Pregnancy after kidney transplantation: 40 years single-center experience / Gestação após transplante renal: 40 anos de experiência em centro único

Abstract Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) improves quality of life, including fertility recovery. Objective: to describe outcomes of post-KT pregnancy and long-term patient and graft survival compared to a matched control group of female KT recipients who did not conceive. Methods: retrospective single-center case-control study with female KT recipients from 1977 to 2016, followed-up until 2019. Results: there were 1,253 female KT patients of childbearing age in the study period: 78 (6.2%) pregnant women (cases), with a total of 97 gestations. The median time from KT to conception was 53.0 (21.5 - 91.0) months. Abortion rate was 41% (spontaneous 21.6%, therapeutic 19.6%), preterm delivery, 32%, and at term delivery, 24%. Pre-eclampsia (PE) occurred in 42% of pregnancies that reached at least 20 weeks. The presence of 2 or more risk factors for poor pregnancy outcomes was significantly associated with abortions [OR 3.33 (95%CI 1.43 - 7.75), p = 0.007] and with kidney graft loss in 2 years. The matched control group of 78 female KT patients was comparable on baseline creatinine [1.2 (1.0 - 1.5) mg/dL in both groups, p = 0.95] and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) [0.27 (0.15 - 0.44) vs. 0.24 (0.02 - 0.30), p = 0.06]. Graft survival was higher in cases than in controls in 5 years (85.6% vs 71.5%, p = 0.012) and 10 years (71.9% vs 55.0%, p = 0.012) of follow-up. Conclusion: pregnancy can be successful after KT, but there are high rates of abortions and preterm deliveries. Pre-conception counseling is necessary, and should include ethical aspects.

Resumo Histórico: Transplante renal (TR) melhora qualidade de vida, incluindo recuperação da fertilidade. Objetivo: descrever desfechos gestacionais pós-TR e sobrevida de longo prazo da paciente e do enxerto renal comparada a um grupo controle pareado de receptoras de TR que não conceberam. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com receptoras de TR de 1977 a 2016, acompanhadas até 2019. Resultados: foram identificadas 1.253 receptoras de TR em idade fértil no período do estudo: 78 (6,2%) gestantes (casos), total de 97 gestações. Tempo mediano entre TR até concepção foi 53,0 (21,5 - 91,0) meses. Taxa de aborto foi 41% (espontâneo 21,6%, terapêutico 19,6%), parto prematuro, 32%, e a termo, 24%. Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) ocorreu em 42% das gestações que alcançaram pelo menos 20 semanas. Presença de 2 ou mais fatores de risco para desfechos gestacionais desfavoráveis foi significativamente associada a abortos [OR 3,33 (IC95% 1,43 - 7,75), p = 0,007] e perda de enxerto renal em 2 anos. O grupo controle de 78 mulheres com TR foi comparável na creatinina basal [1,2 (1,0 - 1,5) mg/dL nos dois grupos, p = 0,95] e na relação proteína/creatinina urinária (RPCU) [0,27 (0,15 - 0,44) vs. 0,24 (0,02 - 0,30), p = 0,06]. Sobrevida do enxerto foi maior nos casos que nos controles em 5 anos (85,6% vs. 71,5%, p = 0,012) e 10 anos (71,9% vs. 55,0%, p = 0,012) de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a gestação pode ser bem-sucedida após TR, mas existem altas taxas de abortos e partos prematuros. Aconselhamento pré-concepção é necessário e deve incluir aspectos éticos.

Sentimentos da mulher frente a gestação de alto risco / Sentimientos de la mujer frente al embarazo de alto riesgo / Women's feelings facing High-Risk pregnancy

Resumo Introdução: A gestação configura-se como um acontecimento único e memorável para a vida de uma mulher. A gravidez de alto risco é uma experiência estressante em razão dos riscos a que estão submetidos a mãe e o bebê e devido às mudanças que afetam negativamente o seu equilíbrio emocional. Objetivo: Identificar os sentimentos vivenciados pela gestante frente à gravidez de alto risco. Método: Descritivo e exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, com amostra por conveniência composta por mulheres com gestação de alto risco, selecionadas de acordo com a disponibilidade do serviço de internamento, até a saturação das entrevistas. A coleta dos dados foi realizada em um período de dois meses através de entrevistas guiadas por um roteiro. Os dados foram analisados por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo segundo Minayo. Resultados: Fizeram parte 37 mulheres. Os resultados foram oeganizados nas categorias: Como se deu o diagnóstico de alto risco; Sentimentos ao descobrir que a gestação é/era de risco; Sentimentos em relação ao apoio familiar acerca da gestação de alto risco. Os sentimentos relatados pelas gestantes e puérperas que conviveram com a gravidez de alto risco, deixam evidentes os impactos que este evento traz não somente na saúde física sobretudo para a emocional, deixando as gestantes fragilizadas. Conclusão: Assim, o estudo nos permitiu perceber que os sentimentos vivenciados nesse processo podem interfir na vida dessas mulheres, e de forma negativa. Mas, que apesar dessa situação, estas expressam sentimentos ambíguos, pois mesmo com o risco gestacional, muitas mostram-se felizes pela dádiva de ser mãe.

