Umbilical cord coiling index in predicting neonatal outcomes: a single-center cross-sectional study from Vietnam

The aim of the study was to investigate ultrasound and Doppler parameters in the third trimester of pregnancy as possible predictors of adverse perinatal outcome in unselected pregnancies. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study including unselected pregnant women be-tween 27 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. The following ultrasound and Doppler parameters were assessed: estimated fetal weight (EFW) [g], EFW percentile, placental maturity grade (Grannum classification), single vertical deepest pocket (SVDP) of amniotic fluid [cm], amniotic fluid index (AFI) [cm], mean uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI), umbilical artery (UA) PI, middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, MCA peak systolic velocity (PSV) [cm/s], and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as Apgar score of < 7 at 1 min, birth weight of < 2500 g at delivery, and gestational age of < 37 weeks at delivery. The unpaired t test was used to compare the groups. AFI (p = 0.01), mean UtA PI (p = 0.04) and mean UA PI (p = 0.03) were significantly different with regard to the Apgar score at 1 min. EFW, EFW percentile, SVDP of amniotic fluid, AFI, mean UtA PI, UA PI, and MCA PI were significantly different (p < 0.001) in terms of birth weight. Placental maturity grade (p = 0.02), SVDP of the amniotic fluid (p < 0.001), AFI (p < 0.001), mean UtA PI (p < 0.001), UA PI (p = 0.001), and MCA PI (p < 0.001) were significantly different as far as gestational age at delivery is concerned. Ultrasound and Doppler parameters may predict adverse perinatal outcomes in unselected pregnancies in the third trimester of pregnancy.

It was thought that Umbilical Cord Coiling plays an important role in protecting the umbilical cord from external pressure such as tension, pressure, stretching or entanglement. The mechanism of coiling still remains undetermined. According to several studies abnormal umbilical coiling is associated with poor perinatal outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the sonographic accuracy in determining Umbilical Coiling Index (UCI). To correlate it with postnatal examination of umbilical coiling and its association with obstetric and perinatal outcome. Material and Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted at Saveetha Medical College Obstetrics Department. For 200 pregnant women USG umbilical coiling index was measured during routine foetal evaluation between 28 to 40 weeks. USG-Umbilical Coiling Index was correlated with postnatal umbilical coiling index and its association with obstetric& perinatal outcome was calculated. Sonologist was blinded for pregnancy outcome. Results: USG –UCI was normal in 52%, hypocoiling 12% and hypercoiling 36%.In normal coiling there was no antenatal or intranatal problems. In hypocoiling Spontaneous Preterm Delivery was 50% and Low Birth Weight was38.9%, FGR 11.1%. In hypercoiling group Oligohydramnios was 14.8%, Intrapartum fetal distress33.3%, Meconium staining of liquor 16.6 %. In normal coiling all of them delivered naturally. In hypocoiling and in hypercoiling mode of delivery either forceps 7% or LSCS 41%.NICU admission in hypocoiling was 18 % and in hypercoiling 3%. Perinatal mortality was NIL. USG-Umbilical Coiling Index Sensitivity 97.8 specificity, 62.5%, Positive predictive value 96.77% Negative predictive value 71.4%. Conclusion: In our study there is a good correlation between USG-UCI and postnatal UCI. Our study confirms that there is an adverse perinatal outcome with both hypocoiling and hyper coiling of the umbilical cord.

Discordance in fetal biometry and Doppler are independent predictors of the risk of perinatal loss in twin pregnancies

To construct normal ranges for umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in prolonged pregnancies according to strict methodological criteria using polynomial regression analysis. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study involving 140 women, 10 women for each gestational day between 287 and 300 days of gestation. Fetal Doppler parameters were assessed to construct normal reference ranges for UA PI and MCA PI. CPR was calculated as a ratio of MCA PI/UA PI. Mathematical modeling of the data demonstrated that the optimal fit was a linear polynomial one. Mean, 5th and 95th centiles were calculated for UA, MCA and CPR and centile curves from the regression analysis were constructed. Reference ranges for UA PI, MCA PI and CPR in prolonged pregnancies have been constructed. MCA PI shows a wider range than previously reported in the literature.

