Evaluation of cardiac contractility of fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate cardiac contractility in fetuses from pregestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 40 fetuses from nondiabetic pregnancies and 28 pregestational diabetic pregnancies between 20 and 33 weeks and 6 days. Cardiac contractility was assessed by measuring the ventricular myocardial area in diastole subtracted from the ventricular myocardial area in systole. RESULTS: Pregestational diabetic pregnancies had a lower maternal age than nondiabetic pregnancies (26.7 vs. 39.9 years, p=0.019). Cardiac contractility in fetuses from diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancies was similar (p=0.293). A moderately positive and significant correlation was observed between gestational age and cardiac contractility (r=0.46, p=0.0004). A 1-week increase in gestational age was responsible for a 0.1386 cm2 increase in cardiac contractility. CONCLUSION: Cardiac contractility as evaluated by three-dimensional ultrasound using spatiotemporal image correlation in rendering mode showed no significant differences across fetuses with and without pregestational diabetes.

Prevalence of early neonatal sepsis and positive maternal culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis in pregnant women with a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus in a middle-income city in Southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, involving singleton low- and high-risk pregnancies in whom group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures were evaluated between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation using vaginal and anal swabs. A specific medium (Todd-Hewitt) was used for culturing. The pregnant women were divided into two groups based on positive (n==201) and negative (n==420) cultures for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus. RESULTS: The maternal colonization rate by group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was 32.3%. The prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was 1.0% (2/201) among patients with a positive group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus culture and 1.9% (8/420) among patients with a negative culture. Among the patients who underwent adequate prophylaxis, crystalline penicillin G was used in 51.9% (54/104), followed by cefazolin in 43.3% (45/104), ampicillin in 3.8% (4/104), and clindamycin in 1.0% (1/104). A model that included prematurity (p==0.001) proved to be an independent risk predictor of early neonatal sepsis [χ2 (1)==15.0, odds ratio: 16.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.7-61.6, p<0.001, Nagelkerke R2==0.157]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of a positive culture for group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus was high. However, the prevalence of early neonatal sepsis was low in pregnant women with both positive and negative group B beta-hemolytic Streptococcus cultures and in pregnant women with a positive culture who underwent both adequate and inadequate antibiotic prophylaxis. Prematurity proved to be an independent predictor of early neonatal sepsis, considering the entire study population.

Serum levels and gestational curve of adiponectin and leptin during adolescent pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a curve of weekly serum levels of adiponectin and leptin among pregnant adolescents. In addition, pregestational body mass index and weight gain were assessed and correlated with the serum concentration of these molecules. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study, including only pregnant adolescents with eutrophic pre-gestational body mass index who were weekly followed during the evolution of gestation. The serum concentrations of adipokines were determined using commercial ELISA kits and were correlated to pre-gestational body mass index and pregnancy weight gain. A total of 157 pregnant women participated in this study. RESULTS: Adiponectin levels showed a significant decrease among the trimesters (p=0.0004). However, we did not observe significant differences among its levels when compared weekly, neither of which was between adiponectin concentration and pre-gestational body mass index or weight gain (p=0.36 and p=0.10, respectively). In contrast, we detected a significant increase in weekly serum leptin levels (p<0.0001), positively correlated to both pre-gestational body mass index and weight gain (p=0.003 and p=0.0007, respectively). CONCLUSION: These adipokines present a different profile throughout adolescent pregnancy.

Prenatal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: current knowledge / Diagnóstico pré-natal da síndrome hipoplásica do coração esquerdo: conhecimentos atuais

Abstract Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is characterized by underdevelopment of the left-sided heart structures. The prenatal diagnosis of this congenital heart disease is crucial because a newborn with undiagnosed HLHS often presents with clinical signs of low cardiac output once the ductus arteriosus begins to close. With that in mind, the aim of this article was to perform a non-systematic review focusing on the key ultrasound features that can be used in the prenatal diagnosis of HLHS. Severe forms of HLHS are characterized by a markedly abnormal four-chamber view of the fetal heart (small left atrium, hypoplastic left ventricle, or abnormal mitral valve). The left ventricular outflow tract view allows the degree of hypoplasia in the tract to be evaluated and the diameter of the ascending aorta to be measured. The Z-scores are intended to aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of HLHS. In mild forms of HLHS, a right ventricle/left ventricle length ratio > 1.28 was the strongest predictor of a univentricular outcome.

