Effect of Vitamin A and D in Hypertensive Disorder of Pregnancy

Background: Severe preeclampsia is the main cause of maternal mortality. The correlation between vitamin D and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is a controversial topic at present. Whether vitamin D can be used as an index to predict the risk of preeclampsia and when to supplement vitamin D in clinic has become a relatively popular research content. This study aimed to correlate vitamin A and D with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and to reduce the risk of hypertension in pregnancy. Methods: This is a Prospective cohort study on 958 pregnant females. The patients were divided into two groups, namely, treatment group and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH) group. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and highperformance quid gel electrophoresis were used to find vitamin A and D in the blood of each group (HPLC). Results: There has not been a big difference in between PIH group and the placebo group (p>0.5). Preeclampsia collection and simple preeclampsia group there has been a statistical change in cesarean unit amount and impulsive transfer (p<0.05). The study further found that There is no rise in the likelihood of mild pregnancy complications, and the thing that is different would not be statistically important (p>0.05). Serum vitamin D level is less than 20 ng/ml, which is a risk factor for preeclampsia. Conclusion: The lack of vitamin A may be associated with the occurrence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and the progression of the disease. The lack of vitamin A may increase the risk of severe preeclampsia risk increased.

Evaluation of left atrial function and predictive value of risk stratification in patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy by four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantitative analysis / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To investigate the change of left atrial volume and function in patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) by four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantitative analysis (4D LAQ) and analyze the predictive value of risk stratification.Methods:A total of 60 patients diagnosed with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from March to December 2021 were randomly enrolled, which were divided into gestational hypertension group (low risk group, n=30) and preeclampsia group (medium and high risk group, n=30) according to the disease development and risk stratification method reported in the literature; another 30 healthy pregnant women matched for age, gestational weeks and body mass index were selected as the control group. Left atrial anteroposterior diameter (LAd), interventricular septum thickness (IVSd), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVd), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI), peak early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) velocities of mitral inflow, and e′ values on the septal and lateral mitral annulus sides were routinely measured to calculate E/A and E/e′ values. Left atrial volume and strain parameters were obtained using 4D LAQ technique, including left atrial minimum volume (LAVmin), left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax), left atrial presystolic volume (LAVpreA), left atrial maximum volume index (LAVImax), left atrial inflation index (LAEI), left atrial stroke volume (LAEV), left atrial fraction (LAEF), longitudinal strain of left atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period (LASr, LAScd, LASct), circumferential strain of left atrial reserve, conduit and systolic period(LASr-c, LAScd-c, LASct-c). The differences among the three groups were compared. Multiple Logistics regression analysis was used to obtain the relevant indicators of risk stratification of HDPs and ROC curves were used for assessment. Results:Compared with the control group, E/e′, LAVmin, LAVpreA, LAScd, and LAScd-c increased, and LAEI, LAEF, LApEF, LASr, and LASr-c decreased in the gestational hypertension group (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group and gestational hypertension group, LAd, IVSd, LVd, LVMI, E/e′ LAVmin, LAVmax, LAVpreA, LAVImax, LAEV, LAScd, and LAScd-c increased, and LVEF, LAEF, LAEI, LApEF, LASr, and LASr-c decreased in the preeclamptic group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of multiple Logistics regression showed that LAVmax, LAScd-c and LASr were the indicators relevant to risk stratification of HDPs(β=0.344, 0.216 and -0.249, respectively, all P<0.05). ROC analysis showed when the cut-off value of left atrial strain parameter LASr was 30.5%, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.725, 0.58, 0.90, respectively; when the cut-off value of LAVmax was 44.5 ml, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.662, 0.80, and 0.56, respectively; and when the cut-off value of LAScd-c was -17.5%, the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.706, 0.56, and 0.78, respectively. Conclusions:Left atrial remodeling occured in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders, their reserve and conduit function were impaired, and aggravated with the progress of the disease. The four-dimensional parameters LASr, LAVmax, and LAScd-c were relevant indicators for risk stratification of HDPs. In predicting the severity of HDPs, LASr has high diagnostic value and good specificity; LAVmax and LAScd-c can be considered as supplementary parameters to predict the risk stratification of HDPs.

