Contraindication For Pregnancy Research Articles

OA07 Upadacitinib exposure during pregnancy in seronegative Rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract Introduction Targeted therapies have become increasingly prevalent in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors) gaining traction in clinical practice. Upadacitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, is widely used for its efficacy in controlling RA. However, preclinical studies have demonstrated teratogenic effects associated with JAK inhibitors, raising concerns about their safety during pregnancy. Given the limited data on human exposure, current guidelines recommend the immediate discontinuation of JAK inhibitors upon pregnancy detection. This case report details an instance of Upadacitinib exposure during pregnancy. Case description A 36-year-old woman was diagnosed with seronegative RA in January 2020. Her medical history is otherwise unremarkable. She has two children, aged four and two, both of whom were born after uneventful pregnancies. She has no history of spontaneous abortions. At the time of her RA diagnosis, the patient was considering pregnancy and was initially started on sulfasalazine. However, due to the development of a rash, her treatment was switched to certolizumab injections. Despite this treatment, she exhibited only a partial response with ongoing disease activity, leading to a change to etanercept in August 2021. When etanercept proved ineffective, adalimumab was considered in January 2022. Unfortunately, her response to adalimumab was limited. Consequently, she was started on Upadacitinib in July 2022. The patient responded well to Upadacitinib, achieving remission with normal inflammatory markers. In April 2024, the patient reported being six weeks pregnant while on Upadacitinib. Upon confirmation of her pregnancy, Upadacitinib was discontinued at approximately four weeks of gestational age. The parents were informed about the potential risks of teratogenicity. After a detailed discussion with the high-risk pregnancy team, who provided reassurance, the patient decided to continue the pregnancy. She was subsequently started on certolizumab. Unfortunately, the patient experienced a miscarriage at 11 weeks of gestation. Discussion Currently, there are no published human studies available in the literature regarding the effects of upadacitinib during pregnancy. It is crucial to encourage adequate contraception for women of childbearing potential and to verify a negative pregnancy status before initiating therapy. Women with reproductive potential should be advised to use effective contraception during upadacitinib therapy and for at least four weeks after discontinuation. If a patient becomes pregnant while on the drug, they should be informed of the potential risks to the foetus. According to the 2019 product information on upadacitinib, animal studies have shown that the drug, when administered at exposures equal to or greater than approximately 1.6 to 15 times the maximum recommended human dose, resulted in dose-related increases in skeletal and cardiovascular malformations, increased post-implantation loss, and decreased foetal body weights. There are no controlled data on upadacitinib use during human pregnancy, and it is unknown whether the drug can cause foetal harm or adversely affect reproductive capacity in humans. Data about pregnancy while on upadacitinib is limited. There are some unpublished data from the clinical trials and it was noted most of the patients had live births without congenital anomaly. Spontaneous abortions, elective terminations and ectopic pregnancies were among the other outcomes noted. Key learning points • Due to issues such as primary or secondary treatment failures, hypersensitivity reactions, and adverse events, patients often require sequential trials of different agents in management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors) have shown remarkable efficacy in managing RA over the last decade. Despite their widespread use, there is limited literature on the safety of upadacitinib exposure during pregnancy in humans. Most of the available data come from unexpected pregnancies documented during clinical trials. • Animal studies indicate that upadacitinib can be harmful to a developing foetus. Furthermore, data suggest that women with RA who experience increased disease activity are at a heightened risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and infants who are small for gestational age. • It is crucial to emphasize pregnancy contraindications during follow-up appointments for patients on these medications. Access to a medical obstetrician team is invaluable in managing such cases. • While some case reports have documented positive pregnancy outcomes with other JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib and baricitinib, there remains a significant gap in knowledge regarding upadacitinib. This case report adds to the limited data on the potential risks associated with upadacitinib exposure during pregnancy. Comprehensive and targeted studies are necessary to better understand the safety of this class of drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Characteristics and maternal-fetal outcomes of pregnant women with critical congenital heart disease from a single center in China