Resumo A síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SCEH) é caracterizada pelo subdesenvolvimento das estruturas cardíacas do lado esquerdo. O diagnóstico pré-natal dessa cardiopatia congênita é crucial, uma vez que recém-nascido com SCEH não diagnosticado apresenta, frequentemente, sinais clínicos de baixo débito cardíaco, quando o canal arterial começa a se fechar. Por isso, o objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão não sistemática sobre as principais características ultrassonográficas que podem ser usadas no diagnóstico pré-natal da SCEH. As formas graves de SCEH são caracterizadas por plano de quatro câmaras marcadamente anormal (átrio esquerdo pequeno, ventrículo esquerdo hipoplásico, válvula mitral anormal) do coração fetal. A visualização da via de saída do ventrículo esquerdo permite a avaliação do grau de hipoplasia dessa via e a mensuração da aorta ascendente. Os escores Z têm como objetivo auxiliar no diagnóstico e acompanhamento da SCEH. Nas formas leves da SCEH, a relação comprimento do ventrículo direito/comprimento do ventrículo esquerdo > 1,28 foi a variável mais forte para identificar o desfecho univentricular.

Maternal Blood Fatty Acid Levels in Fetal Growth Restriction / Níveis sanguíneos maternos de ácidos graxos na restrição do crescimento fetal

Abstract Objective: To assess the maternal blood levels of fatty acids (FAs) in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included pregnant women with gestational age between 26 and 37 + 6 weeks with FGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) fetuses. The levels of saturated, trans, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs were measured using centrifugation and liquid chromatography. The Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and general linear model, with gestational age and maternal weight as covariants, were used to compare FA levels and the FGR and AGA groups. The Chi-square was used to evaluate the association between groups and studied variables. Results: Maternal blood sample was collected from 64 pregnant women, being 24 FGR and 40 AGA. A weak positive correlation was found between the palmitoleic acid level and maternal weight (r = 0.285, p = 0.036). A weak negative correlation was found between the gamma-linoleic acid level and gestational age (r = −0.277, p = 0.026). The median of the elaidic acid level (2.3 vs. 4.7ng/ml, p = 0.045) and gamma-linoleic acid (6.3 vs. 6.6ng/ml, p = 0.024) was significantly lower in the FGR than the AGA group. The palmitoleic acid level was significantly higher in the FGR than AGA group (50.5 vs. 47.6ng/ml, p = 0.033). Conclusion: Pregnant women with FGR had lower elaidic acid and gamma-linoleic acid levels and higher palmitoleic acid levels than AGA fetuses.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar os níveis sanguíneos maternos de ácidos graxos (AGs) em gestações com restrição de crescimento fetal (RCF). Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo transversal incluiu gestantes com idade gestacional entre 26 e 37 semanas e 6 dias com RCF e fetos adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG). Os níveis de ácidos graxos saturados, trans, monoinsaturados e poliinsaturados foram medidos usando centrifugação e cromatografia líquida. O teste t-Student, o teste de Mann-Whitney e o modelo linear geral, com idade gestacional e peso materno como covariantes, foram utilizados para comparar os níveis de AGs e os grupos RCF e AIG. O teste Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para avaliar a associação entre os grupos e as variáveis estudadas. Resultados: Amostra de sangue materno foi coletada de 64 gestantes, sendo 24 RCF e 40 AIG. Uma correlação positiva fraca foi encontrada entre o nível de ácido palmitoleico e o peso materno (r = 0,285, p = 0,036). Uma correlação negativa fraca foi encontrada entre o nível de ácido gama-linoleico ea idade gestacional (r = −0,277, p = 0,026). A mediana do nível de ácido elaídico (2,3 vs. 4,7 ng/ml, p = 0,045) e ácido gama-linoleico (6,3 vs. 6,6 ng/ml, p = 0,024) foram significativamente menores no grupo RCF do que no grupo AIG. O nível de ácido palmitoleico foi significativamente maior no grupo RCF do que no grupo AIG (50,5 vs. 47,6 ng/ml, p = 0,033). Conclusão: Gestantes com RCF apresentaram níveis mais baixos de ácido elaídico e ácido gama-linoleico e níveis mais elevados de ácido palmitoleico do que os fetos AIG.

