BACKGROUND:This study aimed to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes following immediate delivery or expectant management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) during the late preterm period at 34⁺⁰-36⁺⁶ weeks of gestation. METHODS:We conducted a retrospective study of singleton pregnancies with PPROM during the late preterm period using medical records from 12 tertiary medical centers in the republic of Korea between January 2007 and December 2016. Demographic characteristics and outcome measures were also recorded. The primary outcomes were maternal sepsis, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal death for neonatal outcomes. RESULTS:Among 1,072 women with late PPROM, 782 (72.9%) underwent immediate delivery and 290 (27.1%) received expectant management. The incidence of clinical neonatal sepsis was significantly lower in the immediate delivery group than in the expectant management group (3.8% vs. 15.8%, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in culture-proven neonatal sepsis (P = 0.211), neonatal death (P = 0.390), or maternal sepsis (P = 0.542) between groups. Although antenatal corticosteroids were more frequently administered in the expectant management group, the need for mechanical ventilation was not significantly higher (P = 0.414). However, the need for surfactant administration was lower (P = 0.010). Expectant management was associated with a lower rate of primary cesarean section (P = 0.002) but a higher incidence of antepartum fever and elevated C-reactive protein levels (P = 0.048 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION:In women with late PPROM, expectant management does not increase the risk of severe maternal or neonatal morbidity or mortality compared to immediate delivery. Therefore, with close surveillance for complications, such as chorioamnionitis and fetal compromise, particularly clinical neonatal sepsis, expectant management can be a judicious treatment option in clinical practice.
Prenatal environmental exposures are increasingly recognized as contributors to atopic dermatitis (AD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a complex mixture of airborne pollutants, has been associated with elevated risk of allergic diseases, particularly during early development. Here we show that first-trimester PM2.5 exposure is associated with an increased risk of AD in early childhood and induces epigenetic alteration in the placenta. Integrative multi-omics analyses, including single-cell approaches, reveal hypomethylation of FCER1G in fetal macrophages, leading to its sustained overexpression. This transcriptional program persists across developmental stages and re-emerges in M2 macrophages in AD skin and peripheral blood. Functional analyses demonstrate that FCER1G-associated networks promote NADPH oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species signaling and Th2-related inflammatory pathways. These findings suggest that prenatal PM2.5 exposure induces durable epigenetic changes in immune cells, predisposing individuals to inflammatory responses that contribute to AD pathogenesis, and highlight early-life environmental exposure as a potential target for prevention and intervention.
BACKGROUND:The mechanisms underlying distinct food allergy (FA) trajectories in children remain unclear. This study aimed to classify FA trajectories and examine differences in placental DNA methylation and serum cytokine profiles. METHODS:A total of 1518 children from the COCOA (COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and Allergic Diseases) study, followed until age 7, were classified into FA trajectories using group-based trajectory modeling. Serum cytokine levels were measured at ages 3 and 7 years. Placental methylation profiling was performed with Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. RESULTS:Children were classified into four trajectories: no FA (87.3%), early remission (6.9%), early persistent (4.6%), and late remission (1.1%). At ages 3 and 7, the early persistent FA trajectory exhibited higher interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-6 levels than the no FA trajectory. At age 3, IL-10 levels were lower in the early persistent trajectory than in the late remission trajectory. In DNA methylation analysis, the Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase A2 (RPS6KA2) and Germinal Center Associated Signaling And Motility Like (GCSAML) genes were significantly hypermethylated in the early persistent FA trajectory compared to the no FA and early remission trajectory (p < 0.05). GCSAML methylation was positively correlated with total IgE, egg white-specific IgE, early-life eosinophils, and IL-5 at age 7 (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Hypermethylation of RPS6KA2 and GCSAML, reduced IL-10 levels, and elevated Th2 cytokines were associated with early persistent FA trajectory, potentially influencing its allergic inflammation and persistence.