Objectives: To investigate the association between the amount of Wharton’s jelly (WJ) and the umbilical coiling index (UCI). Methods: The subjects included 140 pregnant women in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. The antenatal UCI was calculated as the reciprocal of the distance between a pair of coils. The sonographic cross-sectional areas of the cord, arteries and vein were measured. The WJ area was calculated by subtracting areas of the total vessels from the cord. Results: UCIs were significantly smaller and WJ areas were significantly greater in the 3rd trimester than in the 2nd trimester. No correlations were observed between the UCI and WJ area in both trimesters. Conclusion: There is a reduction of the UCI during pregnancy. No direct correlations were found between the amount of WJ and UCI.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of sonographic biometric and Doppler parameters assessed at a routine third trimester scan, in combination with maternal characteristics, in predicting small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and adverse perinatal outcomes. This was a cohort study of low-risk singleton pregnancies undergoing routine ultrasound between 35+0 and 37+6 weeks. Demographic characteristics, estimated fetal weight (EFW) and abdominal circumference (AC) centiles, and Doppler indices, including the Pulsatility Index (PI) of the Umbilical Artery (UA), Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA), and Uterine Artery (UtA) were evaluated. The Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was calculated, all indices were converted into Multiples of the Median (MoM). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. Receiver-operating curves (ROC) were created to determine factors predictive of an SGA neonate with birthweights <3rd, 5th, and 10th centile and composite adverse perinatal outcomes (CAPO), which was comprised of intrauterine death, neonatal death, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. A total of 14,161 pregnancies were included. EFW centile (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.91 (95% CI, 0.9-0.92), p < 0.001) (aOR 0.9 (95% CI, 0.89-0.91), p < 0.001), UA PI (aOR 4.6 (95% CI, 2.2-9.6), p < 0.001) (aOR 2.5 (95% CI, 1.1-6.1), p < 0.04), MCA PI (aOR 0.37 (95% CI, 0.2-0.7), p = 0.002) (aOR 0.26 (95% CI, 0.12-0.59), p = 0.001), CPR (aOR 0.23 (95% CI, 0.13-0.42), p < 0.001) (aOR 0.25 (95% CI, 0.12-0.53), p < 0.001), and UtA PI (aOR 2.5 (95% CI, 1.68-3.83), p < 0.001) (aOR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.31-3.6), p = 0.003) were independent predictors of SGA <5th and SGA <3rd or SGA with CAPO, respectively. The combination of EFW, CPR, and UtA PI was associated with an Area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 (95% CI 0.92-0.94), p < 0.001 for both outcomes. In an unselected population, the UA PI, MCA PI, CPR, and UtA PI are independent predictors of SGA and adverse perinatal outcomes. The combination of these parameters can reliably predict SGA and adverse perinatal outcomes with a high degree of accuracy.

Background: Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurs with an incidence of 10-15% in monochorionic pregnancies. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) TTTS Cardiovascular Score (CVS) is a 20-point scale and encompasses evaluation of five domains: Recipient (R) abnormalities of 1) ventricular hypertrophy/systolic dysfunction, 2) atrioventricular valve insufficiency, 3) diastolic ventricular inflow, ductus venosus and umbilical vein flow patterns and 4) right ventricular outflow/pulmonary obstruction; Donor (D) abnormalities of 5) umbilical arterial (UA) flow. We explore the early impact of selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (SLPC) of placental anastomoses on fetal cardiovascular (CV) burden. Methods: Fetal echocardiograms performed prior to and one week post SLPC from 11/2012 to 6/2018 were reviewed. Pulsatility indices (PI) of the UA and middle cerebral artery (MCA), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and CHOP CVS elements were analyzed pre and post SLPC using paired t-tests. Results: SLPC was performed in 198 subjects; 17 excluded due to one twin demise post SLPC. Of the 181 analyzed, mean gestational age at SLPC was 19.8 (95% CI: ±0.3) weeks. Following SLPC, R demonstrated an increase in MCA PI and decrease in UA PI, with increase in CPR. D demonstrated a similar magnitude decrease in both MCA PI and UA PI, yielding no change in CPR. Following SLPC, mean CHOP CVS decreased. CHOP pre SLPC CVS was ≥6 in 62 (34%). The magnitude of change was greater in the subgroup with greater pre SLPC CV burden (CVS &gt; 6). Most common elements to improve were systolic dysfunction, tricuspid inflow, ductus venosus and umbilical vein flow patterns; least likely to improve was ventricular hypertrophy. Conclusions: Improvement in CV burden is seen as early as 1 week post SLPC, which supports acute alteration of loading conditions as contributing to the disease. Further study of the trajectory of CV alterations may provide insight into the complex mechanisms underlying TTTS.

