L’Assistance Médicale à la Procréation est considérée comme une solution thérapeutique en cas d’infertilité. Au-delà des questions économiques et éthiques qui sont soulevées au niveau de la société, l’impact sur la santé des enfants nés grâce à ces techniques pose de nombreuses questions. En effet, ces techniques ont été introduites chez l’homme sans aucun essai clinique ni aucune évaluation sur les effets à long terme sur la santé.Dans ce travail, nous présentons trois études réalisées à partir d’une cohorte de plus de 3000 enfants (singletons et jumeaux) constituée depuis 1994 au sein du service de médecine et de biologie de la reproduction de l’Hôpital Saint Joseph à Marseille. Nous avons évalué différents indicateurs de la santé périnatale (la prématurité, le faible poids et la macrosomie à la naissance, l’hypotrophie et l’hypertrophie pondérales par rapport à l’âge gestationnel et les anomalies congénitales), chez des enfants conçus à partir de différentes techniques : fécondation in vitro classique, fécondation in vitro avec micromanipulation, fécondation après transfert d’embryon congelé et fécondation après vitrification et réchauffement ovocytaire.Nos résultats ont suggéré que l’Assistance Médicale à la Procréation, quelle que soit la technique mise en œuvre, était associée à des problèmes de santé chez les enfants nés grâce à ces techniques. Il est nécessaire de continuer à développer des systèmes de surveillance visant à rendre plus performant le suivi de l’état de santé à long terme des enfants concernés, d’autant plus que de nouvelles techniques et procédés continueront à être développés. / Assisted reproductive technologies are considered as a therapeutic solution in infertility cases. Beyond the economic and ethical questions that arise at the societal level, the impact on children’s health born after these techniques raises many questions. Indeed, these techniques have been introduced to the human without any clinical trial or assessment of long-term health effects. The main interest of this thesis is to contribute to the existing debate on the safety of these techniques regarding children’s health and well-being and to open new perspectives for future research on this subject.This research presents three studies based on a cohort of more than 3000 children (singletons and twins) constituted since 1994 in the Medicine and Reproductive Biology Department at the Saint Joseph Hospital in Marseille. The thesis evaluates various indicators of perinatal health (preterm birth, low birth weight and macrosomia, small and large for gestational age, and congenital anomalies) in children conceived from different techniques: classical In Vitro fertilisation, In Vitro fertilisation with micromanipulation, fertilisation after frozen embryo transfer and fertilisation after vitrified/warmed oocyte.The results suggest that assisted reproductive technologies, regardless of the technique used, were associated with health problems in children born through these techniques. There is a need to continue to develop surveillance systems to improve the long-term monitoring of the health status of children, especially as new techniques and procedures will continue to be developed.

A gemelaridade apresenta algumas intercorrências específicas, como a discordância de peso entre fetos e recém-nascidos (RNs). O objetivo do presente estudo foi predizer a discordância de peso do exame ultra-sonográfico comparada à do parto e avaliar a morbidade e a mortalidade neonatais nas gestações gemelares discordantes quanto ao peso. Este foi um estudo retrospectivo, com levantamento dos casos do período de 1998 a 2004, no Setor de Gestações Múltiplas da Clínica Obstétrica do HCFMUSP. Na avaliação da predição ultra-sonográfica, foram inseridas 221 gestações gemelares e, na avaliação da morbidade e da mortalidade, 151 gestações com partos nessa instituição. A discordância de peso foi definida como >= 20%, sendo excluídos os casos de malformações fetais (n=43) e da Síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal (n=24). Para análise da adequação do peso ao nascimento, utilizou-se a curva de Alexander et al., 1998, para gêmeos. No estudo da predição, foram utilizados quatro intervalos de tempo em relação ao parto (0 a 7 dias - n = 96; 8 a 14 dias - n = 66; 15 a 21 dias - n = 58; 22 a 28 dias - n = 59 gestações), somando 279 avaliações. No grupo de 0 a 7 dias, a estimativa da sensibilidade foi de 93,6%, especificidade de 79,4%, valor preditivo positivo de 89,2%, valor preditivo negativo de 87,1% e acurácia de 88,6%. Nos demais grupos, a sensibilidade e a acurácia foram de 95,8% e 84,9%, 95,6% e 84,5%, 90,9% e 84,8%, respectivamente. Em relação à morbidade, 111 gestações eram concordantes (73,5%) e 40 discordantes quanto ao peso. No grupo discordante, 75% das gestações gemelares apresentaram pelo menos um recém-nascido com Restrição de Crescimento Fetal (RCF). Nesta análise, as gestações gemelares concordantes monocoriônicas obtiveram menor média de idade gestacional no parto (34,3 versus 36,2 semanas, p=0,004), menor peso médio (2067 versus 2334 gramas, p=0,0016) e maior tempo de internação (10,6 versus 7,3 dias, p=0,0023) que as gestações concordantes dicoriônicas. Nas gestações discordantes, não houve diferença significativa em relação à corionicidade. As gestações discordantes, com pelo menos um RN abaixo do percentil 10, apresentaram menor média de idade gestacional (35,2 versus 36,8 semanas, p=0,009) e maior tempo de internação (17,5 versus 8,2 dias, p=0,026). Não foi observada diferença significativa de morbidade e mortalidade entre RNs concordantes e discordantes, com pesos entre os percentis 10 e 90. Os fetos menores das gestações discordantes demonstraram maior freqüência de índice de Apgar inferior a 7 (27,5% versus 7,5%, p=0,01). A avaliação da mortalidade não demonstrou diferença significativa em relação aos grupos concordantes (3,7%) e discordantes (4,5%; p = 1,00). No presente estudo, conclui-se que os quatro grupos apresentaram adequada correlação entre a discordância de peso à ultra-sonografia e no nascimento, porém com melhor predição até sete dias antes do parto. A morbidade neonatal esteve relacionada à RCF do menor feto. A discordância de peso e a corionicidade não interferiram na mortalidade neonatal. