Maternal and foetal risks associated with teenage pregnancy - a comparative retrospective study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent pregnancy is defined as pregnancy occurring in young women between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Adolescent pregnancies, which are among the social healthcare concerns in developed and developing countries, have negative effects on maternal and infant health. Pregnancy in adolescence puts the health of both the mother and child at risk, as adolescent pregnancies have higher rates of eclampsia, systemic infection, low birth weight, and preterm delivery compared to other pregnancies. In this study, the effects of education level, smoking, and marital status on maternal and foetal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies were evaluated. METHODS: The records of a total of 960 pregnant women (480 pregnant adolescents aged 15-19 years and 480 pregnant adult women aged 20-26 years) were examined retrospectively. The demographic data of the groups and maternal and foetal outcomes of the pregnancies were compared. A logistic regression model was established as a statistical method for reducing confounding effects. RESULTS: Unmarried women were statistically significantly more prevalent in the adolescent group (38.3% vs. 7.3%). Among the considered risk factors, preeclampsia (2.9% vs. 0.8%) and smoking (29.8% vs. 9.8%) were statistically significantly more common in the adolescent group. When the groups were compared in terms of risk factors in pregnancy, it was found that pregnancy in adolescence was associated with a 3.04-fold higher risk of smoking, 5.25-fold higher risk of being unmarried, 3.50-fold higher risk of preeclampsia, and 1.70-fold higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an increased risk of preeclampsia, IUGR, and smoking during pregnancy in adolescent pregnant women. These findings can be used to identify adolescent pregnancies requiring specific assistance and to take measures to reduce the probability of adverse outcomes.

In this study, we examine the risks of adolescent pregnancies. Adolescent pregnancy is a public health problem, and it is more common in underdeveloped or developing countries. We believe that non-governmental organisations and governments should take precautions regarding adolescent pregnancies and protect this legally vulnerable sociodemographic group from pregnancy. For healthier and more conscientious pregnancy experiences, mothers must be of appropriate age, having passed the period of adolescence. Adolescent pregnancies, which come with many risks, and especially risks of preeclampsia, premature birth, and maternal death, should be minimised or prevented.

[Clinicopathological and molecular genetic features of confined placental mosaicism].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) and its effect on fetal intrauterine growth. Methods: Fourteen CPM cases of Haidian Maternal and Children Health Hospital were collected from May 2018 to March 2022. Clinicopathological examination on placental specimens and molecular genetic analysis were performed. Results: The age of the parturient women ranged from 27 to 34 years, with an average age of (30.0±3.54) years. The gestational weeks ranged from 35+1 to 41+2 weeks. There were 4 premature births and 10 term births, among which 6 were female and 8 were male fetuses. Nine cases (9/14) had adverse pregnancy outcomes, including 7 cases of fetal growth restriction. The weight of CPM placenta decreased, with 6 cases below the 10th percentile of weight standards and 5 cases between the 10th and 25th percentile. All 14 CPM placental specimens showed morphological changes of perfusion dysfunction to varying degrees, with mainly placental-maternal vascular malperfusion followed by placental-fetal vascular malperfusion. The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases varied, with 16-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism being the most common followed by 7-trisomy and 21-trisomy/monosomy mosaicism. The mosaic proportion was unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta, with the mosaic proportion of umbilical cord, fetal membranes, fetal surface, maternal surface, and edge ranging from 1% to 70%. Conclusions: The mosaic chromosomes in different CPM cases vary, and the mosaic proportion is unequal in different parts of the same CPM placenta. The pathological morphology is mainly manifested as perfusion dysfunction, which can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and preterm birth.

