramnios., Methods: A total of 430 pregnant women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy at a gestational age of 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks were included. Borderline oligohydramnios was defined as an amniotic fluid index (AFI) of 5.1-8 cm, which was measured using the four-quadrant technique. Adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between the borderline and normal AFI groups., Results: Approximately 107 of the 430 pregnant women were borderline AFI, and 323 were normal AFI. The demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar in both groups. Delivery <37 weeks, cesarean delivery for non-reassuring fetal heart-rate testing, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, Apgar 5 min <7, transient tachypnea of the newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal intensive care unit, and hyperbilirubinemia were not statistically different between the groups (p = .054, p = .134, p = .749, p = 0.858, p = .703, p = .320, p = .185, and p = .996, respectively). Although gestational age was full-term, induction of labor rates were significantly higher in the borderline AFI group (p = .040). In addition, fetal renal artery pulsatility index pulsatility index (PI) was significantly lower in the borderline AFI group than in the normal AFI group (p = .014)., Conclusion: Our results indicated that borderline AFI was not a risk for adverse perinatal outcomes in uncomplicated, late preterm pregnancies.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect, if any, of maternal body mass index (BMI) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) on the accuracy of sonographic estimated fetal weight (EFW) at 40 to 42 weeks' gestation., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton gestations with ultrasound performed at 40 to 42 weeks from 2010 to 2013. In this study, patients with documented BMI and sonographic EFW and AFI, concurrently, within 7 days of delivery were included. Chronic medical conditions and fetal anomalies were excluded from this study. The primary variable of interest was the rate of substantial error in EFW, defined as absolute percentage error (APE) >10%., Results: A total of 1,000 pregnancies were included. Overall, the APE was 6.0 ± 4.5% and the rate of substantial error was 17.4% ( n  = 174). There was no significant difference in APE or rate of substantial error between BMI groups. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, the rate of substantial error was increased in women with oligohydramnios (OR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.10-2.92). Furthermore, oligohydramnios was significantly more likely to overestimate EFW while polyhydramnios was more likely to underestimate EFW. Maternal BMI did not affect the accuracy of sonographic EFW., Conclusion: Sonographic EFW may be affected by extremes of AFI in the postdates period. Maternal BMI does not affect EFW accuracy at 40 to 42 weeks., Competing Interests: None., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Background: Survival of neonates with intrauterine renal insufficiency and oligo- or anhydramnios correlates with the severity of secondary pulmonary hypoplasia. Early prenatal diagnosis together with repetitive amnioinfusions and modern intensive care treatment have improved the prognosis of these neonates. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is an established treatment option, mainly applied to neonates with pulmonary hypoplasia caused by congenital diaphragmatic hernia. However, a few case reports of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in neonates with lower urinary tract obstruction have been published., Case Presentation: We describe a case of a Caucasian male infant with prenatally diagnosed lower urinary tract obstruction and secondary pulmonary hypoplasia who was delivered spontaneously at 36 + 2 weeks of gestation. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was initiated on the first day of life for severe respiratory failure and consecutive hypoxemia despite treatment with inhaled nitric oxide and high-frequency oscillation. The patient was supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 10 days and extubated 6 weeks later. Hemofiltration was required on the second day of life because of renal insufficiency and was later replaced by peritoneal dialysis. The child was discharged after 4 months with nasal high-flow mild oxygen therapy and peritoneal dialysis., Conclusion: Neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support is a possible treatment option for neonates with lower urinary tract obstruction and pulmonary hypoplasia.