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of prenatal ultrasound scans to predict fetal growth discordance in twin pregnancies and perinatal morbidity/mortality associated with these cases. This was a retrospective study (1998-2004) involving twin pregnancies that were scanned and had their delivery at our Institution (HCFMUSP). Cases with fetal malformations (n=43) or twin to twin transfusion syndrome (n=24) were excluded. The study of ultrasound scans consisted of 221 twin pregnancies. The final morbidity/mortality study group consisted of 151 twin pregnancies. Birth weight was evaluated based on twin growth charts published by Alexander et al (1998) and weight discordance as a difference >= 20%. Small for gestacional age (SGA) was defined as birth weight below the 10th centile. The study of ultrasonographic prediction of interwin discordance was made using four different intervals between ultrasound examination and delivery (0 to 7 days, n = 96; 8 to 14 days, n = 66; 15 to 21 days, n = 58; 22 to 28 days, n = 59 pregnancies), with a total of 279 ultrasound examinations. In group 0 to 7 days, the sensitivity was 93,6%, specificity was 79,4%, positive predicted values was 89,2%, negative predicted values was 87,1% and accuracy was 88,6%. In the groups 8 to 14 days, 15 to 21 days and 22 to 28 days the sensitivity and accuracy were 95,8% and 84,9%, 95,6% and 84,5%, 90,9% and 84,8%, respectively. Birthweight discordance was observed in 40 sets of twins (26.5%) and 12 cases were monochorionic MC (30%). Twenty five cases (22.5%) in the non discordant group were MC. In the non discordant group, monochorionic pregnancies showed lower gestational age at delivery (34.3 versus 36.2 wks, p=0.004), lower mean birth weight (2067g versus 2334g, p=0.0016) and longer length of stay in hospital (10.6 versus 7.3 days, p=0.0023) compared to dichorionic twins. In the group with twin birthweight discordance, there were no significant differences between MC and DC pregnancies and 75% of the cases had at least one newborn with SGA. These cases were showed lower gestational age at delivery (35.2 versus 36.8wks, p=0.009) and longer length of stay in hospital (17.5 versus 8.2 days, p=0.026). In the discordant group, the smaller twin had a higher frequency of first minute Apgar score < 7 (27.5% versus 7.5%, p=0.01). Perinatal mortality rate was similar in both groups (discordant 4.5% and concordant 3.7%, p=1.0). There were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between concordant and discordant twins when birth weight was between the 10 th and 90 th centile. In conclusion, there was a good correlation between fetal growth discordance predicted by prenatal scan and actual birth weight discordance. Neonatal morbidity was related to SGA. Excluding fetal malformation and TTTS cases, birth weight discordance in twin pregnancies is not a significantly associated with neonatal mortality.

As gestações gemelares monocoriônicas e diamnióticas (MCDA) apresentam maior risco de restrição de crescimento fetal (RCF) e complicações perinatais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade perinatal em gestações gemelares MCDA: na presença de RCF e dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical normal e anormal; nos diferentes padrões de dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical (doppler normal, índice de pulsatilidade aumentado, fluxo diastólico intermitente de artéria umbilical, diástole zero e diástole reversa) e na presença de RCF seletiva e não seletiva. Estudo retrospectivo, com levantamento dos casos no período entre 2004 e 2011, no Setor de Gestações Múltiplas da Clínica Obstétrica do HCFMUSP. Desta forma, foram inseridas 48 gestações gemelares, com 60 fetos abaixo do percentil 10 de uma curva específica para gêmeos. Casos que apresentaram malformações fetais (n=36) ou síndrome da transfusão fetofetal (n=43) não foram incluídos no estudo. O grupo com RCF e dopplervelocimetria anormal apresentou menor média de idade gestacional no parto (33,39 versus 35,48, p <0,001), menor média de peso ao nascimento (1137,12 gramas versus 1675,77 gramas, p < 0,001), maior frequência de internação em Unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) neonatal (69,23% versus 19,23%, p = 0,0003), maior frequência de doença respiratória (73,08 versus 34,62, p = 0,005) e maior frequência de óbito intrauterino e neonatal (p = 0,025). Na avaliação dos diferentes padrões de dopplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical (normal, índice de pulsatilidade aumentado, fluxo diastólico intermitente, diástole zero e diástole reversa), os grupos diferiram em relação à média da idade gestacional no parto (35,48; 34,22; 33,33; 33,15 e 32,45 semanas, p < 0,001), frequência de internação em UTI neonatal (19,23; 50,00; 50,00; 85,71 e 100,00%, p < 0,001) e desfecho com alta hospitalar (96,15; 100,00; 83,33; 71,43 e 25,00%, p < 0,001). O grupo com diástole reversa apresentou os piores resultados perinatais. Na avaliação da RCF seletiva, não foi observada diferença significativa em relação à idade gestacional no parto (33,4 versus 33,4, p = 0,953), mas houve maior necessidade de intubação orotraqueal (62,5% versus 32,3%, p = 0,001) e ventilação mecânica (75,0% versus 41,2%, p = 0,0006) em relação ao grupo de RCF não seletiva. No grupo RCF seletiva houve maior número de casos de dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical com índice de pulsatilidade aumentada, fluxo intermitente, diástole zero e reversa (p = 0,005). Como conclusão o estudo demonstrou maior morbidade e mortalidade perinatal no grupo com dopplervelocimetria anormal com diferença significativa em relação aos padrões distintos de dopplervelocimetria e piores resultados na presença de diástole reversa. O grupo de RCF seletiva apresentou maior frequência de anormalidades na dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical e morbidade neonatal em relação ao grupo com RCF não seletiva / Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies have and increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and perinatal complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate perinatal morbidity and mortality in MCDA twin pregnancies: in the presence of IUGR with normal and abnormal umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry; in different umbilical artery flow patterns (normal dopplervelocimetry, increased pulsatility index, intermittent flow pattern, absent end diastolic flow and reversed end diastolic flow) and in the presence of selective and non-selective IUGR. This was a retrospective study in the Multiple Pregnancy Unit at the Obstetric Clinic of HCFMUSP, between 2004 and 2011. The study included 48 twin pregnancies, where 60 fetuses weighted less than the 10th percentile according to twins charts. Cases with fetal malformation (n=36) or twin to twin transfusion syndrome (n=43) were not included in the study. The group with IUGR and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler presented lower mean gestational age at delivery (33.39 versus 35.48, p <0.001), lower mean birthweight (1137.12 g versus 1675.77 g, p < 0.001), higher need of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU, 69.23% versus 19.23%, p = 0.0003), higher frequency of respiratory disease (73.08 versus 34.62, p = 0.005) and higher incidence of intrauterine and neonatal death (p = 0.025). In the different umbilical artery flow patterns (normal dopplervelocimetry, increased pulsatility index, intermittent flow pattern, absent end diastolic flow and reversed end diastolic flow) the group differ in relation to gestational age at delivery (35.48; 34.22; 33.33; 33.15 and 32.45 weeks; p < 0.001), need of NICU (19.23; 50.00; 50.00; 85.71 and 100,00%; p < 0.001) and alive at hospital discharge (96.15; 100,00; 83.33; 71.43 and 25,00%; p < 0.001). The group with reversed and diastolic flow presented the worse perinatal outcome. In the selective and non-selective IUGR groups, no difference was observed in relation to gestational age at delivery (33.4 versus 33.4 weeks, p = 0.953), however there was higher need for orotracheal intubation (62.5% versus 32.3%, p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (75.0% versus 41.2%, p = 0.0006) in the selective IUGR group. Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler such as increased pulsatility index, intermittent blood flow, absent and reversed flow were more frequent in the selective IUGR group (p = 0.005). As conclusion, the study demonstrated higher perinatal morbidity and mortality in the IUGR group with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler with significant difference in relation to Doppler patterns and the worse outcome was related to reversed diastolic flow pattern. The selective IUGR group presents higher frequency of abnormal umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry and neonatal morbidity compared to non- selective IUGR group

As gestações gemelares monocoriônicas e diamnióticas (MCDA) apresentam maior risco de restrição de crescimento fetal (RCF) e complicações perinatais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade perinatal em gestações gemelares MCDA: na presença de RCF e dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical normal e anormal; nos diferentes padrões de dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical (doppler normal, índice de pulsatilidade aumentado, fluxo diastólico intermitente de artéria umbilical, diástole zero e diástole reversa) e na presença de RCF seletiva e não seletiva. Estudo retrospectivo, com levantamento dos casos no período entre 2004 e 2011, no Setor de Gestações Múltiplas da Clínica Obstétrica do HCFMUSP. Desta forma, foram inseridas 48 gestações gemelares, com 60 fetos abaixo do percentil 10 de uma curva específica para gêmeos. Casos que apresentaram malformações fetais (n=36) ou síndrome da transfusão fetofetal (n=43) não foram incluídos no estudo. O grupo com RCF e dopplervelocimetria anormal apresentou menor média de idade gestacional no parto (33,39 versus 35,48, p <0,001), menor média de peso ao nascimento (1137,12 gramas versus 1675,77 gramas, p < 0,001), maior frequência de internação em Unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) neonatal (69,23% versus 19,23%, p = 0,0003), maior frequência de doença respiratória (73,08 versus 34,62, p = 0,005) e maior frequência de óbito intrauterino e neonatal (p = 0,025). Na avaliação dos diferentes padrões de dopplervelocimetria da artéria umbilical (normal, índice de pulsatilidade aumentado, fluxo diastólico intermitente, diástole zero e diástole reversa), os grupos diferiram em relação à média da idade gestacional no parto (35,48; 34,22; 33,33; 33,15 e 32,45 semanas, p < 0,001), frequência de internação em UTI neonatal (19,23; 50,00; 50,00; 85,71 e 100,00%, p < 0,001) e desfecho com alta hospitalar (96,15; 100,00; 83,33; 71,43 e 25,00%, p < 0,001). O grupo com diástole reversa apresentou os piores resultados perinatais. Na avaliação da RCF seletiva, não foi observada diferença significativa em relação à idade gestacional no parto (33,4 versus 33,4, p = 0,953), mas houve maior necessidade de intubação orotraqueal (62,5% versus 