Orofacial clefts include cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP). This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of prenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated and non-isolated cases of CL/CP and the postnatal outcomes of these children. Data regarding patients diagnosed and treated in the tertiary orofacial clinic from 2000 to 2020 were retrieved from electronic medical records and telephone-based questionnaires. Isolated CL was found in 7 cases (7.2%), isolated CP in 51 (53%), and combined CL/CP in 38 (39.5%), and 22 cases (23%) were associated with other anomalies. Among 96 cases, 39 (40.6%) were diagnosed prenatally. Isolated CL was diagnosed in 5/7 (71.5%), combined clefts in 29/38 (76.3%), and CP in 7/51 (13.8%). Prenatal chromosomal analysis performed in 32/39 (82%) cases was normal for all. The rate of surgical intervention in the first year of life was 36/38 (94.7%) for combined clefts, 5/7 (71.4%) for CL, and 20/51 (39%) for isolated CP. Most children had speech therapy (23/38 (60.5%), 3/7 (42.8%), and 41/51 (80.3%), respectively) and psychotherapy (6/38 (15.7%), 3/7 (42.8%) and, 15/51 (29.4%), respectively). The accuracy rate of sonographic prenatal diagnosis is low. Our results emphasize the suggested work-up of fetuses with CL and/or CP and improvements to parental counseling, as well as their understanding and compliance regarding post-natal therapeutic plans.

Pyelectasis, also known as renal pelvic dilatation or hydronephrosis, is frequently found on fetal ultrasound. This study correlated prenatally-detected, moderate pyelectasis with postnatal outcomes. This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in Israel. The study group consisted of 54 fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of pyelectasis on ultrasound scan during the second trimester, defined as anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD) 6–9.9 mm. Long-term postnatal outcomes and renal-related sequelae were obtained using medical records and telephone-based questionnaires. The control group included 98 cases with APRPD < 6 mm. Results indicate that fetal pyelectasis 6–9.9 mm was more frequent among males (68.5%) than females (51%, p = 0.034). We did not find significant correlations between 6–9.9 mm pyelectasis and other anomalies or chromosomal/genetic disorders. Pyelectasis resolved during the pregnancy in 15/54 (27.8%) cases. There was no change in 17/54 (31.5%) and 22/54 (40.7%) progressed to hydronephrosis Among the study group, 25/54 (46.3%) were diagnosed with neonatal hydronephrosis. There were more cases of renal reflux or renal obstruction in the study group compared to the control group 8/54 (14.8%) vs. 1/98 (1.0%), respectively; p = 0.002. In conclusion, most cases of 6–9.9 mm pyelectasis remained stable or resolved spontaneously during pregnancy. There was a higher rate of postnatal renal reflux and renal obstruction in this group; however, most did not require surgical intervention.

Objective: This study measured cervical length (CL) at 14–16 and 21–24 weeks of gestation and assessed whether the difference between the measurements is predictive of preterm delivery (PTD). Methods: This retrospective, cohort study included patients with two consecutive CL measured with transvaginal sonography at 14–16 weeks of gestation (CL₁) and 21–24 weeks (CL₂). Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic, medical and obstetric history; complications during the current pregnancy and delivery data. CL₁, CL₂ and the change between scans were evaluated and correlated to PTD prediction. Results: Among the 216 patients, 196 (90.7%) delivered at term (≥37 weeks) and 20 (9.3%) preterm (<37 weeks). CL₁ was not a good predictor of PTD (p = .70). CL₂ was significantly shorter in the PTD group (p < .05). The correlation between CL change and PTD was not significant (p = .55). Perinatal outcomes between term and preterm deliveries were similar. Conclusions: Sonographic measurement of CL at 14- to 16-week gestation and the difference between CL in the first and second scans are not reliable predictors of PTD. However, cervical length at 21–24 weeks in low-risk women is predictive of this complication.

Objective: This study measured cervical length (CL) at 14–16 and 21–24 weeks of gestation and assessed whether the difference between measurements is predictive of preterm birth (PTB) among asymptomatic women with twin gestations. Method: This retrospective, cohort study included patients with two consecutive CL measurements with transvaginal sonography at 14–16 weeks of gestation (CL1) and 21–24 weeks (CL2). PTB was defined as delivery prior to 37 + 0 weeks of gestation. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographic, medical and delivery data. CL1, CL2 and the change between scans were evaluated and correlated with the prediction of PTB. Results: Among 103 women with twin gestations, 76 (73.7%) delivered at term and 27 (26.3%) had PTB. CL1 and CL2 were not good predictors of PTB (p = .32 and p = .38, respectively). The correlation between CL change and PTB was not significant (p = .08). The correlation between CL change and delivery after 38 weeks was not significant (p = .3). Baseline characteristics and perinatal outcomes between term and preterm deliveries were similar. Conclusions: The delta between routine cervical length measurements at 14–16 and 21–24 weeks of twin gestations cannot be used as a reliable predictor of PTB.