Impact of maternal HIV infection on perinatal outcomes: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Maternal HIV infection remains a significant global health concern with potential repercussions on perinatal outcomes. Emphasis on early intervention to improve peri- and postnatal outcomes in infected mothers and infants is a valid therapeutic concern. OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively analyze perinatal outcomes associated with maternal HIV infection and evaluate adverse effects associated with the HIV infection in the existing literature. SEARCH STRATEGY: A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar was conducted from 2013 to September 2023, using relevant MeSH terms. SELECTION CRITERIA: The included studies encompassed original studies, cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective studies and observational studies focused on perinatal outcomes in the context of maternal HIV infection. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The selected studies underwent rigorous data collection and comprehensive quality checks and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. MAIN RESULTS: Nine eligible studies from Brazil, China, India, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, the USA, and Canada were included. These studies have consistently demonstrated that maternal HIV infection is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. The analysis revealed a higher risk of preterm birth (OR 1.57, 95% CI: 1.39-1.78), low birth weight (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.49), and small for gestational age (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.24-1.53) among infants born to mothers living with HIV. Notably, the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on these outcomes varied, but maternal HIV infection remained a significant risk factor regardless of income level and geographic region. CONCLUSION: Maternal HIV infection is consistently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and improved prenatal care in pregnant women with HIV infection.

The impact of gestational weight gain on fetal and neonatal outcomes: the Araraquara Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator for monitoring maternal and fetal health. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of GWG outside the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on fetal and neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study with 1642 pregnant women selected from 2017 to 2023, with gestational age ≤ 18 weeks and followed until delivery in the city of Araraquara, Southeast Brazil. The relationship between IOM-recommended GWG and fetal outcomes (abdominal subcutaneous tissue thickness, arm and thigh subcutaneous tissue area and intrauterine growth restriction) and neonatal outcomes (percentage of fat mass, fat-free mass, birth weight and length, ponderal index, weight adequateness for gestational age by the Intergrowth curve, prematurity, and Apgar score) were investigated. Generalized Estimating Equations were used. RESULTS: GWG below the IOM recommendations was associated with increased risks of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (aOR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.14-2.27), low birth weight (aOR 2.44; 95% CI: 1.85-3.21), and prematurity (aOR 2.35; 95% CI: 1.81-3.05), and lower chance of being Large for Gestational Age (LGA) (aOR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.28-0.54), with smaller arm subcutaneous tissue area (AST) (-7.99 g; 95% CI: -8.97 to -7.02), birth length (-0.76 cm; 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.49), and neonatal fat mass percentage (-0.85%; 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.58). Conversely, exceeding GWG guidelines increased the likelihood of LGA (aOR 1.53; 95% CI: 1.20-1.96), with lower 5th-minute Apgar score (aOR 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20-0.87), and increased birth weight (90.14 g; 95% CI: 53.30 to 126.99). CONCLUSION: Adherence to GWG recommendations is crucial, with deviations negatively impacting fetal health. Effective weight control strategies are imperative.

Maternal vaccination against COVID-19 and neonatal outcomes during Omicron: INTERCOVID-2022 study.