Resumen Introducción: El embarazo se considera un evento único y memorable en la vida de una mujer. El embarazo de alto riesgo es una experiencia estresante debido a los riesgos a los que están expuestas tanto la madre como su bebé y a los cambios que afectan negativamente su equilibrio emocional. Objetivo: Identificar los sentimientos experimentados por las mujeres embarazadas frente a un embarazo de alto riesgo. Metodología: Descriptivo y exploratorio con enfoque cualitativo, con una muestra a conveniencia compuesta por mujeres con embarazos de alto riesgo, seleccionadas según la disponibilidad del servicio de hospitalización, hasta la saturación de las entrevistas. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo durante un período de dos meses a través de entrevistas guiadas. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando la técnica de análisis de contenido según Minayo. Resultados: Participaron 37 mujeres y los resultados se organizaron en las siguientes categorías: cómo se realizó el diagnóstico de alto riesgo; sentimientos al descubrir que el embarazo era de riesgo; sentimientos con respecto al apoyo familiar en relación con el embarazo de alto riesgo. Los sentimientos relatados por las mujeres embarazadas y posparto que vivieron un embarazo de alto riesgo evidencian los impactos que tiene este evento no solo en la salud física sino, especialmente, en el bienestar emocional, pues deja a las mujeres embarazadas en un estado de vulnerabilidad. Conclusión: El estudio nos permitió darnos cuenta de que los sentimientos experimentados en este proceso pueden interferir en la vida de estas mujeres de manera negativa. Sin embargo, a pesar de esta situación, muchas de ellas expresan sentimientos ambiguos, porque, incluso con el riesgo gestacional, están agradecidas por el regalo de la maternidad.

Abstract Introduction: Pregnancy is considered a unique and memorable event in a woman's life. High-risk pregnancy is a stressful experience due to the risks to which the mother and the baby are exposed, and due to the changes that negatively affect their emotional balance. Objective: To identify the feelings experienced by pregnant women facing high-risk pregnancy. Method: Descriptive and exploratory, employing a qualitative approach, the study featured a convenience sample of women with high-risk pregnancies, selected based on inpatient service availability, until interview saturation was achieved. Data collection was conducted over a two-month period through scripted interviews. Data analysis was performed utilizing Minayo's content analysis technique. Results: Thirty-seven women participated in the study. The results were categorized as follows: How the high-risk diagnosis was determined; Feelings upon discovering the pregnancy was high-risk; Feelings regarding family support regarding the high-risk pregnancy. The feelings reported by pregnant and postpartum women who experienced high-risk pregnancies clearly reveal the impacts this event has, not only on physical health, but especially on emotional well-being, leaving the pregnant women in a vulnerable state. Conclusion: The study allowed us to realize that the feelings experienced in this process can negatively interfere in the lives of these women. However, despite this situation, many of them express mixed feelings, because even with the gestational risk, they are grateful for the gift of motherhood.

Conocimientos y prácticas sobre sífilis materna y congénita en adolescentes embarazadas en un Hospital General de Paraguay: estudio cualitativo

Introducción: La sífilis en embarazadas, sigue siendo un gran problema de salud pública en todo el mundo, y en Paraguay, no es la excepción. La sífilis congénita puede provocar abortos, muertes fetales y neonatales, peso bajo al nacer, prematuridad y otras anomalías congénitas, el conocimiento general de la población en edad fértil es fundamental. Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos y prácticas sobre sífilis materna y sífilis congénita en adolescentes embarazadas en un Hospital General de Paraguay. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, fenomenológico descriptivo. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó la entrevista, simple que fue grabada con previa autorización del participante, la conclusión y recomendación serán entregados a la institución y a las adolescentes embarazadas. Resultados: Participaron diez adolescentes, en su mayoría de 19 años de edad, cinco conocen que la sífilis se transmite a través de las relaciones sexuales, sin embargo, desconocen acerca de cómo se transmite la sífilis congénita. Cinco de las adolescentes menciona haber iniciado las relaciones sexuales a los 16 años. Dos adolescentes a los 15 años, dos a los 14 años y una a los 17 años, nueve de las adolescentes embarazadas mencionan acudir a sus controles prenatales de forma periódica. Dos aún no se han realizado el test de VDRL. Discusión: Se concluye en cuanto al conocimiento, que solo cinco de diez adolescentes conocen acerca de la sífilis, sin embargo, no conocen sobre la sífilis congénita. En cuanto a las prácticas preventivas, 10 acuden de forma periódica a sus controles prenatales.

Introduction: Syphilis in pregnant women continues to be a major public health problem throughout the world, and in Paraguay, it is no exception. Congenital syphilis can cause abortions, fetal and neonatal deaths, low birth weight, prematurity, and other congenital anomalies; general knowledge of the population of childbearing age is essential. Objective: To analyze the knowledge and practices about maternal syphilis and congenital syphilis in pregnant adolescents in a General Hospital in Paraguay. Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was carried out. A simple interview was used to collect data, which was recorded with prior authorization from the participant. The conclusion and recommendation will be delivered to the institution and to the pregnant adolescents. Results: Ten adolescents participated, mostly 19 years of age, five know that syphilis is transmitted through sexual relations, however, they do not know how congenital syphilis is transmitted. Five of the adolescent's mention having started sexual relations at the age of 16. Two adolescents at 15 years old, two at 14 years old and one at 17 years old, nine of the pregnant adolescent's mention attending their prenatal check-ups periodically. Two have not yet been tested for VDRL. Discussion: It is concluded in terms of knowledge that only five out of ten adolescents know about syphilis; however, they do not know about congenital syphilis. Regarding preventive practices, 10 attend their prenatal check-ups periodically.

