The geometry of an organ’s vascular system determines the blood flow distribution to tissues for exchange of gas and nutrients by determining its vascular resistance. The importance of vascular geometry is evident in the placenta, where insufficient fetoplacental vascularity elevates vascular resistance thereby impairing perfusion, leading to one of the most common and severe pregnancy complications, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The mouse is becoming a widely used model for human placental development due to the increasing availability of mouse models thought to have a placental defect. Vascular geometry can now be imaged and quantified using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and results used to estimate resistance to blood flow. This thesis first describes the implementation of contrast agent perfusion and micro-CT imaging of the mouse fetoplacental vasculature throughout late gestation. Application of a vascular segmentation technique is then described and evaluated for quantification of the arterial fetoplacental tree. Normal fetoplacental vascular development in late gestation is described for two common mouse strains, CD1 and C57Bl6 (B6). In B6 placentas, both late gestational capillary growth and thinning of the interhaemal membrane were blunted relative to CD1. Analysis of CD1 and B6 tree geometry revealed a constant number of arterial segments throughout late gestation in both strains but expansion of arterial diameters in B6 only, resulting in decreased B6 arterial resistance and shear stress in late gestation. Strain dependence shows the importance of genetics in fetoplacental vascular development. Quantification of the arterial tree in a mouse model of maternal pre-pregnancy exposure to chemicals commonly found in cigarettes revealed an increase in vascular tortuousity and a reduced number of arteriole sized vessels. This led to an increase in vascular resistance and a predicted decrease in blood flow, which could contribute to the observed reduction in fetal weights. In future studies, the methods described herein can be used in phenotyping numerous mouse models which currently are suspected to have a placental vascular defect.

Eine Dysbalance zwischen Sauerstoffradikalen und der plasmatischen antioxidativen Kapazität sowie eine gesteigerte Aktivität der neutrophilen Granulozyten werden als mögliche pathophysiologische Faktoren der Schwangerschaftserkrankungen Präeklampsie (PE) und intrauterine Wachstumsretardierung (IUGR) diskutiert. Das Ziel der Studie war, zu prüfen, ob der plasmatische antioxidative Status und die Plasmaspiegel der neutrophilen Granulozyten Myeloperoxidase und PMN Elastase bei Schwangerschaften mit uteriner Perfusionsstörung, die ein Hochrisikokollektiv für die oben genannten Schwangerschaftskomplikationen darstellen, verändert sind. Die Messungen mit dem immundiagnostischen ELISA zur Bestimmung der antioxidativen Kapazität (ImAnOx) ergaben, dass eine signifikante Erniedrigung der Totalen Antioxidativen Kapazität im Hochrisikokollektiv vorlag. Eine Verbesserung der Risikobeurteilung war durch den ImAnOx-Test nicht möglich. Die Berechnung des Antioxidativen Quotienten durch die zusätzliche Bestimmung des Harnsäurespiegels konnte die Voraussage nicht verbessern. Zur inflammatorischen Komponente mit Hilfe der Enzymspiegelmessungen zeigten die Ergebnisse weder einen Zusammenhang mit der uterinen Perfusionsstörung noch verbesserten sie die Einschätzung des Risikos. Anhand der Ergebnisse wird deutlich, dass mit der uterinen Dopplersonographie insbesondere für das fetale Geburtsgewicht eine Kalkulation möglich ist.

Altered DNA methylation may lead to suboptimal fetal programming, increasing the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as small for gestational age (SGA); however, few studies have examined the associations between DNA methylation, prenatal exposures, and fetal outcomes. Cross-sectional data from a larger, ongoing study were used to assess the impact of prenatal smoking on gene specific methylation of umbilical cord blood derived DNA and to investigate the association between gene-specific methylation and risk of SGA. The association between gene-specific DNA methylation and birthweight was also assessed. Maternal and infant covariates were abstracted from medical records, cigarette smoke exposure was determined by measuring cotinine in umbilical cord blood plasma, and the Illumina Infinium Methylation27 assay was used to assess CpG site specific methylation. Methylation was represented by a beta value ranging from 0 to 1. Gene-level methylation was calculated by averaging the methylation levels over the CpG sites interrogated in that gene. Logistic regression was used to generate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between SGA and methylation of CYP1A1, HIF1A, GSTT1, and GSTM1 and the association between cotinine level and hypermethylation of CYP1A1, HIF1A, GSTT1, and GSTM1. DNA was considered hypermethylated if the beta value was greater than or equal to the 75th percentile. Univariate and multivariable linear regression were used to examine the association between birthweight and methylation of the IGF1 and IGF2 gene. The analyses included 90 singleton births. A 0.10 unit increase in methylation of GSTT1 increased the risk of SGA almost 3-fold (OR=2.69, 95%CI=1.34, 5.43). A 5ng/ml increase in cotinine level increased the risk of hypermethylation of GSTT1 (OR=1.18, 95%CI=1.02, 1.37). Birthweight did not appear to be impacted by methylation of IGF2 (β=0.07, 95%CI=-2.91, 3.05), but a one standard deviation increase in methylation of IGF1 was associated with a 3.63% decrease in birthweight (95%CI= -6.49, -0.78). No differences in DNA methylation by prenatal vitamin intake were detected. These findings suggest that DNA methylation plays a critical role in fetal growth and may mediate the risk of SGA and low birthweight.