Posterior urethral valve (PUV) rarely causes bladder rupture. We experienced hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction after the natural repair of a ruptured bladder in a fetus with PUV. Fetal ascites and oligohydramnios were diagnosed at 26 weeks' gestational age. While we followed up with ultrasonography, we regularly removed the fetal ascites via abdominal puncture, injecting warm saline instead of amniotic fluid. At 35 weeks' gestational age, the infant was diagnosed with severe bilateral hydronephrosis, absent of ascites and oligohydramnios. Therefore, a Caesarean section was performed. After birth, the infant was diagnosed with hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction after the natural repair of a ruptured bladder associated with PUV. Thus, a ruptured bladder in a fetus with PUV that has naturally repaired should be closely monitored via ultrasonography for hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction., (© 2018 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

This case reports the findings and management of a late preterm female infant born with congenital bilateral eyelid eversion with chemosis. The pathogenic process remains unknown but typically presents at birth, predominantly affecting the upper eyelid of both eyes. Black males, patients with trisomy 21, and collodion infants have a higher incidence of eyelid eversion. Treatment modalities range from conservative therapy including eye patching with antibiotic and lubricating ointment to invasive surgical eyelid suturing. In this case report, successful resolution of chemosis and eyelid inversion occurred with conservative management.

Background: Previous studies on renal oligohydramnios (ROH) report highly variable outcome and identify early onset of ROH and presence of extrarenal manifestations as predictors of adverse outcome in most cases. Data on termination of pregnancy (TOP) and associated parental decision-making processes are mostly missing, but context-sensitive for the interpretation of these findings. We provide here a comprehensive analysis on the diagnosis, prenatal decision-making and postnatal clinical course in all pregnancies with ROH at our medical centre over an 8-year period., Methods: We report retrospective chart review data on 103 consecutive pregnancies from 2008 to 2015 with a median follow-up of 554 days., Results: After ROH diagnosis, 38 families opted for TOP. This decision was associated with onset of ROH (p < 0.001), underlying renal disease (p = 0.001) and presence of extrarenal manifestations (p = 0.02). Eight infants died in utero and 8 cases were lost to follow-up. Of the 49 liveborn children, 11 received palliative and 38 underwent active care. Overall survival of the latter group was 84.2% (n = 32) corresponding to 31% of all pregnancies (32 out of 103) analysed. One third of the surviving infants needed renal replacement therapy during the first 6 weeks of life., Conclusions: Over one third of pregnancies with ROH were terminated and the parental decision was based on risk factors associated with adverse outcome. Neonatal death was rare in the actively treated infants and the overall outcome promising. Our study illustrates that only careful analysis of the whole process, from prenatal diagnosis via parental decision-making to postnatal outcome, allows sensible interpretation of outcome data.

Background and Methods: Caesarean section (C-section) is a major obstetric intervention for saving lives of women and their newborns from pregnancy and childbirth related complications. Un-necessary C-sections may have adverse impact upon maternal and neonatal outcomes. In Bangladesh there is paucity of data on clinical indication of C-section at population level. We conducted a retrospective study in icddr,b Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) area of Matlab to look into the indications and determinants of C-sections. All resident women in HDSS service area who gave birth in 2013 with a known birth outcome, were included in the study. Women who underwent C-section were identified from birth and pregnancy files of HDSS and their indication for C-section were collected reviewing health facility records where the procedure took place, supplemented by face-to-face interview of mothers where data were missing. Indications of C-section were presented as frequency distribution and further divided into different groups following 3 distinct classification systems. Socio-demographic predictors were explored following statistical method of binary logistic regression., Findings: During 2013, facility delivery rate was 84% and population based C-section rate was 35% of all deliveries in icddr,b service area. Of all C-sections, only 1.4% was conducted for Absolute Maternal Indications (AMIs). Major indications of C-sections included: repeat C-section (24%), foetal distress (21%), prolonged labour (16%), oligohydramnios (14%) and post-maturity (13%). More than 80% C-sections were performed in for-profit private facilities. Probability of C-section delivery increased with improved socio-economic status, higher education, lower birth order, higher age, and with more number of Antenatal Care use and presence of bad obstetric history. Eight maternal deaths occurred, of which five were delivered by C-section., Conclusions: C-section rate in this area was much higher than national average as well as global recommendations. Very few of C-sections were undertaken for AMIs. Routine monitoring of clinical indication of C-section in public and private facilities is needed to ensure rational use of the procedure.

