scholarly journals Parturition and Its Relationship with Stillbirths and Asphyxiated Piglets

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Langendijk ◽  
Kate Plush
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
A Priority ◽  
Lactation Phase

The transition from an intra- to extrauterine existence is extremely challenging for the pig. This is evidenced by the fact that conservative estimates place intrapartum piglet death at between 5% and 10%. The main cause of this loss is the parturition process itself, with a long farrowing duration resulting in reduced oxygenation to the piglet via uterine contractions stretching, and in some cases, causing rupture of the umbilical cord. Sows that experience a long expulsive stage of parturition are likely compromised before the birth of the first piglet, and so any strategy to reduce stillbirth should be applied before this. Even in piglets born alive, 15% to 20% will have suffered asphyxiation because of a long cumulative farrowing duration. These individuals are significantly disadvantaged with regards to behavioural progression, colostrum intake, growth and survival extending past the lactation phase, and so require more labour and resources than littermates in order to make them viable. Given these immediate and longer-term impacts, identifying ways to correctly manage the sow before parturition leading to a reduction in farrowing duration should be a priority in order to maximise piglet performance.

scholarly journals Roles of parasympathetic outflow and sympathetic outflow in the cardiovascular response to brief umbilical cord occlusion in fetal sheep

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254155
Author(s):  
Morgan Recher ◽  
Arthur Lauriot Dit Prevost ◽  
Dyuti Sharma ◽  
Julien De Jonckheere ◽  
Charles Garabedian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cardiovascular Response ◽  
Blood Gases ◽  
Cord Compression ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Baseline Values ◽  
To Receive

Fetal heart rate (FHR) deceleration is the most common change seen during labor. The role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating the fetal cardiovascular response during multiple uterine contractions has been well-established. However, the mechanism underlying the hemodynamic response remains unclear and the specific reflex that mediates the cardiovascular modifications is still controversial. This study aimed to determine the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems on fetal hemodynamics in complete cord occlusion. Chronically instrumented fetal sheep were randomized to receive an intravenous injection of atropine 2.5 mg (n = 8), propranolol 5 mg (n = 7), atropine and propranolol (n = 7), or a control protocol (n = 9), followed by three episodes of 1-minute umbilical cord occlusion repeated every 5 minutes. Cord compression induces a rapid decrease in the FHR and a rapid increase in MAP. The decrease in FHR is caused by an increase in parasympathetic activity, (atropine and atropine-propranolol abolish the FHR response to the occlusion). The change in FHR during occlusion was not modified by propranolol injection, showing no effect of sympathetic tone. The increase in MAP during occlusion was similar in the four protocols. After releasing occlusion, the FHR was still lower than that at baseline due to a sustained parasympathetic tone. Suppression of the parasympathetic output to the cardiovascular system unmasks an increase in the FHR above baseline values. The lower FHR with the propranolol protocol further supports an increase in myocardial β-adrenoceptor stimulation after cord release. The increase in MAP after cord release was similar in the four protocols, except after the early stage of interocclusion period in atropine protocol. Four minutes after cord release, the FHR returned to baseline irrespective of the drugs that were infused, thereby showing recovery of ANS control. Blood gases (pH, PaCO2, PaO2) and plasma lactate concentrations was similar between the four protocols at the end of three applications of UCO. Complete cord compression-induced deceleration is likely due to acute activation of parasympathetic output. β-adrenoceptor activity is involved in the increase in FHR after cord release. Understanding the reflexes involved in FHR deceleration may help us understand the mechanisms underlying fetal autonomic adaptation during cord occlusion.

PLACENTAL TRANSFUSION: EARLY VERSUS LATE CLAMPING OF THE UMBILICAL CORD

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1967 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur J. Moss ◽  
Michelle Monset-Couchard
Keyword(s):  
Blood Volume ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Potential Significance ◽  
Major Purpose ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Late Failure ◽  
Cord Clamping ◽  
Idiopathic Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Subsequent Effect ◽  
The Subject

IATROGENIC interruption of the placental circulation at birth has, in most cases become an automatic procedure with little or no regard for the physiologic alterations evoked or for their subsequent effect upon the fetus. The relative merits of "early" and "late" clamping of the umbilical cord have been the subject of controversy for many years. More recently it has been suggested that the time of cord clamping may be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). As of this writing, the controversy of "early" versus "late" clamping remains unsettled. Review of the pertinent literature indicates that this is due largely to failure to define uniformly "early" and "late," failure by many to consider the effects of onset of respiration, of gravity, of uterine contractions, and, in some instances, to conclusions not completely warranted by supporting data. In view of the potential significance of the issue and the current confusion surrounding it, critical re-examination appears to be in order. A major purpose of this review is to call attention to the areas of investigation needing further documentation. Effect on Blood Volume The blood volume of newly born infants has been studied by a number of investigators. In Table I are listed six studies in which the time of cord clamping was taken into account. In a study of 35 infants, DeMarsh, Windle, and Alt found a significant increase in blood volume when cord clamping was delayed until after separation of the placenta. In a similar study by Whipple, Sisson, and Lund these results were not confirmed.

scholarly journals Late-Term Abortion and Retention of Placenta in Donkey (Equus acinus): A Report of Two Cases

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Parmar ◽  
J. A. Patel ◽  
D. V. Chaudhari ◽  
K. and A.J. Dhami K. Hadiya ◽  
A. J. Dhami
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Fetal Death ◽  
Fetal Membranes ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Uterine Health ◽  
Laboratory Procedures ◽  
Post Abortion ◽  
Equine Abortion

