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[Morbidity and mortality of extremely low gestational age infants in Schleswig-Holstein. Follow-up at three to six years corrected age of infants < 27 + 0 weeks gestation in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany].

BACKGROUND: Regional, population-based outcome studies of extremely preterm infants may help to assess the quality of neonatal care across centres and explain variation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all extremely low gestational age infants (< 27 + 0 gestational age = ELGA) of six paediatric hospitals in Schleswig-Holstein born during 1997 to 1999. The surviving children were evaluated at the corrected age of three to six years with the developmental test ET 6-6. The end point major disability was determined as subnormal scores in the developmental test ET 6-6 (< 2 SD), or any of the following diagnoses: cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, epilepsy and/or hydrocephalus requiring a shunt system. RESULTS: 130 infants with gestational age (GA) < 27 + 0 weeks were identified. 85 survived until discharge and 82 survived until follow-up. 63 children (77% of all possible cases) participated in the developmental test. Neonatal survival increased with gestational age: 0/1 GA = 22 weeks, 3/10 GA = 23 weeks, 12/25 GA 24 = weeks, 28/43 GA = 25 weeks, 42/51 GA = 26 weeks. At follow-up 24 children had a major disability, among those were 14 children with multiple major disabilities. There was no significant correlation between major disability and gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: In a regional neonatal care system only infants of 25 to 26 weeks gestation but not those of lower GA show good survival rates. Major disability of extremely preterm infants seems to be independent of gestational age.

Cause of Death↗

High sensitivity test for the early diagnosis of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. I. Predictable variability of cardiovascular characteristics during gestation in healthy and hypertensive pregnant women.

The evaluation of predictable variability in blood pressure and heart rate by (a) the use of fully ambulatory devices, and (b) the proper processing of the time series thus obtained, can be useful in assessing early cardiovascular disease risk in pregnancy. We have used this approach to quantify a predictable time structure of blood pressure throughout pregnancy in clinically healthy women as well as in pregnant women who developed gestational hypertension of preeclampsia. We analyzed a total of 745 blood pressure series sampled by ambulatory monitoring for about 48 hours in each of several occasions in 189 women with uncomplicated pregnancies, 71 with gestational hypertension, and 29 with preeclampsia. The pattern of variation along gestation of the 24-hour mean of blood pressure for groups of normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women was established by polynomial regression analysis. Regression analysis revealed predictable patterns of variation of 24-hour means with gestational age: for normotensive pregnant women, results indicate a steady decrease in blood pressure up to the 20th week of pregnancy, followed by an increase in blood pressure up to the day of delivery. Women with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia are characterized, however, by a continuous linear increase of blood pressure with gestational age, starting from the beginning of pregnancy. This study confirms and extends to ambulatory everyday life conditions the predictable pregnancy-associated variability in blood pressure. The differences between uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies offer new endpoints for an early identification of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.

Blood Pressure↗

Gestational sac volume measured by three-dimensional ultrasound at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation: relation to chromosomal defects.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential value of measuring the gestational sac volume (GSV) at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in screening for chromosomal defects. METHODS: The GSV was measured using three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound in 500 consecutive singleton pregnancies immediately before chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for fetal karyotyping at 11 to 13 + 6 (median 12) weeks of gestation. RESULTS: The fetal karyotype was normal in 417 pregnancies and abnormal in 83. In the chromosomally normal group, the mean GSV increased significantly with gestational age from a mean of 69 mL at 11 weeks to 144 mL at 13 + 6 weeks (the standard deviation was 27 mL). In the chromosomally abnormal group, the mean GSV for gestational age was not significantly different from normal in fetuses with trisomy 21, trisomy 18 and Turner syndrome, but it was smaller in those with triploidy and trisomy 13. However, the mean GSV for crown-rump length (CRL) was significantly larger in trisomy 18, smaller in triploidy and trisomy 13, and not different from normal in trisomy 21 and Turner syndrome. The mean CRL for gestational age was significantly smaller than normal in trisomy 18, triploidy and trisomy 13. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of the GSV at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation is unlikely to provide useful prediction of the major chromosomal defects. In trisomy 13 and triploidy, the small GSV may be due to early onset fetal growth restriction and reduced amniotic fluid volume. In trisomy 18, the increase in GSV is probably due to the presence of associated fetal abnormalities that interfere with fetal swallowing.

