Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chih-Ping Chen, Fei-Hua Lan, Schu-Rern Chern, Peih-Shan Wu, Shin-Wen Chen, Fang-Tzu Wu, Chen-Chi Lee, Meng-Shan Lee, Chen-Wen Pan, Yun-Yi Chen, Wayseen Wang
Summary: Prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 16 by amniocentesis can be associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and abnormal first-trimester screening results. Detailed genetic analysis using molecular techniques can provide valuable information for the prognosis and clinical management of this condition. In this case, a favorable outcome was achieved, suggesting that mosaic trisomy 16 may have a good prognosis.
TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Acoustics
E. Meler, R. J. Martinez-Portilla, J. Caradeux, E. Mazarico, C. Gil-Armas, D. Boada, J. Martinez, P. Carrillo, M. Camacho, F. Figueras
Summary: This study investigates the performance of severe smallness in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes among fetuses with suspected late-onset small-for-gestational age (SGA). Although suspected severe SGA is associated with a higher risk of perinatal complications, it performs poorly as a standalone parameter in predicting adverse perinatal outcome.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
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
Urszula Nowacka, Ioannis Papastefanou, Alexandra Bouariu, Argyro Syngelaki, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: A new approach for predicting SGA, considering it a spectrum condition, has better predictive ability than traditional methods. However, the study found that second trimester levels of sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF are not useful in screening for SGA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dionysios Vrachnis, Nikolaos Antonakopoulos, Alexandros Fotiou, Vasilios Pergialiotis, Nikolaos Loukas, Georgios Valsamakis, Christos Iavazzo, Sofoklis Stavros, Georgios Maroudias, Periklis Panagopoulos, Nikolaos Vlahos, Melpomeni Peppa, Theodoros Stefos, George Mastorakos
Summary: Fetal growth disturbances pose risks for perinatal morbidity and mortality, but little is known about the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Apelin, an adipokine, has been investigated for its role in fetal growth restriction. This study measured apelin and insulin concentrations in early second-trimester fetuses and found a trend of decreasing apelin concentrations as birthweight increased. Amniotic fluid apelin concentrations may be a predictive factor for identifying the risk of a fetus being born large for gestational age.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ali Abbara, Maya Al-Memar, Maria Phylactou, Elisabeth Daniels, Bijal Patel, Pei C. Eng, Rans Nadir, Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya, Sophie A. Clarke, Edouard G. Mills, Tia Hunjan, Ewa Pacuszka, Lisa Yang, Paul Bech, Tricia Tan, Alexander N. Comninos, Tom W. Kelsey, Christopher Kyriacou, Hanine Fourie, Tom Bourne, Waljit S. Dhillo
Summary: Our study aimed to evaluate the changes in circulating kisspeptin levels in women with antenatal complications. The results showed that third-trimester kisspeptin levels were higher in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) but lower in those with fetal growth restriction (FGR). We found that the odds of HDP increased by 30% and the odds of FGR decreased by 28% for every 1 nmol/L increase in plasma kisspeptin.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stephanie Springer, Katharina Worda, Marie Franz, Eva Karner, Elisabeth Krampl-Bettelheim, Christof Worda
Summary: Early prediction of fetal growth restriction is important for treatment options and neonatal outcomes. This study assessed the association of parameters used in first-trimester screening and the development of fetal growth restriction. The findings showed that PAPP-A levels and uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index weresignificantly associated with fetal growth restriction.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Anastasios Potiris, Antigoni Manousopoulou, Andreas Zouridis, Polyxeni-Maria Sarli, Panagiota Pervanidou, George Eliades, Despina N. Perrea, Efthymios Deligeoroglou, Spiros D. Garbis, Makarios Eleftheriades
Summary: The study demonstrated that both FGR and non-FGR neonates undergo adaptive neurodevelopmental processes, leading to altered cellular morphology, chronic stress, and poor memory and learning outcomes. Additionally, it highlighted the increased risk of impaired cognitive and developmental outcomes in both FGR and appropriately grown neonates exposed to prenatal food deprivation.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chih-Ping Chen, Shin-Wen Chen, Liang-Kai Wang, Schu-Rern Chern, Peih-Shan Wu, Fang-Tzu Wu, Li-Feng Chen, Wayseen Wang
Summary: This article presents a case of a pregnant woman with abnormal first-trimester maternal serum screening results, including low levels of PAPP-A and PlGF, fetal ultrasound showing congenital heart defects, and a false negative result in NIPT. Amniocentesis revealed a deletion of the 4q34.1/qter region, and fetal ultrasound showed cardiac abnormalities and other structural abnormalities. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis confirmed the fetal abnormalities.
TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
I. Papastefanou, D. Wright, A. Syngelaki, K. Souretis, E. Chrysanthopoulou, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study developed a new competing-risks model for predicting small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates based on maternal factors and biophysical and biochemical markers at 11-13 weeks' gestation. The model showed improved prediction for SGA cases with increasing prematurity, severity of smallness, coexistence of pre-eclampsia, and number of biomarkers. The new model was well-calibrated and could be used for personalized antenatal care plans.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
David Wright, Min Yi Tan, Neil O'Gorman, Argyro Syngelaki, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study compares the predictive performance of PlGF and PAPP-A in screening for preterm-PE, and finds that PlGF performs better than PAPP-A.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
I. Papastefanou, U. Nowacka, A. Syngelaki, V. Dragoi, G. Karamanis, D. Wright, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study demonstrated that adding second-trimester estimated fetal weight (EFW) improves the prediction of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates, particularly in cases of prematurity and severe smallness. Screening based on maternal characteristics and EFW can more accurately identify SGA neonates, enhancing the model's accuracy.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikolaos Vrachnis, Savvas Argyridis, Dionysios Vrachnis, Nikolaos Antonakopoulos, Georgios Valsamakis, Christos Iavazzo, Dimitrios Zygouris, Nikolaos Salakos, Alexandros Rodolakis, Nikolaos Vlahos, George Mastorakos, Peter Drakakis, Zoi Iliodromiti
Summary: The study found that both FGF21 and insulin concentrations increased in cases of abnormal fetal growth. Higher levels of these hormones were observed in fetuses with restricted growth (SGA) or macrosomia (LGA).
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dorota Darmochwal-Kolarz, Anita Chara
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the role of IL-17, PlGF, sENG, and the PlGF/sENG ratio in pregnancy complicated by PE and normal pregnancy. It was found that IL-17 concentrations were significantly higher in PE patients compared to controls. IL-17 levels were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and negatively correlated with neonatal birth weight in PE patients. Furthermore, PLGF concentrations were significantly lower and sENG concentrations were significantly higher in PE patients. The PlGF/sENG ratio was significantly lower in the PE group, and the sENG concentrations were negatively correlated with thrombocyte levels. These findings suggest the potential use of IL-17 as a marker for risk of FGR in PE and the potential role of sENG and the PlGF/sENG ratio in predicting adverse outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
A. Iannaccone, B. Reisch, L. Mavarani, M. Darkwah Oppong, R. Kimmig, P. Mach, B. Schmidt, A. Koeninger, A. Gellhaus
Summary: The angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and PlGF are known to play a role in the detection of preeclampsia (PE). Recent data suggests that sEng may also contribute to the development of PE. This study found a correlation between sEng and sFlt-1/PlGF, and observed higher levels of these factors in cases of PE and HELLP syndrome. The study concludes that sEng performs similarly to sFlt-1/PlGF in detecting placental dysfunctions.