BACKGROUND: In early 2023, when Omicron was the variant of concern, we showed that vaccinating pregnant women decreased the risk for severe COVID-19-related complications and maternal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on newborns and the effects of maternal COVID-19 vaccination on neonatal outcomes when Omicron was the variant of concern. STUDY DESIGN: INTERCOVID-2022 was a large, prospective, observational study, conducted in 40 hospitals across 18 countries, from November 27, 2021 (the day after the World Health Organization declared Omicron the variant of concern) to June 30, 2022, to assess the effect of COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes and to assess vaccine effectiveness. Women diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 during pregnancy were compared with 2 nondiagnosed, unmatched women recruited concomitantly and consecutively during pregnancy or at delivery. Mother-newborn dyads were followed until hospital discharge. The primary outcomes were a neonatal positive test for COVID-19, severe neonatal morbidity index, severe perinatal morbidity and mortality index, preterm birth, neonatal death, referral to neonatal intensive care unit, and diseases during the neonatal period. Vaccine effectiveness was estimated with adjustment for maternal risk profile. RESULTS: We enrolled 4707 neonates born to 1577 (33.5%) mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 and 3130 (66.5%) nondiagnosed mothers. Among the diagnosed mothers, 642 (40.7%) were not vaccinated, 147 (9.3%) were partially vaccinated, 551 (34.9%) were completely vaccinated, and 237 (15.0%) also had a booster vaccine. Neonates of booster-vaccinated mothers had less than half (relative risk, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.91) the risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 when compared with those of unvaccinated mothers; they also had the lowest rates of preterm birth, medically indicated preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome, and number of days in the neonatal intensive care unit. Newborns of unvaccinated mothers had double the risk for neonatal death (relative risk, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.00) when compared with those of nondiagnosed mothers. Vaccination was not associated with any congenital malformations. Although all vaccines provided protection against neonatal test positivity, newborns of booster-vaccinated mothers had the highest vaccine effectiveness (64%; 95% confidence interval, 10%-86%). Vaccine effectiveness was not as high for messenger RNA vaccines only. Vaccine effectiveness against moderate or severe neonatal outcomes was much lower, namely 13% in the booster-vaccinated group (all vaccines) and 25% and 28% in the completely and booster-vaccinated groups, respectively (messenger RNA vaccines only). Vaccines were fairly effective in protecting neonates when given to pregnant women ≤100 days (14 weeks) before birth; thereafter, the risk increased and was much higher after 200 days (29 weeks). Finally, none of the neonatal practices studied, including skin-to-skin contact and direct breastfeeding, increased the risk for infecting newborns. CONCLUSION: When Omicron was the variant of concern, newborns of unvaccinated mothers had an increased risk for neonatal death. Neonates of vaccinated mothers had a decreased risk for preterm birth and adverse neonatal outcomes. Because the protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination decreases with time, to ensure that newborns are maximally protected against COVID-19, mothers should receive a vaccine or booster dose no more than 14 weeks before the expected date of delivery.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes following taxane use during pregnancy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of taxanes following the first trimester of pregnancy is endorsed by current clinical guidelines. However, evidence regarding their safety in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes is limited. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Web of Sciences databases from their inception up to 12/16/2022. Eligibility criteria included gestational taxane use, presentation of original findings, and individual case data presented. A descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients treated with taxane-containing regimens during pregnancy were identified, resulting in 162 fetuses exposed in utero. The majority of patients had breast cancer (n = 88; 55.3%) or cervical cancer (n = 45; 28.3%). The most commonly employed taxane was paclitaxel (n = 131; 82.4%). A total of 111 (69.8%) patients were also treated with other cytotoxic drugs during pregnancy, including platinum salts (n = 70; 63.0%) and doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (n = 20; 18.0%). While most patients received taxanes during the second trimester of pregnancy (n = 79; 70.0%), two were exposed to taxanes in the first trimester. Obstetric outcomes were reported in 105 (66.0%) cases, with the most frequent adverse events being preterm contractions or premature rupture of membranes (n = 12; 11.4%), pre-eclampsia/HELLP syndrome (n = 6; 5.7%), and oligohydramnios/anhydramnios (n = 6; 5.7%). All cases with pregnancy outcome available resulted in live births (n = 132). Overall, 72 (54.5%) neonates were delivered preterm, 40 (30.3%) were classified as small for gestational age (SGA), and 2 (1.5%) had an Apgar score of < 7 at 5 min. Perinatal complications included acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 14; 10.6%), hyperbilirubinemia (n = 5; 3.8%), and hypoglycemia (n = 2; 1.5%). In addition, 7 (5.3%) cases of congenital malformations were reported. At a median follow-up of 16 months, offspring health status was available for 86 (65.2%), of which 13 (15.1%) had a documented complication, including delayed speech development, recurrent otitis media, and acute myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: Taxanes appear to be safe following the first trimester of pregnancy, with obstetric and fetal outcomes being similar to those observed in the general obstetric population. Future studies should aim to determine the most effective taxane regimen and dosage for use during gestation, with a specific focus on treatment safety.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of women with vaginal birth after cesarean section compared to repeat cesarean birth in select South Asian and Latin American settings of the global network for women's and children's health research.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to analyze a prospective population-based registry including five sites in four low- and middle-income countries to observe characteristics associated with vaginal birth after cesarean versus repeat cesarean birth, as well as maternal and newborn outcomes associated with the mode of birth among women with a history of prior cesarean. HYPOTHESIS: Maternal and perinatal outcomes among vaginal birth after cesarean section will be similar to those among recurrent cesarean birth. METHODS: A prospective population-based study, including home and facility births among women enrolled from 2017 to 2020, was performed in communities in Guatemala, India (Belagavi and Nagpur), Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Women were enrolled during pregnancy, and delivery outcome data were collected within 42 days after birth. RESULTS: We analyzed 8267 women with a history of prior cesarean birth; 1389 (16.8%) experienced vaginal birth after cesarean, and 6878 (83.2%) delivered by a repeat cesarean birth. Having a repeat cesarean birth was negatively associated with a need for curettage (ARR 0.12 [0.06, 0.25]) but was positively associated with having a blood transfusion (ARR 3.74 [2.48, 5.63]). Having a repeat cesarean birth was negatively associated with stillbirth (ARR 0.24 [0.15, 0.49]) and, breast-feeding within an hour of birth (ARR 0.39 [0.30, 0.50]), but positively associated with use of antibiotics (ARR 1.51 [1.20, 1.91]). CONCLUSIONS: In select South Asian and Latin American low- and middle-income sites, women with a history of prior cesarean birth were 5 times more likely to deliver by cesarean birth in the hospital setting. Those who delivered vaginally had less complicated pregnancy and labor courses compared to those who delivered by repeat cesarean birth, but they had an increased risk of stillbirth. More large scale studies are needed in Low Income Country settings to give stronger recommendations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01073475, Registered February 21, 2010, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01073475 .

