Adverse Perinatal Outcomes In Women Research Articles

Prognostic factors for the development of obstetric and perinatal pathology in pregnant women under conditions of iodine deficiency

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency is the main cause of mental retardation in children, and at the same time, it significantly affects the pathological course of pregnancy and childbirth. The problem is complicated by the fact that more than 100.000 children with cretinism are born annually in the world. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in endemic thyroid diseases in Ukraine, the main cause of which is insufficient iodine consumption. Iodine deficiency conditions are aggravated by socio‑economic, ecological and radiological factors, while at the same time mass and group iodine prophylaxis is carried out improperly on the state level. Objective. To determine prognostic factors for the development of obstetric and perinatal pathology in pregnant women under conditions of iodine deficiency. Materials and methods. To compile a diagnostic table of prognostic factors of the threat of miscarriage, the analysis has been performed of 185 cases of threatened abortion (111 in the first trimester, 56 in the second, 18 in the third) and 223 control observations (without the threat of miscarriage). A diagnosis was considered as confirmed if it was established using all applicable methods of examination of pregnant women. Results. The risk factors of the occurrence of perinatal pathology include hypothyroxinemia (DC=–2.5) and ioduria in pregnant women less than 100 mg/l (DC=–1.9). In the intranatal period, a negative impact is exerted by the lack of coordination and weakness of labor activity (DC=–8.1). Levels of thyroid‑stimulating hormone (TSH) in umbilical cord blood >10 mIU/ml (DC=–4.6) are the prognostically favorable factors for the postnatal adaptation of the newborn, especially TSH levels >20 mIU/ml (DC=–8.3). Conduction of iodine prophylaxis (DC=7.7) and ioduria in pregnant women 200—400 mg/l (DC=5.1) contribute to the improvement of perinatal outcomes. Conclusions. A retrospective review of the prognostic significance of the diagnostic table in 188 patients with diffuse nontoxic goiter revealed its sensitivity (76%) and specificity (68%). On the basis of the conducted research, we established risk factors for the development of obstetric and perinatal complications, and assessed their informativeness. The developed algorithm is represented by a diagnostic table for the prediction of complications of pregnancy, childbirth and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with endemic thyropathies.

Complicated pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Complicated pregnancy and perinatal outcomes in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Utility of the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes in pregestational diabetes: A prospective cohort study.

To examine the cerebro-placental-uterine ratio (CPUR) in pregnant women with pregestational diabetes and determine its role in predicting adverse prenatal outcomes. This prospective, cohort study conducted at a tertiary hospital included 65 patients with pregestational diabetes (25 with type1 diabetes, 40 with type2 diabetes) and 130 low-risk patients in the control group. The cerebroplacental (CPR) ratio and the CPUR were calculated. Composite adverse perinatal outcome (CAPO) is defined as the presence of any of the following: (1) Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, (2) Apgar at 5 min <7, and (3) umbilical cord arterial pH <7.10. The relationship of CPR and CPUR with CAPO was investigated. CPR and CPUR were significantly lower in the pregestational diabetes group than in the control group. The NICU admission was higher in the case group. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the optimal cut-off value of CPUR was 1.46 (AUC = 0.72, p = 0.003, 80% sensitivity, and 69% specificity) to predict CAPO and the optimal cut-off value of CPUR was 1.50 for NICU admission (AUC = 0.70, p = 0.013, 77% sensitivity, and 66% specificity). Low CPUR values were found to be associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in women with pregestational diabetes. With the increasing number of studies, CPUR is expected to be utilized more widely in routine obstetric practice.

