The diagnostic value of serum levels of pro calcitonin, β2 defensins, C-reactive protein and the positive rate of group B streptococci in preterm premature rupture of membranes with amniotic infection / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of serum levels of pro calcitonin (PCT), β2 defensins (HBD-2), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the positive rate of group B streptococci (GBS) in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) with amniotic infection.Methods:This study was a retrospective study. 156 pregnant women with preterm PROM who were diagnosed by the Obstetrics Department of the Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology from January 2017 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects. According to whether there was amniotic infection, they were divided into 57 infected women and 99 non infected women. The levels of serum PCT, HBD-2 and CRP before delivery were compared between the two groups, and the positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge was detected, and the receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to analyze the value of various indicators in diagnosing amniotic cavity infection in preterm PROM mothers.Results:The serum levels of PCT, HBD-2, CRP, and GBS positivity in the infected group were significantly higher than those in the non infected group, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.01); The area under the curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, and specificity of serum PCT for diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection were 0.894, 82.56%, and 80.74%, respectively; The AUC value of HBD-2 for diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection was 0.792, the sensitivity was 70.78%, and the specificity was 77.59%; The AUC value, sensitivity, and specificity of CRP in diagnosing preterm PROM with amniotic cavity infection were 0.756, 68.94%, and 72.78%, respectively; The positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge was 0.733, the sensitivity was 64.91%, and the specificity was 81.82%. Conclusions:The serum levels of PCT, HBD-2, CRP and the positive rate of GBS in vaginal discharge of pregnant women with preterm PROM complicated with amniotic infection will increase significantly. All indicators have high practical value for the diagnosis of preterm PROM complicated with amniotic infection.

Riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y cerebrovascular a largo plazo en mujeres con antecedente personal de abrupción placentaria

La salud materna y perinatal es una de las prioridades actuales de la salud global. La enfermedad cardiovascular y el accidente cerebrovascular son las principales causas de mortalidad materna. La abrupción placentaria sigue siendo una preocupación crítica para la morbilidad materna debido a que se ha asociado a enfermedad vascular a largo plazo. Sin embargo, no existe mucha literatura disponible en español ni evidencia reciente que haya dilucidado algunas interrogantes sobre este tópico. Entonces, el objetivo de esta revisión consiste en sintetizar evidencia reciente sobre el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular y cerebrovascular a largo plazo en mujeres con antecedente personal de abrupción placentaria. Se encontró que, a través de mecanismos fisiopatológicos complejos, que involucran la estructura y funcionalidad de la red vascular placentaria con posterior extensión de lesión vascular y producción de factores proinflamatorios y procoagulantes que permanecen después del parto, se precipita la aparición de eventos cardiovasculares mayores a mediano y largo plazo. Evidencia de alta calidad ha revelado que el riesgo de sufrir de complicaciones maternas en aquellas mujeres con abrupción placentaria es de 2,14, que se eleva aún más para aquellas con desprendimiento severo. A mediano y largo plazo, el riesgo de mortalidad por cardiopatía coronaria es de 2,64, y de 1,70 para desorden cerebrovascular, con igual riesgo tanto para el tipo isquémico como hemorrágico. Entonces, se puede concluir que el riesgo cardiovascular y cerebrovascular es inminente en mujeres con antecedente de abrupción placentaria, dado por numerosos mecanismos fisiopatológicos vasculares. No obstante, este riesgo se eleva considerablemente al asociarse con factores modificables tradicionales y no tradicionales.

Maternal and perinatal health is one of today's global health priorities. Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of maternal mortality. Placental abruption remains a critical concern for maternal morbidity because it has been associated with long-term vascular disease. However, there is neither much literature available in Spanish nor recent evidence elucidating some questions on this topic. Thus, this review aims to synthesize recent evidence on the long-term risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in women with a personal history of placental abruption. It was found that, through complex pathophysiological mechanisms involving the structure and functionality of the placental vascular network with subsequent extension of vascular injury and production of proinflammatory and procoagulant factors which remain after delivery, major cardiovascular events are precipitated in the medium and long term. High-quality evidence has shown that the risk of maternal complications in women with placental abruption accounts for 2.14, rising even higher for those with severe placental abruption. In the medium and long term, the mortality risk caused by coronary heart diseases is 2.64 and by cerebrovascular disorders is 1.70, with equal risk for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. It can therefore be concluded that cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk is imminent in women with a history of placental abruption due to a number of vascular pathophysiological mechanisms. However, this risk is considerably increased when associated with traditional and non-traditional modifiable factors.

