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.

Low Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

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

¿Afecta la infección asintomática, leve y moderada por Covid-19 en el primer y segundo trimestre los resultados del embarazo?

Objetivo : Determinar los efectos de la infección Covid-19 asintomática, leve y moderada en el primer y segundo trimestres en los resultados del embarazo. Métodos : El estudio se realizó en las gestantes que acudieron al Departamento de Perinatología de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Salud de Izmir entre octubre de 2021 y julio de 2022. Se registraron las mujeres embarazadas que presentaban infección asintomática, leve y moderada por Covid-19 en el 1º y 2º trimestre y se siguió el desarrollo de la gestación. Resultados : Un total de 437 pacientes participaron en el estudio. El número de pacientes asintomáticos, leves y moderados de Covid-19 fue de 142, 157 y 138, respectivamente. Cada grupo se analizó como subgrupo del 1º y 2º trimestre según el momento de la infección por Covid-19. La edad media de las pacientes con Covid-19 moderado era superior a la de las pacientes con Covid-19 leve/asintomático (p=0,021). Se observó que el índice de masa corporal era mayor en las pacientes con Covid-19 moderado que en las pacientes con infección leve/asintomática (p=0,048). El parto pretérmino (entre las semanas 34 y 37) fue significativamente mayor en los casos con infección moderada por Covid-19 (p=0,041). Este aumento ocurrió principalmente en pacientes con infección por Covid-19 en el 2º trimestre. No hubo modificaciones significativas en las tasas de cesárea, trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, pérdida fetal, retraso del crecimiento intrauterino, colestasis del embarazo y diabetes gestacional. Conclusiones : Los efectos de la infección por Covid-19 al inicio del embarazo (1º y 2º trimestres) siguen siendo objeto de investigación. La infección moderada por Covid-19, especialmente en el 2º trimestre, puede provocar un aumento de la tasa de partos prematuros.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 infection in the 1st and 2nd trimesters on pregnancy outcomes. Material and methods: The study was performed among patients who applied to the Perinatology Department of Izmir University of Health Sciences, between October 2021 and July 2022. Pregnant women who had asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 infection in the 1st and 2nd trimesters were registered and their pregnancy processes were followed. Results: A total of 437 patients participated in the study. The numbers of asymptomatic, mild and moderate Covid-19 patients were 142, 157 and 138, respectively. Each group was analyzed as 1st and 2nd trimester subgroups according to the time of Covid-19 infection. The mean age of patients with moderate Covid-19 was higher than with mild/asymptomatic Covid-19 (p=0.021). Body mass index was found to be higher in patients with moderate Covid-19 compared to patients with mild/asymptomatic infection (p=0.048). Preterm labor (between 34th and 37th weeks) was significantly higher with moderate Covid-19 infection (p=0.041). This significant increase was mainly due to the preterm birth rate in patients with previous Covid-19 infection in the 2nd trimester. There was no significant change in the rates of cesarean section, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal loss, intrauterine growth restriction, cholestasis of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Conclusions: The effects of Covid-19 infection in early pregnancy (1st and 2nd trimester) are still the subject of research. Moderate Covid-19 infection, especially in the 2nd trimester, may lead to an increase in the rate of preterm birth.

Revisiting type II diabetes mellitus in pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes such as in thyroidology: do you mind?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There is an increase in the prevalence of pre-gestational diabetes in the past decades, mainly due to the increase in the prevalence of obesity in the general population and consequently type 2 diabetes among women of reproductive age. METHODS: This study purposed to describe the delivery characteristics, pregnancy complications, and outcomes among women in Serbia with the pre-gestational type 2 diabetes in the past decade, as well as their pregnancy complications, deliveries, and neonatal outcomes. The study included data from all the pregnant women with pre-gestational type 2 diabetes in Belgrade, Serbia during the period between 2010 and 2020. The final sample consisted of 138 patients. RESULTS: More than half, i.e., 70 (50.7%) had a vaginal delivery, while 48 (34.8%) had elective and 20 (14.5%) had emergency caesarean sections. Throughout the period, there was 1 patient with preeclampsia (0.7%), 5 with pregnancy-induced hypertension (3.6%), 7 had newborns with small for gestational age (5.1%), 28 with macrosomia (20.3%), 12 (8.7%) had preterm births, and one-fifth, i.e., 28 (20.3%) of the newborns had Apgar score under 8. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that women with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy have a significant burden of pregnancy complications, related to pregnancy, delivery, and newborns.

Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Repaired and Unrepaired Congenital Heart Disease in Zhejiang, China

Objective: To compare the neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with repaired vs unrepaired congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: Data on pregnant women with CHD was retrieved from our hospital records for the duration April, 2014 to December, 2021. Pregnant women with CHD were divided into two groups: simple CHD and moderate-tocomplex CHD. Results: In simple CHD group, neonatal outcomes were similar in pregnant women with repaired and unrepaired CHD. By contrast, in moderate-to-complex CHD group, the offspring of women with unrepaired CHD had lower gestational age [mean (SD) 34.3 (2.7) vs 36.8 (2.1) week; P=0.016] and lower birth weight [mean (SD) 2126.8 (711.9) vs 2720 (645.7); P=0.037] than those with repaired CHD. Infants of women with unrepaired moderate-to-complex CHD had a higher risk of premature delivery (87.5% vs 45.5%, P=0.013), low birth weight (81.3% vs 36.4%, P=0.04) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (68.8% vs 27.3%, P=0.034). Conclusions: Surgical repair before pregnancy in women with moderate-to-complex CHD significantly minimized the risks of neonatal complications.

The effect of metabolic syndrome on controlled ovarian stimulation outcome in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology cycles

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis on oocyte quality and pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who undergoing antagonist-controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles. Subject and methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2019 to November 2020 across two university-affiliated infertility centers in Iran. The PCOS diagnosis was defined according to the Rotterdam criteria. The patients prior to IVF/ICSI cycles were evaluated for MetS diagnosis. MetS was detected according to the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III with the presence of at least three or more of the specific clinical criteria. The cycle outcomes were compared between MetS and non-MetS groups. Results: Overall, 68 eligible infertile PCOS patients with MetS diagnosis and 126 without MetS participated. The MetS diagnosis was associated with the increased requirement of gonadotropins and the COS duration significantly (P = 0.001). Although the total numbers of retrieved and MII oocytes, obtained and top-quality embryos as well as clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the MetS group were lower than those of in the non-MetS group, the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In follow-up of the obstetrics complications, the rate of preeclampsia was significantly higher in patients with MetS (P = 0.02). Conclusion: MetS diagnosis in PCOS patients was associated with non-significant poor COS and pregnancy outcome. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to clarify the risk of MetS in patients undergoing ART cycles.

Morningness/eveningness in gestational diabetes mellitus: clinical characteristics and maternal-neonatal outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of morning-evening preference in pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 2nd-3rd trimester GDM outpatient care in Fortaleza, Brazil (2018-2020). Eveningness was defined by the Horne-Östberg Morningness-Eveningness-Questionnaire (MEQ ≤ 41). Furthermore, we obtained a 7-day actigraphic register. Subjective sleep quality, daytime somnolence, insomnia, fatigue and depressive symptoms were also evaluated. Associations with pregnancy outcomes were investigated. Results: Among 305 patients with GDM, evening preference was found in 21 (6.9%). Patients with evening preference had worse sleep quality (p < 0.01), greater severity of insomnia (p < 0.005), fatigue (p < 0.005) and depressive symptoms (<0.009). Evening chronotype was associated with preeclampsia [p = 0.01; OR = 0.27; CI 0.09-0.79] and a greater need for admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) [p = 0.02; OR = 0.23; CI .0.06-0.80]. A lower MEQ score confirmed an association with preeclampsia [p = 0.002; OR = 0.94; CI 0.90-0.97] and this was maintained after controlling for age, arterial hypertension, sleep quality, fatigue and depressive symptoms [p < 005; OR = 0.91; CI 0.87-0.95]. Conclusion: In GDM, patients with evening preference had worse sleep quality, more insomnia, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, eveningness was independently associated with preeclampsia. These results indicate the important role of eveningness in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