Gestational diabetes mellitus aggravates adverse perinatal outcomes in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on perinatal outcomes and establish a prediction model of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with ICP.MethodsThis multicenter retrospective cohort study included the clinical data of 2,178 pregnant women with ICP, including 1,788 women with ICP and 390 co-occurrence ICP and GDM. The data of all subjects were collected from hospital electronic medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare the incidence of perinatal outcomes between ICP with GDM group and ICP alone group.ResultsBaseline characteristics of the population revealed that maternal age (p < 0.001), pregestational weight (p = 0.01), pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.001), gestational weight gain (p < 0.001), assisted reproductive technology (ART) (p < 0.001), and total bile acid concentration (p = 0.024) may be risk factors for ICP with GDM. Furthermore, ICP with GDM demonstrated a higher association with both polyhydramnios (OR 2.66) and preterm labor (OR 1.67) compared to ICP alone. Further subgroup analysis based on the severity of ICP showed that elevated total bile acid concentrations were closely associated with an increased risk of preterm labour, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and low birth weight in both ICP alone and ICP with GDM groups. ICP with GDM further worsened these outcomes, especially in women with severe ICP. The nomogram prediction model effectively predicted the occurrence of preterm labour in the ICP population.ConclusionsICP with GDM may result in more adverse pregnancy outcomes, which are associated with bile acid concentrations.

Predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in women at 40 weeks or more of pregnancy

Introduction and aim. To evaluate the clinical features of women at ≥40 weeks of pregnancy and the utility of obstetric Doppler indices in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in these pregnancies. Material and methods. This prospective study was conducted at a single academic medical center between 2020 and 2022. Women aged 18 years and older with no risk factors who were at ≥40 weeks of pregnancy and delivered their babies in our hospital were included in the study. The fetal biometry, placental maturity grading, and doppler velocytometry indices of the pregnant women were evaluated. The cases were divided into two groups according to the development of adverse perinatal outcomes. The relationship between clinical features and adverse perinatal outcomes was evaluated. Results. Adverse perinatal outcomes developed in 19.6% (42) of the 214 cases. The multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting perinatal outcomes. Accordingly, a maternal age of ≥35 years (odds ratio [OR]: 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–3.96, p=0.038), nulliparity (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13–4.63, p=0.040), and grade 3 placental calcification (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.11–4.53, p=0.029) were independent predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusion. Care should be taken in terms of adverse perinatal outcomes in the presence of nulliparity, a maternal age of ≥35 years, and grade 3 placental calcification in ≥40 week pregnancies.

Impact of Antenatal Care Modifications on Gestational Diabetes Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundMany of the adverse outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are linked to excessive fetal growth, which is strongly mediated by the adequacy of maternal glycemic management. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid adoption of virtual care models. We aimed to compare glycemic management, fetal growth, and perinatal outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2017 and 2020. Singleton pregnancies complicated by GDM were included in the study. The cohort was stratified into “before” and “during” COVID-19 subgroups, using March 11, 2020, as the demarcation time point. Women who began their GDM follow-up starting March 11, 2020, and thereafter were allocated to the COVID-19 era, whereas women who delivered before the demarcation point served as the pre–COVID-19 era. The primary outcome was the rate of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates. Secondary outcomes included select maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. ResultsSeven hundred seventy-five women were included in the analysis, of which 187 (24.13%) were followed during the COVID-19 era and 588 (75.87%) before the COVID-19 era. One hundred seventy-one of the 187 women (91.44%) followed during COVID-19 had at least 1 virtual follow-up visit. No virtual follow-up visits occurred before the COVID-19 era. There was no difference in the rate of LGA neonates between groups on both univariate (5.90% vs 7.30%, p=0.5) and multivariate analyses, controlling for age, ethnicity, parity, body mass index, gestational weight gain, chronic hypertension, smoking, and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49 to 2.51, p=0.80). In the multivariate analysis, there was no difference in composite neonatal outcome between groups (GDM diet: aOR 1.40, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.43, p=0.23; GDM medical treatment: aOR 1.20, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.43, p=0.5). ConclusionsAfter adjusting for differences in baseline variables, the combined virtual mode of care was not associated with a higher rate of LGA neonates or other adverse perinatal outcomes in women with GDM. Larger studies are needed to better understand the specific impact of virtual care on less common outcomes in pregnancies with GDM.

Predelivery HbA1c levels and their relationship with adverse perinatal outcomes in women with normal 75-g OGTT.

