Dataset Information

Malaria and fetal growth alterations in the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy: a longitudinal ultrasound study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pregnancy associated malaria is associated with decreased birth weight, but in-utero evaluation of fetal growth alterations is rarely performed. The objective of this study was to investigate malaria induced changes in fetal growth during the 3(rd) trimester using trans-abdominal ultrasound.

Methods

An observational study of 876 pregnant women (398 primi- and secundigravidae and 478 multigravidae) was conducted in Tanzania. Fetal growth was monitored with ultrasound and screening for malaria was performed regularly. Birth weight and fetal weight were converted to z-scores, and fetal growth evaluated as fetal weight gain from the 26th week of pregnancy.

Results

Malaria infection only affected birth weight and fetal growth among primi- and secundigravid women. Forty-eight of the 398 primi- and secundigravid women had malaria during pregnancy causing a reduction in the newborns z-score of -0.50 (95% CI: -0.86, -0.13, P?=?0.008, multiple linear regression). Fifty-eight percent (28/48) of the primi- and secundigravidae had malaria in the first half of pregnancy, but an effect on fetal growth was observed in the 3(rd) trimester with an OR of 4.89 for the fetal growth rate belonging to the lowest 25% in the population (95%CI: 2.03-11.79, P<0.001, multiple logistic regression). At an individual level, among the primi- and secundigravidae, 27% experienced alterations of fetal growth immediately after exposure but only for a short interval, 27% only late in pregnancy, 16.2% persistently from exposure until the end of pregnancy, and 29.7% had no alterations of fetal growth.

Conclusions

The effect of malaria infections was observed during the 3(rd) trimester, despite infections occurring much earlier in pregnancy, and different mechanisms might operate leading to different patterns of growth alterations. This study highlights the need for protection against malaria throughout pregnancy and the recognition that observed changes in fetal growth might be a consequence of an infection much earlier in pregnancy.

SUBMITTER: Schmiegelow C

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3543265 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Malaria and fetal growth alterations in the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy: a longitudinal ultrasound study.

Schmiegelow Christentze C Minja Daniel D Oesterholt Mayke M Pehrson Caroline C Suhrs Hannah Elena HE Boström Stéphanie S Lemnge Martha M Magistrado Pamela P Rasch Vibeke V Nielsen Birgitte Bruun BB Lusingu John J Theander Thor G TG

PloS one 20130111 1

<h4>Background</h4>Pregnancy associated malaria is associated with decreased birth weight, but in-utero evaluation of fetal growth alterations is rarely performed. The objective of this study was to investigate malaria induced changes in fetal growth during the 3(rd) trimester using trans-abdominal ultrasound.<h4>Methods</h4>An observational study of 876 pregnant women (398 primi- and secundigravidae and 478 multigravidae) was conducted in Tanzania. Fetal growth was monitored with ultrasound and ...[more]

PMID: 23326508

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Project description:OBJECTIVES:To study fetal growth in pregnancies at risk for growth restriction (GR) using, for the first time, the fetal growth pathology score (FGPS1). METHODS:A retrospective cohort study of GR was carried out in 184 selected SGA singletons using a novel, composite measure of growth abnormalities termed the FGPS1. Serial fetal biometry was used to establish second trimester Rossavik size models and determine FGPS1 values prior to delivery. FGPS1 data were compared to neonatal growth outcomes assessed using growth potential realization index (GPRI) values (average negative pathological GPRI (av?-?pGPRI)). Growth at the end of pregnancy was evaluated from differences in negative, individual composite prenatal growth assessment scores (-icPGAS) measured at the last two ultrasound scans. The FGPS1 and av?-?pGPRI values were used to classify fetal growth and neonatal growth outcomes, respectively, as Normal (N) or Abnormal (A). RESULTS:The risk of neonatal GR (based on birth weight (BW)) was moderate (MR: between 5th and10th percentiles (n?=?113)) or significant (SR:<5th percentile) (n?=?71)). Individual pregnancies were grouped into four categories, two representing agreement (N-N (29%), A-A (40%)) and two representing discordance (N-A (11%), A-N (20%)). In the largest and most variable subgroup (A-A,<5%tile, n?=?49), there was a statistically significant correlation (0.63, p?<?.0001) between the FGPS1 and av?-?pGPRI. In N-A, all 20 cases (100%) had long last-scan-to-delivery intervals (1.9 weeks or greater), suggesting late development of the growth abnormality. For A-N, in approximately equal proportions, GR was improving, progressing or unclassifiable at the end of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS:Significant agreement between prenatal and postnatal growth assessments was found using a novel approach for quantifying fetal growth pathology (FGPS1). Discordances appear to be due to lack of appropriate prenatal scans or an inadequate set of neonatal measurements. Evidence for a quantitative relationship between assessment methods was seen in the largest and most variable subgroup. The FGPS1 has the potential for characterizing GR in the third trimester and may provide a means for predicting the severity of corresponding abnormal neonatal growth outcomes.