EFFECT OF SUBCHORIONIC HAEMATOMA ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objective: This study aims at comparative analysis of outcome of pregnancy in patients with 1st trimester bleeding ,with & without sub-chorionic haemorrhage (SCH). Pregnant Material and Methods: women with vaginal bleeding upto14 wks. Study period was Jan 2020 - Dec 2021. Presence& absence of SCH formed the study & the control group respectively. Both groups had similar demographic patterns & parameters (parity, previous Results: miscarriages & gestational age at ?rst miscarriage). 15 out of 50 pregnancies (30%) with subchorionic Hematoma resulted in miscarriage, whereas it was 28 out of 210 pregnancies (13%) withoutsubchorionic hematoma. No signi?cant difference was found on the gestational age at miscarriage & duration between 1st vaginal bleeding & miscarriage.The outcome measures were also similar in both groups. Presence of subchorionic hematoma up to 14 wks. Of gestation increases risk of Conclusion: miscarriage, but pregnancy outcome in ongoing pregnancy is not altered

Is the length of time between endometrial scratching and embryo transfer important for pregnancy success? An observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the influence of time (early <90 days and late >90 days) and endometrial injury on pregnancy success. METHODS: This is a retrospective study in which all infertile women who underwent at least one in vitro fertilization cycle at Clinica Gera between 2010 and 2015 were considered for inclusion. We included patients with a normal ovarian reserve and regular menses at intervals of up to 30 days. A total of 315 patient files were reviewed, and the study group was composed of patients who faced fertility issues and had male-caused infertility or idiopathic infertility. Also, women with male or unknown cause of infertility who have performed endometrial biopsy and have undergone embryo transfer up to 180 days after this procedure between 2010 and 2015 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the interval between biopsy and embryo transfer: group 1 (early—an interval of <90 days) and group 2 (late—an interval of >90 days and up to 180 days). RESULTS: The results were superior for the group with an interval of less than 90 days relative to the group with an interval of more than 90 days (p<0.04). The pregnancy rates for group 1 and group 2 were 58.5% and 43.4%, respectively. The odds ratio for pregnancy success was 1.63 (95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 2.55). CONCLUSION: The early transfer of embryos (<90 days) may produce better results with a high rate of pregnancy. Further studies are necessary to identify the mechanism involved in this phenomenon.

The plasma Betatrophin level in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and its correlation with the control of blood glucose / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the level of plasma Betatrophin in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its correlation with the control of blood glucose.Methods:Forty-five pregnant women with GDM(GDM group) who received regular obstetric examinations in the Huaihua First People′s Hospital from July 2019 to January 2021 and 50 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (NGT group) during the same period were enrolled in this study. Blood glucose and blood lipid indicators were collected, plasma Betatrophin level was detected, Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of blood glucose control effect, the pregnancy outcome was followed up, the predictive value of Betatrophin level in blood glucose control and pregnancy outcome was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2 h postpartum blood glucose (2 h PG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA 1c), fasting insulin (FINS), 2 h postprandial insulin (2 h FINS), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C) and plasma Betatrophin in the GDM group were higher than those in the NGT group, and insulin function index (HOMA-β) and high density lipoprotein cholesterin (HDL-C) were lower than those in the NGT group ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that plasma Betatrophin level was positively correlated with HbA 1c and HOMA-IR in pregnant women and the GDM group ( r = 0.310, 0.314, 0.341, 0.333; P<0.05). In the GDM group, 12 patients with poor glucose control, 33 patients with good glucose control, the FPG, HbA 1c, HOMA-IR and plasma Betatrophin levels in poor glucose control patients were higher than those in good glucose control patients, HOMA-β was lower than that in the good glucose control patients: (5.82 ± 0.98)mmol/L vs. (5.04 ± 1.11) mmol/L, (9.78 ± 2.15)% vs. (8.22 ± 1.41)%, 2.71 ± 0.56 vs. 2.24 ± 0.48, (1 345.12 ± 256.32) ng/L vs. (1 165.10 ± 217.41) ng/L, 144.15 ± 22.71 vs. 158.63 ± 20.26, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The area under the curve of plasma Betatrophin level to predict the effect of blood glucose control was 0.775. A total of 8 pregnant women with GDM had poor pregnancy outcome, and the area under the curve predicted pregnancy outcome by plasma Betatrophin level was 0.728. Conclusions:The level of plasma Betatrophin in patients with GDM is closely related to the degree of insulin resistance and the effect of blood glucose control, and can provide some reference for clinical evaluation and therapeutic effect prediction.

