Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome associated with dengue fever induced intrauterine death: A case report.

In recent years dengue fever has become a major health concern specifically due to its diverse presentation and adverse outcome. Progression from mild febrile illness to a severe systemic illness may occur in dengue fever including neurological disorder. Here, we report an unusual and rare case of a 20-year-old mother who developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) following dengue fever induced intrauterine death and septic shock.

The factors associated with stillbirths among sub-saharan African deliveries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Globally, more than 2.6 million stillbirths occur each year. The vast majority (98%) of stillbirths occur in low- and middle-income countries, and over fifty percent (55%) of these happen in rural sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A literature search was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, the Web of Sciences, and gray literature. Rayyan`s software was used for literature screening. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted with STATA version 17. Heterogeneity was checked by using Cochran's Q and I2 tests. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to examine the risk of publication bias. The protocol of the study was registered in PROSPERO with a registration number of CRD42023391874. RESULTS: Forty-one studies gathered from eight sub-Saharan countries with a total of 192,916 sample sizes were included. Nine variables were highly linked with stillbirth. These include advanced maternal age (aOR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.70), high educational attainment (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.63), antenatal care (aOR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.55), antepartum hemorrhage (aOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.91, 3.50), low birth weight (aOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.56-1.87), admission by referral (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.68), history of stillbirth (aOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.84, 3.03), anemia (aOR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.93, 3.31), and hypertension (aOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.70, 2.75). CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between stillbirth and maternal age, educational status, antenatal care, antepartum hemorrhage, birth weight, mode of arrival, history of previous stillbirth, anemia, and hypertension. Integrating maternal health and obstetric factors will help identify the risk factors as early as possible and provide early interventions.

Adverse perinatal outcomes after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass vs. Sleeve Gastrectomy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancies occurring after bariatric surgery are associated with various perinatal complications. However, there may be differences in the type of perinatal complications occurring after different methods of bariatric surgery. The aim of the current study was to compare adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) vs. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG). METHODS: A systematic database search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL. Observational studies comparing perinatal outcomes post-bariatric (RYGB and SG) surgery to pregnancies without prior surgery were selected. Outcomes of interest were: maternal body mass index (BMI) at the time of conception, mode of delivery, time from surgery to conception, birth weight, gestational age and intrauterine fetal death. Article selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction, were performed by two authors. The study protocol was published in its revised form in PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42021234480. RESULTS: A total of 3201 records were extracted. After duplicates were removed, 3143 records were screened for inclusion. Six studies fitted the selection criteria, of which four studies were RYGB and two SG (1100 post-RYGB vs. 209 post-SG). For the included studies, higher incidence of both SGA (22.9%, 11.9%, 14.2%) and LGA (4.2%, 4.8%, 1.7%) in SG compared to Roux-en-Y (SGA: 8.8%, 7.7%, 11.5%, 8.3% and LGA: 3.4%, 0.7%) were observed. SG had a shorter surgery to conception interval as compared to RYGB. Risk of bias assessment was moderate to serious for the studies included in the review, with bias in selection of participants being the major reason. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review demonstrated no major differences in BMI, mode of delivery, birthweight, gestational age, or rates of intrauterine death between women having undergone RYGB vs. SG. The rate of SGA and LGA births were higher in the SG group, but this group also had a shorter surgery to conception interval. Future studies are indicated to counsel women of reproductive age on the most appropriate type of bariatric surgery that is associated with the best perinatal outcomes.

Comparison of Prenatal and Postmortem Diagnoses from 251 Fetal Autopsies: High Rate of Placenta Pathologies, Low Rate of Discrepancies.

