BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
-
Cytogenetic studies have demonstrated that duplications or deletions of entire chromosomes or microscopically visible aberrations are associated with specific congenital disorders. The subsequent development and application of microarray-based assays have established the importance of copy number variants (CNV) as a substantial source of genetic diversity in the human genome. ⋯ This has caused many clinicians to resist the introduction of microarray technologies in detecting CNVs in a genome-wide manner for prenatal applications. This review summarises our current understanding of CNVs, the common detection methods, and the implications for human health and prenatal diagnosis.
-
Comparative Study
The role of urinary soluble endoglin in the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia: comparison with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to placental growth factor ratio.
Endoglin, an anti-angiogenic glycoprotein expressed on endothelial cells, has been proposed recently as a biomarker of pre-eclampsia (PE). Given that PE is characterised by an imbalance of angiogenic factors, we sought to determine the clinical utility of urinary soluble endoglin, relative to the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio, in the diagnosis of PE during gestation. ⋯ We have provided evidence that soluble endoglin is present and elevated in the urine of women who develop preterm PE. Urinary soluble endoglin has only limited ability to determine the severity of PE and to distinguish between PE and chronic hypertension both preterm and at term. Compared with urinary soluble endoglin, the soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 to PlGF ratio remains a better marker of disease presence, severity and outcome.
-
Multicenter Study
Cardiac arrest in pregnancy: increasing use of perimortem caesarean section due to emergency skills training?
Management of cardiac arrest in pregnancy is recommended to include perimortem caesarean section (PMCS) in the Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Trauma (MOET) course. In this study, we aimed to assess maternal and neonatal outcome of all cases of PMCS in the Netherlands performed in the last 15 years, and to test the hypothesis that PMCS was used more often since the introduction of the MOET-course in 2004. ⋯ Since the introduction of the MOET course, the use of PMCS has increased. Outcome, however, was still poor. An important factor to improve outcome is more timely application of this potentially life-saving procedure.
-
To determine the effects of one or two conisations on preterm delivery and perinatal mortality in subsequent pregnancies. ⋯ A single conisation was associated with a 2.8-fold increased risk of perinatal death, most likely because of a 4.9-fold increase in extreme preterm delivery. Only 37 patients had two conisations, and the results showed a ten-fold increase in the risk of preterm delivery.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
ST depression at caesarean section and the relation to oxytocin dose. A randomised controlled trial.
To investigate whether there is a difference in occurrence of electrocardiogram changes suggestive of myocardial ischaemia between two different doses of oxytocin. ⋯ ST depressions were associated with oxytocin administration significantly more often in subjects receiving 10 units compared with 5 units. Interventions to prevent hypotension during caesarean section may reduce the occurrence of ST depressions on electrocardiograms.