Correlation analysis of vitamin D level and anti-Müllerian hormone in infertile female and the role in predicting pregnancy outcome / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among infertile females and their predictive impacts on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer pregnancy outcome.@*METHODS@#Totally 756 infertile females treated with assisted reproductive technology were enrolled and divided into three groups according to their vitamin D levels (group A with serum 25(OH)D≤10 μg/L, group B with serum (10-20) μg/L, and group C with serum ≥20 μg/L). The serum AMH levels were detected. The differences among the groups were analyzed, as well as the correlation between vitamin D levels and serum AMH levels in various infertility types (fallopian tube/male factor, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovulation disorders excluded PCOS, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, and others). Also, the predictive roles of vitamin D and AMH in pregnancy outcome in all the infertile females were discussed.@*RESULTS@#(1) 87.7% of the enrolled females were insufficient or deficient in vitamin D. (2) The serum AMH levels in the three groups with different vitamin D levels were 1.960 (1.155, 3.655) μg/L, 2.455 (1.370, 4.403) μg/L, 2.360 (1.430, 4.780) μg/L and there was no significant difference in serum AMH levels among the three groups (P>0.05). (3) Serum 25(OH)D and AMH levels presented seasonal variations (P < 0.05). (4) There was no prominent correlation between the serum AMH level and serum 25(OH)D level in females of various infertility types after adjusting potential confounding factors [age, body mass index (BMI), antral follicle count (AFC), vitamin D blood collection season, etc.] by multiple linear regression analysis (P>0.05). (5) After adjusting for confounding factors, such as age, BMI, number of transplanted embryos and AFC, the results of binary Logistics regression model showed that in all the infertile females, the serum AMH level was an independent predictor of biochemical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05) while the serum 25(OH)D level might not act as a prediction factor alone (P>0.05). In the meanwhile, the serum 25(OH)D level and serum AMH level were synergistic predictors of biochemical or clinical pregnancy outcome (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the current diagnostic criteria, most infertile females had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, but there was not significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D and ovarian reserve. While vitamin D could not be used as an independent predictor of pregnancy outcome in infertile females, the serum AMH level could predict biochemical pregnancy outcome independently or jointly with vitamin D.

Outcome of neonates born to mothers with chronic kidney disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

About 3% of pregnant women suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). This article reviews the literature on the outcomes of neonates born to mothers with CKD (including those undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation), and the results show that CKD during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age infant, but it does not increase the risk of congenital anomalies. As for long-term outcomes, CKD during pregnancy has no significant impact on offspring's physical development and immune function. Neurodevelopmental outcome of offspring is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, rather than intrauterine drug exposure. However, further research and follow-up are needed to investigate the outcome of neonates born to mothers with CKD.

Action of enfuvirtide on the pregnancy of albino rats ( Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia ): biological assay and functional and histological analyses of exposed maternal-fetal organs

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effects of enfuvirtide on pregnancy in albino rats and their fetuses. Methods Forty pregnant EPM 1 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control (E) (distilled water twice/day), G1 (4mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), G2 (12mg/kg/day enfuvirtide), and G3 (36mg/kg/day enfuvirtide) groups. On the 20th day of gestation, the rats were anesthetized and subjected to cesarean section. Their blood was collected for laboratory analysis, and they were sacrificed. The offspring's fragments of their kidneys, liver, and placentas and the maternal rats' fragments of their lungs, kidneys, and liver were separated in the immediate postpartum period for light microscopy analysis. Results No maternal deaths occurred. In the second week at the end of pregnancy, the mean weight of the G3 Group was significantly lower than that of the G2 Group (p=0.029 and p=0.028, respectively). Analyzing blood laboratory parameters, the G1 Group had the lowest mean amylase level, and the G2 Group had the lowest mean hemoglobin level and the highest mean platelet count. In the morphological analysis, there were no changes in organs, such as the kidneys and liver, in both the maternal rats and offspring. Three maternal rats in the G3 Group had pulmonary inflammation in the lungs. Conclusion Enfuvirtide has no significant adverse effects on pregnancy, conceptual products, or functional alterations in maternal rats.

