Obstetric cholestasis and its impact on the maternal outcome.

AIM: To evaluate the association of GDM and pre-eclampsia in women with obstetric cholestasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant women with > 28 weeks gestation attending ANC, OPD and labor room of J.N.M.C.H, AMU, Aligarh UP (India) from 2020 to 2022 were included in the study after taking informed consent and ethical approval from the Institute. Women were divided into 2 groups, i.e. group 1 having 200 women with IHCP and group 2 having 200 healthy pregnant women; both the groups were followed up for the development of GDM and pre-eclampsia. RESULTS: A statistically significant association was observed between IHCP and development of GDM [26.5% and odds ratio (OR) 1.64] and pre-eclampsia (17% and OR: 1.95) (p < 0.05), an also GDM and pre-eclampsia were found to be significantly associated with the severity of cholestasis (p < 0.05). Thus, on calculating OR, we found higher odds of developing GDM and pre-eclampsia in IHCP group with raised serum bile acid levels, maximum at 60 µmol/L level as compared to 10-40 µmol/L (GDM: OR: 8.647 and pre-eclampsia: OR: 6.303). Induction and cesarean rates were significantly higher in IHCP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study concludes significant association of IHCP with GDM and pre-eclampsia as all three shares common pathogenetic pathways and greater risk of development at higher serum bile acid levels.

Early magnesium discontinuation postpartum and eclampsia risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal duration of magnesium administration postpartum for prevention of eclampsia has not yet been established. Our objective was to investigate the effect of early discontinuation of postpartum magnesium on the rates of postpartum eclampsia compared to continuation for 24-hours postpartum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Searches were performed using keywords related to "preeclampsia" and "magnesium sulfate" from inception of database until August 2023. Randomized controlled trials of women with preeclampsia were included if they received magnesium prior to delivery and were randomized to early discontinuation versus 24-hours of magnesium postpartum. The primary outcome was the rate of postpartum eclampsia. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with 2183 women were included with five different magnesium administration time frames. In total, seven patients with postpartum eclampsia were reported in three studies. Eclampsia rates were not different between the two groups (5/1088 (0.5 %) after early discontinuation, versus 2/1095 (0.2 %) in the 24-hour group; RR 2.25, 95 % CI 0.5-9.9, I2 = 0 %, 8 studies, 2183 participants). A number needed to treat was calculated; 374 women would need to receive 24-hours of magnesium postpartum to prevent one episode of postpartum eclampsia. The early discontinuation group had a significant decrease in time to ambulation (-9.1 h, 95 % CI -14.7 - (-3.6), I2 = 98 %, 3 studies, 1509 participants) and breastfeeding (-8.4 h, 95 % CI -12.0 - (-4.8), I2 = 98 %, 2 studies, 1397 participants). CONCLUSIONS: Early magnesium discontinuation postpartum, usually ≤6 h or none at all, did not significantly increase the rate of postpartum eclampsia, however this study is likely underpowered to demonstrate a difference. The number needed to treat is similar to the number needed to treat for antepartum preeclampsia without severe features, for which magnesium is not recommended. The largest proportion of women did not receive magnesium postpartum after receiving at least 8 h of magnesium intrapartum (e.g., loading and maintenance dose). Thus, it is reasonable to consider not using magnesium postpartum, particularly if a woman has received similar adequate dose prior to delivery.

