"Hypertension in Pregnancy Intervention Trial At Term" and "Disproportionate Intrauterine Growth Intervention Trial At Term" Studies.

In 2003, in the context of a national research funding program in which obstetric research was prioritized, several perinatal centers took the initiative to jointly submit a number of applications to the subsidy programs of Effectiveness Research and Prevention of ZonMw. This has led to the funding of the Obstetric Consortium with several projects, including the "Hypertension in Pregnancy Intervention Trial At Term" and the "Disproportionate Intrauterine Growth Intervention Trial At Term" studies. The studies showed that induction of labor for hypertension and growth restriction at term was the appropriate management. Subsequent implementation improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.

The (cost-) effectiveness Of Surgical excision of Colorectal endometriosis compared to ART treatment trAjectory (TOSCA study) - a study protocol.

Currently, the optimal treatment to increase the chance of pregnancy and live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility is unknown. Evidence suggests that that both surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are effective in improving live birth rate (LBR) among these women. However, the available evidence is of low quality, reports highly heterogeneous results, lacks direct comparison between both treatment options and does not assess whether a combination strategy results in a higher LBR compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment. Additionally, the optimal timing of surgery within the treatment trajectory remains unclear. The primary objective of the TOSCA study is to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment (potentially combined with IVF/ICSI) compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment to increase the chance of an ongoing pregnancy resulting in a live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility, measured by cumulative LBR. Secondary objectives are to assess and compare quality of life and cost-effectiveness in both groups. Patients will be followed for 40 months after inclusion or until live birth. The TOSCA study is expected to be completed in 6 years.

Reassuring pregnancy outcomes in women with mild COL4A3-5-related disease (Alport syndrome) and genetic type of disease can aid personalized counseling.

Individualized pre-pregnancy counseling and antenatal care for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require disease-specific data. Here, we investigated pregnancy outcomes and long-term kidney function in women with COL4A3-5 related disease (Alport Syndrome, (AS)) in a large multicenter cohort. The ALPART-network (mAternaL and fetal PregnAncy outcomes of women with AlpoRT syndrome), an international collaboration of 17 centers, retrospectively investigated COL4A3-5 related disease pregnancies after the 20th week. Outcomes were stratified per inheritance pattern (X-Linked AS (XLAS)), Autosomal Dominant AS (ADAS), or Autosomal Recessive AS (ARAS)). The influence of pregnancy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-slope was assessed in 192 pregnancies encompassing 116 women (121 with XLAS, 47 with ADAS, and 12 with ARAS). Median eGFR pre-pregnancy was over 90ml/min/1.73m2. Neonatal outcomes were favorable: 100% live births, median gestational age 39.0 weeks and mean birth weight 3135 grams. Gestational hypertension occurred during 23% of pregnancies (reference: 'general' CKD G1-G2 pregnancies incidence is 4-20%) and preeclampsia in 20%. The mean eGFR declined after pregnancy but remained within normal range (over 90ml/min/1.73m2). Pregnancy did not significantly affect eGFR-slope (pre-pregnancy ß=-1.030, post-pregnancy ß=-1.349). ARAS-pregnancies demonstrated less favorable outcomes (early preterm birth incidence 3/11 (27%)). ARAS was a significant independent predictor for lower birth weight and shorter duration of pregnancy, next to the classic predictors (pre-pregnancy kidney function, proteinuria, and chronic hypertension) though missing proteinuria values and the small ARAS-sample hindered analysis. This is the largest study to date on AS and pregnancy with reassuring results for mild AS, though inheritance patterns could be considered in counseling next to classic risk factors. Thus, our findings support personalized reproductive care and highlight the importance of investigating kidney disease-specific pregnancy outcomes.

Discriminatory Value of Steroid Hormones on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Clustering of Hyperandrogenism and Metabolic Factors.