Influencia de la edad de la madre en los desenlaces perinatales y maternos / Influence of maternal age on perinatal and maternal outcomes

Resumen OBJETIVOS: Describir y comparar la influencia de la edad materna en los desenlaces maternos y perinatales. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y unicéntrico en el que se reunieron todos los partos ocurridos en el año 2020 en un hospital español. La edad de la mujer se categorizó en tres tramos (1: menores de 35 años; 2: más o menos mayores de 35 años y menores de 40 años; 3: mayores de 40 años). RESULTADOS: Se reunió una población de estudio de 1700 mujeres y encontró una clara correlación entre la edad materna avanzada y el riesgo de cesárea y una tendencia no significativa hacia una mayor cantidad de partos instrumentados. La edad materna avanzada es un factor de riesgo de sufrir distintas enfermedades relacionadas con el embarazo y con malos desenlaces perinatales. Puesto que la tendencia actual marca un aumento de este tipo de embarazos es indispensable conocer los riesgos obstétricos a fin de informar y asesorar correctamente a las embarazadas y llevar a cabo las actuaciones pertinentes que eviten las complicaciones más frecuentes. CONCLUSIONES: Existe mayor tasa de cesárea en embarazos en edad avanzada después de ajustar los factores de confusión. Los desenlaces fetales no se ven afectados por la edad materna ni con otros eventos perinatales.

Abstract OBJETIVE: To describe and compare the influence of maternal age on maternal and perinatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, retrospective, single-center, retrospective study in which all deliveries that occurred in the year 2020 in a Spanish hospital were collected. The age of the women was categorized into three groups (1: under 35 years; 2: more or less older than 35 years and younger than 40 years; 3: older than 40 years). RESULTS: A study population of 1700 women was assembled and found a clear correlation between advanced maternal age and risk of cesarean section and a nonsignificant trend toward a higher number of instrumented deliveries. Advanced maternal age is a risk factor for various pregnancy-related diseases and poor perinatal outcomes. Since the current trend shows an increase in this type of pregnancies, it is essential to know the obstetric risks in order to correctly inform and advise pregnant women and to carry out the pertinent actions to avoid the most frequent complications. CONCLUSIONS: There is a higher rate of caesarean section in advanced age pregnancies after the confounding factors were adjusted. Fetal outcomes are not affected by maternal age, as well as other perinatal events.

Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Lupus: Retrospective Study in a Portuguese Tertiary Center / Desfechos obstétricos e perinatais de grávidas com lúpus: Estudo retrospectivo em um centro terciário português

Abstract Objective Pregnancy in women with lupus poses a higher risk of complications compared with the general population. The present study aimed to determine and describe the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with lupus. Materials and Methods We conducted an observational retrospective study of pregnant women with the diagnosis of lupus, who were selected and followed at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic of our institution between January 2013 and July 2018. We analyzed 59 pregnancies and 52 newborns, and collected data regarding sociodemographic features, the preconception period, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and the newborn. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. Results In 58% of the cases, the pregnancy was uneventful. We registered flares in 25% of the cases, preeclampsia in 3%, fetal growth restriction in 12%, gestational loss in 10%, preterm labor in 10%, postpartum complications in 20%, and small for gestational age newborns in 17% of the cases. Conclusions Most pregnancies in women with lupus have favorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Prenatal counseling, adequate multidisciplinary surveillance, and optimized treatment of the disease are fundamental pillars for these good results.

Resumo Objetivo A gravidez em mulheres com lúpus representa um risco maior de complicações em comparação com a população em geral. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar e descrever os resultados obstétricos e neonatais de gestantes com lúpus. Materiais e Métodos Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo observacional de gestantes com diagnóstico de lúpus, selecionadas e acompanhadas no Ambulatório de Medicina Materno-Fetal de nossa instituição entre janeiro de 2013 e julho de 2018. Analisamos 59 gestações e 52 recém-nascidos e coletamos dados referentes às características sociodemográficas, período pré-concepcional, gravidez, parto, pós-parto e nascimento. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva das variáveis. Resultados Em 58% dos casos, a gravidez transcorreu sem intercorrências. Registramos surtos em 25% dos casos, pré-eclâmpsia em 3%, restrição do crescimento fetal em 12%, perda gestacional em 10%, trabalho de parto prematuro em 10%, complicações pós-parto em 20% e recém-nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional em 17% dos casos. Conclusões A maioria das gestações em mulheres com lúpus tem resultados obstétricos e neonatais favoráveis. Aconselhamento pré-natal, vigilância multidisciplinar adequada e tratamento otimizado da doença são pilares fundamentais para esses bons resultados.