Genetic Insights and Neonatal Outcomes in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: A Detailed Analysis of the RS5707 Genotype.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) and eclampsia (E) are severe pregnancy complications with significant maternal and neonatal health impacts. This study explores the association of the rs5707 polymorphism in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with PE/E and related neonatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 400 mother-newborn dyads at the "Pius Brinzeu" Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara. Participants were divided into a control group (254 normotensive women) and a PE/E group (146 women with PE/E). Genotyping for the rs5707 polymorphism was performed using real-time PCR, and statistical analyses assessed associations with maternal body mass index (BMI) and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: The AA genotype of rs5707 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of PE/E and more favorable neonatal outcomes, including higher Apgar scores, greater birth weights, and longer gestational ages. Conversely, the AC genotype correlated with increased maternal BMI and adverse neonatal outcomes. Odds ratios highlighted the protective effect of the AA genotype against PE/E and the increased risk associated with the AC genotype. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the critical role of the rs5707 polymorphism in PE/E development and neonatal health. Genetic screening for rs5707 could enhance early identification and personalized intervention strategies, improving outcomes for both mothers and neonates. Further research is needed to validate these findings across diverse populations and to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Arteriovenous malformation-related headache and seizures in pregnancy masquerading as eclampsia: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral arteriovenous malformation during pregnancy is rare but lethal disease that usually present with new-onset seizures and headaches mimicking eclampsia. We report a rare case of cerebral arteriovenous malformation with abrupt seizures in the third trimester. CASE REPORT: A 28-year-old primipara was brought to our emergency department at 32 6/7 weeks of gestation with new-onset acute seizures and hypertension. Owing to neurological deterioration, the patient underwent emergency cesarean delivery. However, 24 h after cesarean delivery and eclampsia treatment, the seizures worsened. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed unruptured arteriovenous malformation of the right frontal lobe. Subsequently, intraarterial embolization was performed. The patient was discharged 5 days after surgery without neurological sequelae or obstetric complications. CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the differential diagnoses of sudden new-onset seizures in late pregnancy for obstetricians and emergency medicine physicians. Lethal cerebral diseases, apart from eclampsia, should be considered during pregnancy.

Identifying Predictor Variables for a Composite Risk Prediction Tool for Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Modified Delphi Study.

A composite cardiometabolic risk prediction tool will support the systematic identification of women at increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy to enable early screening and intervention. This study aims to identify and select predictor variables for a composite risk prediction tool for cardiometabolic risk (gestational diabetes mellitus and/or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy) for use in the first trimester. A two-round modified online Delphi study was undertaken. A prior systematic literature review generated fifteen potential predictor variables for inclusion in the tool. Multidisciplinary experts (n = 31) rated the clinical importance of variables in an online survey and nominated additional variables for consideration (Round One). An online meeting (n = 14) was held to deliberate the importance, feasibility and acceptability of collecting variables in early pregnancy. Consensus was reached in a second online survey (Round Two). Overall, 24 variables were considered; 9 were eliminated, and 15 were selected for inclusion in the tool. The final 15 predictor variables related to maternal demographics (age, ethnicity/race), pre-pregnancy history (body mass index, height, history of chronic kidney disease/polycystic ovarian syndrome, family history of diabetes, pre-existing diabetes/hypertension), obstetric history (parity, history of macrosomia/pre-eclampsia/gestational diabetes mellitus), biochemical measures (blood glucose levels), hemodynamic measures (systolic blood pressure). Variables will inform the development of a cardiometabolic risk prediction tool in subsequent research. Evidence-based, clinically relevant and routinely collected variables were selected for a composite cardiometabolic risk prediction tool for early pregnancy.

A Comparison of Obstetric Outcomes in Antiphospholipid Syndrome Among Pregnant Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and perinatal outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted among pregnant women with SLE with and without APS. Group A included SLE patients with APS, whereas group B included pregnant SLE women without APS. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Frequency and percentage were computed for categorical data. The chi-square test was used to analyze the difference between categorical data. Results Out of 125 cases of SLE, APS was found in 72 (57.6%) women. Almost 95.8% of patients were on treatment (aspirin and enoxaparin) in group A. Preterm delivery (31.89±7.36 versus 34.46±4.97; p=0.021) and termination of pregnancy (18.1% [13/72] versus 5.7% [3/53]; p=0.04) were statistically significant in group A. Among these terminations, second-trimester intrauterine death is found to be more in group A (SLE with APS) (16.7% [12/72]) as compared to group B (SLE without APS) (5.7% [3/53]) with a p-value of 0.05. Perinatal outcomes including NICU admissions (39% [23/59] versus 24% [12/50]; p=0.071) and neonatal death (12.3% [7/57]; p=0.015) were also found to be statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion APS with SLE is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth, termination of pregnancy due to second-trimester fetal loss, more NICU admission, and neonatal deaths when compared to the control group. Hence, pregnancies with APS with SLE require vigilant monitoring and frequent follow-ups to ensure a positive pregnancy outcome.

Antenatal reproductive screening for pregnant people including preconception: Provides the best reproductive opportunity for informed consent, quality, and safety.

