Fetal resorption

Last updated

Fetal resorption (also known as fetus resorption) is the disintegration and assimilation of one or more fetuses in the uterus at any stage after the completion of organogenesis, which, in humans, is after the ninth week of gestation. Before organogenesis, the process is called embryo resorption. [1] Resorption is more likely to happen early on in the gestation than later on; a later death of a fetus is likely to result in a miscarriage. [2]

Contents

In rodents

Fetal resorption in rats is common and can be influenced[ how? ] by antioxidants. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

In canines

In 1998, an ultrasound study found that the resorption of one or two conceptuses happen in up to 10% of all dog pregnancies, [2] although many cases of assumed complete resorption of an entire litter are likely to have just been the bitch experiencing a pseudopregnancy. [2] [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intrauterine growth restriction</span> Medical condition

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), or fetal growth restriction, refers to poor growth of a fetus while in the womb during pregnancy. IUGR is defined by clinical features of malnutrition and evidence of reduced growth regardless of an infant's birth weight percentile. The causes of IUGR are broad and may involve maternal, fetal, or placental complications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stillbirth</span> Death of a fetus before or during delivery, resulting in delivery of a dead baby

Stillbirth is typically defined as fetal death at or after 20 or 28 weeks of pregnancy, depending on the source. It results in a baby born without signs of life. A stillbirth can often result in the feeling of guilt or grief in the mother. The term is in contrast to miscarriage, which is an early pregnancy loss, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, where the baby dies a short time after being born alive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Obstetric ultrasonography</span> Use of medical ultrasonography in pregnancy

Obstetric ultrasonography, or prenatal ultrasound, is the use of medical ultrasonography in pregnancy, in which sound waves are used to create real-time visual images of the developing embryo or fetus in the uterus (womb). The procedure is a standard part of prenatal care in many countries, as it can provide a variety of information about the health of the mother, the timing and progress of the pregnancy, and the health and development of the embryo or fetus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gestational hypertension</span> Medical condition

Gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is the development of new hypertension in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks' gestation without the presence of protein in the urine or other signs of pre-eclampsia. Gestational hypertension is defined as having a blood pressure greater than 140/90 on two occasions at least 6 hours apart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanishing twin</span> Medical condition

A vanishing twin, also known as twin resorption, is a fetus in a multigestation pregnancy that dies in utero and is then partially or completely reabsorbed. In some instances, the dead twin is compressed into a flattened, parchment-like state known as fetus papyraceus.

Fetal viability is the ability of a human fetus to survive outside the uterus. Medical viability is generally considered to be between 23 and 24 weeks gestational age. Viability depends upon factors such as birth weight, gestational age, and the availability of advanced medical care. In low-income countries, half of newborns born at or below 32 weeks gestational age died due to a lack of medical access; in high-income countries, the vast majority of newborns born above 24 weeks gestational age survive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pregnancy</span> Time of offspring development in mothers body

Pregnancy is the time during which one or more offspring develops (gestates) inside a woman's uterus (womb). A multiple pregnancy involves more than one offspring, such as with twins.

In mammalian species, pseudopregnancy is a physical state whereby all the signs and symptoms of pregnancy are exhibited, with the exception of the presence of a fetus, creating a false pregnancy. The corpus luteum is responsible for the development of maternal behavior and lactation, which are mediated by the continued production of progesterone by the corpus luteum through some or all of pregnancy. In most species, the corpus luteum is degraded in the absence of a pregnancy. However, in some species, the corpus luteum may persist in the absence of pregnancy and cause "pseudopregnancy", in which the female will exhibit clinical signs of pregnancy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Large for gestational age</span> Medical condition

Large for gestational age (LGA) is a term used to describe infants that are born with an abnormally high weight, specifically in the 90th percentile or above, compared to other babies of the same developmental age. Macrosomia is a similar term that describes excessive birth weight, but refers to an absolute measurement, regardless of gestational age. Typically the threshold for diagnosing macrosomia is a body weight between 4,000 and 4,500 grams, or more, measured at birth, but there are difficulties reaching a universal agreement of this definition.

Prenatal development includes the development of the embryo and of the fetus during a viviparous animal's gestation. Prenatal development starts with fertilization, in the germinal stage of embryonic development, and continues in fetal development until birth.

Prenatal perception is the study of the extent of somatosensory and other types of perception during pregnancy. In practical terms, this means the study of fetuses; none of the accepted indicators of perception are present in embryos. Studies in the field inform the abortion debate, along with certain related pieces of legislation in countries affected by that debate. As of 2022, there is no scientific consensus on whether a fetus can feel pain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Human placental lactogen</span> Polypeptide placental hormone in humans

Human placental lactogen (hPL), also called human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS) or human chorionic somatotropin, is a polypeptide placental hormone, the human form of placental lactogen. Its structure and function are similar to those of human growth hormone. It modifies the metabolic state of the mother during pregnancy to facilitate energy supply to the fetus. hPL has anti-insulin properties. hPL is a hormone secreted by the syncytiotrophoblast during pregnancy. Like human growth hormone, hPL is encoded by genes on chromosome 17q22-24. It was identified in 1963.

