Low Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Pregnancy is associated with various complications such as pre-eclampsia, SGA, preterm birth etc. Low dose aspirin is a possible medication to minimize these adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in department of Gynaecology, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Mirjapur Bkash Hospital, Mirjapur, Tangail, Bangladesh, during the period from June 2021 to August 2022. Total 200 pregnant women were included in this study. Results: In this study, the mean (±SD) age of the study subjects were 25.12 ± 5.49 years and 25.00 ± 4.83 years in LDA group and control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in age between the groups. The rate of caesarean section was higher in control group (68%) compared to LDA group (59%) but there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference among the groups. In our study, 8% pregnant women in LDA group and 19% pregnant women in control group had gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia was seen in 6% and 13% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, preterm birth was seen in 8% and 17% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, SGA was seen in 19% and 32% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, and fetal distress was seen in 2% pregnant women in both LDA group and control group. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in complications except fetal distress. Mean (±SD) neonatal birth weight was 2.88±1.03 kg and 2.74±0.85 kg in LDA group and control group, respectively and there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference. Conclusion: We found that low dose aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, especially for pre-eclampsia, SGA and preterm birth.

Association between stressful life events during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a review / 预防医学

@#Improving the quality of newborns is a health development strategy, which has attracted global attention. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight and small for gestational age, are major causes of perinatal mortality and disability. Based on review of international and national publications pertaining to associations between stressful life events during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes from 2007 to 2023, this review summarizes the correlation between stressful life events during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight and small for gestational age, and describes the underlying biological mechanisms. Previous studies have demonstrated the associations between maternal stressful life events during pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and the underlying mechanisms mainly include neuroendocrine regulation, inflammation and microbiota pathways; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear until now. Further studies to identify the critical window period for the association between stressful life events and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and unravel the pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes are warranted, so as to provide insights into reduction of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Periodontal Diseases among Pregnant Women in Kuching, Sarawak

ABSTRACT@#Epidemiological and longitudinal studies have shown that pregnancy is associated with increased gingival inflammation and worsening of periodontal status. Prospective studies suggested that periodontal therapy during pregnancy might reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and significant periodontal status improvement. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal disease amongst pregnant women, and to compare periodontal conditions before and after non-surgical periodontal therapy. This study was a cross-sectional and intervention study of pregnant women at the Mother and Child Health Clinic, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuching, who were referred to the Periodontic Unit, Jalan Masjid Dental Clinic, Kuching for further periodontal examination and treatment. All participants were examined and diagnosed with healthy periodontium or diseased periodontium. Sixty women became the subjects and 85% were diagnosed with periodontal disease, while 15% had healthy periodontium. Plaque score (PS) and bleeding score (BS) were evaluated at baseline and at eight weeks. At baseline, all periodontal parameters (mean ± SD) were higher in the diseased periodontium group compared to the healthy group (BS, 39.6 ± 21.5 vs 6.5 ± 3.9; PS, 46.4 ± 30.1 vs 33.5 ± 31.1). After two months, both groups showed improvement in all periodontal parameters; diseased periodontium (p = 0.001) and healthy periodontium group (p = 0.016). In conclusion, 85% of the participants in this study had periodontal diseases and, the non-surgical periodontal therapy improved the participants’ periodontal status. Furthermore, there was no significant adverse pregnancy outcomes reported in this study.