32,3%, p = 0,001) e ventilação mecânica (75,0% versus 41,2%, p = 0,0006) em relação ao grupo de RCF não seletiva. No grupo RCF seletiva houve maior número de casos de dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical com índice de pulsatilidade aumentada, fluxo intermitente, diástole zero e reversa (p = 0,005). Como conclusão o estudo demonstrou maior morbidade e mortalidade perinatal no grupo com dopplervelocimetria anormal com diferença significativa em relação aos padrões distintos de dopplervelocimetria e piores resultados na presença de diástole reversa. O grupo de RCF seletiva apresentou maior frequência de anormalidades na dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical e morbidade neonatal em relação ao grupo com RCF não seletiva / Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies have and increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and perinatal complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate perinatal morbidity and mortality in MCDA twin pregnancies: in the presence of IUGR with normal and abnormal umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry; in different umbilical artery flow patterns (normal dopplervelocimetry, increased pulsatility index, intermittent flow pattern, absent end diastolic flow and reversed end diastolic flow) and in the presence of selective and non-selective IUGR. This was a retrospective study in the Multiple Pregnancy Unit at the Obstetric Clinic of HCFMUSP, between 2004 and 2011. The study included 48 twin pregnancies, where 60 fetuses weighted less than the 10th percentile according to twins charts. Cases with fetal malformation (n=36) or twin to twin transfusion syndrome (n=43) were not included in the study. The group with IUGR and abnormal umbilical artery Doppler presented lower mean gestational age at delivery (33.39 versus 35.48, p <0.001), lower mean birthweight (1137.12 g versus 1675.77 g, p < 0.001), higher need of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU, 69.23% versus 19.23%, p = 0.0003), higher frequency of respiratory disease (73.08 versus 34.62, p = 0.005) and higher incidence of intrauterine and neonatal death (p = 0.025). In the different umbilical artery flow patterns (normal dopplervelocimetry, increased pulsatility index, intermittent flow pattern, absent end diastolic flow and reversed end diastolic flow) the group differ in relation to gestational age at delivery (35.48; 34.22; 33.33; 33.15 and 32.45 weeks; p < 0.001), need of NICU (19.23; 50.00; 50.00; 85.71 and 100,00%; p < 0.001) and alive at hospital discharge (96.15; 100,00; 83.33; 71.43 and 25,00%; p < 0.001). The group with reversed and diastolic flow presented the worse perinatal outcome. In the selective and non-selective IUGR groups, no difference was observed in relation to gestational age at delivery (33.4 versus 33.4 weeks, p = 0.953), however there was higher need for orotracheal intubation (62.5% versus 32.3%, p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (75.0% versus 41.2%, p = 0.0006) in the selective IUGR group. Abnormal umbilical artery Doppler such as increased pulsatility index, intermittent blood flow, absent and reversed flow were more frequent in the selective IUGR group (p = 0.005). As conclusion, the study demonstrated higher perinatal morbidity and mortality in the IUGR group with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler with significant difference in relation to Doppler patterns and the worse outcome was related to reversed diastolic flow pattern. The selective IUGR group presents higher frequency of abnormal umbilical artery dopplervelocimetry and neonatal morbidity compared to non- selective IUGR group

Introdução e objetivos – A finalidade prioritária no tratamento do diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é alcançar níveis de glicemia materna tão próximos da normalidade quanto possível, a fim de reduzir os efeitos adversos associados à hiperglicemia na gestação. A auto verificação da glicemia capilar (perfil glicêmico) é o método mais usado para a monitorização do controle metabólico na gestação complicada por diabetes. Nosso objetivo foi analisar as associações entre os perfis glicêmicos maternos com os principais desfechos da gestação numa população de mulheres com DMG acompanhadas em ambulatório de pré-natal especializado em hospital universitário no sul do Brasil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Desenho e metodotologia – conduzimos um estudo de coorte prospectiva de gestantes referidas da rede de atenção primária de saúde pública para tratamento do DMG no HCPA, acompanhadas do diagnóstico ao parto. Pesquisamos associações entre os resultados dos perfis glicêmicos com o peso de nascimento e com o risco de recém-nascidos grandes para idade gestacional e de desfechos adversos perinatais. Resultados – acompanhamos 440 mulheres com DMG. A média do índice de massa corporal (IMC) foi 33.3kg/m2. 351 bebês (79.8%) mostraram peso adequado à idade gestacional no nascimento. As médias de glicemia nos perfis pré e pósprandiais aumentaram com o avanço na categoria de peso nascimento. Três ou mais perfis glicêmicos anormais foram o fator de risco mais robusto para o nascimento de bebês grandes (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) e para o desenvolvimento de desfechos adversos perinatais (OR 2.28 1.59-3.29). O ganho de peso materno durante o tratamento associou-se ao risco de recém-nascido grande para idade gestacional, assim como o IMC pré-gestacional, esse último também fator de risco independente para eventos perinatais adversos. Conclusão – perfis glicêmicos anormais em mais de 2 ocasiões foram o fator de risco mais relacionado ao nascimento de um bebê grande para a idade gestacional e para o desenvolvimento de complicações neonatais. Efeito benéfico do tratamento do