Background: In cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), autopsy and placenta pathology can provide additional information to sonographic findings. We assessed the frequency of prenatally missed relevant diagnoses. Materials and methods: A retrospective evaluation of fetal autopsies from 2006 to 2021 was performed and were classified as: i) agreement, ii) cases where autopsy revealed additional findings, or iii) postmortem findings which changed the diagnosis. Results: A total of 199/251 spontaneous IUFD and 52/251 induced abortions were included. In spontaneous IUFD, placenta pathologies were the leading cause of death (89%). Full agreement was found in most cases (91% and 87% in spontaneous IUFD and induced abortion, respectively), while additional findings (7% and 12%) and major discrepancies (each 2%) were detected less frequently. Conclusion: In some cases where major findings were missed, autopsy could establish a diagnosis.

Is there a relation between stillbirth and low levels of vitamin D in the population? A bi-national follow-up study of vitamin D fortification.

BACKGROUND: Stillbirth has been associated with low plasma vitamin D. Both Sweden and Finland have a high proportion of low plasma vitamin D levels (< 50 nmol/L). We aimed to assess the odds of stillbirth in relation to changes in national vitamin D fortification. METHODS: We surveyed all pregnancies in Finland between 1994 and 2021 (n = 1,569,739) and Sweden (n = 2,800,730) with live or stillbirth registered in the Medical Birth Registries. The mean incidences before and after changes in the vitamin D food fortification programs in Finland (2003 and 2009) and Sweden (2018) were compared with cross-tabulation with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: In Finland, the stillbirth rate declined from ~ 4.1/1000 prior to 2003, to 3.4/1000 between 2004 and 2009 (odds ratio [OR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.93), and to 2.8/1000 after 2010 (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.91). In Sweden, the stillbirth rate decreased from 3.9/1000 between 2008 and 2017 to 3.2/1000 after 2018 (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78-0.89). When the level of the dose-dependent difference in Finland in a large sample with correct temporal associations decreased, it remained steady in Sweden, and vice versa, indicating that the effect may be due to vitamin D. These are observational findings that may not be causal. CONCLUSION: Each increment of vitamin D fortification was associated with a 15% drop in stillbirths on a national level. If true, and if fortification reaches the entire population, it may represent a milestone in preventing stillbirths and reducing health inequalities.

When Words Fail: "Miscarriage," Referential Ambiguity, and Psychological Harm.

Despite significant efforts to support those bereaved by intrauterine death, they remain susceptible to avoidable psychological harm such as disenfranchised grief, misplaced guilt, and emotional shock. This is in part because the words available to describe intrauterine death-"miscarriage," "spontaneous abortion," and "pregnancy loss"-are referentially ambiguous. Despite appearing to refer to one event, they can refer to two distinct events: the baby's death and his preterm delivery. Disenfranchised grief increases when people understand "miscarriage" as the physical process of preterm delivery alone, for this obscures the baby's death and excludes non-gestational parents, such as the father. Additionally, focusing on the delivery reinforces the mistaken idea that a gestational mother bears responsibility for her baby's death, increasing misplaced guilt. When these terms instead shift the focus to the baby's intrauterine death rather than the preterm delivery, they can obscure the physically difficult and often traumatic experience women have when they deliver their dead children, leaving women shocked by preterm delivery's physical reality. Given their outsized role in framing the bereaved's experiences, and their duty to avoid harming their patients, healthcare practitioners in particular should take special care to discuss intrauterine death and preterm delivery appropriately with patients and their families. Changing language to describe intrauterine death and preterm delivery clearly and precisely helps mitigate disenfranchised grief, misplaced guilt, and shock, while also helping to reframe the social response to intrauterine death, making it more obvious why certain steps, such as allowing bereavement leave following an intrauterine death, promote healing.

Incidence, causes, and risk factors of stillbirth in an Amazonian context: Saint Laurent du Maroni maternity ward 2016-2021.