Objective: To summarize the characteristics of pregnant women with critical congenital heart disease, and to explore continuous, integrated, multidisciplinary management for this segment of population. Methods: The clinical records of pregnant women with severe congenital heart disease with a history of intensive care who were treated in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: (1) A total of 132 cases were included, including 128 pregnant women [gestational age (28.0±8.8) weeks] and 4 puerpera cases (6-32 days postpartum), 63.6% (84/132) from economic underdeveloped rural areas, and 78.0% (103/132) by the municipal hospital, irregular prenatal examination accounted for 59.1% (78/132). The main type of congenital heart disease was shunt lesion (55.3%, 73/132). 90.9% (120/132) with mWHO risk classification stage Ⅳ were assigned to it. The main cardiovascular complication was pulmonary hypertension (64.4%, 85/132). 46.2% (61/132) of the patients had been diagnosed with congenital heart disease before pregnancy, and 70.5% (93/132) of the patients had not received any treatment before pregnancy. (2) All patients received obstetric-led, multidisciplinary care. The rescue success rate was 96.2% (127/132), and no serious obstetric complications occurred. The mortality within 24 hours after discharge was 3.8% (5/132). 16.7% (22/132) underwent cardiac surgery during pregnancy, of which 77.3% (17/22) continued their pregnancy beyond 34 weeks. Totally, the delivery week was (30.5±8.6) weeks, and the main mode was cesarean section (71.2%, 94/132). The average weight of 99 live births (including 1 twin pregnancy) was (2 167±698) g. Preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and congenital malformations were the main fetal comorbidities. Conclusions: Pregnant women with severe congenital heart disease mainly come from areas with underdeveloped economic and medical levels. Later disease intervention, pregnancy retention despite of clear pregnancy contraindications are the distinctive features, which leaded to a significant increase of incidence of maternal and fetal complications, and an increase of the consumption of medical resources. Multidisciplinary active treatment and cardiac surgery during pregnancy could relatively improve maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes.

Maternal cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancy in individuals with Turner syndrome: a committee opinion

In individuals with Turner syndrome, the risk of death from aortic dissection or rupture during pregnancy may be as high as 1%, and it is unclear whether this risk persists during the postpartum period owing to pregnancy-related aortic changes. Turner syndrome is a relative contraindication for pregnancy; however, it is an absolute contraindication for pregnancy in a patient with an aortic size index of >2.5 cm/m2 or an aortic size index of ≥2.0 cm/m2 with a documented cardiac anomaly or other risk factors. This document replaces the 2012 document of the same name.

Rituximab as a treatment for refractory immune thrombocytopenia during pregnancy.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is most common in women during their reproductive years. When a low platelet count occurs for the first time during pregnancy, the differential diagnosis includes pregnancy-specific conditions. Although ITP is the most common cause of thrombocytopenia early in pregnancy, pregnancy-related thrombocytopenia develops mainly in late gestation. As maternal and neonatal outcomes are usually favourable, ITP per se is not a contraindication for pregnancy. We report the case with a literature review of patient with ITP, whose diagnosis was established in early pregnancy. This condition was refractory to first-line treatments, such as high-dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin and other splenectomy-sparing approaches, as rituximab, having the control been reached on the third trimester after splenectomy. Although not effective in this case, we still believe that rituximab should be considered before surgery during pregnancy.

Gastric electrical stimulation is safe during pregnancy and delivery: Results from a French cohort.

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is an effective therapy in medically refractory chronic nausea and vomiting. GES is assumed to be a contraindication for pregnancy. We examined the safety of GES during pregnancy and its clinical impact on vomiting symptoms. A retrospective study was performed in two tertiary centers including all female patients of childbearing age implanted with GES. Patients without pregnancy while on GES were asked about their desire and concerns about pregnancy. Patients who were pregnant while on GES therapy were interviewed about the course of the pregnancy and labor, as well as the health of the children. Among 91 patients implanted at childbearing age, 54 patients without pregnancy answered the questionnaire. Nine patients (16.7%) reported a desire for pregnancy and five patients (7.4%) reported worries about the safety of GES during pregnancy. Sixteen pregnancies were reported in 10 patients. All pregnancies ended in a live birth with premature birth in 12 pregnancies (75.0%). No health concern was currently noted in these children. No severe GES-related complications occurred during pregnancy with only pain at the implantation site reported during 3 pregnancies (18.8%). The severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting significantly increased during the first trimester (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively) and decreased after the delivery, becoming lower than before the pregnancy (p = 0.044 and p = 0.011, respectively). Patients are concerned regarding pregnancy while being treated with GES. No serious maternal or fetal complications related to GES were noted in our cohort.