Σκοπός: Να αξιολογηθεί ο λόγος αγόρια/κορίτσια (sex ratio) στα παιδιά καπνιστριών και μη καπνιστριών μητέρων, σε σχέση με τη σειρά γέννησης των παιδιών (τόκος). Να αξιολογηθεί το αποτέλεσμα του καπνίσματος της μητέρας κατά την εγκυμοσύνη στην εμβρυική ανάπτυξη σε σχέση με τον τόκο την ηλικία και τον αριθμό των τσιγάρων που κάπνιζαν οι μητέρες ανά ημέρα κατά την εγκυμοσύνη και το φύλο των παιδιών. Σχεδιασμός: Προοπτική μελέτη. Τόπος: Πανεπιστημιακό Γενικό Νοσοκομείο Πατρών. Αντικείμενο: Μελετήθηκαν 2.108 τελοιόμηνα νεογνά που γεννήθηκαν από το 1993 έως και το 2002, 665 νεογνά καπνιστριών μητέρων και 1.443 νεογνά μη καπνιστριών μητέρων. Αποτελέσματα: Ο λόγος αγόρια/κορίτσια στο σύνολο των νεογνών που μελετήθηκε ήταν 1,09. Η υπεροχή των αγοριών στα παιδιά των καπνιστριών και μη καπνιστριών μητέρων ήταν 1,26 και 1,03 αντίστοιχα. Στα παιδιά των καπνιστριών μητέρων που ήταν τόκων 1, 2 και ≥3 ήταν 1,47, 1,35 και 0,92 αντίστοιχα, ενώ στα παιδιά των μη καπνιστριών μητέρων ήταν 1,04, 1,00 και 1,03 αντίστοιχα. Η στατιστική ανάλυση παλινδρόμησης έδειξε ότι η πιθανότητα για γέννηση αγοριού από καπνίστριες μητέρες ήταν σημαντικά μεγαλύτερη στις πρωτότοκες παρά στους τόκους ≥3, ανεξάρτητα από την ηλικία της μητέρας. Αντίστροφα, η σειρά γέννησης των παιδιών δεν επηρέασε τον λόγο αγόρια/κορίτσια στις μη καπνίστριες μητέρες. Αυξανομένου του τόκου στα νεογνά των μη καπνιστριών μητέρων παρατηρήθηκε μια σταδιακή αύξηση της ανάπτυξης ενώ στα νεογνά μη καπνιστριών μητέρων παρατηρήθηκε μια σταδιακή μείωση της ανάπτυξης. Αυτό το αποτέλεσμα ήταν περισσότερο εμφανές στα αγόρια. Ένα σημαντικά αρρνητικό αποτέλεσμα στην αύξηση παρατηρήθηκε από την στην συσχέτιση του καπνίσματος με τον τόκο (p=0,0013) και, με το φύλο και τον τόκο (p=0,001). Υπήρχε μια σημαντική αρρνητική συσχέτιση ανάμεσα στον αριθμό των τσιγάρων που καπνίζονταν ανά ημέρα και της αύξησης η δύναμη της οποίας αυξανόταν με την αύξηση του τόκου, κυρίως στα αγόρια. Συμπεράσματα: Οι πρωτότοκες μητέρες που κάπνιζαν κατά την εγκυμοσύνη γέννησαν σημαντικά περισσότερα αγόρια απ’ ότι κορίτσια, ενώ μητέρες με τόκους ≥3 γέννησαν περισσότερα κορίτσια. Δευτερότοκες γυναίκες που κάπνιζαν λιγότερα από 10 τσιγάρα την ημέρα γέννησαν σημαντικά περισσότερα αγόρια, αλλά ο λόγος αγόρια/κορίτσια ελαττώθηκε όταν κάπνιζαν ≥10 τσιγάρα την ημέρα. Το κάπνισμα της μητέρας κατά την κύηση προκαλεί καθυστέρηση στην εμβρυική αύξηση, κυρίως στα αγόρια, ένα αποτέλεσμα που ενισχύεται με τον τόκο αλλά είναι ανεξάρτητο από την ηλικία της μητέρας. / Objective: To assess the sex ratio in offspring of smoking and nonsmoking mothers in relationship to the parity. To examine the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on fetal growth in relationship to maternal parity, age and number of cigarettes smoked/day, and offspring’s gender. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University hospital. Subjects: Were studied 2018 term singleton neonates born form 1993 to 2002, 665 from smoking and 1443 from nonsmoking mothers. Main outcome measures: Secondary sex ratio in regard to maternal periconseptual smoking and parity. Results: The male preponderance in the offspring of smoking and nonsmoking mothers was 0.558 and 0.506, respectively (p=0.031). In the smoking women parity 1, 2 and 3 it was 0.596, 0.574 and 0.462, respectively, whereas in the nonsmoking it was 0.511, 0.500 and 0.508, respectively (p=0.02, 0.04 and 0.64, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that the possibility for a boy to be delivered by mothers who smoked was significantly greater in primiparous than in party ≥3, independently of the maternal age. Conversely, parity did not affect the sax ratio in the offspring of the nonsmoking mothers. With increasing parity, in the neonates of nonsmoking mothers there was a gradual increase of growth, whereas in neonates of smoking mothers there was a gradual decrease of growth. This effect was more pronounced in males. A significant negative main effect on growth resulted from the interaction of smoking with parity (p=0,013), and with gender and parity (p=0,001). There was a significant negative correlation between number of cigarettes smoked per day and growth, the strength of which increased with parity, mainly in males. Conclusions: Among women who smoked in the periconceptual period, significantly more male than female offspring are born from primiparous, whereas parity >3 give birth to more female offspring; women parity 2 give birth to significantly more male, but the sex ratio declines when they smoked ≥10 cigarettes/day. Maternal smoking during pregnancy causes a delay in getal growth, which is greater in male offspring, an effect that is enhanced with parity but is independent of maternal age.

