Advancements in Maternal–Fetal Medicine

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2024 | Viewed by 2209

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Victor Babes", 300001 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: gynecology; obstetrics; gynecological oncology; endocrinology and reproductive medicine; ethics; medical education; research design; epidemiology and statistics; computer applications
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Managing health issues of the mother and fetus before, during and soon after pregnancy is the main emphasis of maternal–fetal medicine, sometimes referred to as perinatology or high-risk obstetrics. Pregnant women with chronic conditions (e.g., nervous system, endocrine, genetic, infectious, immune, kidney, liver disease, hypertension, diabetes, mental and blood disorders), pregnancies at risk for pregnancy-related complications (e.g., preeclampsia, obesity, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, placenta previa and multiple pregnancies) and pregnancies with the fetus at risk (e.g., maternal diseases, genetic and chromosomal conditions, and growth restriction) are all encompassed by maternal–fetal medicine.The Special Issue aims to publish high-quality scientific articles in the perinatal health field to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates from pregnancy-related complications. These articles will focus on improving the diagnosis and management of obstetric, medical, surgical and fetal pregnancy complications. We invite original research articles, case studies, case reports and reviews on various maternal–fetal and obstetrical difficulties, from early pregnancy and placentation to prenatal diagnostics, fetal therapy, and maternal–fetal and obstetrical complications

Dr. Elena Bernad
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pregnancy
  • fetus
  • ultrasound
  • maternal–fetal medicine
  • perinatal care
  • high risk
  • obstetrics
  • complication
  • pathology
  • screening
  • diagnostics
  • fetal distress
  • psychology
  • medical ethics

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1068 KiB  
Article
Immune Responses of Healthy Pregnant Women following an Elective Cesarean Section: Effects of Anesthetic Procedures
by Marius Bogdan Novac, Lidia Boldeanu, Anda Lorena Dijmărescu, Mihail Virgil Boldeanu, Simona Daniela Neamțu, Lucreţiu Radu, Maria Magdalena Manolea, Mircea-Sebastian Șerbănescu, Maria Stoica, Luciana Teodora Rotaru and Constantin-Cristian Văduva
Diagnostics 2024, 14(9), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14090880 - 24 Apr 2024
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Abstract
A weakened immune system and more inflammatory cytokines being released are possible effects of the surgical stress that a cesarean section induces. This kind of reaction, in addition to the altered reaction to catecholamines, has the potential to significantly affect the immune system [...] Read more.
A weakened immune system and more inflammatory cytokines being released are possible effects of the surgical stress that a cesarean section induces. This kind of reaction, in addition to the altered reaction to catecholamines, has the potential to significantly affect the immune system of the mother and the patients’ general postoperative course. This prospective study compared the plasma levels of catecholamines and cytokines in healthy pregnant patients having cesarean sections under spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia. A total of 30 pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean sections were divided into two groups: 15 who received general anesthesia (GA) and 15 who received spinal anesthesia (SA). Blood samples were collected from all subjects before anesthesia induction (pre-OP), 6 h postoperatively (6 h post-OP), and 12 h (12 h post-OP), to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-4, IL-10, norepinephrine (NE), and epinephrine (EPI). When we compared the two groups, we discovered that only IL-6 and IL-4 had significantly higher levels pre-OP, whereas all studied cytokines exhibited an increase in the GA versus SA group at 6 and 12 h post-OP. In the case of catecholamines, we discovered that serum levels are positively related with pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines, depending on the time of day and type of anesthetic drugs. Compared to SA, GA has a more consistent effect on the inflammatory response and catecholamine levels. The findings of this study confirm that the type of anesthesia can alter postoperative immunomodulation to various degrees via changes in cytokine and catecholamine production. SA could be a preferable choice for cesarean section because it is an anesthetic method that reduces perioperative stress and allows for less opioid administration, impacting cytokine production with proper immunomodulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Maternal–Fetal Medicine)
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Review

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19 pages, 349 KiB  
Review
Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment Approach of Diabetic Retinopathy during Pregnancy: A Narrative Review
by Luminioara M. Rosu, Cătălin Prodan-Bărbulescu, Anca Laura Maghiari, Elena S. Bernad, Robert L. Bernad, Roxana Iacob, Emil Robert Stoicescu, Florina Borozan and Laura Andreea Ghenciu
Diagnostics 2024, 14(4), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14040369 - 08 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1090
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy and gestational diabetes are major concerns worldwide. These conditions may lead to the development of severe diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy or worsen pre-existing cases. Gestational diabetes also increases the risk of diabetes for both the mother and the fetus in the future. Understanding the prevalence, evaluating risk factors contributing to pathogenesis, and identifying treatment challenges related to diabetic retinopathy in expectant mothers are all of utmost importance. Pregnancy-related physiological changes, including those in metabolism, blood flow, immunity, and hormones, can contribute to the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, this condition may eventually result in irreversible vision loss. Treatment options such as laser therapy, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and intravitreal steroids pose challenges in managing these patients without endangering the developing baby and mother. This narrative review describes the management of diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy, highlights its risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic methods, and offers recommendations based on findings from previous literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Maternal–Fetal Medicine)

Other

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4 pages, 3006 KiB  
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Body Stalk Anomaly
by Nicolae Gică, Livia Mihaela Apostol, Iulia Huluță, Anca Maria Panaitescu, Ana Maria Vayna, Gheorghe Peltecu and Nicoleta Gana
Diagnostics 2024, 14(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14050518 - 29 Feb 2024
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Abstract
Abdominal wall defects encompass three primary classifications: gastroschisis, omphalocele and anomalies resembling body stalk. Potential causative factors include early amnion rupture, amniotic bands, vascular disruptions or abnormal folding of the embryo. The prevalence of these defects stands at 1 in 14,000 live births. [...] Read more.
Abdominal wall defects encompass three primary classifications: gastroschisis, omphalocele and anomalies resembling body stalk. Potential causative factors include early amnion rupture, amniotic bands, vascular disruptions or abnormal folding of the embryo. The prevalence of these defects stands at 1 in 14,000 live births. Body stalk anomaly is characterized by a substantial abdominal defect coupled with spine and limb anomalies, along with a very short or absent umbilical cord. We present a case of a rare abdominal defect known as body stalk anomaly, the most severe form of this spectrum of diseases. The diagnosis of this anomaly was established during the first trimester of pregnancy. Subsequently, the patient opted for pregnancy termination and chose not to undergo genetic testing. The anatomo-pathological results confirmed the findings. Body stalk anomaly is not compatible with life; therefore, early identification and understanding the clinical implications of this rare anomaly for informed decision-making in prenatal care are very important. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Maternal–Fetal Medicine)
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