To analyze the elevation of HbA1c before full-term delivery in single pregnancy with normal 75g- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes. From January to December 2022, an observational prospective study was conducted in a Single centre in China. 365 single pregnant women with normal OGTT were included in the study. HbA1c was measured during OGTT and before full-term delivery, and perinatal outcomes were collected. Participants' pre-delivery HBA1c values were analyzed and perinatal outcomes were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used for independent risk factors associated with elevated pre-delivery HbA1c ≥ 6.0%. The predictive value and truncation value were analyzed by ROC curve. 15.89% (58/365) of the Participants had a pre-delivery HBA1C value ≥ 6.0%. The incidence of neonatal asphyxia (13.79%, vs. 3.45%, vs. 2.26%, P = 0.007) and amniotic fluid fecal staining (29.31%, vs. 12.64%, vs. 12.03%, P = 0.004) were significantly increased in this group. The independent risk factor associated with pre-delivery HBA1c ≥ 6.0% was the fasting blood glucose(FBG) value of OGTT (OR = 51.308, 95% CI 12.93-203.67, P < 0.01) and the HBA1c value measured during OGTT (OR = 3.608, 95% CI 1.432-9.151, P = 0.007). When FBG was < 4.18mmol/L and HBA1c was < 5.51%, The accuracy of predicting the pre-delivery HBA1c < 6.0% was 98.2%. 15.89% of the single pregnancy with normal OGTT had HbA1c ≥ 6.0% before full-term delivery, and they had an increased incidence of neonatal asphyxia and amniotic fluid fecal staining. When the FBG ≥ 4.18mmol/l or the HBA1c ≥ 5.51% during the OGTT screening, repeated OGTT were recommended in late pregnancy.

Adverse perinatal outcomes complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus in preterm mothers and preterm infants.

The incidence rate of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnancy is currently on the increase. GDM is associated with short and long-term adverse outcomes for mothers, fetuses and newborns. The aim of the present study was to compare the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with and without GDM, in addition to comparing the morbidity and mortality rates of preterm infants born to women with and without GDM. A retrospective analysis of 640 preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao, China) between January 2019 and December 2020 was undertaken in the present study. According to mothers with or without GDM, the preterm infants were divided into the GDM group (n=217) and non-GDM group (n=423). Women with GDM were older (P<0.01) and more of advanced maternal age (≥35 years) or multipara (P<0.001), tended to have an increased risk of gestational hypertension (P<0.05), placenta previa (P<0.005) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (P<0.05). In infants born preterm, those born from mothers with GDM were associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (P<0.001) and sepsis (P<0.05). In addition, very low birth weight infants born to mothers with GDM were found to have an increased risk of hypoglycemia (P<0.05) and sepsis (P<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, RDS was the only condition independently associated with GDM [adjusted odds ratio: 1.699 (95% confidence interval: 1.699-1.699)]. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of mortality among the two groups. In conclusion, data from the present study suggested that GDM is associated with a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women and a higher risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in infants born preterm.

Effect of progesterone on preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in women in the risk group: A prospective clinical trial

Background and Objective: Preterm labor is a significant reason for perinatal mortality and morbidity. This study was conducted to determine the effect of two regimens of progesterone to avoid preterm labor and the adverse perinatal outcomes in the two groups. Methods: A prospective clinical trial was performed in Maternity Teaching Hospital and Hawler Private Hospital in Erbil city, Kurdistan region, Iraq over a one-year period from 1 May 2019 until 1 May 2020. The study sample was 200 pregnant women with a short cervix and a risk of preterm birth; the sample was divided into two groups. Group I of 100 pregnant women received 400 mg progesterone vaginally once daily, and group II of 100 pregnant women received it twice daily, started from 16 weeks of gestation up to the time of delivery in both groups. Results: The rate of term pregnancy (? 37 weeks) was 87% among women in group II and 55% in women in group I. Accordingly, the rate of neonatal intensive care admission was significantly higher in group I than in group II (30% and 11%, respectively). The rate of respiratory distress syndrome was also significantly higher in group I (31%) than in group II (7%). Conclusion: The administration of progesterone 400 mg vaginally twice a day appears to be more effective than progesterone 400 mg vaginally once a day in preventing preterm birth and reducing the risk of adverse neonatal complications.

