Basal FSH values are positively associated with aneuploidy incidence in pre-advanced maternal age (AMA) but not in AMA patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of maternal age on the association between maternal basal FSH and aneuploidy. METHODS: A retrospective study including data from 1749 blastocysts diagnosed as euploid or aneuploid by PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy). Aneuploidy incidence was compared between embryos from mothers with high vs. low basal FSH levels (above and below the group median, respectively) in total, pre-AMA (advanced maternal age; < 35 years, 198 embryos) and AMA (≥ 35 years, 1551 embryos) patient groups, separately. To control for the interference of potentially confounding variables, the association between aneuploidy and high basal FSH levels was assessed by multivariate logistic analysis in overall, pre-AMA and AMA patient groups. RESULTS: Overall, aneuploidy rate was 9% higher (p = 0.02) in embryos from patients with high basal FSH (63.7%) compared to those with low basal FSH (58.4%). In the pre-AMA subgroup, aneuploidy incidence was 35% higher (p = 0.04) in embryos from patients with high basal FSH (53.5%) compared to those with low basal FSH (39.4%). Differently, aneuploidy occurrence did not vary between embryos from AMA patients with low (61.0%) and high (64.8%) basal FSH (p = 0.12). The multivariate analysis revealed that, in pre-AMA embryos, the association between aneuploidy occurrence and high basal FSH is independent of potential confounding variables (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Maternal basal FSH values are associated with embryo aneuploidy in pre-AMA but not in AMA patients. The present findings suggest that basal FSH is a useful parameter to assess aneuploidy risk in pre-AMA patients and reinforce the hypothesis that excessive FSH signalling can predispose to oocyte meiotic errors.

MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C Variants in Mothers of Infants with Down Syndrome from Western Mexico.

Background: Several studies in mothers of infants with Down syndrome (DS) (MoIDS) have suggested that the 677C>T and 1298A>C variants of the 5,10-methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene can increase the risk of having a child with DS. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C variants as potential maternal risk factors for DS. Materials and Methods: Using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay, we genotyped 95 MoIDS and 164 control mothers from western Mexico. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: We found that MoIDS had a significantly higher risk for the MTHFR 677TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.1-10.6), and the MTHFR 677T allele (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.3), particularly in MoIDS <35 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the presence of the 677TT genotype and 677T allele of the MTHFR 677C>T variant are maternal risk factors for DS in Mexican MoIDS.

Partos y cesáreas en edad de riesgo en hospitales del Maule desde 2017 a 2021 / Births and cesarean sections at risk age in Maule hospitals from 2017 to 2021

Pregnancy, despite being a physiological process, can lead to morbidity and mortality, which is increased at risk ages, defined as younger or equal to15 years and older or equal to 35 years. For an adequate approach it is necessary to know the local reality of the population, therefore, the objective of this study is to describe and analyze the discharges of births and cesarean sections at risk age in the Maule Region from 2017 to 2021 using the database collected from the Biostatistics Unit of the Maule Health Service, which includes the hospitals of the region. Within the observed period, a total of 30,599 deliveries and cesarean sections were studied, being these a total of 5,581 at risk age, of which 0.65% corresponds to women younger or equal to 15 years and 17.57% to women older or equal to 35 years. There is a downward tendency in births in general, mostly evidenced in less or equal to 15 years, and on the contrary, a rise in births and cesarean sections of more or equal to 35 years, differing with the statistics at the country level. The tendency of increasing maternal age of pregnancies in the Maule region and its consequences are a fundamental factor when planning new public policies, so we consider it of vital importance to promote research and update the evidence, with a focus on the local population.

El embarazo a pesar de ser un proceso fisiológico puede conllevar morbimortalidad, la cual se acrecienta en edades de riesgo, definida como menor o igual a 15 años y mayor o igual a 35 años. Para el adecuado enfrentamiento se necesita conocer la realidad local, por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es describir y analizar los egresos de partos y cesáreas en edad de riesgo en la Región del Maule desde el año 2017 a 2021 utilizando la base de datos recogida desde la Unidad de Bioestadística del Servicio de Salud Maule, la cual incluye los hospitales de la región. Dentro del periodo observado se estudió un total de 30.599 partos y cesáreas, siendo estos un total de 5.581 en edad de riesgo, de los cuales 0.65% corresponde a mujeres menores o igual a 15 años y 17.57% a mujeres mayores o igual a 35 años. Existe una tendencia a la baja de los nacimientos en general, mayormente evidenciado en menores o igual a 15 años, y por el contrario, un alza en los partos y cesáreas de mayores o igual a 35 años, difiriendo con las estadísticas a nivel país. El aumento de la edad materna de los embarazos en la región del Maule y sus consecuencias son un factor fundamental a la hora de planificar nuevas políticas públicas, por lo que consideramos de vital importancia promover la realización de investigaciones y actualización de la evidencia sobre el tema, con un enfoque en la población local.