Application of omics in the pathogenesis and prediction of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a review / 预防医学

Abstract@#Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a common severe complication during pregnancy, which is characterized by complex etiology, unclear pathogenesis and lack of effective tools for early diagnosis and prediction. Recently, the development of omics technology provides new insights into the research into HDP. Based on national and international publications from 2011 to 2022, this review summarizes the application of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics in the pathogenesis and prediction of HDP, so as to provide insights into the prediction, prevention and precise treatment of HDP.

Implementation of maternal guidelines for gravid teenagers with hypertensive disorders in KwaZulu-Natal

Background: The worldwide phenomenon of teenage pregnancy among 13­9-year-olds is complicated by obstetric conditions. Among the top three causes of maternal mortality, hypertension is the third in South Africa. Quality maternal care is assured by obstetric practitioners (OPs) implementing guidelines specific for management of hypertension in pregnancy. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate implementation of maternal guidelines for hypertension in pregnancy among teenagers. Methods: As a retrospective quantitative research design was used, 173 maternal records of pregnant teenagers from 13 to 19 years were sampled from six district hospitals and Community Health Centres (CHCs) between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 to undergo systematic random sampling. A pretested structured checklist was used to record data from sampled maternal records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was used for data analysis, and results were presented using simple descriptive statistics. Results: Research results indicated that teenagers who suffered from hypertension intrapartum and postpartum did not receive maternal care according to the guidelines for maternity care in South Africa. Blood pressure was not measured of six (3.47%) intrapartum and five (2.9%) postpartum teenagers. Seventeen (9.8%) hypertensive postpartum teenagers received their antihypertensives. Conclusion: Public health institutions (PHIs) compromised provision of quality maternal care among teenagers, evidenced by incomplete intrapartum and postpartum assessment, diagnosis and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP).

Actualización sobre las principales guías clínicas de manejo en trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo

Introducción: Los trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, en especial la preeclampsia, son un problema de salud pública local e internacional, debido al incremento de los factores de riesgo en mujeres de edad fértil. Objetivo: Evaluar la relevancia de los trastornos hipertensivos y su estudio por los profesionales obstetras y médicos de primer nivel de atención en el Ecuador. Método: Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos actualizados en diferentes bases de datos donde se abordaron las generalidades de su clasificación, fisiopatología, predicción de preeclampsia, prevención de los trastornos hipertensivos, tratamientos de estos trastornos, tratamiento de la crisis o emergencia hipertensiva, eclampsia, manejo expectante de la preeclampsia severa. Resultados: Según se plantea, la hipertensión y la preeclampsia pueden surgir por primera vez posparto, y la hipertensión posparto representa hasta el 25 % de todos los trastornos hipertensivos. La hipertensión severa se asocia con una morbilidad y mortalidad materna significativa, incluido un mayor riesgo de enfermedades cerebrovasculares. Por lo tanto, se recomienda terapia antihipertensiva urgente para reducir la presión arterial. Consideraciones finales: Es de suma importancia realizar tamizaje de riesgo a todas las pacientes embarazadas, junto con una evaluación cardiovascular detallada para detectar la presencia de factores de riesgo o condiciones cardiometabólicas que favorezcan la aparición de las enfermedades hipertensivas durante el embarazo.

Introduction: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, especially preeclampsia, are a local and international public health problem, due to the increase in risk factors in women of childbearing age. Objective: To evaluate the relevance of hypertensive disorders and their study by obstetricians and first-level medical professionals in Ecuador. Method: A review of updated scientific articles was carried out in different databases where the generalities of their classification, pathophysiology, prediction of preeclampsia, prevention of hypertensive disorders, treatments of these disorders, treatment of hypertensive crisis or emergency, eclampsia, were addressed and expectant management of severe preeclampsia. Results: It is hypothesized that hypertension and preeclampsia may first arise postpartum, and postpartum hypertension accounts for up to 25% of all hypertensive disorders. Severe hypertension is associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality, including an increased risk of cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, urgent antihypertensive therapy is recommended to reduce blood pressure. Final considerations: It is extremely important to perform risk screening on all pregnant patients, along with a detailed cardiovascular evaluation to detect the presence of risk factors or cardiometabolic conditions that favor the appearance of hypertensive diseases during pregnancy.

