Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with a minimally invasive technique for umbilical cord occlusion as a method of selective feticide in monochorionic sets. STUDY DESIGN: Umbilical cord occlusion was completed using 3 mm bipolar cautery under ultrasound guidance (3D/4D, n = 6; 2D, n = 6) with pre and post ligation endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: 12 cases of monochorionic sets where selective feticide was performed were identified during the period 2000 to present. There were four triplet and eight twin gestations in the study cohort. Median interval from intervention to delivery was 16 weeks (range, 5-19). All co-twins survived the procedure and 15 of 16 were delivered after 33 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical cord occlusion in monochorionic sets can be accomplished in a minimally invasive manner with combined endoscopic and ultrasound guidance in both twin and triplet pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to assess the validity of vaginal fetal fibronectin assay as a screening test for spontaneous preterm delivery in asymptomatic patients who have undergone multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR). STUDY DESIGN: A historic cohort of 63 patients who underwent MFPR between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation was identified. All patients underwent serial vaginal fetal fibronectin sampling every 2 to 3 weeks from 22 weeks of gestation until delivery or 32 weeks of gestation. The fetal fibronectin concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with 50 ng/mL or greater indicating a positive result. Charts were reviewed for fetal fibronectin results and pregnancy outcome data. Groups were compared by use of Fisher exact test. RESULTS: There were 13 singleton and 50 twin gestations after MFPR. A median of 4 fetal fibronectin assays were performed per patient. A total of 234 fetal fibronectin assays were performed with 222 (94.9%) negative results and 12 (5.1%) positive results. Overall, 41.3% of gestations were delivered spontaneously before 37 weeks; 7.9% were delivered before 34 weeks. The mean interval between tests was 17.8 days (+/-7.2 days). For delivery within 2 and 3 weeks of a single test, fetal fibronectin had a sensitivity of 66.7% and 50%, a specificity of 95.7% and 96.1%, a positive predictive value of 16.7% and 25%, and a negative predictive value of 99.5% and 98.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The fetal fibronectin test has similar validity to predict spontaneous preterm delivery in these high-risk pregnancies as in previously published cohorts

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new technique for wound closure after endoscopic intrauterine procedures which prevents amniotic fluid leakage after the procedure. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational study which reviews a new technique under an IRB-approved protocol. The rationale for this study was the increasing frequency of intrauterine endoscopic procedures. The most common complication of these procedures is persistent leakage of amniotic fluid from puncture sites, which can result in preterm labor and preterm delivery. Thus, these procedures carry a high morbidity rate that may overcome the benefit of the intervention. We have employed a new technique, which has successfully prevented amniotic fluid leakage following the procedure. The instruments used for the endoscopic procedures were no larger than 3.5 mm for all cases. A sealant of platelets was rapidly injected followed by injection of fibrin glue and powdered collagen slurry at each puncture site. Sonography for modified AFI, clinical examination for nitrazine and ferning, and pad count were performed after each procedure at three intervals: immediately after the procedure, 24 h and 48 h. RESULTS: Eight patients undergoing an endoscopic intrauterine procedure (either cord ligation for twin-twin transfusion syndrome or sealing of ruptured membranes after amniocentesis) were included. All patients were treated between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation. Sonography, clinical examination and pad count revealed no evidence of amniotic fluid leakage either intra-abdominally or vaginally in any of the patients. There was 1 patient who ruptured membranes 12 h after the procedure due to severe vomiting. Another patient elected to terminate the pregnancy 48 h after the procedure without evidence of leakage. The remaining patients continued for 8 weeks or more without fluid leakage. CONCLUSION: The technique described, immediate sealing of puncture wounds following endoscopic intrauterine procedures, is effective in preventing amniotic fluid loss after the procedure

A fetus was suspected of having a sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) on routine nuchal translucency evaluation by sonography at 12+3 weeks. The patient was referred for three-dimensional (3D) sonography to further delineate the extent of the mass. In this case, real-time scanning of the mass in 3D mode assisted the diagnosis of the mass and patient counseling. We present what we believe to be the first case of SCT imaged in the first trimester using 3D ultrasound

BACKGROUND: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by extensive cutaneous vascular malformations, venous varicosities, focal abnormalities of the deep venous system, and underlying soft tissue or bony hypertrophy. Given the rarity of the disease, there is little information available to counsel patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome regarding obstetric outcome. CASES: We report our experience with 3 patients in whom Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated 4 pregnancies. Successful delivery of a healthy infant at or beyond 36 weeks of gestation was achieved in all pregnancies. One of the 4 pregnancies was complicated by pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome was once thought to be a contraindication to pregnancy. With careful management, successful pregnancies can be achieved

OBJECTIVE: Currently, physicians manage preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) by expectant management or termination of the gestation. A therapy aimed at sealing membranes would be optimal to maintain the pregnancy and achieve a normal neonate. Our objective was to compare an endoscopic technique for intrauterine closure of fetal membrane defects after both iatrogenic and spontaneous rupture of membranes. METHODS: Our technique was performed on four patients experiencing PPROM spontaneously and four patients after genetic amniocentesis. Intrauterine endoscopy allowed direct visualization of membrane defects. Rapid sequential injections of platelets, fibrin glue and powdered collagen slurry were administered at the site of the defect and of trocar placement. Sonography for amniotic fluid index, nitrazine and fern testing and pad count were performed after each procedure at three intervals: immediately post-procedure, and after 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: Eight patients underwent endoscopic intrauterine sealing of ruptured membranes between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation: four were spontaneous ruptures and four were ruptures post-amniocentesis. In the post-amniocentesis group, three patients delivered viable infants at 26, 32 and 34 weeks. In one patient, the membranes ruptured again 12 h after the sealing procedure and she decided to undergo termination of pregnancy. Of the four spontaneous rupture patients, two experienced preterm labor and delivery within 2 days of the procedure. One patient was diagnosed with fetal demise 12 h post-procedure, and one patient delivered a neonate at 31 weeks of gestation with severe respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for sealing ruptured membranes is effective after amniocentesis, but may not be of benefit with spontaneous rupture