Intended delivery mode and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction.

Objective: To compare neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR) by intended delivery mode.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with FGR that were delivered ≥34.0 weeks gestation. Neonatal outcomes were compared according to the intended delivery mode, which the attending obstetrician determined. Of note, none of the subjects had a contraindication to labor. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated via logistic regression models to assess the potential association between intended delivery mode and neonatal morbidity defined as a composite outcome (i.e. umbilical artery pH ≤7.1, 5-min Apgar score ≤7, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, hypoglycemia, intrapartum fetal distress requiring expedited delivery, and perinatal death). A sensitivity analysis excluded intrapartum fetal distress requiring emergency cesarean delivery from the composite outcome since only patients with spontaneous labor or labor induction could meet this criterion. Potential confounders in the adjusted effects models included maternal age, body mass index, hypertensive disorders, diabetes, FGR type (i.e. early or late), and oligohydramnios.Results: Seventy-two (34%) patients had an elective cesarean delivery, 73 (34%) had spontaneous labor and were expected to deliver vaginally, and 67 (32%) underwent labor induction. The composite outcome was observed in 65.3%, 89%, and 88.1% of the groups mentioned above, respectively (p < 0.001). Among patients with spontaneous labor and those scheduled for labor induction, 63% and 47.8% required an emergency cesarean delivery for intrapartum fetal distress. Compared to elective cesarean delivery, spontaneous labor (OR 4.32 [95% CI 1.79, 10.42], p = 0.001; aOR 4.85 [95% CI 1.85, 12.66], p = 0.001), and labor induction (OR 3.92 [95% CI 1.62, 9.49] p = 0.002; aOR 5.29 [95% CI 2.01, 13.87], p = 0.001) had higher odds of adverse neonatal outcomes.Conclusion: In this cohort of FGR, delivering at ≥34 weeks of gestation, pregnancies with spontaneous labor, and those that underwent labor induction had higher odds of neonatal morbidity than elective cesarean delivery.

Estimated fetal weight standards of the INTERGROWTH-21st project for the prediction of adverse outcomes: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and assess the risk of bias in the literature evaluating the performance of INTERGROWTH-21st estimated fetal weight (EFW) standards to predict maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes. METHODS: Searches were performed in seven electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Scielo and Google Scholar) using citation tools and keywords (intergrowth AND (standard OR reference OR formula OR model OR curve); all from 2014 to the last search on April 16th, 2021). We included full-text articles investigating the ability of INTERGROWTH-21st EFW standards to predict maternal, fetal or neonatal adverse outcomes in women with a singleton pregnancy who gave birth to infants with no congenital abnormalities. The study was registered on PROSPERO under the number CRD42020115462. Risk of bias was assessed with a customized instrument based on the CHARMS checklist and composed of 9 domains. Meta-analysis was performed using relative risk (RR [95%CI]) and summary ROC curves on outcomes reported by two or more methodologically homogeneous studies. RESULTS: Sixteen studies evaluating fifteen different outcomes were selected. The risk of bias was high (>50% of studies with high risk) for two domains: blindness of assessment (81.3%) and calibration assessment (93.8%). Considering all the outcomes investigated, for 95% of the results, the specificity was above 73.0%, but the sensitivity was below 64.1%. Pooled results demonstrated a higher RR of neonatal small for gestational age (6.71 [5.51-8.17]), Apgar <7 at 5 min (2.17 [1.48-3.18]), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (2.22 [1.76-2.79]) for fetuses classified <10th percentile when compared to those classified above this limit. The limitation of the study is the absence of heterogeneity exploration or publication bias investigation, whereas no outcomes were evaluated by more than five studies. CONCLUSIONS: The IG-21 EFW standard has low sensitivity and high specificity for adverse events of pregnancy. Classification <10th percentile identifies a high-risk group for developing maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes, especially neonatal small for gestational age, Apgar <7 at 5 min, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Future studies should include blind assessment of outcomes, perform calibration analysis with continuous data, and evaluate alternative cutoff points.

Survival and Long-Term Outcomes of Children Who Survived after End-of-Life Decisions in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term outcomes of infants who survive despite life-and-death discussions with families and a decision to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining interventions (WWLST) in one neonatal intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records for neonatal intensive care unit admissions from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed for presence of WWLST discussions or decisions, as well as the 2-year outcome of all children who survived. WWLST discussions were prospectively recorded in a specific book; follow-up to age 2 years was determined by retrospective chart review. RESULTS: WWLST discussions occurred for 266 of 5251 infants (5%): 151 (57%) were born at term and 115 (43%) were born preterm. Among these discussions, 164 led to a WWLST decision (62%) and 130 were followed by the infant's death (79%). Of the 34 children (21%) surviving to discharge after WWLST decisions, 10 (29%) died before 2 years of age and 11 (32%) required frequent medical follow-up. Major functional limitations were common among survivors, but 8 were classified as functionally normal or with mild-to-moderate functional limitations. CONCLUSIONS: When a WWLST decision was made in our cohort, 21% of the infants survived to discharge. By 2 years of age, the majority of these infants had died or had major functional limitations. This highlights the uncertainty of WWLST decisions during neonatal intensive care and the importance of ensuring that parents are informed of all possibilities. Additional studies including longer-term follow-up and ascertaining the family's views will be important.

