Prevención de la preeclampsia y su relevancia en el contexto latinoamericano: una revisión narrativa

La preeclampsia es un trastorno hipertensivo de la gestación que se evidencia durante las últimas semanas de esta. Globalmente, la preeclampsia es la segunda causa de mortalidad materna. Se estima que su incidencia es de aproximadamente un 16% en los países en vías de desarrollo, y llega a superar el 25% en algunos países de Latinoamérica. Se describirán las principales estrategias de prevención de la preeclampsia y su relevancia en el contexto latinoamericano. La búsqueda de información tuvo lugar en PubMed y BVS para las publicaciones realizadas sobre prevención de la preeclampsia, utilizando la expresión de búsqueda (“Disease Prevention” OR “Primary Prevention”) AND (Pre-eclampsia OR Preeclampsia OR “Pre eclampsia”) AND (“Latin America” OR “Central America” OR “South America” OR Caribbean). En PubMed se encontraron 60 y en BVS 42 resultados que responden a la expresión de búsqueda, y fueron seleccionados 18 artículos que discuten estrategias de prevención de la preeclampsia en Latinoamérica. Con estos resultados, se pueden afirmar que, describir las mejores estrategias de prevención de la preeclampsia en Latinoamérica es una tarea pendiente, pues existe una relativa carencia de publicaciones. En consecuencia, se espera que esta revisión motive futuras investigaciones y sea un recurso útil en la actualización médica.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that is evident during the last weeks of it. Globally, preeclampsia is the second leading cause of maternal mortality. It is estimated that the incidence is approximately 16% in developing countries, and reaches over 25% in some Latin American countries. The main strategies for the prevention of preeclampsia and their relevance in the Latin American context will be described. The search for information took place in PubMed and BVS for publications on preeclampsia prevention, using the search expression (“Disease Prevention” OR “Primary Prevention”) AND (Pre-eclampsia OR Pre-eclampsia OR “Pre eclampsia”) AND (“Latin America” OR “Central America” OR “South America” OR Caribbean). In PubMed we found 60 and in VHL 42 results that respond to the search expression, and 18 articles were selected that discuss prevention strategies for preeclampsia in Latin America. With these results, it is possible to afirm that describing the best strategies for the prevention of preeclampsia in Latin America is a pending task, since there is a relative lack of publications. Consequently, it is hoped that this review will motivate future research and be a useful resource in medical updating.

Fatores associados à deficiência de vitamina D em mulheres gestantes e lactantes / Factores asociados a la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes / Factors associated with vitamin d deficiency in pregnant and lactatingwomen

Introdução: A deficiência de vitamina D durante a gestação e a lactação pode repercutir negativamente no desenvolvimento fetal e infantil, devido seu papel fundamental nos sistemas imunológico, cardíaco, ósseo, muscular e neural. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura para integrar estudos que evidenciam a deficiência de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes, e os fatores de risco associados a essa carência. Metodologia: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico entre agosto e outubro de 2021, com atualização entre outubro e novembro de 2022 através de pesquisas às bases Pubmed e Scielo, bem como às listas de referências dos artigos selecionados. Foram empregados os descritores consumo alimentar, vitamina D, deficiência de vitamina D, gestantes e lactantes, usando-se o operador booleano AND para a associação entre eles. Como critérios de inclusão foram adotados o tipo de estudo (epidemiológicos, ensaios clínicos e revisões integrativa e sistemática), o idioma (espanhol, inglês e português) e o período de publicação (2010 a 2022). Resultados: Evidenciou-se que existem vários fatores de riscos para a inadequação do status de vitamina D em gestantes e lactantes como a baixa exposição da pele à luz solar e fatores relacionados (uso excessivo de protetor solar, menor tempo de atividades ao ar livre, clima, religião e hábitos culturais, maior escolaridade);a pigmentação mais escura da pele; o baixo consumo alimentar de vitamina D e variáveis associadas; a menor idade materna; o primeiro trimestre gestacional; a primiparidade e o excesso de tecido adiposo. Conclusões: Em gestantes e lactantes, a carência de vitamina D associa-se a distintos fatores, com destaque principalmente para a baixa exposição à luz solar, a pigmentação mais escura da pele e o excesso de tecido adiposo, sendo de extrema importância que sejam abordados com cautela, visando ações voltadas a variáveis modificáveis, de modo a auxiliar na redução da hipovitaminose D nestes grupos (AU).

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a negative impact on fetal and infant development due to its fundamental role in the immune, cardiac, bone, muscular and neural systems. Objective: To conduct a literature review to integrate studies which show the Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant andlactating women, and the risk factors associated with this deficiency. Methodology: A bibliographic survey was carried out between August and October 2021, with an update between October and November 2022 through searches in the Pubmed and Scielo databases, as well as the reference lists of the selected articles. The descriptors food consumption, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, pregnant and lactating women were used, using the Boolean operator AND for the association between them. The type of study (epidemiological, clinical trials and integrative and systematic reviews), language (Spanish, English and Portuguese) and publication period (2010 to 2022) was adopted as inclusion criteria.Results:It was shown that there are several risk factors for inadequate vitamin D status in pregnant and lactating women, such as low skin exposure to sunlight and related factors (excessive use of sunscreen, less time spent outdoors, climate, religion and cultural habits, higher education); darker skin pigmentation; low dietary intake of vitamin D and associated variables; the lowest maternal age; the first gestational trimester; primiparity and excess adipose tissue.Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant and lactating women is associated with different factors, witha main emphasis on low exposure to sunlight, darker skin pigmentation and excess adipose tissue. Furthermore, it is extremely important that these factors are approached with caution, implementing actions aimed at modifiable variables in order to help reduce hypovitaminosis D in these groups (AU).