Adult↗

Exchangeable zinc pool size at birth is smaller in small-for-gestational-age than in appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants are susceptible to postnatal zinc deficiency, but whether this susceptibility is due to intrauterine factors or to high postnatal growth requirements is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the size of the exchangeable zinc pool (EZP), which reflects metabolically available zinc, would be smaller in SGA than in appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants born prematurely. DESIGN: Intravenous 70Zn (45 microg/kg) was administered to 10 SGA infants (8 boys) with a mean (+/-SD) gestational age of 33.3 +/- 1.8 wk and to 11 AGA infants (8 boys) with a mean (+/-SD) gestational age of 32.4 +/- 1.2 wk within 24 h of birth. The EZP was determined from isotope enrichment in spot urine collections on days 3-7. RESULTS: The mean birth weight of the SGA infants was 1.30 +/- 0.2 kg and of the AGA infants was 1.84 +/- 0.3 kg (P = 0.0001). The EZP size was significantly smaller in the SGA than in the AGA infants on an absolute basis (13.3 +/- 2.8 and 25.2 +/- 8.1 mg; P = 0.0002) and relative to body weight (10.3 +/- 2.5 and 13.9 +/- 4.5 mg/kg; P = 0.02). The difference remained significant after adjustment for gestational age and birth weight. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence for differential zinc status at birth between SGA and AGA infants born prematurely at similar stages of gestation and offer at least a partial explanation for the reported benefits of postnatal zinc supplementation.

Birth Weight↗

Biased assessment of gestational age at birth when obstetric gestation is known.

The gestational age of 302 neonates whose obstetric gestational age was known was assessed at birth using the Dubowitz method; it was obtained from Dubowitz score both graphically from a nomogram and by calculation from the corresponding equation. The values obtained graphically differed to a lesser extent from the obstetric gestational age than did the gestation derived algebraically. With infants small for gestational age (SGA) the difference between the methods was smaller and not significant. It is concluded that the concurrent knowledge of obstetric gestational age introduced a bias in the graphic step; this did not happen in SGA infants probably because in these cases the available information is sometimes less certain. These data demonstrate that even simple procedures are influenced by concurrent information; as a philosophical point about the interpretation of data in general, this study provides an empirical example of the 'theory-ladenness of facts' in medicine.

Bias↗

Incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation.

The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) before 20 weeks of gestation and evaluate associated risk factors. A total of 1200 pregnant women who started their antenatal care at Siriraj Hospital before 20 weeks of gestation and were at risk of developing GDM were enrolled. A 50-gram glucose challenge test was used as a screening method and 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test was used to diagnose the condition. All women were screened during their first visit and again at 28-32 weeks of gestation. The results showed that the incidence of GDM diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation was 5.3% (95% CI 4.1-6.7%), and another 4.9% were diagnosed during 28-32 weeks. This demonstrated the usefulness and effectiveness of the current guideline for GDM screening that approximately half of women with GDM could be diagnosed early in their pregnancies. The 2 independent risks for developing GDM before 20 weeks of gestation were age > or = 30 years and GDM in previous pregnancy (adjusted OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-5.0, and 7.1, 95% CI 1.8-27.6, respectively). This specific group of women should be counseled regarding the importance of early GDM screening during their pregnancy.

Adolescent↗

Incidence of gestational hypertension in gestational diabetes mellitus.

