• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2015

Purpose: Conventional methods for the prenatal detection of fetal RhD status involve invasive procedures such as fetal blood sampling and amniocentesis. The identification of cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma creates the possibility of determining fetal RhD status by analyzing maternal plasma DNA. However, some technical problems still exist, especially the lack of a positive control marker for the presence of fetal DNA. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility and accuracy of fetal RHD genotyping incorporating the RASSF1A epigenetic fetal DNA marker from cffDNA in the maternal plasma of RhD-negative pregnant women in Korea. Materials and Methods: We analyzed maternal plasma from 41 pregnant women identified as RhD-negative by serological testing. Multiplex real-time PCR was performed by amplifying RHD exons 5 and 7 and the SRY gene, with RASSF1A being used as a gender-independent fetal epigenetic marker. The results were compared with those obtained by postnatal serological analysis of cord blood and gender identification. Results: Among the 41 fetuses, 37 were RhD-positive and 4 were RhD-negative according to the serological analysis of cord blood. There was 100% concordance between fetal RHD genotyping and serological cord blood results. Detection of the RASSF1A gene verified the presence of cffDNA, and the fetal SRY status was correctly detected in all 41 cases. Conclusion: Noninvasive fetal RHD genotyping with cffDNA incorporating RASSF1A is a feasible, reliable, and accurate method of determining fetal RhD status. It is an alternative to amniocentesis for the management of RhD-negative women and reduces the need for unnecessary RhIG prophylaxis.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 1984

In order to determine the extent of the placental transfer of Lithium ion, pregnant rabbits at $27{\sim}29$ days of gestation, which has hemochorial placenta similar to the human placenta, received 2 mM/Kg of $Li^+$ in the form of LiCl intravenously. Maternal arterial blood, placental sinus blood, fetal blood, amniotic fluid and maternal urine were drawn two hours after the single dose of LiCl. Concentrations of $Li^+$, $Na^+$, $K^+$ and osmolarity were measured in plasma of collected bloods, amniotic fluid and urine. Followings are the results obtained. 1) Evident level of $Li^+$ was detected in fetal blood, although fetal plasma concentration of $Li^+$ found to be almost one third of maternal plasma. 2) Plasma concentration of $Li^+$ in placental sinus blood was higher than that in fetal plasma but lower than that in maternal plasma. It means that downward concentration gradient of $Li^+$ from mother to fetus was still remarkable two hours after the injection. 3) Significant level of $Li^+$ was also detected in amniotic fluid. It seemed likely that $Li^+$, at least in part, excreted by the fetal urinary tract. 4) There were no differences in $Na^+$ and osmolar concentration between fetal and maternal blood. 5) From above results, it was concluded that $Li^+$ may transfer across the placenta but limited passage capacity through placental barrier for $Li^+$ is significant, beacause net transfer assumed to be going on even at two hours, at which time maternal equlibrium has been reached.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2016

Purpose: Molecular genetic analysis is the main approach used for prenatal diagnosis of hemophilia A and B. However, in certain cases, such analysis is uninformative. In such situations, direct measurement of fetal coagulation factor levels is still the best option, and it may be the only option in some cases. This study was conducted to determine the normal ranges of mid-trimester cord blood factor VIII (FVIII) and IX (FIX) in a Korean population. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six FVIII samples and 29 FIX samples were assayed in fetal cord blood acquired by ultrasound-guided cordocentesis. Sampling was conducted during gestational ages of 19-24 weeks. Results: The mean and standard deviations for FVIII and FIX activity were $45.5{\pm}30.5%$ and $19.9{\pm}12.2%$, respectively. Ranges for FVIII and FIX were 1.5-125.0% and 6.0-52.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed the normal ranges and lowest level of factor VIII and factor IX in non-affected normal fetus by fetal cord blood sampling during the mid-trimester in a Korea population. The factor assay of the fetal cord blood is invasive but feasible and provides important basic data related to hemophilia.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 1972