BackgroundRoutine assessment in (near) term pregnancy is often inaccurate for the identification of fetuses who are mild to moderately compromised due to placental insufficiency and are at risk of adverse outcomes, especially when fetal size is seemingly within normal range for gestational age. Although biometric measurements and cardiotocography are frequently used, it is known that these techniques have low sensitivity and specificity. In clinical practice this diagnostic uncertainty results in considerable ‘over treatment’ of women with healthy fetuses whilst truly compromised fetuses remain unidentified. The CPR is the ratio of the umbilical artery pulsatility index over the middle cerebral artery pulsatility index. A low CPR reflects fetal redistribution and is thought to be indicative of placental insufficiency independent of actual fetal size, and a marker of adverse outcomes. Its utility as an indicator for delivery in women with reduced fetal movements (RFM) is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess whether expedited delivery of women with RFM identified as high risk on the basis of a low CPR improves neonatal outcomes. Secondary aims include childhood outcomes, maternal obstetric outcomes, and the predictive value of biomarkers for adverse outcomes.MethodsInternational multicentre cluster randomised trial of women with singleton pregnancies with RFM at term, randomised to either an open or concealed arm. Only women with an estimated fetal weight ≥ 10th centile, a fetus in cephalic presentation and normal cardiotocograph are eligible and after informed consent the CPR will be measured. Expedited delivery is recommended in women with a low CPR in the open arm. Women in the concealed arm will not have their CPR results revealed and will receive routine clinical care. The intended sample size based on the primary outcome is 2160 patients. The primary outcome is a composite of: stillbirth, neonatal mortality, Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, cord pH < 7.10, emergency delivery for fetal distress, and severe neonatal morbidity.DiscussionThe CEPRA trial will identify whether the CPR is a good indicator for delivery in women with perceived reduced fetal movements.Trial registrationDutch trial registry (NTR), trial NL7557. Registered 25 February 2019.

An abnormal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is predictive of early childhood delayed neurodevelopment in the setting of fetal growth restriction

Objective Doppler velocimetry provides a sensitive, non-invasive, and safe method of surveillance of fetal hemodynamics and fetomaternal circulation. Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is an indicator of placental function and fetal maladaptation to placental insufficiency. Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is becoming a significant indicator of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, which has implications for the assessment of fetal well-being. This study aimedto determine the cut-off value of the cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses in high-risk mothers to predict adverse perinatal outcomes. We also compared the efficacy of CPR, umbilical artery pulsatility index (UmA PI), and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI) for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Design and setting This was a prospective observational study conducted at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. Methods A total of 100 women with singleton high-risk pregnancies were included in this prospective observational study. Obstetric ultrasound was performed at the time of recruitment, and fetal weight and CPR were noted. Based on fetal weight, patients were divided into AGA and fetal growth restriction (FGR) groups; CPR was measured; patients were followed up fortnightly; and outcomes were noted. Main outcome The effectiveness of CPR, UmA PI, and MCA PI for predicting poor perinatal outcomes and identifying the cut-off value of CPR in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses in high-risk mothers was assessed. Result The values of MCA PI, UmA PI, and CPR were statistically significant between AGA and FGR (p-value =.023, .002 and .0001), respectively. The cut-off value for CPR-detecting adverse outcomes in AGA was 1.49. It has sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 67.5%, 68%, 71.69%, and 70.21%, respectively. Conclusion Cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) reflects both circulatory insufficiency of the placenta and adaptive changes of the middle cerebral artery, indicating an important non-invasive surveillance modality.