OBJECTIVE: We determined (1) if 11-oxygenated androgens better identify polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis in women with obesity compared to total or free testosterone (T) and free androgen index; (2) how biochemical hyperandrogenism and metabolic factors cluster in a cohort of women with infertility and obesity. METHODS: Women with obesity and PCOS comprised the study group (N = 132). Ovulatory women with obesity and idiopathic, tubal or male factor infertility were the control group (N = 83). Steroid hormones were measured by means of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Receiver operating characteristic curves and principal component analysis were used. RESULTS: Women with obesity and PCOS had higher 11-ketotestosterone (11 KT) (1.22 nmol/L [0.84; 1.65] vs 1.05 [0.78; 1.35], P = .04) compared to controls, but not 11ß-hydroxyandrostenedione 4.30 [2.87; 5.92] vs 4.06 [3.22; 5.73], P = .44). 11-ketotestosterone (area under the curve: 0.59) did not better discriminate PCOS in women with obesity compared to: total T (0.84), free T (0.91), and free androgen index (0.85). We identified 4 principal components (PCs) in the PCOS group (72.1% explained variance): (1) insulin resistance status; (2) blood pressure; (3) obesity; (4) androgen status and 4 PCs in the control group (68.7% explained variance) with variables representing metabolism being dispersed in component 2, 3, and 4. CONCLUSIONS: Eleven-oxygenated androgens do not aid in the diagnosis of PCOS in women with obesity. Insulin resistance is the strongest PC in the PCOS group. There is no major dominant characteristic that defines obese non-PCOS women.

Repurposing empagliflozin in individuals with glycogen storage disease Ib: A value-based healthcare approach and systematic benefit-risk assessment.

Off-label repurposing of empagliflozin allows pathomechanism-based treatment of neutropenia/neutrophil-dysfunction in glycogen storage disease type Ib (GSDIb). From a value-based healthcare (VBHC) perspective, we here retrospectively studied patient-reported, clinical and pharmacoeconomic outcomes in 11 GSDIb individuals before and under empagliflozin at two centers (the Netherlands [NL], Austria [AT]), including a budget impact analysis, sensitivity-analysis, and systematic benefit-risk assessment. Under empagliflozin, all GSDIb individuals reported improved quality-of-life-scores. Neutrophil dysfunction related symptoms allowed either granulocyte colony-stimulating factor cessation or tapering. Calculated cost savings per patient per year ranged between € 6482-14 190 (NL) and € 1281-41 231 (AT). The budget impact analysis estimated annual total cost savings ranging between € 75 062-225 716 (NL) and € 37 697-231 790 (AT), based on conservative assumptions. The systematic benefit-risk assessment was favorable. From a VBHC perspective, empagliflozin treatment in GSDIb improved personal and clinical outcomes while saving costs, thereby creating value at multiple pillars. We emphasize the importance to reimburse empagliflozin for GSDIb individuals, further supported by the favorable systematic benefit-risk assessment. These observations in similar directions in two countries/health care systems strongly suggest that our findings can be extrapolated to other geographical areas and health care systems.

The Association of Physiological and Pharmacological Anesthetic Parameters With Motor-Evoked Potentials: A Multivariable Longitudinal Mixed Model Analysis.

BACKGROUND: During spinal surgery, the motor tracts can be monitored using muscle-recorded transcranial electrical stimulation motor-evoked potentials (mTc-MEPs). We aimed to investigate the association of anesthetic and physiological parameters with mTc-MEPs. METHODS: Intraoperative mTc-MEP amplitudes, mTc-MEP area under the curves (AUC), and anesthetic and physiological measurements were collected retrospectively from the records of 108 consecutive patients undergoing elective spinal surgery. Pharmacological parameters of interest included propofol and opioid concentration, ketamine and noradrenaline infusion rates. Physiological parameters recorded included mean arterial pressure (MAP), bispectral index (BIS), heart rate, hemoglobin O2 saturation, temperature, and Etco2. A forward selection procedure was performed using multivariable mixed model analysis. RESULTS: Data from 75 (69.4%) patients were included. MAP and BIS were significantly associated with mTc-MEP amplitude (P < .001). mTc-MEP amplitudes increased by 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7%-10.4%) per 10 mm Hg increase in MAP and by 2.79% (CI, 2.26%-3.32%) for every unit increase in BIS. MAP (P < .001), BIS (P < .001), heart rate (P = .01), and temperature (P = .02) were significantly associated with mTc-MEP AUC. The AUC increased by 7.5% (CI, 3.3%-11.7%) per 10 mm Hg increase of MAP, by 2.98% (CI, 2.41%-3.54%) per unit increase in BIS, and by 0.68% (CI, 0.13%-1.23%) per beat per minute increase in heart rate. mTc-MEP AUC decreased by 21.4% (CI, -38.11% to -3.98%) per degree increase in temperature. CONCLUSIONS: MAP, BIS, heart rate, and temperature were significantly associated with mTc-MEP amplitude and/or AUC. Maintenance of BIS and MAP at the high normal values may attenuate anesthetic effects on mTc-MEPs.

