Fetal membrane imaging and the prediction of preterm birth: a systematic review, current issues, and future directions

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Research Article

John E. Speich¹  Vanessa Nunes²  Jennifer Cross²  Danielle R. Morgan²  Ronald M. Ramus²  Jerome F. Strauss² 

[1] Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA;Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA;

关键词: Amnion;    Chorion;    Ultrasound;    Fetal membrane;    Preterm birth;    Premature rupture of membranes;    Preterm premature rupture of membranes;    PROM;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12884-016-1176-5

 received in 2015-12-02, accepted in 2016-12-01,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundPreterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is the largest identifiable cause of preterm birth. There is currently no good screening test for PPROM in low-risk asymptomatic patients. Our goal was to identify how imaging methods can be utilized for examining the risks for PPROM in asymptomatic patients.MethodsThis paper is a systematic review of the literature on fetal membrane thickness and its use for the prediction of PPROM. Four key studies are identified and reviewed; two in vitro studies and two in vivo ultrasound studies each using differing methodologies. Additionally reviewed is a study using Optical Coherence Tomography, an emerging technique using near-infrared technology to produce high-resolution images.ResultsThere is currently insufficient data to determine the association between fetal membrane thickness and PPROM by ultrasound.ConclusionsFetal membrane thickness could have relevant clinical ramifications for the prediction of PPROM. Suggested improvements in study methodology and design will lead to progress in this area of research, as well as the use of newer technologies. Larger sample sizes, histological comparison, uniform methodologies for data collection, longitudinal study design and expanding data analysis beyond fetal membrane thickness to other properties would expand our knowledge in this field. In addition, transvaginal ultrasound should be utilized to improve resolution, as well as emerging methodologies such as MRI fusion imaging using ultrasound and Shear Wave Elastography.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2016