Association between second- and third-trimester maternal lipid profiles and adverse perinatal outcomes among women with GDM and non-GDM: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLipid metabolism disorder during pregnancy has been reported in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, controversy remains regarding the relationship between maternal changes in lipid profiles and perinatal outcomes. This study investigated the association between maternal lipid levels and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with GDM and non-GDM.MethodsIn total, 1632 pregnant women with GDM and 9067 women with non-GDM who delivered between 2011–2021 were enrolled in this study. Serum samples were assayed for fasting total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated via multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the association of lipid levels with perinatal outcomes.ResultsThe serum TC, TG, LDL, and HDL levels in the third trimester were significantly higher than those in the second trimester (p < 0.001). Women with GDM had significantly higher levels of TC and TG in the second and third trimesters than those with non-GDM in the same trimesters, while HDL levels decreased in women with GDM (all p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression, every mmol/L elevation in TG levels of women with GDM in second and third trimesters was associated with a higher risk of caesarean section (AOR = 1.241, 95% CI: 1.103–1.396, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.556–1.921, p < 0.001), large for gestational age infants (LGA) (AOR = 1.419, 95% CI: 1.173–2.453, p = 0.001; AOR = 2.011, 95% CI: 1.673–2.735, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.220, 95% CI: 1.133–1.643, p = 0.005; AOR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.322–2.519, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD; AOR = 1.781, 95% CI: 1.267–2.143, p < 0.001; AOR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.811–2.432, p < 0.001) cesarean delivery (AOR = 1.423, 95% CI: 1.215–1.679, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.834, 95% CI: 1.453–2.019, p < 0.001), LGA (AOR = 1.593, 95% CI: 1.235–2.518, p = 0.004; AOR = 2.326, 95% CI: 1.728–2.914, p < 0.001), macrosomia (AOR = 1.346, 95% CI: 1.209–1.735, p = 0.006; AOR = 2.032, 95% CI: 1.503–2.627, p < 0.001), and neonatal unit admission (NUD) (AOR = 1.936, 95% CI: 1.453–2.546, p < 0.001; AOR = 1.993, 95% CI: 1.724–2.517, p < 0.001), which were higher than the relative risk of these perinatal outcomes in women with non-GDM. Additionally, every mmol/L increase in second and third-trimester HDL levels of women with GDM was associated with decreased risk of LGA(AOR = 0.421, 95% CI: 0.353–0.712, p = 0.007; AOR = 0.525, 95% CI: 0.319–0.832, p = 0.017) and NUD (AOR = 0.532, 95% CI: 0.327–0.773, p = 0.011; AOR = 0.319, 95% CI: 0.193–0.508, p < 0.001), and the risk reduction was not strong than that of women with GDM.ConclusionsAmong women with GDM, high maternal TG in the second and third trimesters was independently associated with an increased risk of cesarean section, LGA, macrosomia, and NUD. High maternal HDL during the second and third trimesters was significantly associated with decreased risk of LGA and NUD. These associations were stronger than those in women with non-GDM, suggesting the importance of monitoring second and third-trimester lipid profiles in improving clinical outcomes, especially in GDM pregnancies.

Risk of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Hispanic Women With Pregestational Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus [ID: 1379155

INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. We aimed to compare the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with pregestational T1DM to those of background population. METHODS: In this historical cohort study, we included Mexican pregnant women who attended from 2016 to 2021 a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico City. Group 1: Pregnant women with T1DM; group 2: pregnant women without diabetes, matched 1:2 by maternal age, pregestational body mass index (BMI), gestational age at admission and parity with women of group 1. Relative risk (RR) with a 95% CI was calculated using logistic regression. We had IRB approval. RESULTS: Group 1, n=203; group 2, n=406; there were no differences in maternal age, pregestational BMI, gestational age, and parity. The mean glycated hemoglobin A1C and gestational age at admission to prenatal care in T1DM women were 8.0±2.0 and 19.1±6.6, respectively. The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes was increased in women with T1DM and were expressed as RR (95% IC); preterm birth, 4.03 (3.0–5.3); preeclampsia, 5.2 (3.3–8.3); cesarean birth, 1.5 (1.3–1.7); miscarriage, 34 (4.5–253); congenital malformations, 8.5 (3.8–19.1); neonatal hypoglycemia, 15 (3.4–64); hyperbilirubinemia, 2.8 (1.6–4.9); respiratory distress syndrome, 8.6 (3.6–20); and large for gestational age, 6.8 (3.7–12.4). CONCLUSION: The risk of adverse perinatal outcomes was increased in Hispanic women with T1DM compared with general population. These adverse outcomes show the critical importance to prioritize education to patients and resources for glucose control to improve outcomes before and during pregnancy.