Le dépistage et le diagnostic de l’insuffisance placentaire (IP), qu’il s’agisse du retard de croissance intra-utérin (RCIU) ou de la prééclampsie (PE), sont des enjeux majeurs de santé publique. En pratique clinique, les propriétés mécaniques du placenta ne sont pas explorées, pourtant des modifications de son architecture tissulaire pourraient engendrer des variations d’élasticité. Parmi les méthodes d’élastographie ultrasonore (US), l’élastographie transitoire paraît adaptée pour une telle application. Cette technique consiste à calculer la vitesse de l’onde de cisaillement (Cs) générée par une vibration externe se propageant dans le milieu considéré. Les valeurs d’élasticité obtenues à partir des méthodes US actuelles ne sont calculées qu’à une fréquence unique. Une modification structurelle du tissu pouvant correspondre à une loi de puissance particulière de la dispersion fréquentielle de Cs, nous avons évalué l’intérêt d’une approche multifréquentielle pour distinguer l’élasticité des placentas normaux et celle de placentas présentant des signes d’IP au troisième trimestre de la grossesse. Nous avons développé un dispositif préliminaire en onde plane (pour l’exploration ex vivo) permettant de valider le principe de la méthode proposée, puis un dispositif d’élastographie transitoire 2D (exploration ex vivo et in vivo). Les données sont ajustées au moyen d’un modèle rhéologique fractionnaire dans lequel le comportement en fréquence est modélisé par une loi de puissance (exposant n du modèle). Nous avons montré que les placentas RCIU présentent des valeurs de Cs et n inférieures à celles des placentas normaux ou des PE. Cette diminution de n pourrait s’expliquer par les lésions anatomopathologiques du RCIU et la diminution de Cs est cohérente avec l’étude d’un modèle murin de RCIU par ligature utérine. Enfin, l’analyse de la dispersion fréquentielle est faisable chez la femme enceinte. La valeur ajoutée de la méthode développée devrait désormais être testée lors d’une large étude clinique. / Screening and diagnosis of placental insufficiency (PI), whether intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preeclampsia (PE) are major public health issues. In clinical practice, the mechanical properties of the placenta are not explored; however changes in its tissue architecture could cause variations in elasticity. Among the ultrasound (US) elastography methods, transient elastography seemed suitable for such an application. This technique consists in calculating the shear wave speed (Cs) generated by an external vibration propagating in the medium under consideration. Elasticity values obtained from current US methods are calculated at a single frequency. As a structural modification of the tissue may correspond to a particular power law of frequency dispersion of Cs, we evaluated the interest of a multifrequency approach to distinguish the elasticity of healthy placentas and that of placentas with PI signs in the third trimester of pregnancy. We have developed a preliminary plane wave device (for ex vivo exploration) to validate the principle of the proposed method, and then a 2D transient elastography device (ex vivo and in vivo exploration). The data is adjusted using a fractional rheological model where the frequency behavior is modeled by a power law (exponent n of the model). We have shown that IUGR placentas have Cs and n values lower than those of healthy placentas or PE. This decrease in the n value could be explained by histopathological lesions of IUGR. As for the decrease of Cs in cases of IUGR, this result is consistent with the study of an IUGR rat model by uterine ligation. Finally, the frequency dispersion analysis is feasible in pregnant women. The added value of this method should now be tested in a large clinical study.