To investigate the role of abnormal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting adverse fetal outcome in pregnancies with induction of labor. This prospective observational study conducted at Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital between December 1, 2018 and October 31, 2019 enrolled women with scheduled induction of labor at or beyond 37weeks of pregnancy. Women with singleton non-anomalous fetuses with cephalic presentation and who had Bishop scores of 5 or less in pelvic examination were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were the presence of uterine scar history, non-cephalic presentation, multiple pregnancy, vacuum- or forceps-assisted delivery, and shoulder dystocia. Using fetal Doppler ultrasound, CPR was calculated (the ratio of umbilical artery to middle cerebral artery pulsatility index) and categorized into abnormal CPR (<1) and normal CPR (≥1). Data on maternal and delivery characteristics, fetal birth weight, and fetal complications were compared between the groups. A total of 145 women were included, 28 in the abnormal CPR group and 117 in the normal CPR group. Multivariate analysis revealed labor induction at a later week of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 10.33, P=0.001), lack of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (OR 13.21, P=0.001), fetal distress (OR 8.14, P=0.003) or meconium aspiration (OR 159.91, P=0.001), and umbilical artery pH values greater than 7.31 (OR 17.51, P=0.015) to be associated with an increased likelihood of having normal (≥1) CPR values. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed association of normal CPR values with later labor induction (cut-off value of >38.3weeks, P=0.001), higher birth weight (cut-off value of >2460g, P=0.022) and higher umbilical artery pH (cut-off value of >7.31, P=0.007). Our findings revealed the significant role of abnormal CPR in predicting adverse fetal outcome in singleton pregnancies with scheduled induction of labor.

Nearly half of the patients with stillbirths experience reduced fetal movements (RFM) in the preceding week. The standardized evaluation will help reduce stillbirths. Placental dysfunction is the underlying pathophysiology for RFM and low cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). We attempted to determine the application of CPR in evaluation of RFM. A prospective case-control study with 100 patients each of cases and controls were studied at a tertiary care hospital. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA-PI), umbilical artery PI (UA-PI), and CPR were calculated as multiples of median (MoM) in patients presenting with RFM after 30 weeks and their matched controls and followed up. CPR values of various gestation ranges and single versus multiple episodes of RFM were analyzed. Compared to controls, women with RFM showed a significantly low MCA PI MoM (0.94 vs 1.4; p=0.00008) and low CPR MoM (1.48 vs 1.6; p=0.015). Women with multiple RFM episodes had lower CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.5; p < 0.00001) compared to single episode RFM. Multiple RFM episode patients had low MCA PI MoM (1.3 vs 1.4; p=0.0038) and low CPR MoM (1.2 vs 1.6; p < 0.00001) compared to controls. There was a significantly low CPR in 32-34 weeks (1.35 vs 1.81; p=0.004) and 36-38 weeks subgroups (1.39 vs 1.58; p=0.002). No significant difference in birthweight centiles or AGA versus SGA categories between cases and controls was noted questioning current guidelines where ultrasound evaluation is done for RFM patients with FGR. Incorporation of routine CPR measurements can standardize evaluation of RFM patients, especially those with AGA to pick up patients at risk of poor outcome and bring down stillbirth rates.