Outcomes of Diabetic Intervention With One Abnormal Value on the 3-Hour 100-Gram Glucose Tolerance Test [ID: 1381570

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies identified an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in women who have one abnormal value on the 3-hour 100-g glucose tolerance test (GTT) compared to women without gestational diabetes (GDM). Limited data are available on the benefit of diabetic intervention with these patients. We examined outcomes of pregnancies diagnosed and managed with GDM based on one abnormal value compared to those receiving routine care. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all women with one abnormal value, comparing outcomes for those patients who received routine prenatal care (January 2016 to February 2018) versus those treated for gestational diabetes (March 2018 to July 2021). The primary outcome was birth weight greater than 4,000 g. Secondary outcomes included large for gestational age and cesarean delivery secondary to labor dystocia. Nonparametric tests were used to compare outcomes between groups. Study was IRB exempt. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six women had one abnormal value on the 3-hour GTT. 76 (55.88%) were diagnosed with GDM and managed accordingly, while 50 (36.76%) were followed with routine care. Of the women diagnosed with GDM, 27 (35.52%) required pharmacologic treatment. Diagnosis of GDM and intervention were associated with a significant reduction in birth weight greater than 4,000 g (5.26% versus 20%, odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.07–0.75). There were no significant differences for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pregnancies with one abnormal value on 3-hour GTT who received diabetic intervention were less likely to have birth weights greater than 4,000 g. Although further studies with larger cohorts are needed, this supports the use of one abnormal value for the diagnosis of GDM.

Placental growth fActor Repeat sampling for Reduction of adverse perinatal Outcomes in women with suspecTed pre-eclampsia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (PARROT-2)

BackgroundPre-eclampsia is a complex pregnancy disorder, characterised by new or worsening hypertension associated with multi-organ dysfunction. Adverse outcomes include eclampsia, liver rupture, stroke, pulmonary oedema, and acute kidney injury in the mother, and stillbirth, foetal growth restriction, and iatrogenic preterm delivery for the foetus. Angiogenic biomarkers, including placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), have been identified as valuable biomarkers for preterm pre-eclampsia, accelerating diagnosis and reducing maternal adverse outcomes by risk stratification, with enhanced surveillance for high-risk women. PlGF-based testing for suspected preterm pre-eclampsia has been incorporated into national guidance. The role of repeat PlGF-based testing and its effect on maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes have yet to be evaluated.MethodsThe PARROT-2 trial is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of repeat revealed PlGF-based testing compared to repeat concealed testing, in women presenting with suspected pre-eclampsia between 22+0 and 35+6 weeks’ gestation. The primary objective is to establish whether repeat PlGF-based testing decreases a composite of perinatal severe adverse outcomes (stillbirth, early neonatal death, or neonatal unit admission). All women prior to enrolment in the trial will have an initial revealed PlGF-based test. Repeat PlGF-based tests will be performed weekly or two-weekly, depending on the initial PlGF-based test result, with results randomised to revealed or concealed.DiscussionNational guidance recommends that all women presenting with suspected preterm pre-eclampsia should have a single PlGF-based test when disease is first suspected, to help rule out pre-eclampsia. Clinical and cost-effectiveness of repeat PlGF-based testing has yet to be investigated. This trial aims to address whether repeat PlGF-based testing reduces severe maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes and whether repeat testing is cost-effective.Trial registrationISRCTN 85912420. Registered on 25 November 2019

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Green-top Guideline No. 43 June 2022.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: Green-top Guideline No. 43 June 2022.