Objective: We aimed to describe the epidemiology of intrauterine fetal deaths in multiethnic western French Guiana and to assess its main causes and risk factors. Study design: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted based on data from January 2016 to December 2021. All information on stillbirth with a gestational age ≥20 weeks in the Western French Guiana Hospital Center was extracted. Terminations of pregnancy were excluded. We focused on medical history, clinical investigation, biological findings, placental histology, and autopsy examination to elucidate the cause of death. We used the Initial Cause of Fetal Death (INCODE) classification system for assessment. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 331 fetuses in 318 stillbirth deliveries were reviewed and compared to live births that occurred during the same period. The rate of fetal death varied between 1.3 % and 2.1 %, with an average of 1.8 % over the 6-year period. Poor antenatal care (104/318, 32.7 %), obesity ≥30 kg/m2 (88/318, 31.7 %), and preeclampsia (59/318, 18.5 %) were the main risk factors associated with fetal death in this group. Four hypertensive crises were reported. According to the INCODE classification, the main causes of fetal death were obstetric complications (112/331, 33.8 %), particularly intrapartum fetal death with labor-associated asphyxia under 26 weeks (64/112, 57.1 %), and placental abruption (29/112, 25.9 %). Maternal-fetal infections were common, particularly mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Zika virus, dengue, and malaria), re-emerging infectious agents such as syphilis, and severe maternal infections (8/331, 2.4 %). 19.3 % of fetal deaths (64/331) remained unexplained. Conclusion: Change in lifestyle as well as social deprivation and isolation adversely affect pregnancy in western French Guiana, in the context of a poor health care system that is similar to what is found in the Amazonian basin. Particular attention must be paid to emerging infectious agents in pregnant women and travelers returning from the Amazon region.

[Uterine rupture during medical termination of pregnancy or intrauterine death: A risk management study]. / Rupture utérine sur interruption médicale de grossesse ou mort fœtale in utero : une étude de gestion du risque.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze a series of uterine ruptures (UR) that occurred in the context of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or intrauterine death (IUD) from a risk management perspective. METHODS: French retrospective descriptive observational study of all cases of UR occurring during induction for IUD or MTP, reported between 2011 and 2021 by Gynerisq. Cases were recorded on a basis of voluntary reports using targeted questionnaires. RESULTS: Between November 27, 2011, and August 22, 2021, 12 cases of UR occurring during an induction for IUD or MTP were recorded. 50 % of the patients had never given birth by cesarean section. The term of delivery varied from 17+3 days to 41+2 days. The clinical signs found were pain (n=6), ascending fetal presentation (n=5) and bleeding (n=4). All patients were managed by laparotomy, 5 were transfused. One vascular ligation and one hysterectomy were required. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of surgical history is involved in the prevention of UR. The signs of detection are pain, ascending presentation and bleeding. The speed of management and good teamwork allow a reduction of maternal complications. The findings of the morbidity and mortality reviews show that prevention and mitigation barriers can be established.

Experiência dos enfermeiros no cuidado às mulheres diante das perdas gestacionais / Nurses' experience in caring for women in the face of pregnancy losses