BackgroundPlacenta accreta spectrum (PAS), an abnormal placental invasion into the myometrium or beyond the uterine serosa, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Placenta previa is the most significant individual risk factor for PAS, and Ultrasonography (US) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used to detecting PAS. However, limited data exist on the effectiveness of US and MRI in predicting maternal and neonatal morbidity. This study evaluated the utility of these imaging modalities, not only in detecting PAS but also in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 150 pregnant women with placenta previa who underwent US and MRI at a tertiary hospital between December 2019 and December 2023. PAS was diagnosed clinically or histopathologically after delivery. The predictive performance of US, MRI, and their combination was assessed using McNemar's test, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and trend analysis.ResultsForty-one patients were diagnosed with PAS. The PAS group had significantly higher rates of prior caesarean section, maternal hemorrhagic outcomes, and neonatal complications than the non-PAS group. PAS-suspected on US group also showed increased estimated blood loss (EBL) and number of transfusion units administered, as well as a higher incidence of transfusion requirement, use of intrauterine balloon tamponade, hysterectomy, preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation, neonatal ventilatory support and 1-minutes Apgar scores (AS) <7 compared to those with PAS-unsuspected on US group. PAS-suspected on MRI group had a significantly increased number of transfusion units administered and higher rates of hysterectomy, maternal ICU admission, preterm birth and neonatal complications. US plus MRI yielded progressively higher detection rates, outperforming either modality alone. A linear trend was observed in the increase of adverse perinatal outcomes when PAS was suspected on both US and MRI.ConclusionsUS and MRI showed complementary strengths. US, but not MRI, is informative for predicting higher EBL, transfusion requirement, and use of intrauterine balloon tamponade, whereas MRI, but not US, predicts maternal ICU admission, preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation, NICU admission, and 5-minute AS <7. Combining both imaging modalities yields better performance than either modality alone in detecting PAS and predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.
Lymphatic vasculature regulates lymphocyte trafficking and modulates adaptive immunity. Imbalanced immune cells at the maternal-fetal interface may contribute to severe preeclampsia (PE). Impaired placental lymphangiogenesis and immune dysregulation could contribute to PE but supporting evidence is limited. Here, we investigate the association between lymphangiogenesis and immune regulation in severe PE. First, we identified the presence of LYVE1-positive lymphatic vessels in the decidua, and then decidual lymphatic endothelial cells (dLECs) were isolated and cultured from chorioamniotic membranes obtained at cesarean section from women with PE (n = 15) and gestational age-matched controls (n = 15). The cells were identified by LYVE1, Prox1, and CD31 expression. Gene expression analysis showed the significant different gene expression profiles in PE compared to normal (lymphatic vessel development, immune cell trafficking and T-cell activation regulation). dLECs from PE pregnancies showed substantially reduced migration, adhesion, morphological differentiation, and decreased lymphatic sprouting in a 3D lymphatic ring assay compared with normal. Additionally, they exhibited low chemokine ligand 21 expression, impaired dendritic cell recruitment, and reduced Akt-eNOS-nitric oxide signaling, which suppresses decidual cytotoxic T-cell activation in decidua. Collectively, our findings suggest that impaired lymphatic vessel function and molecular alterations in the decidua may disrupt immune regulation and contribute to severe PE.
