Evaluation of first- and third-trimester afamin levels in preeclampsia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate serum afamin levels in the first and third trimesters in preeclampsia. METHODS: Serum samples from 118 patients in the first and third trimesters were analyzed. Serum samples were collected from pregnant women who had enrolled in the first trimester. Blood was then collected from pregnant women who had developed preeclampsia and from healthy controls in the third trimester. The collected blood samples were resolved for analysis, and serum afamin concentrations were measured in the first and third trimesters. Preeclampsia and healthy controls were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the control and preeclampsia groups in terms of age, body mass index, and smoking. Afamin levels in the first and third trimesters were higher in the preeclampsia group than in the control group (p<0.05). In the subgroup analysis of the preeclampsia group, afamin levels were higher in the early-onset preeclampsia group than in the late-onset preeclampsia group in the first and third trimesters (p<0.05). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis afamin levels were 96.23 ng/mL in the first trimester and 123.57 ng/mL in the third trimester as cut-off values for preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: Serum afamin levels are useful for predicting preeclampsia in the first trimester in pregnant women and can be used in clinical practice as a supportive biomarker for the diagnosis of preeclampsia in the third trimester. Meta-analyzes are needed to investigate the effect of afamin levels in the prediction and diagnosis of preeclampsia and to determine the cut-off value.

The correlation between serum vitamin D and the risk of pre-eclampsia in the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum vitamin D and the risk of pre-eclampsia at the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy.Methods:Pregnant women who registered and delivered in Electric Power Teaching Hospital of Capital Medical University from August 2020 to July 2021 were included. Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were selected as the case group (150 cases), while pregnant women without any complications after delivery were selected as the control group (600 cases) according to the 1∶4 matching principle (age, pre-pregnancy body mass index and last menstruation). The levels of serum vitamin D in differences stages of pregnancy between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between serum vitamin D levels and the risk of pre-eclampsia.Results:The levels of serum vitamin D at the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy in the case group were lower than those in the control group: (14.32 ± 3.61) μg/L vs. (18.78 ± 4.73) μg/L, (15.06 ± 3.12) μg/L vs. (19.88 ± 4.25) μg/L, (16.04 ± 3.51) μg/L vs. (22.04 ± 5.63) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Taking pregnant women with adequate serum Vitamin D as a reference, and adjusting for confounding factors such as gain weight and primipara, the risk of pre-eclampsia in early stages pregnant women with serum Vitamin D serious deficiency, middle deficiency and deficiency was increased and the OR and 95% CI were 4.84(1.25 -31.42), 3.09(1.12 - 8.96), 1.48(1.12 - 13.05); the risk of pre-eclampsia in middle stages pregnant women with serum vitamin D serious deficiency, middle deficiency and deficiency was increased and the OR(95% CI) were 4.43(1.23 - 13.55), 2.22(1.05 - 6.78), 1.12(0.45 - 7.73); the risk of pre-eclampsia in late stages pregnant women with serum vitamin D serious deficiency, middle deficiency and deficiency was increased and the OR(95% CI) were 2.13(1.12 - 8.64), 1.76(1.02 - 4.98), 1.22(0.72 - 3.94). Conclusions:The level of serum vitamin D is associated with the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women in the early, middle and late stages of pregnancy, and the risk of pre-eclampsia is significantly increase when the level of serum vitamin D is severely deficient or deficient during pregnancy.

Changing Paradigms in the Initial Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy at a University Hospital in Brazil / Mudança de paradigmas do tratamento inicial de gravidez ectópica em um hospital universitário no Brasil

Abstract Objective To evaluate the use of different treatment options for ectopic pregnancy and the frequency of severe complications in a university hospital. Methods Observational study with women with ectopic pregnancy admitted at UNICAMP Womeńs Hospital, Brazil, between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2017. The outcome variables were the type of treatment (first choice) and the presence of severe complications. Independent variables were clinical and sociodemographic data. Statistical analysis was carried out by the Cochran-Armitage test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple Cox regression. Results In total 673 women were included in the study. The mean age was 29.0 years (± 6.1) and the mean gestational age was 7.7 (± 2.5). The frequency of surgical treatment decreased significantly over time (z = -4.69; p < 0.001). Conversely, there was a significant increase in the frequency of methotrexate treatment (z = 4.73; p < 0.001). Seventy-one women (10.5%) developed some type of severe complication. In the final statistical model, the prevalence of severe complications was higher in women who were diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy at admission (PR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.61-5.46), did not present with vaginal bleeding (PR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.25), had never undergone laparotomy/laparoscopy (PR = 6.69; 95%CI: 1.62-27.53), had a non-tubal ectopic pregnancy (PR = 4.61; 95%CI: 1.98-10.74), and do not smoke (PR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.08-5.36). Conclusion there was a change in the first treatment option for cases of ectopic pregnancy in the hospital during the period of analysis. Factors inherent to a disease that is more difficult to treat are related to a higher frequency of severe complications.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as diferentes opções de tratamento para gravidez ectópica e a frequencia de complicações graves em um hospital universitário. Métodos Estudo observacional com mulheres com gravidez ectópica admitidas no Hospital da Mulher da UNICAMP, no Brasill, entre 01/01/2000 e 31/12/2017. As variáveis de desfecho foram o tipo de tratamento (primeira escolha) e a presença de complicações graves. As variáveis independents foram dados clínicos e sociodemográficos. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de Cochran-Armitage, teste de qui-quadrado, teste de Mann-Whitney e Regressão de Cox Múltipla. Resulados No total, 673 mulheres foram incluídas no estudo. A idade médica foi de 29.0 anos (± 6.1) e a idade gestacional media foi de 7.7 (± 2.5). A frequencia de tratamento cirúrgico diminuiu significativamente ao longo dos anos(z = -4.69; p < 0.001). Simultaneamente, houve um aumento da frequencia do tratamento clínico(z = 4.73; p < 0.001). Setenta e uma mulheres (10.5%) desenvolveram algum tipo de complicação grave. No modelo estatístico final, a prevalência de complicações graves foi maior nas mulheres que tiveram diagnóstico de gestação ectópica rota à admissão (PR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.61-5.46), que não apresentaram sangramento vaginal (PR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.41-4.25), sem antecedentes de laparotomia/laparoscopia (PR = 6.69; 95%CI: 1.62-27.53), com gravidez ectópica não-tubária (PR = 4.61; 95%CI: 1.98-10.74), e não tabagistas (PR = 2.41; 95%CI: 1.08-5.36). Conclusão Houve uma mudança na escolha do primeiro tratamento indicado nos casos de gravidez ectópica durante o período analisado. Os fatores inerentes a doença relacionados a maior dificuldade de tratamento foram associados a maior frequencia de complicações graves.

