Desarrollo de un modelo por inteligencia artificial con hemodinamia no invasiva para predecir preeclampsia en embarazos de alto riesgo / Artificial Intelligence Modeling with Non-Invasive Hemodynamics to Predict Preeclampsia in High-Risk Pregnancy

RESUMEN Introducción: la preeclampsia (PE) es la principal causa de morbimortalidad materno-fetal en nuestro país. Alteraciones hemodinámicas precoces durante el embarazo podrían predecir la evolución a PE. El machine learning (ML) permite el hallazgo de patrones ocultos que podrían detectar precozmente el desarrollo de PE. Objetivos: desarrollar un árbol de clasificación con variables de hemodinamia no invasiva para predecir precozmente desarrollo de PE. Material y métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo con embarazadas de alto riesgo (n=1155) derivadas del servicio de Obstetricia desde enero 2016 a octubre 2022 para el muestreo de entrenamiento por ML con árbol de clasificación j48. Se seleccionaron 112 embarazadas entre semanas 10 a 16, sin tratamiento farmacológico y que completaron el seguimiento con el término de su embarazo con evento final combinado (PE): preeclampsia, eclampsia y síndrome HELLP. Se evaluaron simultáneamente con cardiografía de impedancia y velocidad de onda del pulso y con monitoreo ambulatorio de presión arterial de 24 hs (MAPA). Resultados: presentaron PE 17 pacientes (15,18%). Se generó un árbol de clasificación predictivo con las siguientes variables: índice de complacencia arterial (ICA), índice cardíaco (IC), índice de trabajo sistólico (ITS), cociente de tiempos eyectivos (CTE), índice de Heather (IH). Se clasificaron correctamente el 93,75%; coeficiente Kappa 0,70, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) 0,94 y negativo (VPN) 0,35. Precisión 0,94, área bajo la curva ROC 0,93. Conclusión: las variables ICA, IC, ITS, CTE e IH predijeron en nuestra muestra el desarrollo de PE con excelente discriminación y precisión, de forma precoz, no invasiva, segura y con bajo costo.

ABSTRACT Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is the main cause of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality in our country. Early hemodynamic changes during pregnancy could predict progression to PE. Machine learning (ML) enables the discovery of hidden patterns that could early detect PE development. Objectives: The aim of this study was to build a classification tree with non-invasive hemodynamic variables for the early prediction of PE occurrence. Results: Seventeen patients (15.18%) presented PE. A predictive classification tree was generated with arterial compliance index (ACI), cardiac index (CI), cardiac work index (CWI), ejective time ratio (ETR), and Heather index (HI). A total of 93.75% patients were correctly classified (Kappa 0.70, positive predictive value 0.94 and negative predictive value 0.35; accuracy 0.94, and area under the ROC curve 0.93). Conclusion: ACI, CI, CWI, ETR and HI variables predicted the early development of PE in our sample with excellent discrimination and accuracy, non-invasively, safely and at low cost.

[Integrated mother-child care. Effects on adherence and knowledge of contraceptive methods]. / Atención integrada madre-niño. Efectos sobre adherencia y conocimientos de métodos anticonceptivos.

INTRODUCTION: Scientific evidence suggests that mother-child joint care strategies would facilitate knowledge of contraceptive methods (MAC) and their access. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the Integrated Mother and Child Care Model on adherence and knowledge of CAM in women during the first postpartum semester. METHODS: An intervention study was carried out, 2 groups were formed, GI: intervention group (3 controls up to 6 months postpartum) and GC: control group (one control at 6 months postpartum). The intervention consisted of face-to-face counseling about MAC combined with informative brochures and WhatsApp⌖ messages. Sociodemographic data, gynecological and obstetric history, use and knowledge of contraceptive methods were collected. Adherence to the use and knowledge of MAC were compared in both groups at 6 months postpartum. The analysis was performed using R software version 4.0.3. RESULTS: Thirty-nine women were incorporated into each group. A difference was found in the use of MAC between groups at 6 months (92.3% vs. 64.1%), its use being higher in GI. Significant differences were found in the knowledge of some MAC at 6 months. A higher percentage of women in GI knew about birth control pills (p = 0.009), tubal ligation (p = 0.04) and vasectomy (p = 0.010), compared to GC. DISCUSSION: Early postpartum intervention with various communication and information strategies can be useful to choose the MAC that is considered most appropriate for each woman and its correct use.