An economic evaluation of radiotherapy for patients with symptomatic Ledderhose disease.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for effectiveness of radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease was demonstrated in the LedRad-study. However, the health economic impact of Ledderhose disease is unclear. Therefore, an economic evaluation alongside the LedRad-study was planned. METHODS: The economic evaluation was performed as a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis from the societal perspective. Primary outcome parameters were pain burden and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY), until 12 months after the end of treatment. Secondary analyses were performed with outcomes until 18 months. Incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) and cost-utility ratios (ICUR) were calculated to express costs per unit improvement in pain burden and costs per QALY gained, for radiotherapy compared to sham-radiotherapy. Bootstrap replication was used to assess uncertainty surrounding the ratios and to construct cost-effectiveness acceptability curves for QALY gain. RESULTS: Previous analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in pain- and QoL scores in favour of radiotherapy at 12 and 18 months. At these timepoints and excluding treatment costs, cumulative total costs were considerably lower in the radiotherapy group. The ICER until 12 months after treatment was 4987 euro per unit of pain burden reduction. The ICUR was 14249 euro per QALY gained. Most of the bootstrap replications were in the upper right quadrant, indicating that health gain can be achieved at higher costs. At increasing levels of willingness to pay for a gain in QALY, the probability of cost-utility gradually increased to approximately 85%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic Ledderhose disease, radiotherapy, at a moderate threshold for willingness to pay, is cost-effective in terms of QoL gain.

Influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes: A prospective study in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In low-income countries, where socioeconomic adversities and perinatal distress are common, adverse birth outcomes are significant public health problems. In these settings, perinatal distress, i.e., high symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or stress during pregnancy, may be linked with adverse birth outcomes. However, few prospective studies have investigated the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks), low birth weight (<2.5 kg), and small for gestational age birth (birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age and sex). OBJECTIVES: Our main objective was to assess the influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. Secondly, to investigate if perinatal distress is an independent risk factor or a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study following 991 women from before 20 weeks of gestation until delivery in northern Ethiopia, we collected self-reported data on distress at a mean of 14.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.9) and 33.9 (SD = 1.1) weeks of gestation. Distress was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. To determine birth outcomes, gestational age was estimated from the last menstrual period, fundal palpation, and/or ultrasound, while birth weight was obtained from delivery records and measured within three days after birth for those delivered at home. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were employed to evaluate the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS: Perinatal anxiety (OR [95% CI] 1.08 [1.02, 1.13]), depression (1.07 [1.03, 1.11]), stress (1.14 [1.07, 1.22]), and total distress (1.15 [1.07, 1.23]) were all associated with low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth but none did with preterm birth. Mediation analysis demonstrated that perinatal distress was a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that perinatal distress was linked with adverse birth outcomes and acted as a mediator between socioeconomic adversity and these outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of screening women for distress and providing appropriate interventions, focusing on women experiencing socioeconomic adversity. Integrating mental health services into primary maternal care in low-income countries could be an effective approach to achieve this.

Long-Term Kidney and Maternal Outcomes After Pregnancy in Living Kidney Donors.

For counseling it is important to know if pregnancy after Living Kidney Donation (LKD) affects long-term outcomes of the mono-kidney and the mother. Therefore, we performed a retrospective multicenter study in women ≤45 years who donated their kidney between 1981 and 2017. Data was collected via questionnaires and medical records. eGFR of women with post-LKD pregnancies were compared to women with pre-LKD pregnancies or nulliparous. eGFR before and after pregnancy were compared in women with post-LKD pregnancies. Pregnancy outcomes post-LKD were compared with pre-LKD pregnancy outcomes. 234 women (499 pregnancies) were included, of which 20 with pre- and post-LKD pregnancies (68) and 26 with only post-LKD pregnancies (59). Multilevel analysis demonstrated that eGFR was not different between women with and without post-LKD pregnancies (p = 0.23). Furthermore, eGFR was not different before and after post-LKD pregnancy (p = 0.13). More hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occurred in post-LKD pregnancies (p = 0.002). Adverse fetal outcomes did not differ. We conclude that, despite a higher incidence of HDP, eGFR was not affected by post-LKD pregnancy. In line with previous studies, we found an increased risk for HDP after LKD without affecting fetal outcome. Therefore, a pregnancy wish alone should not be a reason to exclude women for LKD.

