Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy as a major cause of preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes: findings from a Brazilian National Survey

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy among Brazilian women with preterm births and to compare the epidemiological characteristics and perinatal outcomes among preterm births of women with and without hypertension. Methods This was a secondary cross-sectional analysis of the Brazilian Multicenter Study on Preterm Birth. During the study period, all women with preterm births were included and further split into two groups according to the occurrence of any hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. Prevalence ratios were calculated for each variable. Maternal characteristics, prenatal care, and gestational and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using χ2 and t-tests. Results A total of 4,150 women with preterm births were included, and 1,169 (28.2%) were identified as having hypertensive disorders. Advanced maternal age (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.49) and obesity (PR= 2.64) were more common in the hypertensive group. The gestational outcomes were worse in women with hypertension. Early preterm births were also more frequent in women with hypertension. Conclusion Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were frequent among women with preterm births, and provider-initiated preterm births were the leading causes of premature births in this group. The factors significantly associated with hypertensive disorders among women with preterm births were obesity, excessive weight gain, and higher maternal age.

Prevalência das Complicações Cardiovasculares nos Indivíduos com Anemia Falciforme e Outras Hemoglobinopatias: Uma Revisão Sistemática / Prevalence of Cardiovascular Complications in Individuals with Sickle Cell Anemia and Other Hemoglobinopathies: A Systematic Review

Resumo Fundamento A anemia falciforme (AF) é uma doença hereditária cujas complicações cardiovasculares são a principal causa de morte, o mesmo sendo observado em outras hemoglobinopatias. A identificação precoce dessas alterações pode modificar favoravelmente o curso da doença. Objetivo Comparar a prevalência de complicações cardiovasculares entre indivíduos com AF e indivíduos com outras hemoglobinopatias. Métodos Seguindo recomendações do protocolo PRISMA, realizou-se revisão sistemática da literatura com buscas nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline, associadas à busca manual. Incluídos estudos que analisaram a prevalência das alterações cardiovasculares nas hemoglobinopatias (AF, traço falciforme, hemoglobinopatia SC, alfatalassemia e betatalassemia). A qualidade metodológica dos artigos foi realizada pela escala de Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados Foram selecionados para análise quatro estudos, resultando em um tamanho amostral de 582 participantes: 289 portadores de AF, 133 possuem hemoglobinopatia SC, 40 com betatalassemia, 100 indivíduos saudáveis e nenhum com alfatalassemia ou traço falcêmico. Dilatação das câmaras cardíacas, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e direita, hipertensão pulmonar, disfunção diastólica, insuficiência mitral e insuficiência tricúspide são mais prevalentes na AF do que nas demais hemoglobinopatias consideradas. A sobrecarga miocárdica de ferro é mais frequente na talassemia maior do que na AF. A função sistólica foi similar entre as hemoglobinopatias. Conclusão Verificou-se maior comprometimento cardiovascular nos indivíduos com AF do que naqueles com as demais hemoglobinopatias, reforçando a necessidade de acompanhamento cardiovascular regular e frequente nos pacientes falcêmicos.

Abstract Background Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a hereditary disease whose cardiovascular complications are the main cause of death, the same being observed in other hemoglobinopathies. Early identification of these changes can favorably modify the course of the disease. Objective To compare the prevalence of cardiovascular complications between individuals with SCA and individuals with other hemoglobinopathies. Method Following the recommendations of the PRISMA protocol, a systematic literature review was carried out with searches in PubMed/Medline databases, associated with a manual search. Studies that analyzed the prevalence of cardiovascular alterations in hemoglobinopathies (SCA, sickle cell trait, SC hemoglobinopathy, alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia) were included. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Four studies were selected for analysis, resulting in a sample size of 582 participants: 289 with SCA, 133 with SC hemoglobinopathy, 40 with beta-thalassemia, 100 healthy individuals and none with alpha-thalassemia or sickle cell trait. Dilatation of the cardiac chambers, left and right ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation are more prevalent in SCA than in the other hemoglobinopathies considered. Myocardial iron overload is more frequent in thalassemia major than in sickle cell anemia. Systolic function is similar between different hemoglobinopathies. Conclusion There is greater cardiovascular impairment in individuals with SCA than in those with other hemoglobinopathies, reinforcing the necessity for regular cardiovascular follow-up in sickle cell patients.