The purpose of this study has been to establish the incidence of gestational hypertension (GH) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to examine the frequency of complications in women with co-existent GDM and GH. Furthermore, we wished to evaluate the significance of urine albumin excretion determined by the urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). A total of 215 successive pregnancies with risk factors for gestational diabetes, as defined by the Danish National Board of Health screened for gestational diabetes by the WHO criteria, were reviewed. Women who had a normal OGTT during the screening served as controls. Gestational hypertension was defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) >105 mmHg (systolic BP > or = 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP > or = 90 mmHg). The two groups were comparable with regard to initial body mass index (BMI) and MAP. GH appeared with a higher frequency in women with GDM (28%) than in women with normal OGTT (10%) P=0.003 chi(2) test. Serious complications (perinatal mortality, malformations, acute caesarean section) also appeared with a higher frequency in women with GH and GDM (10%) than in women with GH but with normal OGTT (2%) P=0.0083 chi(2) test. We observed a significant increase in ACR in the group with complications (GDM and GH) during gestation regardless of intensive antihypertensive treatment. We also observed that ACR was significantly higher in women with GDM and GH when compared to women with GDM and a normal blood pressure. The BMI was consistently higher in women with GH, regardless of whether they had GDM or not as compared to the normotensive group. GH appears with a higher frequency in women with GDM and the co-existence seems correlated with a higher frequency of complications. The correlation between urine albumin excretion and complications might suggest that regulating GH should strive to normalise ACR in women with GDM.

Albuminuria↗

Twin gestation: fetal presentation as a function of gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective in this study was to evaluate the rate of spontaneous version in twin gestation throughout the third trimester. STUDY DESIGN: Serial ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 119 consecutive patients with twin gestation. The incidence of spontaneous version as a function of gestational age was calculated. RESULTS: The mean birth weight and gestational age at delivery were 2640 gm and 37 weeks, respectively. Nineteen percent had birth weight discordancy, and 37% were delivered by cesarean section. The incidence of spontaneous version decreased from 60% at 28 to 30 weeks' gestation to 25% to 30% at term. The lowest incidence of spontaneous version was observed in pregnancies with a cephalic-cephalic presentation (7%). All other presentations were relatively unstable. Neither the patients' parity nor the presence of birth weight discordancy, the placental location, or the amniotic fluid volume had a significant association with the incidence of spontaneous version. CONCLUSION: These data should be incorporated into the routine antepartum counseling of patients with twin gestation. Their use in this capacity may result in a decreased cesarean delivery rate if clinicians realize that malpresentations may spontaneously resolve before the onset of labor.

Adolescent↗

Assessment of gestational age based on ultrasonic femur length after the first trimester: a simple mathematical correlation between gestational age (GA) and femur length (FL).

OBJECTIVE: The ultrasonic measurement of the fetal femur length is a sensitive and precise variable for estimation of fetal growth and development. The objective of this study was to predict gestational age in fetuses more than 13 weeks of gestation by ultrasound measurement of the femur length. METHOD: In this study, pregnant mothers were identified by the criteria of normalities such as: well-known LMP, regular menstrual cycles, no use of OCP for the last 3 months, no smoking, no history of diabetes, etc. RESULT: The relation between gestational age and fetal femur length has been determined by cross-sectional analysis of 900 normal fetuses (> or = 14 weeks of gestation) using real time ultrasonography. Mathematical modeling of the data has demonstrated that the femur growth curve is non-linear beyond 13 weeks of gestation. With the aid of a scientific calculator the data were analyzed and a simple second grade equation has been derived: GA (weeks) = 0.262(2) FL (cm) + 2 FL + 11.5, S.D. approximately +/- 5 days(Honarvar's Formula 3). With the use of this data, the error in the estimation of GA given as FL is +/-5 days. CONCLUSION: This simple, new and accurate equation appears to be clinically reliable and easy to use and suggests that previous normal ultrasonic fetal femur length curves for another population may under- or overestimate normal fetal age for the Iranian population. Thus, our formula is an excellent means of estimating true gestational age.