Acute adverse events and pregnancy outcome after inactivated COVID-19 vaccination in first trimester / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate acute adverse events and pregnancy outcome after vaccination of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in the first trimester of pregnancy.Methods:The retrospective-prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women of 11-13 +6 weeks of gestation who visited the obstetric clinics for prenatal check in Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital from May to November in 2021, after registration for perinatal health cards in the community. Those who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and were divided into vaccination group and non-vaccination group according to whether they received inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in the first trimester. Women in the vaccination group were further divided into 1-dose group and 2-dose group. Information, including pregnancy-related screening, pregnancy complications, pregnancy outcome and acute adverse events, were collected and compared with independent samples t-test or ANOVA, Kruskal- Wallis H test or Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact probability method. Results:Totally, 105 pregnant women were analyzed in 1-dose group, 90 in 2-dose group, and 194 in non-vaccination group. (1) There were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of acute adverse events [1-dose group: 2.86% (3/105); 2-dose group: 6.67% (6/90); non-vaccination group: 4.63% (9/194); χ2=1.59; vaccination group was 4.61% (9/195), when compared with non-vaccination group, χ2=0.00], abnormal pregnancy-related screening indicators and abnormal pregnancy outcome among the three groups (all P>0.05), neither between the vaccination and non-vaccination group (all P>0.05). The acute adverse events in these women included fever, pain at the inoculation site, fatigue, local induration and rash.(2) The differences in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among the three groups were statistically significant [1-dose group: 10.5%(11/105); 2-dose group: 17.8%(16/90); non-vaccination group: 7.7%(15/194); χ2=6.46, P=0.040], and the incidence was higher in the 2-dose group than that in the non-vaccination group (adjusted by Bonferroni, P<0.017). (3) Regarding other pregnancy complications, no difference was found among the three groups (all P>0.05), neither between the vaccination and non-vaccination group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The risk of acute adverse events and adverse pregnancy outcome is similar in pregnant women who received inactivated COVID-19 vaccine versus those who did not in the first trimester, and regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended for those who received two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine.

Two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology in embryos/fetuses with normal or abnormal central nervous system during early pregnancy / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To study the ultrasonographic characteristics of embryos/fetuses with normal or abnormal central nervous system (CNS) from 7 to 13 +6 weeks of gestation using high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology and provide a reference for early diagnosis of CNS abnormalities. Methods:Eighty normal embryos/fetuses during 7-13 +6 weeks and 41 fetuses with CNS malformations in early pregnancy during 11-13 +6 weeks were selected to observe the ultrasonographic features of embryos/fetuses with normal or abnormal CNS using transvaginal high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound and HD-live silhouette technology. Descriptive analysis was performed on the results. Results:From seven weeks of gestational age, high resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology can clearly and stereoscopically show the prosencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. The rhombencephalon changed the most in the brain development of embryos. At nine weeks of gestation, cleared structures of pons curvature, the fourth ventricle and cisterna magna were observed. The developing cerebellum and the original Blake pouch cyst were seen at 10 weeks of gestation. From 11 to 13 +6 weeks, the most remarkable change was the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle changed from perpendicular to parallel to the long axis of the neural tube. Of the 41 fetuses with CNS malformation, 16 (39.0%) were exencephaly, 11 (26.8%) were holoprosencephaly, five (12.2%) were encephalocele, four (9.7%) were anencephaly, three (7.3%) were fourth ventricle dilatation, and two (4.9%) were open spina bifida. Conclusions:High resolution two-dimensional ultrasound combined with HD-live silhouette technology can clearly and stereoscopically display the morphological changes in embryonic embryos/fetuses with development of normal CNS at 7-13 +6 weeks, which is helpful to better understand the origin of CNS embryonic abnormalities and provide diagnostic clues for the early detection of CNS abnormalities.