A drug utilization study of thiocolchicoside-containing medicinal products for systemic use in France and Italy: A cross-sectional electronic medical records database study.

The risk minimization measures (RMM) for systemic use of thiocolchicoside (TCC) was implemented across Europe during 2014-2016. RMM included restriction of use in age <16 years, maximum dose and duration, chronic conditions, contraindication in pregnancy, lactation or in women of childbearing potential [WOCBP] without appropriate contraception. The current Drug Utilization Study was aimed to describe the prescribing practices of TCC in France and Italy. The study analyzed data (demographic, prescription, diagnosis, and concomitant treatment) from electronic medical record databases. It compares drug utilization during pre-implementation (baseline: year 2013) and post-implementation (years 1, 2, and 3) of RMM. This study included panels of general practitioners (FGP) and rheumatologists (FRH) in France and Italy (IGP). TCC was largely prescribed as adjuvant therapy in both pre-implementation (FGP: 93.5%, FRH: 88.8%, IGP: 86.6%) and post-implementation (FGP: 92.3%, FRH: 89.5%, IGP: 89.0%) periods. Prescribing patterns were different in France and Italy, with FGP and FRH mainly prescribing oral formulation (>95% and >80%, respectively), while IGP prescribing intramuscular formulation (>70%). Prescriptions to patients aged ≥16 years were >99% in all panels during both periods. An improvement was observed in compliance with treatment duration for oral formulation in the FGP panel post-implementation versus pre-implementation (66.2% vs. 46.7%; p < 0.001). There was no change in prescription rate post RMM implementation in pregnant (FGP: 0.5%, IGP: 4.7%) and in WOCBP without appropriate contraception (FGP: 89.3%, IGP: 93.4%). These results highlighted changes in prescribing practices of TCC after RMM implementation, which varied across panels and measures.

Pregnancy outcomes in patients with portal cavernoma: A case series study.

Non-cirrhotic portal vein cavernoma (PVC) is a cause of portal hypertension (PH) frequently affecting women of childbearing age. Cavernous transformation of the portal vein is frequently associated with prothrombotic disorders and often entails multiple hemodynamic changes, porto-collateral shunt development and thrombopenia, all of which can affect the course of pregnancy. Our aim was to evaluate the risk of PH-related complications and pregnancy outcomes in patients with PVC. Retrospective case series study of patients with PVC undergoing pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital. Eight pregnancies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. All patients had a predisposing factor for PVC. One episode of variceal bleeding was reported at week 28. Six cesarean sections were scheduled to avoid labor while two urgent surgeries were indicated due to fetal distress and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In all but one case, anticoagulation was prescribed after delivery. No hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications were reported. There were four cases of IUGR with no case of miscarriage or stillbirth. Pregnancy in patients with PVC has an overall favorable outcome albeit a higher risk of PH-derived complications, and IUGR may be expected. Hence, PVC must not be considered a contraindication for pregnancy although larger prospective studies are necessary.

История становления института суррогатного материнства: социально-правовой контекст

Рождение ребенка невозможно или опасно для жизни и здоровья матери при физиологических недостатках, биологической несовместимости супругов, противопоказанности беременности, ряде наслед-ственных заболеваний и т.д. Причем причины бесплодия в равном количестве распределены между обоими полами. Все это приводит к распаду семьи, расторжению брака и, как следствие, к ухудшению демографической ситуации, а, следовательно, к нарушению права человека на здоровье, врачебную тайну и благополучную жизнь. Один из выходов в данной ситуации видится в применении методов искусственного оплодотворения, одним из которых является суррогатное материнство, и совершенствовании законодательного регулирования наиболее важных отношений, непосредственно влияющих на демографические процессы. Автор статьи предлагает рассмотреть этапы формирования института суррогатного материнства, начиная с первых упоминаний в социальной истории и закан-чивая историей возникновения вспомогательных репродуктивных технологий в современном Казах-стане. Особое внимание уделяется законодательному регулированию вспомогательных репродуктивных технологий в США, Великобритании, СССР, Российской Федерации и в современном Казахстане. Сделаны выводы о необходимости совершенствования национального законодательства в области защиты прав суррогатной матери и ребенка, разработки и введения отдельного закона о суррогатном материнстве.