Transição para a maternidade não planejada após os 35 anos: teoria de situação específica / Transition to unplanned motherhood after age 35: situation-specific theory

Resumo: A saúde sexual e reprodutiva é um pilar fundamental do sistema de saúde brasileiro, assinalando a importância das políticas públicas e programas voltados para a promoção dos direitos sexuais e reprodutivos. Nessas políticas, mulheres com 35 anos ou mais recebem pouca ou nenhuma atenção em relação a esse tema, pois as políticas estão voltadas para prevenção de doenças. Há uma crescente prevalência de gravidezes não planejadas nessa faixa etária e estudos não têm conseguido apreender conhecimentos acerca das experiências de mulheres que vivenciam a transição para a maternidade não planejada em idade avançada, a fim de aprimorar o cuidado a essas e promover uma transição bem-sucedida. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver uma Teoria de Situação Específica para o cuidado de Enfermagem à mulher com 35 anos ou mais em transição para a maternidade de uma gestação não planejada, a partir da Teoria das Transições. O estudo caracteriza-se como teórico-exploratório de natureza qualitativa, que utilizou a Abordagem Integrativa para o desenvolvimento de Teorias de Situação Específica em enfermagem, guiada pela estratégia teoria-pesquisa-teoria, de Afaf Meleis. O processo metodológico envolveu um exercício reflexivo dedutivo, iniciando com a derivação dos conceitos centrais da Teoria das Transições. Seguiu-se a indução por meio de pesquisa de campo qualitativa, com entrevistas semiestruturadas de seis gestantes que não planejaram a gestação, com média de idade de 41 anos, ocorridas entre julho de 2022 a julho de 2023 no prénatal de alto risco de um hospital universitário do Sul do Brasil. Ainda indutivamente, produziuse dados a partir da reanálise de uma dissertação de Mestrado do grupo de pesquisa, bem como de revisão integrativa da literatura e da experiência com pesquisas prévias no tema, a fim de fundamentar o desenvolvimento da Teoria de Situação Específica. Foram desenvolvidas a partir disso declarações do metaparadigma, pressupostos e proposições. A teoria desenvolvida explica a transição para a maternidade não planejada em mulheres com 35 anos ou mais, contextualizando-a como um fenômeno social complexo, influenciado por fatores socioeconômicos, culturais, individuais e coletivos. A teoria explica como a maternidade tardia, especialmente quando não planejada, emerge como um papel em constante transformação, permeado por percepções diversas sobre o significado de ser mãe nessa fase da vida, desafiando frequentemente expectativas e crenças prévias. À medida que a experiência se amplia, concepções anteriores sobre a maternidade são questionadas, e novas são formadas, conduzindo a um processo de empoderamento e redefinição pessoal. Esta transição para a maternidade, marcada pela pluralidade de perspectivas e experiências, destaca a complexidade e a individualidade de cada mulher. Foi desenvolvida uma representação gráfica com as relações entre as declarações do metaparadigma., assim como nove proposições e cinco pressupostos. Esta teoria se baseia em vertentes do conhecimento científico atual para justificar sua construção, ressaltando a importância de compreender as experiências humanas e os contextos sociais onde ocorrem. A Teoria de Situação Específica atingiu o objetivo na medida em que propõe uma estrutura teórica em que o cuidado de enfermagem facilita os processos de transição e promove a interação entre cliente, ambiente, saúde e enfermagem. Além disso, possibilita que o enfermeiro provoque e estimule mudanças significativas nos resultados das transições por meio das terapêuticas de cuidado de enfermagem, evidenciando a necessidade de um cuidado personalizado e contextualizado, que leve em consideração a complexidade das experiências de maternidade tardia não planejada.

Abstract: Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental pillar of the Brazilian healthcare system, highlighting the importance of public policies and programs aimed at promoting sexual and reproductive rights. In these policies, women aged 35 and older receive little or no attention regarding this issue, as the policies are focused on disease prevention. There is an increasing prevalence of unplanned pregnancies in this age group, and studies have not been able to capture knowledge about the experiences of women undergoing the transition to unplanned motherhood at an older age, in order to improve care for these women and promote a successful transition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a Specific Situation Theory for nursing care of women aged 35 and older transitioning to motherhood from an unplanned pregnancy, based on the Transition Theory. The study is characterized as theoretical-exploratory with a qualitative nature, using the Integrative Approach for the development of Specific Situation Theories in nursing, guided by Afaf Meleis's theory-research-theory strategy. The methodological process involved a deductive reflective exercise, starting with the derivation of the central concepts of the Transition Theory. This was followed by induction through qualitative field research, with semi-structured interviews of six pregnant women who had unplanned pregnancies, with an average age of 41 years, conducted between July 2022 and July 2023 in the high-risk prenatal care of a university hospital in Southern Brazil. Inductively, data was also generated from the reanalysis of a master's thesis from the research group, as well as from an integrative literature review and experience with previous research on the topic, to support the development of the theory. From this, metaparadigm statements, assumptions, and propositions were developed. The developed theory explains the transition to unplanned motherhood in women aged 35 and over, contextualizing it as a complex social phenomenon, influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, individual, and collective factors. The theory elucidates how late motherhood, especially when unplanned, emerges as a role in constant transformation, permeated by diverse perceptions about the meaning of being a mother at this stage of life, often challenging previous expectations and beliefs. As the experience broadens, previous conceptions about motherhood are questioned, and new ones are formed, leading to a process of empowerment and personal redefinition. This transition to motherhood, marked by a plurality of perspectives and experiences, highlights the complexity and individuality of each woman. A graphic representation of the relationships between the metaparadigm statements was developed, along with nine propositions and five assumptions. This theory is based on strands of current scientific knowledge to justify its construction, emphasizing the importance of understanding human experiences and the social contexts in which they occur. The Specific Situation Theories achieved its objective insofar as it proposes a theoretical framework in which nursing care facilitates transition processes and promotes the interaction between client, environment, health, and nursing. Moreover, it enables the nurse to provoke and stimulate significant changes in transition outcomes through nursing care therapeutics, highlighting the need for personalized and contextualized care that considers the complexity of the experiences of unplanned late motherhood.

