Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is defined as the inability of a fetus to achieve its genetic growth potential and is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Clinically, FGR is diagnosed as a fetus falling below the 5(th) centile of customised growth charts. Sildenafil citrate (SC, Viagra™), a potent and selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, corrects ex vivo...

At birth, neonates are particularly vulnerable to infection and transplacental transfer of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from mother to fetus provides crucial protection in the first weeks of life. Transcytosis of IgG occurs via binding with the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in the placental synctiotrophoblast. As maternal vaccination becomes an increasingly important strategy for the protection of youn...

Concentrations of total protein, albumin, colloid osmotic pressure, and immunoglobulins G and M were measured in the umbilical venous plasma of 4 infants with alpha-thalassaemic hydrops fetalis. Total protein, albumin, and colloid osmotic pressure concentrations were low, and these are likely to contributory factors in the formation of fetal oedema. Immunoglobulin G levels were low suggesting a...