Introdução: A gestação ectópica (GE) corresponde a 6% das mortes maternas no primeiro trimestre, seu diagnóstico está fundamentado em dois exames complementares: ultrassonografia transvaginal (USTV) e dosagem do β-hCG sérico. Contudo, um erro muito comum dos profissionais de saúde é apreciar somente o exame complementar, sem considerar o quadro clínico e os fatores de risco. Usando uma coorte teórica com mais de 800 pacientes com diferentes incidências de GE, Mol e col. propuseram dois modelos probabilísticos para seu diagnóstico: Modelo Fixo e Modelo Flexível. O Modelo Fixo propôs o uso de uma zona discriminatória para os valores de β-hCG sérico, ou seja, concentração acima de 1500 mIU/ml deve haver evidência de gravidez intra-uterina, caso contrário é considerado um caso de EP. Entretanto, entre os dois modelos o Modelo Flexível apresentou melhor desempenho para o diagnostico de GE. Para o diagnostico é necessário a análise dos resultados da USTV, valores de β-hCG sérico, sinais e sintomas, e fatores de risco que consistem em: GE prévia, história de cirurgia tubária, tabagismo, uso de dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), história de ≥ três abortos espontâneos, infertilidade feminina, história de doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP), história de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e ter ≥ cinco parceiros sexuais Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência, os fatores de risco e a presença de sinais e sintomas das mulheres no primeiro trimestre gestacional, atendidas no Setor de Emergência Ginecológica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA).Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de 14 de abril de 2011 a 31 de dezembro de 2013 com mulheres com <12 semanas de gestação atendidas no Setor de Emergência Ginecológica do HCPA.Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 845 mulheres. A taxa de GE confirmada nesta população foi de 8,5% (95%IC= 6.8 a 10.6). Os fatores de risco mais relevantes para GE foram GE prévia (RR=4; 95%IC= 2.4 a 6.5) e história de cirurgia tubária (RR=2.8; 95%IC= 1.5 a 5.2). Pacientes assintomáticas e sem fator de risco têm uma chance de 5% de ter uma GE. Uma mulher grávida com dor e sangramento presentes e com fator de risco tem 52% mais chances de ter uma GE. Conclusão: A incidência diagnóstica confirmada de GE foi de 8,5% (95%IC= 6.8 a 10.6). Entre os fatores de risco para GE, os que apresentaram maior risco relativo foram, respectivamente, GE prévia e história de cirurgia tubária. Os sinais e sintomas mais relevantes para o diagnóstico de GE foram dor mais sangramento, que estão fortemente, relacionadas ao diagnóstico de GE. / Background: Ectopic Pregnancy (EP) corresponds to 6% of maternal deaths in the first trimester. Its diagnosis is based on two complementary tests: transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and serum β-HCG. However, very common mistake of health professionals is to appreciate only the complementary examination, without considering the clinical picture and the risk factors. Using a theoretical cohort with more than 800 patients with different incidences of EP, Mol et al. proposed two probabilistic models for diagnosis of EP: Fixed Model and Flexible Model. The Fixed Model proposed the use of a discriminatory zone for the values serum β-hCG, i.e., concentration above 1500 mIU/ml there should be evidence of intrauterine pregnancy, otherwise it is considered a case of EP. However, between the models the Flexible Model presented a better performance for diagnosis of EP. This form, it important to analyse of USTV results, serum β-hCG values, signs and symptoms, and risk factors consisting of: previous EP, history of tubal surgery, smoking, use of intrauterine devices (IUD), three or more miscarriage, female infertility, history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and more than five sexual partners. These risk factors, however, present variations in different populations Study Design: In this prospective cohort, women between 14 and 49 year old, with a confirmed first trimester pregnancy (gestational age <12 weeks), attend in emergency room setting of HCPA between April 14th, 2011 and December 31st, 2013. Results: A total of 845 women were included in the study. The rate of confirmed EP in this population was 8.5% (n=72; 95% CI, 6.8 to 10.6). The most relevant risk factors for EP were previous EP (RR=4; 95% CI, 2.4 to 6.5) and history of tubal surgery (RR=2.8; 95% CI,1.5 to 5.2). Asymptomatic patients without a risk factor have 5% chance of having an EP. A pregnant woman present with pain and bleeding and if she has a risk factor, the chances of having an EP increase to 52%. Conclusion: A confirmed diagnosis incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 8.5% (95% CI, 6.8 to 10.6). Among the risk factors for EP, those presenting the highest relative risk were, respectively, history of EP and previous tubal surgery. The most relevant signs and symptoms for diagnosis of EP were pain plus bleeding, which are strongly related to the diagnosis of EP.