Reduced Growth in Non-Small for Gestational Age Fetuses from 35 Weeks of Gestation to Birth and Perinatal Outcomes

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study aimed to assess reduced fetal growth between 35 weeks of gestation and birth in non-small for gestational age fetuses associated with adverse perinatal outcomes (APOs). <b><i>Material and Method:</i></b> It is a retrospective cohort study of 9,164 non-small for gestational age fetuses estimated by ultrasound at 35 weeks. The difference between the birth weight percentile and the estimated percentile weight (EPW) at 35 weeks of gestation was calculated, and we studied the relationship of this difference with the appearance of APO. APOs were defined as cesarean or instrumental delivery rates for nonreassuring fetal status, 5-min Apgar score &#x3c;7, arterial cord blood pH &#x3c;7.10, and stillbirth. Fetuses that exhibited a percentile decrease between both moments were classified into 6 categories according to the amount of percentile decrease (0.01–10.0, 10.01–20.0, 20.01–30.0, 30.01–40.0, 40.01–50.0, and &#x3e;50.0 percentiles). It was evaluated whether the appearance of APO was related to the amount of this percentile decrease. Relative risk (RR) was calculated in these subgroups to predict APOs in general and for each APO in particular. Receiver operating characteristic and area under curves (AUC) for the difference in the percentile was calculated, used as a continuous parameter in the entire study population. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The median gestational age at delivery in uncomplicated pregnancies was 40.0 (39.1–40.7) and in pregnancies with APOs 40.3 (49.4–41.0), <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001. The prevalence of APOs was greater in the group of fetuses with a decrease in percentile (7.6%) compared to those with increased percentile (4.8%) (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The RR was 1.63 (95% CI: 1.365–1.944, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). Although the differences were significant in all decreased percentile groups, RRs were significantly higher when decreased growth values were &#x3e;40 points (RR: 2.036, 95% CI: 1.581–2.623, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The estimated value of the AUC for percentile decrease was 0.58 (0.56–0.61, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Fetuses with a decrease in the EPW between the ultrasound at 35 weeks of gestation and birth have a higher risk of APOs, being double in fetuses with a decrease of &#x3e;40 percentile points.

Clinical Implications of Second and Third Trimester Surveillance Ultrasounds of Growth-Restricted Fetuses

Objective We sought to investigate the positive predictive value of ultrasound-diagnosed fetal growth restriction (FGR) for estimating small for gestational age (SGA) at birth. Secondary objectives were to describe clinical interventions performed as a result of FGR diagnosis. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort of pregnancies diagnosed with FGR over 3 years at a single institution. Maternal demographics, antenatal and delivery data, and neonatal data were collected. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were conducted. Results We included 406 pregnancies with diagnosis of FGR in second or third trimester. Median birth weight percentile was 17 (interquartile range: 5–50) and only 35.0% of these fetuses were SGA at birth. The positive predictive value of a final growth ultrasound below the 10th percentile for SGA at birth was 56.9%. Patients averaged eight additional growth ultrasounds following FGR diagnosis. One hundred and fourteen (28.1%) received antenatal steroids prior to delivery, and 100% of those delivered after more than 7 days following administration. There were 6 fetal deaths and 14 neonatal deaths. Conclusion In the majority of cases, pregnancies diagnosed with FGR during screening ultrasounds resulted in normally grown neonates and term deliveries. These patients may be receiving unnecessary ultrasounds and premature courses of corticosteroids.

Assessment of pregnancy dietary intake and association with maternal and neonatal outcomes

Background Maternal dietary habits are contributors of maternal and fetal health; however, available data are heterogeneous and not conclusive. Methods Nutrient intake during pregnancy was assessed in 503 women with uncomplicated pregnancies, using the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire developed by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-FFQ). Results In all, 68% of women had a normal body mass index at the beginning of pregnancy, and 83% of newborns had an appropriate weight for gestational age. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and placental weight were independently correlated with birth weight. GWG was not related to the pre-pregnancy BMI. EPIC-FFQ evaluation showed that 30% of women adhered to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ranges for macronutrient intake. In most pregnant women (98.1%), consumption of water was below recommendations. Comparing women with intakes within EFSA ranges for macronutrients with those who did not, no differences were found in BMI, GWG, and neonatal or placental weight. Neither maternal nor neonatal parameters were associated with the maternal dietary profiles. Conclusions In our population, maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG, and placental weight are determinants of birth weight percentile, while no association was found with maternal nutrition. Future studies should explore associations through all infancy. Impact Maternal anthropometrics and nutrition status may affect offspring birth weight. In 503 healthy women, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and placental weight were independently correlated to neonatal birth weight. GWG was not related to the pre-pregnancy BMI. In all, 30% of women respected the EFSA ranges for macronutrients. Neither maternal nor neonatal parameters were associated with maternal dietary profiles considered in this study. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG, and placental weight are determinants of neonatal birth weight percentile, while a connection with maternal nutrition profiles was not found.