Preconception counseling impact in pregnancy outcomes in patients with spondyloarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases, often affecting women in reproductive age. These diseases can have a significant impact on the reproductive health of women. Preconception counseling and medication adjustments have shown to reduce flares and improve pregnancy outcomes in women with rheumatoid arthritis. However, in women with SpA data of the impact of preconception counselling on pregnancy outcomes is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate that. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentric study, data was collected from medical records of women who gave birth from 2020 to 2022. The study included 45 pregnancies, which were divided into two categories whether they received preconception consultation or not. Data was collected on patient characteristics, disease duration, medications used, and preconception counselling. Outcomes were divided into two groups: maternal and fetal outcomes. RESULTS: 30 out of 45 pregnancies (66.67%) had received preconception counselling, having a significantly lower percentage of flares occurring postpartum compared to the non-counselling group (36.6% vs 6.4%, p=0.031) and lower percentage of contraindicated medication during pregnancy (20.0 vs 0.0%, p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Preconception counselling in women with SpA can increase the likelihood of medication adjustments before pregnancy and decrease the occurrence of flares postpartum. These findings suggest that preconception counselling should be implemented in the management of pregnant women with SpA to improve pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of preconception counselling and to determine the optimal approach.

Correlation of Anti-Phosphatidylserine/Prothrombin and Anti-Phosphatidylserine Antibodies with Pregnancy Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of anti-prothrombin antibodies (aPT) and anti-phosphatidylserine/prothrombin antibodies (aPS/PT) in relation to pregnancy outcomes and coagulation parameters, as well as immune markers. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 477 pregnant women with experienced at least one spontaneous miscarriage who were tested for aPT and aPS/PT antibodies, and compared their clinical characteristics, coagulation indicators, immune biomarkers, and pregnancy outcomes to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these antibodies. RESULTS: We found that the aPT IgG and the aPS/PT IgM were independently associated with increased risk of pregnancy loss, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.055 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.009-1.103, p = 0.017) and 1.041 (95% CI: 1.015-1.067, p = 0.002), respectively. Moreover, we found that the aPS/PT IgM had a higher diagnostic performance than the aPT IgG, as indicated by the AUC of 0.663 and 0.593, respectively. The pregnancy loss rate was positively correlated with the level of aPS/PT IgM, while the aPT IgG is not. We also found that in the pregnancy loss group, aPT IgG showed negative correlations with prothrombin time (PT); aPS/PT IgM showed positive correlations with aPS/PT IgG. However, none of aPT IgG, aPT IgM, aPS/PT IgM, or aPS/PT IgG was related to other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction (FGR), or preeclampsia (PE). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that aPT IgG and aPS/PT IgM are independent risk factors for pregnancy loss, especially aPS/PT IgM, which has a positive linear correlation with pregnancy loss.

Predictability of the Delta Neutrophil Index and Other Blood Parameters on Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PROBLEM: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of delta neutrophil index (DNI), a peripheral blood parameter, on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHOD OF STUDY: One hundred eighty-one participants, 78 pregnant women with SLE, and 103 healthy pregnant women were included in this retrospective study. Peripheral blood parameters including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and DNI taken in the first trimester were compared between groups. RESULTS: NLR, PLR, and DNI were significantly higher in the SLE group (p = 0.027, p = 0.007, p = 0.0001, respectively). The same parameters were not found to be significant in determining disease activity in pregnant women with SLE (p > 0.05). When the predictive value of DNI for SGA in pregnancies with SLE was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.666 (95% CI; 0.544-0.788, p = 0.018) with 84.6% sensitivity, 53.8% specificity, 56.0% PPV, and 78.1% NPV at a cut-off value of 0.16. The predictive value of DNI according to ROC for stillbirth in pregnancies with SLE was AUC 0.731 (95% CI: 0.539-0.923, p = 0.019) with a cut-off value of 0.17, sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 51.5%, PPV of 58.5%, and NPV of 87.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Although DNI's prediction of SGA and stillbirth in pregnant women with SLE is encouraging, it needs more evidence from prospective studies with larger series.

The type of COVID-19 vaccination does not affect reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples.