OBJECTIVES:Accurate nuchal translucency (NT) measurement for assessing the risk of fetal genetic abnormalities requires precise acquisition of the mid-sagittal plane (MSP). However, achieving an appropriate MSP is technically challenging due to anatomical variability and operator dependence inherent in conventional 2-dimensional (2D) ultrasound. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel deep learning algorithm for automated fetal MSP extraction from 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound volumes utilizing intracranial structure segmentation to overcome the limitations of conventional methods reliant on facial landmarks. METHODS:In this prospective study, we developed and evaluated "3D MSP-net," a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for automated MSP extraction, involving singleton pregnant women undergoing first-trimester NT screening. Using achieved 3D volume data, 3D MSP-net was validated against the conventional 2D manual method and a commercially available rule-based automated system (5D NT™). Two maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists independently assessed the resulting MPSs to determine the performance for demonstrating the feasibility and high reproducibility of the 3D MSP-net. RESULTS:3D MSP-net achieved an MSP extraction success rate of 91.6%, comparable to that of the conventional 2D manual method and significantly superior to the rule-based 3D algorithm. NT measurements were comparable between the conventional 2D manual approach and MSPs derived from 3D MSP-net (1.4 ± 0.5 mm versus 1.4 ± 0.4 mm; p = .444). These results were reproducible on external validation. Moreover, the 3D MSP-net maintained robust performance even under challenging conditions, such as increased maternal body mass index and different scan deviation angles. CONCLUSION:The 3D MSP-net, our artificial intelligence (AI) model that utilizes intracranial landmarks for MSP reconstruction, enables improved efficiency, standardization, and reliability for first-trimester fetal screening addressing a key challenge in prenatal diagnostics.
Objectives: Prenatal diagnosis of horseshoe kidney (HSK), a common congenital renal fusion anomaly of the upper urinary tract, remains challenging. Most cases are identified only after birth; however, the clinical significance of prenatal detection and its impact on postnatal outcomes remains unknown. Methods: We investigated infants with postnatally confirmed HSK born at a tertiary referral center between January 2009 and August 2025. Prenatal ultrasonographic findings and postnatal outcomes were reviewed. Patients were classified into three groups according to prenatal detection status: missed HSK (group 1), prenatally detected renal abnormalities without recognition of HSK (group 2), and prenatally identified HSK (group 3). Perinatal outcomes, postnatal urological complications, renal function, and associated anomalies were compared. Results: Overall, 29 infants were included in this study. Perinatal outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, birth weight, preterm birth, Apgar scores, need for ventilatory support, and neonatal sex, did not differ significantly among the groups. Hydronephrosis and renal scarring were more frequently observed in group 2 than in the other groups. Other urological outcomes, renal function parameters, and mortality rates were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: This adds to the limited longitudinal evidence linking the prenatal to postnatal period and evaluating the full spectrum of prenatal detection in HSK, as well as its association with postnatal outcomes. Postnatal outcomes are closely associated with the presence of renal abnormalities. Therefore, prenatal imaging is more appropriate for identifying associated renal abnormalities than for establishing a definitive diagnosis of HSK.
Background/Objectives: Diagnosing interstitial pregnancy (IP) using ultrasonography can be challenging, as it is often mistaken for eccentrically located intrauterine pregnancy (IUP). In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to develop a predictive scoring model using multiple clinical factors to enhance the diagnosis of IP and facilitate timely interventions in suspected cases. Methods: We enrolled 63 pregnant women with a diagnosis of suspected IP who visited a single tertiary center between January 2006 and December 2023. Data on the clinical risk factors, symptoms, laboratory test results, and ultrasound findings were analyzed. A statistical predictive score was developed using logistic regression analysis with feature selection based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to optimize the predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. Results: From a total of 12 factors, a scoring model was constructed from the three most prominent factors-ultrasound findings showing no surrounding endometrium, myometrial thinning of less than 5 mm, and vaginal bleeding-all of which demonstrated high feature importance. This predictive score identified IP with a negative predictive value of 0.950 in the low-risk group and a positive predictive value of 1.000 in the high-risk group, whereas the overall area under the curve was 0.998 (95% confidence interval, 0.992-1.000). Conclusions: The statistically derived predictive model--ultrasound showing no surrounding endometrium and myometrial thinning < 5 mm combined with vaginal bleeding--demonstrated high accuracy and practical applicability for IP diagnosis, providing a robust tool to enhance clinical decision-making and optimize routine management strategies for IP.