The authors present an overview of lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) in the fetus with a particular focus on the insult to the developing renal system. Diagnostic criteria along with the challenges in estimating long-term prognosis are reviewed. A proposed prenatal LUTO disease severity classification to guide management decisions with fetal intervention to maintain or salvage in utero and neonatal pulmonary and renal function is also discussed. Stage I LUTO (mild form) is characterized by normal amniotic fluid index after 18 weeks, normal kidney echogenicity, no renal cortical cysts, no evidence of renal dysplasia, and favorable urinary biochemistries when sampled between 18 and 30 weeks; prenatal surveillance is recommended. Stage II LUTO is characterized by oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, hyperechogenic kidneys but absent renal cortical cysts or apparent signs of renal dysplasia and favorable fetal urinary biochemistry; fetal vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS) or fetal cystoscopy is indicated to prevent pulmonary hypoplasia and renal failure. Stage III LUTO is oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, hyperechogenic kidneys with cortical cysts and renal dysplasia and unfavorable fetal urinary biochemistry after serial evaluation; fetal vesicoamniotic shunt may prevent severe pulmonary hypoplasia but not renal failure. Stage IV is characterized by intrauterine fetal renal failure, defined by anhydramnios and ultrasound (US) findings suggestive of severe renal dysplasia, and is associated with death in 24 h of life or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within the first week of life; fetal vesicoamniotic shunt and fetal cystoscopy are not indicated.

Objective: To compare sildenafil plus hydration with hydration alone in improving the amniotic fluid index and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by idiopathic oligohydramnios ( amniotic fluid index less than 5 cm without underlying maternal or fetal causes and with normal fetal growth)., Methods: This was an open-label randomized trial for women carrying singleton pregnancies at 30 weeks of gestation or more with idiopathic oligohydramnios detected during routine ultrasonogram. Women received either oral sildenafil citrate (25 mg every 8 hours) plus intravenous infusion of 2 L isotonic solution or fluids only until delivery. The primary study outcome was the amniotic fluid volume at 6 weeks of follow-up or the final volume before delivery, whichever occurred first. Secondary outcomes were duration of pregnancy prolongation, mode of delivery, and select neonatal outcomes. The study was powered to detect a 45% difference between groups, so, at an α level of 0.05 and 80% power, a sample size of 167 women was required., Results: From February 24, 2015, through April 2016, 196 women were screened and 184 were randomized. Follow-up was completed in 166 (90%): 82 in the sildenafil group and 84 in the hydration group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The amniotic fluid volume was higher in the sildenafil group at the final assessment (11.5 compared with 5.4 cm, P=.02). The sildenafil group delivered later (38.3 compared with 36.0 weeks of gestation, P=.001), had a lower rate of cesarean delivery (28% compared with 73%), and their neonates were less likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (11% compared with 41%, P=.001)., Conclusion: Sildenafil citrate increases amniotic fluid volume in pregnancies complicated by oligohydramnios., Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02372487.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) encompasses a heterogeneous group of congenital pathologies and generally results in oligohydramnios. Fetal intervention (e.g. vesicoamniotic shunting, fetal cystoscopy) has traditionally been reserved for cases with a favorable renal profile, while those with unfavorable renal function have been offered termination or expectant management with the latter leading to high incidence of marked pulmonary hypoplasia, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe two cases, which were not candidates for traditional intervention based on abnormal fetal renal function, who elected to proceed with serial amnioinfusions for fetal pulmonary palliation to attenuate the risk of pulmonary hypoplasia.

Objectives: Gastroschisis is a common abdominal wall defect. While most neonates have an excellent prognosis, complications do occur. Several risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes have been identified, however, the impact of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and oligohydramnios on neonatal morbidity and mortality has not been fully elucidated., Methods: In this retrospective cohort study of pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis at two tertiary-care centers during an eight-year period, maternal, fetal and neonatal data were analyzed to estimate the impact of IUGR and oligohydramnios upon neonatal outcomes. Adverse outcomes were defined as five-minute Apgar score <7, umbilical cord pH <7.12, neonatal sepsis, prolonged ventilator support, prolonged total parenteral nutrition, extended NICU stay, death and a composite of the above., Results: Among the 179 cases of gastroschisis, there were no differences in maternal demographics between cases with and without IUGR or oligohydramnios. Fetuses with oligohydramnios demonstrated a trend toward lower birthweight (p = 0.06). Small for gestational age infants showed a trend toward prolonged ventilator support (p = 0.06). Oligohydramnios and IUGR were otherwise not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes., Conclusions: While risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes have been identified in pregnancies complicated by gastroschisis, IUGR and oligohydramnios do not appear to be among them.