DMG, guiado pelos perfis glicêmicos, foi a maioria de recém-nascidos com peso adequado à idade gestacional nessa coorte, apesar da incidência de desfechos perinatais adversos não ter sido diferente entre as categorias de peso fetal de nascimento. / Background and objective – a priority target in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is attaining maternal glucose levels as close as possible to euglycemia, in order to decrease the adverse outcomes linked to hyperglycemia. Self-performed capillary glucose (glycemic profile) is the most widely used method for metabolic monitoring in pregnancy complicated by diabetes. We intended to analyze the associations of maternal glycemic profile to main pregnancy outcomes in a population of GDM women treated in a specialized prenatal clinic at a university hospital in South Brazil, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Research design and methodology – we conducted a prospective cohort study of pregnant women, referred from public primary health care for treatment of GDM at HCPA, between 2008 and 2015. We searched associations of glycemic profiles to birth weight, large for gestational age newborn and adverse neonatal outcomes. Results – we followed 440 GDM women from diagnosis to delivery. Mean prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) was 33.3kg/m2; 351 babies (79.8%) had appropriate birth weight for gestational age. Mean glucose in pre-prandial and postprandial profiles increased with raising birth weight category. Three or more abnormal glycemic profiles showed the strongest association to a large baby (OR 3.15 1.51-6.55) and to a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes (OR 2.28 1.59- 3.29). Gestational weight gain in the course of treatment was associated to large babies, as pre-pregnancy BMI, the latter also an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcome. Conclusion – abnormal maternal glycemic profiles in more than two occasions were the stronger risk factor for delivering a large baby and for developing neonatal complications. A beneficial effect of GDM treatment, guided by glycemic profiles, was that most of our newborns had birth weight appropriate for gestational age, although incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes had been no different across birth weight categories.

INTRODUÇÃO: Crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) possuem risco aumentado de apresentar baixa estatura na vida adulta. O benefício do tratamento com rhGH (recombinant human growth hormone) está bem estabelecido nas crianças nascidas PIG e com inadequação do catch up de crescimento, sendo importante estudar as variáveis preditoras de ganho estatural nesses indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar resposta terapêutica e variáveis clínicas associadas à recuperação do crescimento em dois anos de tratamento com rhGH em um grupo de crianças nascidas PIG. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 35 crianças nascidas PIG em uso de rhGH há pelo menos dois anos e avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade gestacional, SDS de peso ao nascimento, SDS de comprimento ao nascimento, índice ponderal ao nascimento, idade cronológica no início do tratamento, SDS de estatura-alvo, dose de rhGH, relação entre idade óssea e idade cronológica, delta SDS de IGF-I. RESULTADOS: A média do SDS de estatura teve um incremento significante de 0,55 SDS (p < 0,01) e 0,86 SDS (p < 0,01), no primeiro e segundo anos de tratamento com rhGH, respectivamente. A dose de rhGH foi identificada como preditora de ganho estatural após um ano de tratamento, enquanto o SDS de comprimento ao nascimento e a idade gestacional se mostraram preditoras de crescimento após dois anos de rhGH. CONCLUSÃO: Foi confirmada uma resposta de crescimento positiva ao tratamento com rhGH nas crianças nascidas PIG sem catch up de crescimento nos primeiros dois anos de vida. A avaliação de características individuais ao nascimento e ao início do rhGH, assim como a identificação das variáveis preditoras do crescimento, são importantes na decisão e otimização do tratamento / INTRODUCTION: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk for short stature in adulthood. Treatment benefits with rhGH (recombinant human growth hormone) is well established in children born SGA and inadequate growth catch up, therefore it is very importante to study height gain predictors in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate therapeutic response and clinical variables associated with growth recovery in two years of rhGH treatment in a group of children born SGA. METHODS: Thirty-five children born SGA in use of rhGH for at least two years were selected and the following variables were evaluated: gender, gestational age, birth weight SDS, birth length SDS, birth weight index, chronological age at the beginning of treatment, target-height SDS, rhGH dose, chronological age and bone age relation, and delta IGF-I SDS. RESULTS: The mean height SDS had a significant increase of 0.55 SDS (p < 0.01) and 0.86 SDS (p < 0.01) in the first and second year of treatment with rhGH, respectively. The rhGH dose was identified as a height gain predictor after one year of treatment, while birth length SDS and gestational age were predictors of growth gain after two years of rhGH. CONCLUSION: A positive growth response to rhGH treatment was confirmed in children born SGA with no growth catch up in their first two years of life. Evaluation of individual characteristics at birth and in the beginning of rhGH treatment, as well as the identification growth predictors, are important for the decision and treatment optimization