Predictive value of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length in first and second trimester on spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnancies / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the predictive value of transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length (CL) in the first and second trimester on spontaneous preterm birth in singleton pregnant women.Methods:This study retrospectively recruited 2 254 singleton pregnancies without severe comorbidities at Peking University First Hospital from January 2019 to June 2019. CL was measured for all subjects using transvaginal ultrasound in the first (11-13 +6 weeks) and second trimester (21-23 +6 weeks). Differences in CL between women with preterm (preterm group) and full-term delivery (full-term group) as well as the CL during the first and second trimester were compared. The independent risk factors for preterm birth and the predictive value of CL in the first and second trimester for spontaneous preterm birth were also explored. Fisher's exact test, t-test, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis, etc, were adopted for statistical analysis. Results:(1) For the 2 254 subjects, CL measured in the first trimester and second trimester were (36.1±4.2) mm (22.4-52.6 mm) and (36.9±5.3) mm (2.9-59.7 mm), respectively. The incidence of short cervix in the first trimester and second trimester were 0.31% (7/2 254) and 1.46% (33/2 254), respectively. When CL was ≤25.0 mm ( OR=43.92, 95% CI:6.83-282.49) or >25.0-≤30.3 mm ( OR=6.59, 95% CI:1.97-22.0) in the first trimester, the risk of short cervix increased in the second trimester (both P<0.05). (2) The total incidence of preterm delivery was 3.06% (69/2 254). CL and the incidence of short cervix did not differ significantly in the first trimester between the preterm and full-term group [(35.2±4.5) and (36.1±4.1) mm, t=－1.78, P=0.076; 1.5% (1/69) and 0.3% (6/2 185), χ 2=2.98, P=0.084]. Compared with the full-term group, CL was shorter and the incidence of short cervix was higher in the second trimester in the preterm group [(33.6±6.7) vs (37.0±5.2) mm, t=－5.12;8.7% (6/69) vs 1.2% (27/2 185), χ 2=25.80, P<0.001]. (3) Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥35 years ( OR=2.05, 95% CI:1.22-3.46), history of spontaneous preterm birth ( OR=25.25, 95% CI:5.01-127.28), conception assisted by reproductive technology ( OR=10.39, 95% CI:2.39-50.33), and short cervix during the second trimester were independent risk factors for premature delivery. (4) There was no significant difference in the risk of preterm delivery when comparing to those with CL≤25.0 mm, >25.0-≤30.3 mm, >30.3-≤33.0 mm, >33.0-≤35.7 mm, >35.7-≤38.7 mm women with CL>38.7 mm during the first trimester (all P>0.05). The risk of premature delivery was relatively increased for those with CL≤25.0 mm,>25.0-≤29.5 mm, >29.5-≤33.6 mm, >33.6~≤36.8 mm, >36.8~≤40.1 mm during the second trimester compared to those with CL>40.1 mm [ OR (95% CI):17.64 (4.99-62.32), 6.89 (2.11-22.55), 3.58 (1.34-9.59), 4.04 (1.58-10.32), 3.34 (1.28-8.67), respectively , all P<0.05]. (5) When CL≤25.0 mm and ≤29.5 mm in the second trimester were used as the cut-off value, the prediction of preterm delivery was with a sensitivity of 8.70% and 17.39%, specificity of 98.80% and 95.29%, positive predictive value of 18.20% and 10.43%, negative predictive value of 97.16% and 97.34%, and the accuracy rate of 96.01% and 92.90%, respectively. Conclusions:There were no significant differences in CL and the incidence of short cervix during the first trimester among women with preterm or full-term delivery. CL in the first trimester is not an independent risk factor for preterm birth, but the risk of short cervix in the second trimester is increased when CL≤30.3 mm in the first trimester. The shorter the cervix during the second trimester, the greater the risk of preterm birth.

Prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of increased nuchal translucency with or without nuchal cystic hygroma in fetuses during first trimester / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To compare the prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome of increased nuchal translucency (NT) with or without nuchal cystic hygroma (CH) in fetuses with first-trimester NT ≥5 mm.Methods:Data from 131 fetuses with NT ≥5 mm who received invasive prenatal diagnosis at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from July 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Those with a septum in the cyst were grouped as NT with CH group ( n=57), and those without as increased NT without CH group ( n=74). Genetic test results, incidence of structural malformations, survival rate after birth were compared using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and non-parametric test. Results:There was no significant difference in the incidence of fetal genetic abnormalities[67.6%(50/74) vs 61.4%(35/57), χ 2=0.54, P=0.464], ultrasonic structural malformations [21.6%(16/74) vs 33.3%(19/57), χ 2=2.26, P=0.133], or in the survival rate (12/14 vs 3/8, P=0.053) between increased NT without CH group and NT with CH group. Conclusions:For increased NT with or without CH, although the two groups had different spectrum of disease, they had a high incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and structural malformations, and both groups had a certain healthy survival rate after birth.