Background/Objective: Accurately identifying women at high risk for preterm birth among those with threatened preterm labor (PTL) is crucial for effective interventions or tocolytic management to reduce preterm birth and its complications. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of cervical elastography for preterm delivery before 37 weeks of gestation in patients with threatened PTL and a cervical length greater than 15 mm. Methods: This prospective cohort study included pregnant women presenting with threatened PTL at between 24 and 34 weeks gestation. All participants underwent cervical elastography at diagnosis. We compared cervical elastography parameters between women who delivered spontaneously preterm (<37 weeks) and those who delivered at full term and assessed the ability of these parameters to predict spontaneous preterm delivery. Results: Among the 107 enrolled individuals with threatened PTL and a cervical length of ≥15 mm, 55 (42%) experienced preterm birth (<37 weeks). Internal os stiffness (IOS), internal-to-external os stiffness ratio (IOS/EOS ratio), and elasticity contrast index (ECI) were significantly associated with a risk of preterm birth compared to full-term birth. The IOS/EOS ratio was associated with 10-fold higher odds of preterm birth at < 37 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82–59.98), and ECI was associated with 1.5-fold higher odds (95% CI, 1.01–2.37). The IOS/EOS ratio demonstrated good predictive value (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.678) and the combination of CL ≤ 25 mm and the IOS/EOS ratio had good diagnostic performance for predicting preterm birth (AUC = 0.708). Conclusions: Cervical elastography using the E-Cervix™ system appears to improve the ability to predict preterm birth in pregnant women with threatened PTL and a cervical length greater than 15 mm.
Cervical length (CL) measurement using transvaginal ultrasound is an effective screening tool to assess the risk of preterm birth. An adequate assessment of CL is crucial, however, manual sonographic CL measurement is highly operator-dependent and cumbersome. Therefore, a reliable and reproducible automatic method for CL measurement is in high demand to reduce inter-rater variability and improve workflow. Despite the increasing use of artificial intelligence techniques in ultrasound, applying deep learning (DL) to analyze ultrasound images of the cervix remains a challenge due to low signal-to-noise ratios and difficulties in capturing the cervical canal, which appears as a thin line and with extremely low contrast against the surrounding tissues. To address these challenges, we have developed CL-Net, a novel DL network that incorporates expert anatomical knowledge to identify the cervix, similar to the approach taken by clinicians. CL-Net captures anatomical features related to CL measurement, facilitating the identification of the cervical canal. It then identifies the cervical canal and automatically provides reproducible and reliable CL measurements. CL-Net achieved a success rate of 95.5% in recognizing the cervical canal, comparable to that of human experts (96.4%). Furthermore, the differences between the CL measurements of CL-Net and ground truth were considerably smaller than those made by non-experts and were comparable to those made by experts (median 1.36 mm, IQR 0.87-2.82 mm, range 0.06-6.95 mm for straight cervix; median 1.31 mm, IQR 0.61-2.65 mm, range 0.01-8.18 mm for curved one).
OBJECTIVE:Prolapsed cervical myoma with uterine distortion during pregnancy are rare. CASE PRESENTATION:A 45-year-old woman at 30 weeks of gestation presented with a prolapsed mass and vaginal fluid leakage. A 9 × 8 × 8 cm3 prolapsed mass was observed outside the vaginal orifice, and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) was suspected. Transabdominal ultrasonography revealed an elongated cervix. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a cervical myoma causing mechanical pulling of the amniotic membrane, resulting in cervical elongation. The patient underwent antepartum vaginal myomectomy and manual reduction of uterine prolapse, which led to spontaneous resolution of PPROM. The subsequent pregnancy course was unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS:Prolapsed myoma with uterine distortion during pregnancy are extremely rare. Antepartum vaginal myomectomy should be considered with caution to reduce the risk of preterm births.