Introduction: Studies on the effect of vaccine type and two other vaccines other than inactivated vaccines approved in China on in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes are rare. To complement and confirm the existing findings, this research aimed to investigate whether there are adverse effects of different vaccine types in females and males on reproductive function and clinical pregnancy. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 6,455 fresh embryo transfer cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). At the same time, the secondary results are the number of oocytes retrieved, two pronuclei (2PN) rate, blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DNA fragment index (DFI) rate). Results: In the comparison of ovarian stimulation indicators, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in Gn days, endometrial thickness, 2PN rate, metaphase 2 (MII) rate, high-quality embryo rate, and blastocyst formation rate. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DFI rate) in these four groups. The multivariate regression model showed that neither the types of vaccines nor the vaccination status of both infertile couples significantly affected clinical pregnancy. Discussion: The type of vaccine does not appear to have an unfavorable effect on ovarian stimulation, embryo development, semen parameters, and clinical pregnancy.

[Ultrasonic convex array probe applied to increase success rate of external cephalic version without anesthesia].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using ultrasonic convex array probe compressing abdominal wall to increase success rate of external cephalic version (ECV) without anesthesia in full-term and near-term pregnancy. Methods: Totally 190 singleton and non-cephalic presentation pregnant women in 36-39+4 weeks of gestation performed ECV from April 2019 to August 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were analyzed. According to whether use the ultrasound probe compressing fetal breech or not, the pregnant women were divided into two groups: 81 cases in the probe-compressing group (including primipara 61 cases and multipara 20 cases) and 109 cases in the non-probe-compressing group(including primipara 72 cases and multipara 37 cases). Clinical data, ECV related factors and complications were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: (1) The overall success rate of ECV was 64.2% (122/190). There was no significant difference in the success rate of ECV between probe-compressing group and non-probe-compressing group [69.1% (56/81) vs 60.6% (66/109), χ2=1.490, P=0.222]. The total vaginal delivery rate after successful ECV was 81.1% (99/122), while 71.1% (54/76) in primipara and 97.8% (45/46) in multipara, respectively. (2) Compare to the non-probe-compressing group, the success rate of ECV in primipara was significantly higher in the probe-compressing group [45.8% (33/72) vs 70.5% (43/61)], but the gestational age was shorter and the height was higher in the probe-compressing group (all P<0.05). The success rate of ECV of multipara in the probe-compressing group (65.0%, 13/20) was lower than that in the non-probe-compressing group (89.2%, 33/37), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). (3) Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that abdominal wall compressed by ultrasound probe (OR=2.601, 95%CI: 1.113-6.075; P=0.027) and amniotic fluid index (AFI; OR=1.010, 95%CI: 1.001-1.020; P=0.028) were positive factors for the successful rate of ECV in primipara pregnant women. (4) The main complication of ECV was transient fetal heart rate reduction (8.9%,17/190), the incidence in the probe-compressing group was significantly higher than that in the non-probe-compressing group [14.8% (12/81) vs 4.6% (5/109); χ2=5.967, P=0.015]. No statistical differences were found in rates of complications between the ECV successful and unsuccessful pregnant women, and between probe-compressing and non-probe-compressing groups (all P>0.05). No adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes related to ECV were observed. Conclusions: The ultrasonic convex array probe compressing could significantly improve the success rate of ECV in primipara without increasing the incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The success rate of ECV in primipara is influenced by AFI and operation mode.

[Analysis of adverse late-term pregnancy outcomes after cervical cold knife conization].

