Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Gaelle Ambroise Grandjean, Laura Le Gall, Laurence Bourguignon, Adeline Collin, Gabriela Hossu, Olivier Morel
Summary: This study assessed the impact of sonographer experience and image quality on the accuracy of fetal weight estimation. The results showed that both experience and image score were associated with estimation errors, and the score had an appropriate positive predictive value for accurate weight estimation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GYNECOLOGY & OBSTETRICS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Cheng-Yang Hu, Xiao-Jing Yang, Si-Yu Gui, Kun Ding, Kai Huang, Yuan Fang, Zheng-Xuan Jiang, Xiu-Jun Zhang
Summary: The study found a potential positive association between residential greenness and several birth outcomes. However, further research is needed to replicate these findings and explore their implications in more detail, given the moderate to high between-study heterogeneity.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Acoustics
C. Briffa, O. Stirrup, C. Huddy, J. Richards, S. Shetty, K. Reed, A. Khalil
Summary: This study constructed chorionicity-specific birth-weight reference charts for twin pregnancies and found that the median birth weight of twins was consistently lower than that of singletons, with variation in median birth weight at different gestational ages according to chorionicity.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lilia Bliznashka, Aditi Roy, Lindsay M. Jaacks
Summary: The impact of pesticide exposure on child growth and birth outcomes in low-and middle-income countries remains inconclusive. Further studies with accurate data are needed to understand the influence of pesticides on child growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marlos Melo Martins, Antonio Jose Ledo Alves da Cunha, Jaqueline Rodrigues Robaina, Carlos Eduardo Raymundo, Arnaldo Prata Barbosa, Roberto de Andrade Medronho
Summary: The study analyzed 21 cohort studies and found that among fetuses/neonates of pregnant women with Zika virus infection during pregnancy, central nervous system abnormalities had the highest prevalence rate.
Article
Acoustics
L. Frei, A. Wright, A. Syngelaki, R. Akolekar, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: In pregnancies complicated by preterm PE, a high proportion of neonates are small-for-gestational age, and sonographic EFW at mid-gestation can improve the prediction of early and preterm PE provided by maternal risk factors and MAP but not the prediction provided by a combination of maternal risk factors, MAP and UtA-PI.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
David M. Evans, Rachel M. Freathy
Summary: This study utilized extensive pedigree data from the Icelandic population to identify genetic effects on birth weight that differ according to parental origin, and to distinguish the contributions from the maternal intrauterine environment and offspring genetics on fetal growth.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Marisa A. Patti, Noelle B. Henderson, Priya Gajjar, Melissa Eliot, Medina Jackson-Browne, Joseph M. Braun
Summary: The results of the study suggest a stronger inverse association between triclosan exposure and infant birth weight in populations with higher triclosan exposure, but no significant association with GA-standardized birth weight.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
J. M. Wright, A. L. Lee, K. M. Rappazzo, H. Ru, E. G. Radke, T. F. Bateson
Summary: A systematic review of 34 studies found that each ln PFNA increase was associated with a mean decrease in birth weight (BWT) of 32.9 grams. The impact of PFNA on BWT varied depending on the timing of sample collection and study confidence. Studies that collected samples in earlier pregnancy periods showed smaller BWT deficits, while those with mid- to late-pregnancy or post-partum samples showed larger deficits.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanyan Dou, Yin Yin, Zhi Li, Jiangbo Du, Yangqian Jiang, Tao Jiang, Wenhui Guo, Rui Qin, Mei Li, Hong Lv, Qun Lu, Yun Qiu, Yuan Lin, Guangfu Jin, Chuncheng Lu, Hongxia Ma, Zhibin Hu
Summary: Previous studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to metals may affect fetal growth, but few studies have investigated the relationship between exposure to multiple metals and fetal growth. This study used data from the JBC study and found a negative association between maternal metal exposure and fetal growth, particularly with exposure to Cr, Pb, and Tl.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Andreas Vernunft, Anja Eggert, Klaus-Peter Brussow
Summary: This study aimed to identify suitable anatomical fetal structures for monitoring physiological growth dynamics by ultrasound examinations and to estimate fetal weight using appropriate mathematical models. 198 fetuses of 15 primiparous Landrace sows were examined by ultrasound on different gestational days. Several parameters were measured, and reference curves were established. Linear models and cubic equations were used for weight estimation. The results showed that biparietal distance, rostro-occipital distance, and abdominal circumference were the most suitable parameters for fetal weight estimation.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dingfeng Zhang, Taniya S. Nagpal, Cristina Silva-Jose, Miguel Sanchez-Polan, Javier Gil-Ares, Ruben Barakat
Summary: This article summarizes the effects of physical activity during pregnancy on fetal development and newborn birth weight. The study found that physical activity during pregnancy can reduce the risk of macrosomia, but no other significant effects were found.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Carrie A. Sibbald, Jennifer L. Nicholas, Melissa Chapnick, Naima Ross, Patricia L. Gandor, William F. Waters, Ivan Palacios, Lora L. Iannotti
Summary: This pilot study in resource-limited clinics in Ecuador used portable ultrasound to investigate the association between fetal anthropometry, fetal brain development, and maternal diet among pregnant women. The findings revealed associations between nutrition-related fetal anthropometry and brain structures, demonstrating the potential for prenatal nutrition research using ultrasound in the field.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu, Jennifer Dunne, Gizachew Assefa Tessema, Ben Mullins, Bernard Kumi-Boateng, Michelle Lee Bell, Bereket Duko, Gavin Pereira