Application of real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of early cardiac function damage in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in the evaluation of early cardiac function damage in patients with pregnancy induced hypertension.Methods:Sixty-five pregnant women with pregnancy induced hypertension (patient group) and 65 healthy pregnant women (healthy group) who received prenatal examination and delivered between January 2018 and June 2020 in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine were included in this study. The patient and healthy groups were subjected to routine echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography at 24-36 and 32-34 weeks of gestation. The imaging parameters of routine echocardiography and real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography measured at different periods of gestation were compared between the two groups.Results:At 24-36 weeks of gestation, there were no significant difference in routine echocardiography parameters of the left ventricle between patient and healthy groups ( t = 0.793-1.748; P = 0.129-0.458). Left ventricular diameter (LVD), intra-ventricular septum diastole (IVSD) and left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWD) in the patient group at 32-34 weeks of gestation were (34.97 ± 2.66) mm, (11.96 ± 1.85) mm, (12.07 ± 1.73) mm, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the healthy group at the same time [(31.56 ± 2.58) mm, (9.17 ± 1.70) mm, (9.23 ± 1.62) mm] and those in the patient group at 24-36 weeks of gestation [(32.36 ± 2.61) mm, (10.15 ± 1.79) mm, (10.19 ± 1.64) mm, t = 5.437, 6.274, 6.319, 3.621, 4.017, 5.241, all P < 0.001]. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the patient group at 32-34 weeks of gestation was (54.36 ± 4.71)%, which was significantly lower than (63.27 ± 5.04)% in the healthy group at the same time and (59.65 ± 4.62) % in the healthy group at 24-36 weeks of gestation ( t = 7.682, 5.483, both P < 0.001). At 24-36 and 32-34 weeks of gestation, the absolute values of real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography parameters left ventricular global longitudinal strain, left ventricular global circumferential strain, left ventricular global radial strain and left ventricular global area strain in the patient group were (23.45 ± 2.58)%, (34.09 ± 3.28)%, (22.03 ± 2.31)%, (34.73 ± 3.58)%, (18.63 ± 2.42)%, (30.74 ± 3.07)%, (19.56 ± 2.28)%, (25.85 ± 3.37)%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the healthy group [(26.27 ± 2.74)%, (37.62 ± 3.61)%, (24.67 ± 2.59)%, (39.41 ± 3.96)%, (26.10 ± 2.81)%, (37.56 ± 3.64)%, (24.82 ± 2.59)%, (40.16 ± 3.96)%, t = 4.415, 5.013, 4.724, 6.253, 10.736, 8.592, 7.627, 14.319, all P < 0.001]. In patient group, the absolute values of left ventricular global longitudinal strain, left ventricular global circumferential strain, left ventricular global radial strain and left ventricular global area strain at 32-34 weeks of gestation were (18.63 ± 2.42)%, (30.74 ± 3.07)%, (19.56 ± 2.28)%, (25.85 ± 3.37)%], respectively, which were significantly lower than those at 24-36 weeks of gestation [(23.45 ± 2.58)%, (34.09 ± 3.28)%, (22.03 ± 2.31)% (34.73 ± 3.58)%, t = 7.529, 4.785, 5.194, 8.413, all P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Real-time three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography is advantageous in identifying the damage to cardiac function over routine echocardiography. Findings from this study provides a great clinical guiding value for protecting the cardiac function of patients with pregnancy induced hypertension.

High-risk factors and adverse outcomes of pregnancy among different occupational populations in a medical college community / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics and influencing factors of high-risk factors and adverse outcomes of pregnancy in different occupational populations in a medical college community. METHODS: A total of 719 pregnant women in a medical college community were selected by convenient sampling method and divided into medical staff group(218 women) and non-medical staff group(501 women, including 138 teaching staff subgroup, 129 administrative service staff subgroup and 234 other occupation subgroup). The detection rate of high-risk factors and adverse outcomes of pregnancy were compared among these groups. RESULTS: Among the study subjects with the top five detection rates, high-risk factors of pregnancy were abnormal body mass index, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, scarred uterus and abnormal thyroid function, with the detection rate of 21.4%, 17.5%, 9.7%, 7.5% and 7.5%, respectively. The detection rates of pregnancy high-risk factors≥two, adverse pregnancy outcome, adverse fetal outcome, miscarriage and low birth weight in the medical group were significantly lower than those in the non-medical staff group(all P<0.05). The detection rates of pregnancy risk factors, primary screening risk factors, scarred uterus and pregnancy anemia in the teaching staff subgroup were significantly higher than those in the other occupation subgroups(all P<0.008). The detection rates of pregnancy high-risk factors ≥two and advanced age in the teaching staff subgroup were higher than those in medical staff group(all P<0.008). The detection rates of adverse pregnancy outcome and miscarriage in the administrative service staff subgroup were higher than those in medical staff group(all P<0.008). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that occupation, advanced age, parity and scarred uterus were the main influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcome(all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: There are differences in pregnancy high-risk factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes among different occupational groups. The teaching staff subgroup has a relatively higher detection rate of pregnancy high-risk factors, and the adverse pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage were relatively higher in the administrative service staff subgroup, compared with the medical staff group.