Symptomatic Chikungunya Virus Infection and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Nested Case-Control Study in French Guiana.

During the Chikungunya epidemic in the Caribbean and Latin America, pregnant women were affected by the virus in French Guiana. The question of the impact of the virus on pregnancy was raised because of the lack of scientific consensus and published data in the region. Thus, during the Chikungunya outbreak in French Guiana, a comparative study was set up using a cohort of pregnant women. The objective was to compare pregnancy and neonatal outcomes between pregnant women with Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and pregnant women without CHIKV. Of 653 mothers included in the cohort, 246 mothers were included in the case-control study: 73 had CHIKV fever during pregnancy and 173 had neither fever nor CHIKV during pregnancy. The study did not observe any severe clinical presentation of CHIKV in the participating women. There were no intensive care unit admissions. In addition, the study showed no significant difference between the two groups with regard to pregnancy complications. However, the results showed a potential excess risk of neonatal ICU admission of the newborn when the maternal infection occurred within 7 days before delivery. These results suggest that special attention should be paid to neonates whose mothers were infected with CHIKV shortly before delivery.

¿Son útiles los antimicrobianos en pacientes con trabajo de parto prematuro, espontáneo, membranas intactas e infección bacteriana ascendente? Una revisión narrativa / Are antibiotics useful in patients with preterm and spontaneous labor, intact membranes and ascendant bacterial infection? A narrative review

El parto prematuro (PP) es la principal causa de morbilidad/mortalidad perinatal y frecuentemente es espontáneo, con membranas intactas (MI). La infección intrauterina es su causa más común en un hospital público de Chile. Existe evidencia que la infección bacteriana ascendente desde la vagina es responsable de la infección/inflamación intraamniótica, del PP y de los resultados adversos maternos y perinatales. Esta revisión narrativa incluye ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), publicados en PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, sobre los mecanismos que intervienen en el ascenso de la infección vaginal, los factores infecciosos que participan en el resultado adverso materno-perinatal y la eficacia de los antimicrobianos en estos casos. Estos trabajos no recomiendan usar antimicrobianos profilácticos porque producen daño a corto y largo plazo en los hijos. Pero este resultado tiene sesgo porque no se evaluó la presencia de infección/inflamación subclínica, lo que disminuye el grado de recomendación. También existen ECAs, que erradican la infección/inflamación intraamniótica, reducen la morbilidad/mortalidad neonatal, pero son trabajos aislados, obtenidos de subanálisis, con bajo nivel de evidencia. Se requieren revisiones sistemáticas y metaanális de ECAs con estudio de infección/inflamación subclínica para evaluar si son útiles los antimicrobianos en el PP espontáneo con MI.

Preterm labor (PL) is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity/ mortality and is frequently spontaneous with intact membranes (IM). Intrauterine infection is its most common cause in a public hospital in Chile. There is evidence that ascending bacterial infection from the vagina is responsible for intraamniotic infection/inflammation, PL, and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This narrative review includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct, Wiley Online Library on the mechanisms involved in the rise of vaginal infection, the infectious factors involved in adverse maternal-perinatal outcomes, and the efficacy of antibiotics in these cases. They do not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics because they cause short and long-term damage to children. But this result is biased because the presence of subclinical infection/inflammation was not evaluated, which lowers the degree of recommendation. There are also RCTs that eradicate intra-amniotic infection/inflammation, reduce neonatal morbidity/ mortality, but they are isolated studies, obtained from subanalyses, with a low level of evidence. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs with subclinical infection/inflammation study are required to assess whether antibiotics are useful in spontaneous PL with IM.

Global research trends on maternal exposure to methylmercury and offspring health outcomes.

This study aimed to analyze the landscape of maternal methylmercury exposure and its offspring consequences based on knowledge mapping of the 100 most-cited papers about this theme. A search was performed using the Web of Science, without any restriction of language or publication year. Data bibliometrics, such as the number of citations, citation density, corresponding author's country, year of publication, study design, and keywords, were extracted from each paper and analyzed. VOSviewer software was used to create graphical bibliometric maps. Of a total of 1,776 studies on this theme, the 100 most-cited papers rendered the number of citations ranged from 110 to 1,356 citations. The non-systematic reviews and cohort studies from Anglo-Saxon countries published in the first decade of the 2000s were the most frequent. Clarkson, Grandjean, and Myers were the authors with higher citation density. A total of 520 keywords represented the evolution of the theme, from classic episodes of MeHg intoxication, as well as main the health changes until the different forms of exposure and, in recent years, biomonitoring studies were highlighted. Our findings provide the global research trends highlighting the network of most influential authors and a better understanding of the evolution and future scenarios of this theme.