Introducción: La evidencia científica sugiere que estrategias de atención conjunta madre-hijo facilitarían el conocimiento de métodos anticonceptivos (MAC) y su acceso. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto del Modelo de atención integrada de la madre y el niño sobre la adherencia y conocimientos de MAC en mujeres durante el primer semestre postparto. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de intervención, se conformaron 2 grupos, GI: grupo de intervención (3 controles hasta los 6 meses postparto) y GC: grupo control (un control a los 6 meses postparto). La intervención consistió en asesoramiento presencial acerca de MAC combinada con folletería informativa y mensajes de WhatsApp⌖. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes gineco-obstétricos, uso y conocimientos de MAC. Se comparó la adherencia al uso y el conocimiento de MAC en ambos grupos a los 6 meses post parto. El análisis se realizó mediante el software R versión 4.0.3. Resultados: Se incorporaron 39 mujeres en cada grupo. Se halló una diferencia en el uso de MAC entre grupos a los 6 meses (92.3% vs. 64.1%), siendo más elevado su uso en el GI. Se hallaron diferencias significativas en el conocimiento de algunos MAC a los 6 meses. Un mayor porcentaje de mujeres del GI conocía las pastillas anticonceptivas (p = 0.009), ligadura de trompas (p = 0.04) y la vasectomía (p = 0.010), en comparación con el GC. Discusión: La intervención en el postparto temprano con diversas estrategias de comunicación e información pueden ser útiles para elegir el MAC que se considere más adecuado para cada mujer y su utilización correcta.

Atención integrada madre-niño. efectos sobre adherencia y conocimientos de métodos anticonceptivos / Integrated mother-child care. Effects on adherence and knowledge of contraceptive methods

Resumen Introducción : La evidencia científica sugiere que es trategias de atención conjunta madre-hijo facilitarían el conocimiento de métodos anticonceptivos (MAC) y su acceso. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto del Modelo de atención integrada de la madre y el niño sobre la adherencia y conocimientos de MAC en mujeres durante el primer semestre postparto. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio de intervención, se conformaron 2 grupos, GI: grupo de intervención (3 con troles hasta los 6 meses postparto) y GC: grupo control (un control a los 6 meses postparto). La intervención consistió en asesoramiento presencial acerca de MAC combinada con folletería informativa y mensajes de WhatsApp®. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos, an tecedentes gineco-obstétricos, uso y conocimientos de MAC. Se comparó la adherencia al uso y el conocimiento de MAC en ambos grupos a los 6 meses post parto. El análisis se realizó mediante el software R versión 4.0.3. Resultados : Se incorporaron 39 mujeres en cada grupo. Se halló una diferencia en el uso de MAC entre grupos a los 6 meses (92.3% vs. 64.1%), siendo más eleva do su uso en el GI. Se hallaron diferencias significativas en el conocimiento de algunos MAC a los 6 meses. Un mayor porcentaje de mujeres del GI conocía las pastillas anticonceptivas (p = 0.009), ligadura de trompas (p = 0.04) y la vasectomía (p = 0.010), en comparación con el GC. Discusión : La intervención en el postparto temprano con diversas estrategias de comunicación e información pueden ser útiles para elegir el MAC que se considere más adecuado para cada mujer y su utilización correcta.

Abstract Introduction : Scientific evidence suggests that moth er-child joint care strategies would facilitate knowledge of contraceptive methods (MAC) and their access. The objective was to evaluate the effect of the Integrated Mother and Child Care Model on adherence and knowl edge of CAM in women during the first postpartum semester. Methods : An intervention study was carried out, 2 groups were formed, GI: intervention group (3 controls up to 6 months postpartum) and GC: control group (one control at 6 months postpartum). The intervention con sisted of face-to-face counseling about MAC combined with informative brochures and WhatsApp® messages. Sociodemographic data, gynecological and obstetric history, use and knowledge of contraceptive methods were collected. Adherence to the use and knowledge of MAC were compared in both groups at 6 months post partum. The analysis was performed using R software version 4.0.3. Results : Thirty-nine women were incorporated into each group. A difference was found in the use of MAC between groups at 6 months (92.3% vs. 64.1%), its use being higher in GI. Significant differences were found in the knowledge of some MAC at 6 months. A higher percentage of women in GI knew about birth control pills (p = 0.009), tubal ligation (p = 0.04) and vasectomy (p = 0.010), compared to GC. Discussion : Early postpartum intervention with vari ous communication and information strategies can be useful to choose the MAC that is considered most ap propriate for each woman and its correct use.

Hypertension arising after 20 weeks of gestation: gestational hypertension or masked chronic hypertension?

The objectives of this study were 1-to evaluate the prevalence of masked chronic hypertension in pregnant women classified as gestational hypertension 2-to compare the risks of developing preeclampsia in true gestational hypertension vs those women classified as having gestational hypertension but who had had masked hypertension in the first half of pregnancy. We conducted a cohort study in consecutive high-risk pregnancies who were evaluated before 20 weeks of gestation. Women who developed gestational hypertension (normotension in the office before 20 weeks of gestation and office BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment in the second half of gestation) were divided, according to an ABPM performed before 20 weeks of pregnancy, in two subgroups: subgroup 1-if their ABPM was normal, and subgroup 2-if they had masked chronic hypertension. Risks for preeclampsia (PE) were estimated and compared with normotensive women. Before 20 weeks of gestation, 227 women were evaluated (age 32 ± 6 years, median gestation age 15 weeks); 67 had chronic hypertension (29.5%). Of the remaining 160, 39 developed gestational hypertension (16 in subgroup 1 and 23 insubgroup 2. Compared with normotensive pregnant women, subgroup 1 of women with gestational hypertension did not increase the risk of developing PE (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.16-6.65). Conversely, subgroup 2 of gestational hypertension increased the risk of PE more than 4 times (0R = 4.47 CI = 1.16-12.63). Risk estimation did not change substantially after the adjustment for multiple possible confounders. In conclusion, the59% of women initially diagnosed as gestational hypertensive according to current recommendations had masked chronic hypertension and a very high risk of developing PE.