Caracterización de gestantes con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa atendidas en el Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" / Characterization of pregnant women with venous thromboembolic disease attended at the General Teaching Hospital "Abel SantamaríaCuadrado"

RESUMEN Introducción: la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa constituye una de lascomplicacionesdelembarazo, que puede evolucionar tórpidamente y causar la muerte. Objetivo: caracterizar a las gestantes con enfermedad tromboembólica venosa atendidas en el Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado". Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en gestantes atendidas en el Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" entre mayo de 2018 y marzo de 2021. La muestra quedó conformada por 26 pacientes. Se empleó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el 0,09 % de las 27 500 gestantes atendidas presentaronenfermedad tromboembólica venosa, conmayorincidenciaen el grupo etario de gestantes de 35 años o más (0,06 %). El 76,92 % desarrolló la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa durante elpuerperio, la mayor incidencia durante el puerperio se observó en pacientes sometidas a cesárea (80 %). El 57,69 % de las pacientes conenfermedad tromboembólica venosa durante la gestaciónpresentaronvárices en miembros inferiores y el 69,23 % refirieron antecedentes de trombosis venosa profunda. La enfermedad tromboembólica venosa fuecomún (57,69 %) en gestantes con un índice de masa corporal mayor de 28,6. Conclusiones: el tromboembolismo venoso presentó una baja incidencia, la cualfuemayor durante elpuerperio, se presentócomúnmente en esa etapa en aquellas que fuenecesariorealizarles cesárea. En las gestantes con antecedentes de trombosis venosa profunda fuecomún la recurrencia. La enfermedad tromboembólica venosa fue más frecuente en gestantes conun índice de masa corporal elevado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: venous thromboembolic disease constitutes one of the complications of pregnancy, which can evolve torpidly and cause death. Objective: to characterize pregnant women with venous thromboembolic disease attended at the "Abel SantamaríaCuadrado" General Teaching Hospital. Methods: an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted in pregnant women attended at the "Abel SantamaríaCuadrado" General Teaching Hospital between May 2018 and March 2021. The sample consisted of 26 patients. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: 0,09 % of the 27,500 pregnant women attended presented venous thromboembolic disease, with a higher incidence in the age group of pregnant women aged 35 years or older (0,06 %). A total of 76,92 % developed venous thromboembolic disease during the puerperium, with the highest incidence during the puerperium being observed in patients who underwent cesarean section (80 %). Of the patients with venous thromboembolic disease during pregnancy, 57,69% presented varicose veins in the lower limbs and 69,23 % reported a history of deep vein thrombosis. Venous thromboembolic disease was common (57,69 %) in pregnant women with a body mass index greater than 28,6. Conclusions: Venous thromboembolism presented a low incidence, which was higher during the puerperium, occurring commonly at that stage in those who had to undergo cesarean section. In pregnant women with a history of deep vein thrombosis, recurrence was common. Venous thromboembolic disease was more frequent in pregnant women with a high body mass index.

Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of pregnant women with left ventricular non-compaction / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC).Methods:The clinical data of seven pregnant women with LVNC from January 2011 to December 2021 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, including age, gestational age of symptom first occured, LVNC history, clinical symptoms, New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function class, echocardiography, blood brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), treatment and the maternal and fetal outcomes.Results:Five cases were diagnosed before pregnancy, of which there were three women with medication; one case diagnosed in the month of pregnancy; one case diagnosed at 36 weeks of gestation. NYHA cardiac function was grade Ⅰ in four cases and grade Ⅱ in three cases before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Of the five pregnant women who underwent echocardiography, there were one case of left ventricular insufficiency, three cases of mild left ventricular dysfunction and one case of normal left ventricular function before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Of the five pregnant women to the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there were one case of grade Ⅳ, one case of grade Ⅲ, two cases of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ and one case of grade Ⅱ in NYHA class ; three cases of left ventricular insufficiency, two cases of normal left ventricular function by echocardiography four cases had cardiac symptoms at 15-24 weeks of gestation and were treated with medication. In four cases, blood BNP increased to 214-1 197 ng/L during pregnancy, and were 89-106 ng/L after termination of pregnancy. There were 4 cases with arrhythmia. Indications for termination of pregnancy: LVNC complicated with heart failure in two cases, LVNC complicated with decreased cardiac function and threatened preterm birth in one case, complicated with pregnancy at full term in two cases, LVNC complicated with severe pulmonary hypertension in one case, and left ventricular dysfunction in one case. Cesarean section in four cases in the third-trimester, in one case in the second-trimester, and forceps curettage in two cases were taken. Two full-term infants,two preterm infants were born without LVNC.Conclusions:Women diagnosed with LVNC and low left ventricular ejection fraction before pregnancy are more prone to decreased cardiac function during pregnancy. Carrying out pregnancy risk assessment and strengthening the multi-disciplinary team management of high risk factors in pregnancy are conducive to achieve good pregnancy outcomes.

WHO recommendations on antiplatelet agents for the prevention of pre-eclampsia

In 2019, the Executive Guideline Steering Group (GSG) for the World Health Organization (WHO) maternal and perinatal health recommendations prioritized updating the then current WHO recommendations on antiplatelet agents for the prevention of pre-eclampsia. This decision was based on new evidence on the subject that had become available. The recommendation in this document thus supersedes the previous WHO recommendations on antiplatelet agents for the prevention of pre-eclampsia as published in the 2011 guidelines, WHO recommendations for the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia

Electrocardiogramas durante el tercer trimestre de embarazo: / Electrocardiography During the Third Trimester of Pregnancy:

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las características electrocardiográficas en embarazadas sin patología cardiovascular. Material y métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, descriptivo, multicéntrico. Se incluyeron pacientes sin patología cardiovascular que cursaban el tercer trimestre de embarazo y que concurrieron a una evaluación cardiológica preparto entre abril y julio de 2020; todas ellas firmaron el consentimiento correspondiente. Resultados: Se analizaron 80 trazados. La mediana de la frecuencia cardíaca fue 82 lpm (RIC: 70-93 lpm). La mediana del eje QRS fue 54° (RIC: 39°-71°). Ondas q e infradesnivel del segmento ST en cara inferior y de V4 a V6 fueron hallazgos relativamente frecuentes. La mediana del QTc fue 422 mseg (RIC: 404 mseg-445 mseg). La mediana del tiempo del pico de la onda T a su fin fue 86 mseg (RIC: 74-95 mseg). Conclusión: Las alteraciones más frecuentes ocurrieron en DIII, DII, aVf y de V4 a V6. Las ondas q y el infraST fueron los cambios principales. Fueron infrecuentes las desviaciones del eje, la taquicardia sinusal o el QTc prolongado.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the electrocardiographic characteristics in pregnant women without cardiovascular disease. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study, including patients without cardiovascular disease in their third trimester of pregnancy, who underwent cardiac evaluation before delivery between April and July 2020. All patients signed the corresponding informed consent. Results: A total of 80 tracings were analyzed. Median heart rate was 82 bpm (IQR 70-93 bpm) and median QRS axis was 54° (IQR 39°-71°). Q waves and ST segment depression were relatively frequent in inferior leads and from V4 to V6. Median QTc was 422 msec (IQR 404-445 msec) and median time from T wave peak to T wave end was 86 msec (IQR 74-95 msec). Conclusion: The most common changes occurred in T wave peak to T wave end and from V4 to V6. Main changes included q waves and ST-segment depression. Axis deviations, sinus tachycardia or prolonged QTc were rare.

