Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Environ Res 2021 Jun 1:111386. Epub 2021 Jun 1.

Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Background: Improved understanding of how prenatal exposure to environmental mixtures influences birth weight or other adverse outcomes is essential in protecting child health.

Objective: We illustrate a novel exposure continuum mapping (ECM) framework that combines the self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm with generalized additive modeling (GAM) in order to integrate spatially-correlated learning into the study mixtures of environmental chemicals. We demonstrate our method using biomarker data on chemical mixtures collected from a diverse mother-child cohort. Read More

Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021 May 24. Epub 2021 May 24.

Ohio State University, Columbus.

Background: Investigators have attempted to derive tools that could provide clinicians with an easily-obtainable estimate of the chance of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) for those who undertake trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC). One tool that subsequently was validated externally was derived from data from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Cesarean Registry. Concern has been raised, however, that this tool includes the socially-constructed variables of race and ethnicity. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 May 8;21(1):365. Epub 2021 May 8.

Department of ultrasound, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.

Background: Accurate estimation of fetal weight is important for prenatal care and for detection of fetal growth abnormalities. Prediction of fetal weight entails the indirect measurement of fetal biometry by ultrasound that is then introduced into formulae to calculate the estimated fetal weight. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal weight estimation of Chinese fetuses in the third trimester using an automated three-dimensional (3D) fractional limb volume model, and to compare this model with the traditional two-dimensional (2D) model. Read More

Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021 Apr 30. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

Objective: To develop a risk score for obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) occurrence among nulliparous women delivering vaginally, based on data available at admission for delivery and as labor progresses.

Methods: A retrospective study of all nulliparous women who delivered vaginally between March 2011 and January 2021. Characteristics were compared between OASI and no-OASI groups. Read More

Toxicol Rep 2021 2;8:808-815. Epub 2021 Apr 2.

Department of Chemistry, University of Crete and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH-IESL), Heraklion, Crete, GR-71003, Greece.

Background: Parabens (PBs) and triclosan (TCS) are generally used as antimicrobials mostly in personal care products. Their wide prevalence in daily products raised an acute need for the biomonitoring of these contaminants and the investigation of possible health impacts.

Material And Methods: In this study we aimed to quantitatively determine PBs and TCS levels in urine and amniotic fluid samples using a liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry system (LC-MS). Read More

J Perinat Med 2021 Apr 15. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UHC Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.

Objectives: Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and weight gain during pregnancy above recommended more often give birth to macrosomic children. The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the modified formula for ultrasound assessment of fetal weight created in a pilot study using a similar specimen in comparison to the Hadlock-2 formula.

Methods: This is a prospective, cohort, applicative, observational, quantitative, and analytical study, which included 213 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy, GDM, and pregnancy weight gain above recommended. Read More

J Ultrasound Med 2021 Apr 8. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Division of Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany.

Objectives: Semiautomatic fractional limb volume (FLV) models have recently produced promising results for fetal birth weight (BW) estimation. We tested those models in a more unselected population hypothesizing that the FLV models would improve accuracy and precision of fetal BW estimation compared to the Hadlock model.

Methods: We compared the performance of different BW prediction models: Hadlock (biparietal diameter [BPD], abdominal circumference (AC), femur diaphysis length) and modified Lee thigh volume (TVol) and arm volume (AVol) (BPD, AC, automated fractional TVol, and AVol). Read More

Ginekol Pol 2021 ;92(2):110-117

Department of Reproduction, Chair of Obstertics, Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland, Poland.

Objectives: Growth disorders are frequent in diabetic pregnancies. However, they are difficult to predict and capture early during pregnancy. These newborns are at risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Read More

Front Artif Intell 2020 7;3:56. Epub 2020 Aug 7.

Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.

progress of fetal development is normally assessed through manual measurements taken from ultrasound images, requiring relatively expensive equipment and well-trained personnel. Such monitoring is therefore unavailable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where most of the perinatal mortality and morbidity exists. The work presented here attempts to identify a proxy for IUGR, which is a significant contributor to perinatal death in LMICs, by determining gestational age (GA) from data derived from simple-to-use, low-cost one-dimensional Doppler ultrasound (1D-DUS) and blood pressure devices. Read More

Clin Exp Allergy 2021 Mar 11. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background: Several maternal conditions can affect fetal growth, and asthma during pregnancy is known to be associated with lower birth weight and shorter gestational age.

Objective: In a new Swedish cohort study on maternal asthma exposure and stress during pregnancy (MAESTRO), we have assessed if there is evidence of early fetal growth restriction in asthmatic women or if a growth restriction might come later during pregnancy.