INTRODUCTION: This antenatal screening review will include reproductive screening evidence and approaches for pre-conception and post-conception, using first to third trimester screening opportunities. METHODS: Focused antenatal screening peer-reviewed publications were evaluated and summarized. RESULTS: Evidenced-based reproductive antenatal screening elements should be offered and discussed, with the pregnancy planning or pregnant person, during Preconception (genetic carrier screening for reproductive partners, personal and family (including reproductive partner) history review for increased genetic and pregnancy morbidity risks); First Trimester (fetal dating with ultrasound; fetal aneuploidy screening plus consideration for expanded fetal morbidity criteria, if appropriate; pregnant person preeclampsia screening; early fetal anatomy screening; early fetal cardiac screening); Second Trimester for standard fetal anatomy screening (18-22 weeks) including cardiac; pregnant person placental and cord pathology screening; pregnant person preterm birth screening with cervical length measurement); Third Trimester (fetal growth surveillance; continued preterm birth risk surveillance). CONCLUSION: Antenatal reproductive screening has multiple elements, is complex, is time-consuming, and requires the use of pre- and post-testing counselling for most screening elements. The use of preconception and trimesters 'one to three' requires clear patient understanding and buy-in. Informed consent and knowledge transfer is a main goal for antenatal reproductive screening approaches.

Implementing a nurse-initiated protocol to improve response to perinatal severe hypertension.

BACKGROUND: An institutional standardized, nurse-initiated protocol was implemented to improve the recognition of and response to perinatal hypertensive emergency. OBJECTIVE(S): The primary aim was to evaluate if the rate of guideline-based treatment of perinatal hypertensive emergency improved with implementation of the protocol. STUDY DESIGN: This quality improvement initiative was developed by a multidisciplinary team and consisted of clinician and nursing education and the implementation of a standardized, nurse-initiated severe hypertension protocol. The project took place in three phases: pre-implementation (July 2020-October 2020), implementation (November 2020-June 2021), and sustainment (July 2021-May 2022). The primary aim was to increase guideline-based treatment of hypertensive emergency among pregnant and postpartum persons. Guideline-based treatment was defined as repeat blood pressure within 30 minutes of severe hypertension to diagnose hypertensive emergency, antihypertensive medication administration within 30 minutes of diagnosis, and appropriately timed repeat blood pressure following treatment. Process measures included time to confirm the diagnosis, initiate the protocol, antihypertensive medication administration, repeat blood pressure after antihypertensive medication administration, and administration of a secondary dose as appropriate. Balancing measures included maternal intensive care unit admission, clinically significant maternal hypotension, fetal demise, neonatal birthweight, and Apgar <7 at 5 minutes. Data were evaluated using between-subjects statistics and a run chart was developed to assess relationship between the protocol and changes in guideline-based treatment over time. RESULTS: Overall, 503 hypertensive emergency encounters were identified during the project period (98 [20%] pre-implementation, 172 [34%] implementation, 233 [46%] sustainment). There were higher rates of persons with chronic hypertension and who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black race in the sustainment phase compared to the other phases. Guideline-based treatment increased from 18.4% pre-implementation to 75.1% in sustainment (p<0.001). Each component of guideline-based treatment also improved significantly from pre-implementation to sustainment (p<0.001). No episodes of clinically significant maternal hypotension occurred in any phase. There were four maternal intensive care unit admissions and three fetal demises during the initiative; none were related to hypertensive emergency. CONCLUSION(S): The nurse-initiated protocol for treatment of hypertensive emergency significantly increased guideline-based treatment of perinatal hypertensive emergency, reduced time to diagnose and treat hypertensive emergency, and increased the number of patients receiving treatment when indicated. This protocol was pragmatic, utilizing resources already available on obstetric units. Use of similar protocols may be considered at institutions providing obstetric care to improve recognition of and response to hypertensive emergency which may decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality related to hypertensive emergency.

Systematic review of the complement components as potential biomarkers of pre-eclampsia: pitfalls and opportunities.