Anthropometry↗

Comparison of late-second-trimester nonstress test characteristics between small for gestational age and appropriate for gestational age infants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring characteristics between appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses and small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses and to determine whether SGA fetuses have specific abnormalities at second-trimester electronic fetal monitoring (EFM), using nonstress test. METHODS: Among 953 children born from 1993-1996, we identified 500 singleton infants born after 36 weeks' gestation of uncomplicated pregnancies in whom second-trimester (24-27 weeks' gestation) EFM records were obtained. Individual components of FHR patterns (baseline rate, baseline FHR variability, presence of acceleration [at least 10 beats per minute for at least 10 seconds], and periodic or episodic deceleration [at least 25 beats per minute for at least 15 seconds]) and birth characteristics were compared between AGA and SGA infants, or between pregnancies with or without second-trimester decelerations. RESULTS: Among 500 infants, 443 were AGA and 57 SGA; 105 had and 395 did not have second-trimester decelerations. Baseline FHR variability (12.9+/-3.2 beats per minute) in SGA fetuses was significantly higher than variability (10.3+/-3.4 beats per minute) in AGA fetuses (P<.001). Small for gestational age fetuses were significantly more likely to have second-trimester decelerations than AGA fetuses (33.3% vs. 19.4%, P<.05). There were no significant differences in baseline rate and accelerations between AGA and SGA infants. Small for gestational age infants were more frequent in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations, compared with those without second-trimester decelerations (18.1% vs. 9.6%, P<.05). Baseline FHR variability in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations was significantly higher than in pregnancies without second-trimester decelerations (12.2+/-3.7 vs. 10.0+/-3.1 beats per minute, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Periodic or episodic decelerations and increased FHR variability during late second-trimester EFM were associated with an increased risk of SGA birth weight.

Cardiotocography↗

Early glycemic control reduces large-for-gestational-age infants in 250 Japanese gestational diabetes pregnancies.

Our objective was to test if tight glycemic control versus loose glycemic control in gestational diabetic patients and a gestational age of < 32 weeks influence fetal growth, fetal distress, and neonatal complication. We performed a retrospective study with 250 gestational diabetes mellitus in Japanese women. Two groups were categorized according to the timing at which good maternal glycemic control was attained at < 32 weeks and kept so until delivery (group 1) and > 32 weeks or never until delivery (group 2). In these two groups, neonatal growth (large-for-gestational age: LGA; appropriate- : AGA; and small- : SGA), neonatal complications (hypoglycemia, jaundice, polycythemia, and cumulative incidence), and incidence of fetal distress were compared. The chi2 test, unpaired t test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple logistic regression analyses were used for statistical analyses. Maternal age, height, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age at delivery were not different between the groups. In group 2 (> 32 weeks), LGA, macrosomia (> 4 kg), neonatal hypoglycemia was significantly increased compared with those in group 1. Incidence of SGA, fetal distress, and neonatal jaundice were not different between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis for LGA showed significant relation to timing of maternal glycemic control. We concluded that good glycemic control should be attained at < 32 weeks and maintained until delivery to reduce LGA infants and neonatal hypoglycemia in gestational diabetes mellitus. This management did not appear to decrease SGA infants or fetal distress.

Analysis of Variance↗

A standardized method for assigning gestational age: a tool for measuring gestational age based newborn intensive care outcomes.

We developed a computer-generated algorithm for standardizing the assignment of a best gestational age. Our database collected information on maternal last menstrual period (LMP), prenatal ultrasonography, obstetrical estimated date of confinement (EDC), use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), and newborn assessment based on the Ballard examination. The algorithm for determining best gestational age was developed based on the literature on the accuracy of prenatal and neonatal dating. We examined the performance of the algorithm using patients admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with a best gestational age <or= 32 completed weeks. Based on agreement of the obstetric EDC with either the first-trimester ultrasonography or LMP and first- and second-trimester ultrasonography, 64.4% of patients were classified as having certain dating. The Ballard assessment played a role in assigning a best gestational age in 11.3% of patients. We demonstrated differences in outcomes based on dating certainty within subpopulations in our NICU. An objective standardized methodology for assigning gestational age is a useful tool for comparing gestational age-based outcome measures between institutions.