Introducción: La deficiencia de vitamina D durante el embarazo y la lactancia puede tener un impacto negativo en el desarrollo fetal e infantil, por su papel fundamental en los sistemas inmunológico, cardíaco, óseo, muscular y neural. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica para integrar estudios que evidencien la deficiencia de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, y los factores de riesgo asociados. Metodología:Se realizó un levantamiento bibliográfico entre agosto y octubre de 2021, con actualizaciones entre octubre y noviembre de 2022 mediante búsquedas en las bases de datos Pubmed y Scielo, así como en las listas de referencias de los artículos seleccionados. Se utilizaron los descriptores consumo de alimentos, vitamina D, deficiencia de vitamina D, gestantes y lactantes, utilizándose el operador booleano AND para la asociación entre ellos. Se adoptaron como criterios de inclusión el tipo de estudio (epidemiológicos, clínicos, revisiones integradoras y sistemáticas), idioma (español, inglés y portugués) y período de publicación (2010 a 2022).Resultados: Existen varios factores de riesgo para un estado inadecuado de vitamina D en mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, como la baja exposición de la piel a la luz solar y factores relacionados (uso excesivo de protector solar, menor tiempo al aire libre, clima, religión y hábitos culturales, educación más alta); pigmentación de la piel más oscura; baja ingesta dietética de vitamina D y variables asociadas; la edad materna más baja; el primer trimestre gestacional; Primiparidad y exceso de tejido adiposo. Conclusiones:En mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, el déficit de vitamina D se asocia a diferentes factores, especialmente la baja exposición solar, la pigmentación de la piel más oscura y el exceso de tejido adiposo, y es de suma importancia abordarlos con precaución, apuntando a acciones dirigidas a variables modificables, con el fin de ayudar a reducir la hipovitaminosis D en estos grupos (AU).

Uma escuta à gestante na instituição: entre o trauma e a inventividade / Listening to pregnant women in the institution: bettween trauma and investiveness / Una escucha de gestantes en la instituición: entre trauma y la inventiva

Trata-se de um relato de pesquisa, com referencial na teoria psicanalítica, que teve como objetivo investigar a relevância da escuta às mulheres gestantes em uma instituição de saúde pública. Com base nos relatos destas mulheres, feitos por meio de entrevistas individuais, discorremos sobre o lugar da maternidade e as consequentes transformações em suas vidas. Os significantes emergidos nesses encontros foram articulados com os conceitos de inibição, repetição e angústia, além da transmissibilidade na maternidade e suas aproximações com a noção de trauma. A partir disso, percebemos a importância de serem realizadas discussões no campo psicanalítico a respeito de temas como aborto, luto perinatal e violência obstétrica. Concluímos que o espaço de acolhimento à gestante possibilita a elaboração das angústias vividas com a maternidade, ao tempo que nos aponta a necessidade premente de um espaço de escuta às gestantes que trazem temáticas relativas à atenção à saúde da mulher (AU).

It concerns a research report, with reference on psychoanalysis, that has had the main goal of investigating the relevance of listening to pregnant women in a public health institution. Based onthe pregnant women's reports, given through individual interviews, we discussed the place of maternity and the consequent changes in those women's lives. The signifiers brought to light on those meetings were articulated with the concepts of inhibition, repetition,and anguish, apart from the transmissibility in maternity and its bonds to the notion of trauma. With that as a starting point, we perceive the importance of making discussions in the psychoanalytic field about themes such as abortion, perinatal grief,and obstetric violence. We concluded that the place of sheltering for pregnant women ensures the possibility of elaboration of the lived anguish with maternity, whilepoints us towards the compelling need of a listening space to pregnant women that raises themes related to the attention to women's health (AU).

Este es un relato de investigación, con referencia en la teoría psicoanalítica, que tuvo como objetivo investigar la relevancia de la escucha a las mujeres gestantes en una institución de salud pública. Basándonos en los relatos de estas mujeres, obtenidos por medio de entrevistas individuales, redactamos sobre el lugar de la maternidad y las consiguientes transformaciones en sus vidas. Los significantes emergidos en estos encuentros fueron articulados con los conceptos de inhibición, repetición y angustia, así como la transmisibilidad en la maternidad y sus aproximaciones a la noción de trauma. A partir de eso, notamos la importancia de llevar a cabo discusiones en el campo psicoanalítico con respecto a temas como el aborto, el duelo perinatal y la violencia obstétrica. Concluimos que el espacio de acogida a la mujer embarazada posibilita la elaboración de las angustias vividas con la maternidad, al tiempo que nos señala la necesidad apremiante de un espacio de escucha para las mujeres gestantes que traen temas relacionados a la atención a la salud de la mujer (AU)

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de embarazadas y puérperas con covid-19 ingresadas en cuidados intensivos

Introducción: La infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 se ha convertido en una pandemia que ha ocasionado gran número de complicaciones y suele ser fatal para embarazadas y puérperas. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de embarazadas y puérperas con covid-19 ingresadas en cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal, de 56 embarazadas y puérperas con diagnóstico confirmado de covid-19, ingresadas en el Servicio de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Provincial Docente Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany de Santiago de Cuba durante el 2021. Las variables analizadas fueron la edad, los antecedentes personales, la causa de ingreso, el estado al egreso y la principal causa de muerte. A tal efecto, se calcularon las frecuencias, los porcentajes y la tasa de letalidad. Resultados: Hubo predominio de las gestantes en todos los grupos de edades (58,9 %) en relación con las puérperas (41,1 %), principalmente en el grupo etario de 31-35 años (30,3 %). La hipertensión arterial resultó ser la comorbilidad más frecuente con 71,4 y 28,6 %, para embarazadas y puérperas, respectivamente; en tanto, 66,6 % de las primeras y 33,3 % de las segundas fueron ingresadas por neumonía. Todas las embarazadas egresaron vivas y 7 puérperas fallecieron. La tasa de letalidad fue de 12,5 y el síndrome de disfunción multiorgánica apareció en 57,2 % de las afectadas. Conclusiones: La hipertensión arterial fue la comorbilidad más frecuente, la neumonía viral, el principal diagnóstico al ingreso y el síndrome de disfunción multiorgánica, la primera causa directa de muerte.