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento alimentar de recém-nascidos (RN) pequenos (PIG) e grandes (GIG) para a idade gestacional através de questionário específico e comparar com RN adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG). METODOLOGIA: Estudo de coorte prospectivo, cuja primeira fase consistiu na realização de uma entrevista para coleta de dados da mãe da gestação e do parto, bem como de dados socioeconômicos, com mães que tiveram seus filhos a termo no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Na segunda fase do estudo foi aplicado o questionário Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (BEBQ) através de contato por telefone, com 1 mês do nascimento. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 126 RN (43 AIG, 43 PIG e 40 GIG). As análises não demonstraram diferenças significativas nos principais dados demográficos e perinatais em relação aos diferentes grupos de estudo. No entanto, foi observada uma maior escolaridade em mães de RN PIG (p=0,004) e uma menor prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo até a alta hospitalar em RN GIG (p=0,002). A análise de variância não encontrou diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação aos domínios do BEBQ, mesmo quando corrigido por sexo do RN. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo demonstrou que alterações do comportamento alimentar ainda não estão presentes com 1 mês de vida, sugerindo que não são inatas, e sim desenvolvidas com o passar do tempo. O estudo tem como limitação as avaliações do crescimento baseadas em registros de terceiros. / OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feeding behavior of infants born small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age using a questionnaire, and compare them with infants born adequate for gestational age (AGA). METHODS: Prospective cohort study was carried out in which the first phase consisted of an interview about gestation and delivery, as well as socioeconomic data, with mothers who had their babies born at term in the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In the second phase of the study, the Baby Eating Questionnaire (BEBQ) was applied through telephone interview 1 month of birth. RESULTS: 126 infants (43 AGA, 43 SGA and 40 LGA) with a mean gestational age of 39.4 weeks were assessed. The analyses did not show significant differences in the main demographic and perinatal data between the different study groups. However, a higher level of schooling was observed in mothers of SGA infants (p = 0.004) and a lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the LGA (p = 0.002). The analysis of variance found no significant difference between the groups in any of the BEBQ domains, even when corrected for the sex of the baby. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that changes in feeding behavior are not yet present at 1 month of age, suggesting that they are not innate, but developed over time. The study is limited to growth assessments based on third-party records.

Introdução: Sabe-se que os fatores angiogênicos e antiangiogênicos encontram-se alterados nas gestações com pré-eclâmpsia (PE), mas se desconhece seu comportamento nestes recém-nascidos (RNs). Objetivo: Dosagem do vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFtl-1) e heterodímero vascular endothelial growth factor/placental growth factor (VEGF/PlGF) em pré-termos filhos de mães com PE. Métodos: Incluídos: RNs com peso de nascimento < 2.000 g e idade gestacional (IG) ≤ 34 semanas, divididos em dois grupos: filhos de mães com e sem PE. Excluídos: RNs transferidos de outra instituição com mais de 72 horas de vida, óbito antes da coleta dos exames, malformação congênita maior, erros inatos de metabolismo, gestações múltiplas, mães com infecção do grupo sífilis, toxoplasmose, rubéola, citomegalovírus, herpes (STORCH) ou vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e doença autoimune. Coletado sangue nas primeiras 72 horas de vida, e nos RNs que permaneceram internados, foi realizada uma segunda coleta com 28 dias. Foi utilizado método ELISA para a dosagem do VEGF, sFlt-1 e