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Gallstone disease with advanced symptoms is one of the common abdominal emergencies during pregnancy and it is considered to be one of the most frequently reported non-obstetric surgical conditions in pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical cholecystectomy in pregnant women with symptoms of advanced gallstones. This is a retrospective analysis of 2814 pregnant women who attended various wards in government and private hospitals in the governorates of Diyala and Kirkuk in Iraq for more than 2 years, between February 2020 and June 2022. The hospital database was used to confirm the diagnosis of advanced gallstone symptoms in these pregnant women. The incidence of symptomatic gallstones in pregnant women, diagnosis and method of therapeutic management, cholecystectomy according to the pregnancy periods, and perinatal complications of patients according to therapeutic methods were determined. The results confirmed that out of 2814 pregnancies, only 126 (4%) had symptoms of gallstones. It was found that the majority of cases 67 (53%) were within the first trimester of pregnancy and the least 29 (23%) was observed in the second trimester. Acute cholecystitis was the generality 84 (67%) diagnosed in pregnant women with symptomatic gallbladder disease and only 9 (7%) of the patients had undergone prenatal cholecystectomy versus 117 (93%) who were managed conservatively. A total of 20 (16%) cases with undesirable complications were recorded, where 12 cases with low birth weight were noted, where 4 of them underwent surgery and 8 were treated conservatively. It was concluded that a large proportion of women suffer from symptoms of gallstones during pregnancy. Most cases can be managed conservatively, and intervention should be performed as often as needed.Copyright © 2023, Codon Publications. All rights reserved.
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Objective To analyze the changes of disease spectrum in pediatric inpatients before and after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The data of gender, age, habitual residence, diagnosis and other relevant information of 1 931 hospitalized children in Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020 (1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic) and 618 hospitalized children from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021 (1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic) were collected. The total number, habitual residence, gender and disease spectrum of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results The number of hospitalized children decreased by 68.00% (1 313/1 931) 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of hospitalized children from other provinces and cities was decreased (17.80%110/618vs 29.00%560/1 931) and there was significantly difference in the distribution of habitual residence of hospitalized children between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.01). One year after the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children with respiratory diseases decreased by 92.04% (971/1 055), and the proportion was also decreased (13.59%84/618vs 54.63%1 055/1 931);the number of children with endocrine system diseases increased by 20.71% (29/140), and the proportion was increased (27.35%169/618vs 7.25%140/1 931);the number of children with neonatal diseases decreased by 43.01% (166/386), but the proportion was increased (35.60%220/618 vs 19.99%386/1 931). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in the proportions of respiratory diseases, endocrine system diseases and neonatal diseases in hospitalized children 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (all P<0.01). The age distribution of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the epidemic of COVID-19 was different (P<0.01), and the number of hospitalized children was also different in different seasons (P<0.05). One year after the epidemic of COVID-19, the number of hospitalized children with respiratory diseases was decreased most significantly, and the number of children with pneumonia decreased by 93.71% (655/699), with a significant difference found in the proportions of pneumonia between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (52.38%44/84vs 66.26% 699/1 055, P<0.05). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of endocrine system diseases such as short stature/growth retardation was decreased and the proportion of precocious puberty/early puberty development was increased 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.05). Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant decrease in hospitalized children in department of pediatric, especially in the proportion of respiratory diseases, but it has led to an increase in hospitalized children with endocrine system diseases, suggesting that epidemic prevention and control measures can effectively reduce respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization, but may increase precocious puberty and early puberty development. These changes should be considered by department of pediatrics in general hospitals.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.