Association between thyroid function in the first trimester in twin pregnancies and gestational diabetes mellitus / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the associations between thyroid function in the first trimester in twin pregnancies and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the risk factors of twin pregnancies complicated by GDM.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed on 745 twin pregnancies delivered after 28 weeks at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2015 to December 2021, and they were divided into GDM group ( n=186) and the control (non-GDM) group ( n=559). Thyroid dysfunction was diagnosed based on the reference range of singleton and twin pregnancies recommended by the Guideline on diagnosis and management of thyroid diseases (2nd edition) in China and the literature, respectively. Independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the general clinical characteristics and thyroid function between the two groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between free thyroxine (FT 4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in the first trimester as well as glucose levels in 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The associations between FT 4, TSH at different levels, and the detection rate of GDM, and the risk factors of GDM in twin pregnancies were analyzed using logistic regression. Results:(1) The prevalence of GDM in twin pregnancies was 25.0% (186/745). The positive rate of TPOAb was 13.6% (101/745). FPG in the first trimester was higher in the GDM group than that in the control [(4.7±0.5) vs (4.5±0.4) mmol/L, t=－5.08, P<0.001]. (2) No correlation between FT 4, TSH levels, the positive rate of TPOAb in the first trimester and FPG in the first trimester as well as OGTT results was found (all P>0.05). (3) There was no significant difference when using the thyroid function reference range for twin or singleton pregnancy in detecting hypothyroidism [0.5% (4/745) vs 0.4% (3/745)] and subclinical hypothyroidism [1.2% (9/745) vs 1.3% (10/745)] among the included subjects (both P>0.05), however, there were significant differences in the detection rates of hypothyroxinemia alone [25.0% (186/745) vs 12.9% (96/745)], hyperthyroidism [2.4% (18/745) vs 12.9% (96/745)] and subclinical hyperthyroidism [5.8% (43/745) vs 12.1% (90/745)]( χ2 were 35.43, 33.43 and 18.24, all P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the detection rate of thyroid disease between the GDM and control groups (all P>0.05). (4) FT 4 and TSH levels were grouped into quartiles ( Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4), which showed that the detection rate of GDM was the highest [27.8% (52/187)] in women with FT 4 in Q1 and was the lowest [23.0% (43/187)] in those with FT 4 in Q2. However, the detection rate was the lowest in women with TSH in Q1 [24.1% (45/187)] and was the highest [27.4%(51/186)] in those with TSH in Q4. Taking Q1 of FT 4 and TSH as a reference, the logistic regression model showed that there were no statistically significant differences between FT 4, TSH at different levels, and GDM, even after adjusting for age, preconception-body mass index (pre-BMI), family history of diabetes, mode of conception, and chorionicity (all P>0.05). (5) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15), pre-BMI ( OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.07-1.21), family history of diabetes ( OR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.53-4.85), and FPG in the first trimester ( OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.38-3.32) were independent risk factors for twin pregnancies complicated by GDM. Conclusions:Twin pregnant women with higher maternal age, pre-BMI, FPG in the first trimester and family history of diabetes were at higher risk of GDM. No significant correlation is found between maternal thyroid function in the first trimester and GDM in twin pregnancies.

Maternal stress perception in the first or second trimester affects breastfeeding behavior: a prospective cohort study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of maternal stress perception and plasma serotonin level in the first or second trimester on breastfeeding behavior, and to provide evidence for promoting exclusive breastfeeding.Methods:This prospective cohort study recruited pregnant women (≤20 gestational weeks) from Maternal and Child Health Center of Gulou District from April 2019 to March 2020. Stress perception at study enrollment was evaluated using Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the maternal plasma serotonin level was detected. Telephone interviews were conducted 42 d after delivery to collect information on childbirth and breastfeeding. Chi-square test, two independent samples t-test, and logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors of non-exclusive breastfeeding. Results:A total of 366 pregnant women were enrolled and 353 (96.4%) of them completed telephone interviews, who were divided into the exclusive ( n=194) and non-exclusive breastfeeding group ( n=159). Univariate analysis showed that the PSS scores [(19.4±6.9) vs (21.1±6.9) scores, t=－2.25, P=0.026] and the proportion of high-stress perception [23.7% (46/194) vs 34.0% (54/159), χ 2=4.03, P=0.045] in the exclusive group were all significantly lower than those in non-exclusive group. In the logistic regression analysis, exclusive breastfeeding was set as the dependent variable and the independent variables included factors with P<0.200 in the univariate analysis (PSS scores or PSS rating, plasma serotonin level, age, delivery mode) and potential clinical risk factors (parity, preterm birth). The results showed that when PSS was considered as a continuous variable, total PSS scores in the first or second trimester was an independent risk factor for non-exclusive breastfeeding ( OR=1.043, 95% CI: 1.010-1.077, P=0.011) and so was the high-stress perception when PSS was considered as a categorical variable (PSS rating) ( OR=1.765, 95% CI: 1.097-2.854, P=0.020). Conclusions:Overstress in the first or second trimester will affect breastfeeding patterns. Mental health counseling may help relieve perinatal stress, which will further increase the exclusive breastfeeding rate.

Effectiveness of automated machine learning models in predicting the risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of automated machine learning (autoML) model in predicting the risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester.Methods:From January 2017 to October 2020, 2 180 singleton pregnant women who were registered in Jinan Second Maternal and Child Health Hospital and underwent pregnancy examination at 12 weeks of gestation were selected. The pregnant women were divided into preeclampsia group (103 cases) and control group (2 077 cases) according to the occurrence of preeclampsia. The differences in clinical data and hematological indexes in the two groups were compared, and the correlation between each index and the risk of preeclampsia was analyzed too. All the pregnant women were randomly divided into training set and test set according to the ratio of 7∶3, and the autogluon autoML algorithm was used to build a variety of machine learning models, and training and cross-validation were performed in the training set to compare the accuracy of the different models. The importance of each index in the autoML model was analyzed, and the autoML model and the logistic regression model were used to predict the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women in the test set respectively, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the prediction performance of the autoML and the logistic regression model.Results:The age, pre-pregnancy body mass index, body mass index at 12 weeks of gestation, waist circumference at 12 weeks of gestation, proportion of drinking history, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin were all significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05), and the free tri-iodothyronine (free T3), free thyroxine (free T4), placental growth factor (PIGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) were all significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the correlation between pre-pregnancy body mass index, body mass index at 12 weeks gestation, waist circumference at 12 weeks gestation, hs-CRP, triacylglycerol, AST, TSH, free T3, free T4, β-HCG, PIGF, sFlt-1, PAPP-A and preeclampsia risk were obviously higher; but the correlation between each index were lower. A total of 18 models in 8 categories were constructed with the autoML model algorithm, and the neural network _L2 based on FastAI had the highest accuracy in the training set (0.963) and the validation set (0.971). The TSH, LDL-C, PDW, waist circumference at 12 weeks of gestation, sFlt-1, AST were more important in the model, while the free T4, total cholesterol, pregnancy times, drinking history, parity and family history of hypertension were less important indicators. The area under the ROC curve of the autoML model for predicting the risk of preeclampsia in the first trimester was significantly higher than that of the logistic regression model (0.984 vs 0.765, P=0.002), while there was no statistical difference in the prediction accuracy of the two prediction models in the training set ( P>0.05). The prediction accuracy and sensitivity of the autoML model in the test set were both significantly higher than those of the logistic regression model (99.54% vs 98.32%, 93.75% vs 75.00%, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Factors such as TSH, LDL-C, PDW, waist circumference, sFlt-1 and AST in the first trimester of pregnancy have a certain correlation with the risk of preeclampsia. The autoML model based on the indicators of the first trimester has a high predictive value for the risk of preeclampsia.