Neonatal outcome after conservative-reconstructive surgery for placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

AIM: To report the neonatal outcome after conservative-reconstructive surgery for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were women undergoing conservative-reconstructive surgery for PAS. The outcomes explored were: 5 min Apgar score, birth weight, and need for ventilatory support (RS1 supplementary oxygen, RS2 nasal positive pressure ventilation, or RS3 mechanical ventilatory assistance). Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations for quantitative and percentage and interquartile range for quantitative variables) were sued to report the data. RESULTS: 84% of women with PAS type 1 were delivered between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation. There was only one case of small for gestational age (SGA) newborn 81% of the newborns required admission to the NICU and 11% respiratory support of those pregnancies complicated by PAS type 2, 59% were delivered between 35 and 36.6 weeks. Neonatal birth weight was consistent with gestational age at birth for all the included cases, and there was no SGA newborn in this group. 84% of the newborns required admission to the NICU, while 21% respiratory support. All women with PAS type 3 were delivered between 30 and 33 weeks of gestation. Although all newborns were admitted to NICU and 73% required ventilatory support, there was no SGA case. Pregnancies complicated by PAS type 4 completed their pregnancy between weeks 35 and 37. There was no case affected by SGA; although all newborns were admitted to NICU, none required ventilatory support. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative surgery in pregnancies complicated by PAS does not seem to increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Early gestational age at birth and invasion in the inferior third of the lower uterine segment is associated with an increased incidence of neonatal complications, likely due to the earlier gestational age at delivery for these pregnancies.

Systemic erythematosus lupus and pregnancy outcomes in a Colombian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnant women with SLE have higher probabilities of maternal complications. SLE during pregnancy has alternating patterns of remission and flare-ups; however, most pregnant SLE patients tend to worsen with associated poor obstetric and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to describe obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with SLE. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed between 2011 and 2020 at a highly complex referral health center in Cali, Colombia. Pregnant women with a diagnosis of SLE were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and obstetric and fetal outcomes, including intensive care unit (ICU) characteristics, were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-eight pregnant women with SLE were included. The median age was 29 (25-33.7) years. The SLE diagnosis was made before pregnancy in 38 (79.1%) patients, with a median disease duration of 46 (12-84) months. Thirteen (27.1%) patients had lupus nephritis. Preterm labor (34, 70.8%), preeclampsia (25, 52%), and preterm rupture of membranes (10, 20.8%) were the most common obstetric complications. A relationship between a greater systemic lupus erythematosus pregnancy disease activity index (SLEPDAI) and the development of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy was established (preeclampsia = p < 0.0366; eclampsia = p < 0.0153). A relationship was identified between lupus nephritis (LN) and eclampsia (p < 0.01), preterm labor (p < 0.045), and placental abruption (p < 0.01). Seventeen (35.4%) patients required ICU admission; 52.9% of them were due to AID activity, 17.6% for cardiovascular damage, 11.7% for septic shock, and 5.8% for acute kidney failure. Fetal survival was 89.5% (N = 43/48). Among the live births, two (4.2%) newborns were diagnosed with neonatal lupus, and two (4.2%) were diagnosed with congenital heart block. One maternal death was registered due to preeclampsia and intraventricular hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to describe SLE during pregnancy in Colombia. SLE was the most prevalent AID in this cohort, and complications included preterm labor, preeclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage. A higher SLEPDAI and lupus nephritis predicted adverse maternal outcomes.

Desfechos obstétricos e neonatais na vigência da infecção por SARS-CoV-2: o que sabemos até agora? Uma revisão não-sistemática da literatura / Obstetric and neonatal outcomes in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 infection: What do we know so far? A non-systematic literature review

Introdução: A pandemia causada pelo SARS-CoV-2, responsável pela COVID-19, tem impactado a saúde de milhares de pessoas e contabilizado um número expressivo de infectados e de mortes. A população idosa e com comorbidades são os grupos de maior risco para as formas graves da doença. Dados sobre a infecção por SARS-CoV-2 em grávidas e recém nascidos ainda são limitados. Essa revisão objetiva analisar a literatura existente acerca dos resultados obstétricos, perinatais e neonatais da COVID-19. Síntese dos dados: Sobre as formas de infecção, não se exclui a possibilidade da transmissão vertical apesar da infecção ocorrer mais comumente após o parto. Os desfechos obstétricos mais encontrados foram uma maior porcentagem de cesárea e nascimento pré-termo. Quanto aos desfechos perinatais, sugere-se uma maior prevalência de baixo peso ao nascer e maior admissão em UTI. A maioria dos recém-nascidos com COVID-19 eram assintomáticos, constatando-se baixa mortalidade. O risco de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 pelo aleitamento materno parece ser pequeno, e esse permanece sendo recomendado. Conclusões: Apesar dos diversos estudos disponíveis, evidências em relação aos desfechos obstétricos e pediátricos da COVID-19 ainda são escassas. Sugere-se que o risco de infecção por SARS-COV-2 em neonatos é pequeno, e a transmissão pós parto parece ser a forma mais comum de infecção dos recém-nascidos, ainda que não se possa descartar a transmissão vertical. A infecção por COVID-19 pode estar associada a maior risco de morbidades maternas e neonatais. É fundamental que as gestantes e os neonatos sejam monitorados quanto a alterações clínicas precoces visando evitar complicações da doença.