Project description:ObjectivesThere are no international standards for relating fetal crown-rump length (CRL) to gestational age (GA), and most existing charts have considerable methodological limitations. The INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project aimed to produce the first international standards for early fetal size and ultrasound dating of pregnancy based on CRL measurement.MethodsUrban areas in eight geographically diverse countries that met strict eligibility criteria were selected for the prospective, population-based recruitment, between 9?+?0 and 13?+?6?weeks' gestation, of healthy well-nourished women with singleton pregnancies at low risk of fetal growth impairment. GA was calculated on the basis of a certain last menstrual period, regular menstrual cycle and lack of hormonal medication or breastfeeding in the preceding 2 months. CRL was measured using strict protocols and quality-control measures. All women were followed up throughout pregnancy until delivery and hospital discharge. Cases of neonatal and fetal death, severe pregnancy complications and congenital abnormalities were excluded from the study.ResultsA total of 4607 women were enrolled in the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study, one of the three main components of the INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project, of whom 4321 had a live singleton birth in the absence of severe maternal conditions or congenital abnormalities detected by ultrasound or at birth. The CRL was measured in 56 women at <?9?+?0?weeks' gestation; these were excluded, resulting in 4265 women who contributed data to the final analysis. The mean CRL and SD increased with GA almost linearly, and their relationship to GA is given by the following two equations (in which GA is in days and CRL in mm): mean CRL?=?-50.6562 + (0.815118 × GA) + (0.00535302?× GA(2) ); and SD of CRL?=?-2.21626?+?(0.0984894?×?GA). GA estimation is carried out according to the two equations: GA?=?40.9041?+?(3.21585?×?CRL(0.5) )?+?(0.348956 × CRL); and SD of GA?=?2.39102?+?(0.0193474?×?CRL).ConclusionsWe have produced international prescriptive standards for early fetal linear size and ultrasound dating of pregnancy in the first trimester that can be used throughout the world.

Project description:BackgroundAir pollution exposure during pregnancy might have trimester-specific effects on fetal growth.ObjectiveWe prospectively evaluated the associations of maternal air pollution exposure with fetal growth characteristics and adverse birth outcomes in 7,772 subjects in the Netherlands.MethodsParticulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were estimated using dispersion modeling at the home address. Fetal head circumference, length, and weight were estimated in each trimester by ultrasound. Information on birth outcomes was obtained from medical records.ResultsIn cross-sectional analyses, NO2 levels were inversely associated with fetal femur length in the second and third trimester, and PM10 and NO2 levels both were associated with smaller fetal head circumference in the third trimester [-0.18 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.24, -0.12 mm; and -0.12 mm, 95% CI: -0.17, -0.06 mm per 1-μg/m3 increase in PM10 and NO2, respectively]. Average PM10 and NO2 levels during pregnancy were not associated with head circumference and length at birth or neonatally, but were inversely associated with birth weight (-3.6 g, 95% CI: -6.7, -0.4 g; and -3.4 g, 95% CI: -6.2, -0.6 g, respectively). Longitudinal analyses showed similar patterns for head circumference and weight, but no associations with length. The third and fourth quartiles of PM10 exposure were associated with preterm birth [odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.89; and OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.96, 1.79, relative to the first quartile]. The third quartile of PM10 exposure, but not the fourth, was associated with small size for gestational age at birth (SGA) (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.90). No consistent associations were observed for NO2 levels and adverse birth outcomes.ConclusionsResults suggest that maternal air pollution exposure is inversely associated with fetal growth during the second and third trimester and with weight at birth. PM10 exposure was positively associated with preterm birth and SGA.