Deficiencia de ferritina en gestantes colombianas y factores sociodemográficos asociados / Ferritin deficiency in colombian pregnant women and associated sociodemographic factors / Deficiencia de ferritina en gestantes colombianas y factores sociodemográficos asociados

Objetivo: la ferritina es importante en el almacenamiento de hierro intracelular, en una forma soluble no tóxica. Sus niveles en la gestación se la relacionan con la salud de la madre y con su descendencia. El objetivo es escribir los niveles séricos de ferritina y prevalencia de déficit de ferritina, así como los factores sociodemográficos asociados en gestantes de Colombia. Metodología: estudio transversal; análisis secundario de la Encuesta de Situación Nutricional de Colombia, 2015. Se evaluaron en 1.234 embarazadas con edades entre 12 y 48 años: sus características sociodemográficas y antropométricas, la distribución de los niveles séricos y la prevalencia de déficit de ferritina. Para estimar la asociación entre las diferentes variables sociodemográficas y los niveles séricos, o la prevalencia de déficit de ferritina, se utilizaron modelos de regresión multivariables. Resultados: la prevalencia de deficiencia de ferritina fue de 44.5 % (IC 95 % 40.1 % a 49.0 %), los niveles séricos de ferritina oscilaron entre 4 µg/L y 295,7 µg/L, con un promedio de 29.3 µg/L (IC 95 % 26,5 µg/L-32.2 µg/L). Las gestantes del segundo (OR (OR 2.19 IC 95 % 1.50 a 3.19) y tercer trimestre (OR 3.84 IC 95 % 2.68 a 5.50), aquellas que residen en la región Atlántica (OR 2.18 IC 95 % 1.25 a 3.82) y en la región Orinoquia (OR 2.41 IC 95 %1.19 a 4.88), mostraron asociación con el déficit de ferritina. Conclusión: se halló alta prevalencia en el déficit de ferritina en gestantes colombianas.

Introduction: Ferritin is important in the storage of intracellular iron, in a non-toxic soluble form. Its levels during pregnancy are related to the health of the mother and her offspring. Objective: To describe the serum ferritin levels and the prevalence of ferritin deficiency, and the associated sociodemographic factors in pregnant women in Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study; secondary analysis of the Nutritional Situation Survey of Colombia, 2015. The following were evaluated in 1,234 pregnant women aged between 12 and 48 years: their sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, the distribution of serum levels, and the prevalence of ferritin deficiency. To estimate the association between the different sociodemographic variables and serum levels, or the prevalence of ferritin deficiency, multivariate regression models were used. Results: The prevalence of ferritin deficiency was 44.5% (95% CI 40.1% to 49.0%), serum ferritin levels ranged from 4 µg/L to 295.7 µg/L, with a average of 29.3 µg/L (95% CI 26.5 µg/L - 32.2 µg/L). Pregnant women in the second (OR (OR 2.19 95% CI 1.50 to 3.19) and third trimester (OR 3.84 95% CI 2.68 to 5.50), those residing in the Atlantic region ( OR 2.18 95% CI 1.25 to 3.82) and in the Orinoquia region (OR 2.41 95% CI 1.19 to 4.88), showed an association with ferritin deficiency. Conclusion: A high prevalence of ferritin deficiency was found in Colombian pregnant women.

Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación como apoyo a la salud mental para mujeres en etapa perinatal / Information and communication technology as a support for mental health in perinatal women / Tecnologias de informação e comunicação como apoio à saúde mental de mulheres na fase perinatal

Durante el embarazo la mujer experimenta muchos cambios, no solo físicos, también mentales, por eso la salud mental perinatal es de gran importancia en esta etapa. La mayoría de las mujeres en embarazo que desarrollan alguna enfermedad mental durante la gestación, como depresión o ansiedad, no son diagnosticadas, lo que puede generar efectos adversos para la madre y el bebé. En ese sentido, es de gran importancia el tamizaje, diagnóstico, manejo y seguimiento de este grupo. Gracias a los avances tecnológicos podemos contar con las tecnologías de la Información y la comunicación (TIC) para buscar maneras cómo aproximarse a las mujeres en etapa perinatal para el tamizaje y hacer el seguimiento de su salud mental. Así que este artículo de revisión se enfoca en ver su aceptabilidad, la percepción, las barreras al acceso y nuevos desarrollos enfocados en mejorar la salud mental en las mujeres en etapa perinatal.

During pregnancy, a woman experiences many changes, not only physical, but also mental, which is why perinatal mental health is of great importance at this stage. The majority of pregnant women who develop a mental illness during pregnancy, such as depression or anxiety, are not diagnosed, which can cause adverse effects for the mother and baby. In this sense, the screening, diagnosis, management and follow-up of this group is of great importance. Thanks to technological advances, we can count on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to find ways to approach women in the perinatal stage for screening and monitoring their mental health. So this review article focuses on seeing its acceptability, perception, barriers to access and new developments focused on improving mental health in perinatal women.