Background/Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common hereditary renal disorder; it is typically diagnosed in adulthood, but occasionally presents antenatally as very-early onset ADPKD. Despite advances in prenatal ultrasonography, knowledge regarding the postnatal course of fetal ADPKD remains limited, restricting reliable prognostic assessment and prenatal counselling. This study aimed to evaluate the prenatal sonographic features of fetal ADPKD and their correlation with postnatal outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 cases of prenatally suspected ADPKD diagnosed at a single tertiary referral center between 2006 and 2024. Prenatal ultrasonographic findings including renal size, cortical echogenicity, corticomedullary differentiation (CMD), and cortical cysts were analyzed and correlated with postnatal clinical and genetic outcomes. Postnatal follow-up data, including renal function and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD), were collected with a median follow-up of 93.6 months. Results: The most consistent prenatal ultrasonographic findings were increased cortical echogenicity (85%), increased CMD (75%), and renal enlargement (35%), with cortical cysts detected in 45% of cases. Amniotic fluid volume was preserved in most cases (80%). Postnatally, most infants maintained normal or near-normal renal function, although two progressed to CKD. Both CKD cases demonstrated absent CMD on prenatal imaging. Sonographic features resembling autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) were associated with adverse outcomes. Although CMD severity showed no correlation with short-term neonatal outcomes, loss of CMD may still serve as a potential early indicator of long-term renal dysfunction. Conclusions: Fetal ADPKD was associated with heterogeneous postnatal outcomes. Loss of CMD and ARPKD-like sonographic appearances may be associated with adverse prognosis, whereas most infants maintained preserved renal function. Early recognition of ADPKD is crucial for accurate counselling, appropriate perinatal management, and long-term surveillance.
During pregnancy, exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), particularly diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), elevates the risk of placental dysfunction-related pregnancy complications; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of PM2.5 exposure on trophoblast functions and their interaction with endometrial stromal cells. We utilized a three-dimensional (3D) model in which human first-trimester trophoblasts (Sw71) formed blastocyst-like spheroids and were cultured with human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs). Trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, and 3D network formation following DEP exposure (0.5–20 μg/mL) were assessed using methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, migration, and invasion assays. The expression levels of genes related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were quantified by real-time reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). DEP exposure significantly inhibited trophoblast proliferation, migration, and invasion. DEP treatment dysregulated the EMT program by significantly decreasing the expression of key mesenchymal markers (SNAI1, SNAI2, SOX2, and KLF4) while upregulating epithelial markers. These changes may be related to inhibited trophoblast migration toward HESC monolayers and 3D invasive network formation. DEP directly impairs critical trophoblast functions that are essential for successful pregnancy. Disruption of the EMT program represents a molecular mechanism by which traffic-related air pollution contributes to placental dysfunction and pregnancy complications, highlighting the significant reproductive risks posed by ambient air pollution.
Prenatal environmental exposures may influence the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted an epidemiological analysis of 986 children, revealing that first-trimester PM 2.5 exposure significantly increases AD risk at age three. Integrated epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling of 48 placentae identified PM 2.5 -associated hypomethylation driving FCER1G overexpression, predominantly in fetal macrophages. This "epigenetic scar" persists across developmental stages, as demonstrated through single-cell RNA sequencing of 404,169 cells from placenta, fetal, and adult skin samples. In adult AD skin, FCER1G was progressively overexpressed in M2 macrophages, particularly within AD-specific cell states. Network analysis and in vitro PM exposure experiments identified a mechanistic axis involving FCER1G, CD68, CYBB, MRC1, and MS4A4A, promoting NADPH oxidase–driven reactive oxygen species signaling. Our findings establish a mechanistic link between prenatal PM 2.5 exposure and AD pathogenesis through persistent macrophage FCER1G dysregulation, highlighting placental epigenetic scars as critical mediators of immune pathogenesis and a target for intervention.