Project description:BackgroundPregnancy loss prediction based on routinely measured ultrasound characteristics is generally aimed toward distinguishing nonviability. Physicians also use ultrasound indicators for patient counseling, and in some cases to decide upon the frequency of follow-up sonograms. To improve clinical utility, allocation of cut-points should be based on clinical data for multiple sonographic characteristics, be specific to gestational week, and be determined by methods that optimize prediction.ObjectivesTo identify routinely measured features of the early first trimester ultrasound and the gestational age-specific cut-points that are most predictive of pregnancy loss.Materials and methodsThis was a secondary analysis of 617 pregnant women enrolled in the Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction (EAGeR) trial; all women had 1-2 previous pregnancy losses and no documented infertility. Each participant had a single ultrasound with a detectable fetal heartbeat between 6 weeks 0 days and 8 weeks 6 days. Cut-points for low fetal heart rate and small crown-rump length were separately defined for gestational weeks 6, 7, and 8 to optimize prediction. Identity and log-binomial regression models were used to estimate absolute and relative risks, respectively, and 95% confidence intervals between jointly categorized low fetal heart rate, small crown-rump length, and clinical pregnancy loss. Adjusted models accounted for gestational age at ultrasound in weeks. Missing data were addressed using multiple imputation.ResultsA total of 64 women experienced a clinical pregnancy loss following the first ultrasound (10.4%), 7 were lost to follow-up (1.1%), and 546 women (88.5%) had a live birth. Low fetal heart rate and small crown-rump length (≤122, 123, and 158 bpm; ≤6.0, 8.5, and 10.9 mm for gestational weeks 6, 7, and 8, respectively) were independent predictors of clinical pregnancy loss, with greatest risks observed for pregnancies having both characteristics (relative risk, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.91). The combination of low fetal heart rate and small crown-rump length was linked to a 16% (95% confidence interval, 9.1-23%) adjusted absolute increase in risk of subsequent loss, from 5.0% (95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.5%) to 21% (95% confidence interval, 15-27%). Abnormal yolk sac diameter or the presence of a subchorionic hemmhorage did not improve prediction of clinical pregnancy loss.ConclusionIdentified cut-points can be used by physicians for patient counseling, and in some cases to decide upon the frequency of follow-up sonograms. The specified criteria should not be used to diagnose nonviability.

Project description:BackgroundFetal growth restriction is a major determinant of adverse perinatal outcome. Screening procedures for fetal growth restriction need to identify small babies and then differentiate between those that are healthy and those that are pathologically small. We sought to determine the diagnostic effectiveness of universal ultrasonic fetal biometry in the third trimester as a screening test for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, and whether the risk of morbidity associated with being small differed in the presence or absence of ultrasonic markers of fetal growth restriction.MethodsThe Pregnancy Outcome Prediction (POP) study was a prospective cohort study of nulliparous women with a viable singleton pregnancy at the time of the dating ultrasound scan. Women participating had clinically indicated ultrasonography in the third trimester as per routine clinical care and these results were reported as usual (selective ultrasonography). Additionally, all participants had research ultrasonography, including fetal biometry at 28 and 36 weeks' gestational age. These results were not made available to participants or treating clinicians (universal ultrasonography). We regarded SGA as a birthweight of less than the 10th percentile for gestational age and screen positive for SGA an ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile for gestational age. Markers of fetal growth restriction included biometric ratios, utero-placental Doppler, and fetal growth velocity. We assessed outcomes for consenting participants who attended research scans and had a livebirth at the Rosie Hospital (Cambridge, UK) after the 28 weeks' research scan.FindingsBetween Jan 14, 2008, and July 31, 2012, 4512 women provided written informed consent of whom 3977 (88%) were eligible for analysis. Sensitivity for detection of SGA infants was 20% (95% CI 15-24; 69 of 352 fetuses) for selective ultrasonography and 57% (51-62; 199 of 352 fetuses) for universal ultrasonography (relative sensitivity 2·9, 95% CI 2·4-3·5, p<0·0001). Of the 3977 fetuses, 562 (14·1%) were identified by universal ultrasonography with an estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile and were at an increased risk of neonatal morbidity (relative risk [RR] 1·60, 95% CI 1·22-2·09, p=0·0012). However, estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile was only associated with the risk of neonatal morbidity (pinteraction=0·005) if the fetal abdominal circumference growth velocity was in the lowest decile (RR 3·9, 95% CI 1·9-8·1, p=0·0001). 172 (4%) of 3977 pregnancies had both an estimated fetal weight of less than the 10th percentile and abdominal circumference growth velocity in the lowest decile, and had a relative risk of delivering an SGA infant with neonatal morbidity of 17·6 (9·2-34·0, p<0·0001).InterpretationScreening of nulliparous women with universal third trimester fetal biometry roughly tripled detection of SGA infants. Combined analysis of fetal biometry and fetal growth velocity identified a subset of SGA fetuses that were at increased risk of neonatal morbidity.FundingNational Institute for Health Research, Medical Research Council, Sands, and GE Healthcare.

Dataset Information

Malaria and fetal growth alterations in the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy: a longitudinal ultrasound study.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Malaria and fetal growth alterations in the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy: a longitudinal ultrasound study.

Similar Datasets

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