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Objective To analyze the changes of disease spectrum in pediatric inpatients before and after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods The data of gender, age, habitual residence, diagnosis and other relevant information of 1 931 hospitalized children in Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Feb. 2019 to Jan. 2020 (1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic) and 618 hospitalized children from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021 (1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic) were collected. The total number, habitual residence, gender and disease spectrum of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic were statistically analyzed. Results The number of hospitalized children decreased by 68.00% (1 313/1 931) 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic. The number of hospitalized children from other provinces and cities was decreased (17.80%[110/618]vs 29.00%[560/1 931]) and there was significantly difference in the distribution of habitual residence of hospitalized children between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.01). One year after the COVID-19 epidemic, the number of children with respiratory diseases decreased by 92.04% (971/1 055), and the proportion was also decreased (13.59%[84/618]vs 54.63%[1 055/1 931]);the number of children with endocrine system diseases increased by 20.71% (29/140), and the proportion was increased (27.35%[169/618]vs 7.25%[140/1 931]);the number of children with neonatal diseases decreased by 43.01% (166/386), but the proportion was increased (35.60%[220/618] vs 19.99%[386/1 931]). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in the proportions of respiratory diseases, endocrine system diseases and neonatal diseases in hospitalized children 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (all P<0.01). The age distribution of hospitalized children 1 year before and 1 year after the epidemic of COVID-19 was different (P<0.01), and the number of hospitalized children was also different in different seasons (P<0.05). One year after the epidemic of COVID-19, the number of hospitalized children with respiratory diseases was decreased most significantly, and the number of children with pneumonia decreased by 93.71% (655/699), with a significant difference found in the proportions of pneumonia between 1 year before and 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (52.38%[44/84]vs 66.26% [699/1 055], P<0.05). Compared with 1 year before the COVID-19 epidemic, the proportion of endocrine system diseases such as short stature/growth retardation was decreased and the proportion of precocious puberty/early puberty development was increased 1 year after the COVID-19 epidemic (P<0.05). Conclusion The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant decrease in hospitalized children in department of pediatric, especially in the proportion of respiratory diseases, but it has led to an increase in hospitalized children with endocrine system diseases, suggesting that epidemic prevention and control measures can effectively reduce respiratory diseases requiring hospitalization, but may increase precocious puberty and early puberty development. These changes should be considered by department of pediatrics in general hospitals.Copyright © 2022, Second Military Medical University Press. All rights reserved.
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Aim: To determine the frequency of perinatal outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients at obstetric and gynecological unit. Material(s) and Method(s): An observational cross sectional study was conducted at Aziz Fatimah medical college, Obstetrics and Gynecology department from January 2021 to June 2021 on 100 pregnant COVID positive patients. Perinatal outcomes such as cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth and NICU admissions were assessed. Data was presented as frequencies, percentages and Mean+/-SD. Result(s): Mean maternal age was 29.71+/-6.05 years. The mean gestational age was 36.47+/-3.83 weeks. Postpartum hemorrhage was seen in 11 (11%) patients, Preterm birth rate was 37 (37%), NICU admissions rate was 44 (44%) and 54 (54%) patients had cesarean section. Conclusion(s): Pregnant COVID 19 positive women are at great risk of having perinatal complication.Copyright © 2022 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.
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Background and objectives: COVID-19 pandemic had quite a significant impact on a number of obstetric outcomes. This is often directly attributed to complications of COVID-19. This article is a systematically review literature on the epidemiology, clinical features, maternal and perinatal outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Materials and methods. A PRISMA methodology search was conducted on the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Central BMJ using MeSH keywords or combinations of the words"COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "pregnancy", "epidemiology", "comorbid disease", "pregnancy and childbirth outcome", "preeclampsia", "fetus". Only articles published between December 1, 2019 to February 28, 2022 were considered. After preliminary analysis of more than 600 publications, 21 articles were short-listed for final processing. The studies were selected using a Newcastle-Ottawa scale style questionnaire. The clinical features, risk factors, co-morbid conditions, maternal and neonatal outcomes were presented in two separate tables respectively. Results. COVID-19 incidence in pregnancy ranged from 4.9% to 10.0%. Such women were 5.4 times more likely to be hospitalized and 1.5 times more to need ICU care. Dyspnoea and hyperthermia were associated with a high risk of severe maternal (OR 2.56;95% CI 1.92-3.40) and neonatal complications (OR 4.97;95% CI 2.11-11.69). One in ten of neonates had a small weight for gestational age (9.27 +/- 3.18%) and one in three required intensive care unit observation. Conclusions. Despite the increasingly emerging evidence on the associations between pregnancy and COVID-19 infection, the data is sometimes contradictory necessitating further studies.Copyright © 2022 Trylyst. All rights reserved.