Introdução: As doenças hipertensivas da gravidez, especialmente a pré-eclâmpsia, constituem um problema de saúde pública local e internacional, devido ao aumento de fatores de risco em mulheres em idade fértil. Objetivo: Avaliar a relevância dos distúrbios hipertensivos e seu estudo por obstetras e profissionais médicos de primeiro nível no Equador. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão de artigos científicos atualizados em diferentes bases de dados onde foram abordadas as generalidades de sua classificação, fisiopatologia, predição de pré-eclâmpsia, prevenção de distúrbios hipertensivos, tratamentos desses distúrbios, tratamento de crise ou emergência hipertensiva, eclâmpsia. manejo da pré-eclâmpsia grave. Resultados: Supõe-se que a hipertensão e a pré-eclâmpsia possam surgir inicialmente no pós-parto, e a hipertensão pós-parto é responsável por até 25% de todos os distúrbios hipertensivos. A hipertensão grave está associada a morbidade e mortalidade materna significativa, incluindo um risco aumentado de doenças cerebrovasculares. Portanto, recomenda-se terapia anti-hipertensiva urgente para reduzir a pressão arterial. Considerações finais: É de extrema importância a realização de triagem de risco em todas as gestantes, juntamente com uma avaliação cardiovascular detalhada para detectar a presença de fatores de risco ou condições cardiometabólicas que favoreçam o aparecimento de doenças hipertensivas durante a gravidez.

The Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Perinatal Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy / O efeito da infecção por SARS - CoV - 2 no perinatal resultados em distúrbios hipertensivos de gravidez

Abstract Objective To evaluate the fetal and maternal effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Methods Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity (n = 55) were compared with cases with similar characteristics and PCR negativity (n = 53). The study group was further divided into two groups as severe (n = 11) and nonsevere (n = 44) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The groups were compared in terms of clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes. Results The study and control groups were similar in terms of maternal age, parity, gestational age at diagnosis, type of hypertensive disorders, magnesium sulfate administration rate, gestational age at birth, birth weight, Apgar scores, and maternal complications. However, all cases of fetal loss (n = 6) were observed in the SARS-CoV-2 positive group (p = 0.027). From the 6 cases, there were 5 in the nonsevere group and 1 patient in the severe SARS-CoV-2 positive group. Moreover, higher rates of maternal complications, lower oxygen saturation values, and intensive care unit admissions were observed in the severe COVID-19 group. Conclusion Physicians should be cautious about the management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy cases with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. Fetal loss seems to be more common in cases with SARS-CoV-2 positivity and severe COVID-19 seems to be associated with higher rates of maternal complications. Close follow-up for fetal wellbeing and active management of severe cases in terms of maternal complications seem to be favorable.

Frequência e gravidade do envolvimento hepático em transtornos hipertensivos da gravidez / Frequency and severity of liver involvement in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

ABSTRACT Background: Pre-eclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) are among the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Both are associated with an evolving spectrum of liver disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of liver involvement in pregnant women admitted to an intensive care unit with PE/E and to assess its influence on adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Methods: All subjects, hospitalized between January 2012 and March 2019, were retrospectively evaluated for clinical and biochemical liver-related abnormalities and their frequencies were subsequently correlated with maternal-fetal outcomes. Results: A total of 210 women (mean age 31±6.4 years, mean gestational age 33.8±4.1 weeks) with PE/E were included in the study. Most of them had severe hypertension (n=184) and symptoms of abdominal pain (48%) and headache (40%). Liver enzymes abnormalities were seen in 49% of the subjects, usually less than five times the upper limit of normal. Subcapsular hemorrhage and spontaneous hepatic rupture were identified in one woman who died. No patient had definitive diagnosis for acute fatty liver of pregnancy, neither acute liver failure. A total of 62% of deliveries occurred before 37 weeks. Fetal mortality was observed in 6 (3%) cases. There was no correlation between mean levels of liver enzymes and maternal and fetal outcomes. Conclusion: Biochemical abnormalities of liver enzymes are frequently seen in women with PE/E, but outside the spectrum of HELLP syndrome, they are not associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Liver-related complications are rare but can be life-threatening.