Summary: This study systematically reviewed and evaluated the associations between air pollutants and birth outcomes, finding plausible causal effects and consistent positive associations. However, more high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Tiechao Ruan, Yan Yue, Wenting Lu, Ruixi Zhou, Tao Xiong, Yin Jiang, Junjie Ying, Jun Tang, Jing Shi, Hua Wang, Guoguang Xiao, Jinhui Li, Yi Qu, Dezhi Mu
Summary: Exposure to low ambient temperature during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Pregnant women in late pregnancy and those exposed to extremely low temperatures are more likely to experience preterm births. Pregnant women living in medium or hot areas and Asians and Blacks are more susceptible to the effects of low ambient temperature than those in cold areas and Caucasians.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(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, D. A. Nikolaidi, M. M. Gil, V. Rolle, A. Syngelaki, R. Akolekar, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to examine the relationship between the English index of multiple deprivation (IMD) and the incidence of stillbirth and evaluate whether IMD contributes to the prediction of stillbirth provided by maternal demographic characteristics and elements of medical history. The study found that women living in the most deprived areas in South East England had higher rates of stillbirth, particularly placental dysfunction-related stillbirth. However, including IMD in stillbirth screening did not improve the prediction provided by race, other maternal characteristics, and elements of medical history.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(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
Peter von Dadelszen, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar, Laura A. Magee, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to compare the relative burdens of maternal and perinatal complications for preterm and term pre-eclampsia. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in two English maternity units, including unselected women with singleton pregnancies who developed pre-eclampsia. The results showed that preterm pre-eclampsia was more likely to lead to adverse maternal and perinatal events; however, the majority of maternal complications and a significant proportion of perinatal complications still occurred in women with term pre-eclampsia. Therefore, efforts should be made to reduce the incidence of term pre-eclampsia.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tara Giacchino, Rebecca Karkia, Hasib Ahmed, Ranjit Akolekar
Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis found that Kielland's rotational forceps delivery is a safe option for the management of fetal malposition in the second stage of labour, with no significant difference in risks of maternal and neonatal complications compared to other modes of delivery.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Laura A. Magee, David Wright, Argyro Syngelaki, Peter von Dadelszen, Ranjit Akolekar, Alan Wright, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to identify the optimal screening and timing of birth strategy for preventing term preeclampsia. The results showed that screening and delivering at 35-36 weeks had the highest efficacy in preventing term preeclampsia.
Article
Acoustics
D. L. Rolnik, A. Syngelaki, N. O'Gorman, D. Wright, L. C. Poon, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mean uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) in women at increased risk of preterm pre-eclampsia. The results showed that aspirin did not significantly affect MAP, but it was associated with a significant decrease in mean UtA-PI, particularly before 20 weeks of gestation.
ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
A. Schiattarella, L. A. Magee, A. Wright, A. Syngelaki, R. Akolekar, P. Von Dadelszen, K. H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study compared different approaches for screening for pre-eclampsia at 35+ 0 to 36+ 6 weeks gestation. The results showed that the triple test using the competing-risks model performed better than using PlGF alone or the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio, providing more accurate prediction of pre-eclampsia risk.
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)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Laura A. Magee, Argyro Syngelaki, Ranjit Akolekar, Peter von Dadelszen, Kypros H. Nicolaides
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of serum placental growth factor (PlGF) at 19-23 weeks of gestation in risk identification. The results showed that clinical risk factor screening had limitations in detecting adverse outcomes, and PlGF testing alone did not reduce false positives. Therefore, alternative strategies are needed to improve risk identification.
BJOG-AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rebecca Karkia, Tara Giacchino, Helen Watson, Andrew Gough, Ghada Ramadan, Ranjit Akolekar
Summary: This study compared pregnancy complications in women with and without pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (DM) managed in a multidisciplinary high-risk diabetes antenatal clinic. The results showed that women with pre-existing DM had significantly higher risks of complications during the antenatal, delivery, and neonatal periods compared to women without DM.
JOURNAL OF PERINATAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Weiyu Zhang, Tara Giacchino, Pannapat Amy Chanyarungrojn, Olivia Ionescu, Ranjit Akolekar
Summary: The objective of this study was to derive accurate estimates of the incidence of vasa praevia (VP) in a routine population of unselected pregnancies. Through systematic review and meta-analysis, it was found that the incidence of VP in unselected pregnancies is 1 in 1218 pregnancies. Incorporation of strategies to screen for VP in routine clinical practice is likely to prevent 5% of stillbirths.