Introduction: Infection due to SARS-CoV-2 virus has become a pandemic that has caused great number of complications and is usually fatal for pregnant and newly-delivered women. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pregnant and newly-delivered women with Covid-19 admitted to intensive care units. Methods: An observational descriptive, cross-sectional study of 56 pregnant and newly-delivered women with confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 was carried out; they were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Dr. Joaquín Castillo Duany Teaching Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba during 2021. The analyzed variables were age, past health history, cause of admission, state when discharged from the institution and the main cause of death. For this purpose, the frequencies, percentages and case fatality rate were calculated. Results: There was a prevalence of pregnant women in all the age groups (58.9%) relative to the newly-delivered women (41.1%), mainly in the 31- 35 age group (30.3%). Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity with 71.4 and 28.6%, for pregnant and newly-delivered women, respectively; as long as, 66.6% of the first ones and 33.3% of the second ones were admitted due to pneumonia. All the pregnant women were discharged alive and 7 newly-delivered women died. Case fatality rate was 12.5 and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome appeared in 57.2% of those affected. Conclusions: Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity, viral pneumonia was the main admission diagnosis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, the first direct cause of death.

Importancia de las determinaciones inmunohematológicas en el control prenatal de gestantes con grupo sanguíneo RhD negativo

La guía para la atención prenatal es el marco regulatorio de las normas de obstetricia para el control y cuidado de las gestantes, con énfasis en aquellas que poseen el grupo sanguíneo RhD negativo. La aloinmunización por anti-D es la causa más frecuente y grave de la enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido. Para un diagnóstico temprano de la embarazada con dicho grupo sanguíneo, resulta necesario determinar los anticuerpos antieritrocitarios involucrados. En la presente comunicación se resalta la función del laboratorio de inmunohematología en el seguimiento de la gestante con grupo de sangre RhD negativo.

The guide for prenatal care is the regulatory mark of obstetrics norms for the control and care of pregnant women, with emphasis on those who have the RhD negative blood group. Alloimmunization by anti-D is the most frequent and serious cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn. For an early diagnosis of the pregnant woman with said blood group, it is necessary to determine the red blood cell antibodies involved. This communication highlights the role of the immunohematology laboratory in the follow-up of pregnant woman with RhD negative blood type.

Asociación del bajo peso al nacer con el control prenatal, la anemia materna y ser madre soltera

Fundamento: la elevada frecuencia de recién nacidos con peso inferior al adecuado, en relación con la anemia materna, la atención prenatal insuficiente y la condición de madre soltera, puede tener importantes repercusiones en la salud de las madres y los niños. Objetivo: identificar la relación entre el control prenatal, la anemia materna y la condición de ser madre soltera con el bajo peso al nacer de los infantes. Método: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y retrospectivo de casos y controles en gestantes atendidas en un hospital de la región Sierra de Ecuador durante el año 2022. La muestra fue de 280 pacientes. El grupo de casos lo conformaron las gestantes con hijos con bajo peso al nacer (n = 70) y el grupo de control por gestantes con recién nacidos con peso normal (n = 210). Se realizó la prueba de Chi cuadrado de independencia y se calculó el Odds Ratio y su intervalo de confianza del 95 % para el nivel de asociación entre las variables. Resultados: la relación de la variable asistencia a controles prenatales con respecto al bajo peso al nacer mostró una asociación protectora (OR = 0,5). Se identificaron como factores de riesgo, la anemia materna (OR = 3,1) y la condición de madre soltera (OR = 2,3) por sus altos valores de asociación positiva y directa. Conclusiones: el control prenatal, la anemia materna y la condición de madre soltera resultaron tener un nivel de asociación significativa con el bajo peso al nacer.

Foundation: the high frequency of newborns with less than adequate weight, in relation to maternal anemia, insufficient prenatal care and single mother status, can have important repercussions on the health of mothers and children. Objective: to identify the relationship between prenatal control, maternal anemia and the condition of being a single mother with low birth weight of infants. Method: an observational, analytical and retrospective case-control study was carried out in pregnant women treated in a hospital in the Sierra region of Ecuador during the year 2022. The sample was 280 patients. The case group was made up of pregnant women with children with low birth weight (n = 70) and the control group was made up of pregnant women with newborns with normal weight (n = 210). The Chi square test of independence was performed and the Odds Ratio and its 95 % confidence interval were calculated for the level of association between the variables. Results: the relationship between the variable attendance at prenatal check-ups and low birth weight showed a protective association (OR = 0,5). Maternal anemia (OR = 3,1) and being a single mother (OR = 2,3) were identified as risk factors due to their high values of positive and direct association. Conclusions: prenatal control, maternal anemia and single mother status turned out to have a significant level of association with low birth weight.

Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de gestantes que vivem com HIV na Macrorregião Sul de Saúde de Santa Catarina / Clinical and epidemiological profile of pregnant women living with HIV in the Southern Health Macroregion of Santa Catarina

Objetivo: Nos últimos anos, a epidemia de HIV tem incidido consideravelmente e de forma silenciosa na população de mulheres gestantes, sobretudo devido à subnotificação, ao diagnóstico tardio e à negligência quanto à realização de teste anti-HIV pelas infectadas. Diante disso, este estudo tem por objetivo descrever o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de gestantes que vivem com HIV na Macrorregião Sul de Saúde de Santa Catarina. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, ana- lítico, retrospectivo, com base em dados secundários retirados das plataformas Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e Sistema de Monitora- mento Clínico das Pessoas Vivendo com HIV/AIDS (SIMC), acerca de gestantes que vivem com HIV na Macrorregião Sul de Saúde de Santa Catarina, no período entre 2019 e 2022. Resultados: A partir dos dados sociodemográficos, obteve-se um perfil epidemiológico prevalente de mulheres com idade entre 30 e 49 anos, brancas, com baixo nível de escolaridade e entre 1 a 13 semanas de gestação no momento da notificação de infecção por HIV. O perfil clínico apontou para a prevalência de mulheres em uso de terapia antirretroviral, com carga viral acima de 1.000 cópias/ mL e contagem de linfócitos T-CD4+ superior a 350 células/mm3. Conclusão: Apesar do baixo nível de escolaridade e da elevada carga viral, o resultado foi positivo para a população selecionada, uma vez que foi demonstrada boa adesão ao tra- tamento e alta contagem de linfócitos, sendo esses bons preditores de evolução clínica para o HIV.

Objective: In recent years, the HIV epidemic has significantly and silently affected the population of pregnant women, mainly due to underreporting, late diagnosis, and neglect of HIV testing among infected individuals. In light of this, the aim of this study is to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of pregnant women living with HIV in the Southern Health Macroregion of Santa Catarina. Methods: This is an ecological, analytical, retrospective study based on secondary data retrieved from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (Sinan) and the Clinical Monitoring System for People Living with HIV/ AIDS (SIMC), regarding pregnant women living with HIV in the Southern Health Macroregion of Santa Catarina from 2019 to 2022. Results: Based on sociodemographic data, a prevalent epidemiological profile was identified, with women aged 30 to 49 years, white, with low educational level, and between 1 to 13 weeks of gestation at the time of HIV infection notifica- tion. The clinical profile revealed a prevalence of women on antiretroviral therapy, with a viral load above 1,000 copies/ mL and a T-CD4+ lymphocyte count above 350 cells/mm3. Conclusion: Despite the low educational level and high viral load, the outcome was positive for the selected population, as good treatment adherence and high lymphocyte count were demonstrated, both of which are good predictors of clinical progression for HIV.

Management of hepatitis C in children and pregnant women / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatitis C virus infection is a global public health issue， and the emergence of direct-acting antiviral agents has brought revolutionary breakthroughs in the treatment of hepatitis C patients. Although direct-acting antiviral agents have a marked therapeutic effect in adult patients， there are still many challenges in the treatment of special populations such as pregnant women， infants， young children， and adolescents. This article reviews the current status of antiviral therapy for these special populations with hepatitis C and the problems that need to be solved， in order to provide reference and guidance for clinical workers.

Associations between lifestyle and comorbid anxiety and depression in pregnant women / 环境与职业医学

Background Anxiety and depression are common perinatal mental health issues that often occur together and can have serious negative effects on both maternal and infant health. Objective To examine the relationships between lifestyle factors and comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) among pregnant women in Shanghai. Methods The study estimated the prevalence of CAD during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) based on data from the China National Birth Cohort (CNBC) embryonic-derived diseases with assisted reproductive technology (ART) sub-cohort. Information on demographics, sleep status, nutritional intake, and exercise during each trimester was collected through self-made questionnaires, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Lifestyle factors (such as sleep status, nutritional intake, and exercise during each trimester) were analyzed using logistic regression and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) to determine their impacts on the prevalence of CAD (yes or no) among pregnant women. Results A total of 2876 pregnant women were included in this study. The prevalence of CAD was 10.6% (305), 3.6% (103), and 5.5% (159) in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that poor sleep quality throughout the entire pregnancy were statistically associated with an increased prevalence of CAD, and the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 2.817 (1.845, 4.301), 2.840 (1.855, 4.347), and 9.316 (5.835, 14.876) for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, when compared to good sleep quality. Additionally, compared to an intake frequency of 7 times per week, the frequency of egg intake ≤3 times per week in the first trimester (OR=2.025, 95%CI: 1.197, 3.425) and the frequency of egg intake of 4–6 times per week (OR=1.896, 95%CI: 1.117, 3.216) or ≤3 times per week (OR=1.906, 95%CI: 1.082, 3.357) in the third trimester were associated with an increased risk of CAD (P<0.05). Moreover, when compared to a frequency of exercise >3 times per week, never or almost never exercising in the second trimester (OR=2.218, 95%CI: 1.220, 4.035) was associated with an increased risk of CAD (P<0.05). The GLMM analysis also demonstrated a significant association between poor sleep quality, lower exercise frequency, or lower intake frequency of vegetables, eggs, or milk and an increased risk of CAD (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of CAD among pregnant women in Shanghai follows a U-shaped distribution, with the highest rate occurring in early pregnancy and the lowest rate in mid-pregnancy. Factors such as poor sleep quality, inadequate intake of vegetables, eggs, or milk, and lack of exercise during pregnancy may increase the risk of CAD. Implementing lifestyle interventions during pregnancy could potentially reduce the risk of mental health problems and improve the overall health of both mothers and babies.