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Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder leading to variable degrees of skeletal muscle weakness. During pregnancy, infections can trigger exacerbations and should be treated promptly and aggressively.(1) Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody used as monotherapy in high-risk, symptomatic non-hospitalized patients at risk of developing COVID-19 disease. (2) It is thought to have retained activity against SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. (3) Limited data are available on its use in pregnancy. Case: A 39-year-old woman with severe generalized MG, was referred to our joint neuro-obstetric multidisciplinary service. Her two previous pregnancies were complicated by severe exacerbations of MG necessitating intensive care admissions, and preterm labour. Her long-term therapy included high dose steroids, intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and plasma exchanges. In this pregnancy, she additionally received rituximab in the first-trimester, allowing her prednisolone to be weaned to 20 mg daily, with ongoing 3-weekly IVIG. She received 3 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. At 19 weeks she developed mild coryzal symptoms, sore throat and myalgia. Lateral flow and polymerase chain reaction tests in the community confirmed infection with SARS-CoV-2. She was treated with sotrovimab with uneventful recovery at home. At 31 weeks, she again tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, after reporting mild COVID-19 symptoms. She received a second dose of sotrovimab and had a quick recovery. Subsequent SARS-CoV-2 genotyping indicated she had contracted the Omicron-BA.2 variant. Fetal surveillance for growth (SARS-CoV-2) and arthrogryposis (MG) did not raise concerns. At 35+3 weeks, she went into spontaneous labour and was delivered by caesarean section for evolving chorioamnionitis, with uneventful recovery for mother and baby. Discussion(s): We report a case of repeated treatment with sotrovimab (in second and third trimesters) of a high-risk, non-hospitalized pregnant woman, who was re-infected with SARS-CoV-2. We identified no immediate maternal, fetal or neonatal complications following two doses of sotrovimab for mild COVID-19.
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Objective. We described three cases of SARS-CoV-2 positive new-borns with both symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers. Materials and Methods. Placentas were analyzed in the pathology department and showed chronic histiocytic intervillositis with presence of CD68+ macrophages, syncytiotrophoblast necrosis and positivity of the syncytiotrophoblast for SARS-CoV-2 antigen or RNA. Results. The first case dates back to March 2020, when a symptomatic COVID-19 positive patient gave birth to a healthy neonate at 37.6 weeks of gestation. Skin to skin contact was not permitted but breastfeeding with a face mask was allowed. The newborn, that remained asymptomatic throughout the entire hospital stay, resulted positive to SARS-CoV-2 immediately after birth, at 24 hours of life and after 7 days. The second was delivered at 35.1 weeks of gestation by caesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status. The mother presented with fever, cough and a positive COVID-19 swab test. The newborn resulted positive on day 7, despite not having contact with the mother. No neonatal complications were observed. The third positive mother was admitted asymptomatic to the obstetric department in September 2021 due to preterm premature rupture of membranes at 20 weeks of gestation in a high-risk twin pregnancy. At 21.4 weeks of gestation her clinical conditions deteriorated, and she delivered two stillborn fetuses: SARSCoV- 2 was detected in all tissues samples. The lung of the first fetus only showed interstitial pneumonia features. Conclusions. We detected SARS-CoV-2 in placentas of both the second and third trimester, implying the passage of the virus through the placenta to the fetuses as the presence of SARSCoV- 2 RNA was demonstrated in swabs and foetal tissues.
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Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) is a rare cause of neonatal seizures, with an incidence of 1 in 2500 to 4000 live births, globally. This is a case of a neonate with PAIS due to transpla-cental passage of COVID-19 IgG antibodies from the mother. A term, male neonate, born to a primigravida with an unevent-ful antenatal history was presented on the second day of life with multiple episodes of focal clonic seizures involving the right upper and lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute infarct in the left frontal lobe, extending into the parietal region, anterior limb, and genu of internal capsule suggestive of arterial ischemic stroke. The known causes of PAIS were evaluated and ruled out. The result of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for SARS-CoV-2 antigen was negative for both the mother and the neonate. COVID-19 IgG antibodies in the mother and neonate were elevated. Seizures were controlled with antiepileptics. The neonate had no further seizure episodes and was discharged on oral levetiracetam. The infant was developmentally and neurologically normal at 3 months of age. PAIS is a rare cause of neonatal seizures, and maternal COVID-19 infection may be associated with neonatal stroke.Copyright © 2022, Himalaya Wellness Company. All rights reserved.