Algorithms↗

Selective screening for gestational diabetes mellitus. Toronto Trihospital Gestational Diabetes Project Investigators.

BACKGROUND: The usual approach to detecting gestational diabetes mellitus is to screen all pregnant women by measuring their plasma glucose after a 50-g oral glucose load at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation. Women are referred for an oral glucose-tolerance test if the plasma glucose concentration one hour later is > or = 140 mg per deciliter (7.8 mmol per liter). We hypothesized that the efficiency of screening could be enhanced by considering women's risks of gestational diabetes on the basis of their clinical characteristics. METHODS: We studied 3131 pregnant women who underwent both the screening and the diagnostic tests. We randomly selected data on half the women and used them to derive new screening strategies. We categorized each woman's risk of gestational diabetes mellitus on the basis of her age, body-mass index before pregnancy, and race. We developed strategies that entailed no screening for low-risk women, usual care for intermediate-risk women, and universal screening with lower thresholds -- plasma glucose values of 130 mg per deciliter (7.2 mmol per liter) or 128 mg per deciliter (7.1 mmol per liter) -- for high-risk women. The strategies were validated with data on the other half of the women. RESULTS: The new strategies allowed a 34.6 percent reduction in the number of screening tests performed (95 percent confidence interval, 32.3 to 37.0) and detected 81.2 to 82.6 percent of the women with gestational diabetes as compared with the 78.3 percent detected through usual care. The percentage of false positive screening tests was significantly reduced, from 17.9 percent with usual care to 16.0 per cent (P=0.02) or 15.4 percent (P<0.001) with the new strategies, depending on the threshold values for high-risk women. CONCLUSIONS: Consideration of women's clinical characteristics allows efficient selective screening for gestational diabetes.

Adult↗

Plasma leptin levels of large for gestational age and small for gestational age infants.

The hormone leptin produced in the adipose tissue is involved in the regulation of body weight. This study investigates whether plasma leptin levels are related to an infant's birthweight, and whether the levels change with feeding. We measured plasma leptin levels from infants who were large for gestational age (n = 21), small for gestational age (n = 21), and appropriate for gestational age (n = 20). Two blood samples were collected before and after breastfeeding from each infant and plasma leptin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Leptin concentration was found to be increased in large for gestational age infants and to be decreased in small for gestational age infants compared with the level in appropriate for gestational age infants. There was a positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and both the infants' birthweights and the body mass indexes. Plasma leptin concentrations were found to be decreased during fasting and to be increased after feeding (p < 0.01). It is concluded that the plasma leptin levels correlate with the size of adipose tissue mass and are related to the nutritional status.

Anthropometry↗

Factors influencing the relationship between a newborn assessment of gestational maturity and the gestational age interval.

This study examines the correlation and agreement between the calculated 'gestational interval' from the date of last menstrual period (LMP) and the Ballard newborn assessment of gestational maturity. It then investigates selected maternal socio-demographic, prenatal, intrapartum and infant factors which may account for differences between these two gestational age determination methods. Single live-born deliveries (n = 10,794) were selected from a 1982-1986 medical university perinatal information data system for analysis. The Ballard assessment overestimates the LMP at earlier gestational ages and underestimates in the post-term range. The discrepancy between LMP and Ballard varies across the range of gestational age values and the extent of variation differs by several maternal and infant risk factors. These findings suggest considerable bias may result from the indiscriminate case mixing of LMP and Ballard values for use in gestational age research or in standardising developmental tests. We highlight the deficiencies in using correlation coefficients or mean differences to assess agreement between these measures.