RESUMO Contexto Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) e eclâmpsia (E) estão entre as principais causas de morbimortalidade materna e fetal. Ambas estão associadas a comprometimento hepático com diferentes formas de evolução. Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a frequência e a gravidade do envolvimento hepático em gestantes internadas em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) com PE/E e avaliar sua influência em desfechos maternos e fetais adversos. Métodos: Pacientes hospitalizados entre janeiro 2012 e março 2019 com PE/E foram avaliados retrospectivamente quanto às anormalidades clínicas e bioquímicas relacionadas ao fígado e suas frequências foram posteriormente correlacionadas com os resultados materno-fetais. Resultados: Um total de 210 mulheres (idade média 31±6,4 anos, idade gestacional média 33,8±4,1 semanas) com PE/E foram incluídas no estudo. A maioria delas apresentava hipertensão grave (n=184), sintomas de dor abdominal (48%) e cefaleia (40%). Anormalidades das enzimas hepáticas foram observadas em 49% dos indivíduos, geralmente menos de cinco vezes o limite superior do normal. Hemorragia subcapsular e ruptura hepática espontânea foram identificadas em uma mulher que faleceu. Nenhuma paciente teve diagnóstico definitivo de esteatose hepática aguda da gravidez, nem insuficiência hepática aguda grave. Um total de 62% dos partos ocorreu antes de 37 semanas. A mortalidade fetal foi observada em 6 (3%) casos. Não houve correlação entre os níveis médios de enzimas hepáticas e os resultados maternos e fetais. Conclusão Anormalidades bioquímicas hepáticas são frequentemente vistas em mulheres com PE/E, mas fora do contexto da síndrome HELLP, não estão associadas a resultados maternos e fetais adversos. As complicações relacionadas ao fígado são raras, mas podem ser fatais.

Decoding placental pathology: Usage of a comprehensive checklist and scoring system for reporting of placentas in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Introduction/Context: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are major complications of pregnancy and seen in about 5% to 10% of all pregnancies. Among these, pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of perinatal and fetal morbidity and mortality. It is a multifactorial and multisystemic disorder that results in a variety of histomorphologic features, some of which may be missed if a diligent examination is not performed. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed to propose a checklist and novel scoring system to ensure comprehensive placental examination. We also aimed to evaluate the correlation, if any, between histopathological and morphometric findings in HDP and with fetal growth. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 placentas of women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were included in our cross-sectional, observational study. Morphometric features and histological features that are known to be seen in HDP were analyzed, and each of them was given a numerical score based on their severity. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation coefficient test was applied to correlate these findings, and ANOVA test was used to assess the correlation of these findings with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Results: More than 50% of the placentas studied recorded maximum scores for weight and volume. At least 25% of the placentas showed the presence of all histo-pathological features under study. The association of total morphometric and histological scores was not found to be statistically significant (P-value = 0.239). We found a significant difference between means of morphometric scores of cases with normal fetal growth and cases showing FGR (P-value = 0.008). Conclusion: Uneven distribution and presentation of the lesions in these cases may lead to the absence of correlation between morphometry and histopathology, as seen in our study. Morphometric derangements in the placenta correlate with FGR. Our proposed checklist and scoring system can be utilized to standardize reporting of placental specimens in the evaluation of placentas with HDP, in order to facilitate and standardize the placental reporting.

PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF MATERNAL MORTALITY AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN WESTERN INDIA

Introduction: Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant orwithin 42 days of termination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration and site of thepregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, butnot from accidental or incidental causes. The death of a mother has profound consequenceson social and economic health and also on the development of a family and a nation. Theobjective of the current study is to determine the proportion of maternal mortality at ourtertiary care teaching hospital, to analyse the epidemiological parameters and causes ofmaternal mortality, to determine the importance of antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care inrelation to maternal mortality and to suggest preventive measures to reduce maternalmortality.Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out from 16thMay 2018 to 15th December 2020 at a tertiary care teaching hospital.Results: Out of 15,164 deliveries, there were 15,006 live births. During the study period, 29maternal deaths were recorded. Hence, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was 193.2.Majority, 12(41.4%) patients were in the age group of 21-25 years. Inadequate antenatal carewas taken by 14 (48.3%) patients and 11 (37.9%) patients had not taken any antenatal care.Maternal mortality occurred in 12(41.3%) and 17(58.7%) patients during antenatal andpostnatal period respectively. In 19(65.5%) patients, maternal mortality occurred due todirect obstetric causes and in 10 (34.5%) maternal mortality occurred due to indirect causes.Majority of mortality occurred due to delay in women seeking help.Conclusion: Majority of maternal mortality occurred due to delays at a community level inrecognizing an emergency situation and/or delays in decision to seek care at a health facility.Community awareness regarding the importance of antenatal care, danger signs, high riskpregnancy, institutional deliveries, postnatal care and family planning can help in reducingmaternal mortality by preventing delay at community level.

Effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on peripheral venous blood cell count in preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-34 weeks / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy on peripheral venous blood cell count in preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-34 weeks.@*METHODS@#A total of 227 preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-34 weeks who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, the First Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, from January to December 2020, and whose mothers had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were enrolled as the study group. A total of 227 preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-34 weeks who were admitted during the same period and whose mothers did not have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were enrolled as the control group. According to maternal blood pressure during pregnancy, the study group was divided into three subgroups: gestational hypertension (n=75), mild preeclampsia (n=81), and severe preeclampsia (n=71). According to the birth weight of the preterm infants, the study group was divided into two subgroups: small for gestational age (SGA) (n=113) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (n=114). Peripheral blood cell count on day 1 after birth was compared between the study and control groups, as well as between the subgroups of the study group.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the study group had significantly lower white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and blood platelet count (P<0.05) and significantly higher incidence rates of leucopenia and neutropenia (P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that the mild preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia subgroups had significantly lower white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and blood platelet count than the gestational hypertension subgroup (P<0.05), and that the SGA subgroup had significantly lower white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, and blood platelet count than the AGA subgroup (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy can affect the peripheral venous blood cell count of preterm infants, which is more significant in infants with maternal preeclampsia and SGA infants.

Analysis of treatment for 360 critically ill pregnant and parturient women in intensive care unit / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill pregnant and parturient women in intensive care unit (ICU), and to provide clinical experience for the subspecialty construction of critical obstetrics.Methods:The clinical data of critically ill pregnant and parturient women admitted to the department of critical care medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2011 to December 2019 were collected. The main reasons for maternal transfer to ICU, the causes of maternal death, and organ support measures, etc. were summarized.Results:A total of 39 567 critically ill pregnant and parturient women were admitted to the department of obstetrics in our hospital, and 360 were transferred to ICU, with an average ICU transfer rate of 0.91%. Since 2016, the number of obstetric admissions, the number of ICU transfers and the ICU transfer rate had increased significantly. The average age of severe maternals admitted to ICU was (30.9±5.7) years old. The average acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score was 7 (4, 10). The average length of ICU stay was 1 (1, 2) day. The average ventilator duration was 9.0 (3.0, 17.5) hours. The main delivery mode of pregnant women in ICU was cesarean section (84.72%). Forty-eight patients (13.33%) underwent hysterectomy, of which 42 (87.5%) due to postpartum hemorrhage. The top 3 causes of ICU admission were severe postpartum hemorrhage [36.94% (133/360)], hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [21.67% (78/360)], pregnancy with cardiac disease [15.00% (54/360)]. The leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage in women transferred to ICU was placental abnormality [63.98% (103/161)], followed by uterine atony [28.57% (46/161)]. The average blood loss was (4 019±2 327) mL within 24 hours after delivery, and the number of women who underwent hysterectomy due to postpartum hemorrhage decreased year by year. During the study period, there were 2 maternal deaths, which were indirect obstetric deaths, 3 cases were discharged against-advice (expected death), including 1 indirect death and 2 direct obstetric death; the mortality in ICU was 1.39% (5/360).Conclusions:The most common reasons for pregnant and parturient women to be admitted to ICU were severe postpartum hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The leading cause of postpartum hemorrhage was placental problem. Indirect obstetric deaths exceeded direct obstetric deaths, mainly due to pregnancy complicated with cardiac disease and severe pneumonia. ICU has become an important battlefield for rescuing critically ill maternal and an important guarantee for reducing the maternal mortality.

High risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To explore the incidence and high risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).<p>METHODS:Retrospective study. A total of 161 neonates in Gaozhou People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 who met the screening guidelines for retinopathy of prematurity in China(2014)were selected as subjects. Retcam Ⅲ was used for fundus screening. Clinical data of neonates and their mothers were analyzed retrospectively. Univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors for ROP.<p>RESULTS: Among 161 neonates meeting the inclusion criteria, 26(16.1%)were in the ROP group and 135(83.9%)were in the non-ROP group. Gestational age, neonatal red blood cell count, birth weight, maternal age, gestational hypertension, method of conception showed statistical significance between the two groups(<i>P</i><0.05)in Univariate analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that age(<i>OR</i>=0.549, 95%<i>CI</i>: 0.391-0.770, <i>P</i>=0.001)is a protective factor of ROP, however, hypertension during pregnancy(<i>OR</i>=3.947, 95%<i>CI</i>: 1.049-14.852, <i>P</i>=0.042)and assisted reproductive(<i>OR</i>=4.632, 95%<i>CI</i>: 1.112-19.305, <i>P</i>=0.035)are risk factors of ROP.<p>CONCLUSION: Gestational age is a protective factor for ROP, and assisted reproduction is a risk factor for ROP. High attention should be paid to the neonates with low gestational age, assisted reproductive technology and whose mother has hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Early screening, early detection, and early treatment of neonatal fundus may reduce blindness caused by ROP.

Is soft drink consumption associated with gestational hypertension? Results from the BRISA cohort

It is still unknown whether excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to gestational hypertensive disorders, other than preeclampsia. This study investigated the association between soft drink consumption and hypertension during pregnancy, analyzing the relationship from the perspective of counterfactual causal theory. Data from pregnant women of the BRISA cohort were analyzed (1,380 in São Luis and 1,370 in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil). The explanatory variable was the frequency of soft drink consumption during pregnancy obtained in a prenatal interview. The outcome was gestational hypertension based on medical diagnosis, at the time of delivery. A theoretical model of the association between soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was constructed using a directed acyclic graph. Marginal structural models (MSM) weighted by the inverse of the probability of soft drink consumption were also employed. Using Poisson regression analysis, high soft drink consumption (≥7 times/week) was associated with gestational hypertension in São Luís (RR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.03-2.10), in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.13-2.01), and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.45; 95%CI: 1.16-1.82) compared to lower exposure (<7 times/week). In the MSM, the association between high soft drink consumption and gestational hypertension was observed in Ribeirão Preto (RR=1.63; 95%CI: 1.21-2.19) and in the two cohorts combined (RR=1.51; 95%CI: 1.15-1.97), but not in São Luís (RR=1.26; 95%CI: 0.79-2.00). High soft drink consumption seems to be a risk factor for gestational hypertension, suggesting that it should be discouraged during pregnancy.

Cerebro-placental ratio as a prognostic factor of fetal outcome in women with hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy during third trimester

Background: CPR is emerging as an important predictor of adverse pregnancy outcome and helps in management of high risk pregnancy. Therefore we undertook the study to find the correlation of CPR with perinatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorder complicating during third trimester.Methods: 128 patients with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, ≥32 weeks of singleton gestation, were randomly selected during their hospital visit. They were subjected to USG Doppler study to calculate MCA/UA pulsatility index-CPR. The CPR<1 was considered abnormal and >1 as normal. These results were compared with the perinatal outcome and adverse fetal outcome.Results: The present study revealed that the incidence of adverse outcomes like Apgar score <7 (36.5%), still birth (15.9%), NICU admission (69.8%) and LBW i.e. <2500 gm (68.3%) were significantly higher in abnormal CPR than normal CPR.Conclusions: Abnormal CPR is valuable in predicting the outcome of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. CPR is an easy procedure which can be included in the routine antenatal sonographic evaluation to predict poor perinatal outcome and to detect or recognize those fetuses at risk.