HYPERTENSION IN PREGNANCY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ioannis Papastefanou, Urszula Nowacka, Argyro Syngelaki, Tanvi Mansukhani, George Karamanis, David Wright, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to develop a new competing risks model for the prediction of small-for-gestational-age neonates based on a combination of maternal demographic characteristics and medical history with sonographic estimated fetal weight, uterine artery pulsatility index, and mean arterial pressure. The model showed superior performance in screening for small-for-gestational-age neonates compared to screening by maternal characteristics and medical history alone. The model demonstrated good calibration and detection rates in both the training and test data sets, confirming its internal validity.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yada Kunpalin, Jan Deprest, Ioannis Papastefanou, Emma Bredaki, Adalina Sacco, Francesca Russo, Jute Richter, Katrien Jansen, Sebastien Ourselin, Paolo De Coppi, Anna L. David, Fred Ushakov, Luc De Catte
Summary: In fetuses with isolated spina bifida aperta, nearly three-quarters had abnormal corpus callosum (CC), most commonly with partial agenesis in the splenium and rostrum. Larger lateral ventricle size was associated with partial agenesis of the CC.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Lennart van der Veeken, Annalisa Inversetti, Angela Galgano, Tom Bleeser, Ioannis Papastefanou, Johannes van de Merwe, Steffen Rex, Jan Deprest
Summary: The study conducted in a rabbit model suggests that fetal medications during fetal surgery do not have short-term neurocognitive effects.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
I Papastefanou, U. Nowacka, O. Buerger, R. Akolekar, D. Wright, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: The detection rate for neonates that were SGA using the competing risk approach is almost double than that obtained with the RCOG guideline, indicating that the competing risks model performs better in predicting SGA infants compared to the existing RCOG guideline.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(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
Urszula Nowacka, Ioannis Papastefanou, Alexandra Bouariu, Argyro Syngelaki, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: A new approach for predicting SGA, considering it a spectrum condition, has better predictive ability than traditional methods. However, the study found that second trimester levels of sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF are not useful in screening for SGA.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kypros H. Nicolaides, Ioannis Papastefanou, Argyro Syngelaki, Ghalia Ashoor, Ranjit Akolekar
Summary: This study aimed to assess the predictive performance of a competing risks model for stillbirths related to placental dysfunction, based on a combination of maternal risk factors, estimated fetal weight, and uterine artery pulsatility index. The performance of this model was compared to a stillbirth-specific model and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) guideline. The results showed that the competing risks model had similar predictive performance to the stillbirth-specific model and performed better than the RCOG guideline.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
G. Ashoor, A. Syngelaki, I Papastefanou, K. H. Nicolaides, R. Akolekar
Summary: The study demonstrates that a model combining maternal risk factors, UtA-PI, and EFW at 19-24 weeks' gestation can effectively predict antepartum stillbirths due to impaired placentation, especially those occurring preterm.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
David Basurto, Francesca Maria Russo, Ioannis Papastefanou, Emma Bredaki, Karel Allegaert, Africa Pertierra, Anne Debeer, Luc De Catte, Liesbeth Lewi, Roland Devlieger, Paolo De Coppi, Eduard Gratacos, Olga Gomez, Jan Deprest
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and explore the predictors and contribution of PAH to mortality prediction. The results showed that PAH was associated with observed/expected-lung/head-ratio and fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion on postnatal day 1, and its occurrence further increased the risk of death. Antenatal prediction of PAH was limited, highlighting the need for more accurate predictors.
PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
I Papastefanou, V Thanopoulou, S. Dimopoulou, A. Syngelaki, R. Akolekar, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study developed a competing-risks model for predicting SGA neonates by incorporating sonographically estimated fetal weight (EFW) and biomarkers of impaired placentation at 36 weeks' gestation. The performance of the new model was compared with that of the traditional EFW < 10th percentile cut-off. The new model showed better predictive performance, especially when there was a longer time interval between assessment and delivery.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ioannis Papastefanou, David Wright, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to stratify pregnancy care for high-risk pregnancies at risk of delivering small for gestational age neonates based on the application of a competing-risks model that combines maternal factors with sonographic estimated fetal weight and uterine artery pulsatility index at midgestation.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Acoustics
I. Papastefanou, K. H. Nicolaides, L. J. Salomon
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
G. Albaiges, I. Papastefanou, I. Rodriguez, P. Prats, M. Echevarria, M. A. Rodriguez, A. Rodriguez Melcon
Summary: This study examines the external validity of the new Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) competing-risks model for predicting small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates in midgestation. The study finds that the model performs well in a large independent Spanish population.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
I. Papastefanou, E. Gyokova, B. Gungil, A. Syngelaki, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aims to investigate the association between birth weight and gestational age at delivery with adverse neonatal outcomes and describe the distribution of adverse neonatal outcomes within different risk strata derived from a population stratification scheme based on the midgestation risk assessment for small-for-gestational-age neonates. The results showed that birth weight has a continuous association with adverse neonatal outcomes, influenced by gestational age. Pregnancies at high risk of small-for-gestational-age, estimated at midgestation, are also at increased risk for adverse neonatal outcomes.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ioannis Papastefanou, Ghalia Ashoor, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between antepartum stillbirth and the distribution of neonatal/fetal weight for different gestational ages. The study found a continuous association between fetal weight and the weight of antepartum stillbirth, which was influenced by gestational age. The highest risk of stillbirth occurred in fetuses with weights below the 1st percentile between 24 and 28 weeks' gestation.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)