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Objective: Pneumonia is an important disease that causes sepsis in newborns and constitutes the majority of deaths due to infections, especially in developing countries. Pulse oximeters that are widely used in clinics, can determine heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, additionally perfusion index (PI). In this study, the role of PI in determining the severity and prognosis of the disease in newborns with late-onset pneumonia (LOP);the relationship between PI and respiratory support need and Silverman Anderson Retraction Score (SAS) were aimed to determine. Material(s) and Method(s): In this prospective study, 30 term newborns diagnosed with late-onset pneumonia (LOP) were at the time of hospitalization,at the 24th hours of their treatment, and discharge;in the control group, PI measurements were made from the right upper extremity every 10 seconds for 3 minutes at the discharge of 30 term healthy newborns between December 2017 and June 2018. By comparing the data, it was aimed to determine the relationship of PI with the severity of the disease, prognosis, need for respiratory support and Silverman Anderson Retraction Score (SAS). Result(s): Their mean birth weights was 2000 - 4600 g the mean was 3570 g in the study, 2800 - 4100 g the mean was 3610 g in the control group and there was no significant difference (p>0.05);Gestational ages were 365/7 - 413/7, mean 392/7 in the study group, 373/7 - 405/7 in the control group, mean 396/7 weeks, and the statistical difference between the groups was not significant (p>0.05). The ratio of female/male was similar in the groups. Their median age was 9.5 days (3-27) in the control, 21 days (5-28) in the study group, and higher in the study group (p<0.05). The median capillary refill time was 1.7 seconds in the control, 1.6 seconds in the study group, and similar between the groups. The mean PI was 2.3+/-0.9 in the control group. In the study group, it was 3.6+/-1.2 on hospitalization, 3.2+/-1.2 on the first day, 3.4+/-0.7 at discharge. In the study group, PI values on hospitalization and first day were higher (p<0.05). There were reticular infiltration 50% bilateral, 30% right paracardiac, 10% left paracardiac, 3.3% right lower lobe. Alpha hemolytic streptococci in 1 (3.3%), Acinetobacter iwoffii in 1 (3.3%), Respiratory syncytial virus 6 (20%), Coronavirus 4 (13.3%), Rhinovirus 2 (6.7%) and Influenza A 1 (3.3%) patient were determined. We applied free flow oxygen 17 (56.7%), oxygen by hood 5 (16.7%), heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula 1 (3.3%), nasal continuous airway pressure 4 (13.3%), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation 4 (13.3%) cases. PI was higher in the patients needing positive pressure on admission (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between SAS and PI on admission in the study group (p=0.008). The number of patients whose PI decreased during hospitalization increased over time. Conclusion(s): In the neonates with LOP, the severity of the disease, the need for respiratory support and prognosis cannot be predicted by PI. There was no relation between SAS and PI. It was concluded that more accurate results can be achieved by measuring PI using more patients, more sensitive probes and technically more advanced monitors. New studies should be conducted to determine the role of PI in demonstrating well-being and early detection of life-threatening conditions in the healthy newborns. Copyright © 2022 Ankara Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital. All rights reserved.
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Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing emergency with limited data on perinatal outcomes. The aim of the study was to describe key maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from low–middle income settings. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a tertiary level public hospital in India. All pregnant women admitted from May 2020 to July 2020 were included in the study. Maternal demography, medical and obstetric complications, clinical characteristics, and investigations were described. Symptomatic infected women were compared with the asymptomatic group for important outcomes. Key perinatal outcomes such as early pregnancy losses, fetal distress, stillbirths, and placental changes were evaluated. Neonatal characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pregnancies were described and compared. Results: Among the 702 pregnant women enrolled, the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 16.2%, with the majority being asymptomatic. Infected women had an increased mortality, while symptomatic women had a significant risk of stillbirth. Mean placental weight of infected women was significantly higher. Neonatal infection rate was 9.1%, with 50% manifesting mild respiratory symptoms without any mortality. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive description of important antenatal, intrapartum and neonatal complications and outcomes in a low–middle income setting characterized by high disease burden and an overwhelmed health care system. Clinical significance: Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was 16.2%. The symptomatic infected women had increased stillbirth and mortality. Neonatal transmission was seen in 9.1% with good survival.