Durante el embarazo la mujer experimenta muchos cambios, no solo físicos, también mentales, por eso la salud mental perinatal es de gran importancia en esta etapa. La mayoría de las mujeres en embarazo que desarrollan alguna enfermedad mental durante la gestación, como depresión o ansiedad, no son diagnosticadas, lo que puede generar efectos adversos para la madre y el bebé. En ese sentido, es de gran importancia el tamizaje, diagnóstico, manejo y seguimiento de este grupo. Gracias a los avances tecnológicos podemos contar con las tecnologías de la Información y la comunicación (TIC) para buscar maneras cómo aproximarse a las mujeres en etapa perinatal para el tamizaje y hacer el seguimiento de su salud mental. Así que este artículo de revisión se enfoca en ver su aceptabilidad, la percepción, las barreras al acceso y nuevos desarrollos enfocados en mejorar la salud mental en las mujeres en etapa perinatal.

Perceptions and feelings of pregnant women undergoing outpatient follow-up for toxoplasmosis

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis persists as a neglected disease and poses a challenge to public health, especially due to the risk of vertical transmission, which can lead to countless biological complications for the newborn and to psychological and emotional repercussions for the mother. Objective: To understand the perceptions and feelings of pregnant women affected by toxoplasmosis undergoing outpatient follow-up. Materials and Methods: A qualitative and exploratory study developed with 12 women with gestational toxoplasmosis undergoing specialized outpatient follow-up in a municipality from the state of Paraná, Brazil. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and subjected to content analysis, supported by descending hierarchical classification. Results: The pregnant women experienced situations ranging from diagnosis and treatment to preventing the disease in the child and family. These experiences generated fear, distress and uncertainty about the disease, which were not adequately addressed during prenatal assistance in primary care. However, the pregnant women emphasized the importance of the multiprofessional team at the secondary level in monitoring and health education. Discussion: Although the pregnant women felt confident about the treatment and its implications for the child's health, discovering the diagnosis impacted their everyday lives and those of their families, especially due to lack of reliable information about toxoplasmosis and to the absence of emotional support at the primary level. Conclusions: There was a temporary scenario of disinformation among these women, who were not properly guided and supported. However, the guidelines offered in secondary health care were essential for improving knowledge and practices in health.

Diabetes mellitus e saúde materna durante a pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil / Diabetes mellitus and maternal health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil / Diabetes mellitus y salud materna durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en Brasil

A pandemia do novo coronavírus (covid-19) é um grave problema de saúde pública. Adicionalmente, a hiperglicemia na gestação (diabetes preexistente, diabetes diagnosticado pela primeira vez na gestação e diabetes mellitus gestacional) é uma das complicações maternas mais frequentes na população obstétrica. A sobreposição desses problemas pode refletir na saúde materna e fetal. Desse modo, o objetivo deste estudo é reunir evidências acerca da saúde materna de mulheres com hiperglicemia na gestação durante a pandemia de covid-19 no Brasil. Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa, em que a fonte de dados compreendeu artigos publicados até maio de 2023 nas bases de dados Medline, via PubMed, Lilacs e WHO COVID-19 Research Database. Foram listados 167 artigos e, após a aplicação dos critérios de elegibilidade, cinco estudos foram incluídos, compreendendo 1.469 gestantes e puérperas com diabetes mellitus gestacional ou diabetes preexistente. Quanto à saúde materna, os principais desfechos foram relacionados à infecção por covid-19, como gravidade da doença e risco de morte. Além disso, foi observada maior prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns, como ansiedade e depressão. Portanto, a saúde materna de mulheres com hiperglicemia na gestação foi impactada negativamente durante a pandemia de covid-19 no país.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health issue. Hyperglycemia during pregnancy (pre-existing diabetes, diabetes first diagnosed in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus) is a frequent maternal complication in the obstetric population. Their overlap may impact maternal and fetal health. Thus, this narrative review gathered evidence on the maternal health of women with gestational hyperglycemia during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Articles published until May 2023 in the Medline (via PubMed), Lilacs and WHO COVID-19 Research Database online databases were eligible. Bibliographic search retrieved a total of 167 articles, of which five remained after applying the inclusion criteria, resulting in a sample of 1,469 pregnant and postpartum women with gestational diabetes or pre-existing diabetes. Regarding maternal health, the main outcomes were related to COVID-19 infection, such as disease severity and risk of death. Additionally, results showed a higher prevalence of common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. In conclusion, the maternal health of women with gestational hyperglycemia was negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