Correlação Inexistente entre o Ciclo Lunar no Trabalho de Parto e Ruptura Prematura de Membranas em uma Amostra de Parturientes do Sul de Santa Catarina / No Correlation between the Lunar Cycle in Labor and Premature Rupture of Membranes in a Sample of Parturients from Southern Santa Catarina

Introdução: De acordo com as culturas mais antigas, a luz da lua é responsável pela fertilidade da terra e concepção dos animais, estendendo esse entendimento ao organismo materno. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a ocorrência de trabalho de parto e ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares nas diferentes fases da lua e em suas mudanças. Métodos: Amostra composta por gestantes admitidas em um hospital do sul de Santa Catarina por trabalho de parto ou ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares, no ano de 2018, baseado em informações obtidas pela análise de prontuários. Resultados: Houve discreto aumento do número de partos na lua nova (19,2%) e mudança para lua nova (11,7%), porém sem significância estatística. Motivo de internação, via de parto e paridade não estiveram associados à lua e suas mudanças de fase. Não se observou relação entre meses do ano e motivo de internação. Conclusão: Verificou-se que a lua e suas mudanças de fase não denotaram um maior número de admissões hospitalares por trabalho de parto ou ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares, contrariando a crença popular.

Introduction: According to ancient cultures, the moonlight is responsible for the fertility of the earth and the conception of animals, extending this understanding to the maternal organism. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of labor and premature rupture of ovular membranes in different phases of the moon and its changes. Methods: The sample was composed of pregnant women admitted to a hospital in southern Santa Catarina for labor or premature rupture of ovular membranes in 2018, based on information obtained by analyzing medical records. Results: There was a slight increase in the number of deliveries during the new moon (19.2%) and a change to the new moon (11.7%) but without statistical significance. Reason for hospitalization, mode of delivery, and parity were not associated with the moon and its phase changes. No relationship was observed between the months of the year and the reason for hospitalization. Conclusion: It was verified that the moon and its phase changes did not denote a higher number of hospital admissions for labor or premature rupture of ovular membranes, contrary to popular belief.

Beta-gonadotropina coriónica humana cualitativa, herramienta diagnóstica de rotura prematura de membranas ovulares en Honduras / Qualitative human beta chorionic gonadotropin for the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes in Honduras

RESUMEN Objetivo : Analizar la beta gonadotropina coriónica humana (β-hCG) cualitativa como método diagnóstico de rotura prematura de membranas ovulares (RPM). Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles, prospectivo, con muestra no probabilística por conveniencia, de 90 mujeres entre 24 y 40 semanas de gestación divididas en dos grupos: grupo de estudio (45 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de RPM) y grupo control (45 pacientes hospitalizadas sin RPM). Se realizó lavado o aspirado vaginal para determinar cualitativamente la β-hCG en kits comerciales de medición β-hCG con umbral de 25 mUI/mL, así también la prueba en papel de nitrazina. Resultados: La sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y valor predictivo negativo para la prueba de β-hCG-25 fueron 77,8% (IC95%, 63,7 a 87,5), 82,2% (IC95%, 68,7 a 90,7), 81,4% y 78,7%, respectivamente. La precisión diagnóstica fue de 80,0% (0,6 índice kappa Landis & Koch) versus 75,6% para la pH-metría con nitrazina. Conclusiones: La prueba cualitativa de β-hCG mostró un valor diagnóstico representativo y puede corroborar el diagnóstico temprano de RPM, recomendándola por ser una prueba simple, rápida, accesible y de bajo costo.

ABSTRACT Objective : To analyze qualitative human beta chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) as a diagnostic method for premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods : Prospective case-control study, with a non-probabilistic sample by convenience, of 90 women between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation divided into two groups: study group (45 patients with clinical diagnosis of PROM) and control group (45 patients hospitalized without PROM). Vaginal lavage or aspirate was performed to qualitatively determine β-hCG in commercial β-hCG measurement kits with threshold of 25 mUI/mL as well as nitrazine paper test. Results : The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the β-hCG-25 test were 77.8% (95% CI, 63.7-87.5), 82.2% (95% CI, 68.7-90.7), 81.4%, and 78.7%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 80.0% (0.6 Landis & Koch kappa index) versus 75.6% for nitrazine pH-metry. Conclusions : The qualitative β-hCG test showed a representative diagnostic value and can corroborate the early diagnosis of PROM, recommending it as a simple, rapid, accessible and low-cost test.