Twin births in Yucatan, Mexico during 2008-2020: trends in maternal sociodemographic factors and differences in birth weight and length according to sex of co-twin.

Background: Over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in the incidence of multiple pregnancies, due in part to the increased use of assisted reproductive technologies in recent years. The increase in twin pregnancies constitutes a public health challenge due to the adverse outcomes sometimes they entail. Twin pregnancies inherently carry a higher risk of complications, and one of the critical associated factors is the risk of low birth weight. Twin birth weight discordance among different populations can be attributed to differences in non-shared environmental influences. The presence of two or more fetuses in the uterus may lead to an unequal distribution of nutritional and oxygen resources, increasing the likelihood that at least one of the twins will experience insufficient fetal development. Other factors, such as ethnicity, genetics, sociodemographic characteristics, gestational age, parity, and chorion type, have also been related to the birth weight discordance in twin pregnancies. However, it is unclear to what extent the associations between these factors can explain the differences in birth and length size. The frequency of twin births varies among populations and over time, so it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to the rise in the twinning rate. The official records of twins continue to make significant contributions to our understanding of the causes of individual differences, and new twin registries are still being created. The recent availability of data from developing countries allows the analysis of trends in regions with sociodemographic and reproductive profiles. Obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology, as well as the related morbidity and mortality, is clinically crucial. Objectives: The aim of the study was to describe the trends of twin births in Yucatan, Mexico during 2008-2021, analyze their association with maternal sociodemographic factors, and compare birth outcomes between types of twin pairs: female-female, male-male, and female-male. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from the Mexican Ministry of Health, encompassing information on all births registered in the State of Yucatán, Mexico, from 2008 through 2021. The data was obtained from both public and private hospitals. The variables, including date of birth, sex, gestational age, birth weight and length of newborns, mother´s date of birth, educational level, and number of previous live offspring, were extracted from each dataset. Multiple births (three or more) were excluded from the study. We graphically analyzed the rates (per 1000 births) and percentages of twins according to maternal age, education level, and parity during the study period. A multiple logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between maternal sociodemographic factors and the occurrence of twin births. Comparisons of the gestational age and birth weight and length between types of twin pairs were performed using analysis of variance. Results: A total of 478,118 live births, including 1.4% twins (accounting 6,766 twin births), were analyzed. The rates increased from 11.21 during 2008-2011 to 13.34 during 2012-2017 and reached 20.08 in 2019. The percentages increased in women aged ≥30 years and those with higher educational levels. Older maternal age (coefficient = 0.03; OR = 1.03, per each year), greater education level (coefficient = 0.55 and OR= 1.74 for medium and coefficient = 1.05; OR = 2.57 for high level, compared with no education) and higher parity (coefficient= 0.26; OR = 1.30 per each previous offspring) increased the odds for having twins. Twins' male-male showed a slightly increased of preterm birth than a co-twin female. Opposite-sex twins showed measurable but small increases in birth weight and length compared with same-sex twins. Conclusion: The rate of twins in Yucatan increased substantially during 2008-2020 in specific sociodemographic groups. Opposite-sex twins were slightly larger than same-sex twins at birth.

[Advanced maternal age as a risk factor for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes] / Edad materna avanzada como factor de riesgo de resultados adversos maternos y perinatales.