A gemelaridade apresenta algumas intercorrências específicas, como a discordância de peso entre fetos e recém-nascidos (RNs). O objetivo do presente estudo foi predizer a discordância de peso do exame ultra-sonográfico comparada à do parto e avaliar a morbidade e a mortalidade neonatais nas gestações gemelares discordantes quanto ao peso. Este foi um estudo retrospectivo, com levantamento dos casos do período de 1998 a 2004, no Setor de Gestações Múltiplas da Clínica Obstétrica do HCFMUSP. Na avaliação da predição ultra-sonográfica, foram inseridas 221 gestações gemelares e, na avaliação da morbidade e da mortalidade, 151 gestações com partos nessa instituição. A discordância de peso foi definida como >= 20%, sendo excluídos os casos de malformações fetais (n=43) e da Síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal (n=24). Para análise da adequação do peso ao nascimento, utilizou-se a curva de Alexander et al., 1998, para gêmeos. No estudo da predição, foram utilizados quatro intervalos de tempo em relação ao parto (0 a 7 dias - n = 96; 8 a 14 dias - n = 66; 15 a 21 dias - n = 58; 22 a 28 dias - n = 59 gestações), somando 279 avaliações. No grupo de 0 a 7 dias, a estimativa da sensibilidade foi de 93,6%, especificidade de 79,4%, valor preditivo positivo de 89,2%, valor preditivo negativo de 87,1% e acurácia de 88,6%. Nos demais grupos, a sensibilidade e a acurácia foram de 95,8% e 84,9%, 95,6% e 84,5%, 90,9% e 84,8%, respectivamente. Em relação à morbidade, 111 gestações eram concordantes (73,5%) e 40 discordantes quanto ao peso. No grupo discordante, 75% das gestações gemelares apresentaram pelo menos um recém-nascido com Restrição de Crescimento Fetal (RCF). Nesta análise, as gestações gemelares concordantes monocoriônicas obtiveram menor média de idade gestacional no parto (34,3 versus 36,2 semanas, p=0,004), menor peso médio (2067 versus 2334 gramas, p=0,0016) e maior tempo de internação (10,6 versus 7,3 dias, p=0,0023) que as gestações concordantes dicoriônicas. Nas gestações discordantes, não houve diferença significativa em relação à corionicidade. As gestações discordantes, com pelo menos um RN abaixo do percentil 10, apresentaram menor média de idade gestacional (35,2 versus 36,8 semanas, p=0,009) e maior tempo de internação (17,5 versus 8,2 dias, p=0,026). Não foi observada diferença significativa de morbidade e mortalidade entre RNs concordantes e discordantes, com pesos entre os percentis 10 e 90. Os fetos menores das gestações discordantes demonstraram maior freqüência de índice de Apgar inferior a 7 (27,5% versus 7,5%, p=0,01). A avaliação da mortalidade não demonstrou diferença significativa em relação aos grupos concordantes (3,7%) e discordantes (4,5%; p = 1,00). No presente estudo, conclui-se que os quatro grupos apresentaram adequada correlação entre a discordância de peso à ultra-sonografia e no nascimento, porém com melhor predição até sete dias antes do parto. A morbidade neonatal esteve relacionada à RCF do menor feto. A discordância de peso e a corionicidade não interferiram na mortalidade neonatal. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of prenatal ultrasound scans to predict fetal growth discordance in twin pregnancies and perinatal morbidity/mortality associated with these cases. This was a retrospective study (1998-2004) involving twin pregnancies that were scanned and had their delivery at our Institution (HCFMUSP). Cases with fetal malformations (n=43) or twin to twin transfusion syndrome (n=24) were excluded. The study of ultrasound scans consisted of 221 twin pregnancies. The final morbidity/mortality study group consisted of 151 twin pregnancies. Birth weight was evaluated based on twin growth charts published by Alexander et al (1998) and weight discordance as a difference >= 20%. Small for gestacional age (SGA) was defined as birth weight below the 10th centile. The study of ultrasonographic prediction of interwin discordance was made using four different intervals between ultrasound examination and delivery (0 to 7 days, n = 96; 8 to 14 days, n = 66; 15 to 21 days, n = 58; 22 to 28 days, n = 59 pregnancies), with a total of 279 ultrasound examinations. In group 0 to 7 days, the sensitivity was 93,6%, specificity was 79,4%, positive predicted values was 89,2%, negative predicted values was 87,1% and accuracy was 88,6%. In the groups 8 to 14 days, 15 to 21 days and 22 to 28 days the sensitivity and accuracy were 95,8% and 84,9%, 95,6% and 84,5%, 90,9% and 84,8%, respectively. Birthweight discordance was observed in 40 sets of twins (26.5%) and 12 cases were monochorionic MC (30%). Twenty five cases (22.5%) in the non discordant group were MC. In the non discordant group, monochorionic pregnancies showed lower gestational age at delivery (34.3 versus 36.2 wks, p=0.004), lower mean birth weight (2067g versus 2334g, p=0.0016) and longer length of stay in hospital (10.6 versus 7.3 days, p=0.0023) compared to dichorionic twins. In the group with twin birthweight discordance, there were no significant differences between MC and DC pregnancies and 75% of the cases had at least one newborn with SGA. These cases were showed lower gestational age at delivery (35.2 versus 36.8wks, p=0.009) and longer length of stay in hospital (17.5 versus 8.2 days, p=0.026). In the discordant group, the smaller twin had a higher frequency of first minute Apgar score < 7 (27.5% versus 7.5%, p=0.01). Perinatal mortality rate was similar in both groups (discordant 4.5% and concordant 3.7%, p=1.0). There were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between concordant and discordant twins when birth weight was between the 10 th and 90 th centile. In conclusion, there was a good correlation between fetal growth discordance predicted by prenatal scan and actual birth weight discordance. Neonatal morbidity was related to SGA. Excluding fetal malformation and TTTS cases, birth weight discordance in twin pregnancies is not a significantly associated with neonatal mortality.