Resumo: A gestação é um fenômeno fisiológico e mesmo com o manejo de pré-natal adequado, as perdas gestacionais podem ocorrer. A Organização Mundial da Saúde estima uma ocorrência de 4,9 milhões de mortes perinatais no mundo todos os anos. No Brasil, a incidência em 2020, mostrou um total de 28.993 casos, sendo 1.062 no estado do Paraná e, destes, 117 na cidade de Curitiba. Não obstante, para além dos dados, tem-se o impacto emocional para todos os envolvidos, inquestionáveis para a mulher e família que sofre com a perda gestacional, mas também para os profissionais de saúde, em especial os enfermeiros, que se deparam com estas situações ao longo da vida profissional. Desta forma, este estudo teve como questão de pesquisa: qual a percepção do enfermeiro sobre o cuidado oferecido à mulher que sofreu perda gestacional? Ainda, como objetivo geral, compreender a percepção do enfermeiro que presta cuidados às mulheres diante das perdas gestacionais; e objetivos específicos: identificar elementos do cuidado do enfermeiro frente à mulher que sofreu perda gestacional e descrever a experiência dos enfermeiros sobre seu cuidado diante da mulher que diante perda gestacional. Trata-se de estudo qualitativo exploratório, realizado em um hospital universitário da Região Sul do país. A coleta de dados deu-se através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, as quais foram audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra, durante os meses de abril a junho de 2022. Contou com a participação de 11 enfermeiros que atuam diretamente com mulheres em situação de perda gestacional. Para análise dos dados, foram seguidos os passos da Análise de Conteúdo do tipo temática proposta por Bardin e apoiada pelo uso do software de análise qualitativa o webQDA. Resultados: foram levantados 13 temas, os quais, por afinidade e exclusão, resultaram na elaboração de 3 categorias: Fragilidades do processo de cuidar frente às perdas gestacionais; Potencialidades do processo de cuidar frente às perdas gestacionais; e Cuidados de enfermagem frente às perdas gestacionais. Foi possível evidenciar que os enfermeiros conseguiam reconhecer as lacunas assistenciais e, mesmo com suas dificuldades, prestavam um cuidado respeitoso e empático, além de proporcionar momento de criação de memórias para as famílias enlutadas, através de fotos ou guarda de pertences que foram do bebê, que passou tão brevemente pela vida. O estudo permitiu compreender que os enfermeiros entrevistados reconheciam a importância da sua presença como um profissional que oferece um cuidado direcionado a cada mulher/família em situação de perda gestacional nas suas necessidades, enfatizaram a comunicação verbal e não verbal, sendo uma de suas preocupações que esta compreendesse, para além da assistência oferecida, este olhar singular do profissional. Os impactos do desenvolvimento deste trabalho podem resultar na elaboração de documentos, materiais educativos e protocolos assistenciais voltados aos profissionais de saúde que prestam cuidados diante das perdas gestacionais dentro das instituições hospitalares.

Abstract: Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon. However, even with proper prenatal care management, pregnancy losses may occur. The World Health Organization estimates 4.9 million perinatal deaths worldwide every year. In Brazil, showed an incidence of 28,993 cases in 2020, with 1,062 cases in Parana State and, among these, 117 in its capital city, Curitiba. Therefore, that is a global health problem, but there still have been scarce public policies addressing this theme. Apart from the data, there is also the emotional impact on all the involved individuals, unquestionably to the woman and family who suffer the pregnancy loss, but also to the healthcare professionals, ultimately nurses, who are confronted with those situations along their professional lives. Thus, the research question in this study was: what is the nurses' perception on the health care delivered to the woman facing a pregnancy loss? In addition, the general objective was to understand the nurse's perception who renders health care to the woman who suffered a pregnancy loss. It is an exploratory qualitative study held at a university hospital in Southern Brazil. Data collection was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded and fully transcribed between April and June 2022. The participants were 11 nurses who care for women in a situation of pregnancy loss. For the data analysis, Thematic Content Analysis proposed by Bardin was applied, supported by the use of the webQDAE software for qualitative analysis. Results: 13 themes by affinity and exclusion stood out by means of the analysis, which resulted in the elaboration of 3 categories: Fragilities in the caring process in the face of pregnancy losses; Potentialities of the caring process in the face of pregnancy losses; and Nursing Care in the face of pregnancy losses. It was possible to evidence that nurses could recognize caring gaps, and even facing difficulties, they could deliver respectful and empathetic care, in addition to providing a moment of creating memories to bereaved families through photos or belongings of the baby who briefly got through their lives. The study enabled to understand that the interviewed nurses acknowledged the importance of their presence as professionals who delivered care to meet the needs of each woman/family going through a pregnancy loss. They also pointed out verbal and non-verbal communication as one of their concerns so that the women could understand their unique professional look, beyond care delivery. The study outcomes may result in the elaboration of documents, educational materials and care protocols to those health professionals who are confronted with pregnancy losses while rendering care within hospital institutions.