Fifteen cases of primiparas and their offsprings (fetal cord) were investigated with regard their serum total, free and esterified cholesterol by means of Liberman Buchard reaction. The serum ${\alpha}-and\;{\beta}-lipoprotein$ were analyzed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, and the serum atherolipid numbers were calculated on the bases of the serum total cholesterol and ${\beta}-/{\alpha}-$ lipoprotein ratio, with the following conclusion. 1.Total, free and esterified cholesterol are $178.9{\pm}25.3$, $45.1{\pm}12.6$ and $133.7{\pm}20.6\;mg.%$ in the normal control women, $201.5{\pm}29.5,\;58.7{\pm}42.1$ and $157.1{\pm}26.2\;mg.%$ in the maternal blood, showing hypercholesterolemia in the latter as compared to the former. 2. The serum total, free and esterified cholesterol in the cord blood are $94.5{\pm}20.4$, $32.9{\pm}1.5$ and $61.2{\pm}18.9mg.%$, showing hypocholesterolemia as compared to the control women and maternal blood. 3. The serum ${\alpha}-$, $pre-{\beta}$, ${\beta}-lipoprotein$ and chylomicron are $24.2{\pm}4.2$, $17.3{\pm}3.4$, $51.8{\pm}4.8$ and $6.0{\pm}1.6%$ in the normal women, whereas $14.9{\pm}2.1$, $22.2{\pm}5.1$, $58.7{\pm}3.3 and 3.1{\pm}1.2%$ in the maternal serum, $32.4{\pm}8.1$, $28.8{\pm}2.4$, $25.8{\pm}7.0$ and $3.1{\pm}0.9%$ in the cord serum, showing $hyper-{\beta}-lipoproteinemia$ in the former and $hypo-{\beta}-lipoproteinemia$ in the latter. 4. The serum atherolipid number of the normal control women, maternal cord blood are $4.21{\pm}1.24$, $8.02{\pm}1.42$ and $1.12{\pm}0.37$, showing hyperlipemia in the former and hypolipemia in latter. 5. The relative ratio of the serum free and esterified cholestrol of both normal control women and maternal blood is about 1 : 3, while that of the fetal blood about 1 : 2. 6. The relative ratioes of the serum ${\alpha}-and$ ${\beta}-lipoprotein$ in the control women is about 1 : 2, that of materna blood about 1 : 3 and that of the fetal blood about equal magnitude. 7. The serum esterified cholesterol, ${\alpha}-lipoprotein,\;{\beta}-/{\alpha}-lipoprotein$ ratio and atherolipid number fluctuates are proportionally between the maternal and fetal blood, while the serum free, total cholesterol and ${\beta}-lipoprotein$ between the two vary inversely with statistically significant corelations. 8. It is apparent from the above results that the fetal nutritional demand for lipids resulted from hypocholesterolemia and hypo ${\beta}-lipoproteinemia$ seems to be met satisfactorily by maternal hypercholesterolemia and hyper ${\beta}-lipoproteinemia$, which seems to pose a significant maternal-infant nutritional relationship. A brief ciscussion was made on these conciusion in the light of biochemistry and endocrinology.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2018

Aquaporin (AQP) 3, a facilitated transporter of water and glycerol, expresses in placenta and fetal membranes, but the detailed localization and function of AQP3 in placenta remain unclear. To elucidate a role of AQP3 in placenta, we defined the expression and cellular localization of AQP3 in placenta and fetal membranes, and investigated the structural and functional differences between wild-type and AQP3 null mice. Gestational sacs were removed during mid-gestational period and amniotic fluid was aspirated for measurements of volume and composition. Fetuses with attached placenta and fetal membranes were weighed and processed for histological assessment. AQP3 strongly expressed in basolateral membrane of visceral yolk sac cells of fetal membrane, the syncytiotrophoblasts of the labyrinthine placenta and fetal nucleated red blood cell membrane. Mice lacking AQP3 did not exhibit a significant defect in differentiation of trophoblast stem cells and normal placentation. However, AQP3 null fetuses were smaller than their control litter mates in spite of a decrease in litter size. The total amniotic fluid volume per gestational sac was reduced, but the amniotic fluid-to-fetal weight ratio was increased in AQP3 null mice compared with wild-type mice. Glycerol, free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in amniotic fluid of AQP3 null mice were significantly reduced, whereas lactate level increased when compared to those of wild-type mice. These results suggest a role for AQP3 in supplying nutrients from yolk sac and maternal blood to developing fetus by facilitating transport of glycerol in addition to water, and its implication for the fetal growth in utero.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2021

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a consequence of the failure of a decrease in the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance after birth. Pulmonary vasodilators, including inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), have been the mainstream of targeted therapy for PPHN, but no drugs have been proven to be effective in preterm infants with PPHN. The fetus remains hemodynamically stable despite lower arterial oxygen tension and pulmonary blood flow as compared to full-term newborns. This adaptation is due to the lower oxygen requirement and high oxygen-carrying capacity of fetal circulation. The immature lungs of preterm infants are more vulnerable to reactive oxygen species, and the response of pulmonary vascular dilatation to blood oxygen tension is blunted in preterm infants. Recently, iNO has been reported to be effective in a selected group of preterm infants, such as those with prolonged preterm rupture of membrane-oligohydramnios-pulmonary hypoplasia sequence. PPHN in preterm infants, along with maximum supportive treatment based on fetal physiology and meticulous assessment of cardiovascular function, is in dire need of new treatment guidelines, including optimal dosing strategies for pulmonary vasodilators.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.29-51
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• 2003

This study was progressed for oriental medical care of neonates by fetal toxicosis removal therapy, and the results as follows: 1. The purpose of fetal toxicosis removal therapy : It removes dirty blood in neonatal mouth and prevents diseases. 2. Kinds of fetal toxicosis removal therapy : Radix Glycyrrhizae(甘草), Rhizoma Coptidis(黃連), Cinnabaris-Mel(朱蜜), Calculus Bovis(牛黃), Sojae Semen Praepartum, Juice of Semen Allii Tuberosi(非汁) and mercury(汞粉). 3. A period of fetal toxicosis removal therapy : At birth, 3rd day or so, one week or so, after umbilical omission. 4. Methods of fetal toxicosis removal therapy: Purgative therapy(下法) and Emetic therapy(吐法).