Frontalis suspension surgery is the preferred treatment option for patients with poor levator function ptosis. This procedure connects the affected eyelid to the brow using sling material, harnessing the action of the frontalis muscle to elevate the upper eyelid. Various sling materials have been used, most commonly silicone rods and fascia lata. However, both have notable limitations: silicone rods carry a relatively high risk of postoperative inflammation and ptosis recurrence, while fascia lata, due to its low elasticity, may cause blinking dysfunction and exposure keratopathy. Additionally, fascia lata harvesting poses challenges in young children. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative human tissue sling material that is both readily available and capable of overcoming the limitations of established sling materials. This study aimed to evaluate the viability of human umbilical cord grafts as a novel sling material for frontalis suspension surgery in ptosis patients. We developed a new method for dissecting and dehydrating umbilical cord tissue and assessed its mechanical and histological properties using uniaxial tensile testing and histological analysis. Untreated umbilical cord grafts exhibited mechanical strength (15.9546 ± 2.6117 N) and strain (96.8674 ± 3.6707%) values intermediate between those of silicone rod and fascia lata. Alcohol dehydration significantly increased ultimate tensile strength and maximum strain, ultimate strength values exceeding those of silicone rod. These grafts withstood forces exceeding those generated during forced blinking, outperforming silicone rod in strength and exhibiting greater elasticity than fascia lata. Histological analysis revealed abundant collagen and glycosaminoglycans within Wharton’s jelly, alongside elastic fiber-rich regions in vessel walls. The presence of these extracellular matrix components likely underlies the grafts’ favorable mechanical properties. Overall, umbilical cord grafts may emerge as a promising alternative to conventional sling materials in ptosis surgery, potentially addressing limitations in material availability.
Hemangioblasts give rise to endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which also express the cell surface markers CD133 and c-kit. They may differentiate into the outgrowth endothelial cells (OECs) that control neovascularization in the developing embryo. According to numerous studies, reduced levels of EPCs in circulation have been linked to human cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, preeclampsia and senescence have been linked to levels of EPCs produced from cord blood. Uncertainties surround how preeclampsia affects the way EPCs function. It is reasonable to speculate that preeclampsia may have an impact on the function of fetal EPCs during the in utero period; however, the present literature suggests that maternal vasculopathies, including preeclampsia, damage fetal circulation. Additionally, the differentiation potential and general activity of EPCs may serve as an indicator of the health of the fetal vascular system as they promote neovascularization and repair during pregnancy. Thus, the purpose of this review is to compare—through the assessment of their quantity, differentiation potency, angiogenic activity, and senescence—the angiogenic function of fetal EPCs obtained from cord blood for normal and pregnancy problems (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and fetal growth restriction). This will shed light on the relationship between the angiogenic function of fetal EPCs and pregnancy complications, which could have an effect on the management of long-term health issues like metabolic and cardiovascular disorders in offspring with abnormal vasculature development.
OBJECTIVE:To assess prenatal ultrasonographic findings and postnatal outcomes in fetuses with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS:This retrospective study included fetuses prenatally diagnosed with ICH between December 2012 and August 2023. Maternal characteristics, prenatal ultrasonographic findings, and postnatal outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS:Twenty-seven fetuses with ICH were reviewed. Intracranial hemorrhage was classified as grade 3 and 4 in 24 fetuses. Twenty-two fetuses had ICH, four had ICH with subdural hemorrhage, and one had ICH with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Ventriculomegaly was the most common ultrasonographic finding, and was observed in 22 of the 27 (81.5%) fetuses. Seven fetuses were lost to follow-up, and four intrauterine fetal deaths occurred. The remaining 16 fetuses were delivered at a median gestational age of 35+2 weeks. The infants were followed-up for 40.1 months (range, 4-88). Nine of the 16 infants underwent ventriculoperitoneal placement. One infant underwent brain surgery for severe epilepsy. Motor impairment, including cerebral palsy, was observed in 13 infants (81.2%). Neurologic impairment occurred in six infants (37.5%), developmental delay in nine (56.2%), and epilepsy in 11 (68.7%). CONCLUSION:Fetal ICH is a rare complication diagnosed during pregnancy, which results in subsequent fetal neurological sequelae or death. This study demonstrated that the common ultrasonographic findings in fetal ICH were progressive ventriculomegaly and increased periventricular echogenicity. Fetuses diagnosed with prenatal ICH, especially those affected by higher-grade ICH, may be at an increased risk of long-term neurodevelopmental problems.