The expression of high mobility group protein 1 and interleukin-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes and its relationship with intrauterine infection / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the expression of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and its relationship with intrauterine infection.Methods:Seventy-four pregnant women with PROM from January 2019 to June 2021 were selected as the study group, and 58 healthy pregnant women at the corresponding period were selected as the healthy control group. The levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ were compared between the two groups. The pregnant women with PROM were divided into the chorioamnionitis group, subclinical chorioamnionitis group and normal group according to their intrauterine infection, the expression levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues of patients with different infection degrees were compared, and the correlation with the severity of intrauterine infection were analyzed. Results:The levels of peripheral blood HMGB1, membrane tissues HMGB1, peripheral blood IL-17, membrane tissues IL-17 and serum CD 8+ in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (28.34 ± 5.16) μg/L vs. (22.51 ± 4.09) μg/L, 0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 0.34 ± 0.05, (13.05 ± 2.57) ng/L vs. (8.16 ± 1.38) ng/L, 0.37 ± 0.06 vs. 0.12 ± 0.02, 0.386 ± 0.052 vs. 0.252 ± 0.044, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The levels of HMGB1 and IL-17 in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ were increased with the severity of severity of intrauterine infection ( P<0.05). The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of peripheral blood HMGB1, membrane tissues HMGB1 and IL-17 had positively correlated with the severity of intrauterine infection ( r = 0.336, 0.316, 0.311, P<0.05). The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that combined detection of HMGB1 and IL-17 levels in peripheral blood and membrane tissues and serum CD 8+ levels in evaluating the severity of intrauterine infection had higher area under the curve than that of each index alone ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Pregnant women with PROM have abnormal HMGB1 and IL-17 levels in peripheral blood and membrane tissues, and HMGB1 levels in peripheral blood and mRNA expressions of HMGB1 and IL-17 in membrane tissues are positively correlated with the severity of intrauterine infection, which has evaluation value for the severity of the disease.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in pregnant with premature rupture of ovular membranes: systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared the use of antibiotics versus placebo in premature rupture of membranes preterm and evaluated maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with premature rupture of ovular membranes at a gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks. Methods A search was conducted using keywords in PubMed, Cochrane, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde and Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da USP between August 2018 and December 2021. A total of 926 articles were found. Those included were randomized clinical trials that compared the use of antibiotics versus placebo in the premature rupture of preterm membranes. Articles referring to antibiotics only for streptococcus agalactiae prophylaxis were excluded. The retrieved articles were independently and blindly analyzed by two reviewers. A total of 24 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and 21 articles were included for quantitative analysis. Results Among the maternal outcomes analyzed, there was a prolongation of the latency period that was ≥7 days. In addition, we observed a reduction in chorioamnionitis in the group of pregnant women who used antibiotics. As for endometritis and other maternal outcomes, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Regarding fetal outcomes, antibiotic prophylaxis worked as a protective factor for neonatal sepsis. Necrotizing enterocolitis and respiratory distress syndrome showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion The study showed positive results in relation to antibiotic prophylaxis to prolong the latency period, new randomized clinical trials are needed to ensure its beneficial effect. Prospero database registration (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under number CRD42020155315.

Establishment and validation of predictive model for histologic chorioamnionitis during expected treatment of preterm premature rupture of membrane before 34 weeks of gestation / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To establish and verify a model to predict histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) for women during expected management of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at 24-34 weeks of gestation.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 493 pregnant women who were diagnosed with PPROM at 24-33 +6 weeks of gestation and delivered in Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020. They were randomly divided into the modeling set ( n=345) and validation set ( n=148) at a ratio of 7∶3. Basic information, risk factors, clinical treatment, and maternal and infant outcomes were compared between participants with and without HCA using Chi-square test, t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independent risk factors for HCA. The predictive values of different indexes for HCA were compared and the predictive model was then established and verified using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC). Results:There were no significant differences in the basic information, common risk factors for premature rupture of membranes (PROM), or the use of tocolytics, antibiotics or dexamethasone between women in the HCA and non-HCA groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the non-HCA group, the HCA group showed an earlier onset of PROM [31.3 (24.0-33.9) vs 32.3 (27.0-33.9) gestational weeks, U=4 103.00, P=0.017], longer expected treatment [66.5 (0.7-895.3) vs 18.0 (0.3-1 123.0) h, U=1 791.00, P<0.001] and higher incidence of neonatal asphyxia, sepsis, and intracranial hemorrhage [24.3% (58/239) vs 13.2% (14/106), χ 2=5.44; 9.6% (23/239) vs 2.8% (3/106), χ 2=4.86; 41.0% (98/239) vs 17.9% (19/106), χ 2=17.45; all P<0.05]. Moreover, the positive rate of bacterial culture, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were significantly increased in the HCA group [37.2% (89/239) vs 22.6% (24/106), χ 2=7.10; 8.2 (0.0-273.0) vs 5.0 (0.0-218.9) ng/ml, U=2 419.00; 5.6 (1.2-58.6) vs 4.6 (1.7-18.7), U=2 357.50; 11.9 (4.5-30.0)×10 9/L vs 10.1 (5.8-21.8)×10 9/L, U=4 074.50; 9.5 (2.5-28.1)×10 9/L vs 7.6 (3.5-18.5)×10 9/L, U=4 021.50; all P<0.05], while the lymphocyte count was decreased [1.5 (0.5-3.7)×10 9/L vs 1.6 (0.7-3.9)×10 9/L, U=4 237.00, P=0.017]. CRP level, NLR, the gestational week at the onset of PROM and the duration of expected treatment were independent risk factors for HCA ( OR=1.069, 95% CI: 1.024-1.117; OR=1.192, 95% CI: 1.048-1.356; OR=0.906, 95% CI: 0.867-0.947; OR=1.017, 95% CI: 1.007-1.026). Based on the four risk factors, the predictive model was established and ROC curve was drawn. AUC for evaluating the performance of the predictive model was 0.880, which indicated a clinical significance. Conclusion:The model established based on the four risk factors, which were CRP level, NLR, the gestational week at onset of PROM and the duration of expected treatment, performs well in the prediction of HCA in women with PPROM during expected treatment and has good clinical practical value.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes: management between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy / Ruptura prematura de membranas pré-termo: conduta entre 28 e 34 semanas de gestação

