Role of the vascular endothelial growth factor in the inverse relationship between increased nuchal translucency thickness and fetomaternal transfusion
Abstract
Objective: To elucidate the possible etiological role of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the inverse correlation between nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and fetomaternal transfusion (FMT).
Methods: The level of FMT was determined prospectively in 80 viable, singleton pregnancies in which 10–14-week ultrasonographic scanning, NT thickness measurement; chorionic villus sampling (CVS) for fetal karyotyping and VEGF concentration determination were performed. The grouping procedures were based either on NT thickness (<2 MoM in Group I, and ≥2 MoM in Group II), or on karyotype (euploid in Group A, and aneuploid in Group B). The level of FMT was determined via maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels before and after CVS. The FMT and the VEGF concentration of the chorionic tissue were analysed in comparisons between Groups I and II, and between Groups “A” and “B”.
Results: The mean level of FMT after CVS was 72.5±21.3 μL and 19.28±5.4 μL in Groups I (n=44) and II (n=36), respectively (P<0.02). The VEGF concentration of the chorionic tissue in Groups I and II was 40.6±16.7 pg/mg protein and 21.1±6.3 pg/mg protein, respectively (P=0.28). The mean level of FMT was 57.9±15.0 μL and 8.1±3.9 μL in Groups A and B, respectively (P<0.003). The VEGF concentration of the chorionic tissue in Groups A and B was 25.9±10.7 pg/mg protein and 21.3±11.3 pg/mg protein, respectively (P=0.77).
Conclusion: No difference exists in the VEGF concentration in the aspirated chorionic tissue between Groups I and II and between Groups A and B. A higher level of FMT was observed among the aneuploid pregnancies after CVS than among the euploid cases. Chorionic VEGF does not influence the inverse relationship between the pre-CVS NT thickness and FMT.
©2011 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin New York
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Articles in the same Issue
- Recommendations and guidelines for perinatal practice
- Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)*
- Expert panel recommendation
- Expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Asia-Pacific region
- Review article
- Weight gain and dietary intake during pregnancy in industrialized countries – a systematic review of observational studies
- Original articles – Obstetrics
- Clinical significance of oligohydramnios in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes*,**
- Placental volume and vascularization flow indices by 3D power Doppler US using VOCAL technique and correlation with IGF-1, free beta-hCG, PAPP-A, and uterine artery Doppler at 11–14 weeks of pregnancy
- The impact of umbilical and uterine artery Doppler indices on antenatal course, labor and delivery in a low-risk primigravid population
- C-reactive protein levels at pre-/post-indicated cervical cerclage predict very preterm birth
- Role of the vascular endothelial growth factor in the inverse relationship between increased nuchal translucency thickness and fetomaternal transfusion
- Birth defects among a cohort of infants born to HIV-infected women on antiretroviral medication
- Original articles – Fetus
- Neurobehavioral continuity from fetus to neonate
- Obstetrical risk factors for focal intestinal perforation in very low birth weight infants
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- Normal fasting plasma glucose levels during pregnancy: a hospital-based study
- Letters to the Editor
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion after cesarean section complicated with hemorrhage
- Acceptability of the fetal electrocardiographic (STAN®) monitoring system by staff at a high-risk maternity unit
- Reply: A great lack of knowledge regarding umbilical cord blood banking among pregnant women in Berlin, Germany
- Congress calendar
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