Clinical analysis of pregnancy with cardiovascular diseases for a decade of Beijing Anzhen Hospital / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical data of pregnant women complicated with cardiovascular disease in our center in the past 10 years, and to explore the trend of incidence, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.Methods:Clinical data of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease who delivered in Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2010 to 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. According to the time of the establishment of multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the center, the pregnant women were divided into the first 5-year group (2010-2014) and the second 5-year group (2015-2019). The general data, the composition of pregnancy complicated with cardiovascular disease and the changes of maternal and infant outcomes of the two groups were analyzed.Results:(1) During 2010-2019, there were 2 267 cases of pregnancy complicated with cardiovascular disease (836 cases in the first 5-year group and 1 431 cases in the second 5-year group), with a total incidence of 10.2% (2 267/22 334). Among all kinds of cardiovascular diseases, arrhythmia (41.0%, 930/2 267) and congenital heart disease (38.2%, 865/2 267) were more common. (2) There were 212 cases (25.4%, 212/836) and 426 cases (29.8%, 426/1 431) classified as Ⅲ or Ⅳ by modified WHO cardiovascular risk classification in the first 5-year group and the second 5-year group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2 =5.076, P=0.024). Among all kinds of cardiovascular diseases, there were 111 cases (13.3%, 111/836) and 159 cases (11.1%, 159/1 431) with valvular disease in the first 5-year group and the second 5-year group, respectively. The change of the component ratio was -16.5% (the difference was significant when the absolute value of change>10%), showing a significant decreasing trend. Aortic disease was found in 16 cases (1.9%, 16/836) and 56 cases (3.9%, 56/1 431), respectively, with a significant upward trend of 105.3%. (3) The mortality rate of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease was 1.0% (22/2 267), and 1.2% (10/836) and 0.8% (12/1 431) in the first 5-year grouop and the second 5-year group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=0.702, P=0.402). ICU occupancy rates in the first 5-year group and the second 5-year group were 25.6% (214/836) and 20.7% (296/1 431), respectively, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=7.306, P=0.007). There were no significant differences in cesarean section rate, mortality rate and incidence of adverse events between the two groups of pregnant women, and there were no significant differences in birth weight, preterm birth rate, mortality rate and asphyxia rate between the two groups of newborns (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Pregnancy complicated with cardiovascular disease is a common cause of adverse obstetric outcomes. There are various types of specific cardiovascular diseases, and the prognosis varies greatly. In recent years, the disease composition ratio has changed, and the severity and complexity of diseases have increased. Hierarchical management, MDT and individual management could improve the treatment level and reduce adverse outcomes.

Clinical analysis of pregnancy termination in 167 pregnant women with cardiovascular disease during the first and second trimester / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To study the risk assessment, method selection and clinical management of pregnancy termination during the first and second trimester of pregnant women with cardiovascular disease.Methods:This study focused on pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases who were admitted to Beijing Anzhen Hospital during the first and second trimester of pregnancy from January 2016 to September 2019, to summarize their clinical characteristics, reasons and methods of pregnancy termination, management and outcomes.Results:Among 167 pregnant women, 119 cases (71.3%, 119/167) were in early pregnancy and 48 cases (28.7%, 48/167) were in middle pregnancy. The reasons for termination of pregnancy were cardiovascular disease (109 cases; 65.3%, 109/167), unwanted pregnancy (54 cases; 32.3%, 54/167) and other reasons (4 cases). Vacuum aspiration was performed in 98 cases and forceps curettage was performed in 19 cases, medical abortion was performed in 2 cases in early pregnancy. There was no change in cardiac function after pregnancy termination and all survived in early pregnancy. In the second trimester, 16 cases were induced by intraamniotic injection of ethacridine, 2 cases by water balloon, 1 case by oxytocin intravenous drip, and 29 cases by hysterotomy delivery. The ratio of patients with hysterotomy delivery with cardiac function grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ was significantly higher than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction in the second trimester [79% (23/29) vs 4/19; P<0.01]; the ratio of pregnancy risk grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ was also significantly higher [100% (29/29) vs 14/19; P=0.007]. The mean length of hospital stay of patients with hysterotomy delivery was significantly longer than that in the patients with vaginal labor induction [(7.1±3.4) vs (2.4±1.8) days; P<0.01]. Cardiac function was improved in 4 patients induced by ethacridine and rapid recovery without serious complications. Cardiac function decreased in 5 cases and 1 case died on the first day after hysterotomy delivery. Conclusions:Pregnancy risk assessment should be conducted as early as possible in patients with cardiovascular disease. If it is not suitable to continue the pregnancy, terminate pregnancy as early as possible to reduce the risk. Pregnancy termination methods and analgesic methods should be selected according to different gestational age and complications. The indications for hysterotomy delivery should not be relaxed at will, so as to minimize trauma and hemodynamic changes. After the termination of pregnancy, contraceptive measures should be implemented and the next treatment plan should be guided.