VEGF/PlGF. Resultados: Incluídos: 88 pacientes (37 filhos de mães com PE, 51 sem PE) com IG de 29,12 ± 2,96 semanas e peso de nascimento de 1223,80 ± 417,48 g. O VEGF foi menor no grupo com PE [32,45 (6,36-85,75) x 82,38 (35-130,03) pg/mL], p = 0,001 e o sFlt-1 foi maior no grupo com PE [1338,57 (418,8-3472,24) x 318,13 (182,03-453,66) pg/mL], p < 0,001. Na análise multivariada, o VEGF foi 80% menor e sFlt-1 13,48 vezes maior no grupo com PE. O sFlt-1 foi maior nos RNs pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG) do que nos adequados para idade gestacional (AIG) [1044,94 (290,64-3472,24) x 372,67 (236,75-860,14) pg/mL], p = 0,013. No grupo com PE, houve um aumento [≠ 151,71 (76,55-226,86); p < 0,001] entre as dosagens do VEGF entre a primeira e a segunda coleta com 28 dias, já o sFlt-1 diminuiu [≠ 1941,44 (2757,01-1125,87); p < 0,001] entre as duas dosagens. O VEGF/PlGF foi maior nos filhos de mães com PE [20,69 pg/mL (12,79-52,86) x 12,19 pg/mL (0,03 -21,58)], p = 0,003. Esses achados mantiveram-se na análise multivariada, com o VEGF/PlGF 1,05 vezes maior nos filhos de mães com PE. Os níveis de VEGF/PlGF foram inversamente proporcionais ao peso de nascimento, com p < 0,001 e r = - 0,418. Na segunda coleta com 28 dias de vida não houve diferença entre os dois grupos. Conclusão: Os maiores níveis de sFlt-1 e VEGF/PlGF e menores níveis de VEGF no grupo com PE, assim como maiores concentrações de sFlt-1 nos PIG refletem uma predominância dos mecanismos antiangiogênicos na PE e na restrição de crescimento. Os níveis de VEGF/PlGF também foram relacionados ao peso de nascimento, sendo inversamente proporcionais. O estado antiangiogênico da PE tende à normalização com 28 dias de vida. / Background: It is known that angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors are altered in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE), but the pattern of expression of these factors in their newborn infants remains unknown. Objective: To measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor/placental growth factor (VEGF/PlGF) heterodimer levels in preterm neonates born to mothers with PE. Methods: Neonates with birth weight < 2,000 g and gestational age ≤ 34 weeks were included and divided into two groups: born to mothers with and without PE. Exclusion criteria were as follows: the neonate was transferred from another institution after 72 hours of life; the neonate died before blood collection; major congenital anomalies; inborn errors of metabolism; congenital infections (STORCH screen); HIV-positive mothers; multiple pregnancies; and mothers with autoimmune disease. Blood was collected from neonates within the first 72 hours of life, and a second sample was collected at 28 days of life from those who remained hospitalized. VEGF, sFlt-1 and VEGF/PlGF levels were measured using the ELISA method. Results: A total of 88 neonates were included (37 born to mothers with and 51 without PE), with mean gestational age of 29.12 ± 2.96 weeks and birth weight of 1223.80 ± 417.48 g. VEGF was lower in the group with PE [32.45 (6.36-85.75) vs. 82.38 (35-130.03) pg/mL] (p = 0.001), and sFlt-1 was higher in the group with PE [1338.57 (418.8-3472.24) vs. 318.13 (182.03-453.66) pg/mL] (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, VEGF was 80% lower and sFlt-1 was 13.48 times higher in the group with PE. sFlt-1 concentration was higher in neonates small for gestational age (SGA) than in those appropriate for gestational age (AGA) [1044.94 (290.64-3472.24) vs. 372.67 (236.75-860.14) pg/mL] (p = 0.013). In the group with PE, VEGF levels increased [≠151.71 (76.55-226.86); p < 0.001) between the first and second collection (at 28 days), while sFlt-1 levels decreased [≠1941.44 (2757.01-1125.87); p < 0.001] between the two measurements. Median VEGF/PlGF levels were significantly higher among infants born to mothers with PE (20.69 pg/mL [12.79-52.86] vs. 12.19 pg/mL [0.03-21.58], p = 0.003). These findings held on multivariate analysis, with VEGF/PlGF levels 1.05-fold higher in the PE group. VEGF/PlGF levels were inversely proportional to birth weight (p < 0.001, r = - 0.418). There were no between-group differences in blood samples collected at age 28 days. Conclusion: Higher sFlt-1 and VEGF/PlGF and lower VEGF levels in the group with PE, as well as higher sFlt-1 levels in SGA neonates, reflect a predominance of antiangiogenic mechanisms in PE and growth restriction. The VEGF/PlGF levels also affected the weight at birth, with VEGF/PlGF levels inversely proportional to birth weight. This antiangiogenic state of PE shows a trend toward normalization within 28 days of life.