ECULIZUMAB DOSE ADJUSTMENTS DURING PREGNANCIES IN PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) has always been considered a relative contraindication for pregnancy. The use of eculizumab has reduced morbidity and mortality of fetus and mother. Dose adjustments are often required due to emerging breakthrough hemolysis, no standard recommendations are currently available in this setting. Here we report our single hematology center experience on breakthrough hemolysis and eculizumab dose adjustments during PNH pregnancies. Clinical data of four pregnancies from three PNH patients are reported. Two of them were already on standard dosage eculizumab when pregnancies were diagnosed. Their baseline PNH clone sizes were 89.5% and 97.5% on granulocytes and 38% and 90% on erythrocytes, respectively. In both cases low molecular weight heparin-prophylaxis was started when pregnancy was diagnosed. The third 26 year old patient with a baseline PNH clone of 8.8% started treatment at the beginning of her 2 nd trimester. The 26 year old patient was stable on 900 mg Eculizumab until 12 weeks post-partum. The other two developed breakthrough hemolysis during their third trimesters. Eculizumab dosing was increased initially from 900mg bi-weekly to 900 mg weekly and subsequently to 1200 mg biweekly. The 28 year old patient with the largest clone underwent two pregnancies and required even a 1200mg weekly dosage in her first pregnancy until four weeks post-partum. All four babies were delivered without complications. Eculizumab dose adjustments up to 1200 mg biweekly as well as interval shortening from bi-weekly to weekly administration seems effective and safe in breakthrough hemolysis control during pregnancy in PNH. Dose escalations did not impact on birth or development of the babies.

Relationship of Accountability and Religious Orientation With Childbearing Intention in Women Referred to Comprehensive Health Centers in Yasouj, Iran

Background &amp; Aims: Childbearing is important for the increase of population; for countries where fertility rate is low, it is important for sustainable development. The present study aims to evaluate the relationship of accountability and religious orientation with childbearing intention in women referred to comprehensive health centers in Yasouj, Iran. Materials &amp; Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in 2019-2020 on 240 fertile married women aged 18-45 years referred to comprehensive health centers in Yasouj city, who were selected by a continuous sampling method. Inclusion criteria were no debilitating diseases, mental illnesses, or contraindication for pregnancy. A sociodemographic form, Harrison-Goff Accountability Scale, and Golriz and Baraheni’s Religious Attitude Scale were used to collect data. Data analysis was done in SPSS software, version 20 using chi-square test, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. P&lt;0.05 was statistically significant. Results: There was a negative and significant relationship between accountability and childbearing intention (P=0.036); the intention to have children was significantly lower in women with a higher accountability score. Religious orientation and its two dimensions (intrinsic and extrinsic orientation) had no significant relationship with childbearing intention. Age (P=0.001), length of marriage (P=0.001), and number of male children (P=0.011) had significant correlation with childbearing intention. Conclusion: In Yasuj city, the fertile women’s intention to have children decreases with the increase in their responsibilities, age, length of marriage, and number of male children. Therefore, it is recommended that these women be encouraged to have children at a younger age. It may be possible to encourage women with higher accountability to have children by teaching childbearing skills to them. Further studies are needed in this field.