La pandemia del nuevo coronavirus (COVID-19) es un grave problema de salud pública. Además, la hiperglucemia durante el embarazo (diabetes preexistente, diabetes diagnosticada por primera vez durante el embarazo y diabetes mellitus gestacional) es una de las complicaciones maternas más frecuentes en la población obstétrica. La superposición de estos problemas puede afectar la salud materna y fetal. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio es recopilar evidencia sobre la salud materna de las mujeres con hiperglucemia en el embarazo durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en Brasil. Se trata de una revisión narrativa, y la fuente de datos comprendió artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2023 en las bases de datos MEDLINE vía PubMed, LILACS y WHO COVID-19 Research Database. Se enumeró un total de 167 artículos y, después de aplicar los criterios de elegibilidad, se incluyeron cinco estudios con 1.469 mujeres embarazadas y puérperas con diabetes gestacional o diabetes preexistente. En cuanto a la salud materna, los principales resultados se relacionaron con el contagio por COVID-19, como la gravedad de la enfermedad y el riesgo de muerte. Además, se observó una mayor prevalencia de trastornos mentales comunes, como la ansiedad y la depresión. Por lo tanto, la salud materna de las mujeres con hiperglucemia durante el embarazo se ha visto afectada negativamente durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 en Brasil.

O acompanhamento do pré-natal durante a pandemia em uma unidade de saúde da família, campo prático de residentes / Prenatal follow-up during the pandemic in a family health unit, practical field of residents / Seguimiento prenatal durante la pandemia en una unidad de salud familiar, un campo de prácticas para los residentes

Este relato apresenta a experiência do acompanhamento do pré-natal durante a pandemia em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF), campo prático no desenvolvimento das funções laborais dos alunos/residentes num município do estado da Bahia. Quanto ao método, é um relato de experiência que utiliza a técnica da observação para descrição dessas vivências no período entre março/2020 e março/2021. O relato evidencia o desempenho do acompanhamento do pré-natal durante o período supracitado, e as modificações frequentes perante as recomendações sanitárias acerca da institucionalização de fluxogramas e protocolos clínicos para uma assistência integral. O cenário pandêmico colocou em evidência a necessidade primordial de investimentos na assistência, principalmente na linha de frente, para evitar um colapso na atenção terciária. O acompanhamento integral das gestantes, por exemplo, evitou complicações para a saúde da mulher e do bebê.

This experience report focus on prenatal care offered by a Family Health Unit (USF) in a municipality in Bahia, Brazil, during the pandemic. Based on observations of the experiences in prenatal care between March/2020 and March/2021, the report discusses the prenatal care performed during this period and the frequent changes following health recommendations regarding the institutionalization of flowcharts and clinical protocols for comprehensive care. The pandemic highlighted the primordial need for investments in health care, especially front line, to avoid a collapse in tertiary care. Comprehensive monitoring of pregnant women, for example, avoided complications for the woman and the infant's health.

Este reporte presenta la experiencia de seguimiento prenatal durante la pandemia en una Unidad de Salud Familiar (USF), un campo de prácticas para los estudiantes/residentes en un municipio del estado de Bahía (Brasil). El método utilizado se basa en un reporte de experiencia, que aplicó la observación como técnica para describir las vivencias en el período comprendido entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2021. El reporte destaca el desempeño del seguimiento prenatal durante el período mencionado, y los cambios frecuentes frente a las recomendaciones de salud sobre la institucionalización de diagramas de flujo y los protocolos clínicos para una asistencia integral. El contexto de la pandemia reveló la necesidad primordial de invertir en asistencia sanitaria, especialmente en la primera línea, para evitar el colapso en el tercer nivel de atención. El seguimiento integral a las embarazadas, por ejemplo, evitó complicaciones para la salud de la mujer y del bebé.

Correlating Pregnancy Outcomes Between Early and Late Antenatal Bookings in Labasa Hospital – A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background@#Many benefits are associated with early antenatal booking which include but are not limited to accurate dating, early detection of medical and obstetrical disorders that could make the pregnancy a high-risk pregnancy and affect its outcome, and objective assessment of maternal baselines such as identifying pre-existing risk factors, taking weight, blood pressure, blood sugar level and urinalysis. If done early, it may provide a picture of the pre-pregnancy condition of the woman. @*Aim@#In the time period and setting looked at in this research, it was found that majority of the mothers booked late, however reasons for booking late were not sought as this was only a quantitative retrospective cohort study. From the outcomes measured, it was seen that anaemia was the most significant outcome associated with late bookers. PPH was also found to be significant amongst late bookers however other statistical analysis deemed it insignificant.@*Results@#The results of this study found that majority of the women (76,58%) booked late. Of these, women who booked late fell in the 15 to 25 age range, were of I-taukei ethnicity, were married, did domestic duties, attended secondary level of education and were multiparous. The most significant pregnancy outcome that was associated with late booking was found to be anaemia. The remaining outcomes were found to be insignificant.

A systemic review on association between on maternal atmospheric pollution exposure during pregnancy and childhood obesity / 环境与职业医学

Background Maternal atmospheric pollution during pregnancy may alter fetal intrauterine development programming, thereby increasing the risk of childhood obesity in the future. Objective To investigate the effects of atmospheric pollution exposure during pregnancy on the incidence of childhood obesity in offspring. Methods English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Medline) and Chinese databases (Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform) were searched for literature reporting exposure to atmospheric pollution during pregnancy and childhood obesity published from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2023. The quality of the included literature was evaluated using the quality assessment tools for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies recommended by the US National Institutes of Health. Results Twenty-four studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and the associated atmospheric pollutants included particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxide, carbon oxide, and sulfur oxide. In comparison to the non-exposed group, prenatal exposure to various common atmospheric pollutants were significantly associated with an elevated risk of childhood obesity in offspring. Conclusion Maternal exposure to atmospheric pollution during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of childhood obesity in subsequent years. Future studies should pay more attention to the effects of atmospheric pollution on the distribution of children's body fat and metabolic development, and further identify potential mechanisms of atmospheric pollutant exposure leading to childhood obesity.