Objective To evaluate whether, in late pregnancy, the cerebral Doppler can identify very small fetuses that are less likely to experience intrapartum compromise (IC). Material and methods This was a retrospective study of 282 singleton pregnancies that underwent an ultrasound scan at 32 + 0- 40 + 6 weeks and were delivered after induction, or spontaneous onset of labor. Very small fetuses were defined as fetuses with estimated weight less than the 3rd centile. IC was diagnosed in case of abnormal intrapartum fetal heart rate or intrapartum fetal scalp pH < 7.20, requiring urgent cesarean section, neonatal pH below 7.10 and Apgar score at 5 min <7. The ability of the cerebral Doppler, middle cerebral artery pulsatility index, and cerebroplacental ratio, expressed in multiples of the median (MCA PI MoM and CPR MoM), to rule out the risk of IC was evaluated alone and combined with other sonographic and clinical parameters by means of logistic regression and ROC curve analyses. Results The only significant parameters determining IC were parity, MCA PI, and CPR MoM. [AUC 0.62 (95% CI 0.54–0.71, p = 0.012), 0.62 (95% CI 0.53–0.71, p = 0.008), 0.60 (95% CI 0.51–0.69, p = 0.020), respectively], while the best prediction was obtained combining parity with MCA PI or CPR [AUC 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.76), 0.67 (95% CI 0.60–0.75), p < 0.0001 for both]. Moreover, 90% of IC cases had MCA PI and CPR values below 1.1 MoM, while 100% had MCA and CPR values below 1.5 and 1.3 MoM. Finally, the negative predictive value was 82% for any combination of parameters that included either the MCA MoM or CPR MoM. Conclusion The cerebral Doppler can select a group of very small fetuses that are less likely to experience IC. These fetuses might be to some extent constitutionally small and might be candidates for a more conservative and individualized management.

Background:Doppler ultrasound of fetal vessels plays an important role in diagnosing fetal growth restriction (FGR). It also aids in early detection of fetal compromise and clinical decision making. Aim: To determine the efficacy of the pulsatility index (PI) of the fetal umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the third trimester of pregnancy for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in the growth restricted fetuses. To study the differences in Doppler profiles in early- and late FGR (EFGR and LFGR, respectively) and their association with adverse outcomes. Materials and methods:The study was approved by the Institute's Ethical Committee. Informed consent was taken from study participants. Eighty singleton pregnancies in the third trimester, which had been diagnosed with FGR, were studied. The UA and MCA Doppler PI and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) (ratios of PI of MCA/UA) as well as perinatal outcomes were recorded. Adverse perinatal outcomes included perinatal death, hypoxia, seizures, respiratory distress, prolonged Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay, and low Apgar scores at one minute and five minutes. Statistical association of PI with adverse outcomes and differences in Doppler profiles of EFGR and LFGR were studied. Results:Abnormal pulsatility in fetal vessels was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The UA PI was the most sensitive (66%) and CPR the most specific parameter (80%) for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Absent or reversal of diastolic flow in UA was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in 75% and 40% of cases, respectively. The UA PI was the most sensitive parameter in both EFGR (70%) and LFGR (66%) and specific Doppler parameter in EFGR (75%). However, CPR and MCA PI were the most specific (89%) and diagnostically accurate in LFGR (79%). Conclusion:The UA PI is the most sensitive Doppler parameter for predicting adverse perinatal outcomes. Cerebroplacental ratio has a high specificity and accuracy and is an important parameter in LFGR cases.

To analyze near-term cerebroplacental Doppler, heart morphology, and neonatal biometry in isolated hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) relative to healthy controls. This retrospective study included 55 fetuses with HLHS (29 with mitral valve stenosis [MS]/aortic valve atresia [AA], 14 with MS/aortic valve stenosis, and 12 with mitral valve atresia [MA]/[AA]) diagnosed prenatally between 2010 and 2019 at 2 referral centers and 101 healthy controls. Ultrasound assessment included umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI), and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), with neonatal weight, length, head circumference (HC), Apgar score, and UA pH measured at birth. In total, 32.7% of HLHS fetuses had abnormal MCA-PI and UA-PI, and 38.2% had CPRs below the fifth percentile before birth. All tested Doppler parameters differed from those of the healthy controls (P ≤ .01). Birth weight and length were comparable between HLHS and control fetuses, whereas birth HCs were smaller in the HLHS group than in the control group (P=.018). In both groups, increased UA-PI correlated with lower birth weight, but only HLHS fetuses with UA-PI > the 95th percentile had a lower median HC at birth than those with normal UA-PI (P=.045). The median UA-PI percentile was higher in fetuses with MA than in fetuses with MS (P=.015). The ascending aortic diameter correlated with birth weight (P=.036) and birth length (P=.039). Abnormal cerebroplacental hemodynamics are evident in a high percentage of near-term fetuses with HLHS, and increased placental resistance may contribute to birth weight and HC. Moreover, heart morphology may impact placental circulation and neonatal biometry.