A Prospective Cohort Study Investigating Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Mosul, Iraq, among Women with Grand Multiparity

@#Introduction: This prospective case-control study aimed to compare the incidence of fetomaternal complications between grand multiparous women under the age of 35 and pregnant women with low parity in the same age group. Methods: The study was conducted at Al-khansaa and Al-Batool Teaching Hospitals from October 1, 2020, to June 1, 2021. One hundred pregnant women with singleton pregnancies in all three trimesters, aged between 18 and 34 years, were selected from the outpatient clinic and the ward. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 50 grand multiparous women (with five or more deliveries), and Group B comprised 50 pregnant women with low parity (2-4 pregnancies) in the same age group. Results: The study found that gestational diabetes, anemia, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, cesarean section rate, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions were significantly higher in the grand multiparity group compared to the low parity group. The mean Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: The findings suggest that grand multiparity among younger mothers poses additional risks to pregnancy outcomes, including increased rates of gestational diabetes, anemia, postpartum hemorrhage, cesarean section, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, especially in cases with inadequate antenatal care. The findings of this study underscore the need for further research in this area. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with grand multiparity among younger mothers can lead to more targeted interventions and improved outcomes.

Clinical features of critically ill pregnant and parturient women infected with chronic hepatitis B virus： An analysis of 41 cases / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and outcomes of critically ill pregnant and parturient women with chronic hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection， and to provide clinical experience for the rescue of critically ill pregnant and parturient women and the prevention and treatment of the severe exacerbation of liver disease. MethodsA total of 41 pregnant and parturient women with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine， Nanjing Second Hospital， from March 2013 to March 2023 were enrolled in this study， and their clinical data were collected through the electronic medical record system of hospital to summarize the main causes of transfer to the intensive care unit （ICU）， the causes of death， and treatment. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsAmong the 41 patients， 13 （31.71%） did not receive regular antenatal examination and 8 （19.51%） with a high viral load （HBV DNA ≥2×105 IU/mL） did not receive antiviral therapy. Cesarean section was the main mode of delivery in 32 patients （78.05%）； 23 patients （56.10%） had premature delivery， and 5 patients died （12.20%）. The top three causes of transfer to the ICU were liver failure， postpartum hemorrhage， and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Liver failure mainly occurred in late pregnancy， with hepatic encephalopathy as the most common complication （28.57%） and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy as the most common comorbidity （21.43%）； among the 14 patients with liver failure， 6 （42.86%） received regular antenatal examination， and 13 （92.86%） did not receive antiviral therapy before admission. The mean length of ICU stay was 3.31±1.65 days for the patients with postpartum hemorrhage， among whom the patients with severe liver disease had coagulation disorders before delivery， which were difficult to correct after 48 hours of treatment. ConclusionPregnant and parturient women with chronic HBV infection tend to have complex conditions and a relatively high mortality rate. For pregnant and parturient women with chronic HBV infection， assessment of liver status， regular antenatal examination， and timely antiviral therapy are of vital importance to reduce severe exacerbation and mortality rate.

Abnormal liver biochemical parameters in pregnancy during the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in abnormal liver biochemical parameters in pregnant patients during the epidemic or non-epidemic period of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 539 pregnant women who were discharged from Department of Obstetrics， Peking University First Hospital， from October 2017 to March 2022 and had at least one abnormal liver biochemical parameter among alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase （GGT）， total bilirubin （TBil）， and total bile acid. The patients in the epidemic period of COVID-19 and those in the non-epidemic period of COVID-19 were compared in terms of etiology， coagulation parameters， aminotransferases， bile acid， and renal function. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsAmong the patients discharged from Department of Obstetrics during the non-epidemic period of COVID-19， 262 had abnormal liver biochemical parameters， accounting for 1.46%， while 277 patients had abnormal liver biochemical parameters during the epidemic period of COVID-19， accounting for 1.73% among the patients discharged from Department of Obstetrics during the same period of time， and there was a significant difference between these two groups （χ2=3.947， P=0.047）. The etiological analysis of the patients with abnormal liver biochemical parameters during the two periods showed that there was no difference in the proportion of patients with four pregnancy-specific liver diseases （hyperemesis gravidarum， preeclampsia and eclampsia， intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy， and acute fatty liver of pregnancy）. As for the patients with abnormal liver biochemical parameters in pregnancy， there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normal creatinine and stimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） between the epidemic period and the non-epidemic period （86.78% vs 87.90%， χ2=0.141， P=0.708）. The patients with ALT≥5×upper limit of normal accounted for 7.94% in the epidemic period of COVID-19 and 9.54% in the non-epidemic period （χ2=0.433， P=0.511）， and the patients with severe cholestasis accounted for 7.75% in the epidemic period of COVID-19 and 9.27% in the non-epidemic period （χ2=0.392， P=0.531）. The proportion of patients with obstetric bleeding during the epidemic period of COVID-19 was significantly lower than that during the non-epidemic period （14.61% vs 24.19%， χ2=489.334， P<0.001）. ConclusionThere is no difference in the proportion of patients with pregnancy-specific liver diseases among the patients with abnormal liver biochemical parameters in pregnancy between the epidemic period and the non-epidemic period of COVID-19， and there is no change in the proportion of patients with normal creatinine and eGFR among these patients in the epidemic period of COVID-19.