Evaluation of obstetric outcomes in Brazilian pregnant women with Takayasu arteritis

Abstract Objective Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a rare chronic granulomatous vasculitis that affects large vessels and usually begins in women of childbearing age, so it is not uncommon for pregnancies to occur in these patients. However, there is limited information about these pregnancies, with reports of adverse maternal and obstetric outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate adverse maternal, fetal and neonatal events in pregnant patients with TA. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection. We reviewed 22 pregnancies in 18 patients with TAK, according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, that were followed up in a high-risk prenatal clinic specialized in systemic autoimmune diseases and thrombophilia (PrAT) at Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, from 1998 to 2021. Results In twenty-two pregnancies, the mean age of patients was 28.09 years and the mean duration disease was 10.9 years. Of the 18 patients with TAK studied, only one had the diagnosis during pregnancy and had active disease. All other patients had a previous diagnosis of TAK and only 3 had disease activity during pregnancy. Twelve patients (66.6%) had previous systemic arterial hypertension and eleven (61.1%) had renal involvement. Among maternal complications, eight patients (36.3%) developed preeclampsia and six (27.2%) had uncontrolled blood pressure without proteinuria, while 10 (45%) had puerperal complications. Four (18.1%) births were premature, all due to severe preeclampsia and eight newborns (34.7%) were small for gestational age. When all maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes included in this study were considered, only 6 (27.2%) pregnancies were uneventful. Conclusion Although there were no maternal deaths or pregnancy losses in this study, the number of adverse events was considerably high. Hypertensive disorders and small for gestational age newborns were more common than general population, while the number of patients with active disease was low. These findings suggest that pregnancies in patients with TAK still have several complications and a high-risk prenatal care and delivery are necessary for these patients.

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

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

Risk factors for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in women residing in high altitude areas and their impacts on maternal and infant outcomes / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the incidence and risk factors of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) in high altitude areas and their influence on maternal and infant outcomes.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study. A total of 220 newborns were selected as the high altitude group, who were born to 216 mothers with HDP and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Lhasa People's Hospital from June 1, 2018, to June 1, 2020. The low altitude group consisted of 235 newborns born to 231 mothers with HDP and admitted to the Department of Neonatology of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. Differences in the types of HDP between the two groups and the risk factors for the high incidence of preeclampsia-eclampsia and early-onset preeclampsia in high altitude area were analyzed. The influences of HDP in high and low altitude areas on maternal and infant outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson Chi-square test, or continuous correction Chi-square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results:Maternal age and the proportions of primiparae and women of advanced age or having irregular prenatal examination were greater in the high altitude group than those in the low altitude group (all P<0.05). Besides, the incidence of early-onset preeclampsia, eclampsia, preeclampsia-eclampsia, and chronic hypertension complicated by preeclampsia were also higher in the high altitude group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high altitude was a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia-eclampsia ( OR=4.437, 95% CI:2.582-7.626). Adverse pregnancy history ( OR=2.576, 95% CI:1.217-5.452) and irregular prenatal examination ( OR=2.862, 95% CI:1.412-5.800) were independent risk factors for early-onset preeclampsia in pregnant women in high altitude areas. Twin-pregnancy was a protective factor for early-onset preeclampsia in pregnant women in high altitude areas ( OR=0.183, 95% CI: 0.054-0.623). The incidence of maternal heart failure [7.9% (17/216) vs 0.4% (1/231), χ2=15.98], placental abruption [7.9% (17/216) vs 3.5% (8/231), χ2=4.11], hemolysis, elevated liver function and low platelet count syndrome [14.4% (31/216) vs 1.7% (4/231), χ2=24.64], premature delivery [86.1% (118/216) vs 73.6% (170/231), χ2=10.79], fetal growth restriction [52.3% (115/220) vs 18.7% (44/235), χ2=56.26], fetal distress [18.2% (40/220) vs 8.1% (19/235), χ2=10.26], neonatal asphyxia [29.5% (65/220) vs 11.1% (26/235), χ2=24.26], severe asphyxia [8.6% (19/220) vs 2.6% (6/235), χ2=8.10] and the proportion of neonates requiring mechanical ventilation within 24 h after birth [69.5% (153/220) vs 42.6% (100/235), χ2=33.54] as well as neonatal death within 7 d after birth [5.5% (12/220) vs 1.3% (3/235), χ2=6.22] in the high altitude group were significantly higher than those in the low altitude group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:High altitude is a risk factor for preeclampsia-eclampsia, and the adverse effects of HDP on mothers and infants are more severe in high altitude areas.