Methods: We recruited women from eight antenatal clinics in Stockholm, Sweden. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021 03 9;3:CD012553. Epub 2021 Mar 9.

Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

Background: There is a need to standardize monitoring in obstetric research of twin pregnancies. Identification of birth weight discordance (BWD), defined as a difference in the birth weights of twins, is a well-documented phenomenon in twin pregnancies. Ultrasound for the diagnosis of BWD informs complex decision making including whether to intervene medically (via laser photo coagulation) or deliver the twins to avoid fetal morbidities or even death. Read More

Medicina (Kaunas) 2021 Feb 27;57(3). Epub 2021 Feb 27.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.

The accuracy with which the estimation of fetal weight (EFW) at term is determined is useful in order to address obstetric complications, since it is a parameter that represents an important prognostic factor for perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the experienced observers with other variables that could influence the accuracy of the ultrasound used to calculate EFW at term, carried out within a period of seven days prior to delivery, in order to assess interobserver variability. A cross-sectional study was performed including 1144 pregnancies at term. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 02 19;18(4). Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza Square 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland.

Background: Fetal growth of twins differs from singletons. The objective was to assess the fetal growth in twin gestations in relation to singleton charts and customized twin charts, respectively, followed by a comparison of the frequency of neonatal complications in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) twins.

Methods: We performed an analysis of twin pregnancies with established chorionicity with particular emphasis on postnatal adverse outcomes in newborns classified as SGA. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 Mar 4;21(1):175. Epub 2021 Mar 4.

Department of Radiology, Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Background: Accuracy of fetal weight estimation by ultrasound is essential in making decisions on the time and mode of delivery. There are many proposed formulas for fetal weight estimation such as Hadlock 1, Hadlock 2, Hadlock 3, Hadlock 4 and Shepard. What best applies to the Ugandan population is not known since no verification of any of the formulas has been done before. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021 May 1;47(5):1727-1734. Epub 2021 Mar 1.

Koc University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkey.

Aims: Birth weight (BW) estimation with ultrasound is of great importance in delivery decision and management of complications of delivery. The aim was to evaluate the effect of femur, humerus, and clavicular soft tissue thickness on BW and developed a formula for proper estimation of fetal weight.

Methods: This prospective cohort study, included 231singleton pregnancies, with 34 and 42 weeks of gestation, delivered within 48 h after ultrasound examination. Read More

Biom J 2021 Jun 25;63(5):1131-1143. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.

Shrinkage estimation in a meta-analysis framework may be used to facilitate dynamical borrowing of information. This framework might be used to analyze a new study in the light of previous data, which might differ in their design (e.g. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021 Feb 19;21(1):149. Epub 2021 Feb 19.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5, Canada.

Background: Estimation of fetal weight (EFW) by ultrasound is useful in clinical decision-making. Numerous formulas for EFW have been published but have not been validated in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of EFW formulas in patients with PPROM, and to further evaluate the performance of the most commonly used formula - Hadlock IV. Read More

Diabetol Metab Syndr 2021 Feb 18;13(1):22. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza Sq. 1/3, 02-015, Warsaw, Poland.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the ultrasound-derived measurements of the fetal soft-tissue, heart, liver and umbilical cord in pregnancies complicated by gestational (GDM) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and further to assess their applicability in the estimation of the fetal birth-weight and prediction of fetal macrosomia.

Methods: Measurements were obtained from diet-controlled GDM (GDMG1) (n = 40), insulin-controlled GDM (GDMG2) (n = 40), T1DM (n = 24) and healthy control (n = 40) patients. The following parameters were selected for analysis: fetal sub-scapular fat mass (SSFM), abdominal fat mass (AFM), mid-thigh fat/lean mass (MTFM/MTLM) and inter-ventricular septum (IVS) thicknesses, heart and thorax circumference and area (HeC/HeA; ThC/ThA), liver length (LL), umbilical cord/vein/arteries circumference and area (UmC/UmA; UvC/UvA; UaC/UaA) together with total umbilical vessels (UveA) and Wharton's jelly area (WjA). Read More

Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ) 2020 Apr-Jun;18(70):111-116

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.

Background Fetal weight estimation plays a significant role in the antenatal management of high risk pregnancies. It is also an important parameter for predicting the neonatal outcome and informs decision for the mode of intra-partum management of the pregnant women. Among the various methods of prenatal fetal weight estimation, the most commonly used are clinical estimation and sonography. Read More

J Med Biochem 2021 Jan;40(1):74-85

King Saud University, Center for Female Scientific and Medical Colleges, Central Laboratory, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently encountered disorder. This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in ADRB2 in Saudi PCOS development and to study its influence on lipids, hormones, and anthropometric parameters.