INTRODUÇÃO: Crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional (PIG) possuem risco aumentado de apresentar baixa estatura na vida adulta. O benefício do tratamento com rhGH (recombinant human growth hormone) está bem estabelecido nas crianças nascidas PIG e com inadequação do catch up de crescimento, sendo importante estudar as variáveis preditoras de ganho estatural nesses indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar resposta terapêutica e variáveis clínicas associadas à recuperação do crescimento em dois anos de tratamento com rhGH em um grupo de crianças nascidas PIG. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionadas 35 crianças nascidas PIG em uso de rhGH há pelo menos dois anos e avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade gestacional, SDS de peso ao nascimento, SDS de comprimento ao nascimento, índice ponderal ao nascimento, idade cronológica no início do tratamento, SDS de estatura-alvo, dose de rhGH, relação entre idade óssea e idade cronológica, delta SDS de IGF-I. RESULTADOS: A média do SDS de estatura teve um incremento significante de 0,55 SDS (p < 0,01) e 0,86 SDS (p < 0,01), no primeiro e segundo anos de tratamento com rhGH, respectivamente. A dose de rhGH foi identificada como preditora de ganho estatural após um ano de tratamento, enquanto o SDS de comprimento ao nascimento e a idade gestacional se mostraram preditoras de crescimento após dois anos de rhGH. CONCLUSÃO: Foi confirmada uma resposta de crescimento positiva ao tratamento com rhGH nas crianças nascidas PIG sem catch up de crescimento nos primeiros dois anos de vida. A avaliação de características individuais ao nascimento e ao início do rhGH, assim como a identificação das variáveis preditoras do crescimento, são importantes na decisão e otimização do tratamento / INTRODUCTION: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk for short stature in adulthood. Treatment benefits with rhGH (recombinant human growth hormone) is well established in children born SGA and inadequate growth catch up, therefore it is very importante to study height gain predictors in these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate therapeutic response and clinical variables associated with growth recovery in two years of rhGH treatment in a group of children born SGA. METHODS: Thirty-five children born SGA in use of rhGH for at least two years were selected and the following variables were evaluated: gender, gestational age, birth weight SDS, birth length SDS, birth weight index, chronological age at the beginning of treatment, target-height SDS, rhGH dose, chronological age and bone age relation, and delta IGF-I SDS. RESULTS: The mean height SDS had a significant increase of 0.55 SDS (p < 0.01) and 0.86 SDS (p < 0.01) in the first and second year of treatment with rhGH, respectively. The rhGH dose was identified as a height gain predictor after one year of treatment, while birth length SDS and gestational age were predictors of growth gain after two years of rhGH. CONCLUSION: A positive growth response to rhGH treatment was confirmed in children born SGA with no growth catch up in their first two years of life. Evaluation of individual characteristics at birth and in the beginning of rhGH treatment, as well as the identification growth predictors, are important for the decision and treatment optimization

Background Reproductive health and health events associated with pregnancy including induced abortions are among the most important factors for the health of fertile women. Adverse outcomes have an impact on women’s reproductive health and their overall health as well as the health of their offspring. Pregnancy and child bearing take place within a cultural context. Risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes depend on factors both associated with the individual woman as well as contextual factors. Aims This thesis investigates reproductive health indicators and their determinants for women in a rural district in Vietnam with special focus on adverse pregnancy outcomes and their determinants. In addition, this thesis explores the perspectives and experiences among pregnant women and health care professionals on maternal health care in Vietnam and risks during pregnancy and delivery. Methods The studies used quantitative and qualitative methods.  In the quantitative studies a total of 4,396 women reporting 5,838 pregnancies, and 5,521 infants were included. Parametric and non parametric tests and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.   For the estimation of small for gestational age a population-specific reference curve was constructed based on the mean birth weight at term in the study population. In the qualitative studies data were collected from eight focus group discussions, four with pregnant women and four with health care professionals. Manifest and latent content analysis was applied.  Main findings Women belonging to an ethnic minority or women giving birth at home were at increased risk of stillbirth.  The risk of induced abortion increased with maternal age. Neonatal mortality was estimated to 11.6 per 1000 live births and perinatal mortality to 25.0 per 1000 births. The prevalence of small for gestational age was estimated to 6.4%. Risk factors for small for gestational age included women in farming occupations and post-term birth. There was a marked decrease in perinatal mortality after 33 weeks of gestation. Contextual conditions influenced both pregnant women’s use of maternal health care and the performance of the health care professionals. The use of maternal health care was influenced by economical conditions as well as cultural norms that impeded women’s autonomy. Structural constraints included inadequate financing of the health system, including lack of staff, insufficient professional re-training, and inadequate equipment. Pregnant women in rural Vietnam created a strategy to promote a healthy pregnancy through