The incidence of equine abortion is higher than that experienced by cattle. Abortion in equine may be infectious or non-infectious. Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or fungi may attack the fetus or its membranes, resulting in fetal death and its expulsion. Non-infectious agents such as development of twins, torsion of umbilical cord or congenital anomalies may also result in death of the fetus and abortion (Kocabiyik et al., 2005). Many causes of late-term abortion including infectious agents and placental abnormalities have been reported. Sometimes thorough post-abortion and post-delivery examination of the fetus, placenta and umbilical cord may reveal other causes that are not identified with laboratory procedures. Retention of placenta is probably less common in equine because of simple, diffuse type of placentation and the strong uterine contractions aiding the separation of the villi from their maternal crypts and expelling the detached membranes (Roberts, 2004). Fetal membranes were defined as retained if they were not expelled completely within three hours after delivery in equine and has been regarded as a threat to the uterine health and general health of the equine. The reported sequelae of retained fetal membranes range from none to metritis, laminitis, septicemia and death (Provencher et al., 1988). The present paper reports a successfully managed case of abortion at late-term gestation due to twisting of umbilical cord and retained placenta in a donkey.

scholarly journals Does the Caesarean Section Impact on 11β HSD2 and Fetal Cortisol?

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Słabuszewska-Jóżwiak ◽  
Marta Włodarczyk ◽  
Krzysztof Kilian ◽  
Zbigniew Rogulski ◽  
Michał Ciebiera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Umbilical Cord Blood ◽  
Elective Caesarean Section ◽  
Placental Tissue ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Vaginal Deliveries

Purpose: Comparison of the activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in the placenta and the umbilical cord blood cortisol level between caesarean sections with or without uterine contraction and vaginal delivery groups. Cortisol is the main stress hormone responsible for the normal adaptation of the neonate to extrauterine life. The disorders resulting from a dysfunction of the 11β-HSD 2–cortisol system can explain the higher risk of developing diseases in children born by caesarean section. Methods: 111 healthy, pregnant women in singular pregnancy at term of delivery were included into the study. The study comprised 11β-HSD 2 in placental tissue from 49 pregnant women delivering by elective caesarean section and 46 pregnant women delivering by vagina. In 16 cases of the elective caesarean section, regular uterine contractions were declared. Cortisol level was estimated in umbilical cord blood directly after delivery. Results: We found no statistically significant differences in the activity of 11β-HSD 2 in placentas delivered via caesarean sections (29.61 on average in elective caesarean sections and 26.65 on average in intrapartum caesarean sections) compared to vaginal deliveries (31.94 on average, p = 0.381), while umbilical cord blood cortisol in the elective caesarean sections group was significantly lower (29.86 on average) compared to the vaginal deliveries (55.50 on average, p < 0.001) and intrapartum caesarean sections (52.27 on average, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The model of placental 11β-HSD 2 activity and umbilical cord blood cortisol concentration seems to be significant in conditions of stress associated with natural uterine contractions in labour.

scholarly journals Parasympathetic activity is the key regulator of heart rate variability between decelerations during brief repeated umbilical cord occlusions in fetal sheep

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (5) ◽  
pp. R541-R550
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Lear ◽  
Jenny A. Westgate ◽  
Michi Kasai ◽  
Michael J. Beacom ◽  
Yoshiki Maeda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Atropine Sulfate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fetal Sheep ◽  
Uterine Contractions ◽  
Parasympathetic System ◽  
Cervical Vagotomy

Fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) is a widely used index of intrapartum well being. Both arms of the autonomic system regulate FHRV under normoxic conditions in the antenatal period. However, autonomic control of FHRV during labor when the fetus is exposed to repeated, brief hypoxemia during uterine contractions is poorly understood. We have previously shown that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) does not regulate FHRV during labor-like hypoxia. We therefore investigated the hypothesis that the parasympathetic system is the main mediator of intrapartum FHRV. Twenty-six chronically instrumented fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation received either bilateral cervical vagotomy ( n = 7), atropine sulfate ( n = 7), or sham treatment (control, n = 12), followed by three 1-min complete umbilical cord occlusions (UCOs) separated by 4-min reperfusion periods. Parasympathetic blockade reduced three measures of FHRV before UCOs (all P < 0.01). Between UCOs, atropine and vagotomy were associated with marked tachycardia (both P < 0.005), suppressed measures of FHRV (all P < 0.01), and abolished FHRV on visual inspection compared with the control group. Tachycardia in the atropine and vagotomy groups resolved over the first 10 min after the final UCO, in association with evidence that the SNS contribution to FHRV progressively returned during this time. Our findings support that SNS control of FHRV is acutely suppressed for at least 4 min after a deep intrapartum deceleration and takes 5–10 min to recover. The parasympathetic system is therefore likely to be the key mediator of FHRV once frequent FHR decelerations are established during labor.

Ultrastructure of the Omphalomesenteric Duct Rest in the Umbilical Cord at Term

1982 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 250-251
Author(s):  
B. A. Clark ◽  
T. Okagaki
Keyword(s):  
Umbilical Cord ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Meckel’S Diverticulum ◽  
Meckel's Diverticulum ◽  
Columnar Epithelium ◽  
Omphalomesenteric Duct ◽  
Umbilical Arteries

Vestiges of the omphalomesenteric or vitello-intestinal duct and the pathologic implications attributed to these remnants have been treated in great detail by several investigators. Persistence of the omphalomesenteric duct is associated with such conditions as Meckel's diverticulum, umbilical fistula, mucosal polyps, and sinuses or cysts of the umbilicus. Remnants of the duct in the umbilical cord, although infrequent, are located outside of the triangle formed by the two umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein, are usually discontinuous and are often represented by a small lumen lined by cuboidal or columnar epithelium. This study will examine the ultrastructure of these cells.

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