A alta variabilidade no peso ao nascer de leitões e o nascimento de leitões com pesos muito inferiores a média da leitegada evidencia a restrição de crescimento intrauterino, acentuada a partir da seleção genética de matrizes suínas mais prolíferas. Esses animais desenvolvem-se de maneira inferior aos seus contemporâneos e tem aumentado os riscos de morte ou descarte, acarretando menores índices produtivos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do desenvolvimento intrauterino no crescimento, longevidade, produtividade e desempenho reprodutivo de futuras matrizes reprodutoras suínas. Além disso, avaliar a influência do desenvolvimento corporal e sua relação com puberdade e desempenho reprodutivo. No primeiro estudo, o peso ao nascer foi dividido em oito grupos e foram determinadas as curvas de crescimento e o desempenho reprodutivo até o terceiro parto de 1495 leitoas Landrace x Large White (DanBred®). Nas leitoas que pertenciam ao grupo mais leve, ou seja, com menos de 1 kg, o potencial de crescimento foi inferior do que as leitoas do grupo mais pesado, com menor ganho de peso diário (GPD) em todas as fases avaliadas (20, 70 e 170 dias) e com menor peso aos 170 dias, momento onde foi realizada a seleção para entrada no rebanho. A mortalidade e perdas cumulativas até os 170 dias foram maiores em leitoas pesando menos de 1 kg, reduzindo a oportunidade destas de serem selecionadas como futuras matrizes. Além disso, leitoas que nasceram com peso inferior a 1 kg tiveram menor número de dias de permanência no plantel e produziram quase 4,5 leitões a menos ao longo de três partos quando comparado com os outros grupos de peso ao nascer. O segundo estudo utilizou um total de 665 leitoas Landrace x Large White (DanBred®) para avaliar os efeitos da idade e taxa de crescimento no momento de exposição ao macho e suas consequências no desempenho reprodutivo. As leitoas foram retrospectivamente classificadas em grupos de acordo com idade a exposição ao macho (140-155 e 156–170 dias) e taxa de crescimento até a exposição ao macho (Baixa: 500–575 g/d; Intermediária: 580–625 g/d; e Alta: 630–790 g/d). Leitoas expostas ao macho com 140-155 dias tiveram menor manifestação de estro (60,8 vs. 77,0%) até os 30 dias do que àquelas expostas com 156-170 dias de idade. A manifestação de estro até 30 dias após a exposição ao macho foi maior para leitoas com alto ganho de peso (74,3%) do que as de ganho de peso baixo e intermediário (65,5 and 64,3%, respectivamente). A taxa de parto e o número de leitões nascidos no primeiro parto não foram afetados pela idade e pela taxa de crescimento. Os resultados dos nossos estudos apontam para a conclusão que o peso ao nascer e o desempenho de crescimento influenciam no desempenho reprodutivo das leitoas quando adultas. / The high variability on piglet birth weight and the birth of piglets weighing less than 1 kg show a restriction on intrauterine growth, increased by the large litter size of hyperprolific sows. These animals develop in lower rates than its contemporaries and have increased risk of death or culling, resulting in lower productivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intrauterine development in growth, longevity, productivity and reproductive performance of sows destined to breeding herd. In addition, was to evaluate the influence of body development and its relation with puberty and reproductive performance. On the first study, using a retrospective classification into eight classes of birth weight were determined the growth and reproductive performance until the third parity of 1,495 crossbred Landrace x Large White gilts (DanBred®). Piglets from the lower birth weight group, i.e., less than 1 kg, had poorer growth performance when compared with the higher class, with lower body weight and average daily weight gain in all stages of development evaluated. Mortality and cumulative losses until 170 days of life were greater on piglets weighing less than 1 kg at birth, reducing the opportunity for their selection as future breeders. Furthermore, sows born weighing less than 1 kg had lower number of days in the breeding herd and produced almost 4.5 less piglets along three parities than the other gilts. A second study used a total of 665 Landrace x Large White gilts (DanBred®) to evaluate the effects of age and growth rate until the onset of boar exposure on first oestrus manifestation and reproductive performance. Gilts were retrospectively classified in groups according to their age at boar exposure (140-155 and 156–170 days) and into classes according to their growth rate from birth to boar exposure (Low: 500–575 g/d; Intermediate: 580–625 g/d; and High: 630–790 g/d). Gilts exposed to boar at 140-155 days had lower oestrus manifestation (60.8 vs. 77.0%) within 30 days than those exposed at 156-170 days of age. Lower percentages of gilts in oestrus within 30 days after boar exposure were observed in Low and Intermediate growth rate gilts (65.5 and 64.3%) than in High growth rate gilts (74.3%). Farrowing rate and number of total born litter size were affected neither by age or growth rate at onset of boar exposure. The results of our studies point to the conclusion that the birth weight and the developmental performance have influence on the reproductive performance of gilts as sows.