Radiotherapy for Ledderhose disease: Results of the LedRad-study, a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Radiotherapy is considered a treatment option for Ledderhose disease. However, its benefits have never been confirmed in a randomised controlled trial. Therefore, the LedRad-study was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LedRad-study is a prospective multicentre randomised double-blind phase three trial. Patients were randomised to sham-radiotherapy (placebo) or radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was pain reduction at 12 months after treatment, measured with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary endpoints were pain reduction at 6 and 18 months after treatment, quality of life (QoL), walking abilities and toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were enrolled. At 12 and 18 months, patients in the radiotherapy group had a lower mean pain score compared to patients in the sham-radiotherapy group (2.5 versus 3.6 (p = 0.03) and 2.1 versus 3.4 (p = 0.008), respectively). Pain relief at 12 months was 74% in the radiotherapy group and 56% in the sham-radiotherapy group (p = 0.002). Multilevel testing for QoL scores showed higher QoL scores in the radiotherapy group compared to the sham-radiotherapy group (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients in the radiotherapy group had a higher mean walking speed and step rate with barefoot speed walking (p = 0.02). Erythema, skin dryness, burning sensations and increased pain were the most frequently reported side effects. These side effects were generally graded as mild (95%) and the majority (87%) were resolved at 18 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy for symptomatic Ledderhose disease is an effective treatment resulting in a significant pain reduction, improvement of QoL scores and bare feet walking abilities, in comparison to sham-radiotherapy.

Women of reproductive age living in the North of the Netherlands: Lifelines Reproductive Origins of Adult Health and Disease (Lifelines-ROAHD) cohort.

PURPOSE: The Lifelines Reproductive Origins of Adult Health and Disease (Lifelines-ROAHD) cohort provides a uniquely detailed dataset allowing investigations of determinants of reproductive health as well as the influence of reproductive events on future health and disease of mother and child(ren). Lifelines-ROAHD cohort is embedded in the population-based Lifelines cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 5412 women of reproductive age (20-45 years) were included in the Lifelines-ROAHD cohort, in the period 2017-2018. FINDINGS TO DATE: In the population, 45.6% of the women indicated that they had a natural menstrual cycle. In total, 908 women (16.8%) consulted a healthcare provider for infertility; subsequently diagnosed fertility problems were anovulation (24.4%), male partner infertility problems (22.5%) or unexplained infertility (22.2%). Women underwent various consecutive assisted reproductive treatments, for example, ovulation induction (19.8%) or in vitro fertilisation (5.4%). In total, 2808 women experienced 6158 pregnancies and 5068 births. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were miscarriage (14.3%), ectopic pregnancy (0.9%) or termination of pregnancy or medical abortion (2.0 %). The modes of delivery were vaginal births (74.9%), instrumental vaginal births (11.9%), elective caesarean section (3.9%) and emergency caesarean section (9.3%). Birth outcomes were born alive at term (93.6%), born alive (very) pre-term (5.8%), stillbirth (0.316%) and neonatal death (0.197%). Additional data about 2660 most recent pregnancies showed that 19.9% of the women had irregular working hours. One year postpartum, women indicated adverse physical health issues in one or more domains, range 0.5%-12.5%. They also indicated adverse psychological health issues in one or more domains, range 0.7%-1.6%, and 1.6% experienced diminished sexual health. FUTURE PLANS: Due to the embedding of Lifelines-ROAHD cohort in the original Lifelines cohort, the women will be longitudinally followed. Additionally, we aim to collect data with a second online questionnaire aiming to complete women's reproductive histories, by collecting data about potential first and subsequent pregnancies conceived after the date of completion of baseline Lifelines-ROAHD cohort.