Introduction: The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, has impacted the health of thousands of people and accounted for a significant number of infected people and deaths. The elderly population and those with comorbidities are the groups at greatest risk for severe forms of the condisease. Data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns are still limited. This review aims to analyze the existing literature on obstetric, perinatal and neonatal outcomes of COVID-19. Summary of the data: Regarding the forms of infection, the possibility of vertical transmission is not excluded, although the infection occurs more commonly after childbirth. The most common obstetric outcomes were a higher percentage of cesarean sections and preterm birth. Regarding perinatal outcomes, a higher prevalence of low birth weight and greater ICU admission are suggested. Most newborns with COVID-19 were asymptomatic, with low mortality. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection through breastfeeding appears to be small, and this remains recommended. Conclusions: Despite the many studies available, evidence regarding obstetric and pediatric outcomes of COVID-19 is still scarce. It is suggested that the risk of SARS-COV-2 infection in newborns is small, and postpartum transmission seems to be the most common form of infection in newborns, although vertical transmission cannot be ruled out. COVID-19 infection may be associated with an increased risk of maternal and neonatal morbidities. It is essential that pregnant women and newborns are monitored for early clinical changes in order to avoid complications of the disease.

Beneficios de los antibióticos en la rotura prematura de membranas de pretérmino y factores que intervienen en la eficacia del tratamiento: revisión narrativa / Benefits of antibiotics in preterm premature rupture of membranes and factors involved in the efficacy of the treatment: narrative review

Resumen El parto prematuro es la principal causa de morbilidad y de mortalidad perinatal, y hasta un tercio de los casos presentan rotura prematura de membranas. La infección intrauterina que asciende desde la vagina es su principal causa en un hospital público de Chile. Esta revisión narrativa mediante búsqueda en PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct y Wiley Online Library incluye estudios publicados sobre los diferentes factores infecciosos que intervienen en el resultado adverso perinatal y la eficacia de los antibióticos en la rotura prematura de membranas de pretérmino. Además, contiene recomendaciones de sociedades científicas sobre el uso de antibióticos en estos casos. Los ensayos concluyen que los antimicrobianos prolongan el embarazo, disminuyen la corioamnionitis clínica y reducen variadas morbilidades neonatales, pero no reducen la mortalidad perinatal ni las secuelas tardías en la infancia. Los resultados adversos obstétricos, especialmente los neonatales, y las secuelas dependen de la existencia de invasión microbiana de la cavidad amniótica o de infección cérvico-vaginal, de la virulencia de los microorganismos aislados, del compromiso inflamatorio/infeccioso de la placenta (corioamnionitis histológica, funisitis) y de la respuesta inflamatoria fetal. Para mejorar los resultados adversos obstétricos neonatales en la rotura prematura de membranas de pretérmino, los esquemas de antibióticos deben ser eficaces, cubriendo el amplio espectro microbiológico existente y actuando sobre los factores infecciosos implicados en la gravedad de la infección. Además, deben administrarse de manera intensiva y prolongada hasta el parto.

Abstract Preterm birth is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality, and up to a third of them have premature rupture of membranes. Intrauterine infection that rises from the vagina is its main cause in a public hospital in Chile. This narrative review by searching PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scielo, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library includes published studies of the different infectious factors involved in perinatal adverse outcome and of the efficacy of antibiotics in preterm premature rupture of membranes. It also contains recommendations from scientific societies on the use of antibiotics in these cases. These trials conclude that antimicrobials prolong pregnancy, decrease clinical chorioamnionitis, and reduce various neonatal morbidities, but do not reduce perinatal mortality or infant sequelae. Obstetric and especially neonatal adverse outcomes in these patients depend on the existence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and/or cervicovaginal infection, of the virulence of the isolated microorganisms, of inflammatory/infectious involvement of the placenta (histological chorioamnionitis, funisitis) and fetal inflammatory response. To improve adverse neonatal obstetric outcomes in preterm premature rupture of membranes, antibiotic regimens must be effective, covering the wide existing microbiological spectrum and acting on infectious factors responsible for the severity of the infection. In addition, they must be administered aggressively and for a long time until delivery.

FIGO good practice recommendations on delayed umbilical cord clamping.