INTRODUCTION: Premature rupture of membranes remains a challenge for professionals due to the high rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, mainly related to complications resulting from prematurity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the scientific production about premature rupture of membranes in pregnancies above 28 weeks and below 34 weeks. METHODS: Integrative literature review carried out in the Lilacs, SciELO, Medline and Cochrane Library databases, between 2014 and 2018, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, including original articles, available in full online, with free access, that addressed the study theme, using the keywords "premature rupture of ovular membranes", "premature labor" and "pregnancy complications" combined using the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included. It was possible to highlight the main recommendations regarding preterm premature rupture of membranes, divided into six categories for discussion, namely: indications for expectant management and delivery induction, prophylactic antibiotic therapy, prenatal corticosteroids, use of tocolytics, recommendations regarding the use of magnesium sulfate and amniocentesis. CONCLUSION: It was identified that expectant management is the ideal approach, with constant monitoring of the pregnant woman and the fetus, in addition to the administration of prophylactic antibiotics and prenatal corticosteroids, in the face of premature rupture of membranes in pregnancies between 28 and 34 weeks in order to provide the best maternal and perinatal results, guiding health professionals to evidence-based practice.

INTRODUÇÃO: A ruptura prematura de membranas continua a ser um desafio para os profissionais devido às altas taxas de morbimortalidade materna e neonatal, relacionada principalmente às complicações decorrentes da prematuridade. OBJETIVO: Analisar a produção científica acerca das evidências frente a ruptura prematura de membranas em gestações acima de 28 semanas e abaixo de 34 semanas. MÉTODOS: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Lilacs, SciELO, Medline e Cochrane Library, entre 2014-2018, em português, inglês e espanhol, incluídos artigos originais, disponíveis completos online, com acesso livre, que abordassem a temática do estudo, utilizando os descritores "ruptura prematura de membranas ovulares", "trabalho de parto prematuro" e "complicações na gravidez" combinados por meio dos operadores booleanos "AND" e "OR". RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 14 estudos, nos quais foi possível evidenciar as principais recomendações frente a ruptura prematura de membranas fetais pré-termo, divididos em seis categorias para discussão, sendo elas: indicações para o manejo expectante e indução do parto, antibioticoterapia profilática, corticosteroides pré-natais, uso de tocolíticos, recomendações quanto ao uso de sulfato de magnésio e realização de amniocentese. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo possibilitou identificar que o manejo expectante é a conduta ideal, com monitorização constante da gestante e do feto, além da administração de antibióticos profiláticos e corticosteroides pré-natais, frente a ruptura prematura de membranas em gestações entre 28 e 34 semanas a fim de proporcionar os melhores resultados maternos e perinatais, guiando os profissionais da saúde para uma prática baseada em evidências.

Relationship between residual amniotic fluid volume and perinatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between residual amniotic fluid volume and perinatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).Methods:The clinical data of each 68 PPROM patients with normal amniotic fluid (group A), less amniotic fluid (group B) and oligohydramnios (group C) were retrospectively analyzed. The delivery modes, perinatal complications, survival of perinatal infants and Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min after birth of live-born neonates were compared among the three groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Apgar score of surviving neonates and residual amniotic fluid.Results:There was no significant difference in the incidence of vaginal midwifery and placental abruption among the three groups ( P>0.05). There were significant differences in natural delivery rate, cesarean section rate, incidence of some perinatal complications (amniotic cavity infection, chorioamnionitis, amniotic fluid fecal staining) and perinatal survival rate among the three groups ( P<0.05); There was no significant difference in natural delivery rate and cesarean section rate between group B and group C ( P>0.05); The natural delivery rate in group A was significantly higher than that in group B and C ( P<0.05), and the cesarean section rate was lower than that in group B and C ( P<0.05); There was no significant difference in the incidence of perinatal complications and perinatal survival between group A and group B ( P>0.05); The above perinatal complications in group C were significantly higher than those in group A and group B ( P<0.05), and the perinatal survival rate was lower than that in group A and group B. Using amniotic fluid volume as the independent variable (normal=0, less=1, too little=2) and the above perinatal complications as the dependent variable, logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between amniotic fluid volume and the above perinatal complications ( OR=1.029, 1.117, 1.004, 1.045, P>0.05). There were significant differences in Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min after birth among the three groups ( P<0.05), and the change trend was group A>group B>group C ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min after birth and the residual amniotic fluid of pregnant mothers ( r=0.402, 0.371, P<0.05). Conclusions:Residual amniotic fluid volume in PPROM patients is closely related to the degree of neonatal hypoxia, and the reduction of residual amniotic fluid can also increase the cesarean section rate, and oligohydramnios can also affect maternal-infant outcomes, thus it is necessary to pay attention to clinical practice.