Placental pathology in sudden intrauterine death (SIUD) in SARS-CoV-2-positive oligosymptomatic women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. Although an infection of the placenta may be rare, pregnancy may occasionally be affected by intrauterine failure. The knowledge of placental morphology on sudden intrauterine demise is still limited. METHODS: Fetal and placental tissue of two cases of sudden intrauterine death in the second trimester were analysed morphologically and by immunohistochemistry. One case was evaluated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Both mothers were tested positive for the Alpha variant of SARS-CoV-2 but were oligosymptomatic for COVID-19. Unexpected sudden intrauterine death (SIUD) occurred at 15 + 2 and 27 + 3 weeks of gestation. One fetus demonstrated an intrauterine growth restriction. No malformations nor inflammatory changes were observed in either fetus on autopsy. In contrast to the placentas, the fetal tissue was negative for SARS-CoV-2 on immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analyses. Macroscopically, the placentas showed an increased consistency with a white, reticular cutting surface covering about 95% of the whole placenta. Only very focal histiocytic chronic intervillositis was noted histologically. Massive perivillous fibrin deposits with extensive necroses of the villous trophoblast were present in more than 90% of the placental tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was strong and diffusely positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the villous trophoblast and rarely within the villous stromal cells. Placental SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: Sudden intrauterine death may occur in mothers who are oligosymptomatic for COVID-19. Acute placental failure is responsible for SIUD, demonstrated by massive perivillous fibrin deposits and extensive necroses of the villous trophoblast with SARS-CoV-2-positivity based on immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR. Detailed histopathological examination of placental and fetal tissue is mandatory to verify SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate the pathogenesis and functionality of this disease.

Postmortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging of In Utero Fetuses and Its Relationship With Postmortem Interval: A Multi-Organ Observational Study on Reduced Fetuses of Complicated Multiple Pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Despite technological advancements in perinatal imaging, autopsy examination is still regarded as the reference standard to determine the time and reason of the fetal death. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the intrauterine postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) findings of fetuses, who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA). STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Fifty-three twin/triplet complicated pregnancies scheduled for selective reduction of one of the fetuses by RFA were included. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: The imaging methods used are T1-weighted gradient-echo imaging (T1 GRE), T2 half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (SSTSE), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. ASSESSMENT: The MRIs were interpreted by three radiologists. STATISTICAL TESTS: Data were analyzed using the software package SPSS Statistics Version 22.0. The used tests included one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan tests (significance level: P value <0.05). This analysis was performed with scikit-learn library (version 1.1.1) in Python version 3.9. RESULTS: Average PMMR scores of orbit, brain, and abdomen showed significant differences among different PM interval subgroups. The brain apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) numbers of reduced and living fetuses were significantly different at any PM interval. To determine which findings are closely associated with the timing of fetal death, five different methods of feature selection were employed. The top eight selected features achieved the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 78.19%. DATA CONCLUSION: In utero, PMMR findings may be associated with the time of fetal death. Among different fetal organs evaluated, particularly PMMR top eight features specifically scores of orbits were associated with PM intrauterine time after death. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Single intrauterine death in twin pregnancy: Evidenced-based counselling and management.

Twins have a significantly higher risk of stillbirth, preterm delivery, perinatal morbidity and mortality. Single intrauterine fetal death is a relatively common and devastating occurrence for families and clinicians alike. Monochorionic twins are up to 13 times more likely to suffer an intrauterine death when compared to singletons. Additionally, longer term neurological sequelae affect monochorionic twins disproportionately. The timing of the death of the co-twin and the fetal order at the time of death have an impact on the outcome for the survivor. The risk in dichorionic pregnancies is lower with respect to neurological injury; however, the risk of prematurity remains high, particularly where the leading twin dies in utero. Recent published studies report lower rates of neurological injury in monochorionic twin pregnancies that incur an intrauterine fetal death after foetoscopic laser ablation for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - an important finding for patient counselling. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Single intrauterine fetal death in twins is a relatively common and devastating occurrence for families and clinicians alike. Adhering to collegiate guidelines will likely reduce but not eliminate the incidence of SIUD in twins.