Aplastic anaemia occurring in pregnancy is a rare event with life threatening challenges for both mother and child. We present a successful fetomaternal outcome despite the challenges in the management of this rare condition in a tertiary but resource poor centre. This is case of a 37 year old Nigerian woman G6P0 +5 managed with repeated blood transfusions from 28 weeks of gestation for bone marrow biopsy confirmed aplastic anaemia following presentation with weakness and gingival bleeds. She had a cesarean section at 37 weeks for pre-eclampsia and oligohydraminous with good feto-maternal outcome. She was managed entirely with fresh whole blood and received 21 units. Aplastic Anaemia in Pregnancy is a rare event with poor feto maternal prognosis. Successful management is possible with good multi-disciplinary approach and availability of supportive comprehensive obstetric care., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interest.

Nowadays most renal disorders, especially urinary tract malformations and renal cystic disease, are diagnosed antenatally. In cases of severe bilateral disease, intrauterine renal dysfunction may lead to renal oligohydramnios (ROH), resulting in pulmonary hypoplasia which affects perinatal mortality and morbidity as well as the long-term outcome. However, some infants may only have mild pulmonary and renal disease, and advances in postnatal and dialysis treatment have resulted in improved short- and long-term outcome even in those infants with severe ROH. Here, we review the current state of knowledge and clinical experience of patients presenting antenatally with severe bilateral renal disorders and ROH. By addressing underlying mechanisms, intrauterine tools of diagnosis and treatment as well as published outcome data, we hope to improve antenatal counselling and postnatal care. KEY SUMMARY POINTS: 1. Nowadays most renal disorders are diagnosed antenatally, especially urinary tract malformations and renal cystic disease. 2. Severe kidney dysfunction may lead to renal oligohydramnios, which can cause pulmonary hypoplasia and is a risk factor of perinatal mortality and postnatal renal outcome. However, as considerable clinical heterogeneity is present, outcome predictions need to be treated with caution. 3. Advances in postnatal and dialysis treatment have resulted in improved short- and long-term outcomes even in infants with severe renal oligohydramnios. 4. A multidisciplinary approach with specialist input is required when counselling a family with an ROH-affected fetus as the decision-making process is very challenging.

The increasing number of pregnant breast cancer patients calls for a therapy that is as efficient as possible. After 10 years of collecting data on pregnant breast cancer patients in the German Breast Group (GBG), proposals for diagnostic measures and therapy regarding this special situation have been developed on the basis of 500 observed cases. Chemotherapy is regarded as safe from the 14(th) week of gestation on, but it is strongly advised not to use trastuzumab. Adverse outcomes for the newborn were predominantly observed in cases of early preterms. In our department, a 29-year-old second gravida with metastatic breast cancer first diagnosed 7 years ago continued to receive trastuzumab treatment at her express request after detailed information and advice. Trastuzumab treatment had been started 1.5 years before the pregnancy after surgical removal of a lymph node metastasis. After 7 intravenous administrations at intervals of 3 weeks, an oligohydramnios occurred in the 24(th) week of pregnancy. For this reason, trastuzumab treatment was interrupted for 7 weeks, during which time the quantity of amniotic fluid returned to a normal level. As the 8(th) administration of trastuzumab led to a renewed oligohydramnios, the trastuzumab treatment was suspended until birth. The quantity of amniotic fluid having recovered to normal, labour was induced after 36 weeks of pregnancy, followed by a Caesarian section because of prolonged labour. The newborn boy showed no sign of respiratory or renal dysfunction and has developed normally, having at present reached the age of 3 years. From the few reported cases of pregnancies with trastuzumab therapy, it seems that an occurring oligohydramnios is the typical complication with the problem of life-threatening RDS after birth. Probably the reduction of amniotic fluid can be reversed by interrupting the trastuzumab therapy, as we observed in our case., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Case: The consequences of medication errors can be serious, especially in pregnant women. When decision-making is critical, physician-pharmacist communication has the potential to improve patient safety. In this report, we describe the case of a pregnant woman who developed oligohydramnios after taking nimesulide for neuropathic pain. The drug was improperly prescribed by a family physician and mistakenly dispensed by a community pharmacist. Oligohydramnios was observed during ultrasound examination and an iatrogenic cause was suspected. This case is presented to raise awareness that patient safety is threatened because of a lack of physician-pharmacist communication, especially for pregnant patients., Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are continually at-risk for making errors at work. Effective inter-professional communication should be an organisational tool to prevent adverse events for pregnant women.