Relación entre anemia del primer trimestre y bajo peso al nacer en cuatro Centros de Salud Materno-Infantiles de Lima Sur durante el 2019 / Relationship between first trimester anemia and low birth weight in four mother-and-child health centers in Lima Sur during 2019

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la anemia materna del primer trimestre y el bajo peso al nacer de cuatro centros de salud maternos de Lima-Sur durante el 2019. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio cohorte retrospectivo de una base de datos secundaria donde se incluyeron gestantes atendidas en cuatro Centros de Salud con nivel de complejidad I-4 de Lima-Sur; cuyos partos se registraron durante el 2019, excluyendo a los recién nacidos pretérmino. Una hemoglobina del primer trimestre <11 g/dl se definió como anemia y un peso <2500 g como bajo peso al nacer. Se calculó la incidencia acumulada según anemia y se halló el riesgo relativo (RR) ajustado a potenciales confusores. Resultados: Se incluyó 221 gestantes y el 76 % tuvo una edad entre 18 a 35 años. Un 42 % fue primigesta, un 52 % presentó exceso de peso y el 60 % realizó 6 o más controles prenatales. Un 23,5 % de gestantes presentó anemia en el primer trimestre y se halló una incidencia de 2,7 % casos con bajo peso al nacer. La anemia del primer trimestre elevó en 11 veces la incidencia de recién nacidos con bajo peso, independiente de la edad, índice de masa corporal y paridad (RR ajustado = 11,1; IC 95 % 1,3 - 97,2; p=0,029). Conclusiones: De la muestra estudiada, una de cada cuatro gestantes presenta anemia durante el primer trimestre incrementando la incidencia acumulada de tener un neonato con bajo peso hasta en 11 veces.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy and low birth weight in four mother-and-child-health centers in Southern Lima during 2019. Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study from a secondary database was performed, where pregnant women from 4 middle-complexity Health Centers from Southern Lima were included. Deliveries took place during 2019, excluding preterm newborns. First trimester hemoglobin concentration <11 g/dL was defined as anemia and birth weight <2500 g was defined as low birth weight. Cumulative incidence for anemia was calculated, and relative risk (RR) adjusted for potential confounders was also calculated. Results: Two hundred and twenty one pregnant women were included. Seventy-six per cent were between 18 and 35 years old. Forty-two percent were primigravida, fifty-two percent had excess body weight, and sixty percent had six or more prenatal control visits. Nearly one quarter (23,5%) of all pregnant women had anemia during the first trimester, and there were 2,7% cases of low birth weight. Anemia during the first trimester of pregnancy increased 11 times the frequency of newborns with low birth weight, independently of age, body mass index, and parity (adjusted RR = 11,1; 95% CI: 1,3-97,2; p= 0,029). Conclusions: In the studied sample, one out of four pregnant women had anemia during the first trimester of pregnancy, increasing up to 11 times the cumulative incidence for having a neonate with low birth weight.

Sonographic features of Joubert syndrome in first or second trimester: report of two fetuses / 中华围产医学杂志

We report two cases of Joubert syndrome initially tentatively diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound in the first or second trimester which were thereafter confirmed by whole exome sequencing (WES). Case 1 was one of the twins who presented with increased intracranial transparency (IT) and thinner brainstem at 12 +1 gestational weeks. Ultrasound at 18 +2 weeks found multiple intracranial malformations, "molar tooth sign (MTS)" at the midbrain-hindbrain junction level in the cerebral cross section, and bilateral ventriculomegaly. Enlarged and echogenic kidneys and oligohydramnios were also detected. In case 2, ultrasound image at 17 +5 weeks of gestation indicated multiple intra-and extra cranial and extracranial malformations, MTS in the midbrain-hindbrain junction plane, bilateral ventriculomegaly, unclear cavum septum pellucidum. Extracranial anomalies were bilateral multicystic enlarged kidneys, invisible bladder, and oligohydramnios. Both fetuses underwent amniocentesis, which showed normal karyotype and no copy number variation was detected. However, variation of the TMEM67 gene (c.312+5G>A at introns 2 and c.1175C>G at exon12) was detected in both fetuses by WES, supporting the diagnosis of Joubert syndrome. Selective reduction and termination of pregnancy were performed on case 1 and case 2 at 18 +5 and 19 weeks of gestation, respectively.