Cerebroplacental Ratio Versus Nonstress Test in Predicting Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: In developing countries, nonstress test (NST) is the most widely used method for antenatal fetal surveillance.Lately, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) has emerged as a predictor for adverse perinatal outcomes, especially in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP). Against this background, the present study was conducted with the primary objective of quantifying the diagnostic accuracy of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) versus nonstress test (NST) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in women with HDP.Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in a tertiary care institute in eastern India. All consecutive women with hypertension in pregnancy at a gestational age of ≥32 weeks were recruited into the study. Both CPR and NST were performed at baseline and repeated weekly till delivery. The parameters obtained within one week of delivery were entered for analysis.Results: Sixty-two of the 65 women completed the study. There were 22 women (35.5%) in group A (both CPR and NST normal), 17 (27.4%) in group B (CPR abnormal, NST normal), 14 (22.6%) in group C (CPR normal and NST abnormal), and nine (14.5%) in group D (both CPR and NST abnormal). CPR had greater sensitivity (93.33% versus 46.67%), with higher positive predictive value (53.85% versus 30.43%), specificity (74.47% versus 65.91%), and negative predictive value (97.22% versus 79.49%) than NST for predicting neonatal intensive care unit admission. CPR also had higher sensitivity (84.62% versus 61.54%) and specificity (91.34% versus 69.39%) than NST in predicting neonatal complications. The negative predictive value (NPV) of CPR was 100% for predicting requirement of bag and mask ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure.Conclusion: CPR had greater diagnostic accuracy in terms of both higher sensitivity and greater specificity than NST in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Increased Rates of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Women With Gestational Diabetes and Depression

(Abstracted from J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021;34:3862–3866) Approximately 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite interventions such as nutrition education, exercise, and pharmacotherapy, women with GDM continue to have higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than those without GDM.

Performance of sFlt-1/PIGF Ratio for the Prediction of Perinatal Outcome in Obese Pre-Eclamptic Women.

Obese women are at high risk of developing pre-eclampsia (PE). As an altered angiogenic profile is characteristic for PE, measurement of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PIGF) ratio in the maternal serum can be helpful for PE diagnosis, as well as for adverse perinatal outcome (APO) prediction. There is growing evidence that obesity might influence the level of sFlt-1/PIGF and, therefore, the aim of the study was the evaluation of sFlt-1/PIGF as an APO predictor in obese women with PE. Pre-eclamptic women who had an sFlt-1/PIGF measurement at the time of diagnosis were retrospectively included. Women were classified according to their pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) as normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (BMI > 25–29.9 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). APO was defined as the occurrence of one of the following outcomes: Small for gestational age, defined as a birthweight < 3rd centile, neonatal mortality, neonatal seizures, admission to neonatal unit required (NICU) or respiratory support. A total of 141 women were included. Of them, 28 (20%) patients were obese. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis revealed a high predictive value for sFlt-1/PIGF and APO across the whole study cohort (AUC = 0.880, 95% CI: 0.826–0.936; p < 0.001). However, the subgroup of obese women showed a significantly lower level of sFlt-1 and, therefore, the performance of sFlt-1/PIGF as APO predictor was poorer compared to normal or overweight PE women (AUC = 0.754, 95% CI: 0.552–0.956, p = 0.025). In contrast to normal or overweight women, a ratio of sFlt-1/PIGF < 38 could not rule out APO in women with obesity.

Cerclage versus vaginal progesterone in low-risk pregnant women with a short cervix