Delayed cord clamping in the first minute in preterm infants born before 34 weeks of gestation improves neonatal hematologic measures and may reduce mortality without increasing any other morbidity. In term-born babies, it also seems to improve both the short- and long-term outcomes and shows favorable scores in fine motor and social domains. However, there is insufficient evidence to show what duration of delay is best. The current evidence supports not clamping the cord before 30 seconds for preterm births. Future trials could compare different lengths of delay. Until then, a period of 30 seconds to 3 minutes seems justified for term-born babies.

Is there a role for antenatal corticosteroids in term infants before elective cesarean section?

Abstract Objective Cesarean section (CS) delivery, especially without previous labor, is associated with worse neonatal respiratory outcomes. Some studies comparing neonatal outcomes between term infants exposed and not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) before elective CS revealed that ACS appears to decrease the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnea of the neonate (TTN), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the length of stay in the NICU. Methods The present retrospective cohort study aimed to compare neonatal outcomes in infants born trough term elective CS exposed and not exposed to ACS. Outcomes included neonatal morbidity at birth, neonatal respiratory morbidity, and general neonatal morbidity. Maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric data were analyzed as possible confounders. Results A total of 334 newborns met the inclusion criteria. One third of the population study (n=129; 38.6%) received ACS. The present study found that the likelihood for RDS (odds ratio [OR]=1.250; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.454-3.442), transient TTN (OR=1.,623; 95%CI: 0.556-4.739), and NIUC admission (OR=2.155; 95%CI: 0.474-9.788) was higher in the ACS exposed group, although with no statistical significance. When adjusting for gestational age and arterial hypertension, the likelihood for RDS (OR=0,732; 95%CI: 0.240-2.232), TTN (OR=0.959; 95%CI: 0.297--3.091), and NIUC admission (OR=0,852; 95%CI: 0.161-4.520) become lower in the ACS exposed group. Conclusion Our findings highlight the known association between CS-related respiratory morbidity and gestational age, supporting recent guidelines that advocate postponing elective CSs until 39 weeks of gestational age.

Cáncer de mama y embarazo. Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo en la ciudad de Rosario / Breast cancer and pregnancy in Argentina: A retrospective, descriptive study in the city of Rosario

Introducción: el cáncer de mama (CM) es el cáncer más frecuente diagnosticado durante el embarazo (PABC, del inglés Pregnancy Associatied Breast Cancer), con una incidencia de 1:3.000 embarazos. Objetivo: detallar las características clínicas e histopatológicas del PABC. Comparar estadios clínicos y detallar la sobrevida de las pacientes embarazadas y puérperas. Analizar el tratamiento durante el embarazo, los resultados obstétricos y neonatales. Material y método: estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de PABC, en el período de enero de 2008 a julio de 2019 en los hospitales públicos y privados de la ciudad de Rosario. Resultados: del total 22 pacientes, 11 se encontraban embarazadas y 11 cursando el puerperio. La edad promedio fue de 37.3 años. La edad gestacional (EG) promedio al momento del diagnóstico fue de 16.8 semanas. En cuanto al subtipo histológico; el 72.72% (16 casos) ductal, 9.1% (2 casos) lobulillar, 4.54% (1 caso) medular, 4.54% (1 caso) cribiforme y 9.1% (2 casos) sin datos. El perfil inmuhohistoquímico mostró un 36.4% (8 casos) de triple negativos, 22.73% (5 casos) de Luminales A, 22.73% (5 casos) de Luminales B, 13.64% (3 casos) Her2 positivos y 4.5% (1 caso) sin dato. Los estudios clínicos al comparar las pacientes embarazadas y puérperas fueron similares. Estadios I y II: 7 pacientes en ambos grupos, estadios III: 2 pacientes en ambos grupos y estadios IV: 2 pacientes en ambos grupos. En el seguimiento medio de las pacientes (52.8 meses) se observó el fallecimiento de 5 de ellas (2 con diagnóstico de CM durante el puerperio y 3 durante el embarazo) y una recidiva locoregional de una paciente diagnosticada en el embarzo. Durante el embarazo, 2 pacientes realizaron cirugía conservadora y linfadenectomía seguida de quimioterapia, 1 paciente quimioterapia neoadyuvante seguida de cirugía conservadora y linfadenectomía, 3 pacientes quimioterapia y 1 paciente mastectomía y linfadenectomía. En 2 casos se difirió el tratamiento luego del parto. 2 pacientes realizaron la interrupción del embarazo en el primer trimestre. La quimioterapia fue administrada finalizando el primer trimestre. La radioterapia (RT) y la hormonoterapia se difirieron posparto, ninguna paciente realizó tratamiento anti Her2 durante la gestación. Los recién nacidos (RN) expuestos a quimioterapia intraútero (6 casos) nacieron vigorosos y sanos, ninguno presentó malformaciones. Se presentó un solo caso de bajo peso para la EG. El 44.4% (4 casos) de los embarazos fue finalizado a término, mientras que la finalización pretérmino representó el 55.6% (5 casos), con una EG medio de 34.4 semanas. En el 100% de los RN pretérmino la finalización del embarazo fue programada. Conclusiones: los subtipos más frecuentes fueron los tumores luminales. Se observó mayor frecuencia de tumores biológicamente más agresivos como el triple negativo comparado con la población general. No se encontraron diferencias al comparar los estadios clínicos al momento del diagnóstico de pacientes embarazadas vs puérperas. La quimioterapia administrada luego del primer trimestre es segura para el feto. Se debe evitar el parto prematuro, dado el pronóstico negativo de la prematuridad en el desarrollo cognitivo de los RN.