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.31 no.8
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• pp.1263-1269
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• 1998

The maintenance of adequate folate levels in the umbilical cord blood is esential for supplying tissue requirements of fetal growth. However, there is data on folate levels in the cord blood of Korean infant. The present investigation was undertaken to determine folate levels in cord blood and aassess relationships between folate levels and pregnancy outcomes. Dietary and supplementary folate intake was obtained from thirty subjects who were in the third trimester fo pregancy . The umbilical cord blood was drawn at delivery and pregnancy outcomes for the subjects were collected from their medical records. Erythrocyte and plasma folate levels in the cord blood were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups ; high folate (HF, $\geq$654ng/ml) and low folate (LF, <654ng/ml) groups according to erythrocyte folate levels in cord blood. Dietary folate intake and the amount of supplemental folates were not significantly different between the two experimental groups. However, infant birth weight (3540$\pm$295g) and placental weight(910$\pm$85g) for the HF group were significantly higher(p=0.0041 and p=0.109, respectively) than those for the LF group, which were 3127 $\pm$419g and 823$\pm$80g , respectively. Although it was not significant, the gestational weight gain for the HF group was 2.8kg higher than that for the LF group. Thus, the erythrocyte folate level in the cord blood was significantly related to infant birth weight and placental weight. These results confirm that a high erythrocyte folate level in the umbilical cord blood promotes both fetal and placental growth and improves gestational weight gain as well.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.145-151
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• 1982

Breslau's report on the two stillbirths induced by illuminating gas poisoning made many investigators explore the hazards. of carbon monoxide(CO) poisoning to pregnancy. The pregnant woman, her fetus, and the newborn infant have been identified to be particularly vulnerable to CO even in low concentration. Several factors, such as placental barrier, membrane resistance of maternal and fetal red blood cells etc., were considered to be related to the delayed elimination of CO from fetus. Slower elimination of CO from fetus than from mother was confirmed in several in vivo studies. But there are few studies which have confirmed the difference of carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) dissociation in adult and fetal bloods. Author investigated the effects of hemoglobin itself on the elimination of CO from mother and fetus. By observing the difference of CO dissociation from adult and fetal hemoglobin at the various partial pressures of oxygen, the author tries to suggest the base of the proper treatment measure for the CO poisoning of pregnant woman and newborn infant. The results were as follows: 1. The total hemoglobin amounts of adults and fetal bloods were $16.1{\pm}0.50gm%\;and\;15.7{\pm}0.32gm%$, respectively. The fetal hemoglobin proportions in adult and fetal bloods were $1.2{\pm}0.15%\;and\;72.7{\pm}3.01%$, respectively. 2. Adult and fetal bloods saturated by CO to 100% HbCO were exposed to ambient air$(21%\;O_2),\;100%\;O_2\;and\;3\;ATAO_2$. After 30 minutes exposure, the HbCO saturations of adult blood were 96.7%, 70.9%, and 52.8%, respectively, and those of fetal blood were 98.5%, 76.1%, and 62.2%, respectively. HbCO dissociation was proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen and the most marked dissociation was shown under 3 ATA $O_2$, HbCO dissociation of fetal blood was slower than that of adult blood in all conditions. According to the above results, it is possible that CO poisoning make more serious damage to the fetus and newborn infant than to the adult due to the delayed dissociation of HbCO. Thus in the treatment of CO poisoning of pregnant woman and newborn infant, hyperbaric oxygen therapy seems to be the most eflective treatment measure, but the duration of hyperbaric oxygenation should be lengthened accordingly.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.315-326
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-over experimental study was to examine effects of music intervention on maternal anxiety, fetal heart rate pattern and testing time during non-stress tests (NST) for antenatal fetal assessment. Methods: Sixty pregnant women within 28 to 40 gestational weeks were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=30) or control group (n=30). Music intervention was provided to pregnant women in the experimental group during NST. Degree of maternal anxiety and fetal heart rate pattern were our primary outcomes. State-trait anxiety inventory, blood pressure, pulse rate, and changes in peripheral skin temperature were assessed to determine the degree of maternal anxiety. Baseline fetal heart rate, frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate, fetal movement test and testing time for reactive NST were assessed to measure the fetal heart rate pattern Results: The experimental group showed significantly lower scores in state anxiety than the control group. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure and pulse rate between the two groups. Baseline fetal heart rate was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Frequency of acceleration in fetal heart rate was significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. There were no significant differences in fetal movement and testing time for reactive NST between the two groups. Conclusion: Present results suggest that music intervention could be an effective nursing intervention for alleviating anxiety during non-stress test.