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Urine production and bladder function in fetuses with open spina bifida
K H Nicolaides1, D Rosen, R Rabinowitz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Fetal Therapy
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Fetal bladder function differs in open spina bifida (OSB) pregnancies. Real-time ultrasound revealed abnormal bladder filling and emptying in fetuses with OSB compared to normal development.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Fetal Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Open spina bifida (OSB) is a complex congenital condition affecting fetal development.
- Understanding fetal urinary tract function is crucial for managing OSB pregnancies.
- Real-time ultrasonography provides valuable insights into fetal bladder dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare hourly fetal urine production rate (HFUPR) and bladder voiding patterns.
- To assess bladder filling and emptying in fetuses with OSB versus normal fetuses.
- To identify deviations in fetal urinary function associated with OSB.
Main Methods:
- Real-time ultrasonography was used to monitor fetal bladder activity.
- HFUPR, bladder filling, and voiding were measured in 13 fetuses with OSB.
- Data were compared with 101 normal fetuses from 16-40 weeks gestation.
Main Results:
- Normal fetuses exhibit linear bladder volume increase followed by rapid voiding.
- In normal pregnancy, mean bladder volume and HFUPR increase with gestation.
- Fetuses with OSB showed significant deviations in both bladder filling and emptying patterns.
Conclusions:
- Fetal bladder filling and voiding are significantly altered in the presence of OSB.
- Ultrasonographic assessment reveals distinct functional abnormalities in OSB fetuses.
- These findings highlight the impact of OSB on fetal urinary tract development and function.