Thromboelastogram parameters and MTHFR gene polymorphism in the diagnosis of adverse fetal pregnancy outcomes / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To retrospectively analyze the situation of patients with adverse fetal outcomes by thromboelastogram (TEG) parameters and, MTHFR gene polymorphism, so as to provide molecular biological diagnosis basis for patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes, and a new scheme for early prevention and treatment of women of childbearing age with MTHFR gene polymorphism. 【Methods】 A total of 100 women with adverse fetal pregnancy outcomes were selected as the adverse pregnancy group, and 100 healthy women of childbearing age with normal pregnancy history were selected as the controls. MTHFR gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TEG and blood coagulation were detected in the experimental group. 【Results】 The A1298C gene polymorphism(AA、CC、AC; A、C) was similar in both adverse pregnancy group and the controls. The frequency distribution of C, T allele of MTHFR gene C677T was statistically significant (χ2=4.60, P<0.05, OR =1.645, 95% CI: 1.042~2.595). TT and CT+ CC types showed significant different association with the factors of stillbirth(χ2 =7.49, P<0.05). MA value of TEG in the diagnosis of TT type of C677T genotypes MTHFR in 32 patients with adverse pregnancy outcome was analyzed. The area under the AUC curve of MA value was 0.795. 【Conclusion】 MTHFR C677T polymorphism TT with TEG parameter hypercoagulability is an important risk factor in the occurrence of pregnancy stillbirth in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Role of pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and doppler velocimetry in the assessment of fetomaternal outcome in high risk pregnancy

Background: The study aimed at defining the role of Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and uterine artery doppler (Ut.A.PI) in the development of adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) in high risk pregnancies.Methods: This was an observational study where 100 singleton pregnancies at high risk of development of APO, between 11 to 13 + 6 weeks POG were enrolled. PAPP-A levels were measured at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks POG and uterine artery doppler PI was measured at 20 weeks. Women were followed till delivery. Pregnancy outcome were seen and a cut off at which APO developed was derived.Results: In this study women with lower mean PAPP-A (0.75±0.19 MOM versus 1.23±0.31MOM) (p<0.001) values and higher Ut.A.PI (1.43±0.35MOM versus 0.99±0.25MOM) (p<0.001) developed APO. Cut off value for PAPP-A and Ut.A.PI was determined and was found to be ≤11.65 µg/ml (≤0.79MoM) and   >1.42 (>1.19MoM) respectively which was higher than what is determined in other studies done on low risks populations thereby suggesting for an intervention or more meticulous observations at a higher cut offs.Conclusions: PAPP-A and uterine artery doppler are already being used for the screening of preeclampsia in most of the countries but not for other adverse pregnancy outcomes. PAPP-A levels along with the uterine artery PI in predicting APO in high risk women has high negative predictive value. Hence can be uses as a screening method in high risk population whether they should be used for low risk population also needs further evaluation.

Pregnancy outcomes among women with high and low risk in first and second trimester prenatal screening analysis / 预防医学

Objective To analyze adverse pregnancy outcomes among women with high risk and low risk during prenatal screening. Methods Clinical data of 180006 pregnancies in 5 prenatal screening center in Hangzhou were collected. We compared the adverse pregnancy outcomes of high and low risk pregnancies. Results Among 180006 pregnancies (age<35 years old), there were 10296 high-risk cases and 169710 low-risk cases, with 168654 cases followed. There were 9406 high-risk cases of Down's syndrome (DS) (5.23％), 273 high-risk cases of Edwards' syndrome (ES) (0.15％) and 617 high-risk cases of open neural tube defect (ONTD) (0.34％) . The detection rate of pregnancy outcome of premature birth, spontaneous abortion, termination of pregnancy, stillbirth in the high risk was 5.46％, 0.80％, 1.80％, 0.37％, respectively, and that rate in low risk results was 3.50％, 0.21％, 0.38％, 0.18％, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in high-risk group were significantly higher than that in low-risk group (all P<0.001) . The actual incidence rate of DS, ES or ONTD in high-risk group (4.56‰, 1.65‰, 0.97‰, respectively) were significantly higher than that in low-risk group (0.12‰, 0.04‰, 0.09‰, respectively, all P<0.001) . The detection rates of prenatal screening were 70.15％, 68.00％ and 38.46％, and false positive rates were 5.23％ , 0.14％ and 0.34％ . Conclusion High risk of serum prenatal screening analysis is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The number of pregnancies experienced invasive prenatal diagnosis can be reduced by routine serum prenatal screening. That is an Effective method to reduce the birth defects.