The complement system (C) is a crucial component of the innate immune system. An increasing body of research has progressively shed light on the pivotal role of C in immunological tolerance at the feto-maternal interface. Excessive C activation or impaired C regulation may determine the onset of pregnancy-related pathological conditions, including pre-eclampsia (PE). Thus, several studies have investigated the presence of C components or split products in blood matrixes (i.e., plasma, serum), urine, and amniotic fluid in PE. In the current study, we systematically reviewed the currently available scientific literature reporting measurements of C components as circulating biomarkers in PE, based on a literature search using Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase databases. A total of 41 out of 456 studies were selected after full-text analysis. Fourteen studies (34.1%) were identified as measuring the blood concentrations of the classical pathway, 5 (12.1%) for the lectin pathway, 28 (68.3%) for the alternative pathway, 17 (41.5%) for the terminal pathway components, and 16 (39%) for C regulators. Retrieved results consistently reported C4, C3, and factor H reduction, and increased circulating levels of C4d, Bb, factor D, C3a, C5a, and C5b-9 in PE compared to normal pregnancies, depicting an overall scenario of excessive C activation and aberrant C regulation. With evidence of C activation and dysregulation, C-targeted therapy is an intriguing perspective in PE management. Moreover, we also discussed emerging pitfalls in C analysis, mainly due to a lack of experimental uniformity and biased cohort selection among different studies and laboratories, aiming to raise a more comprehensive awareness for future standardization. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024503070.

A prediction model for stillbirth based on first trimester pre-eclampsia combined screening.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of combined models of maternal biophysical factors, ultrasound, and biochemical markers for predicting stillbirths. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of pregnant women undergoing first-trimester pre-eclampsia screening at 11-13 gestational weeks was conducted. Maternal characteristics and history, mean arterial pressure (MAP) measurement, uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) ultrasound, maternal ophthalmic peak ratio Doppler, and placental growth factor (PlGF) serum were collected during the visit. Stillbirth was classified as placental dysfunction-related when it occurred with pre-eclampsia or birth weight <10th percentile. Combined prediction models were developed from significant variables in stillbirths, placental dysfunction-related, and controls. We used the area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity based on a specific cutoff to evaluate the model's predictive performance by measuring the capacity to distinguish between stillbirths and live births. RESULTS: There were 13 (0.79%) cases of stillbirth in 1643 women included in the analysis. The combination of maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI, and PlGF, significantly contributed to the prediction of stillbirth. This model was a good predictor for all (including controls) types of stillbirth (AUC 0.879, 95% CI: 0.799-0.959, sensitivity of 99.3%, specificity of 38.5%), and an excellent predictor for placental dysfunction-related stillbirth (AUC 0.984, 95% CI: 0.960-1.000, sensitivity of 98.5, specificity of 85.7). CONCLUSION: Screening at 11-13 weeks' gestation by combining maternal factors, MAP, UtA-PI, and PlGF, can predict a high proportion of stillbirths. Our model has good accuracy for predicting stillbirths, predominantly placental dysfunction-related stillbirths.

Pre-eclampsia challenges and care in low and middle-income countries: Understanding diagnosis, management, and health impacts in remote and developing regions.

As an example of a low- and middle-income country (LMIC), India ranks pre-eclampsia among the top three causes of maternal mortality, following haemorrhage and infections. It is one of the primary concerns for maternal and perinatal health in LMICs. Many LMICs lack clear consensus and guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia. The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy 2021 guidelines address LMIC applications, offering customisable solutions. Atypical presentations of pre-eclampsia contribute to diagnostic delays, resulting in additional adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Implementing management strategies faces challenges in both urban and rural settings. Adapting global research involving local populations is imperative, with the potential for cost-effective adoption of international guidelines. Prevention, early diagnosis, and education dissemination are essential, involving healthcare providers and advocacy initiatives. Encouraging government investment in pre-eclampsia management as a public health initiative is important. This article explores socio-economic, cultural, and legislative factors influencing the management of pre-eclampsia in LMICs, addressing emerging challenges and potential partnerships for healthcare provision.

Pheochromocytoma During Pregnancy: A Hidden Cause for Hypertension.

Pheochromocytoma, a rare but potentially serious condition, poses challenges in timely identification, especially during pregnancy due to misconceptions about pregnancy-related hypertension causes. However, paroxysmal symptoms heighten diagnostic suspicion. The diagnosis relies on biochemical confirmation of catecholamine hypersecretion followed by imaging for tumor localization. When diagnosed at or after 24 weeks, alpha-adrenoceptor blockers are recommended during pregnancy to manage catecholamine excess, delaying tumor removal until viability or post-delivery. The rarity of this condition during pregnancy, coupled with diagnostic and management challenges, underscores its importance for obstetric professionals in addressing hypertensive control, delivery timing, and surgical intervention.

Feto-maternal indicators of cardiac dysfunction as a justification for the cardiac origins for pre-eclampsia.

