Article
Acoustics
Angelo Sirico, Anke Diemert, Peter Glosemeyer, Kurt Hecher
Summary: This study found a correlation between umbilical artery pulsatility index and estimated fetal weight percentile and birthweight percentile, with low UA-PI independently associated with neonatal LGA. The results suggest that the higher the EFW and BW percentiles, the lower the UA-PI.
ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Zara Jabeen, Raham Bacha, Zain-ul-Hassan, Mehreen Fatima, Iqra Manzoor, Iqra Ramzan, Maida Iyaz
Summary: This study found that oligohydramnios may lead to vascular remodeling of the UA and MCA, and as gestational age increases, Doppler indices may rise.
JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Meirav Segev, Alina Weissmann-Brenner, Tal Weissbach, Eran Kassif, Boaz Weisz
Summary: The study evaluated the intra-observer variability of MCA and UA Doppler measurements in term, uncomplicated pregnancies. MCA indices showed higher intra-rater/observer agreement compared to UA pulsatility index. MCA-PI was significantly correlated with fetal biometric parameters and birthweight.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Elshymaa A. Abdelnaby, Ibrahim A. Emam, Hossam R. El-Sherbiny, Aya M. Fadl
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the pulsed wave spectral indices of the middle uterine artery and placental development in pregnant jennies during mid-late pregnancies, and establish umbilical Doppler values for different ages and gestational months. The results showed significant changes in the blood flow indices of the uterus and umbilical arteries during pregnancy.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Developmental Biology
Alexandros A. Moraitis, Thomas Bainton, Ulla Sovio, Peter Brocklehurst, Alexander E. P. Heazell, Jim G. Thornton, Stephen C. Robson, Aris Papageorghiou, Gordon C. S. Smith
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of universal third trimester umbilical artery (UA) Doppler in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results showed that UA Doppler has moderate predictive accuracy for small for gestational age but not for neonatal morbidity indicators in unselected and low-risk pregnancies.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Olga Buerger, Tania Elger, Antonia Varthaliti, Argyro Syngelaki, Alan Wright, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: In this study, we found that maternal characteristics and medical history can be used to predict the risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), with a higher risk in twin pregnancies. Factors such as maternal age, weight, family history, racial background, and conception method all influence the risk of GDM.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
U. Nowacka, I Papastefanou, A. Bouariu, A. Syngelaki, R. Akolekar, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study investigates the additional value of second-trimester placental growth factor (PlGF) in predicting small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and examines second-trimester contingent screening strategies. The results show that the combination of maternal risk factors, estimated fetal weight (EFW), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI), and PlGF significantly improves the prediction of SGA compared to maternal risk factors alone. However, the incremental improvement decreases when PlGF is added to screening with a combination of maternal risk factors, EFW, and UtA-PI. By reserving measurements of UtA-PI and PlGF for a certain percentage of the population, similar detection rates and false-positive rates can be achieved. The study concludes that the combination of maternal risk factors, EFW, UtA-PI, and PlGF provides an effective prediction of SGA in the second trimester.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephen Contag, Silvia Visentin, Katherine Goetzinger, Erich Cosmi
Summary: The study compared the effectiveness of cerebral-placental ratio (CPR) and cerebral-renal ratio (CRR) in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes among growth-restricted fetuses. The results showed that the umbilical artery pulsatility index performed the best in detecting composite adverse neonatal outcomes, with no additional benefit from using CRR compared to CPR. The data did not support the use of renal artery Doppler as a useful clinical test for identifying fetuses at risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrea Pisesky, Zhong-Cheng Luo, Edgar Jaeggi, Greg Ryan, Johannes Keunen, Tim Van Mieghem
Summary: In fetal congenital complete heart block, fetal Doppler measurements are affected by the slow heart rate. The umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Dopplers in fetuses with heart block showed increased values but remained associated with placental function and fetal outcome. Longitudinal measurements may be useful in monitoring the well-being of fetuses with heart block.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sam Mathewlynn, Sridevi Beriwal, Christos Ioannou, Angelo Cavallaro, Lawrence Impey
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the risk of placental dysfunction and adverse outcomes in appropriately grown fetuses with a raised umbilical artery pulsatility index. The results showed that fetuses with a high pulsatility index were more likely to develop growth restriction markers and have an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age at birth. These findings suggest that the umbilical artery pulsatility index can be used as a predictor for adverse outcomes.
JOURNAL OF MATERNAL-FETAL & NEONATAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juan Carlos Bustos, Denise Vega, Waldo Sepulveda
Summary: The study analyzed umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry in second- and third-trimester fetuses with trisomy 18 and 13, finding a high prevalence of abnormal Doppler velocimetry that increased with gestational age. This suggests placental insufficiency may play a significant role in the development of fetal growth restriction in these aneuploid fetuses.
JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Jie Zhang, Shouchun Wang, Ying Chen, Cong Li, Lijuan Wang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate patients with MCA disease with different morphologies using ultrasound. The findings suggest that the bilateral VMCA ratio can be used to predict long stenosis and focal occlusion, while the bilateral VICA ratio can be used to predict long stenosis. There were no significant changes in the focal lesion group. Endovascular treatment might not be recommended when the bilateral VICA ratio is <0.84.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
A. O. Nnamani, C. U. Ibewuike, P. C. Okere, E. N. Obikili
Summary: The study found that IUGR fetuses had higher UA flow velocimetric indices compared with normal fetuses, with UA systolic/diastolic (S/D) ratio showing the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting IUGR. The study concluded that UA Doppler study is highly sensitive in the prediction of IUGR.
NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wenjie Zhang, Le Yang, Shuli Wang, Lin Wang, Haixian Li, Keshi Yang
Summary: This study compared the positivity rate of bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) monitoring with unilateral MCA monitoring for right-to-left shunt (RLS) detection. The results showed that bilateral MCA monitoring had a slightly higher positivity rate compared to unilateral monitoring, especially for detecting mild RLS.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kanchon Kanti Podder, Muhammad E. H. Chowdhury, Somaya Al-Maadeed, Naima Nasrin Nisha, Sakib Mahmud, Fatema Hamadelneil, Taif Almkhlef, Hind Aljofairi, Adam Mushtak, Amith Khandakar, Susu Zughaier
Summary: To detect severe brain conditions accurately and early, a classification system based on transcranial doppler ultrasound is proposed. With the help of manual labeling and pre-processing using CycleGAN, a two-stream deep learning model called DopplerNet2+ is developed, achieving high accuracy and sensitivity for the classification issue.
BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alan Wright, Peter von Dadelszen, Laura A. Magee, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar, Dave Wright, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study examined the effect of self-declared race on serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and its impact on the prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE). The results showed that compared to white women, black, South Asian, East Asian, and mixed race women had higher mean PlGF levels and lower sFlt-1/PlGF ratios.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
A. Arechvo, A. Wright, A. Syngelaki, P. von Dadelszen, L. A. Magee, R. Akolekar, D. Wright, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and the incidence of pre-eclampsia (PE), assess the distribution of IMD in a diverse cohort of pregnant women, and evaluate whether IMD improves the prediction of PE compared to a "history-only" competing-risks model. The results showed that the incidence of PE increased across IMD quintiles, and black women had a higher incidence of PE. However, IMD did not improve the prediction of PE compared to race and other maternal characteristics.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sani Tsz Kei Wong, So Ling Lau, Christopher Pak Hey Chiu, Patricia Nga Ping Ip, Lo Wong, Dorota Sys, Anna Kajdy, Liona Chiu Yee Poon
Summary: This study assessed the anxiety and depression levels of pregnant women in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the influence of demographic, economic, and social factors on these levels. The findings showed that pregnant women with psychiatric illness had higher scores in anxiety and depression. Factors such as financial difficulty, education, and in-vitro fertilization were associated with higher levels of depression, while partner support was associated with reduced levels of depression and anxiety. Therefore, addressing the needs of pregnant women with psychiatric illness and providing partner support are crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yi Man Isabella Wah, Ye Cao, Chun Yiu Law, Kwong Wai Choy, Tak Yeung Leung, Hoi Wan Angel Kwan, Liona C. Poon Poon
Summary: This article reports a case of recurrent congenital microcephaly in a Chinese family. Two affected fetuses presented with microcephaly early in the second trimester with agenesis of the corpus callosum. Whole-exome sequencing analysis detected two compound heterozygous candidate variants in the SASS6 gene, but the pathomechanism is still unknown.
FETAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sumaiya Adam, Harold David McIntyre, Kit Ying Tsoi, Anil Kapur, Ronald C. Ma, Stephanie Dias, Pius Okong, Moshe Hod, Liona C. Poon, Graeme N. Smith, Lina Bergman, Esraa Algurjia, Patrick O'Brien, Virna P. Medina, Cynthia Maxwell, Lesley Regan, Mary L. Rosser, Bo Jacobsson, Mark A. Hanson, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects approximately 17 million pregnancies worldwide. Women with a history of GDM are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease compared to those without prior GDM. Although prevention and delayed progression of GDM to type 2 diabetes is possible, it is not widely practiced. Considering the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes and CVD in women globally, it is crucial to utilize pregnancy as an opportunity for early identification and preventive intervention.