Introduction: A progressive increase in the age of women at first pregnancy is observed, a situation that has been associated with a greater risk of adverse maternal and perinatal effects. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and the maternal and perinatal outcomes of nulliparas of 40 years and older and compare them with those of nulliparas under 40. Study design: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of a database of pregnancy population who had attended their deliveries in a private university hospital. Results: An association was observed between maternal age ≥ 40 with the maternal compound adverse outcome (OR 1,3; 95% CI: 1,1-1,6), gestational diabetes (OR 3,6; 95% CI: 1,80-3,7), hypertensive disorders/preeclampsia (OR 2,2; 95% CI: 1,6-3,1) and postpartum hemorrhage (4,7; 95% CI: 1,2-16,3), with advanced maternal age persisting as an independent risk factor for the maternal compound adverse outcome (OR 1,3; 95% CI: 1,1 -1,6) and the perinatal compound adverse outcome (OR 1,40; 95% CI: 1,2-1,7) in the multivariate analysis. A higher rate of preterm birth was observed in the group of older nulliparas (OR 1,6; 95% CI: 1,3-2,0) with a higher requirement for admission to NICU for their newborns (OR 1,3; 95% CI: 1,0-1,8). Conclusions: Women with advanced maternal age constitute a high-risk population, whose attention and follow-up would require a differential approach aiming to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Introducción: Se observa un progresivo aumento en la edad de las mujeres al primer embarazo, situación que se ha asociado con mayor riesgo de efectos maternos y perinatales adversos. Objetivo: Describir las características y los resultados maternos y perinatales de nulíparas de 40 años y mayores y compararlos con los de nulíparas menores de 40. Material y métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva de embarazos que atendieron su parto en un hospital privado universitario mediante revisión de registros. Diseño: Se observó asociación entre la edad materna ≥ 40 con el resultado adverso compuesto materno (OR 1.3; IC 95%: 1,1-1,6), DBT g (OR 3,6; IC 95%: 1,8-3,7), enfermedad hipertensiva/PE (OR 2,2; IC 95%: 1,6-3,1) y hemorragia postparto (4,7; IC 95%: 1,2-16.3), persistiendo la edad avanzada como factor de riesgo independiente para el resultado adverso compuesto materno (OR 1,3; IC 95%: 1,1-1,6) y perinatal (OR 1,4; IC 95%: 1,2-1,7) en el análisis multivariado. Se observó mayor tasa de parto pretérmino en el grupo de nulíparas añosas (OR 1,6; IC 95%: 1,3-2,0) con mayor requerimiento de ingreso a UCIN para sus recién nacidos (OR 1,3; IC 95%: 1,0-1,8). Conclusiones: Las mujeres con edad materna avanzada constituyen una población de alto riesgo, cuya atención y seguimiento requeriría un enfoque diferencial que tenga como objetivo mejorar los resultados maternos y perinatales.

Relationship Between Maternal Age and Macronutrient Content of Colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between maternal age and the macronutrient content of colostrum. RESEARCH AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between maternal age and human milk macronutrient content by comparing the concentrations of lactose, proteins, and lipids in the colostrum of women with younger, moderate, and advanced maternal age. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was designed to compare the macronutrient concentrations in the colostrum of women aged < 20 years, 20 to 34 years, and > 34 years (younger, moderate, and advanced maternal age, respectively; n = 33 per group). For each participant, 3 ml of colostrum was collected by manual extraction from the right breast at 10 am, 39-48 hr after delivery, and analyzed using a Miris Human Milk Analyzer. Macronutrient concentrations were compared between the groups using analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mothers with moderate maternal age had a higher colostrum lipid concentration than those with younger or advanced maternal age (2.3 mg, SD = 1.4 mg vs. 1.5 mg, SD = 1.0 mg vs. 1.6 mg, SD = 0.9 mg, respectively; p = 0.007). Lactose and protein contents in the analyzed samples did not differ among the three study groups. CONCLUSION: This study lends support to the potential variation of lipids in colostrum by maternal age and suggests individual adaptation to the nutritional components of milk to the needs of the infant may be beneficial.

Análise da tendência temporal de nascidos vivos considerando a idade reprodutiva durante a gestação / Temporal live births trend analysis considering reproductive age during pregnancy

RESUMO Objetivo analisar a tendência temporal de nascidos vivos por regiões e estados brasileiros, considerando a idade reprodutiva durante a gestação. Métodos estudo epidemiológico, do tipo ecológico, com dados obtidos no Sistema de Informação de Nascidos Vivos e estimativas populacionais. Analisaram-se dados de nascimentos conforme a idade materna, 10 a 19, 20 a 34 e ≥35 anos. Resultados foram analisados 25.385.841 nascimentos vivos, entre mulheres de 10 a 35 anos ou mais no Brasil, sendo a maior ocorrência de nascimentos na faixa etária de 20 a 34 anos, correspondente a 928,15 a cada 1.000 mulheres com tendência de queda (p≤0,001). A análise de distribuição espacial das taxas de nascimentos por estratos de idade materna demonstrou tendência de redução em quase todos os estados brasileiros entre 10 a 19 anos e aumento na faixa etária ≥35 anos. Conclusão os nascimentos na faixa etária materna de 20 a 34 anos apresentaram maiores taxas, entretanto com tendência decrescente. Já a gestação nos extremos da idade reprodutiva durante a adolescência apresentou tendência decrescente e com >35 anos houve tendência de aumento. Contribuições para a prática: contribui para o planejamento de políticas públicas para suprir necessidades em uma gestação nos extremos da vida reprodutiva.