Ultrassonografia morfológica de primeiro trimestre: importante ferramenta para rastreio de aneuploidias e pré-eclâmpsia / First-trimester morphological ultrasound: important tool for aneuploidy and pre-eclampsia screening

No início do século 20, as altas taxas de mortalidade materna e infantil estimularam o desenvolvimento de um modelo de atendimento pré-natal que mantivesse características parecidas até os dias atuais. Nesse modelo, haveria maior concentração de visitas durante o final do terceiro trimestre de gestação, devido às maiores taxas de complicações nas fases finais da gestação e à dificuldade de prever a ocorrência de resultados adversos durante o primeiro trimestre. Atualmente, a avaliação clínica durante o primeiro trimestre, com auxílio da ultrassonografia e marcadores bioquímicos, pode prever uma série de complicações que acometem a gestação, incluindo cromossomopatias, pré-eclâmpsia, restrição de crescimento fetal, anomalias fetais e trabalho de parto pré-termo.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the high rates of maternal and infant mortality stimulated the development of a model of prenatal care that maintained similar characteristics until the present day. In this model, there would be a greater concentration of visits during the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, due to the higher rates of complications in the final stages of pregnancy and the difficulty in predicting the occurrence of adverse outcomes during the first trimester. Currently, clinical evaluation during the first trimester, with the aid of ultrasound and biochemical markers, can predict a series of complications that affect pregnancy, including chromosomal disorders, preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, fetal anomalies and preterm labor.

Ultra-processed foods and the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of ultra-processed foods by Brazilian pregnant women and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet. METHODS: This is a prospective and cross-sectional study with food consumption data of Brazilian pregnant women from the 2017 to 2018 Family Budgets Survey (Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares). Food consumption was measured using two 24-h food recalls, and the foods were categorized according to the NOVA classification. The averages of absolute and relative energy consumption for each of the NOVA groups and subgroups were estimated. The sociodemographic characteristics described the diet's caloric contribution of ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food fractions. Linear regression models were used to describe the association between quintiles of the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods and the average content of nutrients in the diet. RESULTS: Consumption of ultra-processed foods represented 20.9% of the total calories in the diet of Brazilian pregnant women. There was a higher energy contribution of ultra-processed foods in the diet of pregnant women living in urban areas (22%), with higher per capita income (23.7%), and in the south region of the country (26.9%). In addition, the data showed an association between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods with reduced intake of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, potassium, iron, zinc, and folate and increased intake of total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and free sugar. CONCLUSION: Results show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a reduction in the nutritional quality of the diet of Brazilian pregnant women.

Association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse perinatal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse perinatal outcomes in premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (between 24 and 33+6 weeks) who used or did not use prophylactic antibiotics. Pearson's chi-square (χ²) test, Student's t-test, and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A significant effect was observed in patients with premature rupture of membranes using prophylactic antibiotics regarding amniotic fluid index (p=0.007), deepest vertical pocket (p=0.049), duration of antibiotic therapy (p≤0.001), C-reactive protein level upon admission (p≤0.001), leukocyte count upon admission (p=0.007), and length of stay in neonatal intensive care (p=0.047). A significant association was observed between the abovementioned patients and surfactant use during the neonatal period (p=0.04). A higher prevalence of surfactant use was noted in these patients (20.0 vs. 8.7%; p=0.04). CONCLUSION: No association was found between antibiotic prophylaxis and the presence of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes between 24 and 33+6 weeks of gestation.