Correlation between ocular surface status and blood lipids in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction during pregnancy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the correlation between ocular surface status and serum lipids in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)during pregnancy, and to provide new ideas for the management and treatment of MGD during pregnancy.METHODS: Totally 120 pregnant women(240 eyes)treated in our hospital from May 2021 to May 2022 were selected and they were divided into MGD group(60 cases, 120 eyes)and control group(60 cases, 120 eyes)according to the presence or absence of MGD. All subjects received the ocular surface disease index scores(OSDI)and underwent examinations of meibomian gland morphology and function, tear film and blood lipid.RESULTS: The scores of OSDI, the related indexes of meibomian gland, corneal fluorescein staining(FL)scores, total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C)in the MGD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The scores of fluorescein breakup time(FBUT), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SIt)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the MGD group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the scores of TG, TC, LDL-C were negatively correlated with the values of FBUT(rs =-0.702, -0.647, -0.710, all P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The level of blood lipids in pregnant patients with MGD is significantly increased, and the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C may be related to the stability of tear film.

Experience of Medicinal Insects for Gynaecological Diseases / 中医杂志

It is believed that all kinds of gynaecological diseases are mostly related to deficiency and stagnation of qi and blood. Medicinal insects are good at running and scurrying， with the effectiveness of activating blood circulation and dispelling blood stasis， moving qi and relieving pain， searching and dredging collaterals， attacking hardness and dissipating mass， and purging foetus and resolving mass， etc. Appropriate prescriptions can enhance the effectiveness of the formula in eliminating blood stasis and eliminating stagnation. In the treatment of menstrual disorders， chronic pelvic inflammatory disease， uterine cavity disease， incomplete miscarriage， ectopic pregnancy， and other gynaecological diseases， medicinal insects including Quanxie （Scorpio）， Wugong （Scolopendra）， Tubiechong （Eupolyphaga/Steleophaga）， Jiuxiangchong （Coridius chinenses）， Shuizhi （Hirudo）， Mangchong （Tabanus）， Dilong （Pheretima） and other insects for medicinal purposes could be used， and the self-prescribed empirical formulas such as Sanhuang Decoction （三黄汤）， Hongteng Decoction （红藤汤）， Penning Decoction （盆宁方）， Shapei Decoction （杀胚方）， and Gongwaiyun Decoction （宫外孕方） and so on， were all applied medicinal insects and showed effective in clinic.

Research progress on metabolic function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome / 公共卫生与预防医学

The incidence of infertility disorders is increasing year by year, affecting about 12-15% of women of reproductive age worldwide. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common causes of infertility. In recent years, the incidence rate of PCOS has increased year by year, but the improvement of endocrine and metabolic dysfunction and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PCOS are not satisfactory. There is a consensus both domestically and internationally that improving metabolic function and endocrine abnormalities in PCOS patients can increase their pregnancy rate. Therefore, it is important to explore the improvement of metabolic function in patients with PCOS. This article reviews the progress of basic research on improving metabolic function in patients with PCOS.

Clinical outcomes of Gravidocardiac patients in Silliman University Medical Center from January 2015 to December 2019: A retrospective study

Background@#Cardiac disease increases morbidity and mortality in pregnant patients. This is found in both developing countries and underdeveloped countries. Cardiovascular demand increases with pregnancy, causing additional stress on a diseased heart. This then poses a greater risk of complications; thus, specialized care involving an Obstetric-Gynecologist and a Cardiologist is warranted. The Modified WHO Classification of Maternal Cardiovascular Risk, CARPREG, and CARPREG II predict risk among gravidocardiac patients and corresponding needed medical attention perinatally. Little data has been known on the clinical outcomes of pregnancy among gravidocardiac patients in the Philippines. This study aims to gauge the clinical outcomes of gravidocardiac patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Dumaguete City.@*Methods@#A retrospective, cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among all gravidocardiac patients admitted for labor and delivery between January 2015 and December 2019. A chart review of the cases satisfying the inclusion criteria was done. Data gathered were tabulated, and a Chi-Square was used to assess if there was a significant relationship between the cardiac condition and the mode of delivery, duration of pregnancy, maternal outcomes, and fetal outcomes.@*Results@#Cardiac lesions noted among gravidocardiac patients include mitral valve prolapse, which comprised the majority of cases, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, mitral valve regurgitation, aortic valve regurgitation, atrial septal defect, and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pregnancies were mainly carried to term with vaginal delivery as the primary mode of birth. Maternal outcomes were generally favorable, with no deaths recorded. Fetal outcomes were variable among cases, and fetal mortality was recorded at 3.92%. A significant relationship was seen between maternal cardiac condition and maternal outcomes of the pregnancies.@*Conclusion@#Among pregnant patients with cardiac conditions, maternal outcomes of pregnancy can be predicted in association with the cardiac condition. There is a great need to educate the public on the need for proper perinatal care when a cardiac condition in pregnancy is detected.