Introduction: breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosed during pregnancy with an incidence of 1:3.000 pregnancies. Objetive: to detail the clinical and histopathological charactersitics of Pregnancy-associatied Breast Cancer (PABC). To compare clinical stages and to detail the survival of pregnant and postpartum patients. To analyze the treatment during pregnancy, and the obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Material and method: a retrospective, descriptive, and observational study of PABC was carried otu from january 2008 to july 2019 in the state and private hospitals of the city of Rosario. Results: of a total of 22 patients, 11 were pregnant and 11 were in the postpartum period. The patient´s average age was 37.3 years old. The average gestational age (GA) at the time of diagnosis was 16.8 weeks. As for the hitological subtype; 72.72% (16 cases) ductal, 9.1% (2 cases) lobular, 4.54% (1 case) cribriform and 9.1% (2 cases) without data. The immunohistochemical profile showed 36.4% triple negative, 22.73% of Luminal A, 22.73% of Luminal B, 13.64% HER2 positive, and 4.5% without data. The clinical stages when comparing pregnant and postpartum patients were similar. Stages I and II: 7 patients in both groups, stage III: 2 patients in both groups and stage IV: 2 patients in both groups. In the mean follow-up of the patients (52.8 moths), the death of 5 of them was detected (2 with a dignosis of BC during the puerperium and 3 during pregnancy) and a locoreginal recurrence of a patient diagnosed in pregnancy. During pregnancy, 2 patients underwent conservative surgery and lymphadenectomy followed by chemotherapy, 1 patient neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by conservative surgery and lymphadenectomy, 3 patients chemotherapy and 1 patient underwent mastectomy and lymphadenectomy. In 2 cases, treatment was postponed after delivery. 2 patients performed the termination of pregnancy in the firts trimester. Chemotherapy was performed after the firts trimester. Radiotherapy (RT) and hormone therapy were postpartum deferred. None of the patients underwent anti-Her2 treatment during pregnancy. Newborns exposed to intrauterine chemotherapy (6 cases) were born vigorous and healthy, none of them presented malformations. Only one case presented low weight for gestational age. 44.4% of the pregnancies were due on term, while 55.6% were preterm births, with and average gestational age of 34.4% weeks. In 100% of preterm born infants, the end of the pregnancy was scheduled. Conclusions: the most frequent subtype were lumianl tumors. A preponderance of biologically more aggresive tumors such as triple negative was observed. The clinical stages at the time of diagnosis of pregnant and postpartum patients were similar. Chemotherapy after the first trimester is safe for the fetus. If possible, preterm bith should be avoided, giver the negative pronostic effect of prematurity on cognitive development.

Chikungunya infection in pregnancy - reassuring maternal and perinatal outcomes: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, disease severity, and mother-to-child transmission of pregnant women with Chikungunya infection (CHIKV). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Grenada. POPULATION: Women who gave birth during a Chikungunya outbreak between January 2014 and September 2015 were eligible. METHODS: This descriptive study investigated 731 mother-infant pairs who gave birth during a CHIKV outbreak. Women and infants underwent serological testing for CHIKV by ELISA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes: composite pregnancy complication (abruption, vaginal bleeding, preterm labour/cervical incompetence, cesarean delivery for fetal distress/abruption/placental abnormality or delivery for fetal distress) and composite neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: Of 416 mother-infant pairs, 150 (36%) had CHIKV during pregnancy, 135 (33%) had never had CHIKV, and 131 (31%) had CHIKV outside of pregnancy. Mean duration of joint pain was shorter among women infected during pregnancy (µ = 898 days, σ = 277 days) compared with infections outside of pregnancy (µ = 1064 days, σ = 244 days) (P < 0.0001). Rates of pregnancy complications (RR = 0.76, P = 0.599), intrapartum complications (RR = 1.50, P = 0.633), and neonatal outcomes were otherwise similar. Possible mother-to-child transmission occurred in two (1.3%) mother-infant pairs and two of eight intrapartum infections (25%). CONCLUSION: CHIKV infection during pregnancy may be protective against long-term joint pain sequelae that are often associated with acute CHIKV infection. Infection during pregnancy did not appear to pose a risk for pregnancy complications or neonatal health, but maternal infection just prior to delivery might have increased risk of mother-to-child transmission of CHIKV. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Chikungunya infection did not increase risk of pregnancy complications or adverse neonatal outcomes, unless infection was just prior to delivery.