Effect of modified vaginal cervical cerclage in the treatment of cervical insufficiency during pregnancy / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of modified vaginal cervical cerclage in the treatment of cervical insufficiency during pregnancy.Methods:The clinical data of 18 women with cervical insufficiency during pregnancy who received treatment in Changzhi Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 (including nine cases receiving modified Shirodkar operation and nine cases receiving modified McDonald operation) were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The operation process was successful in all 18 women, and there were no postoperative complications. After modified Shirodkar operation, the average gestational weeks were prolonged by 14.7 weeks. Six cases had a smooth vaginal delivery [full-term delivery in five cases and preterm premature rupture of membranes (35 weeks + 1 day) in one case]. Three women had a cesarean delivery [cesarean delivery at full-term in two cases, including twin pregnancy in one case and previous cesarean delivery in one case; preterm premature rupture of membranes because of chorioamnionitis (32 weeks + 1 day) with poor prognosis in one case]. The rate of holding babies home was 88.9%. After modified McDonald operation, the average gestational weeks were prolonged by 11.5 weeks. Five cases had a smooth vaginal delivery [full-term delivery in three cases, preterm premature rupture of membranes in one case (35 weeks + 3 days) and in one case (31 weeks)]. Three women had a cesarean delivery at full-term [secondary cesarean delivery in one case, twin pregnancy in one case, and preterm premature rupture of membrane because of preeclampsia in one case]. One case had infectious abortion, and the rate of holding the baby home was 88.9%.Conclusion:Selection of different modified operations according to the length of cervical canal can prolong gestational weeks and increase the survival rate of newborns. The modified vaginal cervical cerclage is simple and easy to operate with minimal damage to pregnant women, which is suitable for clinical promotion.

The effect of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + regulatory T cell expression levels on balance of helper T cells 1/ helper T cells 2 in peripheral blood of pregnant women with premature rupture of fetal membranes / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + regulatory T cell (Treg) expression levels in peripheral blood of pregnant women with premature rupture of fetal membranes(PROM) on immune function of helper T cells (Th) 1/Th2. Methods:Thirty cases of pregnant women with PROM (PROM group), 30 cases of normal pregnant women (normal pregnancy group) and 30 cases of normal non-pregnant women (non-pregnancy group) who treated in Binhai County People′s Hospital from September 2019 to May 2020 were collected. Peripheral blood of each group was collected and the proportion of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Treg was determined by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted and FoxP3 mRNA was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The levels of Th1-related cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-2, and Th2-related cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 were measured by Luminex liquid phase microarray. The effects of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Tregexpression on Th1/Th2 balance were analyzed. Results:The proportion of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Tregand the expression of FoxP3 mRNA in PROM groupand normal pregnancy group were lower than those in non-pregnancy group: (0.15 ± 0.03) %, (0.35 ± 0.09) % vs. (0.47 ± 0.11) %; 0.89 ± 0.11, 3.15 ± 0.67 vs. 3.75 ± 0.23 , the proportion of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Treg and the expression of FoxP3 mRNA in PROM groupwere lower than those in the normal pregnancy group , and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The levels of Th1-related cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 in PROM group and normal pregnancy group were higher than those in non-pregnancy group, the level of Th2-related cytokines IL-4 was lower than that in non-pregnancy group , the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in PROM group were higher than those in normal pregnancy group, the level of IL-4 was lower than that in normal pregnancy group , and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). In PROM group, the proportion of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Treg and the expression of FoxP3 mRNA in peripheral blood were negatively correlated with Th1-related cytokines IFN-γ ( r = - 0.413, -0.451, P<0.05) and IL-22 ( r = -0.645, -0.535, P<0.05), and were positively correlated with Th2-related cytokines IL-4 ( r = 0.558, 0.469, P<0.05). Conclusions:The proportion of CD 8+ CD 25+ FoxP3 + Treg in peripheral blood of pregnant women with PROM is lower, and the expression level of related FoxP3 mRNA is lower, which all affecte the Th1/Th2 immune balance and cause Th1 immune drift, which may be the related immune mechanism of PROM.

Effect of different doses of dexamethasone on labor in Santa Inês ewes and its influence on the onset of labor and the expulsion of fetal membranes / Efeito de diferentes doses de dexametasona para a indução do parto em ovelhas Santa Inês e sua influência sobre as características do parto

The induction of labor aims to concentrate births to follow up better the parturient and the first care to the neonates. However, even if the labor induction technique with dexamethasone administration has been successfully described since the late 1970s, few studies report the technique of birth development and neonatal vitality in Santa Inês sheep. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of dexamethasone use in two doses (8 and 16mg) in labor induction of Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation and to evaluate its effects on the birth characteristics. In this study, 58 ewes were used, raised in an extensive system in the experimental farms of UFBA, with confirmation pregnancy after fixed-time artificial insemination or controlled breeding. These female ewes were separated into three groups according to the dose of dexamethasone administered (G1 = 0mg, G2 = 8mg, and G3 = 16mg). From these births, 79 lambs were born. This study analyzed the period from induction of labor to birth, fetal presentation at birth, the weight of the placenta, and the period for placenta expulsion. The data were analyzed by the Statistical Analysis System (SAS v.9.1.3®, 2002), and the significance level considered for all analyzes was 5%. Births of induced groups occurred on average at 48.4±22.17 hours after induction, while the females with non-induced labor gave birth 131.96±41.9 hours on average after the placebo application (P<0.05), confirming the efficiency of both doses for induction of labor. The period from induction to birth did not differ (P>0.05) between the doses used. There were no differences in delivery about the fetal static relation, time to placental attachment, and weight. With this study, it can be concluded that the induction at 145 days of gestation with eight or 16mg of dexamethasone is a useful technique and does not alter the labor in Santa Inês sheep.(AU)