Action of enfuvirtide on the pregnancy of albino rats ( Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia ): biological assay and functional and histological analyses of exposed maternal-fetal organs

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effects of enfuvirtide on pregnancy in albino rats and their fetuses. Methods Forty pregnant EPM 1 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control (E) (distilled water twice/day), G1 (4mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), G2 (12mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), and G3 (36mg/kg/day enfuvirtide) groups. On the 20th day of gestation, the rats were anesthetized and subjected to cesarean section. Their blood was collected for laboratory analysis, and they were sacrificed. The offspring's fragments of their kidneys, liver, and placentas and the maternal rats' fragments of their lungs, kidneys, and liver were separated in the immediate postpartum period for light microscopy analysis. Results No maternal deaths occurred. In the second week at the end of pregnancy, the mean weight of the G3 Group was significantly lower than that of the G2 Group (p=0.029 and p=0.028, respectively). Analyzing blood laboratory parameters, the G1 Group had the lowest mean amylase level, and the G2 Group had the lowest mean hemoglobin level and the highest mean platelet count. In the morphological analysis, there were no changes in organs, such as the kidneys and liver, in both the maternal rats and offspring. Three maternal rats in the G3 Group had pulmonary inflammation in the lungs. Conclusion Enfuvirtide has no significant adverse effects on pregnancy, conceptual products, or functional alterations in maternal rats.

Clinical and serological findings in pregnant women and newborns: patterns of coronavirus disease 2019 placental histopathology

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical and serological findings of pregnant women and newborns with patterns of histopathologic changes of the placenta diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was conducted with pregnant women who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or serology (IgG and IgM). Clinical analyses were performed using ELISA to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibodies using the S1 spike protein domain with the Euroimmun kit. Histopathologic analyses of placentas were performed by two expert pathologists. RESULTS: Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with increased neonatal hospital length of stay (p=0.03), increased preterm birth (p=0.04), and Apgar score<7 at 1st min (p=0.00) and 5th min (p=0.02). Pregnant women with positive IgG and/or IgA at delivery had a higher incidence of placental histopathologic changes in addition to a greater likelihood of having an IgG-positive fetus (p<0.0001). Placentas with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 had a higher incidence of histopathologic changes such as maternal vascular hypoperfusion changes (p=0.00). CONCLUSION: Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Pregnant women with positive IgG at delivery had a higher incidence of placental histopathologic changes. Placentas with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 had a higher incidence of histopathologic changes such as maternal vascular hypoperfusion.

Maternal, obstetric, and fetal Doppler characteristics in a high-risk population: prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes and of cesarean section due to intrapartum fetal compromise / Características maternas, obstétricas e do Doppler fetal em uma população de alto risco: predição de desfechos perinatais adversos e de cesariana por comprometimento fetal intraparto