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the temporal live births trend by Brazilian regions and states, considering reproductive age during pregnancy. Methods epidemiological, ecological study using data obtained from the Live Birth Information System and population estimates. Birth data were analyzed according to maternal age, 10 to 19 years, 20 to 34 years and ≥35 years. Results a total of 25,385,841 live births were analyzed, among women aged 10 to 35 years or older in Brazil, with the highest occurrence of births in the age group of 20 to 34 years, corresponding to 928.15 per 1,000 women with a downward trend (p≤0.001). Birth rate's spatial distribution analysis by maternal age strata demonstrated a downward trend in almost all Brazilian states between the ages of 10 and 19 and an increase in the ≥35 age group. Conclusion births in the maternal age group of 20 to 34 showed higher rates, however with a decreasing trend. Pregnancies at the extremes of reproductive age during adolescence showed a decreasing trend and at >35 years showed an upward trend. Contributions to practice: it contributes to the planning of public policies to meet the needs of a pregnancy at the extremes of reproductive life.

Association between Contextual Factors and Affordances in the Home Environment of Infants Exposed to Poverty.

Home environments of infants exposed to poverty exhibit fewer affordances for child development. This study aimed to investigate the association between contextual factors and affordances in the home environments of infants facing poverty. Term infants (n = 128) were divided into two groups: (1) exposed group (EG), comprising term infants exposed to poverty, and (2) comparison group (CG), consisting of term infants classified with medium and high socio-economic status. The main dependent variables were physical space, variety of stimulation, gross and fine motor toys, and the total score; measured using the Brazilian version of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development-Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) questionnaire, named Affordances no Ambiente Domiciliar para o Desenvolvimento Motor-Escala Bebê. Statistical analysis employed independent sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, chi-square tests, and stepwise multiple linear regression models to evaluate predictors of less adequate home environments. The EG presented significantly fewer affordances in gross motor toys (Cohen's r = 0.353; p < 0.01); fine motor toys (Cohen's r = 0.327; p < 0.01); and total score (Cohen's r = 0.377; p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant association (r2 = 0.828, p < 0.01) between the less than adequate home environment category and maternal age (p = 0.043, OR: 0.829 (0.692-0.994)), revealing that maternal age was associated with better quantity and quality of affordances for child development.

Edad materna avanzada: complicaciones más frecuentes en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Advanced maternal age: most frequent complications in Talca's Regional Hospital

Professional development, the search for economic stability and personal fulfillment have been some of the reasons why an increasing number of women have decided to delay pregnancy beyond the third decade of life. By definition, a pregnancy of advanced maternal age is considered to be those over 35 years of age, and it is known that this age group faces a higher risk of complications during pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum, in addition to perinatal morbidity and mortality that is usually associated with chromosomal abnormalities. In Chile, pregnancies over 35 years of age or late pregnant women have increased significantly in recent decades, however there are no statistical data at a local level. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of pregnancies of advanced maternal age and their most frequent complications in the Maule Region with data obtained between 2017 - 2022 at the Regional Hospital of Talca (RHT).

Paternal age and risk for selected birth defects in a large South American sample.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between maternal age (MA) and birth defects (BD) has been extensively studied while much less research, mostly with discordant results, has focused on the risk of paternal age (PA) for BD. Furthermore, no consensus has been reached on the best way to control the association of PA with MA. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of PA increase, at 1-year intervals, for selected BD, especially controlling for the confounding effect of MA. METHODS: The sample comprised of 27,944 liveborns presenting 1 of 18 selected isolated BD. Conditional logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the risk of advanced PA and its yearly increase, adjusting by MA and other variables. RESULTS: Of the 18 analyzed BD, only the risk for preaxial polydactyly (PreP) showed a significant association with increasing PA, while advanced MA was of low risk. For esophageal and anal atresia, associations with both PA and MA increases were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the hypothesis of advanced PA as a risk factor for PreP and helps clarify the so far unexplained nonrandom association between this defect and Down syndrome.

Impact of Body Mass Index and advanced maternal age on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of body mass index associated with advanced maternal age on pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective and observational study that included 808 in vitro fertilization cycles and evaluated: age, weight, height, number of oocytes and mature oocytes, number of embryos and transferred embryos, fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates. Four categories of body mass index: underweight, adequate weight, overweight and obesity. We classified age into 4 categories: 35-37; 38-40; 41-42 and over 42 years of age. The means and rates were calculated and compared between different ages and body mass index groups. RESULTS: For the fresh group, women who achieved clinical pregnancy had a lower mean age than those who did not become pregnant, being the higher the pregnancy rate the lower the age (p<0.0001). After logistic regression analysis for data associated with clinical pregnancy in the fresh group, the number of transferred embryos remained higher in the overweight category (p=0.0001). Overweight and obese women had a significantly higher rate of mature oocytes when compared with adequate weight (p=0.015). Analysis using the ROC curve indicated an area under the curve of 60% (p=0.002) for the fresh group. CONCLUSIONS: The adverse effect of high BMI on clinical pregnancy rates is greater in women under 35 years compared to older women; and age had a higher impact on live birth rate rather than BMI, when the analysis was performed on older women, with the impact of BMI on the probability of having a live birth depending on maternal age.