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like diclofenac in the third trimester of pregnancy can cause severe side effects, in particular oligohydramnios, premature closure of ductus arteriosus, and fetal kidney damage. However, the treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until gestational week 28 is accepted as relatively safe. Here we describe two retrospectively reported cases of early-onset oligohydramnios associated with long-term diclofenac exposure of at least 150mg per day. The pathological findings were detected at gestational weeks 22 and 23, respectively. Amniotic fluid turned to normal after discontinuation of diclofenac in both cases, suggesting causality. Although early-onset oligohydramnios is a rare complication, caution for long-term diclofenac use in high doses is recommended even before gestational week 28., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Compare mechanical and pharmacological ripening for patients with oligohydramnios at term., Study Design: Fifty-two patients with oligohydramnios ⩽ 5 cm and Bishop score ⩽ 6 were randomized for labor induction with a vaginal insert containing 10 mg timed-release dinoprostone (PGE2) or double-balloon catheter. The primary outcome was time from induction to active labor. Time to labor, neonatal outcomes and maternal satisfaction were also compared., Result: Baseline characteristics were similar. Time from induction to active labor (13 with PGE2 vs 19.5 h with double-balloon catheter; P = 0.243) was comparable, with no differences in cesarean rates (15.4 vs 7.7%; P = 0.668) or neonatal outcomes. The PGE2 group had higher incidence of early device removal (76.9 vs 26.9%; P = 0.0001), mostly because of active labor or non-reassuring fetal heart rate. Fewer PGE2 patients required oxytocin augmentation for labor induction (53.8 vs 84.6% P = 0.034). Time to delivery was significantly shorter with PGE2 (16 vs 20.5 h; P = 0. 045)., Conclusion: Intravaginal PGE2 and double-balloon catheter are comparable methods for cervical ripening in term pregnancies with oligohydramnios.

Background: Oligohydramnios is sometimes associated with poor perinatal outcome. Our aim was to determine the association of Doppler flowmetry with perinatal outcome in patients with oligohydramnios., Methods: We carried out a prospective cross-sectional study that included 130 patients with pregnancy between 30 to 41 weeks of gestation; we compared the measurement of the resistance index in the umbilical artery by Doppler flowmetry and the measurement of amniotic fluid in patients with oligohydramnios. A follow-up of patients after birth was made, recording the Apgar score and whether they required special attention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values of the tests., Results: Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were obtained for oligohydramnios associated to perinatal death and for five-minute Apgar, with results of 100, 0, 50 % and 0, 0, 0 % respectively. The resistance index of umbilical artery related to perinatal death had sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 100, 96 and 98 %, while in the Apgar were 0, 95 and 47.5 %, respectively., Conclusions: Doppler flowmetry of the umbilical artery showed a higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy to diagnose perinatal death than the measurement of oligohydramnios and the Apgar score.