Perioperative factors affecting the length of hospital stay after cesarean section of pregnant women with heart disease / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To explore the related factors influencing the length of hospital stay(LOS) of pregnant women with heart disease (PWHD) after cesarean section.Methods:A total of 306 patients with PWHD who underwent cesarean section from January 2012 to March 2019 were collected. Among them, 203 patients had not undergone heart surgery (uncorrected group) and 103 patients who had undergone heart surgery (corrected group) during the same period. Demographic, perioperative and postoperative data were recorded. Predictors associated with postoperative LOS were determined using univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis models.Results:(1) The median LOS after cesarean section in the uncorrected group was 6 days (5-8 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 38 parameters had significant impact on LOS ( P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 5 parameters were independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in the uncorrected group; among them, the median LOS in uncorrected group with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 3 days longer than that in patients with PWHD alone [7 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.195, P=0.001]; the median LOS in uncorrected group with high serum creatinine was 3 days longer than normal patients [7 days (5-13 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.145, P=0.015]; the LOS of patients who chose general anesthesia was 2 days longer than that of patients who chose spinal anesthesia [6 days (4-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.154, P=0.007]; the LOS of patients with postoperative pulmonary infection was 4 days longer than that of patients without pulmonary infection [8 days (5-15 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.269, P<0.01]; the LOS of patients who admitted to ICU after surgery was 2 days longer than that not admitted patients [6 days (5-8 days) vs 4 days (4-5 days), β=0.268, P<0.01]. (2) The median LOS after cesarean section in corrected group was 4 days (4-5 days). The results of univariate linear regression analysis showed that 8 parameters had significant impact on the LOS (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that 2 parameters, which were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ( β=0.198, P=0.028) and intraoperative blood loss ( β=0.285, P=0.003), were the independent risk factors for prolonged LOS in corrected group. Conclusion:Preoperative with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preoperative creatinine increase, intraoperative general anesthesia, postoperative pulmonary infection, and postoperative admission to ICU are independent predictors of prolonged LOS in uncorrected patients with PWHD; ASA classification and intraoperative bleeding are independent predictor of prolonged postoperative LOS in patients with corrected PWHD.

[Cardiac operation and interventional therapy during pregnancy： an analysis of outcome].

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of open cardiac operation and interventional therapy in pregnant patients and describe the feto-neonatal and maternal outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study of 39 cases of women undergoing open cardiac operation or interventional therapy during pregnancy was conducted in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from Jan. 2014 to Oct. 2019. Results: The age of 39 pregnant women with gestational heart disease was (30±6) years old (21-43 years old). Among them, 37 cases were single and 2 cases were twin pregnancy. Modified World Health Organization (mWHO) pregnancy risk classification were all level Ⅳ. There were 22 women receiving cardiac operation under cardiopulmonary bypass during pregnancy, 14 patients undergoing percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty, 2 patients accepting percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty, and 1 case receiving atrial septal defect occluder with ultrasound guidance. Three were no maternal deaths during and after the operation. One patient had an inevitable abortion. Four fetuses died in the uterine after open cardiac surgery. There patients chose termination of the pregnancy after cardiac operation. There were 31 live birth, in which 7 cases were preterm live birth and 24 patients were term live birth. The total number of newborns were 33. Two fetuses suffered neonatal intracranial hemorrhage and died after birth. Thirty-one fetuses were alive and born without any abnormity. Conclusion: For pregnant women with high risk of cardiovascular disease and classified as mWHO pregnancy risk level Ⅳ, cardiopulmonary bypass and interventional therapy during pregnancy could be used as an alternative for better materal and fetal outcomes.