Acretismo placentario en el primer trimestre del embarazo como causa de choque hipovolémico: reporte de un caso / Placentary acretism in the first quarter of pregnancy as a cause of hypovolemic shock: a case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El acretismo es la adherencia anormal de la placenta al miometrio debida a la ausencia parcial o total de la decidua basal y desarrollo incompleto de la capa de Nitabuch. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 45 años, con antecedente de tres embarazos, dos abortos, una cesárea y amenorrea de 12 semanas. El padecimiento actual se inició dos días antes, con sangrado transvaginal intermitente. A su ingreso a Urgencias se encontró con datos de bajo gasto e inmediatamente pérdida del estado de alerta; tensión arterial 40-20 mmHg, frecuencia cardiaca de 125 lpm. La parte posterior del cuello uterino se encontró dehiscente, con sangrado transvaginal abundante, prueba inmunológica de embarazo positiva, fracción β-GCH de 2878 mU/mL. Al asociar los datos de la exploración física se integró el diagnóstico de aborto incompleto y se ingresó a la unidad tocoquirúrgica, para legrado uterino instrumentado. CONCLUSIONES: De acuerdo con las búsquedas bibliográficas, todo indica que éste es el primer reporte mexicano de un caso de acretismo placentario en el primer trimestre del embarazo. Se sugiere la búsqueda de factores de riesgo que permitan la sospecha y faciliten establecer el diagnóstico de acretismo placentario a partir de las primeras semanas de embarazo para evitar desenlaces obstétricos fatales.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Accretism is the abnormal adherence of the placenta to the myometrium due to partial or total absence of the basal decidua and incomplete development of the Nitabuch's layer. CLINICAL CASE: 45-year-old patient, with a history of three pregnancies, two abortions and one cesarean section; amenorrhea of 12 weeks. The current condition started two days earlier, with intermittent transvaginal bleeding. On admission to the ED she was found to have low output and immediate loss of alertness; blood pressure 40-20 mmHg, heart rate 125 bpm. The posterior cervix was found to be dehiscent, with abundant transvaginal bleeding, positive immunological pregnancy test, HCG fraction 2878 mU/mL. By associating the physical examination data, the diagnosis of incomplete abortion was integrated, and she was admitted to the tocosurgical unit, for instrumented uterine curettage. CONCLUSIONS: According to the bibliographic searches, everything indicates that this is the first Mexican report of a case of placental accretism in the first trimester of pregnancy. It is suggested to search for risk factors that allow suspicion and facilitate the diagnosis of placental accretism from the first weeks of pregnancy to avoid fatal obstetric outcomes.

Clinical analysis of pregnancy termination in 167 pregnant women with cardiovascular disease during the first and second trimester / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To study the risk assessment, method selection and clinical management of pregnancy termination during the first and second trimester of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease.Methods:This study focused on pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital during the first and second trimester of pregnancy from January 2016 to September 2019, to summarize their clinical characteristics, reasons and methods of pregnancy termination, management and outcomes.Results:Among 167 pregnant women, 119 cases (71.3%, 119/167) were in early pregnancy and 48 cases (28.7%, 48/167) were in middle pregnancy. The reasons for termination of pregnancy were cardiovascular disease (109 cases; 65.3%, 109/167), unwanted pregnancy (54 cases; 32.3%, 54/167) and other reasons (4 cases). Vacuum aspiration was performed in 98 cases and forceps curettage was performed in 19 cases, medical abortion was performed in 2 cases in early pregnancy. There was no change in cardiac function after pregnancy termination and all survived in early pregnancy. In the second trimester, 16 cases were induced by intraamniotic injection of ethacridine, 2 cases by water balloon, 1 case by oxytocin intravenous drip, and 29 cases by hysterotomy delivery. The ratio of patients with hysterotomy delivery with cardiac function grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction in the second trimester [79% (23/29) vs 4/19; P<0.01]; the ratio of pregnancy risk grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ was also significantly higher [100% (29/29) vs 14/19; P=0.007]. The mean length of hospital stay of patients with hysterotomy delivery was significantly longer than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction [(7.1±3.4) vs (2.4±1.8) days; P<0.01]. Cardiac function was improved in 4 patients induced by ethacridine and rapid recovery without serious complications. Cardiac function decreased in 5 cases and 1 case died on the first day after hysterotomy delivery. Conclusions:Pregnancy risk assessment should be conducted as early as possible in patients with cardiovascular disease. If it is not suitable to continue the pregnancy, terminate pregnancy as early as possible to reduce the risk. Pregnancy termination methods and analgesic methods should be selected according to different gestational age and complications. The indications for hysterotomy delivery should not be relaxed at will, so as to minimize trauma and hemodynamic changes. After the termination of pregnancy, contraceptive measures should be implemented and the next treatment plan should be guided.