In the Western world, the diagnosis and management of Plasmodium vivax malaria in pregnant women can be challenging, and the pathogenesis of adverse outcomes for both the mother and the foetus is still poorly known. The authors describe the case of a 29-year-old Pakistani woman at the 29th week of her second pregnancy, who was admitted to the Hospital following the abrupt onset of fever. At the time of admission, she had been living in Italy without travelling to any malaria-endemic areas for eight months. She was diagnosed with vivax malaria after a thin blood smear revealed the presence of plasmodial trophozoites and gametocytes and treated accordingly. Due to the onset of oligohydramnios, she underwent caesarian section at the 31st week of pregnancy with no further complications. Histological examination of the placenta showed no evidence of plasmodial infection, but was inconclusive. It is unclear whether oligohydramnios is a complication of pregnancy-related Plasmodium vivax malaria. Given the long latency of hypnozoites, every febrile pregnant patient with a previous stay in an endemic area should be screened for malaria with a thick and a thin blood smear.

Objectives: To determine whether a borderline amniotic fluid index (AFI) in the third trimester is associated with an increased rate of cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance of labor, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and intrauterine growth restriction, among other adverse perinatal outcomes., Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of a borderline AFI between January 2008 and August 2012 were identified. Antepartum, delivery, and neonatal data were collected and compared to a cohort with a normal AFI., Results: We enrolled 739 patients, including 177 with a borderline AFI (>5 and <10 cm) and 562 with a normal AFI (≥ 10-24 cm); 360 patients delivered at University of Arizona Medical Center, and 379 delivered at St Joseph's Hospital. Combined and individual analyses of each center revealed no significant difference in fetal intolerance of labor (P = .19) or cesarean delivery for fetal intolerance (P = .074) between cohorts. In both settings, patients with a borderline AFI were more likely than those with a normal AFI to undergo antepartum testing (P < .001). A statistically significant increase in intrauterine growth restriction in the borderline AFI group was noted, with a calculated risk ratio of 13.76 (P < .001). There was no difference between groups for meconium-stained amniotic fluid (P = .23), neonatal intensive care unit admission (P = .054), preterm delivery (P = .31), or operative vaginal delivery (P = .45)., Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that there is no difference in the rate of fetal intolerance of labor in pregnancies with a borderline AFI and those with a normal AFI. Pregnancies complicated by a borderline AFI are more likely to undergo antepartum testing, yet the benefit is unclear. Significantly more patients with a borderline AFI had underlying growth restriction, which may provide a useful tool for risk stratification in the management of a borderline AFI.

Objective: To present prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 2., Materials and Methods: A 29-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of abnormal maternal serum screening, and the cytogenetic result was 47,XY,+2[8]/46,XY[22]. She underwent repeated amniocentesis at 19 weeks of gestation. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) were performed on uncultured amniocytes. Ultrasound at 22 weeks of gestation revealed severe oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth restriction, and ventricular septal defect. The pregnancy was terminated at 22 weeks of gestation. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on parental blood, cultured amniocytes, cord blood, skin, liver, lung, umbilical cord, amnion, and placenta. aCGH analysis was performed on cord blood, skin, and liver., Results: In the samples of uncultured amniocytes, interphase FISH detected 11.1% (13/117) mosaicism for trisomy 2, aCGH analysis showed the result of arr [hg19] 2p25.3q37.3 (0-242,936,883)×2.46, and QF-PCR excluded uniparental disomy 2. QF-PCR on placenta revealed trisomy 2 derived from maternal meiosis I non-disjunction. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the following results: cultured amniocytes: 46,XY[21 colonies]; cord blood: 46,XY[40 cells]; skin: 46,XY[40 cells]; lung: 46,XY[40 cells]; liver: 47,XY,+2[4 cells]/46,XY[36 cells]; umbilical cord: 47,XY,+2[4 cells]/46,XY[36 cells]; amniotic membrane: 47,XY,+2[20 cells]/46,XY[20 cells]; and placenta: 47,XY,+2[40 cells]. The fetus postnatally manifested facial dysmorphism and preaxial polydactyly of the hand., Conclusion: Interphase FISH and aCGH analyses on uncultured amniocytes are useful for rapid confirmation of low-level mosaic trisomy 2 at amniocentesis., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V.)