Investigation and management of stillbirth: a descriptive review of major guidelines.

Stillbirth is a common and devastating pregnancy complication. The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations of the most recently published guidelines on the investigation and management of this adverse outcome. A descriptive review of guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG), the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ), the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) on stillbirth was carried out. Regarding investigation, there is consensus that medical history and postmortem examination are crucial and that determining the etiology may improve care in a subsequent pregnancy. All guidelines recommend histopathological examination of the placenta, genetic analysis and microbiology of fetal and placental tissues, offering less invasive techniques when autopsy is declined and a Kleihauer test to detect large feto-maternal hemorrhage, whereas they discourage routine screening for inherited thrombophilias. RCOG and SOGC also recommend a complete blood count, coagulopathies' testing, anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies' measurement in cases of hydrops and parental karyotyping. Discrepancies exist among the reviewed guidelines on the definition of stillbirth and the usefulness of thyroid function tests and maternal viral screening. Moreover, only ACOG and RCOG discuss the management of stillbirth. They agree that, in the absence of coagulopathies, expectant management should be considered and encourage vaginal birth, but they suggest different labor induction protocols and different management in subsequent pregnancies. It is important to develop consistent international practice protocols, in order to allow effective determination of the underlying causes and optimal management of stillbirths, while identifying the gaps in the current literature may highlight the need for future research.

Effect of routine first-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia on small-for-gestational-age birth: secondary interrupted time series analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a first-trimester combined screening program for pre-eclampsia, based on the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) algorithm, on the rate of small-for-gestational age (SGA) at birth and adverse pregnancy outcome. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of data obtained from a London tertiary hospital between January 2017 and March 2019. The data were derived from a secondary analysis of the cohort evaluated in a clinical-effectiveness study on the implementation of a first-trimester screening program for pre-eclampsia. The cohort included 7720 women screened according to the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) risk-based approach and 4841 women screened by the FMF multimodal approach, which combines maternal risk factors, blood pressure, pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A and uterine artery Doppler indices. The care package for the FMF-screened group included 150-mg aspirin prophylaxis, ultrasound scans at 28 and 36 weeks' gestation and scheduled delivery at 40 weeks. Outcome measures included the rates of SGA neonates at birth, admission to the neonatal unit, intrauterine demise, neonatal death and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy assessed by interrupted time series analysis (ITSA). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the rates of intrauterine demise, neonatal death and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy between the FMF-screened and NICE-screened cohorts. ITSA showed a significant reduction in the rate of term SGA birth < 10th percentile at 21 months following implementation of the FMF screening program, with a relative effect reduction of 45.1% (P = 0.004). However, there was no significant relative effect reduction in term SGA birth < 5th or < 3rd percentile. CONCLUSIONS: First-trimester combined screening for pre-eclampsia based on the FMF algorithm accompanied by a care package including serial ultrasound scans for growth evaluation and elective birth from 40 weeks' gestation resulted in a significant 45% relative effect reduction in term SGA birth < 10th percentile but did not affect term SGA birth < 5th or < 3rd percentile. Further screening strategies to detect and improve the outcome of cases with SGA birth < 5th percentile need to be considered. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