Methods: Saudi females (100) suffering from PCOS and healthy controls (100) were investigated. Read More

Placenta 2021 Feb 30;105:70-77. Epub 2021 Jan 30.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada. Electronic address:

Introduction: The choice of fetal growth chart to be used in antenatal screening for fetal growth restriction (FGR) has an important impact on the proportion of fetuses diagnosed as small for gestational age (SGA), and on the detection rate for FGR. We aimed to compare diagnostic accuracy of SGA diagnosed using four different common fetal growth charts [Hadlock, Intergrowth-21st (IG21), World Health Organization (WHO), and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)], for abnormal placental pathology.

Methods: A secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study in low-risk nulliparous women. Read More

Nutrients 2021 Jan 28;13(2). Epub 2021 Jan 28.

Pediatric Unit, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy.

Puberty is a crucial developmental stage in the life span, necessary to achieve reproductive and somatic maturity. Timing of puberty is modulated by and responds to central neurotransmitters, hormones, and environmental factors leading to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis maturation. The connection between hormones and nutrition during critical periods of growth, like fetal life or infancy, is fundamental for metabolic adaptation response and pubertal development control and prediction. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2020;91(12):769-772

Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecologic Oncology, Division of Obstetrics and Women's Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.

One of the main reasons for the epidemic of obesity, which has already influenced the economic condition of health system worldwide, is our modern lifestyle having an unbalanced calorie intake and insufficient physical activity. Maternal-fetal nourishment and metabolism are the mechanisms of fetal programming of obesity-adiposity and non-communicable diseases that have been most extensively investigated. A mother's obesity is related to adverse outcomes for both mother and baby. Read More

Isr Med Assoc J 2021 Jan;23(1):43-47

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.

Background: The sonographic assessment of estimated fetal weight (EFW) is essential for identification of fetuses in weight extremes and aids in peripartum management. However, there are inconsistent reports regarding EFW accuracy.

Objectives: To examine maternal and fetal determinants associated with unreliable EFW. Read More

Turk Patoloji Derg 2021 ;37(2):154-160

Department of Pathology, Indian Institute of Medical Science and Research, Warudi, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

Objective: Pulmonary hypoplasia is common in the perinatal period and causes death in newborn infants. It is commonly associated with a number of malformation syndromes. Various parameters are used to estimate pulmonary hypoplasia at fetal autopsy including Lung Weight Body Weight ratio (LW:BW), Radial Alveolar Count (RAC) and DNA estimation. Read More

Dev Neurosci 2020 15;42(2-4):114-123. Epub 2020 Dec 15.

Neuroscience Unit, Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria,

Developmental mode along the altricial-precocial spectrum is well known to be influenced by brain development and maturation. The greater cane rat (GCR) is an indigenous precocial African rodent with uncommon phenotypes and life traits. This study was therefore designed to characterize and describe distinctive external developmental features in the prenatal GCR brain across the entire gestational length using the emergence and differentiation of external features of the brain vesicles. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020 Dec 10;20(1):769. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, R.D. Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, Pin-456006, India.

Background: Pregnancy is a stress test of maternal thyroid function. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women is high. Subclinical hypothyroidism occurs in 10% of all pregnancies. Read More

Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2020 Dec 3. Epub 2020 Dec 3.

INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork College of Medicine and Health, Cork, Ireland.

Background: Non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) provides continuous estimation of cardiac output. This has potential for use in the delivery suite in the management of acutely depressed term infants. This study aims to measure cardiac output in term infants at delivery and in the first hours of life. Read More

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020 Dec 26;255:242-246. Epub 2020 Aug 26.

Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa de Leganés, Madrid, Spain.

Objective: Estimation of the prevalence of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) in our environment and study of the associated risk factors.

Study Desing: A retrospective observational study of cases and controls of assisted deliveries at the Severo Ochoa University Hospital of Leganés during the period from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2017. A total of 88 OASIS diagnosed in the study period is compared with a randomly selected group of 181 controls of similar characteristics, vaginal births of cephalic of 36 weeks gestation or more, occurring during the same period. Read More

Biomed Res Int 2020 22;2020:3251956. Epub 2020 Oct 22.

Comboni Hospital, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana.

Background: Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence indicates that endothelial dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This study assessed the level of the components of the arginine-nitric oxide pathway to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in normotensive pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. Read More