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Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... 2024Concerns regarding high open surgery-related maternal morbidity have led to improvements in minimally invasive fetal surgeries.
BACKGROUND
Concerns regarding high open surgery-related maternal morbidity have led to improvements in minimally invasive fetal surgeries.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the perinatal and maternal outcomes of minimally invasive fetal surgery performed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Retrospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary reference centers.
METHODS
This retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medical records from 2011 to 2019. The outcomes included maternal and pregnancy complications, neonatal morbidity, and mortality from the intrauterine period to hospital discharge.
RESULTS
Fifty mothers and 70 fetuses were included in this study. The pathologies included twin-twin transfusion syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, myelomeningocele, lower urinary tract obstruction, pleural effusion, congenital upper airway obstruction syndrome, and amniotic band syndrome. Regarding maternal complications, 8% had anesthetic complications, 12% had infectious complications, and 6% required blood transfusions. The mean gestational age at surgery was 25 weeks, the mean gestational age at delivery was 33 weeks, 83% of fetuses undergoing surgery were born alive, and 69% were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit.
CONCLUSION
Despite the small sample size, we demonstrated that minimally invasive fetal surgeries are safe for pregnant women. Perinatal mortality and prematurity rates in this study were comparable to those previously. Prematurity remains the most significant problem associated with fetal surgery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Brazil; Adult; Infant, Newborn; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Pregnancy Outcome; Fetal Diseases; Pregnancy Complications; Gestational Age; Young Adult; Perinatal Mortality
PubMed: 38896578
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2023.0159.R1.16022024 -
Frontiers in Surgery 2024Terminal osseous overgrowth is a common complication after trans-diaphyseal amputation in children, leading to pain, soft tissue problems, and recurrent surgical...
Terminal osseous overgrowth is a common complication after trans-diaphyseal amputation in children, leading to pain, soft tissue problems, and recurrent surgical procedures. We report three different cases with post-amputation issues of osseous overgrowth, ulceration, and deformity over the amputation site. The first case involves a 9-year-old boy with a right leg congenital amputation secondary to amniotic band syndrome. The right below-knee stump later experienced recurrent episodes of osseous overgrowth, leading to ulceration. After the prominent tibia was resected and capped with the ipsilateral proximal fibula, a positive outcome was achieved with no more recurrent overgrowth over the right leg stump. The second case involves a 9-year-old girl born with an amniotic constriction band over both legs. Her left leg remained functional after a circumferential Z-plasty, but the right leg was a congenital below-knee amputation. Multiple refashioning surgeries were performed on the right leg due to osseous overgrowth but the patient continued to experience recurrent overgrowth causing pain and difficulty fitting into a prosthesis. We performed osteocartilaginous transfer of the proximal part of the ipsilateral fibula to the right tibial end, successfully preventing the overgrowth of the tibia without any complications. The third case involves an 11-year-old boy with a history of meningococcal septicemia who underwent a right below-knee amputation and left ankle disarticulation due to complications of septic emboli. He experienced a prominent right distal tibia stump, which later developed into valgus deformity as a result of the previous insult to the proximal tibial growth plate. We performed a corrective osteotomy over the proximal right tibia and capped the entire tibia with the ipsilateral fibula as an intramedullary splint for the osteotomy site. Post-operatively, we achieved satisfactory deformity correction and successfully halted the recurrent overgrowth over the right tibia stump. The method of ipsilateral fibula capping is safe and effective in managing the osseous overgrowth complications in trans-diaphyseal amputations among children. Therefore, it is a reasonable option during primary below-knee amputations in children compared to multiple refashioning surgeries.
PubMed: 38854925
DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2024.1320661 -
Journal of Community Genetics Jun 2024Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies...
Prevalence of congenital anomalies and prenatal diagnosis by birth institution (public vs. non-public): indicators of inequality in access to elective termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies.
Congenital anomalies (CA) encompass all morphological or functional alterations originating prenatally and present at birth. The prenatal diagnosis of these anomalies can significantly impact the overall health of the pregnant individual and may influence her decision regarding the continuation of the pregnancy. In contexts where safe pregnancy termination is not guaranteed by the state, it can lead to unsafe procedures with severe consequences. In our research, we analyzed epidemiological information on CA to develop potential indicators of inequity in access to safe abortion prior to the legalization of legal termination of pregnancy in Argentina. We included cases from 13 public hospitals and 9 non-public subsector hospitals, from the period 2013-2020. Two groups of specific CA were selected: 1) CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed, and 2) CA related to vascular disruptive events. 10/18 of the selected CA capable of being prenatally diagnosed had a significantly higher prevalence in public hospitals (anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, hydranencephaly, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, bilateral renal agenesis). Non public hospitals had higher prenatal detection. Birth prevalence of CA related with vascular disruptive events (limb reduction, Moebius syndrome, amniotic band sequence) were significantly higher in public hospitals. These results suggest disparities in access to prenatal diagnosis and safe abortion based on socioeconomic status. There was a significant gap in access to prenatal diagnosis for CA and possibly to safe elective abortion depending on the type of institution (public vs. non-public).