External validation of prognostic models to predict stillbirth using International Prediction of Pregnancy Complications (IPPIC) Network database: individual participant data meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Stillbirth is a potentially preventable complication of pregnancy. Identifying women at high risk of stillbirth can guide decisions on the need for closer surveillance and timing of delivery in order to prevent fetal death. Prognostic models have been developed to predict the risk of stillbirth, but none has yet been validated externally. In this study, we externally validated published prediction models for stillbirth using individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess their predictive performance. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, DH-DATA and AMED databases were searched from inception to December 2020 to identify studies reporting stillbirth prediction models. Studies that developed or updated prediction models for stillbirth for use at any time during pregnancy were included. IPD from cohorts within the International Prediction of Pregnancy Complications (IPPIC) Network were used to validate externally the identified prediction models whose individual variables were available in the IPD. The risk of bias of the models and cohorts was assessed using the Prediction study Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). The discriminative performance of the models was evaluated using the C-statistic, and calibration was assessed using calibration plots, calibration slope and calibration-in-the-large. Performance measures were estimated separately in each cohort, as well as summarized across cohorts using random-effects meta-analysis. Clinical utility was assessed using net benefit. RESULTS: Seventeen studies reporting the development of 40 prognostic models for stillbirth were identified. None of the models had been previously validated externally, and the full model equation was reported for only one-fifth (20%, 8/40) of the models. External validation was possible for three of these models, using IPD from 19 cohorts (491 201 pregnant women) within the IPPIC Network database. Based on evaluation of the model development studies, all three models had an overall high risk of bias, according to PROBAST. In the IPD meta-analysis, the models had summary C-statistics ranging from 0.53 to 0.65 and summary calibration slopes ranging from 0.40 to 0.88, with risk predictions that were generally too extreme compared with the observed risks. The models had little to no clinical utility, as assessed by net benefit. However, there remained uncertainty in the performance of some models due to small available sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The three validated stillbirth prediction models showed generally poor and uncertain predictive performance in new data, with limited evidence to support their clinical application. The findings suggest methodological shortcomings in their development, including overfitting. Further research is needed to further validate these and other models, identify stronger prognostic factors and develop more robust prediction models. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Risk Factors for Fetal Death and Maternal AP Severity in Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy.

Background: Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare but highly life-threatening gestational and perinatal disease. Objective: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for fetal death and acute pancreatitis severity. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with acute pancreatitis in pregnancy in our center from January 1, 2012, to August 1, 2020, and classified them according to two clinical endpoints, fetal outcome and disease severity. The groups were examined and compared according to gestational week, etiology, gravidity and parity, complications in pre- and post-delivery, and medical history. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for fetal death and acute pancreatitis severity. Results: Of the 90 enrolled patients, 28 (31.1%) had fetal death and 43 (47.8%) had severe acute pancreatitis. Logistic regression analysis showed that pre-delivery acute respiratory distress syndrome (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.5-22.4; p = 0.010) and gestational week (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-1.0; p = 0.011) were risk factors for fetal death. Gestation week (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3; p = 0.003) and fetal intrauterine death (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.8-19.4; p = 0.003) were risk factors for severe acute pancreatitis. Conclusions: Pre-delivery acute respiratory distress syndrome and gestational week were independent risk factors for fetal death. Fetal intrauterine death and gestational week were independent risk factors for severe acute pancreatitis.

Facilitators and Strategies for Breaking the News of an Intrauterine Death-A Mixed Methods Study among Obstetricians.

(1) Background: The death of a baby in utero is a very sad event for both the affected parents and the caring doctors. By this study, we aimed to assess the tools, which may help obstetricians to overcome this challenge in their profession. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in 1526 obstetricians registered with the Austrian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology between September and October 2020. (3) Results: With a response rate of 24.2% (n = 439), our study shows that diagnosing fetal death was associated with a moderate to high degree of stress, regardless of position (p = 0.949), age (p = 0.110), gender (p = 0.155), and experience (p = 0.150) of physicians. Coping strategies for delivering the news of intrauterine death to affected parents were relying on clinical knowledge and high levels of self-confidence (55.0%; 203/369), support from colleagues (53.9%; 199/369), and debriefing (52.8%; 195/369). In general, facilitators for breaking bad news were more commonly cultivated by female obstetricians [OR 1.267 (95% CI 1.149-1.396); p < 0.001], residents [χ2(3;369) = 9.937; p = 0.019], and obstetricians of younger age [41 (34-50) years vs. 45 (36-55) years; p = 0.018]. External facilitators were most frequently mentioned, including professional support, training, professional guidance, time, parents' leaflets, follow-up consultations, a supporting consultation atmosphere, and preparation before delivering the bad news. Internal facilitators included knowledge, empathy, seeking silence, reflection, privacy, and relief of guilt. (4) Conclusions: Communicating the diagnosis of fetal death evokes moderate to high levels of stress among obstetricians. Resources from both the professional and private environment are required to deal with this professional challenge on a personal level.

