Congenital hearing loss is a significant global health concern that affects millions of newborns and infants worldwide, posing substantial challenges for affected individuals, their families, and healthcare systems. This condition, present at birth, can stem from genetic factors, in utero exposures, infections, or complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The spectrum of congenital hearing loss ranges from mild to profound, impacting the development of speech, language, and cognitive skills, thereby influencing educational achievements, social integration, and future employment opportunities. Early detection and intervention strategies, such as newborn hearing screenings, genetic counseling, and the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, are crucial for mitigating these impacts. This review article aims to explore the diagnostic approaches and management strategies for congenital cytomegalovirus-related hearing loss, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary care and the potential for technological advances to improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Abdominal wall defects encompass three primary classifications: gastroschisis, omphalocele and anomalies resembling body stalk. Potential causative factors include early amnion rupture, amniotic bands, vascular disruptions or abnormal folding of the embryo. The prevalence of these defects stands at 1 in 14,000 live births. Body stalk anomaly is characterized by a substantial abdominal defect coupled with spine and limb anomalies, along with a very short or absent umbilical cord. We present a case of a rare abdominal defect known as body stalk anomaly, the most severe form of this spectrum of diseases. The diagnosis of this anomaly was established during the first trimester of pregnancy. Subsequently, the patient opted for pregnancy termination and chose not to undergo genetic testing. The anatomo-pathological results confirmed the findings. Body stalk anomaly is not compatible with life; therefore, early identification and understanding the clinical implications of this rare anomaly for informed decision-making in prenatal care are very important.

Background/Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) remains a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Early prediction is crucial for timely intervention and management. The ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler assessment in the first trimester has emerged as a potential tool for predicting PE, particularly early PE, with delivery <37 weeks of gestation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the relationship of ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters at 11–13 weeks of gestation with the subsequent development of early and late PE. Methods: A prospective observational analysis was conducted on 4054 pregnant women, including 114 who developed PE. OA Doppler assessment of the pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery PI (UtA-PI), and serum placental growth factor (PlGF) were compared between women who later developed early PE and late PE with those who did not develop PE. Results: In the PE groups, particularly those with early PE, compared to the no PE group, the OA PSV ratio and UtA-PI were higher and PlGF was lower. Conclusion: A first-trimester OA Doppler assessment shows promise as a non-invasive method for the prediction of PE. Further prospective, multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings.

This is a case of a fetus affected by an amniotic band detected at 20 weeks of gestation. A presumptive diagnosis was made based on the ultrasound features. The ultrasound showed an abnormally developed right lower limb and no other associated fetal abnormalities. The unilaterality of the defect decreases the chances of genetic abnormality or an early vascular insult. The postnatal examination of the newborn concluded that the prenatal diagnosis was right.

Background and Objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) complicates 2–8% of pregnancies globally, with a higher incidence in developing countries. This condition poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health, contributing substantially to maternal and perinatal mortality, particularly in cases of early-onset PE, which is associated with severe complications. This review aims to synthesize current evidence regarding the predictive utility of ophthalmic artery Doppler for preeclampsia. Current strategies focus on early prediction and prevention to mitigate adverse outcomes and reduce the economic burden of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recommends first-trimester screening combining maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure, serum placental growth factor (PlGF), and uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI). High-risk women are advised to take low-dose aspirin (150 mg daily) until 36 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: This review explores an innovative predictive tool for PE: ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler. Results: As a non-invasive and easily accessible method, OA Doppler provides valuable insights into intracranial vascular resistance, offering potential advantages in early risk assessment, particularly for preterm PE, the most severe form of the disease. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that OA Doppler may serve as a promising adjunct in PE screening, enhancing the early identification of high-risk pregnancies and improving clinical outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate its role in routine prenatal care.

Background/Objective: Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status constitutes a significant risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes and predisposes individuals to long-term health complications. Detecting pregnancies at risk early in gestation could significantly improve perinatal outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that ophthalmic artery Doppler assessment in the first trimester may contribute to the prediction of impaired placentation reflected in increased risk for preeclampsia. This study aimed to investigate the association between first-trimester ophthalmic artery Doppler parameters and the subsequent birth of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates. Methods: In this prospective observational analysis, 4054 pregnant women underwent ophthalmic artery Doppler evaluation at 11–13 weeks gestation. Maternal demographics, biophysical and biochemical markers, and ophthalmic artery Doppler measurements of pulsatility index (PI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV) ratio were obtained. Outcomes were classified based on birthweight into the ≤3rd percentile and >3rd percentile and ≤10th percentile and >10th percentile groups. To determine the predictive value of Doppler indices, statistical methods included comparative analyses and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The analysis indicated that increased PSV ratio at 11–13 weeks gestation correlated with an increased risk of SGA. The PI was not found to be a significant discriminator between pregnancies complicated by SGA and non-SGA pregnancies. Conclusions: First-trimester ophthalmic artery Doppler assessment offers promise as a non-invasive technique for the early identification of pregnancies at risk for SGA neonates. Further validation through large, multicenter studies is needed to confirm its utility and to standardize its use in clinical protocols.