While the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia has been postulated as being secondary to placental dysfunction, a cardiac origin has more recently been proposed. Although an association between fetal congenital cardiovascular disease and pre-eclampsia has been demonstrated, no precise pathophysiologic mechanism for this association has been described. This review highlights the current biophysical (including echocardiography and Doppler indices) and biochemical (including proteomic, metabolomic and genetic/transcriptomic) markers of cardiac dysfunction that have been investigated in maternal and fetal cardiac disease and their overlap with predictors of pre-eclampsia.   Common pathways of inflammatory and anti-angiogenesis imbalance, endothelial damage, and oxidative stress have been demonstrated in both cardiovascular disease and pre-eclampsia and further investigation into these pathways could help to elucidate the common pathophysiologic mechanisms linking these disorders.

Therapeutic effect of E-Lip-siRNA-sFlt1 on pre-eclampsia: targeted gene silencing and improved pregnancy outcomes.

Aim: To evaluate a liposome complex conjugated with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies for the treatment of pre-eclampsia (PE). Methods: In in vitro experiments, the transfection rate, silencing effect and cytotoxicity were determined. In the in vivo PE model, the siRNA distribution, mean arterial pressure, 24-h urine protein concentration, serum sFlt1 concentration, number of viable fetuses and placental weight were measured. Results: The nanomedicine effectively reduced the expression of sFIt1 and had a strong ability to target placental tissues. It could significantly reduce the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and improve pregnancy outcomes in PE model rats. Conclusion: The constructed nanomedicine can improve pregnancy outcomes in a rat model of pre-eclampsia and provides a new strategy for the treatment of pre-eclampsia.

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Intestinal flora and pregnancy complications: Current insights and future prospects.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the pivotal roles of intestinal microbiota in many physiopathological processes through complex interactions with the host. As a unique period in a woman's lifespan, pregnancy is characterized by changes in hormones, immunity, and metabolism. The gut microbiota also changes during this period and plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Consequently, anomalies in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, namely, gut microbiota dysbiosis, can predispose individuals to various pregnancy complications, posing substantial risks to both maternal and neonatal health. However, there are still many controversies in this field, such as "sterile womb" versus "in utero colonization." Therefore, a thorough understanding of the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota in pregnancy and its complications is essential to safeguard the health of both mother and child. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the changes in gut microbiota during pregnancy, its abnormalities in common pregnancy complications, and potential etiological implications. It also explores the potential of gut microbiota in diagnosing and treating pregnancy complications and examines the possibility of gut-derived bacteria residing in the uterus/placenta. Our aim is to expand knowledge in maternal and infant health from the gut microbiota perspective, aiding in developing new preventive and therapeutic strategies for pregnancy complications based on intestinal microecology.

Association between plasma growth differentiation factor 15 levels and pre-eclampsia in China.

Background: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress response protein and is related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to investigate the association between GDF-15 and pre-eclampsia (PE). Method: The study involved 299 pregnant women, out of which 236 had normal pregnancies, while 63 participants had PE. Maternal serum levels of GDF-15 were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits and then translated into multiple of median (MOM) to avoid the influence of gestational week at blood sampling. Logistic models were performed to estimate the association between GDF-15 MOM and PE, presenting as odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: MOM of GDF-15 in PE participants was higher compared with controls (1.588 vs. 1.000, p < 0.001). In the logistic model, pregnant women with higher MOM of GDF-15 (>1) had a 4.74-fold (95% CI = 2.23-10.08, p < 0.001) increased risk of PE, adjusted by age, preconceptional body mass index, gravidity, and parity. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that higher levels of serum GDF-15 were associated with PE. GDF-15 may serve as a biomarker for diagnosing PE.