Objective: To investigate the effects of cervical cold knife conization (CKC) on preterm delivery, other pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes, and explore the relationship between preterm delivery risk and the depth and volume of conization. Methods: The clinical data and pregnancy outcomes of 272 women who underwent CKC in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2002 to March 2018 (conization group) and 1 647 pregnant women who gave birth in Peking Union Medical College Hospital during January to December 2019 (control group) were collected. The preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, other pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes of the two groups were compared, and the relationship between the depth and volume of conization and the risk of preterm delivery in postoperative singleton pregnancy was analyzed. Results: (1) There were no significant differences between the two groups in delivery age, parity, proportion of singleton pregnancy, proportion of assisted reproductive technology (all P>0.05). (2) The rate of preterm delivery in the conization group was significantly higher than that in the control group [14.8% (39/264) vs 5.7% (91/1 589); χ2=28.397, P<0.001]. There were still significant differences in preterm delivery rates between the two groups at <34 weeks and 34-37 weeks (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of premature rupture of membrane between the two groups [23.5% (62/264) vs 23.4% (372/1 589); χ2=0.001, P=0.979], but the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membrane in the conization group was significantly higher than that in the control group [11.4% (30/264) vs 2.2% (35/1 589); χ2=56.132, P<0.001]. (3) The rate of cesarean section in the conization group was higher than that in the control group [59.6% (162/272) vs 38.8% (639/1 647); χ2=41.377, P<0.001]. The birth weight of preterm infants in the conization group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(2 409±680) vs (2 150±684) g; t=2.184, P=0.030]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, the birth weight of full-term infants, incidence of small for gestational age infant and neonatal intensive care unit admission rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). (4) The preterm delivery rates of coning depth >15 mm, cone size ≥2 cm3 and cone size <2 cm3 were higher than that in the control group (all P<0.05). When the coning depth ≤15 mm, the preterm delivery rate in the conization group was higher than that in the control group, but there was no significant difference (P=0.620). The rate of preterm delivery of pregnant women with coning depth >15 mm was significantly higher than those with coning depth ≤15 mm (RR=3.084, 95%CI: 1.474-6.453; P=0.001). There was no significant difference in the preterm delivery rate between pregnant women with cone size >2 cm3 and those with cone size ≥2 cm3 (RR=1.700, 95%CI: 0.935-3.092; P=0.077). Conclusion: The risk of preterm delivery and preterm premature rupture of membranes in subsequent pregnancies are increased after cervical CKC, and the risk of preterm delivery is positively correlated with the depth of cervical coning.

Socioeconomic disparities in changes to preterm birth and stillbirth rates during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a study of 21 European countries.

BACKGROUND: Despite concerns about worsening pregnancy outcomes resulting from healthcare restrictions, economic difficulties and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, preterm birth (PTB) rates declined in some countries in 2020, while stillbirth rates appeared stable. Like other shocks, the pandemic may have exacerbated existing socioeconomic disparities in pregnancy, but this remains to be established. Our objective was to investigate changes in PTB and stillbirth by socioeconomic status (SES) in European countries. METHODS: The Euro-Peristat network implemented this study within the Population Health Information Research Infrastructure (PHIRI) project. A common data model was developed to collect aggregated tables from routine birth data for 2015-2020. SES was based on mother's educational level or area-level deprivation/maternal occupation if education was unavailable and harmonized into low, medium and high SES. Country-specific relative risks (RRs) of PTB and stillbirth for March to December 2020, adjusted for linear trends from 2015 to 2019, by SES group were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-one countries provided data on perinatal outcomes by SES. PTB declined by an average 4% in 2020 {pooled RR: 0.96 [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.94-0.97]} with similar estimates across all SES groups. Stillbirths rose by 5% [RR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99-1.10)], with increases of between 3 and 6% across the three SES groups, with overlapping confidence limits. CONCLUSIONS: PTB decreases were similar regardless of SES group, while stillbirth rates rose without marked differences between groups.