Effect of pre-pregnancy obesity on trimester-specific thyroid dysfunction / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo explore the risk of different levels of pre-pregnancy obesity on trimester-specific thyroid dysfunction. MethodsQuestionnaire information， blood samples， and urine samples from a 2017 pregnancy cohort study in Shanghai， China were collected. A total of 2 455 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated based on the height and self-reported pre-pregnancy weight. Serum TSH， total thyroxine （TT4）， free thyroxine （FT4）， total triiodothyronine （TT3）， free triiodothyronine （FT3）， thyroid globulin antibody（TgAb）， and Thyroid peroxidase antibody （TPOAb） were measured using the electrochemiluminescence method. Urine iodine levels were measured using the acid digestion method. Levels of thyroid function indexes of pregnant women with different degrees of obesity during pre-pregnancy were compared， and trimester-specific thyroid dysfunction was evaluated according to the reference range of trimester-specific thyroid hormone established by this cohort. Multivariate logistic regressions analysis was used to assess the correlation between pre-pregnancy obesity and trimester-specific thyroid dysfunction. ResultsAs the degree of obesity increased， maternal levels of FT3 and TT3 gradually increased during pregnancy （P<0.001， P=0.001）， while FT4 levels gradually decreased （P=0.001）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the normal weight group， pregnant women who were overweight or obesity before pregnancy had a significantly higher risk of hypothyroxinemia （OR=3.85， 95%CI： 2.08‒7.14， P<0.001） and high TT3 （OR=2.78， 95%CI： 1.45‒5.26， P=0.002） during pregnancy. ConclusionPre-pregnancy overweight or obesity can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy.

Dietary patterns and socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related behaviors during pregnancy. A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The identification and understanding of dietary factors and other characteristics that influence gestational weight gain can contribute to the formulation of strategies to promote healthy eating habits before and during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between dietary patterns, sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, and health-related behaviors in pregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted on women undergoing prenatal care in the Unified Health System of Colombo, Paraná, Brazil, from February 2018 to September 2019. METHOD: A weekly food frequency questionnaire was administered, and dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis. Median regression models were constructed to identify the associations between dietary pattern scores and variables. RESULTS: Complete data were obtained from 495 pregnant women. Three dietary patterns were identified: 1) "healthy," with higher factor loadings for the weekly consumption of raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits; 2) "Western," including soft drinks or artificial juice, candies, milk, and dairy products, and processed cold meat; and 3) "traditional," beans and meat. Pregnant women aged 30 years or older (coefficient [Coef.] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.38-1.33) with moderate/intense physical activity (Coef. 0.32, 95% CI 0.02-0.62) had higher adherence to the "healthy" pattern. Adolescents and smokers adhered more to the "traditional" pattern (Coef. 0.17, 95% CI 0.01-0.33). CONCLUSION: Age, smoking status, and physical activity were associated with dietary patterns in pregnant women.

Interação por aplicativo móvel em tempos de pandemia: experiência de gestantes e puérperas / Mobile app interaction in pandemic times: experience of pregnant and postpartum woman / Interacción vía aplicación móvil en tiempos de pandemia: experiencia de gestantes y puérperas

Objetivo: conhecer a experiência de mulheres que compartilharam a vivência do ciclo gravídico-puerperal durante a Pandemia Covid-19 em um grupo de aplicativo de mensagem criado para complementar as atividades educativas de um grupo de gestantes. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório. Os dados são provenientes das mensagens de 94 mulheres participantes de Grupos de Gestantes e Casais Grávidos realizados em 2020, vinculado a um projeto de extensão de uma Universidade do Sul do país. Resultados: apresentam sentimentos relacionados à ausência do contato físico com família e amigos, dúvidas e desafios encontrados durante a gestação e puerpério, medos e incertezas em relação ao processo de parto e nascimento. Conclusão: o grupo de gestantes mediado por aplicativo de mensagens mostrou ser um aliado na interação entre as mulheres, possibilitando a educação em saúde e a criação de uma rede de apoio respeitando o distanciamento social

Objective: to know the experience of women who shared the livingness of the pregnancy-puerperal cycle during the Covid-19 Pandemic in a message app group created to complement the educational activities of a group of pregnant women. Methods: qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study. The data comes from the messages of 94 women participating in Groups of Pregnant Women and Pregnant Couples held in 2020, linked to an extension project of a University in the south of the country. Results: feelings related to the absence of physical contact with family and friends, doubts and challenges encountered during pregnancy and puerperium, fears and uncertainties regarding the labor and birth process were highlighted. Conclusion: the group of pregnant women mediated by a messaging application proved to be an ally in the interaction between women, enabling health education and the creation of a support network respecting social distance