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Background: Adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have been described in isolated cases. The ongoing effect of the virus on the body necessitates the accumulation of information on the causes of complications during the gestation period, especially in mild and moderate disease forms that do not lead to severe respiratory and multiple organ failure, which is important for managing pregnancy and developing measures to prevent adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Case report: The paper describes 2 cases of antenatal fetal death in pregnant patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 and a familial history of non-developing pregnancies that occurred in the third wave of the epidemic process. One patient was recorded to have antenatal fetal death that occurred at 37–38 weeks’ gestation with a birth weight of 2670 g and the other patient had that at 23–24 weeks’ gestation with a birth weight of 520 g in the late stages of the disease (days 9 and 13, respectively). These patients are described to have placental morphological alterations;there was a preponderance of the signs of severe maternal vascular malperfusion as thrombosis in the intervillous space with massive fibrin deposits;large hematomas and infarcts, extensive numerous areas of fibrinoid villous agglutination and an inflammatory reaction. At the same time, the standard methods were used to detect viral RNA in the tissues of the placenta, fetal lungs, and maternal nasopharynx. Conclusion: The analysis of each antenatal fetal death case in pregnant patients with COVID-19 is the basis for the formation of recommendations for the prevention of perinatal complications.
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The article presents the results of the surveillance of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) according to SMM surveillance regulations in the Russian Federation (RF). The study analyzed the SMM Register of the Vertically Integrated Medical Information System of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Neonatology (VIMIS AKU&NEO) and the results of near-miss audit. The analysis included life-threatening maternal conditions without fatal outcome identified according to categories of organ dysfunction using the WHO diagnostic criteria (2011). The study aimed to identify strategies to reduce and prevent maternal mortality (MM) in Saint Petersburg. The authors analyzed the types of SMM registered in level II (51.0%) and level III (49.0%) maternal care providers (MCP) of Saint Petersburg. They also presented characteristics of near-miss cases, of which 12.5% and 83.3% occurred in level II and level III MCPs, respectively. Integral indicators of medical care quality in near-miss groups included near-miss rate, life-threatening condition rate, survival rate index, and mortality rate index. Obstetric pathology, blood pathology, and respiratory pathology were the leading causes of SMM in Saint Petersburg in 2021, which is comparable with the data of SMM registered in the Russian Federation in general. There were no cases of MM in the obstetric pathology group, which was the most frequently registered category of SMM (39.4% of the total number of SMM), including severe pre-eclampsia and eclampsia (83.1% of the group) and uterine rupture (9.6% of the group). The absence of MM in this category of SMM is associated with the implementation of effective and quality medical care in patients at high risk for obstetric and perinatal complications in Saint Petersburg in 2021. Blood pathology was the second most frequently registered category of SMM (36.8% of all SMM, 95.8% of the group);one case of MM was registered in a Level III MCP and one case outside the MCP before ambulance arrival. Both cases were associated with massive blood loss (more than 1000 ml). In 2021, during a pandemic of a novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in St. Petersburg, 41 cases of SMM associated with respiratory pathology (9.1% of total SMM) were reported. Of them 39 were identified as near-miss cases (respiratory dysfunction), which accounted for 54, 2% of the total number of near-miss cases with 20 deaths in level III MCPs. These deaths were due to severe or extremely severe bilateral viral or viral bacterial pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome or pulmonary embolism due to COVID-19 (O98. 5, U07.1). The main strategy to prevent and reduce the incidence of near-miss cases and MM based on improving the modern integral model of internal control of the quality of medical care in maternal care providers, near-miss audit, and the introduction into practice of both medical and organizational methodological, including telecommunications and other technologies aimed at improving professional competence. Conclusion: SMM surveillance and near-miss audit allows for a detailed assessment of the nature and quality of medical care to improve pregnancy outcomes.