Anemia ferropénica en el embarazo: esquema de sulfato ferroso intermitente en comparación con el continuo / Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy: comparison of intermittent versus continuous ferrous sulphate regimen

Resumen OBJETIVO: Comparar las concentraciones de hemoglobina en embarazadas con anemia por deficiencia de hierro que recibieron un tratamiento intermitente en comparación con el continuo de 200 mg de sulfato ferroso por vía oral. Además, comparar la frecuencia de efectos secundarios del tratamiento intermitente con el continuo. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, no cegado, efectuado en la Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, en pacientes de 18 a 35 años atendidas entre los meses de enero a marzo del 2023 con 30 o más semanas de embarazo, diagnóstico de anemia ferropénica (definida operativamente solo con una biometría hemática inferior a 11 g/dL, con hipocromía y microcitosis), sin antecedentes de enfermedad crónico-degenerativa. El análisis estadístico se procesó en el programa SPSS v21, la distribución y características de la muestra con análisis univariado, seguido de un análisis bivariado con t de Student y diferencia de medias. Se consideró con significación estadística el valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 32 pacientes: 16 con esquema continuo y 16 con el intermitente. Ambos grupos con incremento de 1 g/dL entre la hemoglobina inicial y final (p < 0.01), con una diferencia de medias entre el aumento de los grupos con p = 0.4. Con disminución significativa de la epigastralgia y la náusea. CONCLUSIONES: El tratamiento intermitente con sulfato ferroso incrementa las concentraciones de hemoglobina igual que un esquema continuo, pero con menos efectos adversos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare hemoglobin concentrations in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia who received intermittent versus continuous treatment with 200 mg oral ferrous sulfate. In addition, to compare the incidence of side effects of intermittent versus continuous treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized, non-blinded, clinical trial conducted at the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, IMSS, in patients aged 18 to 35 years attended between January and March 2023 with 30 or more weeks of pregnancy, diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (operationally defined only with a blood biometry lower than 11 g/dL, with hypochromia and microcytosis), without a history of chronic degenerative disease. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS v21 program, distribution and characteristics of the sample with univariate analysis, followed by bivariate analysis with Student's t and mean difference. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were studied: 16 with continuous and 16 with intermittent regimen. Both groups with increase of 1 g/dL between initial and final hemoglobin (p < 0.01), with a mean difference between groups increase with p = 0.4. With significant reduction in epigastralgia and nausea. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent treatment with ferrous sulfate increases hemoglobin concentrations.

Incidencia del espectro de acretismo placentario en la unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos del Hospital de la Mujer de Sinaloa / Incidence of the placental accretism spectrum in the obstetric intensive care unit of the Hospital de la Mujer of Sinaloa

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la incidencia del espectro del acretismo placentario en pacientes ingresadas a la unidad de cuidados intensivos obstétricos del Hospital de la Mujer, Culiacán, Sinaloa. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo fundamentado en el análisis de la base de datos del Hospital de la Mujer de pacientes internadas entre los años 2017 a 2020 con diagnóstico de espectro de placenta acreta, referidas o diagnosticadas en la institución e intervenidas para histerectomía por la complicación estudiada. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 22 pacientes con diagnóstico de acretismo placentario que dieron una incidencia de 0.09%; de éstas, a 1 se le indicó cesárea; 19 de las 22 pacientes tenían antecedente de cicatriz uterina previa, todas con placenta previa. El promedio de edad fue de 30.86 ± 4 años. La cesárea se practicó, en promedio, a las 34 semanas de embarazo con dos técnicas quirúrgicas. El sangrado promedio estimado fue de 1.947 mL. Las complicaciones transoperatorias fueron las lesiones: ureteral (n = 2) y vesical (n = 1). La principal complicación posoperatoria fue la fístula vesicouterina (n = 1). El promedio de estancia fue de 2 días en 16 de las 22 pacientes y de 7 días en las 6 restantes. CONCLUSIONES: Lo importante del acretismo placentario es el diagnóstico oportuno que permita derivar a las pacientes a centros hospitalarios que cuenten con especialistas experimentados en la atención de estos casos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of placental accretism spectrum in pregnant women admitted to the obstetric intensive care unit of the Hospital de la Mujer, Culiacán, Sinaloa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study based on the analysis of the database of the Hospital de la Mujer of patients admitted between 2017 and 2020 with a diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum, referred or diagnosed at the institution and underwent hysterectomy for the complication studied. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of placenta accreta were analysed, giving a prevalence of 0.09%; of these, caesarean section was indicated in 0.2%. 19 of the 22 patients had a history of previous uterine scarring, all with placenta praevia. Mean age was 30.86 ± 4 years. Caesarean section was performed at a mean gestational age of 34 weeks using two surgical techniques. The mean estimated blood loss was 1,947 mL. The most common operative complications were ureteral (n = 2) and bladder (n = 1) injuries. The most common postoperative complication was vesico-uterine fistula (n = 1). The mean length of stay was 2 days in 16 of the 22 patients and 7 days in the remaining 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The most important aspect of placenta accreta is early diagnosis, which allows referral to hospital centres with specialists experienced in the management of these cases.