Doppler-ultrasound reference values after pediatric liver transplantation: a consecutive cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Doppler ultrasound (DUS) is the main imaging modality to evaluate vascular complications of pediatric liver transplants (LT). The current study aimed to determine reference values and their change over time. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of pediatric patients undergoing an LT were retrospectively included between 2015 and 2020. Timepoints for standardized DUS were intra-operative and postoperative (day 0), days 1-7, months 1 and 3, and years 1 and 2. DUS measurements of the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein(s) (HV) were included if there were no complications during 2 years follow-up. Measurements consisted of: peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistive index (RI) for the HA, PSV for the PV, and venous pulsatility index (VPI) for the HV. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze change over time. RESULTS: One hundred twelve pediatric patients with 123 LTs were included (median age 3.3 years, interquartile range 0.7-10.1). Ninety-five HAs, 100 PVs, and 115 HVs without complications were included. Reference values for HA PSV and RI, PV PSV, and HV VPI were obtained for all timepoints (4043 included data points in total) and presented using 5th-95th percentiles and threshold values. All reference values changed significantly over time (p = 0.032 to p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DUS reference values of hepatic vessels in children after LT are presented, reference values change over time with specific vessel-dependent patterns. Timepoint-specific reference values improve the interpretation of DUS values and may help to better weigh their clinical significance. KEY POINTS: • Doppler ultrasound reference values of pediatric liver transplantations are not static but change over time. Applying the correct reference values for the specific timepoint may further improve the interpretation of the measurements. • The pattern of change over time of Doppler ultrasound measurements differs between the hepatic vessel and measurement; knowledge of these patterns may help radiologists to better understand normal postoperative hemodynamic changes.

A preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity and cardiovascular health in their children.

BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity during pregnancy is associated with poorer cardiovascular health (CVH) in children. A strategy to improve CVH in children could be to address preconception maternal obesity by means of a lifestyle intervention. We determined if a preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity improved offspring's CVH, assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We invited children born to women who participated in a randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of a preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity. We assessed cardiac structure, function and geometric shape, pulse wave velocity and abdominal fat tissue by MRI. RESULTS: We included 49 of 243 (20.2%) eligible children, 24 girls (49%) girls, mean age 7.1 (0.8) years. Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in children in the intervention group as compared to children in the control group (63.0% SD 6.18 vs. 58.8% SD 5.77, p = 0.02). Shape analysis showed that intervention was associated with less regional thickening of the interventricular septum and less sphericity. There were no differences in the other outcomes of interest. CONCLUSION: A preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity led to a higher ejection fraction and an altered cardiac shape in their offspring, which might suggest a better CVH. IMPACT: A preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity results in a higher ejection fraction and an altered cardiac shape that may signify better cardiovascular health (CVH) in their children. This is the first experimental human evidence suggesting an effect of a preconception lifestyle intervention in women with obesity on MRI-derived indicators of CVH in their children. Improving maternal preconception health might prevent some of the detrimental consequences of maternal obesity on CVH in their children.

Economic evaluation of upper limb prostheses in the Netherlands including the cost-effectiveness of multi-grip versus standard myoelectric hand prostheses.

PURPOSE: To investigate the costs, quality of life, and user experiences associated with upper limb prosthesis use, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of multi-grip compared to standard myoelectric hand prostheses (MHPs/SHPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The EQ-5D-5L to assess the quality of life, the patient-reported outcome measure to assess the preferred usage features of upper limb prosthesis (PUF-ULP), and a cost questionnaire (societal perspective) were completed by 242 prosthesis users (57% men; mean age = 58 years). Incremental cost-utility and cost-effectiveness ratios (ICUR/ICER) with respectively the EQ-5D-5L and PUF-ULP were calculated to compare MHPs with SHPs. Statistical uncertainty was estimated using bootstrapping. Netherlands Trial Registry number: NL7682. RESULTS: The mean yearly total costs related to prosthesis use of MHPs (€54 112) and SHPs (€23 501) were higher compared to prostheses with tools/accessories (€11 977), body-powered (€11 298), and cosmetic/passive prostheses (€10 132). EQ-5D-5L and PUF-ULP scores did not differ between prosthesis types. ICUR was €-728 833 per quality-adjusted life year; ICER was €-187 798 per PUF-ULP point gained. CONCLUSIONS: Myoelectric prostheses, especially MHPs, were most expensive compared to other prostheses, while no differences in quality of life and user experiences were apparent. MHPs were not cost-effective compared to SHPs. When prescribing MHPs, careful consideration of advantages over SHPs is recommended.

Myoelectric upper limb prostheses, especially the multi-grip hands, were more expensive than all other types of upper limb prostheses.Health-related quality of life and user experiences were comparable in users of different types of upper limb prostheses.Acquisition costs mainly explained the differences in costs related to upper limb prosthesis use.Prescription of multi-grip hand prostheses should be considered carefully, since these are not cost-effective compared to standard myoelectric hand prostheses.