PubMed: 38822971
DOI: 10.1007/s12687-024-00714-x -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... May 2024
Incidental detection of a de novo 16p13.3 microdeletion encompassing PKD1 and a familial Yq11.223 microdeletion encompassing DAZ1 in a fetus with encephalocele on prenatal ultrasound and amniotic band syndrome.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Encephalocele; Adult; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16; Incidental Findings; RNA-Binding Proteins
PubMed: 38802215
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.03.013 -
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &... Jun 2024A congenital constriction band (CCB) is a relatively common anomaly among limb malformations. However, the number of cases treated at a given center is limited and...
BACKGROUND
A congenital constriction band (CCB) is a relatively common anomaly among limb malformations. However, the number of cases treated at a given center is limited and differences in techniques used by surgeons at each facility have a significant impact on the treatment outcomes. Several surgical methods have been reported, but a standard technique that yields consistent satisfactory results is still needed. Here, we introduce a novel technique for the treatment of CCB syndrome that uses a combination of wave-like skin incision and Z-axis Z-plasty.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A wave-like incision was used for skin incision with the goals of achieving an accordion effect and a less noticeable post-operative scar. After the fibrous constriction band was completely excised, a Z-plasty of sufficient size in the Z-axis direction was performed on the dermis-inclusive adipose tissue. For over 10 years, this technique was applied to 11 sites in 6 patients. A retrospective study of the characteristics of these cases was performed, including age at surgery, gender, type of deformity, degree of constriction, types of examination, number of surgeries, and post-operative outcomes.
RESULTS
In all patients, a normal contour of the limbs was achieved and the hourglass-like deformity caused by the constriction band was satisfactorily improved. No additional corrective surgeries were needed, there was no abnormal growth of the treated limbs, and scarring was aesthetically acceptable in all cases.
CONCLUSION
The novel technique described here uses deep subcutaneous fat to correct the hourglass-like deformity and restores a normal limb contour, while the wave-like skin incision minimizes post-operative scarring.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Retrospective Studies; Infant; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Amniotic Band Syndrome; Infant, Newborn; Treatment Outcome; Cicatrix; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38691951
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.04.029 -
Acta Ortopedica Mexicana 2024Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and clubfoot are distinct congenital musculoskeletal conditions that can occasionally co-occur, creating unique challenges in their... (Review)
Review
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and clubfoot are distinct congenital musculoskeletal conditions that can occasionally co-occur, creating unique challenges in their management. This paper summarizes the comprehensive discussion on the management of amniotic band syndrome (ABS) and clubfoot, emphasizing the critical role of the Ponseti method and the challenges faced in treatment, thereby providing a basis for further research and improved patient care.
Topics: Clubfoot; Humans; Amniotic Band Syndrome; Infant, Newborn; Infant; Casts, Surgical
PubMed: 38657150
DOI: No ID Found -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Jun 2024Amniotic banding is a rare condition that can lead to structural limb anomalies, fetal distress and adverse obstetric outcomes. The main hypothesis for its etiology is a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Amniotic banding is a rare condition that can lead to structural limb anomalies, fetal distress and adverse obstetric outcomes. The main hypothesis for its etiology is a rupture of the amniotic membrane in early pregnancy, with the formation of tightly entangling strands around the fetus. These strands can constrict, incise, and subsequently amputate limb parts, the neck or head. More rarely, the amniotic banding can affect the umbilical cord, leading to fetal distress or potential intra-uterine fetal demise.
OBJECTIVE
We present a unique case of a 26-week pregnant woman who attended a polyclinical consultation due to reduced fetal movements with concerning cardiotocography (CTG) findings. A review of the literature about amniotic banding of the umbilical cord was conducted as well, identifying diagnostic and interventional options for the obstetrician's practice.
STUDY DESIGN
This is a case report, alongside a review of the literature.
RESULTS
The CTG indicated fetal distress, prompting an emergency caesarean section (C-section). Upon delivery, the neonate exhibited signs of amniotic band sequence, with distal phalangeal defects on the right hand and severe constriction of the umbilical cord caused by amniotic strands, the latter precipitating fetal hypoxia. Direct ultrasound diagnosis remains a challenge in the absence of limb amputation, yet indirect signs such as distal limb or umbilical doppler flow abnormalities and distal limb edema may be suggestive of amniotic banding. MRI is proposed as an adjuvant diagnostic tool yet does not present a higher detection rate compared to ultrasound. Fetoscopic surgery to perform lysis of the amniotic strands with favorable outcome has been described in literature.