Pregnancy Outcomes of Nifedipine Compared With Labetalol for Oral Treatment of Mild Chronic Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes by type of antihypertensive used in participants of the CHAP (Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy) trial. METHODS: We conducted a planned secondary analysis of CHAP, an open-label, multicenter, randomized trial of antihypertensive treatment compared with standard care (no treatment unless severe hypertension developed) in pregnant patients with mild chronic hypertension (blood pressure 140-159/90-104 mm Hg before 20 weeks of gestation) and singleton pregnancies. We performed three comparisons based on medications prescribed at enrollment: labetalol compared with standard care, nifedipine compared with standard care, and labetalol compared with nifedipine. Although active compared with standard care groups were randomized, medication assignment within the active treatment group was not random but based on clinician or patient preference. The primary outcome was the occurrence of superimposed preeclampsia with severe features, preterm birth before 35 weeks of gestation, placental abruption, or fetal or neonatal death. The key secondary outcome was small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. We also compared medication adverse effects between groups. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated with log binomial regression to adjust for confounding. RESULTS: Of 2,292 participants analyzed, 720 (31.4%) received labetalol, 417 (18.2%) received nifedipine, and 1,155 (50.4%) received no treatment. The mean gestational age at enrollment was 10.5±3.7 weeks; nearly half of participants (47.5%) identified as non-Hispanic Black; and 44.5% used aspirin. The primary outcome occurred in 217 (30.1%), 130 (31.2%), and 427 (37.0%) in the labetalol, nifedipine, and standard care groups, respectively. Risk of the primary outcome was lower among those receiving treatment (labetalol use vs standard adjusted RR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.72-0.94; nifedipine use vs standard adjusted RR 0.84, 95% CI, 0.71-0.99), but there was no significant difference in risk when labetalol was compared with nifedipine (adjusted RR 0.98, 95% CI, 0.82-1.18). There were no significant differences in SGA or serious adverse events between participants receiving labetalol and those receiving nifedipine. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in predetermined maternal or neonatal outcomes were detected on the basis of the use of labetalol or nifedipine for treatment of chronic hypertension in pregnancy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02299414.

Short stature and vaginal dinoprostone as independent predictors of composite maternal-newborn adverse outcomes in induction of labor after one previous cesarean: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The rates of labor induction and cesarean delivery is rising worldwide. With the confluence of these trends, the labor induction rate in trials of labor after cesarean can be as high as 27-32.7%. Induction of labor after one previous cesarean (IOLAC) is a high-risk procedure mainly due to the higher risk of uterine rupture. Nevertheless, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers IOLAC as an option in motivated and informed women in the appropriate care setting. We sought to identify predictors of a composite of maternal and newborn adverse outcomes following IOLAC. METHODS: The electronic medical records of women who delivered between January 2018 to September 2022 in a Malaysian university hospital were screened to identify cases of IOLAC. A case is classified as a composite adverse outcome if at least one of these 11 adverse outcomes of delivery blood loss ≥ 1000 ml, uterine scar complications, cord prolapse or presentation, placenta abruption, maternal fever (≥ 38 0C), chorioamnionitis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, Apgar score < 7 at 5 min, umbilical artery cord artery blood pH < 7.1 or base excess ≤-12 mmol/l, and neonatal ICU admission was present. An unplanned cesarean delivery was not considered an adverse outcome as the practical management alternative for a clinically indicated IOLAC was a planned cesarean. Bivariate analysis of participants' characteristics was performed to identify predictors of their association with composite adverse outcome. Characteristics with crude p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis were incorporated into a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis model. RESULTS: Electronic medical records of 19,064 women were screened. 819 IOLAC cases and 98 cases with composite adverse outcomes were identified. Maternal height, ethnicity, previous vaginal delivery, indication of previous cesarean, indication for IOLAC, and method of IOLAC had p < 0.10 on bivariate analysis and were incorporated into a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. After adjustment, only maternal height and IOLAC by vaginal dinoprostone compared to Foley balloon remained significant at p < 0.05. Post hoc adjusted analysis that included all unplanned cesarean as an added qualifier for composite adverse outcome showed higher body mass index, short stature (< 157 cm), not of Chinese ethnicity, no prior vaginal delivery, prior cesarean indicated by labor dystocia, and less favorable Bishop score (< 6) were independent predictors of the expanded composite adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: Shorter women and IOLAC by vaginal dinoprostone compared to Foley balloon were independently predictive of composite of adverse outcome.

Shorter stature and dinoprostone labor induction are independent predictors of a composite maternal-newborn adverse outcome excluding unplanned cesarean delivery.