The genetic relationships between immune cell traits, circulating inflammatory proteins and preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Objectives: Preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE), a critical complication during pregnancy, has been suggested to correlate with immune cell phenotypes and levels of circulating inflammatory proteins. Our study aimed to employ a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the potential causal effects of immune cell phenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins on the onset of PE. Methods: We utilized summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This included statistics for 371 immune cell phenotypes from 3,757 individuals in the Sardinian founder population, and data on 91 circulating inflammatory proteins from 14,824 European ancestry participants. Additionally, genetic associations related to PE were extracted from the FinnGen consortium, involving 1,413 cases and 287,137 controls. We applied inverse variance weighting (IVW) and supplementary methods like MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to comprehensively assess potential causal links. Results: Our analysis revealed significant causal associations of several immune cells type and inflammatory proteins with PE. Out of the immune cell phenotypes analyzed, six immune phenotypes emerged as significant risk factors (p <0.01), mainly include CD4 on activated and secreting CD4 regulatory T cells, CD28 on CD39+ CD4+ T cells, CD127- CD8+ T cell absolute cell (AC) counts, HLA DR on HLA DR+ CD8+ T cell, CD66b on CD66b++ myeloid cells, and HLA DR on dendritic cells. And ten were identified as protective factors (p <0.01). Such as CD45 on CD33br HLA DR+ CD14-, CD33+ HLA DR+ AC, CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14- AC, CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14dim AC, CD27 on CD24+ CD27+ B cell, CD20- CD38- %B cell, IgD- CD24- %B cell CD80 on plasmacytoid DC, CD25 on CD4+ T cell, and CD25 on activated & secreting CD4 regulatory T cell. Furthermore, among the inflammatory proteins studied, five showed a significant association with PE, with three offering protective effects mainly include that C-X-C motif chemokine 1, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14, and C-C motif chemokine 19 and two exacerbating PE risk such as STAM-binding domain and Interleukin-6 (p <0.05). Conclusions: Our study highlights the pivotal roles played by diverse immune cell phenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins in the pathophysiology of PE. These findings illuminate the underlying genetic mechanisms, emphasizing the criticality of immune regulation during pregnancy. Such insights could pave the way for novel intervention strategies in managing PE, potentially enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

The silent threat: investigating the incidence and clinical characteristics of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in women from tertiary care hospitals of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia are medical conditions that can cause severe complications, such as maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Methods: From July 2021 to July 2022, the authors conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). Out of 1236 total deliveries, 40 patients aged 18-35 years with pre-eclampsia and/or eclampsia with complete data in medical records were studied. Results: In the studied group, 3.23% of women (40 cases) experienced pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, with the majority (75%, 30 cases) occurring before childbirth. Among these, 62.5% (25 cases) were first-time mothers. The main complications observed in the mothers included HELLP syndrome and placental abruption, whereas their newborns frequently exhibited delayed in-utero growth. Caesarean delivery was the prevalent birthing method, and the treatments most often used for effective management were magnesium sulfate and nicardipine. Conclusion: The research highlights the common occurrence of eclampsia among patients in the DRC and stresses the critical need for prompt detection of hypertensive complications during pregnancy, aiming to reduce negative health impacts on both mothers and their children.

Mechanistic study of pre-eclampsia and macrophage-associated molecular networks: bioinformatics insights from multiple datasets.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, severely affecting the health and quality of life of patients. However, the molecular mechanism of macrophages in pre-eclampsia is not well understood. Methods: In this study, the key biomarkers during the development of pre-eclampsia were identified using bioinformatics analysis. The GSE75010 and GSE74341 datasets from the GEO database were obtained and merged for differential analysis. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was constructed based on macrophage content, and machine learning methods were employed to identify key genes. Immunoinfiltration analysis completed by the CIBERSORT method, R package "ClusterProfiler" to explore functional enrichment of these intersection genes, and potential drug predictions were conducted using the CMap database. Lastly, independent analysis of protein levels, localization, and quantitative analysis was performed on placental tissues collected from both preeclampsia patients and healthy control groups. Results: We identified 70 differentially expressed NETs genes and found 367 macrophage-related genes through WGCNA analysis. Machine learning identified three key genes: FNBP1L, NMUR1, and PP14571. These three key genes were significantly associated with immune cell content and enriched in multiple signaling pathways. Specifically, these genes were upregulated in PE patients. These findings establish the expression patterns of three key genes associated with M2 macrophage infiltration, providing potential targets for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of PE. Additionally, CMap results suggested four potential drugs, including Ttnpb, Doxorubicin, Tyrphostin AG 825, and Tanespimycin, which may have the potential to reverse pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: Studying the expression levels of three key genes in pre-eclampsia provides valuable insights into the prevention and treatment of this condition. We propose that these genes play a crucial role in regulating the maternal-fetal immune microenvironment in PE patients, and the pathways associated with these genes offer potential avenues for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying preeclampsia and identifying therapeutic targets. Additionally, by utilizing the Connectivity Map database, we identified drug targets like Ttnpb, Doxorubicin, Tyrphostin AG 825, and Tanespimycin as potential clinical treatments for preeclampsia.