Postterm pregnancy is when a woman has not yet delivered her baby after 42 weeks of gestation, two weeks beyond the typical 40-week duration of pregnancy. Postmature births carry risks for both the mother and the baby, including fetal malnutrition, meconium aspiration syndrome, and stillbirths. After the 42nd week of gestation, the placenta, which supplies the baby with nutrients and oxygen from the mother, starts aging and will eventually fail. Postterm pregnancy is a reason to induce labor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Organ of Zuckerkandl</span>

The organ of Zuckerkandl is a chromaffin body derived from the neural crest located at the bifurcation of the aorta or at the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery. It can be the source of a paraganglioma.

The Retinoic Acid-Inducible orphan G-protein-coupled receptors (RAIG) are a group of four closely related G protein-coupled receptors whose expression is induced by retinoic acid.

Amnioinfusion is a method in which isotonic fluid is instilled into the uterine cavity.

Definitions of abortion vary from one source to another. Abortion has many definitions that can differ from each other in significant ways. Given the contentious nature of abortion, lawmakers and other stakeholders often face controversy in defining abortion. Language referring to abortion often reflects societal and political opinions . Influential non-state actors like the United Nations and the Roman Catholic Church have also engendered controversy over efforts to define abortion.

Maternal hypothyroidism is hypothyroidism in pregnant mothers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diabetic embryopathy</span> Medical condition

Diabetic embryopathy refers to congenital maldevelopments that are linked to maternal diabetes. Prenatal exposure to hyperglycemia can result in spontaneous abortions, perinatal mortality, and malformations. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic pregnancies both increase the risk of diabetes induced teratogenicity. The rate of congenital malformations is similar in Type 1 and 2 mothers because of increased adiposity and the age of women with type 2 diabetes. Genetic predisposition and different environmental factors both play a significant role in the development of diabetic embryopathy. Metabolic dysfunction in pregnant mothers also increases the risk of fetal malformations.

Embryo loss is the death of an embryo at any stage of its development which in humans, is between the second through eighth week after fertilization. Failed development of an embryo often results in the disintegration and assimilation of its tissue in the uterus, known as embryo resorption. Loss during the stages of prenatal development after organogenesis of the fetus generally results in the similar process of fetal resorption or miscarriage. Embryo loss often happens without an awareness of pregnancy, and an estimated 40 to 60% of all embryos do not survive.

References

  1. "Fetal Resorption". Medical Subject Headings . National Library of Medicine. MeSH   D005327 . Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Feldman, Edward C.; Nelson, Richard William (2004). "Spontaneous abortion and resorption of fetuses". Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 811. ISBN   978-0-7216-9315-6.
  3. USA (2018-05-01). "Fetal resorption in rats treated with an antiestrogen in relation to luteal phase nidatory estrogen secretion". Acta Endocrinol. 126 (5): 444–50. doi:10.1530/acta.0.1260444. PMID   1621490.
  4. Telford, Ira R.; Woodruff, Caroline S.; Linford, Ray H. (January 1962). "Fetal resorption in the rat as influenced by certain antioxidants". American Journal of Anatomy. 110 (1): 29–36. doi:10.1002/aja.1001100104. PMID   13920140.
  5. Howell, J. McC.; Hall, G. A. (March 1969). "Histological observations on foetal resorption in copper-deficient rats". British Journal of Nutrition. 23 (1): 47–50. doi: 10.1079/bjn19690008 . PMID   5766792.
  6. Gendron, R. L.; Nestel, F. P.; Lapp, W. S.; Baines, M. G. (1 November 1990). "Lipopolysaccharide-induced fetal resorption in mice is associated with the intrauterine production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha". Reproduction. 90 (2): 395–402. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0900395 . PMID   2250238.
  7. Hayakawa, Satoshi; Fujikawa, Tomoyuki; Fukuoka, Hideoki; Chisima, Fumihisa; Karasaki-Suzuki, Miki; Ohkoshi, Emika; Ohi, Hiroyuki; Kiyoshi Fujii, Tom; Tochigi, Meijin; Satoh, Kazuo; Shimizu, Takako; Nishinarita, Susumu; Nemoto, Norimichi; Sakurai, Isamu (July 2000). "Murine fetal resorption and experimental pre-eclampsia are induced by both excessive Th1 and Th2 activation". Journal of Reproductive Immunology. 47 (2): 121–138. doi:10.1016/s0165-0378(00)00053-x. PMID   10924746.
  8. Soares, Xenia (13 May 2018). "Guide to Puppy Absorption (Canine Fetal Resorption)".