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Objective: To study the impact of national recommendations on the method of screening used for GDM during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate differences in maternal and fetal outcomes among women with first-time GDM (ftGDM). Design: A retrospective observational study in a single Tertiary London Hospital. During the pandemic, the RCOG recommended an amended GDM screening protocol to reduce hospital attendance and risk of virus transmission (fasting blood glucose level ≥5.3 and/or HbA1c ≥39 at 28 weeks of gestation). Our Trust did not adopt this due to concerns regarding its sensitivity. We adopt a 2-step approach to universal GDM screening using a 50g glucose challenge test, and refer those screening positive for a full oral glucose tolerance test. Method: Outcomes were reviewed for women with ftGDM delivering a singleton at ≥24 weeks gestation between 01/04/20 -28/ 5/21. Our primary aim was to determine the impact of the change in COVID-19 GDM screening policy, had it been implemented. Our secondary outcomes included GDM management method, maternal and perinatal complications. We excluded women with a booking HbA1c ≥42 (indicative of pre-diabetes) and those who had bariatric surgery. Demographic and outcome data were obtained from electronic databases. Results: 247 women were diagnosed with ftGDM using local screening methods. Only 23 of these women had a HbA1c ≥39 at time of diagnosis and a further 12 had FBG ≥5.3. There was no significant difference in age or ethnicity between the two groups. The locally diagnosed group had a statistically significantly lower booking BMI (P<0.001) and were less likely to require pharmacological management of GDM (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of induction of labour, gestation at delivery, birth weight or any perinatal adverse outcome. However, the women in the Covid-19 GDM screening group were significantly more likely to be delivered by Emergency Caesarean Section (p = 0.03) and have gestational hypertensive disease (p = 0.025). Conclusions: If we had implemented RCOG HbA1c screening, we would have not diagnosed 207 women with GDM, 41% of whom required pharmacological treatment. It is not surprising that women with higher HbA1c values had higher rates of maternal complications, due to the well-established association between maternal hyperglycaemia and adverse obstetric outcomes. As such, it is imperative that more sensitive screening protocols such as the 50g screen are considered in any future pandemics, such that women with GDM can be identified and maternal hyperglycaemia treated to benefit in-utero fetal programming.
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Background: Induction of labor is a commonly performed obstetric intervention. Vaginal prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is the recommended first choice agent in the UK. Mechanical methods of induction are slower to achieve cervical ripening but have a lower risk of adverse effects. Objective: To compare the efficacy, maternal and neonatal safety, and maternal satisfaction of a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator (Dilapan-S) with vaginal prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) in cervical ripening for induction of labour. Design: Open-label, multicentre, superiority, randomised controlled trial in four UK National Health Service maternity units. Participants: Eligible participants were women ≥ 16 years of age undergoing induction of labour for a singleton pregnancy, ≥ 37 weeks' gestation with vertex presentation and intact membranes. The trial did not reach its planned sample size of 860 due to restrictions on research during the Covid-19 pandemic. Interventions: Women were randomly assigned to receive Dilapan-S or dinoprostone using a telephone randomisation system minimised by hospital, parity, BMI and maternal age. The induction agent was replaced as required until the cervix was assessed as favourable for labour. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was failure to achieve vaginal delivery (i.e. caesarean delivery). Secondary outcome measures included maternal and neonatal adverse events. Analysis was by intention-to- treat, adjusting for design variables where possible. Results: Between 19 December 2017 and 26 January 2021, 674 women were enrolled: 337 were randomly assigned to Dilapan-S and 337 to dinoprostone (n = 337). The primary outcome was missing for two women in the dinoprostone group. Failure to achieve vaginal delivery (caesarean section) occurred in 126 women (37.4%) allocated to Dilapan-S, and 115 (34.3%) women allocated to dinoprostone (adjusted risk difference 0.02, 95% confidence interval -0.05 to 0.10). There were similar maternal and neonatal adverse events between the groups. Conclusions: Women undergoing induction of labour with Dilapan-S have similar rates of caesarean section and maternal and neonatal adverse events compared to dinoprostone.