Diagnosis and treatment of infective endocarditis in pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy with infective endocarditis (IE) is rare, but the fetal and maternal mortality rates of these pregnancies are very high, making IE a serious threat to the safety of pregnant women and their fetuses. Therefore, for pregnant women with recurrent fever, a detailed medical history and physical examination should be performed, echocardiography and blood culture should be carried out as soon as possible, multidisciplinary consultation should be implemented, and a diagnosis and treatment plan should be formulated right away, as this is key to saving the lives of mothers and infants. CASE INTRODUCTION: A 30-year-old pregnant Chinese woman had IE at 26 weeks of gestation. After close monitoring and care until 31 weeks of gestation, she underwent a successful delivery, cardiac surgery, repair of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) and removal of the vegetations. The operation was successful, and further follow-up evaluation showed no abnormality. CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis and treatment of IE in pregnancy, it is of great importance to implement an individualized diagnosis and treatment plan in combination with close monitoring by echocardiography and to select the right time for cardiac surgery and termination of pregnancy.

Clinical features and maternal and infant outcomes of right-sided infective endocarditis during pregnancy: a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical features, treatment strategies, and maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy complicated by right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) to provide evidence for clinical management.@*Methods@#By searching literature on RSIE during pregnancy from the databases of CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, CBM, PubMed, OVID, EMbase and ScienceDirect, relevant information were collected to analyze the clinical manifestations, risk factors, positions of intracardiac vegetations, results of blood culture, treatment strategies and maternal and infant outcomes of RSIE.@*Results@#A total of 15 articles were retrieved, involving 18 infected gravidas with the average age of (27.7±4.8) years and average gestational age at onset of (27.8±6.9) weeks. Fever (n=14), cough (n=12), anemia (n=8) and shortness of breath or dyspnea (n=8) were the common symptoms. Cardiac murmurs were detected on auscultation in seven cases, of which six were systolic murmurs and one was unspecified. Heart sounds of five cases were clear on auscultation without any murmurs. Nine cases were complicated by pulmonary embolism and five by heart failure. The major risk factors were congenital heart diseases (10/18) and intravenous drug abuse (6/18). Vegetations were commonly seen on the tricuspid valves (10/18), followed by the pulmonary valves (4/18). The rate of positive blood culture was high (15/16) with Staphylococcus (9/15) and Streptococcus (3/15) being the primary pathogens. Most pregnancies were timely ended by cesarean section. Apart from receiving fundamental antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis, 11 patients underwent cardiac surgery, including vegetation removal, valve repair or replacement and surgery for congenital heart diseases, before or after pregnancy or during cesarean section based on their gestational age, condition, and cardiopulmonary function. There was no maternal death, but one neonatal death was reported due to severe asphyxia following cesarean section at 28 weeks. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were good during follow-up.@*Conclusions@#Pregnancy complicated by RSIE is rare and complex, requiring early diagnosis and individualized treatment. Adequate and full-course antibiotic therapy, appropriate surgical procedures and timely termination are of great importance for improving maternal and infant outcomes.