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the capacity of fetal Doppler, maternal, and obstetric characteristics for the prediction of cesarean section due to intrapartum fetal compromise (IFC), a 5-min Apgar score < 7, and an adverse perinatal outcome (APO), in a high-risk population. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving 613 singleton pregnant women, admitted for labor induction or at the beginning of spontaneous labor, who underwent Doppler ultrasound within the last 72 h before delivery. The outcome measures were cesarean section due to IFC, a 5-min Apgar score < 7, and any APO. Results: We found that maternal characteristics were neither associated with nor predictors of an APO. Abnormal umbilical artery (UA) resistance index (RI) and the need for intrauterine resuscitation were found to be significant risk factors for cesarean section due to IFC (p = 0.03 and p < 0.0001, respectively). A UA RI > the 95th percentile and a cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 0.98 were also found to be predictors of cesarean section due to IFC. Gestational age and a UA RI > 0.84 were found to be predictors of a 5-min Apgar score < 7 for newborns at < 29 and ≥ 29 weeks, respectively. The UA RI and CPR presented moderate accuracy in predicting an APO, with areas under the ROC curve of 0.76 and 0.72, respectively. Conclusion: A high UA RI appears to be a significant predictor of an APO. The CPR seems to be predictive of cesarean section due to IFC and of an APO in late preterm and term newborns.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade do Doppler fetal e características materno-obstétricas na predição de cesariana por comprometimento fetal intraparto (CFI), índice de Apgar de 5º min < 7 e desfecho perinatal adverso (DPA) em uma população de alto risco. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo de coorte prospectivo envolvendo 613 parturientes admitidas para indução ou em início de trabalho de parto espontâneo que realizaram ultrassonografia Doppler nas 72 horas anteriores ao parto. Os desfechos foram cesariana por CFI, índice de Apgar de 5º min < 7 e DPA. Resultados: As características maternas não foram associadas nem preditoras de DPA. Índice de resistência (IR) da artéria umbilical anormal (p = 0,03) e necessidade de medidas de ressuscitação intrauterina (p < 0,0001) permaneceram como fatores de risco significativos para cesariana por CFI. IR AU > 95º e razão cerebroplacentária (RCP) < 0,98 foram preditores de cesariana. Idade gestacional e IR AU > 0,84 foram os preditores de índice de Apgar de 5º min < 7 para recém-nascidos < 29 e ≥ 29 semanas, respectivamente. IR AU e RCP apresentaram acurácia moderada na predição de DPA (área sob a curva ROC de 0,76 e 0,72, respectivamente). Conclusão: IR UA mostrou-se preditor significativo de DPA. RCP revelou-se possível preditora de cesariana por CFI e DPA em recémnascidos prematuros tardios e a termo.

Hormonal intrauterine device in women with renal transplantation: a prospective observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the rate of continuity and satisfaction with hormonal intrauterine device in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. The sample consisted of patients treated at a Family Planning Outpatient Clinic, from August 2016 to September 2021. Information on each patient's age, parity, and associated diseases as well as satisfaction with the method were analyzed. Patients were invited to participate through electronic messages, and the questionnaire included questions about acceptance of the contraceptive method. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the renal transplant patients was 32.5 years. The mean duration of hormonal intrauterine device use was 37 months. Acceptance of the method was high, with 97.5% of patients remaining on the method for 1 year and 85% of patients using the hormonal intrauterine device at the time of the study. There were no pregnancies or renal transplant complications in the study. Regarding satisfaction with the method, the majority (77.5%) scored 10. CONCLUSION: Patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the hormonal intrauterine device. Therefore, the continuation rate was high. Furthermore, this contraceptive method proved to be safe and effective in kidney transplant recipients. No complications, graft rejection, or graft failure were observed after intrauterine hormonal device insertion and during follow-up.

Accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intrapartum cardiotocography in identifying acidemia at birth by umbilical cord blood gasometry in high-risk pregnancies. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton high-risk parturients using intrapartum cardiotocography categories I, II, and III. The presence of fetal acidemia at birth was identified by the analysis of umbilical cord arterial blood pH (<7.1). Associations between variables were determined using the chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: We included 105 cases of cardiotocography category I, 20 cases of cardiotocography category II, and 10 cases of cardiotocography category III. cardiotocography category III had a higher prevalence of cesarean sections compared to cardiotocography category I (90.0 vs. 42.9%, p<0.006). Venous pH was higher in patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (7.32 vs. 7.23, p=0.036). Prevalence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category III (3.8 vs. 30.0%, p=0.014). Prevalence of composite adverse outcomes was lower in neonates of patients with cardiotocography category I compared to cardiotocography category II (9.5 vs. 30.0%, p=0.022) and cardiotocography category III (9.5 vs. 60.0%, p=0.0004). cardiotocography categories II and III had low sensitivity (0.05 and 0.00, respectively) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (0.84 and 0.91, respectively) for identifying fetal acidemia at birth. The three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed high specificities (96.0, 99.0, and 99.0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: All three categories of intrapartum cardiotocography showed low sensitivity and high specificity for identifying acidemia at birth.