A indução do parto visa concentrar os nascimentos para melhor acompanhamento das parturientes e primeiros cuidados aos neonatos. Contudo, mesmo que a técnica de indução de parto, com administração de dexametasona, tenha sido descrita com sucesso desde o final da década de 70, existem estudos escassos que relatam a influência desta técnica sobre o parto em ovinos da raça Santa Inês. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da dexametasona em duas doses (8 e 16mg), para a indução do parto de ovelhas Santa Inês com 145 dias de gestação e avaliar os seus efeitos nas características de desencadeamento e finalização do parto. Para este estudo foram utilizadas 58 ovelhas, criadas em sistema extensivo nas fazendas experimentais da UFBA, com prenhez confirmada após inseminação artificial em tempo fixo ou monta controlada. Essas fêmeas foram separadas em três grupos, de acordo com a dose de dexametasona administrada (G1 = 0mg, G2 = 8mg e G3 = 16mg). Destes partos nasceram 79 cordeiros. Foram avaliados o período em horas da indução do parto aos nascimentos, a apresentação fetal ao nascimento, assim como o peso da placenta e o período para o delivramento. Os dados foram analisados pelo pacote estatístico Statistical Analysis System (SAS v.9.0®, 2002) sendo considerado para todas as análises o nível de significância de 5%. Os nascimentos dos grupos induzidos ocorreram em média com 48,4±22,1 horas após a indução, enquanto que as fêmeas com parto não induzido pariram em média 131,96±41,9 horas após aplicação do placebo (P<0,05), confirmando a eficácia de ambas as doses para indução do parto. O período da indução até o parto não diferiu (P>0,05) entre as doses utilizadas. Não ocorreram diferenças no parto em relação à estática fetal, tempo para o delivramento e peso da placenta nos diferentes grupos. Com este estudo, conclui-se que a indução de parto em ovelhas aos 145 dias de gestação com oito e 16 mg de dexametasona é uma técnica eficaz e que não altera o trabalho de parto nas ovelhas da raça Santa Inês.(AU)

Terminologia embryologica y anexos embrionarios: propuesta de términos embriológicos en español / Terminologia embryologica and embryonic annexes: proposed embryological terms in Spanish

Es importante unificar criterios en los términos usados en embriología, para facilitar su estudio, investigación y divulgación, donde se espera que los términos tengan un valor informativo, ausencia de epónimos y homónimos; y evitar la sinonimia. El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en proponer la traducción al español de los términos de Terminologia Embryologica correspondientes al capítulo "Desarrollo de anexos extra-embrionarios y membranas fetales". Se utilizaron libros y artículos científicos de embriología y obstetricia; diccionarios en los idiomas español/latín - latín/español y se definió la traducción de los términos de acuerdo a su frecuente utilización y cita en la enseñanza de la embriología. La información obtenida del análisis de los artículos y libros consultados fue organizada en 5 tablas: Tabla I, Traducción al español de términos en latín existentes en Terminologia Embryologica; Tabla II, Modificación de términos en latín de la Terminologia Embryologica traducidos al español; Tabla III, Términos modificados del latín, y traducidos al español; Tabla IV, Términos no encontrados en la revisión de textos y artículos; Tabla V, Términos no usados, términos y códigos repetidos. El presente trabajo aporta en la traducción de términos embriológicos del latín al español, no siendo necesariamente una traducción literal, sino más bien una interpretación basada en artículos científicos y textos actualmente utilizados en la enseñanza y el estudio de la embriología. Los resultados de este trabajo pretenden contribuir a la generación de Terminologia Embryologica en español y esperamos sean discutidos y mejorados con propuestas constructivas de parte de los expertos en el área de la morfología.

It is important to regulate criteria in the terminology used in embryology, to promote the study, research and communication in this field. Terms are expected to have informative value, absence of eponyms and homonyms and further, to avoid synonymy. The aim of this work was to propose the Spanish translation of the terms of Terminologia Embryologica corresponding to the chapter "Development of extra-embryonic attachments and fetal membranes". Books and scientific articles on embryology and obstetrics were used; dictionaries in Spanish / Latin - Latin / Spanish languages and the translation of the terms was defined according to their frequent use and quotation in the teaching of embryology. The information obtained from the analysis of the articles and books consulted was organized in 5 tables: Table I, Spanish translation of Latin terms existing in Terminologia Embryologica; Table II, modification of Latin terms of Terminologia Embryologica translated into Spanish; Table III, modified Latin terms, and translated into Spanish; Table IV, terms not found in the review of texts and articles; Table V, unused terms, repeated terms and codes. The present work contributes in the translation of embryological terms from Latin to Spanish, not necessarily being a literal translation, but rather an interpretation based on scientific articles and texts currently used in the teaching and study of embryology. The results of this work are intended to contribute to the generation of Terminologia Embryologica in Spanish and we hope that will be discussed and improved with constructive proposals from experts in the area of morphology.