Complicaciones obstétricas y edad materna avanzada

La edad materna avanzada guarda relación directamente proporcional con el riesgo de complicaciones obstétricas y no obstétricas durante la gestación, tanto para la gestante como para el feto. Esto es particularmente importante debido a que a las tasas de fecundidad de las mujeres de mayor edad han aumentado. En Estados Unidos, el 10% del primer nacimiento y el 20% de todos los nacimientos ocurren en mujeres con 35 años o más. Históricamente la edad materna avanzada se ha definido como una edad mayor o igual a 35 años, punto de corte que sustentado en la disminución de la fecundidad y el mayor riesgo de anomalías genéticas en la descendencia de las mujeres mayores a esta edad. Sin embargo, los efectos relacionados al aumento de edad son continuos y el riesgo es mayor mientras mayor sea la edad al momento de la concepción más que como efecto de pasar el umbral de los 35 años. Diferentes investigaciones han mostrado que las gestantes añosas tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones tempranas de la gestación como aborto espontáneo, embarazo ectópico, anomalías cromosómicas y malformaciones congénitas, así como, preeclampsia, diabetes gestacional, patología placentaria, parto pretérmino, peso bajo al nacer, mortalidad perinatal, embarazo múltiple, parto distócico, parto por cesárea y mortalidad materna. En este artículo se revisa publicaciones recientes sobre el tema y se incluye estadística de un importante hospital de Lima, Perú, y de la Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud Familiar - ENDES 2022.

Advanced maternal age is directly proportional to the risk of obstetric and nonobstetric complications during gestation, both for the pregnant woman and the fetus. This is particularly important because the fertility rates of older women have increased. In the US, 10% of first births and 20% of all births occur to women 35 years of age or older. Historically, advanced maternal age has been defined as an age greater than or equal to 35 years, a cutoff point that is supported by declining fertility and the increased risk of genetic abnormalities in the offspring of women older than this age. However, the effects related to increasing age are continuous and the risk is greater the older the age at conception rather than as an effect of passing the 35 years threshold. Research has shown that older pregnant women are at increased risk of early pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, chromosomal abnormalities and congenital malformations, as well as, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental pathology, preterm delivery, low birth weight, perinatal mortality, multiple pregnancy, dystocic delivery, cesarean delivery and maternal mortality. This article reviews recent publications on the subject and includes statistics from a major hospital in Lima, Peru, and from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey - ENDES, 2022.

Hallazgos citogenéticos y edad materna en pacientes con síndrome down en un hospital de referencia pediátrico en el Perú

Introducción: El síndrome Down es un trastorno congénito originado por una trisomía total o parcial del cromosoma 21 y es considerada la causa genética más común de malformaciones congénitas y discapacidad intelectual. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las alteraciones citogenéticas de pacientes con Síndrome Down y su relación con la edad materna. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo-analítico. Se incluyó 436 pacientes con Síndrome Down admitidos en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño durante el período 2017-2019. Se analizaron las variables: alteración citogenética y edad materna. Resultados: Se encontró que el 99,3% (n=433) de pacientes presentaron algún tipo de alteración citogenética y tres pacientes presentaron cariotipo normal. La edad de los pacientes al momento de la toma de muestra estuvo comprendida entre los 0,03 y 17 años, la relación masculino/femenino fue de 1.2:1. La alteración citogenética más frecuente fue la trisomía 21 libre (94,7%), seguida por la translocación Robertsoniana (n=16) y el mosaicismo (n=6). En el caso de la edad materna se encontró una mediana de 37 años (rango: 13-47). Conclusiones: La trisomía 21 libre es la alteración citogenética más común en Síndrome Down; sin embargo, la translocación Robertsoniana y los mosaicismos fueron más frecuentes en edad materna menor de 35 años, sugiriendo que existe otros factores de riesgo diferentes a la edad materna avanzada en este grupo etario.

Introduction: Down syndrome is a congenital disorder caused by a total or partial trisomy of chromosome 21 and is considered the most common genetic cause of congenital malformations and intellectual disability. The objective of this study was to describe the cytogenetic alterations of patients with Down syndrome and their relationship with maternal age. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study. 436 patients with Down syndrome admitted to the Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño during the 2017-2019 period were included. The variables analyzed were: cytogenetic diagnosis and maternal age. Results: It was found that 99,3% (n=433) of patients presented some type of cytogenetic alteration and three patients presented a normal karyotype. The age of the patients at the time of sampling was between 0,03 and 17 years, the male/female ratio was 1.2:1. The most frequent cytogenetic alteration was free trisomy 21 (94,7%), followed by Robertsonian translocation (n=16) and mosaicism (n=6). In the case of maternal age, a median of 37 years was found (range: 13-47). Conclusions: Free trisomy 21 is the most common cytogenetic condition in Down syndrome; however, the Robertsonian translocation and mosaicisms were more frequent in patients whose mothers were les than 35 years old, suggesting that there are other risk factors than advanced maternal age in this group.