Significance of jellyfish sign in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes of complete placenta previa combined with placenta accreta spectrum disorders / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the value of jellyfish sign, an abnormal ultrasonographic sign, in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes of women with complete placenta previa combined with placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the ultrasound images of 72 singleton gravidas, diagnosed with complete placenta previa combined with PAS, who underwent cesarean section at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and February 2023. Based on the presence and absence of the jellyfish sign in ultrasound images, these gravidas were divided into the jellyfish-sign group (15 cases, 20.8%) and the non-jellyfish-sign group (57 cases, 79.2%). The clinical data and perinatal outcomes of the two groups were analyzed. The adverse perinatal outcomes encompassed conditions such as abdominal aorta balloon block, uterine artery embolism, hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission of their neonates. Statistical analysis was performed using two independent samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-square (or Fisher's exact) test. Results:(1) The jellyfish-sign group exhibited a higher parity [(1.6±0.7) times vs (1.2±0.6) times, t=2.01] and higher prenatal scores of placenta accreta [(12.3±1.5) scores vs (8.6±2.9) scores, t=6.59] than those in the non-jellyfish-sign group (both P<0.05). Among the 57 cases in the non-jellyfish-sign group, there were 14 cases of placenta creta (24.6%), 40 cases of placenta increta (70.2%), and three cases of placenta percreta (5.3%). Among the 15 cases in the jellyfish-sign group, nine cases were diagnosed with placenta increta, six with placenta percreta, and none with placenta creta. The difference in distribution between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P<0.001). (2) Intraoperative blood loss [(for those who accepted abdominal aorta balloon block, 1 973±1 057) ml vs (1 211±576) ml, t=2.55], red blood cells transfused [4.0 U (2.0-23.0 U) vs 2.5 U (0.0-11.0 U), Z=－2.53], postoperative hospitalization time [(9.7±2.4) vs (7.5±2.2) d, t=3.36], the incidence of abdominal aorta balloon block [15/15 vs 38.6% (22/57), χ2=17.92], uterine artery embolism [for those who accepted abdominal aorta balloon block, 3/15 vs 1.8% (1/57), Fisher's exact test], and requiring blood transfusion [15/15 vs 63.2% (36/57), Fisher's exact test] were higher in the jellyfish-sign group than those in the non-jellyfish-sign group. However, the non-jellyfish-sign group had lower gestational age at delivery [(33.6±1.5) weeks vs (35.2±1.8) weeks, t=－3.24], and lower neonatal Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min [1 min: 8 scores (3-10 scores) vs 9 scores (4-10 scores), Z=－2.46; 5 min: 9 scores (7-10 scores) vs 10 scores (6-10 scores), Z=－2.02] (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in emergency surgery rate, 24 h postoperative blood loss, neonatal birth weight, and proportion of NICU admission between the two groups. Additionally, no cases of hysterectomy or death were observed in the two groups. Conclusions:Ultrasound examination revealing jellyfish signs in patients with complete placenta previa and PAS is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse perinatal outcomes. Consequently, the management of these patients should be given greater attention.