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Cynthia Maxwell, Rachelle Shirley, Amy C. O'Higgins, Mary L. Rosser, Patrick O'Brien, Moshe Hod, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Virna P. Medina, Graeme N. Smith, Mark A. Hanson, Sumaiya Adam, Ronald C. Ma, Anil Kapur, Harold David McIntyre, Bo Jacobsson, Liona C. Poon, Lina Bergman, Lesley Regan, Esraa Algurjia, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Obesity is a chronic, progressive, relapsing, and treatable neurobehavioral disease that affects women's health and requires a focus on optimizing health outcomes rather than weight loss. Appropriate and sensitive language, as well as trauma-informed care, is necessary when discussing obesity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Liona C. Poon, Long Nguyen-Hoang, Graeme N. Smith, Lina Bergman, Patrick O'Brien, Moshe Hod, Pius Okong, Anil Kapur, Cynthia Maxwell, Harold David McIntyre, Bo Jacobsson, Esraa Algurjia, Mark A. Hanson, Mary L. Rosser, Ronald C. Ma, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Lesley Regan, Sumaiya Adam, Virna P. Medina, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, accounting for 16% of maternal deaths in high-income countries and approximately 25% in low- and middle-income countries. HDP increases the risk of future cardiovascular disease. Failure to achieve normal cardiovascular adaptation during pregnancy is associated with the development of HDP. Women with a history of HDP may experience long-term hemodynamic alterations, predisposing them to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is crucial to identify underlying cardiovascular risk factors during pregnancy and the postpartum period and develop strategies for lifestyle and therapeutic interventions to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease in women with a history of HDP.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah Louise Killeen, Niamh Donnellan, Sharleen L. O'Reilly, Mark A. Hanson, Mary L. Rosser, Virna P. Medina, Chandni Maria Jacob, Hema Divakar, Moshe Hod, Liona C. Poon, Lina Bergman, Patrick O'Brien, Anil Kapur, Bo Jacobsson, Cynthia Maxwell, Harold David McIntyre, Lesley Regan, Esraa Algurjia, Ronald C. Ma, Sumaiya Adam, Fionnuala M. McAuliffe
Summary: The period before and during pregnancy is crucial for addressing malnutrition and reducing noncommunicable disease risks. The FIGO Nutrition Checklist is a tool designed to address these issues by assessing dietary requirements, body mass index, diet quality, and micronutrients. It generates awareness, identifies risks, and collects information for health-promoting conversations between women and healthcare professionals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Lai Ling Hui, Karene H. T. Yeung, Ka Ming Chow, Liona C. Poon, Patricia L. S. Ip, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: Barriers to breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong include mother-baby separations in hospitals and vaccine safety concerns. However, the pandemic has also created new opportunities to support breastfeeding, such as receiving post-natal care from family doctors, online antenatal classes, work-from-home policies, and telemedicine.
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Adriana Aquise, Nieves Rayo, Irene Fernandez-Buhigas, Ana Alfonso, Natalia Pagola, Miguel Rodriguez, Laura de Miguel, Irene Santacruz, Santiago Valor, Liona C. Poon, Maria M. Gil, Belen Santacruz
Summary: The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among first-trimester pregnant women was 8.2% between January 1 and May 15, 2020. Seropositive women did not show significant differences in complications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Lin Gao, Vrinda Mathur, Sabrina Ka Man Tam, Xuemeng Zhou, Ming Fung Cheung, Lu Yan Chan, Guadalupe Estrada-Gutierrez, Bo Wah Leung, Sakita Moungmaithong, Chi Chiu Wang, Liona C. Poon, Danny Leung
Summary: Recent studies have found that COVID-19 infection can cause disruptions in the maternal-fetal interface, potentially leading to pregnancy complications. By analyzing transcriptomic and epigenomic data from COVID-19 patients and control samples, researchers discovered abnormal immune activation and angiogenesis patterns in specific cells, as well as dysregulation of retrotransposons. In particular, they found that reduced enhancer activities of LTR8B elements were linked to downregulation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein genes in syncytiotrophoblasts.
NATURE CELL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sakita K. Moungmaithong, Angel H. S. Kwan, Ada W. Tse, Natalie K. C. Wong, Michelle S. S. Lam, Jing Wang, Liona C. Poon, Daljit S. Sahota
Summary: International professional organizations recommend aspirin prophylaxis to women at high risk for preterm preeclampsia (PE) in the first trimester. However, the UK Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) screening test using mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UTPI), and placental growth factor (PlGF) has shown lower detection rates (DRs) in Asian population studies. Additional biomarkers are needed in Asian women to improve screening for preterm and term PE.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel, Kenean Getaneh Tlaye, Ling Wu, Liona C. Poon, Chi Chiu Wang
Summary: This meta-analysis confirmed that platelet count was significantly lower in preeclamptic women, irrespective of severity and presence or absence of associated complications, even before the onset of preeclampsia and in the second trimester of pregnancy. Our findings suggest that platelet count may be a potential marker to identify and predict preeclampsia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY MFM
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Yan Yu Li, Wing Yi Lok, Liona C. Poon, Choi Wah Kong, William W. K. To
Summary: The objective of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women and to compare their anxiety and knowledge on COVID-19 with a previous study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in antenatal clinics in Hong Kong, China. The results showed that pregnant women in the current survey were less worried about COVID-19 compared to the previous survey.
MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Catherine Cluver, Christianne de Groot, Ben W. Mol, Kellie E. Murphy, Jane E. Norman, Rodolfo Pacagnella, Kirsten Palmer, Liona C. Poon, Daniel L. Rolnik, Catherine Y. Spong, Sarah J. Stock, Shakila Thangaratinam, Stephen Tong, Corine Verhoeven, Lan N. Vuong, Sue P. Walker, Liu Xiaohua