Temporal trends and factors associated with preterm birth in Chile, 1992-2018. / Tendencia temporal y factores asociados al parto prematuro en Chile, 1992-2018.

An analytical study based on Chilean birth records obtained from the Department of Statistics and Health Information (DEIS) was conducted. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in preterm births by maternal age in Chile from 1990 to 2018. Results show that the preterm birth rate in 1992 was 5.0% and increased to 7.2% in 2018. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was 1.44. Age groups at the extremes (19 and under and 35 and over) presented the highest rates of preterm birth, both at the beginning and at the end of the study period. The latter group showed a smaller decrease at the beginning (1992 to 1995), with an annual percentage change (APC) of -3.00. The probability of preterm birth in both groups was higher compared to the 20-34 year old group. Although Chile boasts some of the best maternal and child health indicators in the region, repercussions associated with the current postponement of maternity - including preterm birth - must be monitored.

Se realizó un estudio analítico con base en los registros poblacionales de nacimientos en Chile, obtenidos del Departamento de Estadística e Información en Salud (DEIS), con el objetivo de evaluar la tendencia temporal de los partos prematuros en Chile en el periodo 1990-2018, asociado a la edad de la madre. Los resultados muestran que, para el año 1992, la tasa de parto prematuro fue del 5,0%, aumentando a 7,2% en 2018. El promedio del porcentaje del cambio anual (PPCA) fue de 1,44. Los grupos etarios extremos ­menor o igual de 19 años y 35 y más años­ fueron los que presentaron las tasas de parto prematuro más altas, tanto al inicio y como al término del periodo, siendo este último grupo el que mostró una menor disminución al inicio del periodo (1992-1995), con porcentaje de cambio anual (PCA) de ­3,00. Para ambos grupos, la probabilidad de un parto prematuro fue mayor respecto del grupo de 20 a 34 años. Chile, presenta uno de los mejores indicadores de salud materna e infantil para la región; no obstante, dada la actual postergación de la maternidad, deben vigilarse las repercusiones asociadas, dentro de ellas un nacimiento prematuro.

Child marriage and perinatal health in Ecuador, 2015-2020. / Casamiento infantil y salud perinatal en Ecuador, 2015-2020.

This study sought to estimate the prevalence and distribution of newborns to mothers under age 18 in Ecuador and the association between perinatal indicators and maternal marital status. Newborn records obtained from Ecuador's Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC) between 2015 and 2020 were used to assess the joint association between maternal age groups (10-15, 16-17, 18-19, and 20-24 years) and marital status (married, common-law, and single) with low birthweight, preterm birth, and inadequate prenatal care. The prevalence of newborns to mothers under age 18 was 9.3% overall, but declined over the study period, drastically among married mothers. The association between marital status and perinatal indicators depended on maternal age. The more favorable outcomes observed among married mothers aged 20-24 years (compared to their single counterparts) weaken or disappear among mothers under age 18. Mothers in stable unions exhibited outcomes in between those of married and single mothers.

Este estudio buscó estimar la prevalencia y distribución de nacidos vivos de madres menores de 18 años en Ecuador y la asociación entre indicadores perinatales y estado marital materno. A partir de los registros de nacidos vivos obtenidos del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos de Ecuador para el período 2015-2020, se estimó la asociación conjunta entre grupos de edad (10-15, 16-17, 18-19 y 20-24 años) y la situación conyugal materna (casada, unión estable y soltera), con bajo peso al nacer, parto pretérmino e inadecuada atención prenatal. La prevalencia de partos de madres menores de 18 años fue del 9,3% y declinó en el periodo de estudio, drásticamente entre las mujeres casadas. La asociación entre estado marital y las variables explicativas dependió de la edad materna. Los resultados más favorables de salud observados entre las madres casadas de 20-24 años, en comparación con las madres solteras, se debilitan o desaparecen entre las menores de edad. Las madres en uniones de hecho experimentaron resultados intermedios entre las mujeres casadas y las solteras.

Child mortality remains a serious public health problem / Mortalidade infantil continua sendo um grave problema de saúde pública

The identification of factors related to infant deaths can help in the planning of public health actions for the restructuring and improvement of maternal and child care, with a view to reducing infant mortality. The variables related to infant mortality continue to be incident in males, in those of brown color, with birth weight below normal and children of young mothers. Furthermore, the infant mortality rate in the first year of life among the Yanomami population reached 114.3 per thousand births in 2020, ten times the infant mortality rate recorded in other corners of Brazil. Actions with technical and financial investment throughout prenatal care with a complete care network and strengthening childcare services for children by the Primary Care network at municipal level are necessary and urgent strategies to reduce the drama of preventable deaths of children in the first year of life.