Introdução: A gestação ectópica (GE) corresponde a 6% das mortes maternas no primeiro trimestre, seu diagnóstico está fundamentado em dois exames complementares: ultrassonografia transvaginal (USTV) e dosagem do β-hCG sérico. Contudo, um erro muito comum dos profissionais de saúde é apreciar somente o exame complementar, sem considerar o quadro clínico e os fatores de risco. Usando uma coorte teórica com mais de 800 pacientes com diferentes incidências de GE, Mol e col. propuseram dois modelos probabilísticos para seu diagnóstico: Modelo Fixo e Modelo Flexível. O Modelo Fixo propôs o uso de uma zona discriminatória para os valores de β-hCG sérico, ou seja, concentração acima de 1500 mIU/ml deve haver evidência de gravidez intra-uterina, caso contrário é considerado um caso de EP. Entretanto, entre os dois modelos o Modelo Flexível apresentou melhor desempenho para o diagnostico de GE. Para o diagnostico é necessário a análise dos resultados da USTV, valores de β-hCG sérico, sinais e sintomas, e fatores de risco que consistem em: GE prévia, história de cirurgia tubária, tabagismo, uso de dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), história de ≥ três abortos espontâneos, infertilidade feminina, história de doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP), história de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) e ter ≥ cinco parceiros sexuais Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência, os fatores de risco e a presença de sinais e sintomas das mulheres no primeiro trimestre gestacional, atendidas no Setor de Emergência Ginecológica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA).Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte prospectivo realizado no período de 14 de abril de 2011 a 31 de dezembro de 2013 com mulheres com <12 semanas de gestação atendidas no Setor de Emergência Ginecológica do HCPA.Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 845 mulheres. A taxa de GE confirmada nesta população foi de 8,5% (95%IC= 6.8 a 10.6). Os fatores de risco mais relevantes para GE foram GE prévia (RR=4; 95%IC= 2.4 a 6.5) e história de cirurgia tubária (RR=2.8; 95%IC= 1.5 a 5.2). Pacientes assintomáticas e sem fator de risco têm uma chance de 5% de ter uma GE. Uma mulher grávida com dor e sangramento presentes e com fator de risco tem 52% mais chances de ter uma GE. Conclusão: A incidência diagnóstica confirmada de GE foi de 8,5% (95%IC= 6.8 a 10.6). Entre os fatores de risco para GE, os que apresentaram maior risco relativo foram, respectivamente, GE prévia e história de cirurgia tubária. Os sinais e sintomas mais relevantes para o diagnóstico de GE foram dor mais sangramento, que estão fortemente, relacionadas ao diagnóstico de GE. / Background: Ectopic Pregnancy (EP) corresponds to 6% of maternal deaths in the first trimester. Its diagnosis is based on two complementary tests: transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and serum β-HCG. However, very common mistake of health professionals is to appreciate only the complementary examination, without considering the clinical picture and the risk factors. Using a theoretical cohort with more than 800 patients with different incidences of EP, Mol et al. proposed two probabilistic models for diagnosis of EP: Fixed Model and Flexible Model. The Fixed Model proposed the use of a discriminatory zone for the values serum β-hCG, i.e., concentration above 1500 mIU/ml there should be evidence of intrauterine pregnancy, otherwise it is considered a case of EP. However, between the models the Flexible Model presented a better performance for diagnosis of EP. This form, it important to analyse of USTV results, serum β-hCG values, signs and symptoms, and risk factors consisting of: previous EP, history of tubal surgery, smoking, use of intrauterine devices (IUD), three or more miscarriage, female infertility, history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and more than five sexual partners. These risk factors, however, present variations in different populations Study Design: In this prospective cohort, women between 14 and 49 year old, with a confirmed first trimester pregnancy (gestational age <12 weeks), attend in emergency room setting of HCPA between April 14th, 2011 and December 31st, 2013. Results: A total of 845 women were included in the study. The rate of confirmed EP in this population was 8.5% (n=72; 95% CI, 6.8 to 10.6). The most relevant risk factors for EP were previous EP (RR=4; 95% CI, 2.4 to 6.5) and history of tubal surgery (RR=2.8; 95% CI,1.5 to 5.2). Asymptomatic patients without a risk factor have 5% chance of having an EP. A pregnant woman present with pain and bleeding and if she has a risk factor, the chances of having an EP increase to 52%. Conclusion: A confirmed diagnosis incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 8.5% (95% CI, 6.8 to 10.6). Among the risk factors for EP, those presenting the highest relative risk were, respectively, history of EP and previous tubal surgery. The most relevant signs and symptoms for diagnosis of EP were pain plus bleeding, which are strongly related to the diagnosis of EP.