Objective: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases surfactant protein expression in type 2 pneumocytes. Herein, we determine if transplacental GLP-1 treatment accelerates lung growth in the fetal rabbit model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (DH). Methods: Time-mated does had an induction of DH on day 23 followed by daily GLP-1 or placebo injection until term. At that time, the does were weighed, fetal blood was obtained for GLP-1 assay, and the lungs were dissected. Fetal outcome measures were lung-to-body-weight ratio (LBWR), morphometry, and Ki67 and surfactant protein B (SPB) expression. Results: Maternal weight loss in the GLP-1 group was 7.1%. Fetal survival was lower in GLP-1 fetuses compared to placebo controls (27/85, 32% vs. 35/57, 61%; p < 0.05). Fetal GLP-1 levels were increased 3.6-fold. The LBWR of GLP-1 DH fetuses fell within the range of DH placebo fetuses (1.166 ± 0.207% vs. 1.312 ± 0.418%), being significantly lower than that of placebo-exposed unoperated fetuses (2.280 ± 0.522%; p < 0.001). GLP-1 did not improve airway morphometry. GLP-1 DH lungs had a reduced adventitial and medial thickness within the range of controls, and lesser muscularization of vessels measuring 30-60 µm. There were no differences in Ki67 and SPB expression. Conclusion: GLP-1 at this dosage improves peripheric pulmonary vessel morphology in intra-acinar vessels with no effect on airway morphometry but with significant maternal and fetal side effects. Thus, it is an unlikely medical strategy.
Introduction: Prenatal counselling for cerebral ventriculomegaly is challenging due to varied factors and prognoses. There is limited data about the natural history of affected pregnancies managed expectantly. We sought to review the prenatal course, obstetric and paediatric outcomes in cases of moderate to severe cerebral ventriculomegaly in an Irish tertiary maternity unit. Materials and methods:Retrospective review of patients attending the Fetal Assessment Unit from 2006-2014 with lateral cerebral ventricular measurements >12 mm on ultrasound.Results: During the nine-year period, 93 cases were identified with pregnancy outcome data available for 80 cases and 54 continuing in our institution. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 28.9% of women with 71.1% undergoing caesarean. There were 9 cases of intrauterine demise and an additional six neonatal deaths and three paediatric deaths.An isolated neural tube defect was present in 12 babies. Of the remaining 33 babies a diagnosis was confirmed in 60.6% of which, 45% were achieved antenatally. Conclusions:A diagnosis was obtained in 70% of live births. The presence of ventriculomegaly had a significant impact on the mode of delivery and maternal morbidity. The survival rate was 66.6% with high rate of neurodevelopmental delay recognized in survivors particularly in cases without a clear diagnosis.
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