Influence of the placental cord insertion site on the placental mass and the birth weight in dichorionic diamniotic twins

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the displacement of the umbilical cord insertion site from the centre of the placenta on the placental mass and the birth weight of dichorionic diamniotic twins and to consider the importance of the direction of the displacement, as well as to assess the influence of the umbilical cord displacement on the placental mass and the birth weight of dichorionic diamniotic twins taking into account the direction of displacement. Material and methods. The study was performed on 135 dichorionic diamniotic pairs: 68 opposite-sex, 35 same-sex males, and 32 same-sex females. The impact of an absolute cord displacement from the centroid of the placental disc and the direction of its shifting were compared with the birth weight and the placental mass. Results. In the investigated group, a central insertion was revealed in 6 (2.2 %), eccentric – in 224 (83.0 %), marginal – in 31 (11.5 %), and velamentous – in 9 (3.3 %) cases. The first two types of cord insertion are considered to be normal, the third and the fourth are seen as abnormal. The placental mass was in a strong positive correlation with the birth weight (r=0.71, p<0.0001). The placentas with an eccentric cord insertion had a smaller surface area. A negative correlation was established between the displacement of the cord insertion site and the placental mass (r=-0.4284, p<0.0001) as well as the birth weight (r=-0.6115, p<0.0001). The shift along the long axis was of greater importance than in relation to the shorter one. The placental mass and the birth weight were higher in the new-borns with a normal cord insertion site. In the abnormal cord insertion group, 32.5 % of the infants were under the 10th birth weight percentile, in the normal cord insertion group – only 8.3 %. Conclusions. The birth weight of dichorionic diamniotic twins and their placental mass are negatively correlated with the distance of the umbilical cord insertion site from the placental centre. The insertion site displacement along the long axis has a stronger negative effect on the birth weight and the placental mass in comparison with the shifting along the short axis. The placentas with an eccentric cord insertion have a smaller surface area.

Association of Calcium Supplementation During Pregnancy with the Birth Weight of Single-Born Neonates in Rural Northwest China

Objectives To investigate the association of calcium supplementation during the pregnancy with the birth weight of single-born neonates. Methods The survey employed a multistage, stratified and random sampling to investigate 15–49 aged pregnant women in 2010 to 2013 in Shaanxi province. A self - designed questionnaire was utilized. Birth weight between the 10(th) and 90(th) percentile was classified as appropriate for gestational age(AGA) infants. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate the association of calcium supplementation with single-born neonatal birth weight. Results A total of 28,490 women was enrolled in this study, 17 349 (60.9%) of participants had calcium supplementation during pregnancy. The incidence rates of small and large gestational age infants were 13.5% and 8.3%, respectively. The study conducted that calcium supplementation had a statistically significant difference in SGA (birth weight percentile &lt;10) (P &lt; 0.01). After adjusting the regression models by confounding factors, we found that calcium supplementation was still protective towards SGA birth, the difference was statistically significant (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.96, P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the birth to LGA (birth weight percentile &lt;10). Conclusions Calcium supplementation during pregnancy reduced the risk of SGA, but was not associated with the birth of LGA. Funding Sources

Adverse Outcomes among Low-Risk Pregnancies at 39 to 41 Weeks: Stratified by Birth Weight Percentile

Objective This study aimed to assess the risk of adverse outcomes among low-risk pregnancies at 39 to 41 weeks, stratified by birth weight percentile. Study Design This retrospective cohort study utilized the U.S. vital statistics datasets (2013–2017) and evaluated low-risk women with nonanomalous cephalic singleton gestations who labored and delivered at 39 to 41 weeks, regardless of ultimate mode of delivery. Newborns were categorized as small (<10th percentile), large (>90th percentile), or appropriate (10–90th percentile) for gestational ages (SGA, LGA, and AGA, respectively). The primary outcome, composite neonatal adverse outcome (CNAO), included Apgar's score <5 at 5 minutes, assisted ventilation >6 hours, seizure, or neonatal death. The secondary outcome, composite maternal adverse outcome (CMAO), included intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, uterine rupture, or unplanned hysterectomy. Multivariable Poisson's regression was used to estimate the association (using adjusted relative risk [aRR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]). Results Of 19.8 million live births during the study interval, approximately 8.9 million (44.9%) met the inclusion criteria, with 9.9% being SGA, 9.2% being LGA, and 80.9% being AGA. SGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.12–1.23) and at 41 weeks (aRR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.45–1.66) had a higher risk of CNAO than at 39 weeks. Similarly, LGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19) and 41 weeks (aRR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.35–1.54) and AGA newborns delivered at 40 (aRR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.21–1.26) and 41 weeks (aRR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.53–1.61) also had a higher risk of CNAO than at 39 weeks. CMAO was also significantly higher at 40 and 41 weeks than at 39 weeks, regardless of whether the mothers delivered SGA, LGA, or AGA newborns. Conclusion Among low-risk pregnancies, the risks of composite neonatal and maternal adverse outcomes increase from 39 through 41 weeks' gestation, irrespective of whether newborns are SGA, LGA, or AGA.