Delivery, Obstetric↗

Impact of increasing carbohydrate intolerance on maternal-fetal outcomes in 3637 women without gestational diabetes. The Toronto Tri-Hospital Gestational Diabetes Project.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess maternal-fetal outcomes in patients with increasing carbohydrate intolerance not meeting the current criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective analytic cohort study in which nondiabetic women aged > or = 24 years, receiving prenatal care in three Toronto teaching hospitals, were eligible for enrollment. A glucose challenge test and an oral glucose tolerance test were administered at 26 and 28 weeks' gestation, respectively; risk factors for unfavorable maternal-fetal outcomes were recorded. Caregivers and patients were blinded to glucose values except when test results met the current criteria for gestational diabetes. RESULTS: Of 4274 patients screened, 3836 (90%) continued to the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test. The study cohort was formed by the 3637 (95%) patients without gestational diabetes, carrying singleton fetuses. Increasing carbohydrate intolerance in women without overt gestational diabetes was associated with a significantly increased incidence of cesarean sections, preeclampsia, macrosomia, and need for phototherapy, as well as an increased length of maternal and neonatal hospital stay. Multivariate analysis showed that increasing carbohydrate intolerance is an independent predictor for various unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: Increasing maternal carbohydrate intolerance in pregnant women without gestational diabetes is associated with a graded increase in adverse maternal-fetal outcomes.

Adult↗

A comparison of gestational days gained with oral terbutaline versus continuous subcutaneous terbutaline in women with twin gestations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare gestational days gained with oral versus subcutaneous terbutaline for maintenance tocolysis. STUDY DESIGN: In retrospective fashion 386 women enrolled in an outpatient preterm labor identification program met the following criteria: twin gestation, development of threatened preterm labor resulting in treatment with oral terbutaline, and subsequent recurrence of threatened preterm labor resulting in treatment with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline. The primary outcome was gestational days gained with oral terbutaline versus gain with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline. RESULTS: There were significantly more days gained during subcutaneous treatment than during oral treatment (34.0 +/- 19.8 versus 19.3 +/- 15.3 days). Thirty-three percent of desired prolongation was achieved with oral terbutaline, whereas 79% of desired prolongation was achieved with subcutaneous terbutaline (p < 0.001). Patients gained a mean of 53.4 +/- 21.4 days overall with outpatient tocolysis. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.2 +/- 1.9 weeks. CONCLUSION: Continuous subcutaneous terbutaline was superior to oral terbutaline in prolonging gestation in women with twin gestations.

Administration, Oral↗

Amniocentesis before the 15th gestational week in single and twin gestations-complications and quality of genetic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Early amniocentesis has been claimed to confer a higher risk of fetal loss than standard amniocentesis after the 15th gestational week. Our experience of early amniocentesis in single and twin gestations from 1990 - 1995 is presented with 99.3% follow-up. METHODS: Amniocentesis was performed between 11 gestational weeks + 5 days and 14 gestational weeks + 6 days. RESULTS: In 1646 pregnancies 1678 amniocenteses were performed. Thirty-two reamniocenteses were done, 17 due to amniocyte culture failure and 15 due to failure to obtain sufficient amount of amniotic fluid on the first occasion. After puncture 1.49% (25/1678) suffered a spontaneous abortion. Twenty twin pregnancies were included. One spontaneous abortion was noted in this group, as well as three cases where one fetus was normal and the other had a severe defect. Selective abortions were performed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: The difference of postprocedure fetal loss in our population between early and standard amniocentesis is 0.8%. A comparison of postprocedure losses is not appropriate when amniocenteses are performed at a different gestational age, as spontaneous loss decreases with increased gestational age. Our results compare well with the only randomized study between early and standard amniocentesis where the fetal loss after early amniocentesis is similar to that in standard amniocentesis.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