CONCLUSION
This case presents the first reported survival of an extremely preterm fetus in hypoxic distress as a cause of amniotic banding of the umbilical cord, with a rare degree of incidental timing. Ultrasound diagnosis remains the gold standard. Obstetrical vigilance is warranted, with fetal rescue proven to be feasible.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Amniotic Band Syndrome; Cesarean Section; Adult; Fetal Hypoxia; Infant, Newborn; Cardiotocography; Ultrasonography, Prenatal; Fetal Distress; Umbilical Cord
PubMed: 38616145
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.04.010 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Apr 2024To identify whether conventional methods of estimating fetal growth (Hadlock's formula), which relies heavily on abdominal circumference measurements, are accurate in...
OBJECTIVE
To identify whether conventional methods of estimating fetal growth (Hadlock's formula), which relies heavily on abdominal circumference measurements, are accurate in fetuses with gastroschisis.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study was performed between the period January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2021 in a tertiary referral maternity hospital identifying all pregnancies with a diagnosis of gastroschisis. Projected fetal weight was obtained using the formula (EFW [Hadlock's formula] + 185 g × [X/7]) where X was the number of days to delivery.
RESULTS
During the study period 41 cases were identified. The median maternal age was 25. The median BMI was 25 and 63% were primiparous women (n = 26). Median gestation at diagnosis was 21 weeks. Median gestation at delivery was 36 weeks. A total of 4.8% of mothers had a history of drug use (n = 2). The rate of maternal tobacco use was 21.9% (n = 9). A total of 4.8% of fetuses had additional congenital anomalies including amniotic band syndrome and myelomeningocele (n = 2). Estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birth weight data were available for 34 cases. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed projected EFW using Hadlock's formula did not result in a statistically significant different birth weight (Z = -1.3, P = 0.169). Median projected weight and actual birth weight were 2241.35 and 2415 g respectively. Median difference was 0.64 g (95% CI: -148 to -28.5).
CONCLUSION
Our data showed accuracy using standard formulae for EFW in fetuses with gastroschisis.
PubMed: 38572954
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15525 -
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024A biodegradable hybrid polymer patch was invented at the University of Cincinnati to cover gaps on the skin over the spinal column of a growing fetus, characterized by...
A biodegradable hybrid polymer patch was invented at the University of Cincinnati to cover gaps on the skin over the spinal column of a growing fetus, characterized by the medical condition spina bifida. The inserted patch faces amniotic fluid (AF) on one side and cerebrospinal fluid on the other side. The goal is to provide a profile of the roughness of a patch over time at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks with a 95% confidence band. The patch is soaked in a test tube filled with either amniotic fluid (AF) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) in the lab. If roughness is measured at any time point for a patch, the patch is destroyed. Thus, it is impossible to measure roughness at all weeks of interest for any patch. It is important to assess the roughness of a patch because the rougher the patch is, the faster the skin grows under the patch. We use a model-based approach with Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the profile over time with a 95% confidence band. The roughness profiles are similar with both liquids. The profile can be used as a template for future experiments on the composition of patches.
PubMed: 38534523
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030249 -
Cureus Feb 2024Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) constriction rings in the lower limb are common. Despite this, there is insufficient literature on anatomical abnormalities in the knee...
Arthroscopic Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction With Lateral Extraarticular Tenodesis With Unusual Arthroscopic Meniscal Findings in a Case of an Adolescent Girl Previously Diagnosed With Amniotic Band Syndrome.
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) constriction rings in the lower limb are common. Despite this, there is insufficient literature on anatomical abnormalities in the knee joints of children with ABS. There is an increasing incidence of paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries recently. ACL reconstruction in this population has an extra dilemma of sparing the physis to prevent growth disturbances. Treating both these conditions simultaneously is a challenge that is rarely encountered. In our literature review, we found no case such as this. As such a case is being described for the first time, we also found certain meniscal anatomical variations on diagnostic arthroscopy. A 12-year-old adolescent Indian girl presented with an ACL tear in her left leg after a school sports injury. She had a known case of ABS constriction bands in both her lower limbs. Her distal femoral and proximal femoral physis was fused on radiographs, so we went ahead with a transphyseal ACL soft-tissue graft reconstruction. On the diagnostic round, we found an anatomical variation of the menisci, which was previously not described since arthroscopy of the knee in an adolescent kid with ABS has not been published in the literature as of yet. These kinds of clinical presentations can become common in the future as more and more kids with ABS take part in recreational sports. In such a scenario, having knowledge about common anatomical variations in the knee of such syndromic patients is essential. While performing ACL reconstructions in this population, we have to be aware of the risk of growth deformities along with vascular and neurological complications, which are added risks with constriction bands around the lower limb.
PubMed: 38496138
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54120