lifestyle adjustments, gathering of information, and seeking timely medical care. Insights in pregnancy-related conditions were sought from various sources and were influenced both by Vietnamese traditions and modern medical knowledge. Conclusions Knowledge about pregnancy complications and their related signs and symptoms, and a high confidence in the maternal health care probably contribute to the relatively good maternal health status and pregnancy outcomes in Vietnam. To improve perinatal and neonatal outcomes there is a need to ensure access for all pregnant women to delivery units with surgical capacity in case of an obstetrical emergency. Also, a higher proportion of premature infants need to be born at units with access to neonatal care. This may be achieved by an improved system for referral including capacity of medical care during transportation. Other desirable improvements include antenatal identification of small for gestational age foetuses. In our study the induced abortion rate increased with maternal age and was highest among married women, indicating that induced abortions may be used as a method for family planning. The cultural norms in Vietnam limit women’s autonomy and reduce their possibility to make independent decisions about their reproductive health. Our studies emphasize the importance of adequate access for all women to maternal health care adjusted for their individual needs. A better understanding is needed of context-specific factors that influence couples’ choice of family planning methods, place of birth, and maternal health care. The communication between pregnant women and health care professionals needs further investigation. This knowledge is essential in order to develop reproductive health services that are accessible, acceptable and affordable to all.

Introduction: Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and to acrylamide has been suggested to reduce fetal growth. The role of diet, the main source of exposure to these compounds in the general population, remains uncertain. This thesis aimed to characterize women’s exposure during pregnancy to dietary acrylamide and the genotoxic PAH benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P], and to assess the effects of prenatal exposure to these compounds on fetal growth indicators. Methods: This thesis was done within two large European population-based cohort studies conducted in Spain and Norway: the INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA; n=657) and The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa; n=50651). Dietary B(a)P and acrylamide intakes were estimated based on information from food frequency questionnaires and the concentrations of these compounds in foods. Results: (i) Smokers had higher dietary intakes of B(a)P and acrylamide compared to non-smokers; (ii) the main predictors of B(a)P intake were shellfish and processed/cured meats while the main predictors of acrylamide intake were snacks, fried potatoes, and crisp bread; (iii) higher prenatal exposure to dietary B(a)P and acrylamide may reduce birth weight and increase the risk of small for gestational age, independently of smoking-related exposure and (iv) stronger effects of dietary B(a)P on fetal growth were observed among women with low vitamin C intake. Conclusions: Dietary B(a)P and acrylamide intakes during pregnancy may impair fetal growth. Therefore, reducing the intake of these compounds from the diet should be recommended in dietary guidelines for pregnant women. Likewise, increasing intakes of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C should be recommended given its potential to prevent adverse effects from exposure to such contaminants. / Introducción: La exposición prenatal a los hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) y a la acrilamida ha sido asociada con la reducción del crecimiento fetal. El papel de la dieta, la principal fuente de exposición a estos compuestos en la población general, sigue siendo incierto. Los objetivos de esta tesis son caracterizar la exposición a través de la dieta a la acrilamida y a los HAP, específicamente el compuesto genotóxico benzo(a)pireno [B(a)P], durante el embarazo, y evaluar los efectos de la exposición prenatal a estos compuestos sobre indicadores del crecimiento fetal. Métodos: Esta tesis se realizó dentro del marco de dos grandes estudios europeos de cohortes de base poblacional realizados en España y Noruega: INfancia y Medio Ambiente (INMA; n=657) y The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort (MoBa; n=50651). La ingesta de B(a)P y acrilamida fue estimada a partir de información de cuestionarios de frecuencia alimentaria y las concentraciones de estos compuestos en los alimentos. Resultados: (i) Las fumadoras tuvieron mayor ingesta de B(a)P y acrilamida a través de la dieta en comparación con las no fumadoras; (ii) los principales predictores de la ingesta de B(a)P fueron los mariscos y los embutidos, mientras que los principales predictores de la ingesta de acrilamida fueron los aperitivos, las patatas fritas y el pan crujiente; (iii) la exposición prenatal al B(a)P y la acrilamida pueden reducir el peso al nacer y aumentar el riesgo de pequeño para la edad gestacional, independientemente de la exposición relacionada con el tabaco y (iv) los efectos de la ingesta de B(a)P a través de la dieta sobre el crecimiento fetal fueron más fuertes entre las mujeres con baja ingesta de vitamina C. Conclusiones: La ingesta de B(a)P y acrilamida a través de la dieta durante el embarazo, puede perjudicar el crecimiento fetal. Consecuentemente, recomendaciones para la reducción de la ingesta de estos compuestos a través de la dieta deberían ser incluidas en las guías dietéticas para mujeres embarazadas. Asimismo, debería recomendarse un aumento en la ingesta de frutas y verduras con alto contenido en vitamina C por su potencial para prevenir efectos relacionados con la exposición a estos contaminantes.