Evaluation of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in eclampsia by early termination of pregnancy

 Background: Eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in India.Methods: A prospective observational study was done on 200 pregnant women admitted with antepartum eclampsia in Malda Medical College from 1 April 2017 to 30 October 2019. Group A included patients who delivered through vaginal route within 10 to 12 hrs of eclampsia by stabilisation of patients while Group B included subjects who underwent early caesarean section for uncontrolled convulsions or poor Bishop score. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Data was recorded in a pretested performa and was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods with SPSS.Results: Caesarean section (group B) was done in 130 cases (65%) while vaginal delivery (group A) was done in 65 cases (37.5%). Group A had higher maternal mortality (10.7%) in comparison to group B (4.6%) which was statistically not significant (p=0.1075). There were 32 neonatal deaths (24.6%) and 11 still births (8.46%) in group A while there were 12 neonatal deaths (18.46%) and 3 still births (4.61%) in group B. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) between the groups with respect to total perinatal deaths.Conclusions: Antenatal and intranatal eclampsia should be managed by early termination of pregnancy preferably with Caesarean section. Early presentation and timely decision to terminate pregnancy will improve the maternal and perinatal outcome.

A study on maternal near miss cases in tertiary care center, Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India

Background: Obstetrics near miss is an important indicator that reflects the quality of obstetrics care in a health facility. It assesses and monitors the activities aimed for prevention of maternal mortality. The aim and objective of this study was to find out the incidence, the prevalence and the causes of maternal near miss cases due to severe obstetrics complications.Methods: This is a retrospective study done in department of obstetrics and gynecology in GMC Chandrapur. The study was done during a period from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019.Results: In this study the hospital maternal near miss incidence ratio was 13.11%. In this study authors found the most common morbidity was (36.06%) hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, (28.68%) cases of major obstetric haemorrhage, (7.37%) severe systemic infection or sepsis, (2.45%) labour related disorders. In medical disorders very severe anaemia, (13.11%) was most common cause of near miss. The most common cause of death was post-partum haemorrhage (41.66%) and most of the patients referred from periphery in very critical condition.Conclusions: Haemorrhage and hypertension disorders are the leading causes of MNM. Prompt diagnosis and adequate management of near miss cases can reduce mortality rates.

Association between maternal serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin levels and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background: A major challenge in obstetrics is early identification of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). This study was performed to determine the association between elevated maternal serum β-hCG levels and HDP, the correlation between serum β-hCG level and severity of preeclampsia and to determine the value of serum β-hCG level as a diagnostic marker for early diagnosis of HDP.Methods: This was a hospital based observational study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi on 375 pregnant women with period of gestation more than 20 weeks, including 250 pregnant women with HDP as study group and 125 normotensive pregnant women as controls. Serum β-hCG concentration was measured and its level was compared between two groups.Results: The maternal mean serum β-hCG levels (51161.08±30038.21 IU/L) of study group of HDP were higher than the normotensive control group (17603.23±16748.21 IU/L). In non-severe preeclampsia, the mean serum levels were 36417.32±23876.74 IU/L while in severe preeclampsia, 60030.34±28771.31 IU/L. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.001) with higher levels in early onset preeclamptic mothers than late onset preeclampsia. The cut-off point of β-hCG for predicting HDP was 32077 IU/L with sensitivity of 65% and specificity of 86%.Conclusions: Serum β-hCG level is higher in HDP when compared to normotensive women. Higher levels of β-hCG are associated with increasing severity of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The utility of serum β-hCG as a diagnostic test is limited because of low sensitivity and difficulty in deciding the cut-off value.