Objective To compare vaginal progesterone to cerclage in preventing preterm birth and adverse perinatal outcomes in women with a singleton gestation, incidentally found sonographic cervical length of <15 mm, and no history of preterm birth. Study design A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 68 women who delivered at the University of Kansas Health System with a singleton gestation found to have a cervical length <15 mm on transvaginal ultrasound and no history of preterm birth. Women treated with vaginal progesterone (n = 29) were compared to women who underwent cerclage placement (n = 39). The primary outcome was preterm birth at <34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes include preterm birth at <37 and <28 weeks of gestation and neonatal morbidities. Results Of the 268 patients who had a cervical length of <15 mm on transvaginal ultrasound, 68 participants met inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Twenty-nine participants received vaginal progesterone and 39 participants received cervical cerclage. The average cervical length at initiation of therapy was greater in the progesterone cohort versus cerclage cohort, respectively (10.5 vs. 8.0 mm, p < .01). All other baseline characteristics were similar between groups, including no difference in average gestational age at initiation of therapy (21.6 vs. 21.5 weeks, p = .87). Average latency after therapy did not differ between groups (100 vs. 92.7 days p = .43). The incidence of preterm birth at <37 weeks (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.57–3.93), <34 weeks (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.52–4.18), and <28 weeks (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 0.45–8.07), did not differ significantly between groups. Additionally, no difference in neonatal morbidity was detected. Conclusion At our institution, we found no difference between vaginal progesterone and cerclage in the average latency period or risk of preterm birth among women with an incidental short cervix of <15 mm and no history of preterm birth, despite the significantly shorter initial cervical length in the cerclage group. These findings suggest either vaginal progesterone or cerclage could be used to reduce the risk of preterm birth among this high-risk population.

Predictive value of doppler cerebroplacental ratio for adverse perinatal outcomes in postdate pregnancies in Northwestern Nigeria.

Postdate pregnancy is a very common obstetric condition, increasing the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality from uteroplacental insufficiency. To determine the predictive values of Doppler cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), that is, the ratio between middle cerebral artery (MCA) and UA pulsatility indices (UA PI), and other potential velocimetric predictors of adverse perinatal outcomes in women with postdated pregnancies. A prospective cohort study was conducted on consenting 212 low-risk pregnant women beyond 40 weeks' gestational age. The pulsatility indices of MCA, UA, and CPR as well as non-stress tests (NST) and amniotic fluid index (AFI) were measured and recorded. The women were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of adverse perinatal outcome defined as: meconium stained liquor, meconium aspiration syndrome, perinatal asphyxia, cesarean section for suspected fetal distress, and perinatal death. : Of the 200 women whose data were available for analysis, 40 (20%) of them had adverse perinatal outcome and 160 (80%) had normal perinatal outcome. The CPR showed statistically significant difference in predicting adverse perinatal outcome (P < 0.001). CPR had a better predictive value than UA-PI and outperformed MCA-PI and NST for adverse perinatal outcomes. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of prediction of adverse perinatal outcomes by CPR were 90%, 81.25%, 97.01%, and 83%, respectively. The Doppler CPR shows the highest diagnostic accuracy in prediction of adverse perinatal outcome in pregnant women after 40 weeks' gestation than UA PI and velocimetric indices when used as stand-alone test.

Frequency of Adverse Perinatal Outcome in Women Undergoing Emergency Lower Segment Cesarean Section at Term Due To Non–Reassuring CTG at Tertiary Care Hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency of adverse perinatal outcome in women undergoing emergency lower segment cesarean section at term due to non–reassuring CTG at Tertiary Care Hospital. Study Design: Descriptive case series-longitudinal. Study Setting: Study was conducted at Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aga Khan University Hospital. Duration of Study: Six months from 1st July, 2018 till 31st December 2018. Subjects and Methods: Data was prospectively collected from patients after taking a consent. A total of 211 patients were included. Demographic data was presented as simple descriptive statistics giving mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentages. Post stratification chi square test was applied taking p-value of ≤ 0.05 as significant. Results: Mean age in group A and B was 33.56±3.91 and 34.71±4.01 years respectively. Adverse fetal outcome showed that birth weight &lt; 2500 gm (20.4% vs 12.3%), APGAR score &lt; 7 (16.6% vs 12.3%), Umblical cord ph &lt; 7.1 (14.2% vs 9%), NICU admission (11.8% vs 8.5%) and still birth patients (4.3% vs 1.9%) who were in decision to delivery group of &lt; 30 minutes and &gt; 30 minutes respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that there are still avoidable delays in emergency caesarean section. Improving health care delivery so as to eliminate the identified causes would go a long way in reducing these delays. But given the results of this study, adverse fetal outcomes appears to be less in DDI &gt; 30 minutes group when compared with DDI &lt; 30 minutes group. Keywords: Elective lower segment cesarean section, decision to delivery time, birth weight, APGAR score, NICU admission, umbilical ph and still birth.