Objetivos: conocer la vivencia de mujeres que compartieron la vivencia del ciclo embarazo-puerperio durante la Pandemia del Covid-19 en un grupo de aplicación de mensajes creado para complementar las actividades educativas de un grupo de gestantes. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio. Los datos provienen de los mensajes de 94 mujeres participantes de Grupos de Embarazadas y Parejas Embarazadas realizados en 2020, vinculados a un proyecto de extensión de una Universidad del Sur del país. Resultados: presentan sentimientos relacionados con la ausencia de contacto físico con familiares y amigos, dudas y desafíos encontrados durante el embarazo y el puerperio, miedos e incertidumbres en relación al proceso de trabajo de parto y nacimiento Conclusión: el grupo de gestantes mediado por una aplicación de mensajería demostró ser un aliado en la interacción entre mujeres, posibilitando la educación en salud y la creación de una red de apoyo respetando el distanciamiento social

Sífilis na gestação: conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas / Syphilis in pregnancy: knowledge of pregnant and puerperous women / Sífilis durante el embarazo: conocimientos de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas

Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas acerca da sífilis. Método: pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de instrumento semiestruturado, entre abril a julho de 2021, com 18 gestantes/puérperas com diagnóstico de sífilis na gestação. As respostas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra, sendo utilizado para análise a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: identificou-se três ideias centrais: 1) Conhecimento sobre a sífilis, 2) Buscando conhecimento sobre a sífilis e 3) Falsa prevenção. O conhecimento das participantes mostrou-se conflitante, pois algumas apresentaram algum conhecimento e outras nenhum, sendo que todas deveriam ter sido orientadas sobre a doença. Considerações finais: identificou-se uma falha no atendimento ofertado nos serviços de saúde. Assim, estratégias voltadas à educação em saúde devem ser incentivadas e implementadas no acompanhamento de pré-natal, ofertando a promoção e prevenção da saúde, a fim de reduzir os casos de sífilis na gestação.

Objective: to identify the knowledge of pregnant and postpartum women about syphilis. Method: descriptive research, with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place using a semi-structured instrument, between April and July 2021, with 18 pregnant/postpartum women diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy. The responses were recorded and transcribed in full, using the Collective Subject Discourse technique for analysis. Results: three central ideas were identified: 1) Knowledge about syphilis, 2) Seeking knowledge about syphilis and 3) False prevention. The knowledge of the participants was conflicting, as some had some knowledge and others none, and all of them should have been educated about the disease. Final considerations: a flaw in the care offered in health services was identified. Therefore, strategies aimed at health education should be encouraged and implemented in prenatal care, offering health promotion and prevention, in order to reduce cases of syphilis during pregnancy.

Objetivos:identificar el conocimiento de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas sobre la sífilis. Método: investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un instrumento semiestructurado, entre abril y julio de 2021, con 18 mujeres embarazadas/puérperas diagnosticadas con sífilis durante el embarazo. Las respuestas fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad, utilizando para su análisis la técnica del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados: se identificaron tres ideas centrales: 1) Conocimiento sobre sífilis, 2) Búsqueda de conocimiento sobre sífilis y 3) Falsa prevención. El conocimiento de los participantes fue contradictorio, ya que algunos tenían algún conocimiento y otros ninguno, y todos deberían haber sido educados sobre la enfermedad. Consideraciones finales: se identificó una falla en la atención ofrecida en los servicios de salud. Por lo tanto, se deben fomentar e implementar estrategias orientadas a la educación en salud en la atención prenatal, ofreciendo promoción y prevención de la salud, con el fin de reducir los casos de sífilis durante el embarazo.

Effects of permanent placental injury due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy on the feto-placental circulation: a cross-sectional study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of permanent placental injury due to a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy on feto-placental circulation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 83 pregnant women with planned deliveries were divided into two groups according to their severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection statuses during pregnancy. Their demographic parameters, obstetric histories, and prenatal risks were evaluated. A prenatal fetal Doppler ultrasound examination was performed for all participants, and umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery Doppler parameters were obtained. Postpartum placentas were examined for pathological findings under appropriate conditions. All placentas were evaluated according to the Amsterdam consensus criteria. Mann-Whitney U test, Student's t-test, and chi-square test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Demographic parameters were statistically similar, except that they were borderline significant for gestational weeks at delivery (p=0.044). In the pathological examination of the placenta, regardless of the trimester of exposure to viral infection, perivillous fibrin deposition and villus dystrophic calcification were more common in group 2 (p=0.016 and p=0.048, respectively) than in group 1. In the prenatal Doppler examination between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found for all of the umbilical artery pulsatile index, middle cerebral artery pulsatile index, and cerebro-placental ratio values. CONCLUSION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection during pregnancy causes an increase in perivillous fibrin deposition and villus dystrophic calcification in the placenta. Placental injury caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus does not affect fetal Doppler parameters.

Effect of anxiety and depression levels on pregnancy outcome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in couples receiving in vitro fertilization treatment. METHODS: A total of 102 couples (102 females and 102 males) with unexplained infertility were included in the study. Personal Information Form was used to collect data, Case Follow-up Form to record the treatment process, and Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory to measure the anxiety and depression levels of couples. Couples were measured twice: before treatment and on oocyte pickup day. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and oocyte count of women (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between State-Trait Anxiety Inventory level and sperm count and between BID level and sperm motility (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety and depression levels and pregnancy outcomes of women (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression had no effect on pregnancy outcome. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of anxiety and depression on pregnancy outcome in unexplained infertility.