Dietary and/or physical activity interventions in women with overweight or obesity prior to fertility treatment: protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary and/or physical activity interventions are often recommended for women with overweight or obesity as the first step prior to fertility treatment. However, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) so far have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, we propose this individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of dietary and/or physical activity interventions in women with infertility and overweight or obesity on reproductive, maternal and perinatal outcomes and to explore if there are subgroup(s) of women who benefit from each specific intervention or their combination (treatment-covariate interactions). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will include RCTs with dietary and/or physical activity interventions as core interventions prior to fertility treatment in women with infertility and overweight or obesity. The primary outcome will be live birth. We will search MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and trial registries to identify eligible studies. We will approach authors of eligible trials to contribute individual participant data (IPD). We will perform risk of bias assessments according to the Risk of Bias 2 tool and a random-effects IPDMA. We will then explore treatment-covariate interactions for important participant-level characteristics. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Formal ethical approval for the project (Venus-IPD) was exempted by the medical ethics committee of the University Medical Center Groningen (METc code: 2021/563, date: 17 November 2021). Data transfer agreement will be obtained from each participating institute/hospital. Outcomes will be disseminated internationally through the collaborative group, conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021266201.

Better assessment of neonatal jaundice at home (BEAT Jaundice @home): protocol for a prospective, multicentre diagnostic study.

INTRODUCTION: Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia can place a neonate at risk for acute bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus spectrum disorder. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent these deleterious sequelae. Currently, screening by visual inspection followed by laboratory-based bilirubin (LBB) quantification is used to identify hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates cared for at home in the Netherlands. However, the reliability of visual inspection is limited. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of universal transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening as compared with visual inspection to: (1) increase the detection of hyperbilirubinaemia necessitating treatment, and (2) reduce the need for heel pricks to quantify bilirubin levels. In parallel, we will evaluate a smartphone app (Picterus), and a point-of-care device for quantifying total bilirubin (Bilistick) as compared with LBB. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will undertake a multicentre prospective cohort study in nine midwifery practices across the Netherlands. Neonates born at a gestational age of 35 weeks or more are eligible if they: (1) are at home at any time between days 2 and 8 of life; (2) have their first midwife visit prior to postnatal day 6 and (3) did not previously receive phototherapy. TcB and the Picterus app will be used after visual inspection. When LBB is deemed necessary based on visual inspection and/or TcB reading, Bilistick will be used in parallel. The coprimary endpoints of the study are: (1) hyperbilirubinaemia necessitating treatment; (2) the number of heel pricks performed to quantify LBB. We aim to include 2310 neonates in a 2-year period. Using a decision tree model, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Medical Research Ethical Committee of the Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Netherlands (MEC-2020-0618). Parents will provide written informed consent. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Dutch Trial Register (NL9545).

Effects of preconception weight loss after lifestyle intervention on fertility outcomes and pregnancy complications.

It is well documented that obesity decreases natural fertility among men and women as well as pregnancy chances after conventional infertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART)-based treatments. Moreover, pregnancy complications are increased in women with overweight and obesity. General guidelines on the treatment of obesity recommend lifestyle intervention, including diet and exercise as the first-line treatment, coupled with or without medical treatments, such as weight loss medication or bariatric surgery, to reduce complications of obesity in adults. In the context of infertility in various countries and infertility clinics, there is a body mass index limit for public refund of infertility treatment of women with obesity. In this respect, it is important to investigate the evidence of effects of lifestyle intervention preceding infertility treatment on reproductive outcomes. The combined results of 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness of preconception lifestyle intervention on reproductive outcomes documented in the latest systemic review and meta-analysis, together with the most recent RCT performed in 2022 are discussed. The current evidence suggests that greater weight loss and increase in clinical pregnancy, live birth, and natural conception rates after lifestyle intervention compared with no intervention were observed, but it seems no beneficial effect of lifestyle intervention preceding ART was observed on these parameters. With respect to potential harm of lifestyle intervention, there is no significant increased risk of early pregnancy loss, although the most recent RCT (not included in the systematic review and meta-analysis) showed a trend toward an increased risk. Complications during pregnancy, such as early pregnancy loss and maternal as well as fetal and neonatal complications, are underreported in most studies and need further analysis in an individual participant data meta-analysis. Limitations of the studies as well as future perspectives and challenges in this field of research will be highlighted.