A need for an update of Polish birth weight reference norms

The indicators of perinatal outcome are birth weight and gestational age. The standard method of assessing the outcome is comparing the newborn’s birth weight with the reference system, presented in the form of percentile charts. Acceleration or delay in prenatal development, which are associated with environmental changes, stress the need to validate the developmental norms. The goal of this study is to evaluate the need to construct new and accurate reference standards. The study includes data of newborns from singleton pregnancies: 4919 born in 2000 and 3683 born in 2015. Study variables included gestational age, sex, and birth weight. Percentile values estimated for two groups of infants born in years separated by a 15-year period, born in 2000 and in 2015, were compared. Birth weight percentiles, from the 28th to the 42nd week of gestation, were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Estimated values revealed the birth weight standards in different weeks of gestational age for both years: 2000 and 2015. Comparison among medians estimated for infants born in these years showed the existence of significant differences among boys in the 28th, 36th, and 39th weeks and among girls in the 34th and 41st weeks of gestational age. As the period between the two measurements involves several years, environmental changes during this time period might have significantly affected the course of pregnancy and thus the birth weight. Hence, there is a need to validate the developmental norms. The reference standards should be renewed, and must be done on a periodical basis.

Membranous Nephropathy in Pregnancy

Background: Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is less common in women of child-bearing age. The kidney risk factors to adverse maternal-fetal outcomes and the effects of pregnancy on pMN process need to be investigated. Methods: We retrospectively screened all the patients with biopsy-proven pMN from 2008 to 2018. Any cases of pregnancy that occurred at the time of pMN diagnosis or during follow-up were included in the study. Clinical and pathological data were collected from all patients at the time of kidney biopsy and their gestational results were recorded. Results: Of the 27 pregnancies with gestational time of 35.9 ± 4.5 weeks, 10 adverse maternal-fetal events occurred, including fetal loss (11%), preterm delivery (26%), and severe preeclampsia (15%). The kidney parameters were relatively stable with all preserved kidney function. Time-averaged urinary protein (p < 0.001) and serum albumin (p < 0.001), maximum urinary protein (p = 0.001) and minimum serum albumin (p = 0.01) before week 20, anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) positivity (p = 0.03), and no remission during pregnancy (p = 0.004) were risk factors to adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Time-averaged urinary protein and serum albumin correlated with the birth weight percentile of neonates. Conclusions: Pregnancy in pMN patients showed risks to adverse maternal-fetal events. Heavy proteinuria, especially before week 20 of gestation, severe hypoalbuminemia, positive anti-PLA2R, and no remission were risk factors to worse outcomes.

A születési súlyok megoszlása 2011 és 2015 között és a percentilisértékek változása 1996 és 2015 között. A Tauffer-adatbázis feldolgozása

Introduction and aim: We aimed to provide a current birth weight percentile table for singleton and twin pregnancies stratified by gestational week at delivery and sex using data from all live births in Hungary between 2011 and 2015. In addition, we examined temporal trends in average birth weights in singleton and twin pregnancies by sex in five-year periods between 1996 and 2015. Method: We calculated the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th centiles of birth weight for each gestational week by sex for singleton and twin pregnancies using compulsory collected obstetrical data (Tauffer Statistics) in Hungary in 2011–2015. Furthermore, we described changes in birth weights by gestational week between 5-year periods from 1996 to 2015. Results: We present birth weight centiles for live births in both tabular and graphical forms using data from 2011 to 2015. In general, live birth weights in gestational weeks 35–41 were lower in the period of 1996–2005 (the lowest in 1996–2000) and were higher in the period of 2006–2010 compared to the reference period of 2011–2015 (e.g., the average male newborn weighed 3249 g at gestational week 38 in 2011–2015, which is 34.3 [SE at 3.0] g less in 1996–2000, 11.5 [2.9] g less in 2001–2005, and 18.1 [2.9] g more in 2006–2010). Similar trends were not observed in birth weights of twin pregnancies in gestational weeks 35–38. Conclusion: Given the observed substantial change in birth weights during the past 20 years, renewal of the commonly used percentile tables is necessary. Birth weights increased from 1996 to 2010, mainly of mature newborns, followed by a stabilization or slight decrease in the later periods. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(36): 1426–1436.