Study of Intrauterine Foetal Death in Government Medical College in Tribal Area of Bastar.

IUFD is a major obstetrical complication and is an important indicator of perinatal health in a given population. Literally, intrauterine foetal death (IUFD) is considered as all foetal deaths weighing 500 g or more occurring both during pregnancy and during labour. We wanted to asses maternal and foetal factors associated with intrauterine death, and formulate effective strategies for prevention of IUFD. MethodsThis was a prospective study carried out in a GMC Jagdalpur from July 2019 to mid-November 2019. All the admitted patients of our department with gestational age >28 weeks (confirmed by LMP or by USG) diagnosed as having IUFD (confirmed by USG) were included in the study. ResultsTotal number of deliveries during the study was 1455 and total number of IUFD was 109. Incidence of intrauterine death was 7.49%. Majority of the cases were of age group 26-30 years that is 39.44% (43/109) while teenager (16-20 years) pregnancies were only 11.92%. Most of the cases were preterm (67/109) around 61.46% and only 2.75% cases were post term. In 22.01% (24/109) cases, causes were not identified while in 77.99% cases (85/109) causes were identified. Hypertensive disorder was the major cause of IUFD (27.5%) followed by unknown aetiology (22.01%), infection (14.67%) and rupture uterus (10.09%). Rural population was 66.97% and urban population was only 33.02%. Most of the cases were primipara 43.11% (47/109) while least number of cases 8.25% (9/109) was of grand multipara. ConclusionsDespite being a tertiary center, incidence of IUFD is much higher than other areas of our country. Cause may be attributed to lack of awareness, illiteracy, and poor infrastructure in periphery, and this being a referral centre for a large area.

Comparative maternal outcomes of oral nifedipine and intravenous labetalol for severe hypertension during pregnancy: an open label randomized controlled trial

Background: Hypertensive diseases are commonly seen during pregnancy and remain one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Mostly commonly preferred drugs by health care providers for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy are labetalol and hydralazine. However, they require proper storage, intravenous access, and adequately trained staff for usage. Oral nifedipine in contrast is easier to use and widely available.  Objective of this study was to report the efficacy and safety of oral nifedipine as compared to intravenous labetalol for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy.Methods: It was an open label randomized controlled trial in which 100 women with severe hypertension during pregnancy were enrolled. They were randomized to receive either incremental doses of intravenous labetalol every 20 minutes (total 300 mg) or 10 mg oral nifedipine every 20 minutes (up to 50 mg) to lower the blood pressure to safer levels.Results: Women receiving oral nifedipine took significantly less time to achieve target blood pressure [(37.6±23.3) minutes (SD) as compared to those receiving intravenous labetalol (52.0 minutes±27.95 (SD)]. Women receiving nifedipine for treatment also required significantly lesser doses to control the blood pressure [mean dose 1.8±1.1 (SD) versus 2.6±1.2 (SD) p=0.006]. There were two failures in labetalol group and one failure in nifedipine group. No serious adverse events were reported in either group.Conclusions: Oral nifedipine is equally efficacious to I.V. labetalol for treatment of severe hypertension during pregnancy and is easier to use in low resource settings.

Comparative study of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol in severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are among the most common medical complications of pregnancy and major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol for management of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 100 women admitted with SBP ≥ 160 or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg or both. Patients were divided into 2 groups randomly: labetalol and hydralazine group.Results: Majority of patients (38%) were in the age group of 21-25 years and primigravida (52%). There was more significant decrease in the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure at the end of 15 and 30 minutes in labetalol group. Labetalol required fewer doses as compared to hydralazine to achieve the target blood pressure (average 1.95 versus 3.1). Total numbers of term deliveries were 19 (38%) in hydralazine group and 16 (32%) in labetalol group. Pre-term deliveries in hydralazine and labetalol group were 14 (28%) and 15 (30%) respectively. Headache was significantly more common in hydralazine treated patients than labetalol group.Conclusions: Both hydralazine and labetalol were effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of severe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Labetalol may be preferred because it was more effective in lowering the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure to achieve target levels with less number of doses.