Effects of placenta previa on surgical and pregnancy outcomes in patients with total/subtotal or segmental hysterectomy attributed to placenta accreta spectrum disorders / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of placenta previa on the surgical and pregnancy outcomes in patients with total/subtotal or segmental hysterectomy attributed to placenta accreta spectrum disorders (PAS).Methods:This study retrospectively enrolled 510 patients who gave birth and underwent total/subtotal hysterectomy or segmental hysterectomy (local implantation site) due to PAS at the third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2022. These subjects were divided into the placenta previa group (427 cases) and non-placenta previa group (83 cases). According to the type of hysterectomy, they were further divided into the total/subtotal hysterectomy and placenta previa subgroup (221 cases), total/subtotal hysterectomy and non-placenta previa subgroup (23 cases), segmental hysterectomy and placenta previa subgroup (206 cases), and segmental hysterectomy and non-placenta previa subgroup (60 cases). Nonparametric test or Chi-square test were used to compare the differences in the clinical features, surgical and pregnancy outcomes between different groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of placenta previa on the risk of additional surgical procedures and adverse maternal outcomes. Results:(1) Compared with the non-placenta previa group, the hemorrhage volume within 24 h postpartum [1 541 ml (1 036-2 368 ml) vs 1 111 ml (695-2 000 ml), Z=－3.91] and the proportion of women requiring additional surgical procedures [84.8% (362/427) vs 69.9% (58/83), χ2=10.61], with total/subtotal hysterectomy [51.8% (221/427) vs 27.7% (23/83), χ2=16.10], cystoscopy and/or ureteral stenting [60.7% (259/427) vs 31.3% (26/83), χ2=24.25], total adverse pregnancy outcomes [86.9% (371/427) vs 65.1% (54/83), χ2=17.75], hemorrhage volume>1 500 ml within 24 h postpartum [54.1% (231/427) vs 33.7% (28/83), χ2=29.94], transfusion of blood products [75.9% (324/427) vs 47.0% (39/83), χ2=28.27] were all higher in the placenta previa group (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis found that for PAS patients with hysterectomy, regardless of the hysterectomy type (total/subtotal/segmental), placenta previa was risk factor for requiring additional surgical procedures ( aOR=3.26, 95% CI: 1.85-5.72) and adverse pregnancy outcomes ( aOR=5.59, 95% CI: 2.01-6.42), even if adjusting for the confounding factors such as maternal age, number of previous cesarean sections, parity, gestational weight gain, twin pregnancy, and the use of assisted reproductive technology. (2) In patients with total/subtotal hysterectomy, the proportion of women requiring additional surgical procedures was higher in those with placenta previa [82.8% (183/221) vs 56.5% (13/23), χ2=9.11] than those without placenta previa, especially the proportion of cystoscopy and/or ureteral stenting [67.9% (150/221) vs 34.8% (8/23), χ2=9.99] (both P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in adverse pregnancy outcomes [89.6% (198/221) vs 87.0% (20/23), χ2<0.01, P=0.972] between the two groups. In patients with segmental hysterectomy, higher proportions of women requiring additional surgery [86.9% (179/206) vs 75.0% (45/60), χ2=4.94], with adverse pregnancy outcomes [84.0% (173/206) vs 56.7% (34/60), χ2=25.31], cystoscopy and/or ureteral stenting [52.9% (109/206) vs 30.0% (18/60), χ2=9.78], vascular occlusion [94.2% (194/206) vs 71.7% (43/60), χ2=24.23], hemorrhage volume>1 500 ml within 24 h postpartum [46.6% (96/206) vs 23.3% (14/60), χ2=10.37], and transfusion of blood products [68.9% (142/206) vs 33.3% (20/60), χ2=24.73] were found in the placenta previa group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with placenta previa had more hemorrhage volume within 24 h postpartum [1 368 ml (970-2 026 ml) vs 995 ml (654-1 352 ml), Z=－3.66, P<0.001] in the segmental hysterectomy subgroup. After adjusting for the confounding factors such as age, number of previous cesarean sections, parity, gestational weight gain, twin pregnancy, and the use of assisted reproductive technology, binary logistic regression analysis found that placenta previa did not increase the risk of additional surgical operations ( aOR=2.71, 95% CI: 0.99-7.42) and adverse pregnancy outcomes ( aOR=2.14, 95% CI: 0.54-8.42) in patients with total/subtotal hysterectomy but were risk factors of the two outcomes for those with segmental hysterectomy ( aOR=4.67, 95% CI: 2.15-10.10; aOR=3.80, 95% CI: 1.86-7.77). Conclusions:Placenta previa increases the risk of additional surgical procedures and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with total/subtotal or segmental hysterectomy caused by PAS. Appropriate preparation is required after the clinical diagnosis of PAS with placenta previa.