Longitudinal monitoring of BKPyV miRNA levels in kidney transplant recipients with BKPyV-related pathology reflects viral DNA levels and remain high in viremia patients after clearance of viral DNA.

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear whether polyomavirus BK (BKPyV) microribonucleic acid (miRNA) measurement has additional diagnostic and predictive value in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) as compared to current methods of monitoring BKPyV DNA loads. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal study was performed in 30 KTR with BKPyV viruria (n = 10), BKPyV viremia (n = 10), or BKPyV-associated neuropathy (BKPyVAN) (n = 10). Bkv-miR-B1-3p and 5p and BKPyV DNA load were measured in urine and plasma and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: Levels of Bkv-miR-B1-3p and 5p and BKPyV DNA correlated strongly. Overall, mostly analog courses of urinary and plasma miRNA and DNA loads were observed. Areas under the ROC curves were not significantly different between miRNAs and DNA. Only, in contrast to BKPyV DNA load, BKPyV miRNA levels increased from 6 to 12 months in the viremia group, while in the BKPyVAN group, a decline was seen in both DNA and miRNA. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we could not demonstrate an additional value of BKPyV miRNA detection compared to BKPyV DNA monitoring in the early phase after kidney transplantation. We did observe significant differences between the viremia and the BKPyVAN groups during follow-up. This study was performed with a small number of patients and therefore results should be verified in a larger patient cohort. Furthermore, future studies with larger patient groups are necessary to elucidate final clinical value of these data.

Prenatal Environmental Exposure to Persistent Organic Pollutants and Reproductive Hormone Profile and Pubertal Development in Dutch Adolescents.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may interfere with hormonal processes. Knowledge about the effects of prenatal exposure to PCBs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PCBs) on pubertal development is limited. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to determine whether prenatal environmental PCB and OH-PCB exposure are associated with reproductive hormone levels and pubertal characteristics in 13- to 15-year-old children. In this Dutch observational cohort study, 194 mother-infant pairs were included (1998-2002). Maternal pregnancy serum levels of PCBs, OH-PCBs, and other POPs were measured. At follow-up (2014-2016), we measured serum or plasma levels of reproductive hormones in their children. We assessed Tanner stages and testicular volume (by clinician or standardized self-assessment), and participants completed questionnaires on pubertal onset. In total, 101 adolescents (14.4 ± 0.8 years; 53.7% of invited) participated, and 55 were boys. In boys, higher prenatal PCB levels were associated with higher testosterone levels, higher pubic hair stage, larger testicular volume, and younger age at onset of growth spurt and voice break. In girls, higher prenatal PCB levels were associated with higher stages for breast development. In conclusion, higher prenatal PCB exposure could be associated with more advanced pubertal development in 13- to 15-year-old children.

Which factors play a role in the decision of mothers to participate in child follow-up examinations after participation in an RCT?: a semi-quantitative study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine which factors contribute to the decision of mothers to participate with their child in follow-up (FU) examinations after participation in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) prior to conception. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey, including Likert-scale items. Comparisons will be made between respondents who participated in all FU rounds of data collection and those who did not participate in any FU round with their child. PARTICIPANTS: Women who participated in an RCT investigating the effect of a preconception lifestyle intervention (LIFEstyle study: Netherlands Trial Register: NTR1530) were invited to participate with their child in three FU data collections when the child had a mean age of 4.2 years, 4.6 years and 6.5 years, respectively. FU rounds included a health questionnaire, physical examination and cardiac assessment, successively. RESULTS: Sixty-seven respondents were included, of whom 7 (10%) did not participate in any FU round and 24 (36%) participated in all FU rounds. Women who participated with their child in all 3 FU data collection rounds felt more involved in the FU research (95.8%) and agreed more often that the FU was introduced well (91.7%) as compared with women that did not participate in any FU data collection round with their child (14.3% and 28.6%, respectively). Participants of FU rounds more often agreed that participation felt like a health check for their child as compared with non-participants. In addition, participants of the physical examination and cardiac assessment more often let their decision to participate depend fully on their child, as compared with non-participants (39.4% vs 17.7% and 52.5% vs 24%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: To increase participation rates in future FU studies of children after maternal participation in an RCT, we suggest to involve women in the design of the FU study, to emphasise possible perceived benefits of participation and to encourage women to actively involve their child in the decision of participation.