Epilepsy, Antiepileptic Drugs, and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, 2: Major Congenital Malformations With Antiepileptic Drug Monotherapy.

Women with epilepsy (WWE) are usually advised antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment even during pregnancy. It is therefore important to know what the major congenital malformation (MCM) risks might be with untreated epilepsy, and with first-trimester exposure to different AEDs in monotherapy. This article reviews recent findings from a large multinational registry, a large multinational population based study, and a large meta-analysis. In summary, data from the meta-analysis suggest that the MCM rate is 2%-3% in women without epilepsy and about 3% in WWE who were unexposed to AEDs during pregnancy. Data from the meta analysis also suggest that the MCM rate is approximately population level at 2.6%-3.5% with levetiracetam and lamotrigine and that it is about 4%-5% with carbamazepine, 2.8%-4.8% with oxcarbazepine, about 4% with topiramate, about 5%-7% with phenytoin, about 6%-9% with phenobarbital, and nearly 10% with valproate. The MCM risk with valproate is significantly higher than that with other AEDs (including topiramate and phenobarbital) that significantly increase the risk. Data from the registry suggest that risks are dose-dependent with valproate, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine and that the risk with valproate may be as high as 25% at doses >1,450 mg/d. Valproate is also associated with a wide range of MCMs. Data from the population-based study were generally confirmatory. Strengths and limitations of the studies are considered. The findings of these studies encourage the consideration of levetiracetam or lamotrigine monotherapy for WWE who are pregnant and strongly discourage the consideration of the older AEDs, especially phenytoin and phenobarbitone, and most especially valproate. These considerations also apply to all WWE of childbearing age because it may not be easy to change AEDs when pregnancy is planned and because pregnancy is often unplanned.

Factor X deficiency and pregnancy.

Factor X (FX) is a vitamin K-dependent enzyme, which acts as an important coagulation factor of coagulation cascade. FX deficiency is an autosomal recessive inherited disease and is often demonstrated in families with consanguity. Pregnancy in women with congenital FX deficiency has been associated with adverse fetal outcomes. We report a case of pregnancy in women with FX deficiency. The patient needed an immediate caesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation because of severe oligohydramnios and fetal distress. FX deficiency during pregnancy was effectively managed, leading to a positive outcome through the optimal utilisation of available resources.

[Correlation between hepatitis B virus infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes-a systematic review and meta-analysis].

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality. Meta-analysis and cumulative meta-analysis were performed using R4.4.1 software. Fixed/random effects models were used to analyze heterogeneous and non-heterogeneous results. Heterogeneous modifiers were identified by subgroup analysis. Funnel plots and Peters' test were used to analyze potential publication bias. Results: A total of 48 studies involving 92 836 HBsAg-positive pregnant women and 7 123 292 HBsAg-negative pregnant women were included. In terms of adverse pregnancy outcomes, HBV infection was significantly correlated with the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus [odds ratio (OR)=1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.53] and intrahepatic cholestasis (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.88-3.29), with statistically significant differences. In terms of adverse neonatal outcomes, HBV infection was significantly correlated with the occurrence of neonatal asphyxia (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.20-1.86) and preterm birth (OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.12-1.33), with statistically significant differences. In addition, the cumulative meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and preterm birth both tended to be stable in pregnant women with HBV infection following 2009 and 2010, respectively. The supplementary questions answered for repeated studies had limited significance. Conclusion: Intrahepatic cholestasis, gestational diabetes mellitus, neonatal asphyxia, and preterm birth occurrence risk can be raised with HBV infection in pregnant women.

Clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19: integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19. METHODS: integrative review conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, CINHAL; 2,111 studies were obtained, and 8 articles comprised the final sample. RESULTS: clinical outcomes in neonates of pregnant women positive for COVID-19 were classified according to the following categories: a) contamination by COVID-19, reported in 62.5% of the studies; b) hospital discharge due to improvement, mentioned in 37.5% of the articles; c) death, representing rare cases in 25% of the sample. The most prevalent gestational complication was prematurity, mentioned in 75% of the studies. This complication has been observed due to cases of premature rupture of membranes and placental abruption. CONCLUSIONS: despite the knowledge of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic behavior in neonates, it is important to continue the search for new clinical data, as this public has uncertain reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Labor patterns of spontaneous first-stage labor in Chinese women with normal neonatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Friedman's standards, developed almost 50 years ago, may no longer align with the needs of today's obstetric population and current pregnancy management practices. This study aims to analyze contemporary labor patterns and estimate labor duration in China, focusing on first-stage labor data from Chinese parturients with a spontaneous onset of labor. METHODS: This retrospective observational study utilized data from electronic medical records of a tertiary hospital in Changsha, Hunan. Out of a total of 2,689 parturients, exclusions were made for multiple gestations, preterm, post-term, or stillbirth, cesarean delivery, non-vertex presentation, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Average labor curves were constructed by parity using repeated-measure analysis, and labor duration was estimated through interval-censored regression, stratified by cervical dilation at admission. We performed an analysis to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation and amniotomy on labor progression and conducted a sensitivity analysis using women with complicated outcomes. RESULTS: Nulliparous women take over 180 minutes for cervical dilation from 3 to 4 cm, and the duration from 5 to 6 cm exceeds 145 minutes. Multiparous women experience shorter labor durations than nulliparous. Labor acceleration is observed after 5 cm in nulliparous, but no distinct inflection point is evident in the average labor curve. In the second stage of labor, the 95th percentile for nulliparous, with and without epidural analgesia, is 142 minutes and 127 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide valuable insights for the reassessment of labor and delivery processes in contemporary obstetric populations, including current Chinese obstetric practice.

Severity of depressive and anxious symptoms and its association with birth outcomes among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective case-control study.

AIM: Comparing the anxiety and depression severity and their impact on subsequent birth outcomes in pregnant women before and during Omicron wave in Shanghai in 2022. METHODS: The depression-anxiety symptoms networks were compared between the pregnant women during the outbreak period (outbreak group; n = 783) and a matched control group of pregnant women before the outbreak (pre-outbreak group; n = 783). The impact of baseline mental state on follow-up pregnancy and neonatal outcomes was also explored by logistic regression. FINDINGS: Levels of depression and anxiety between the two groups were not significant different. Network analysis showed that central symptom "trouble relaxing" and bridge symptom "depressed mood" shared by both groups. Different symptom associations in different periods of the pandemic. Total scores and sub-symptom scores of prenatal depressive and anxious severities increased the odds ratios of maternal and neonatal syndromes. The influence of mental state on gestational and neonatal outcomes differed across different pandemic periods. CONCLUSION: The Omicron wave did not have a significant negative impact on the depressive and anxious mood in pregnant women. Targeting central and bridge symptoms intervention may be effective in reducing their adverse effects on co-occurring of anxious and depressive mood and birth outcomes.

Health Outcomes around Pregnancy and Exposure to HIV/Antiretrovirals (HOPE) study protocol: a prospective observational cohort study of reproductive-aged women living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Over 265 000 women are living with HIV in the USA, but limited research has investigated the physical, mental and behavioural health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age. Health status during the reproductive years before, during and after pregnancy affects pregnancy outcomes and long-term health. Understanding health outcomes among women living with HIV of reproductive age is of substantial public health importance, regardless of whether they experience pregnancy. The Health Outcomes around Pregnancy and Exposure to HIV/Antiretrovirals (HOPE) study is a prospective observational cohort study designed to investigate physical and mental health outcomes of young women living with HIV as they age, including HIV disease course, engagement in care, reproductive health and choices and cardiometabolic health. We describe the HOPE study design, and characteristics of the first 437 participants enrolled as of 1 January 2024. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The HOPE study seeks to enrol and follow 1630 women living with HIV of reproductive age, including those with perinatally-acquired HIV, at 12 clinical sites across 9 US states and Puerto Rico. HOPE studies multilevel dynamic determinants influencing physical, mental and social well-being and behaviours of women living with HIV across the reproductive life course (preconception, pregnancy, post partum, not or never-pregnant), informed by the socioecological model. Key research areas include the clinical course of HIV, relationship of HIV and antiretroviral medications to reproductive health, pregnancy outcomes and comorbidities and the influence of racism and social determinants of health. HOPE began enrolling in April 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The HOPE study received approval from the Harvard Longwood Campus Institutional Review Board, the single institutional review board of record for all HOPE sites. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals and lay summaries.