A Comprehensive Integrative Review of the Factors Associated with Spontaneous Preterm Birth, Its Prevention and Prediction, Including Metabolomic Markers / Uma revisão integrativa abrangente dos fatores associados ao parto prematuro espontâneo, sua prevenção e predição, incluindo marcadores metabolômicos

Abstract Pretermbirth is amajormaternal complication that has a great impact on perinatal and neonatal health, with consequences suffered during childhood and adulthood. Little is known about its etiology and development, resulting in poor screening, prediction and preventive methods. The present integrative review discusses the current knowledge regarding some risk factors for preterm birth, the differences between screening and prediction methods, the limitations of some current preventive interventions, the importance of applying standardized concepts for exposures and outcomes, and why it is important to develop more accurate and reproducible methods to predict preterm birth. In addition, the authors introduce the concept of metabolomics and the technology involved in this technique, and discuss about how it has become a promising approach to identify biomarkers for spontaneous preterm birth.

Resumo Parto prematuro é uma complicação obstétrica de grande impacto para saúde perinatal e neonatal, tendo consequências tambémpara a infância e a vida adulta. Pouco se sabe sobre sua etiologia e fatores determinantes, o que limita osmétodos de rastreamento, predição e prevenção. Esta revisão integrativa traz a discussão sobre o conhecimento atual sobre fatores de risco para parto prematuro espontâneo, as diferenças entre métodos de rastreamento e predição, as limitações das atuais intervenções preventivas, a importância de se aplicar conceitos padronizados para exposição e desfecho na investigação de parto prematuro espontâneo, e porque é importante desenvolver métodos precisos e reprodutíveis para predizer o parto prematuro. Por fim, introduzimos o conceito demetabolômica e da tecnologia envolvida nessa técnica, e discutimos como ela tem se mostrado uma abordagem prosmissora para identificar biomarcadores associados ao parto prematuro espontâneo.

Epidemiological profile of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To perform a descriptive analysis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) cases attended in a tertiary hospital. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of medical records and laboratory tests of patients admitted to a Brazilian tertiary hospital between 2006 and 2011, with a confirmed diagnosis of PPROM and gestational age (GA) at delivery <37 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 299 pregnant women were included in the study. Nine patients evolved to abortion, and 290 pregnant women remained for the final analysis. There was initial diagnostic doubt in 17.6% of the cases. The oligohydramnios rate [amniotic fluid index (AFI) <5] was 27.9% on admission. Chorioamnionitis was initially diagnosed in 10.8% of the patients and was retrospectively confirmed in 22.9% of the samples. The latency period had a mean of 9.1 days. The main reasons for interruption were premature labor (55.2%), GA ≥36 weeks (27.2%), and fetal distress (6.9%). The delivery method was cesarean section in 55% of cases. The mean birth weight was 2,124 grams, and 67% of the neonates had a low birth weight (<2500 g). The GA at delivery averaged 33.5 weeks. The stillbirth rate was 5.3%, and the early neonatal mortality rate was 5.6%. There were complications at delivery in 18% of mothers. CONCLUSION: In one of the few Brazilian reports on the epidemiological profile of PPROM, with GA until 37 weeks and intercurrences generally excluded from assessments (such as twinning and fetal malformations), there is a favorable evolution, with an acceptable rate of complications.

Fetal membranes: degenerative or functional tissues? / 中华围产医学杂志

The fetal membranes, consisting of amnion and chorion, cover approximately 70% of the uterine cavity. Accumulating evidence indicates that the fetal membranes are not mere degenerating tissues covering the amniotic fluid and the fetus, but one of the most important functional tissues during pregnancy. The fetal membranes not only protect the fetus, but also secrets a series of hormones and cytokines involved in pregnancy maintenance and fetal development as well as the initiation of labor. Early activation of fetal membranes such as chorioamnionitis will lead to preterm birth.

Fetal membranes: degenerative or functional tissues? / 中华围产医学杂志

The fetal membranes, consisting of amnion and chorion, cover approximately 70% of the uterine cavity. Accumulating evidence indicates that the fetal membranes are not mere degenerating tissues covering the amniotic fluid and the fetus, but one of the most important functional tissues during pregnancy. The fetal membranes not only protect the fetus, but also secrets a series of hormones and cytokines involved in pregnancy maintenance and fetal development as well as the initiation of labor. Early activation of fetal membranes such as chorioamnionitis will lead to preterm birth.