Clinical features and maternal and infant outcomes of right-sided infective endocarditis during pregnancy:a case report and literature review / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features,treatment strategies,and maternal and infant outcomes of pregnancy complicated by right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) to provide evidence for clinical management.Methods By searching literature on RSIE during pregnancy from the databases of CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,CBM,PubMed,OVID,EMbase and ScienceDirect,relevant information were collected to analyze the clinical manifestations,risk factors,positions of intracardiac vegetations,results of blood culture,treatment strategies and maternal and infant outcomes of RSIE.Results A total of 15 articles were retrieved,involving 18 infected gravidas with the average age of (27.7 ± 4.8) years and average gestational age at onset of (27.8 ± 6.9) weeks.Fever (n=1 4),cough (n=1 2),anemia (n=8) and shortness of breath or dyspnea (n=8) were the common symptoms.Cardiac murmurs were detected on auscultation in seven cases,of which six were systolic murmurs and one was unspecified.Heart sounds of five cases were clear on auscultation without any murmurs.Nine cases were complicated by pulmonary embolism and five by heart failure.The major risk factors were congenital heart diseases (10/18) and intravenous drug abuse (6/18).Vegetations were commonly seen on the tricuspid valves (10/18),followed by the pulmonary valves (4/18).The rate of positive blood culture was high (15/16) with Staphylococcus (9/15) and Streptococcus (3/15) being the primary pathogens.Most pregnancies were timely ended by cesarean section.Apart from receiving fundamental antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis,1 1 patients underwent cardiac surgery,including vegetation removal,valve repair or replacement and surgery for congenital heart diseases,before or after pregnancy or during cesarean section based on their gestational age,condition,and cardiopulmonary function.There was no maternal death,but one neonatal death was reported due to severe asphyxia following cesarean section at 28 weeks.Maternal and neonatal outcomes were good during follow-up.Conclusions Pregnancy complicated by RSIE is rare and complex,requiring early diagnosis and individualized treatment.Adequate and full-course antibiotic therapy,appropriate surgical procedures and timely termination are of great importance for improving maternal and infant outcomes.

[Analysis of maternal deaths with cardiovascular diseases in Shanghai obstetric heart disease intensive care unit within twenty-six years].

Objective: To analyze risk factors, cardiovascular complications, time of death, gestational age of delivery and offspring outcomes in the maternal deaths with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods: Totally 4 112 cases of pregnant women with CVD in Shanghai obstetric heart disease intensive care unit within 26 years (from January 1993 to December 2018) were collected, and 20 maternal deaths within these cases were analyzed retrospectively. Results: (1) Among the 20 deaths, structural heart diseases accounted for 90% (18/20), pregnancy induced heart diseases was 10% (2/20) while there was no dysfunctional heart disease. The mortality of pregnant women with CVD was 0.486% (20/4 112). (2) The following risk factors were common in these women, getting pregnant without counselling (95%, 19/20) , New York Heart Association classⅢ or Ⅳcardiac function (70%, 14/20), complicated with pulmonary hypertension (75%, 15/20) and prior heart events (60%, 12/20). And 85% (17/20) deaths occurred in puerperium, 15% (3/20) occurred before labor,while no death occurred during labor. And 65% (13/20) deaths died due to heart failure, 20% (4/20) deaths were due to pulmonary hypertension crisis, 5% (1/20) died on sudden cardiac arrest, rupture of aortic dissection and sudden death, respectively. Conclusions: Women with CVD should get pregnant after strict evaluation. Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most severe contraindications to pregnancy, especially in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension. The puerperium period is a critical period that threatens the safety of these patients. Since heart failure is the most common cause of death, it is necessary to prevent and treat heart failure and to monitor heart function dynamically, especially in those with structural abnormal heart diseases. Moreover, it is also of importance to standardize antenatal care and to identify the severity of heart diseases in time.

Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia From Coronary Vasospasm During Pregnancy.