Nonpharmacological Methods to Reduce Pain During Active Labor in A Real-life Setting / Métodos não farmacológicos para reduzir a dor durante o trabalho de parto ativo em um cenário da vida real

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between pain intensity in the active phase of the first stage of labor with the use or not of nonpharmacological methods for pain relief in a real-life scenario. Methods This was an observational cross-sectional study. The variables analyzed were obtained by a questionnaire with the mothers (up to 48 hours postpartum) to investigate the intensity of pain during labor using the visual analog scale (VAS). The nonpharmacological pain relief methods routinely used in obstetric practice were evaluated by consulting medical records. The patients were separated into two groups: Group I - patients who did not use nonpharmacological methods for pain relief and Group II -patients who used these methods. Results A total of 439 women who underwent vaginal delivery were included; 386 (87.9%) used at least 1 nonpharmacological method and 53 (12.1%) did not. The women who did not use nonpharmacological methods had significantly lower gestational age (37.2 versus 39.6 weeks, p < 0.001) and shorter duration of labor (24 versus 114 min, p < 0.001) than those who used the methods. There was no statistically significant difference in the pain scale score using the VAS between the group that used nonpharmacological methods and the group that did not (median 10 [minimum 2- maximum 10] versus 10 [minimum 6-maximum 10] p = 0.334). Conclusion In a real-life setting, there was no difference in labor pain intensity between the patients who used nonpharmacological methods and those who did not use them during the active phase of labor.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a associação da intensidade da dor na fase ativa da dilatação do parto em mulheres de acordo com a utilização ou não de métodos não farmacológicos para alívio da dor em cenário de vida real. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional de corte transversal. As variáveis analisadas foram obtidas através de questionário com as puérperas (até 48 horas pós-parto) investigando a intensidade da dor no parto pela escala visual analógica (EVA). As medidas não farmacológicas de alívio da dor, utilizadas rotineiramente na prática obstétrica, foram avaliadas pela consulta aos prontuários. As pacientes foram separadas em dois grupos: Grupo I - pacientes que não utilizaram medidas não farmacológicas para alívio da dor e Grupo II - pacientes que utilizaram estas medidas. Resultados Foram incluídas 439 mulheres que tiveram parto vaginal, sendo que 386 (87,9%) utilizaram, pelo menos, uma medida não farmacológica e 53 (12,1%) não utilizaram. As mulheres que não utilizaram as medidas não farmacológicas apresentaram idade gestacional significativamente menor (37,2 versus 39,6 semanas, p < 0,001) e menor duração do trabalho de parto (24 versus 114 minutos, p < 0,001) quando comparadas às que utilizaram as medidas. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na pontuação da escala da dor pela EVA de acordo com a categorização pelo uso ou não de métodos não farmacológicos (mediana 10 [mínimo 2-máximo 10] versus 10 (mínimo 6-máximo 10), p = 0,334]. Conclusão Em cenário de vida real, as pacientes submetidas aos métodos não farmacológicos não apresentaram diferença em relação à intensidade da dor quando comparadas às que não os utilizaram durante a fase ativa do trabalho de parto.

