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Deutsches Institut für Urbanistik
Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag
Walter de Gruyter
Schattauer
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Erich Cosmi, Juan J. Piazze, Angelo Ruozi, Maurizio M. Anceschi, Renato La Torre, Alessandra Andrisani, Pietro Litta, Giovanni Battista Nardelli, Guido Ambrosini

Structural-tridimensional study of yolk sac in pregnancies complicated by diabetes

Keywords: diabetes, three-dimensional ultrasonography, ultrasound, yolk sac

Objectives: To assess by two- and three-dimensional ultrasound the diameter and volume of the yolk sac in pregnant women affected by type 1 diabetes during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Methods: 18 women affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 52 normoglycemic pregnant women (controls) were enrolled in this study. The women were evaluated once a week (5–12 weeks of pregnancy). Ultrasound examination in all pregnant women was initially performed in a bidimensional fashion with a transvaginal 6.5-MHz probe and subsequently using a three-dimensional technique.

Results: In the pregnant diabetic women the diameter of the yolk sac was significantly higher than that of controls in the first weeks of pregnancy, reaching a maximum diameter at 9 weeks, and decreasing thereafter, earlier than controls. The volume of the yolk sac increased in both groups from 5 weeks of pregnancy and reached maximum values at 10 weeks in both groups. The volumetric increase and decrease after reaching highest values were greater in IDDM patients.

Conclusion: The clinical and diagnostic implications of the results of this study are still to be defined. Such a diagnostic technique may prove to be an additional element in monitoring diabetic women during early pregnancy.

Journal of Perinatal Medicine, Walter de Gruyter

Print ISSN: 1619-3997
Volume: 33, 03/2005
Pages: 132 - 136

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