Case-control study on risk factors of maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT:Objective To explore the risk factors for maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods An unmatched case-control study based on hospital was performed.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes,including general condition,history of fertility,abnormal symptoms and diseases during pregnancy.Results Univariate analysis results showed that high education level of gravida might be the protective factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes.The risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome might include advanced maternal age,intensive workload,frequent pregnancy,history of spontaneous abortion,severe morning sickness,and sickness during pregnancy or progestation.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that high education level of gravida (OR=0.63,95% CI:0.50-0.80)was the protective factor of adverse pregnancy outcomes;severe morning sickness (OR=2 .1 3 ,9 5% CI:1 .6 3-2 .7 9 )and sickness during progestation (OR=2.25,95% CI:1.06-4.77)were the risk factors for maternal adverse pregnancy outcomes.Conclusion The level of maternal education should be improved.We should attach great importance to preventive education and thorough treatment of severe morning sickness. Couples should be encouraged to have physical examination before marriage and pregnancy.Corresponding pregnancy care guidance should be given to pregnant women with different physical conditions so as to effectively reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Relations between urinary iodine concentration,superoxide dismutase and thyroid hormone in pregnant women / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the relations between iodine nutrition ,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and thyroid hormone in pregnant women .Methods A total of 380 pregnant women receiving prenatal examination between June 2014 and April 2015 were randomly chosen .Serum levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies were determined by using electrochemiluminescence method .Urinary iodine concentration was measured based on the catalytic effect of iodine on the As-Ce reaction .SOD activity was determined by using pyrogallol autoxidation method .Results The median urinary iodine concentration in the 380 cases of pregnant women was 173 μg/L ,indicating overall adequate iodine nutrition of the pregnant women .Free thyroxine(FT4) level and SOD ac-tivity were significant different between iodine-sufficient group and iodine-deficient group(P< 0 .05) .FT4 level ,thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) level and SOD activity were significant different between iodine-sufficient group and iodine-excessive group(P <0 .05) .Thyroid disease prevalence was significant different between iodine-sufficient group ,iodine-deficient group and iodine-exces-sive group(P< 0 .05) .SOD activity was significant lower in group with thyroid diseases than that in group with normal thyroid function(P< 0 .05) .Conclusion Iodine nutritional level in pregnant woman could be closely related to thyroid diseases and oxida-tive stress reaction .Timely screening and intervention could decrease the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome .

¿Afectan las complicaciones perinatales la respuesta sensible de las madres hacia sus hijos/as de 12 meses? / Do adverse pregnancy outcome affect mothers’ sensitive response to their 12 month children?

La respuesta sensible es una competencia materna ampliamente estudiada por su influencia en el desarrollo infantil y su asociación con las características de la madre, pero en menor medida se ha investigado su relación con las dificultades durante la gestación y el parto. El presente estudio busca identificar la influencia de las complicaciones perinatales sobre la sensibilidad materna en 90 diadas madre-hijo/a entre diez y catorce meses de edad de nivel socioeconómico alto, medio y bajo, residentes en Santiago de Chile. Se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y las diadas fueron filmadas en una situación de juego libre, la cual fue codificada con la Escala de Sensibilidad del adulto (E.S.A.). Los resultados muestran que la ausencia de complicaciones en el embarazo de la madre y la presencia de complicaciones en el parto, explican una mayor sensibilidad materna un año después. Se observa, además, una influencia significativa del nivel socioeconómico sobre la sensibilidad materna. Se discuten estos resultados y sus implicancias.

Sensitive response is a maternal competence widely studied for its influence in child development, and for its relationship with mother features, however, there is fewer research on its relationship to the difficulties of pregnancy and childbirth. This study seeks to identify the influence of adverse pregnancy outcome on maternal sensitivity in 90 dyads mother-child between ten and fourteen months age, of high, medium and low socioeconomic status, residents in Santiago, Chile. A sociodemographic questionnaire was taken to mothers, and dyads were filmed in a free play situation, which was coded with the Sensitivity Adult Scale (ESA). Results show that absence of difficulties during pregnancy on the mother, as well as presence of them during labor, explain a higher maternal sensitivity one year later. In addition, a significant influence of socioeconomic status on maternal sensitivity had been observed. These results and their implications are discussed.

Thyroid disorders and fertility.

Reproductive function is a vital process for continuation of life and requires an appropriate endocrine, molecular and cellular organization. In every stage starting from maturation of ovarian follicle up to implantation of the embryo, a convenient endocrine environment including normal thyroid hormone levels is of utmost importance. After the initial revelation of the correlation between reproductive health and thyroid functions in numerous studies have emphasized that both hyperthyroidism (OHT) and hypothyroidism (OH) are effective in female reproductive system, though varyingly. Our aim in this review is to evaluate effects of hyper- and hypothyroidism on fertility and also discuss relationship of infertility and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) regarding their effects over thyroid functions and auto-immunity under the guidance of current information.