Timing of convalescent plasma administration and 28-day mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia.

This is a multicenter cohort study including consecutive, hospitalized patients ≥18 years, with moderate to severe COVID-19, carried out to evaluate the relationship between the timing of convalescent plasma administration and 28-day mortality. Data were prospectively collected between May 14, 2020 and October 31, 2020. Patients were grouped according to the timing of administration of convalescent plasma as <3 days, between 3 and 7 days, and >7 days. The main outcome variable was 28-day mortality. Independent predictors of mortality were identified by logistic regression. Of 4719 patients receiving convalescent plasma, 3036 (64.3%) were in the general ward, 1171 (24.8%) in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 512 (10.8%) in the ICU on mechanical ventilation. Convalescent plasma was administered to 3113 (66%) patients within the first 3 days of hospital admission, to 1380 (29.2%) between 3 and 7 days, and to 226 after 7 days; 28-day mortality was, respectively, 18.1%, 30.4% and 38.9% (p<0.001). In the regression model, convalescent plasma administration within the first 3 days of admission was associated with reduced 28-day mortality, compared with the administration after 7 days (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.53). Early convalescent plasma administration was associated to a significant decreased mortality in patients in the general ward (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.69) and in the ICU (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.64), but not in those requiring mechanical ventilation (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.01). In conclusion, this study suggests that early administration of convalescent plasma to patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is critical to obtain therapeutic benefit.

Risk factors for COVID-19 mortality: The effect of convalescent plasma administration.

BACKGROUND: Convalescent plasma, widely utilized in viral infections that induce neutralizing antibodies, has been proposed for COVID-19, and preliminary evidence shows that it might have beneficial effect. Our objective was to determine the risk factors for 28-days mortality in patients who received convalescent plasma for COVID-19 compared to those who did not, who were admitted to hospitals in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, throughout the pandemic. METHODS: This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 2-month duration beginning on June 1, 2020, including unselected, consecutive adult patients with diagnosed COVID-19, admitted to 215 hospitals with pneumonia. Epidemiological and clinical variables were registered in the Provincial Hospital Bed Management System. Convalescent plasma was supplied as part of a centralized, expanded access program. RESULTS: We analyzed 3,529 patients with pneumonia, predominantly male, aged 62±17, with arterial hypertension and diabetes as main comorbidities; 51.4% were admitted to the ward, 27.1% to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and 21.7% to the ICU with mechanical ventilation requirement (ICU-MV). 28-day mortality was 34.9%; and was 26.3%, 30.1% and 61.4% for ward, ICU and ICU-MV patients. Convalescent plasma was administered to 868 patients (24.6%); their 28-day mortality was significantly lower (25.5% vs. 38.0%, p<0.001). No major adverse effects occurred. Logistic regression analysis identified age, ICU admission with and without MV requirement, diabetes, and preexistent cardiovascular disease as independent predictors of 28-day mortality, whereas convalescent plasma administration acted as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the administration of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the hospital might be associated with improved outcomes.

Office blood pressure values and the necessity of out-of-office measurements in high-risk pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is an office blood pressure (BP) value below which out-of-office measurements are unnecessary in high-risk pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in women in the second half of high-risk pregnancies. Office BP measurements and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was performed. The cohort was divided according to quartiles of office BP and in normotension, white-coat hypertension, masked hypertension and sustained hypertension. The risks for preeclampsia/eclampsia for each category were estimated. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-three women (30 ±â€Š7 years with 32 ±â€Š4 weeks of gestation) were included; 69 women (18.5%) developed preeclampsia/eclampsia. Risk for preeclampsia/eclampsia increased in a stepwise manner through quartiles of systolic office BP (8.8, 13.4, 19.6 and 32.3%, P < 0.001) and diastolic office BP (6.5, 13.7, 19.6 and 34,4%, P < 0.001). OR increased significantly through quartiles of systolic (P = 0.004) and diastolic (P < 0.001) office BP; the significance becomes evident between the second and third quartile, the cut-off point between these was 125/76 mmHg. Prevalence of white-coat and masked hypertension were 3.8 and 24.7%, respectively. Using ABPM, 14/61 office hypertensive women were reclassified as white-coat hypertension but 92/312 normotensive women as masked hypertension. OR for preeclampsia/eclampsia increased significantly in women with masked hypertension. Absolute risk for preeclampsia/eclampsia in women with office BP less than 125/75 mmHg was similar than that in women with normal ABPM, 7.2 and 7.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Masked hypertension was a prevalent and high-risk condition. Office BP at least 125/75 mmHg in the second half of gestation seems appropriate to indicate out-of-office measurements in high-risk pregnancies.