Pregnancy outcomes of foetal reduction from twin to singleton gestation compared to ongoing twin gestations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Foetal reduction, which involves selectively terminating one or more foetuses in a multiple gestation pregnancy, has become more common. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess and compare pregnancy outcomes of foetal reduction from twin to singleton gestation to ongoing twin gestations. METHODS: A comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMbase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was done for studies published until 15 April 2023. The outcomes analysed included gestational diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, caesarean delivery, foetal loss, perinatal death, preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) and birth weight. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies comprising 1241 cases of twin to singleton foetal reduction gestation were compared to 20,693 ongoing twin gestations. Our findings indicate that foetal reduction was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing maternal gestational DM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.59) and hypertension (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.23-0.57) compared to the control group. Incidence rate of caesarean delivery (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.81) after foetal reduction was significantly lower compared to ongoing twin gestations. There was a 63% lower chance of PTB before 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, there was no significant association between foetal reduction and outcomes such as foetal loss, perinatal death, IUGR and PPROM. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that foetal twin to singleton reduction entails potential benefits as compared to ongoing twin gestations. Further well planned studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms to understanding of the outcomes associated with foetal reduction procedures and inform clinical decision-making for pregnant individuals and healthcare providers alike.

Foetal reduction, a procedure where one or more foetuses in a twin pregnancy are selectively terminated, has become more common. This study reviewed existing research to compare the outcomes of foetal reduction to singleton pregnancies with those of ongoing twin pregnancies. The study found that mothers who underwent foetal reduction had a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension, and they were less likely to have a caesarean delivery. There was also a reduced chance of preterm birth before 37 weeks. However, foetal reduction did not appear to significantly impact outcomes like foetal loss, perinatal death, intrauterine growth restriction or preterm pre-labour rupture of membranes. It is important to note that there is some variation in the results among different studies, and more research is needed to fully understand these findings.

Effect of oral glucose tolerance test-based insulin resistance on embryo quality in women with/without polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To explore the effects of insulin resistance (IR) on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes in women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Methods: A retrospective cohort study concerning patients with/without PCOS who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist protocol for IVF/ICSI from January 2019 to July 2022 was conducted. All the patients included underwent oral glucose tolerance test plus the assessment of insulin release within 6 months before the controlled ovarian stimulation. The Matsuda Index was calculated to diagnose IR. Two populations (PCOS and non-PCOS) were included and each was divided into IR and non-IR groups and analyzed respectively. The primary outcome was the high-quality day 3 embryo rate. Results: A total of 895 patients were included (751 with PCOS and 144 without PCOS). For patients with PCOS, the IR group had a lower high-quality day 3 embryo rate (36.8% vs. 39.7%, p=0.005) and available day 3 embryo rate (67.2% vs. 70.6%, p<0.001). For patients without PCOS, there was no significant difference between the IR and non-IR groups in high-quality day 3 embryo rate (p=0.414) and available day 3 embryo rate (p=0.560). There was no significant difference in blastocyst outcomes and pregnancy outcomes for both populations. Conclusion: Based on the diagnosis by the Matsuda Index, IR may adversely affect the day 3 embryo quality in patients with PCOS but not pregnancy outcomes. In women without PCOS, IR alone seems to have less significant adverse effects on embryo quality than in patients with PCOS. Better-designed studies are still needed to compare the differences statistically between PCOS and non-PCOS populations.