Meta analysis on risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcome in China / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate the risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcome of women in China by Meta analysis.Methods Meta analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes from January 2010 to January 2015.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,124 articles were retrieved,and 38 articles were excluded.14 papers were included in this study.Results There was strong correlation between fetal abnormalities and adverse pregnancy outcomes.And the maternal history of abortion and adverse pregnancy outcomes were not related.There was strong association between multiple pregnancy,syphilis infection and adverse pregnancy outcome,and there was moderate correlation between the high blood pressure in pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcome.Abnormal fetal position,the OR value was 3.48 (2.70 -4.43),history of abortion OR value was 1.14 (0.90 -91.44),gestational hypertension OR value was 2.88 (1.69 -4.92),multiple births OR value was 6.40 (2.05 -20.01),syphilis OR value was 5.54 (1.64 -18.64).Conclusion The risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes from strong to weak are as follows:multifetal pregnancy,syphilis infection,abnormal fetal position and hyper-tensive disorder complicating pregnancy.

Relationship between thyroid autoantibodies and pregnancy outcome of infertility women after assisted reproductive technology：a systematic review / 实用医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the relationship between thyroid autoantibodies (ATA)and pregnancy outcome of infertility women after assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Cochrane library, CNKI and CBM. Results 7 studies were appropriate for meta-analyses and total 4165 patiens were included. Meta analysis shows that the pregnancy rate difference between ATA positive patients and controls have no significance, but the miscarriage rate is greater significant between them. In the meta-analyses, the presence of thyroid antibodies was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.32~2.59), compared with the absence of thyroid antibodies. Conclusion Pregnant women with thyroid antibodies have an increased risk of complications, especially miscarriage. Future research,should focus on the treatment and thyroid disease on pregnancy outcome.

Impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on pregnancy outcomes in early preg-nant women / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the impact of Toxoplasma gondii infection on pregnancy outcomes in early pregnancy wom-en. Methods Toxoplasma gondii IgM and IgG antibodies in the peripheral blood of 2 993 early pregnant women were detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). According to the test results,the infected ones were divided into an acute in-fection group,a previous infection group,and an active infection group,and 200 pregnant women without Toxoplasma infection were randomly chosen as a control group,and the pregnancy outcomes of the four groups were followed up and the results were compared. Results There were 286 women infected with Toxoplasma gondii,with the infection rate of 9.56%(286/2 993),in which 43 cases were diagnosed as acute infection,156 were previous cases,and the other 87 were active infection ones. The inci-dences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the above 3 groups and the control group were 13.95%(6/43),1.92%(3/156),5.75%(5/87)and 1.50%(3/200),respectively. The incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the acute infection group and active in-fection group were both higher than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(both P0.05). Conclusion Acute and ac-tive Toxoplasma gondii infections are closely associated with the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in early pregnant wom-en;therefore,Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody should be included in the routine inspection items of the pre-pregnancy physical examination for child-bearing age women.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Unexplained Elevation of Maternal Serum Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Levels at Midtrimester / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine the association between unexplained elevation of maternal serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February 1995 and July 1999, we evaluated 1566 pregnant women who have underwent second trimester triple marker screening tests (alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated estriol, human chorionic gonadotropin) and delivered at Severance Hospital, Yonsei Medical Center. Multiple pregnancies, abnormal fetal karyotypes, fetal anomalies, and abortions were excluded from the study. One hundred twenty-one women with hCG levels greater than 2.0 multiples of the median (MoM) were included in the study group while 1389 women with hCG levels less than 2.0 MoM served as the control group. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained from the delivery and neonatal records in our institution. Adverse pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were compared using chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Women with unexplained elevation of human chorionic gonadotropin levels were associated with statistically significant increased risks for preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences between the study and control groups with respect to preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, abruptio placentae, intrauterine fetal death, and neonatal death. CONCLUSION: An unexplained elevation in human chorionic gonadotropin level in the second trimester may increase the risk for preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and low birth weight but not for other adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm premature rupture of membranes, abnormal fetal heart rate tracing, intrauterine fetal death, or neonatal death.

Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes in unexplained MSAFP elevations

Unexplained maternal serum-fetoprotein (MSAFP) elevation has been known to be associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, however it is not sufficiently useful as a screening test. This study was undertaken to determine whether uterine artery Doppler velocimetry could define a subset of patients with an elevated MSAFP level in whom complications of pregnancy might develop. The subjects included 179 women between 26 and 28 weeks' gestation with MSAFP > or = 2.5 multiples of the median, in whom either the presence of an early diastolic notch or a resistance index 0.6 was considered as an abnormal Doppler velocimetry finding. Those subjects who displayed abnormal Doppler velocimetry findings showed an increased incidence of preeclampsia, preterm birth, IUGR, and IUFD compared to those subjects with only elevated MSAFP (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the incidence of LBW. Positive predictive values of adverse obstetric outcomes were significantly higher in the group having both elevated MSAFP and abnormal Doppler velocimetry compared to the group with only elevated MSAFP (p < 0.05). Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry in the second trimester can improve the value of unexplained MSAFP elevation in the prediction of adverse obstetric outcomes.

Screening of high risk pregnancy using maternal serum triple markers / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether abnormal triple marker in the second trimester may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: Between November 1996 and April 1998, we evaluated 1,158 pregnant women undergoing second trimester triple marker screening tests who delivered at our hospital. The pregnancy outcomes of 48 women with false positive screens were compared with 1,158 screen negative controls. The pregnancy outcomes were obtained from hospital delivery records. RESULTS: Women with abnormal triple marker showed increased risks for low birth weight(p<0.01). But there was no significant differences between study and control groups with respect to preterm labor, pregnancy induced hypertension, oligohydroamnios, premature rupture of membrane, placenta previa, abruptio placenta, fetal death in utero. CONCLUSION: Abnormal triple marker in the second trimester was associated with low birth weight.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in Case of a False Positive Screening Test Using MS - AFP and Free beta - hCG / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To determne whether abnormal results of doble saeening tests for Down syndrome with MSAFP and free B-hCG are associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: Between October 1994 and September 1997, 205 among 1731 who were screened had increased risk for Down screening program of CIS biointernational, Fetuses with Chromosomal abnormality or congenital anomalies and less than 35 years of maternal age were excluded from this study. Down syndrome screening test was performed between 14-22 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Of 1731 women, 205 (13.4%) had increased Down syndrome risk. The pregnancy outcome of women with increased Down syndrome risk were compared with those of women without such risk There were no significant difference in the incidence of preterm labor (6[2.9%] vs 112[7.3%)), premature rupture of the membranes (2[0.9%] vs 56[3.6%]), pregnancy induced hypertension (2[0.9%] vs 36[2.3%]), abruptio placentae (0[0%] vs 2[0.1%]), low birth weight (2[0.9%] vs 21[1.3%]), oligohydramnios (4[1.9%] vs 10[0.6%]), intrauterine fetal death (0[0%] vs 2[0.1%]). CONCLUSION: False positive results of Down syndrome screening test in the 2nd trimester do not appear to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. But there are statistically significant increases of adverse pregnancy outcome in wemen with elevation of MSAFP or elevation of free B-hCG.

The Value of Increased Nuchal Translucency(NT) for the Prediction of Abnormal Pregnancy Outcome / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the NT in the first trimester associated with fetal chromosomal abnormality, fetal structural abnormality and adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: From Mar. 1993 to Dec. 1997, 133 cases of increased NT were reviewed retrospectively. All these fetues were taken a karyotyping and/or a high resolution ultrasonography for associated anomaly. The NT was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography(TVS) and transabdominal ultrasonography(TAS) if difficulty was encountered with TVS in the period of the 10th-14th week of gestation. The increased NT is approved when it is over 3mm. RESULTS: Of these 133 cases, 102 cases(76.7%) revealed normal outcomes and 31 cases(23.3%) revealed abnormal outcomes such as chromosomal abnormality, structural abnormality and adverse pregnancy outcome, The mean value of NT was 3.44+/-0.68mm in the normal group and 4.93+/-2.70mm in the abnormal group, respectively. The chromosomal abnormalities were found in 16 of the 31 cases: nine Down SD, two Patau syndrome, one Tuner synrome, one triploidy, one 46, XX,i(18q), one 47,iso(Xp)/46,XX one confined placental mosaicism. In 12 cases of the 31 cases, the structural anomalies were detected. Of these 12 cases, 3 cases were eventually developed to cytsic hygroma, 3 cases were cardiac anomaly, 3 cases were renal anomaly, 1 case was congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 1 case was skeletal dysplasia and 1 case was suspected syndrome. The adverse pregnancy outcome such as intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death and preterm labor was revealed in 3 cases. In the cases of NT over 7mm, the result was 100% abnormal outcome. CONCLUSION: Increased NT in the first trimester could be a highly efficient the predictor for detection of chromosomal abnormality, structural anomaly and adverse pregnancy outcome.