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Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first detected in December 2019 and became an epidemic in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The immune system is known to be dysregulated during the course of this disease. Objective: Present updated information related to the immunology of pregnancy and COVID-19 infection. Methods: The information search for this review was carried out in the PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus and Scielo databases. The main search engine was Google Scholar. An analysis of the recovered articles was carried out in order to select the most rigorous and important ones. Analysis and synthesis of the information: Compared to the general population, pregnant women do not appear to be more susceptible to the consequences of COVID-19 infection. However, due to the physiological changes that take place, pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population with respect to viral respiratory infections. This virus can alter the immune response at the maternal-fetal interface and affect the well-being of the mother and child. However, it is not associated with major maternal or neonatal complications. These data should be taken with caution, since the number of pregnancy reports is still considered small to make a definitive statement. Conclusions: Although there are few reported cases, the clinical characteristics reported in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19 infection are similar to those reported for non-pregnant adults in the general population and are indicative of a relatively optimistic clinical course based on the results. for this infection.
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Background: Over the summer of 2019/2020, NSW experienced the worst bushfires in recorded history shortly followed by the COVID-19 pandemic with mandated restrictions to movement from home and maternity care. A number of pregnancies spanned these events. Objective: To assess the impact of exposure to bushfires and pandemic restrictions on perinatal outcomes. Methods: The study included 60 054 pregnant women who gave birth November 2017-December 2020 in Sydney. Exposure cohorts were based on conception dates in relation to bushfire and pandemic restrictions: (1) bushfire exposure only;(2) bushfires in early pregnancy, born during lockdown;(3) conceived during bushfires, born during ongoing restrictions;(4) pandemic exposure only. Exposure cohorts were compared with pregnancies in the same periods in the two years prior. Generalised estimating equations assessed associations between the exposure cohorts with pregnancy and birth outcomes adjusting for covariates. Results: Pregnancies exposed to both bushfires and pandemic restrictions (2 and 3) had an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes compared to previous years and more than cohorts 1 and 4. For cohorts 2 and 3 unplanned caesarean sections were increased (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04, 1.30);for cohort 2 low birthweight increased (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03, 1.41);for cohort 3 gestational diabetes mellitus decreased (aOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.81, 1.00), while prelabour rupture of membranes and macrosomia increased (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07, 1.4, aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03, 1.33 respectively). Conclusion: Exposure to both severe climate events and pandemic disruptions increases the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Given their increasing prevalence, additional research and vigilance is warranted.
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Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes among the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-positive pregnant women. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among all the COVID-19 pregnant women who were admitted at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences for delivery. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 26.00 ± 4.89 years, and it ranged between 19 and 37 years. Most of the patients were gravida 2 (51.6%) and primigravida (41.9%);Lower segment cesarean section was the commonest mode of delivery (38.7%). Cough and breathlessness were the symptoms recorded in 1.6% of the patients. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (9.7%) and decreased saturation (6.5%) were the maternal complications noted. A majority of the neonates weighed 2.5–3.5 kg (46/63, 73.0%). The mean birth weight of the neonates was 2.97 ± 4.89 kg with the minimum weight recorded being 1.75 kg and maximum was 3.8 kg. The commonest neonatal complication (14.3%) noted was low birth weight (LBW), and among them, eight of them had COVID-19 negative status but for one who was diagnosed COVID-19 positive. There were no deaths recorded among both mother and the neonates. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there are no maternal and neonatal deaths noted among COVID-19 pregnant women, and PROM and decreased saturation were the maternal complications affecting 10.0 and 7.0% of them and LBW was the neonatal complication found among 14.0% of them. Vertical transmission cannot be ruled out 100.0 as 1.6% (1/63) newborn was found to be COVID-19 positive.
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Infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are increasing in the United States. Because most infections are asymptomatic, screening is key to preventing complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility and decreasing community and vertical neonatal transmission. All sexually active people with a cervix who are younger than 25 years and older people with a cervix who have risk factors should be screened annually for chlamydial and gonococcal infections. Sexually active men who have sex with men should be screened at least annually. Physicians should obtain a sexual history free from assumptions about sex partners or practices. Acceptable specimen types for testing include vaginal, endocervical, rectal, pharyngeal, and urethral swabs, and first-stream urine samples. Uncomplicated gonococcal infection should be treated with a single 500-mg dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone in people weighing less than 331 lb (150 kg). Preferred chlamydia treatment is a seven-day course of doxycycline, 100 mg taken by mouth twice per day. All nonpregnant people should be tested for reinfection approximately three months after treatment or at the first visit in the 12 months after treatment. Pregnant patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea should have a test of cure four weeks after treatment.