A identificação de fatores relacionados aos óbitos infantis pode auxiliar no planejamento de ações de saúde pública para a reestruturação e a melhoria da assistência materno-infantil, visando à redução da mortalidade infantil. As variáveis relacionadas à mortalidade infantil continua sendo incidente no sexo masculino, naqueles de cor parda, com peso ao nascer abaixo do normal e filhos de mães jovens. Ações com investimento técnico e financeiro ao longo do pré-natal com rede assistencial completa e fortalecimento no atendimento de puericultura das crianças pela rede de Atenção Básica em nível municipal são estratégias necessárias e urgentes para reduzir a dramaticidade das mortes evitáveis de crianças no primeiro ano de vida.

Association of maternal age 35 years and over and prenatal care utilization, preterm birth, and low birth weight, Mexico 2008-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prenatal care utilization, low birth weight, and preterm birth among women aged 35 years and older in Mexico from 2008 to 2019. METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study of all singleton live births in Mexico from 2008 to 2019. Outcomes were inadequate prenatal care, preterm birth, and low birth weight. We compared outcomes among women aged 35-39, 40-44, and 45-49 years with births to women aged 20-34 years. We used logistic regression to account for individual, health system, and contextual confounders. RESULTS: We included a total of 19 526 922 births; 2 325 725 (11.9%) were to women aged 35 years and older. Women aged 45-49 years had the lowest levels of education, were more likely to be uninsured, and came from highly marginalized municipalities while those aged 35-39 years had the highest levels of education and insurance and came from the least marginalized municipalities. The odds of inadequate prenatal care (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.15), preterm birth (aOR 2.05; 95% CI 1.97-2.13), and low birth weight (aOR 2.03; 95% CI 1.95-2.12) were highest for women aged 45-49 years, compared with women aged 20-34 years. The odds of adverse perinatal outcomes increased progressively with age, but the odds of inadequate prenatal care (aOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.76-0.77) were lowest for women aged 35-39 years, when compared with women aged 20-34 years. CONCLUSION: Women who deliver at 35 years and over are a heterogeneous group in Mexico. Being 35 years old and older is associated with increases in preterm birth and low birth weight neonates. Women who give birth between 45 and 49 years may be especially vulnerable.

Trends in prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil from 2007 to 2020: A national population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is a congenital abnormality of the abdominal wall which worldwide prevalence is increasing with time. Up to now, young maternal age is the main factor associated with gastroschisis. Brazil has a great proportion of adolescent mothers. OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil, explore the effect of very young maternal age, and analyze regional distribution and time trends. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study using data from official national information systems from 2007 to 2020, covering 9,831 gastroschisis cases. Low maternal age was assessed as risk factor through odds ratio. Prevalence time trends by maternal age and geographic area were analyzed using joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil was 2.47 per 10,000 births. From first to last biennium, there was a 23% relative increase. Last biennium prevalence was higher in the Central-west region and lower in the Northeast. Compared to mothers of 20-34 years old (YO), the odds-ratio for prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for gastroschisis were, as follows: (a) 10-14 YO-4.9 (4.3,5.5); (b) 15-19 YO-3.6 (3.5,3.8); and (c) 35-49 YO-0.3 (95% CI 0.3, 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of gastroschisis in Brazil relatively increased 23% from 2007 to 2020. This happened in all maternal age groups. Differences between regions may be associated to data quality. Young mothers had a higher prevalence of gastroschisis and still higher for those under 15 YO. Mother age over 34 YO was a protective factor.

Mothers of children with Down syndrome: a clinical and epidemiological study.

Down syndrome is the main genetic cause of intellectual disability. Many studies describe the clinical characteristics of DS patients; however, few have investigated the clinical profile of mothers who have children with DS. Advanced maternal age (≥ 35 years old) is a risk factor for DS. Although there is an overall increase in pregnancies among women with advanced maternal age, there is still a lack of awareness of the increased risk of aneuploidy. Here, we reported the clinical and epidemiological profile of DS children and their mothers in a public reference hospital in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For data collection, we performed a face-to-face interview guided by a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions. A total of 344 individuals, 172 mothers and their DS children, were included in this study. Our results show that 56% of the mothers sampled were ≥ 35 years of age at childbirth. Although 98% of them received prenatal care, only 4% obtained a prenatal diagnosis of DS. Most mothers reported not drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes during pregnancy. Furthermore, 91% of women took prenatal vitamins and supplements; however, 47% were not aware of their benefits for a healthy pregnancy. Given the strict correlation between advanced maternal age and DS, prenatal care should include genetic counseling for women over 35 years of age. This study highlights the importance of prenatal care and the urgent need for better DS screening allowing for immediate postnatal care, positively impacting the life expectancy of these patients.