Diagnostic value of five inflammatory markers for the subclinical chorioamnionitis in pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective Chorioamnionitis in pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM) may lead to perinatal morbidity. There is no definite diagnostic method for detecting chorioamnionitis before delivery. In this retrospective study, the diagnostic value of five inflammatory markers, including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil percentage (NEU), c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT) of subclinical chorioamnionitis in PPROM were investigated. Methods A total of 74 PPROM (Group A: 21 PPROM without infection; Group B: 43 PPROM with subclinical chorioamnionitis;Group C:10 PPROM with chorioamnionitis) and 46 controls (Group D:normal full-term pregnancies) were recruited from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University between 2013 and 2017. The five markers were measured within 24 hours before the delivery. The diagnostic value of inflammatory markers for subclinical chorioamnionitis were assessed by t test and ROC curve. Results The levels of WBC, NEU and IL-6 in group A were significantly higher than those in group D (T=5.412, Z=-3.312, T=2.798, all P<0.05). The levels of five inflammatory markers in group B and C were all significantly increased compare with group D(Zb=-5.797, Zb=-5.296, Zb=-5.116, Zb=-3.279, Zb=-4.36, Tc=7.732, Zc=-4.622, Zc=-4.591, Zc=-3.509, Zc=-4.387,all P<0.05). Group B CRP, IL-6 and PCT levels were significantly higher than those of group A(Z=-3.10, Z=-2.95, Z=-2.202, all P<0.05). All five markers of group C were significantly higher than those of group A(T=-5.285, Z=-2.536, Z=-3.819, Z=-3.228, Z=-3.719, all P<0.05). The levels of WBC, NEU and IL-6 in group C were significantly higher than those in PPROM group B(Z=-3.296, T=-2.738, Z=-3.501, all P<0.05). In terms of predictive capability of subclinical chorioamnionitis, the individual area under ROC curve (AUC) of CRP, IL-6, and PCT were 0.740, 0.671, and 0.728 corresponding to the optimal cutoff 10.3 mg/L, 5.995 pg/ml, and 0.055 ng/ml respectively. The sensitivity value were 39.5％, 60.5％ and 74.4％, the specificity value were 100％, 85.7％and 61.9％.The area under the ROC curves of CRP+IL-6,CRP+PCT,IL-6+PCT and CRP+IL+6+PCT were 0.746, 0.805, 0.776 and 0.816. The sensitivity value were 51.2％, 74.4％, 81.4％ and 62.8％, the specificity value were 95.2％, 81％, 66.7％and 90.5％. Conclusions The model (combined with PCT, CRP and IL-6) may be helpful for the diagnosis of the subclinical chorioamnionitis in PPROM. Combined diagnosis of two markers in PCT,CRP and IL-6 could be superior to single inflammatory marker. Combined diagnosis of three could be better,which may provide a reference for clinical diagnosis.

Comparison of Clinical Factors and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes between Early- and Late-Onset Periventricular Leukomalacia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes compare early- and late-onset periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective study involving 199 newborn infants weighing < 1,500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between March 2009 and December 2015. VLBWI with PVL were categorized into early- and late-onset PVL groups based on the time of diagnosis based on 28 days of age. We analyzed the clinical factors and neurodevelopmental outcomes between the groups. RESULTS: The incidence rate of PVL was 10.1% (16/158). The Apgar score at 1 minute and the mean duration of tocolytic therapy were associated with the development of PVL. The incidence rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) was significantly higher in the early-onset PVL group (P=0.041). No significant differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes between the early- and late-onset PVL groups. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a higher incidence of PROM was associated with clinical characteristics in the early-onset PVL group. No significant intergroup differences were observed in neurodevelopmental outcomes; however, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III scores were lower in the early-onset PVL group.

Initiation of human parturition: signaling from senescent fetal tissues via extracellular vesicle mediated paracrine mechanism

A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which signals from the fetus initiate human parturition is required. Our recent findings support the core hypothesis that oxidative stress (OS) and cellular senescence of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) trigger human parturition. Fetal membrane cell senescence at term is a natural physiological response to OS that occurs as a result of increased metabolic demands by the maturing fetus. Fetal membrane senescence is affected by the activation of the p38 mitogen activated kinase-mediated pathway. Similarly, various risk factors of preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes also cause OS-induced senescence. Data suggest that fetal cell senescence causes inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) release. Besides SASP, high mobility group box 1 and cell-free fetal telomere fragments translocate from the nucleus to the cytosol in senescent cells, where they represent damage-associated molecular pattern markers (DAMPs). In fetal membranes, both SASPs and DAMPs augment fetal cell senescence and an associated ‘sterile’ inflammatory reaction. In senescent cells, DAMPs are encapsulated in extracellular vesicles, specifically exosomes, which are 30–150 nm particles, and propagated to distant sites. Exosomes traffic from the fetus to the maternal side and cause labor-associated inflammatory changes in maternal uterine tissues. Thus, fetal membrane senescence and the inflammation generated from this process functions as a paracrine signaling system during parturition. A better understanding of the premature activation of these signals can provide insights into the mechanisms by which fetal signals initiate preterm parturition.