Potencial transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en la segunda generación de jóvenes embarazadas que asistieron a su control prenatal en el departamento de Cordillera, Paraguay

Trypanosoma cruzi es el agente causal de la enfermedad de Chagas. En Paraguay se estima que existen 165.000 personas infectadas y actualmente la principal vía de transmisión es la congénita, con una prevalencia del 5% y con alrededor de 400 niños infectados nacidos por año. El departamento de Cordillera es área endémica de la Región Oriental del país, donde se implementó el Programa de Control Prenatal de Chagas en el año 1995. El objetivo de este estudio fue inferir sobre la potencial transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en jóvenes embarazadas de segunda generación de Cordillera que asistieron a su control prenatal en el período 2010-2012, 15 años después de la implementación del Programa de Control Prenatal. De 9.588 embarazadas; 482 fueron seropositivas (5%); 2,74% en el grupo de 12 a 19 años, 4,93% de 20 a 30 años, 8,03% de 31 a 40 años y 16,11% de 41 a 48 años. Para estimar el origen de la transmisión congénita de segunda generación se tuvo en cuenta a las 72 seropositivas de 12 a 19 años y según la base de datos de las respectivas madres 61 eran seropositivas. Con esta información se estima que la transmisión a embarazadas de segunda generación de 12 a 19 años fue congénita en un 85% indicando una transmisión congénita muy significativa en la población de estudio. Esta información ayudaría al Programa Nacional de Chagas en el fortalecimiento del control de la transmisión congénita de la enfermedad de Chagas en el país.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease. In Paraguay, it is estimated that 165,000 people are infected and currently the main route of transmission is the congenital one, with a prevalence of 5% and about 400 infected children are born per year. The Department of Cordillera is an endemic area of the Eastern Region of the country, where the Chagas Prenatal Control Program was implemented in 1995. The aim of this study was to infer the potential congenital transmission of Chagas disease towards second generation pregnant women from the Department of Cordillera who attended their prenatal control in the period 2010-2012, 15 years after the implementation of the Prenatal Control Program. Of 9,588 pregnant women; 482 were seropositive (5%); 2.74% in the group aged 12 to 19 years, 4.93% aged 20 to 30 years, 8.03% aged 31 to 40 years, and 16.11% aged 41 to 48 years. To estimate the origin of second generation congenital transmission, the 72 seropositive women aged 12 to 19 years were taken into account and according to the database of their respective mothers, 61 mothers of the 72 were seropositive. With this información, it can be estimated that 85% of the transmission to second generation pregnant women aged 12 to 19 years was congenital showing a very significant congenital transmission in the study population. This information could help the National Chagas Program in strengthening the control of congenital transmission of Chagas disease in the country.

Percepções das mulheres grávidas sobre as fontes de informação relativas ao vírus Zika: um estudo qualitativo / Pregnant women's perceptions on information sources on Zika virus: a qualitative study

Resumo A epidemia do vírus Zika (ZIKV) teve impacto sanitário, psicossocial e econômico sobre pessoas em idade reprodutiva. A principal preocupação foi a infecção durante a gravidez devido a possível transmissão vertical e sua associação com resultados fetais e infantis adversos, conhecida como síndrome congênita associada à infecção pelo Vírus Zika (SCZ). Este estudo qualitativo utiliza a fenomenologia e a teoria fundamentada. O estudo inclui entrevistas com 98 mulheres, parte grávida durante a epidemia de ZIKV no Brasil, Colômbia e Porto Rico e que tiveram filhos com SCZ ou sem comprometimento neurológico diagnosticado. Além disso, o estudo inclui um grupo de mulheres grávidas durante a pandemia de COVID-19 nos mesmos países. Em ambos os grupos, as entrevistadas tinham diferentes níveis de conhecimento sobre ZIKV. O estudo constatou que as mensagens veiculadas por meio da mídia eram alarmistas; em contraste com as informações fornecidas por profissionais de saúde, consideradas mais confiáveis. Mulheres gestantes durante a epidemia do ZIKV relataram ter recebido seu diagnóstico de infecção por ZIKV e SCZ tardiamente ou após o parto. O estudo destaca as necessidades das mulheres grávidas em cenários de alto risco, a importância de processos de educação em saúde e a necessidade de reforçar a comunicação e a educação continuada.

Abstract The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic had a sanitary, psychosocial, and economic impact on individuals of reproductive age. The primary concern revolved around infection during pregnancy due to possible vertical transmission and its association with adverse fetal and infant outcomes, known as Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). This qualitative study employs phenomenology and grounded theory. This study includes interviews with 98 women, some pregnant during the ZIKV epidemic in Brazil, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, who had children with CZS or without diagnosed neurological impairment. Additionally, the study included a group of women who were pregnant during the Covid-19 pandemic in these same countries. In both groups, interviewees had varying levels of knowledge about ZIKV. The study found that messages conveyed through the media tended to be alarmist, in contrast to the information provided by healthcare professionals, which was considered more trustworthy. Pregnant women during the ZIKV epidemic reported receiving their ZIKV and CSZ infection diagnoses late, either during or after childbirth. The study underscores the needs of pregnant women in high-risk scenarios, the importance of health education processes, and the necessity to reinforce communication and continuing education.

Determinants of anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia: unmatched case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending a tertiary referral hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: An unmatched case-control study was conducted on pregnant women who visited the antenatal clinics of a tertiary referral hospital between March and July 2021. The study recruited pregnant women who had a hemoglobin level of <11 g/dL into the anemic group, while those with hemoglobin levels ≥11 g/dL were included in the non-anemic group. Demographics, clinical, obstetrics, nutrition-related, hygiene- and sanitation-related, and parasitic infection-related data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 449 pregnant women (399 anemic and 50 non-anemic) participated in the study. A total of 224 (56.7%) in the anemic group and 31 (62.0%) in the non-anemic group did not consume any dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow (p=0.040). Notably, 255 (63.9%) in the anemic group and 21 (42.0%) in the non-anemic group had a middle-upper arm circumference <23 cm. More than half of anemic [335 (84%)] and non-anemic [46 (92.0%)] were classified under low dietary diversity score. Majority of the study participants, 288 (72.4%) of the anemic and 39 (78%) of the non-anemic groups, used pit toilets in dwellings, and 70.2% (134/191) of the anemic and 64.4% (246/382) of the non-anemic groups disposed of solid waste in open fields. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that women who consumed green vegetables such as spinach, bukurey, cagaar, and koomboow in their diet had middle-upper arm circumference less than 23 cm, and those with low dietary diversity significantly developed anemia during pregnancy.

Ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy and newborn weight / Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados durante a gestação e peso ao nascer do recém-nascido

Abstract Objectives: to assess the association between pregnant women's consumption of ultra-processed foods and newborn body weight. Methods: prospective study with pregnant women (n=214) selected from all Basic Health Units in the city of Pinhais, Paraná. Socioeconomic, demographic, and health data were collected. Food consumption data were assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and tabulated with GloboDiet software. Daily relative energy intake of ultra-processed food was estimated and logistic regression analysis was utilized. The infuence of covariates on the association analysis was also explored (e.g., income and education). Results: ultra-processed foods contributed to 26.9% of pregnant women's total energy intake. About 5.7% of newborns were classifed as small-for-gestational-age and 10.7% as large-for-gestational-age. A borderline statistically signifcant association was observed between large-for-gestational-age newborn weight and maternal consumption of ultra-processed foods (OR= 1.027; p=0.048). Additionally, family income was associated with the consumption of ultra-processed foods (OR= 0.144; p=0.008). With each additional 1% consumption of ultra-processed foods, mothers' likelihood of having large-for-gestational-age babies increased by about 2.7%. Conclusions: the study reveals a trend of positive association between the weight of large-for-gestational-age newborns and the consumption of ultra-processed foods by pregnant women, but not for small-for-gestational-age children.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados por gestantes e o peso de recém-nascidos. Métodos: estudo prospectivo com gestantes (n=214) selecionadas em Unidades Básicas de Saúde em Pinhais, Paraná. Dados socioeconômicos, demográfcos e de saúde foram coletados. Dados de consumo alimentar foram coletados por recordatório de 24-horas físico e entrados no software GloboDiet. O consumo diário relativo de energia proveniente de alimentos ultraprocessados foi estimado e a análise de regressão logística foi utilizada, considerando covariáveis como renda familiar e escolaridade. Resultados: o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados pelas gestantes representou 26,9% da energia total. Cerca de 5,7% de recém-nascidos foram classifcados como pequenos para idade gestacional (PIG) e 10,7% como grandes para idade gestacional (GIG). Foi observada uma associação estatisticamente signifcativa limítrofe entre o peso dos recém-nascidos GIG e o consumo materno de alimentos ultraprocessados (OR= 1,027; p=0,048). Além disso, a renda familiar esteve associada com o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados (OR=0,144; p=0,008). A cada 1% adicional de consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados, a probabilidade de as mães terem recém-nascidos GIG aumentou cerca de 2,7%. Conclusões: o estudo revela uma tendência de associação positiva entre o peso de recém-nascidos GIG e o consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados por mulheres grávidas, mas não para crianças PIG.

Impact of doula's continuous support on serotonin release in parturients: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: To evaluate whether the continuous support provided by doulas influences the endogenous release of serotonin in parturients. Methods: This pilot study included 24 primigravidae at term. Of these, 12 women received continuous doula support (Experimental Group), whereas the other 12 received the usual assistance without doula support (Control Group). Blood samples were collected from all the women at the active and expulsion stages of labor and at the fourth period of labor (Greenberg period) for evaluation of their serotonin levels using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The average serotonin concentrations in the control and experimental groups were respectively 159.33 and 150.02 ng/mL at the active stage, 179.13 and 162.65 ng/mL at the expulsion stage, and 198.94 and 221.21 ng/mL at the Greenberg period. There were no statistically significant differences in serotonin concentrations between the two groups at the active and expulsion stages of labor. By contrast, within the experimental group, a significant increase in serotonin concentration was observed in the Greenberg period compared with the levels in the active and expulsion stages (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The novelty of this study relies on the ability to correlate the influence of the continuous support offered by doulas with the release of serotonin in parturients, with the results suggesting that the assistance received during labor can modulate the levels of hormone release in the Greenberg period. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-4zjjm4h

Factors associated with the absence of postpartum consultations in a high-risk population

Abstract Objective: To assess the rate of missed postpartum appointments at a referral center for high-risk pregnancy and compare puerperal women who did and did not attend these appointments to identify related factors. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with all women scheduled for postpartum consultations at a high-risk obstetrics service in 2018. The variables selected to compare women were personal, obstetric, and perinatal. The variables of interest were obtained from the hospital's electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, or Mann-Whitney tests. For the variable of the interbirth interval, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to best discriminate whether or not patients attended the postpartum consultation. The significance level for the statistical tests was 5%. Results: A total of 1,629 women scheduled for postpartum consultations in 2018 were included. The rate of missing the postpartum consultation was 34.8%. A shorter interbirth interval (p = 0.039), previous use of psychoactive substances (p = 0.027), current or former smoking (p = 0.003), and multiparity (p < 0.001) were associated with non-attendance. Conclusion: This study showed a high rate of postpartum appointment non-attendance. This is particularly relevant because it was demonstrated in a high-risk obstetric service linked to clinical severity or social vulnerability cases. This highlights the need for new approaches to puerperal women before hospital discharge and new tools to increase adherence to postpartum consultations, especially for multiparous women.