Congenital syphilis as a cause of death in a newborn in 31st week of pregnancy - significance of testing for syphilis during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Description of a case of newborn death after acute caesarean section in 31st week of pregnancy because of mothers syphilitic infection. RESULTS: Fifteen-years-old primigravid woman in 31st week of pregnancy was admitted to a secondary level hospital due to a high risk of preterm labor. The pregnancy was terminated with an acute caesarean section because of pathological cardiotocograph record. The newborn died after 35 min of resuscitation. Blood samples from the umbilical cord and mothers blood taken by her gynecologist were positive for syphilis. In cooperation with a dermatologist, the treatment has been provided and reported to the National Referential Laboratory. The autopsy of the newborn had found severe pneumonia, necrotic lymphadenitis and pyocele. CONCLUSION: The dia-gnosis of congenital syphilis had been determined after the death of a preterm delivered newborn. Resuscitation had no chance to success because of syphilitic damage of the lungs.

Isolated Dissection of the Ductus Arteriosus Associated with Sudden Unexpected Intrauterine Death.

We report five cases of sudden intrauterine death due to premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. In four cases, this was caused by dissecting the hematoma of the ductus arteriosus with intimal flap and obliteration of the lumen. In one case, the ductus arteriosus was aneurysmatic, with lumen occlusion caused by thrombus stratification. No drug therapy or free medication consumption were reported during pregnancy. The time of stillbirth ranged between 26 and 33 gestational weeks. We performed TUNEL analysis for apoptosis quantification. The dissecting features were intimal tears with flap formation in four of the cases, just above the origin of the ductus arteriosus from the pulmonary artery. The dissecting hematoma of the ductus arteriosus extended downward to the descending aorta and backward to the aortic arch with involvement of the left carotid and left subclavian arteries. TUNEL analysis showed a high number of apoptotic smooth muscle cells in the media in two cases. Abnormal ductal remodeling with absence of subintimal cushions, lacunar spaces rich in glycosaminoglycans (cystic medial necrosis), and smooth muscle cell apoptosis were the pathological substrates accounting for failure of remodeling process and dissection.

Growth Abnormalities as a Risk Factor of Adverse Neonatal Outcome in Hypertensive Pregnancies-A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) include gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH), preeclampsia (PE), and preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (CH with PE). HDP is associated with several short and long-term perinatal and neonatal complications, such as newborn growth restriction and death. This study aimed to establish the association between HDP, newborn growth abnormalities, and neonatal outcome. (2) Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of 63651 singleton deliveries. (3) Results: Univariate analysis showed a significantly increased risk of intrauterine and neonatal death associated with maternal hypertension and growth disorders. There were differences between growth charts used, with the highest risk of stillbirth for SGA defined by the Intergrowth chart (OR 17.2) and neonatal death for newborn growth restriction (NGR) based on Intergrowth (OR 19.1). Multivariate analysis showed that NGR is a stronger risk factor of neonatal death than SGA only. (4) Conclusions: HDP is significantly associated with growth abnormalities and is an independent risk factor of adverse outcomes. The presence of newborn growth restriction is strongly associated with the risk of neonatal death. The choice of growth chart has a substantial effect on the percentage of diagnosis of SGA and NGR.