Labor analgesia and its impact on the maternal and perinatal outcomes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in parturients undergoing labor analgesia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in parturients who underwent labor analgesia. Parturients were categorized into three groups: Group 1 (n=83)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 cm; Group 2 (n=82)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation between 5.0 and 8.0 cm; and Group 3 (n=83)—analgesia performed with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm. RESULTS: Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm showed a higher prevalence and a 3.86-fold increase (OR 3.86; 95%CI 1.50-9.87; p=0.009) in the risk of forceps delivery. Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 cm showed a higher prevalence and a 3.31-fold increase (OR 3.31; 95%CI 1.62-6.77; p=0.0016) in the risk of cesarean section. Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≥9.0 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of fetal bradycardia (20.7%), a need for neonatal oxygen therapy (6.1%), and a need for admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (4.9%). Analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of Apgar score <7 at 1st minute (44.6%). CONCLUSION: Performing labor analgesia in parturients with cervical dilatation ≤4.0 or ≥9.0 cm was associated with a higher prevalence of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Screening for coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery: an observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of symptom-based screening on the prevalence and outcomes of neonatal coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnant women admitted for delivery. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted from June to August 2020 at Gonzaga Mota of Messejana Hospital, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. All pregnant women were screened for coronavirus disease 2019 based on symptoms. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or immunology assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were performed when a patient reported a symptom. All newborns of symptomatic patients were submitted for Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Newborns were divided into groups according to the Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results to identify the relationship between maternal symptoms and neonatal coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: A total of 55 (55/1,026, 5.4%) and 50 (50/1,026, 4.8%) pregnant women reported symptoms and had a positive confirmatory test, respectively. The most common symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 among the pregnant women with positive confirmatory test was cough (n=23, 46%). Seven newborns (7/50, 14%) of symptomatic mothers had positive Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Upon birth, no newborn had serious complications. CONCLUSION: Universal screening of pregnant women admitted for delivery can reduce the perinatal transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. Symptom-based screening can be an alternative for regions with a low prevalence of the disease where a better allocation of financial resources is necessary.

Right ventricular myocardial performance index (Tei) in premature infants

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the right ventricular myocardial performance index) based on echocardiography in very low birth weight premature neonates, close to hospital discharge. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study that included premature neonates with birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <37 weeks at the Intermediate Neonatal Unit of Bonsucesso Federal Hospital from July 2005 to July 2006. The infants underwent two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography, being the right ventricular myocardial performance index evaluated close to hospital discharge. We compared the neonatal and echocardiographic variables in neonates with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RESULTS: A total of 81 exams were analyzed. The mean birth (standard deviation) weight and gestational age were 1,140 (235) g and 30 (2.2) weeks, respectively. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 32%. The mean right ventricle myocardial performance index (standard deviation) of the sample was 0.13 (0.06). We found a significant difference in aortic diameter [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.79 (0.07) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.87 (0.11) cm, p=0.003], left ventricle in diastole [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.4 (0.19) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 1.59 (0.21) cm, p=0.0006], ventricular septal thickness [non-bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.23 (0.03) vs. bronchopulmonary dysplasia 0.26 (0.05) cm, p=0.032], and "a" measurement [(= sum of the isovolumetric contraction time, ejection time, and isovolumetric relaxation time) when calculating the myocardial performance index (p=0.01)]. CONCLUSION: Higher "a" interval in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia suggests right ventricle diastolic dysfunction. We conclude that the right ventricle myocardial performance index is an important indicator both of ventricular function and for serial follow-up testing of very low birth weight premature neonates, especially those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

An enlarged fetal thymus may be the initial response to intrauterine inflammation in pregnant women at risk for preterm birth

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Fetal thymus involvement in prematurity has been studied, and this study aimed to evaluate its relationship with short cervix and amniotic fluid sludge in the second trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 79 pregnant women (19+0 to 24+6 weeks) were included, and cervical length and the presence or absence of amniotic fluid sludge were evaluated. In the three-vessel view of the fetal thorax, the thymus was identified, and its perimeter and transverse diameter were measured and transformed to a zeta score based on gestational age. RESULTS: Data from 22 women with short cervix (<25 mm) and 57 patients with normal cervix (≥25 mm) were analyzed. The transverse diameter of the fetal thymus was significantly greater in the short cervix group compared to that of the normal cervix group (z-score 2.708 vs. −0.043, p=0.003). There were no significant differences in the perimeter (z-score −0.039 vs. −0.071, p=0.890) or the transverse diameter (z-score 1.297 vs. −0.004, p=0.091) of the fetal thymus associated with the presence (n=21) or absence of sludge (n=58). CONCLUSION: A short cervix is associated with an increased transverse diameter of the fetal thymus during the second trimester of gestation.