Background: Coronary vasospasm leading to variant angina is uncommon, and the condition is rare in pregnant patients. Many physiologic changes occur during pregnancy, but how these changes affect the spasticity of coronary arteries in patients predisposed to vasospasm is unknown. Vasospasm causing unstable arrhythmia from multiple foci can be difficult to treat. Case Report: A 22-year-old gravida 1 para 0 female at 17 weeks' gestation with twins presented with chest pain refractory to sublingual nitroglycerin, ST segment elevation on electrocardiogram, and subsequent ventricular tachycardia requiring a shock by her implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The patient had a history of coronary vasospasm with ventricular arrhythmia that required placement of the ICD 5 years prior. Because of refractory symptoms, she required prolonged admission in the intensive care unit with high-dose intravenous nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines, beta blockers, chemical sympathectomy, and intubation and sedation. Despite these measures, the patient continued to have vasospasm and ventricular tachycardia, so cesarean delivery and tubal ligation were performed. After delivery, she was rapidly weaned from all invasive treatment modalities and was discharged on oral nitrates and calcium channel blockers. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this case is the first report of severe drug-refractory vasospastic angina triggered by pregnancy. The hormonal and nervous system changes that occur during pregnancy appear to be a trigger for vasospasm, further highlighted by the quick resolution of the patient's symptoms postdelivery. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment of both mother and baby was necessary. Our case provides a cautionary tale that patients with refractory vasospastic angina may want to pursue definitive contraception.

21Managing cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy in centersfrom low income countries

Abstract. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer account for 60% of deaths in the Western world. They havecommon risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, and are often found in the same patient. It is morecommon in a patient with tumour disease who develops cardiovascular involvement secondary to treat-ment with cytostatic or radiotherapy. A protocol of in-hospital management of cardiotoxicity induced bycytostatic is proposed with the objective of providing specialized care to patients with cancer and a his-tory of cardiovascular disease or who develop cardiac complications during cancer therapy, in centres oflow-income countries. Care and follow-up criteria are established; guidelines to identify patients who are atrisk of developing cardiac dysfunction, and strategies are proposed to prevent or minimize the risk before,during and after the therapy. Finally, suggestions are presented to treat specific complications: ischemia,systemic embolism, more frequent arrhythmias, pulmonary and systemic hypertension. Ref. 42, on-line fulltext (Free, PDF) www.cardiologyletters.sk.[AU]

Analysis of maternal deaths with cardiovascular diseases in Shanghai obstetric heart disease intensive care unit within twenty-six years / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective@#To analyze risk factors, cardiovascular complications, time of death, gestational age of delivery and offspring outcomes in the maternal deaths with cardiovascular diseases (CVD).@*Methods@#Totally 4 112 cases of pregnant women with CVD in Shanghai obstetric heart disease intensive care unit within 26 years (from January 1993 to December 2018) were collected, and 20 maternal deaths within these cases were analyzed retrospectively.@*Results@#(1) Among the 20 deaths, structural heart diseases accounted for 90% (18/20), pregnancy induced heart diseases was 10% (2/20) while there was no dysfunctional heart disease. The mortality of pregnant women with CVD was 0.486% (20/4 112). (2) The following risk factors were common in these women, getting pregnant without counselling (95%, 19/20) , New York Heart Association classⅢ or Ⅳcardiac function (70%, 14/20), complicated with pulmonary hypertension (75%, 15/20) and prior heart events (60%, 12/20). And 85% (17/20) deaths occurred in puerperium, 15% (3/20) occurred before labor,while no death occurred during labor. And 65% (13/20) deaths died due to heart failure, 20% (4/20) deaths were due to pulmonary hypertension crisis, 5% (1/20) died on sudden cardiac arrest, rupture of aortic dissection and sudden death, respectively.@*Conclusions@#Women with CVD should get pregnant after strict evaluation. Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most severe contraindications to pregnancy, especially in patients with moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension. The puerperium period is a critical period that threatens the safety of these patients. Since heart failure is the most common cause of death, it is necessary to prevent and treat heart failure and to monitor heart function dynamically, especially in those with structural abnormal heart diseases. Moreover, it is also of importance to standardize antenatal care and to identify the severity of heart diseases in time.