The evaluation on the value of ultrasound in determination of uterine artery data in early pregnancy for predicting gestational hypertension / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of Doppler ultrasonography in the determination of uterine artery data in early pregnancy for predicting gestational hypertension.Methods:Seventy patients with gestational hypertension treated in Jiashan First People′s Hospital from March 2018 to January 2020 were selected as the case group, and 70 healthy pregnant women who received routine prenatal examinations during the same period were selected as the control group. The differences of uterine artery data and pregnancy outcomes between the two groups at 11-13 +6 weeks of pregnancy were compared, and the value of each indicator in predicting gestational hypertension were analyzedby receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:The uterine artery resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), number of bilateral notches in the case group were higher than those in the control group: 0.54 ± 0.12 vs. 0.43 ± 0.08, 0.97 ± 0.36 vs. 0.69 ± 0.31, 12.86%(9/70) vs. 1.43%(1/70), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The neonatal weight in the case group was lower than that in the control group: (2 912.38 ± 528.07) g vs. (3 487.39 ± 416.73) g; the intrauterine growth retardation rate, asphyxia rate and preterm birth rate in the case group were higher than those in the control group: 11.43%(8/70) vs. 1.43%(1/70), 8.57%(6/70) vs. 0, 15.71%(11/70) vs. 4.29%(3/70), the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). The analysis of ROC curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC) of PI in predicting gestational hypertension was the highest, and when AUC was 0.798, the sensitivity and specificity of PI in predicting gestational hypertension were 81.00% and 86.00% respectively. Conclusions:The uterine artery blood flow in pregnant women with gestational hypertension has been abnormal in early pregnancy (11-13 +6 weeks). The parameters of Doppler ultrasonography is used to predict gestational hypertension, and PI showes better predictive efficacy.

Prospective cohort study of fetal nuchal translucency in first-trimester and pregnancy outcome / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective@#To explore the relationship between fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in the first trimester and pregnancy outcome.@*Methods@#A prospective cohort study was conducted in Nanjjing Drum Tower Hospital from December 2015 to December 2018, 4 958 singleton pregnant women were enrolled to screen fetal ultrasound structure and serology in the first trimester, ultrasound in the second trimester and neonatus physical examination 28 days after birth. According to the results of NT, 167 cases of fetus with increased NT (≥3.0 mm) and 4 791 cases of normal NT were divided, moreover, 86 cases with isolate increased NT and 81 cases of increased NT combined with structural abnormality. The prognosis of fetuses with different NT thickness was analyzed, and the pregnancy outcome of fetuses with isolate increased NT or combined with structural abnormality were analyzed. In the first trimester, if the fetal structure was abnormal or the serological screening result was high risk, the chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) would be performed by chorionic villus sampling to determine the prenatal diagnosis.@*Results@#(1) The pregnancy outcome for fetus of normal NT: there were 4 791 cases with normal NT. Totally, 4 726 cases with normal NT and no structural abnormalities were screened out in the firsttrimester. In this group, 5 cases of aneuploidies were diagnosed based on high risk of maternal serum biomarkers and 83 cases of structural abnormalities were screened out in the subsequent ultrasound scan and the neonatal examination. Another 65 cases with normal NT present complicated with structural anomalies were screened out in the first trimester and 4 cases were diagnosed as aneuploidies. (2) The pregnancy outcome for fetus of isolate increased NT: 66 (76.7%, 66/86) cases of isolated increased NT were performed CMA, 3 cases were diagnosed as trisomy 21 and terminated pregnancy. Another 4 cases were terminated pregnancy privately without cytogenetic diagnosis. No further anomalies were found in 79 cases till 6 to 21 months postnatally. (3) The pregnancy outcome for fetus of increased NT with structural anomalies: increased NT present with structural anomalies were screened out by detailed anomaly scan in the first trimester and 32 of them were confirmed as aneuploidies. In this group, 70 cases terminated pregnancy, 2 cases had spontaneous miscarriages and 9 cases had liveborns (1 newborn was found ventricular septal defect). (4) The pregnancy outcome for fetus of increased NT with or without structural anomalies: the percentage of aneuploidies in fetuses with isolated increased NT (3.5%, 3/86) was significantly lower than those with structural abnormalities (39.5%,32/81). The healthy survival rate in fetuses with isolated increased NT (91.9%,79/86) was significantly higher than those with structural abnormalities (9.9%, 8/81).@*Conclusions@#A detailed first-trimester anomaly scan could improve prenatal screening efficiency of birth defects. Compared to the fetuses with increased NT combined with structural abnormalities, the healthy survival rate of fetuses with isolated increased NT based on detailed first-trimester anomaly scan is higher and the percentage of fetal aneuploidies is lower.

First-trimester chorionic villus sampling: genetic analysis of 985 cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the value and safety of first-trimester chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in prenatal diagnosis.@*Methods@#This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 985 cases undergoing CVS and prenatal diagnosis with karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University First Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017. The success rate of cell culture, indications for prenatal diagnosis, karyotyping results, and complications of CVS were described.@*Results@#Among the 985 cases, 970 (98.48%) underwent FISH and 893 (90.66%) received karyotyping, and 878 (89.14%) accepted both. After CVS, the success rate of cell culture was 96.64% (863/893). Abnormal ultrasonographic findings (42.64%, 420/985) were the most common indications for prenatal diagnosis. In this study, 181 cases of chromosomal abnormalities were detected, including numerical and structural abnormalities, accounting for 18.38% of all 985 cases. Those cases with abnormal ultrasonographic images had the highest detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities (31.90%, 134/420), followed by those with adverse pregnant history (11.83%, 20/169) and advanced maternal age (8.21%, 11/134). In addition, there was a discrepancy between karyotyping and FISH results, which might due to 16 cases of placental mosaicism and 13 cases of maternal cell contamination (MCC). Embryonic demises were reported in six cases (0.61%, 6/985), including four with chromosomal numerical abnormalities within four weeks after CVS. No other short- or long-term postoperative complications were found in the rest 979 cases (99.39%).@*Conclusions@#CVS in the first trimester is a safe and reliable invasive method for prenatal diagnosis, which can help to obtain an earlier diagnosis in a certain population such as those with abnormal ultrasonographic findings, thus improve the pertinence and efficiency of prenatal diagnosis. However, the potential influences of placental mosaicism and MCC on the diagnostic results should not be ignored.

First-trimester chorionic villus sampling: genetic analysis of 985 cases / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the value and safety of first-trimester chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in prenatal diagnosis.Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 985 cases undergoing CVS and prenatal diagnosis with karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Peking University First Hospital from January 2012 to December 2017.The success rate of cell culture,indications for prenatal diagnosis,karyotyping results,and complications of CVS were described.Results Among the 985 cases,970 (98.48％) underwent FISH and 893 (90.66％) received karyotyping,and 878 (89.14％) accepted both.After CVS,the success rate of cell culture was 96.64％ (863/893).Abnormal ultrasonographic findings (42.64％,420/985) were the most common indications for prenatal diagnosis.In this study,181 cases of chromosomal abnormalities were detected,including numerical and structural abnormalities,accounting for 18.38％ of all 985 cases.Those cases with abnormal ultrasonographic images had the highest detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities (31.90％,134/420),followed by those with adverse pregnant history (11.83％,20/169) and advanced maternal age (8.21％,11/134).In addition,there was a discrepancy between karyotyping and FISH results,which might due to 16 cases of placental mosaicism and 13 cases of maternal cell contamination (MCC).Embryonic demises were reported in six cases (0.61％,6/985),including four with chromosomal numerical abnormalities within four weeks after CVS.No other short-or long-term postoperative complications were found in the rest 979 cases (99.39％).Conclusions CVS in the first trimester is a safe and reliable invasive method for prenatal diagnosis,which can help to obtain an earlier diagnosis in a certain population such as those with abnormal ultrasonographic findings,thus improve the pertinence and efficiency of prenatal diagnosis.However,the potential influences of placental mosaicism and MCC on the diagnostic results should not be ignored.

A meta-analysis of the association between vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and preterm birth / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To systematically evaluate the correlation between vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and the outcome of preterm birth.Method PubMed,Embase,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Ebsco,CBM,CNKI and Wanfang Data databases were searched to collect cohort studies and case-control studies on the correlation between vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy and preterm birth outcomes,and the retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to June 2019.Two researchers independently reviewed the literature,extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta analysis.Result A total of 6 cohort studies and 3 nested case-control studies were included.A total of 30 891 newborns were included,including 1 912 premature infants.3 Chinese articles and 6 English articles were reviewed including three studies from China,three from North America,two from Europe and one from Australia.The diagnostic criteria for vitamin D deficiency and preterm birth were similar in these studies.After adjusting for age,race and other confounding factors,Meta-analysis results showed that vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy did not increase the risk of preterm birth (OR =1.04,95％ CI 0.90 ～ 1.20,P =0.63).Subgroup analysis were conducted according to the study type,measurement method and regional population,and the results were consistent with the overall results.No significant publication bias was found in the meta-analysis results.Conclusion Current evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency in early pregnancy has no significant influence on preterm birth.

Duplicación de imagen ultrasonográfica de feto único intrauterino que emula un gemelo inexistente: reporte de un caso / Ultrasonographic image duplication of an intrauterine unique fetus mimicking non-existing twin: case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: En Obstetricia, las imágenes en espejo son artefactos ecográficos infrecuentes que, potencialmente, pueden confundirse con embarazos heterotópicos y propiciar errores diagnósticos e intervenciones iatrógenas. Estas imágenes ficticias se generan por la existencia de una superficie reflectora como, por ejemplo, el intestino distendido o la vejiga repleta. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 39 años, con embarazo por fertilización in vitro, que asiste a evaluación ecográfica del primer trimestre. En la ecografía de rutina a las 11 semanas se observó una imagen en espejo y en la resonancia magnética: útero gestante con una estructura retrouterina hipoecoica, sin feto en el interior. La imagen ecográfica en espejo volvió a reproducirse en el tercer trimestre. El embarazo llegó a término y finalizó por vía abdominal, sin que pudieran demostrarse las estructuras que se advirtieron en la resonancia magnética. CONCLUSIONES: Las imágenes en espejo se han reportado en ultrasonidos de diversas localizaciones pero pocos en la Obstetricia. Todo hizo suponer que la superficie reflectora fue la estructura hipoecoica retrouterina observada, transitoriamente, en la resonancia magnética.

Abstract BACKGROUND: In obstetrics, ultrasonic artifactual mirror images are infrequent, but potentially dangerous since they can be mistakenly interpreted as heterotopic pregnancies, precluding diagnostic errors and iatrogenic interventions. These images require a reflection surface such as dilated bowl or plenty bladder to be generated. OBJECTIVE: We report a first trimester scan ghost twin, diagnosed since first trimester of pregnancy. CLINICAL CASE: 39-year-old patient, with pregnancy due to in vitro fertilization, who attends ultrasound evaluation of the first trimester. Routine ultrasound at 11 weeks showed a mirror image and magnetic resonance imaging: a pregnant uterus with a hypoechoic retrouterine structure, with no fetus inside. The ultrasound mirror image reproduced again in the third trimester. The pregnancy came to an end and ended by abdominal route, without being able to demonstrate the structures that were noticed on the MRI. CONCLUSION: Very few reports of obstetric ultrasound mirror images have been reported. We hypothesize that the transient retrouterine hypoecogenic structure observed by MRI was the reflective surface that create the ghost twin image.