Moyamoya disease during pregnancy and childbirth

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic vasculopathy characterized by progressive bilateral stenosis and occlusion of the terminal portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the presence of an abnormal vascular network at the base of the brain, termed Moyamoya vessels (MMV). The main presentations of MMD are ischemia and hemorrhage, and diagnosis is done via angiography. Cerebral events were reported in 5.1% of pregnancies of MMD diagnosed mothers, in Japan. In the case of MMD diagnosis due to cerebrovascular events during gestation, 34.7% of patients presented with an ischemic event, while 69.5% suffered from hemorrhage. During gestation, hemorrhagic events were found to occur mostly antepartum, after 24 weeks of gestation, while cerebral infarction peaked 3-7 days after delivery. No treatment has been found to halt or reverse the progress of the disease. Interventions focus on reducing the risk of stroke and cognitive disfunction as a result of ischemia. In the case of pregnant women suffering hemorrhage due to MMD, conservative treatment, as well as ventricle puncture and drainage were to be efficient, and did not severely impact the child. When diagnosed before pregnancy occurs, MMD under treatment does not pose a significantly increased risk of complications, compared to pregnancies in unaffected women. No evidence suggests that MMD is a contraindication for pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with Budd–Chiari syndrome or portal vein thrombosis – a multicentre retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate current practice and outcomes of pregnancy in women previously diagnosed with Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis, with and without concomitant portal hypertension.Design and settingMulticentre retrospective cohort study between 2008 and 2021.PopulationWomen who conceived in the predefined period after the diagnosis of Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis.Methods and main outcome measuresWe collected data on diagnosis and clinical features. The primary outcomes were maternal mortality and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included maternal, neonatal and obstetric complications.ResultsForty‐five women (12 Budd–Chiari syndrome, 33 portal vein thrombosis; 76 pregnancies) were included. Underlying prothrombotic disorders were present in 23 of the 45 women (51%). Thirty‐eight women (84%) received low‐molecular‐weight heparin during pregnancy. Of 45 first pregnancies, 11 (24%) ended in pregnancy loss and 34 (76%) resulted in live birth of which 27 were at term (79% of live births and 60% of pregnancies). No maternal deaths were observed; one woman developed pulmonary embolism during pregnancy and two women (4%) had variceal bleeding requiring intervention.ConclusionsThe high number of term live births (79%) and lower than expected risk of pregnancy‐related maternal and neonatal morbidity in our cohort suggest that Budd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for pregnancy. Individualised, nuanced counselling and a multidisciplinary pregnancy surveillance approach are essential in this patient population.Tweetable abstractBudd–Chiari syndrome and/or portal vein thrombosis should not be considered as an absolute contraindication for pregnancy.

Is home-based monitoring of ovulation to time frozen embryo transfer a cost-effective alternative for hospital-based monitoring of ovulation? Study protocol of the multicentre, non-inferiority Antarctica-2 randomised controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTIONThe objective of this trial is to compare the effectiveness and costs of true natural cycle (true NC-) frozen embryo transfer (FET) using urinary LH tests to modified NC-FET using repeated ultrasound monitoring and ovulation trigger to time FET in the NC. Secondary outcomes are the cancellation rates of FET (ovulation before hCG or no dominant follicle, no ovulation by LH urine test, poor embryo survival), pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage rate, clinical pregnancy rates, multiple ongoing pregnancy rates, live birth rates, costs) and neonatal outcomes (including gestational age, birthweight and sex, congenital abnormalities or diseases of babies born).WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYFET is at the heart of modern IVF. To allow implantation of the thawed embryo, the endometrium must be prepared either by exogenous oestrogen and progesterone supplementation (artificial cycle (AC)-FET) or by using the NC to produce endogenous oestradiol before and progesterone after ovulation to time the transfer of the thawed embryo (NC-FET). During an NC-FET, women visit the hospital repeatedly and receive an ovulation trigger to time FET (i.e. modified (m)NC-FET or hospital-based monitoring). From the woman’s point of view, a more natural approach using home-based monitoring of the ovulation with LH urine tests to allow a natural ovulation to time FET may be desired (true NC-FET or home-based monitoring).STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis is a multicentre, non-inferiority prospective randomised controlled trial design. Consenting women will undergo one FET cycle using either true NC-FET or mNC-FET based on randomisation.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSBased on our sample size calculation, the study group will consist of 1464 women between 18 and 45 years old who are scheduled for FET. Women with anovulatory cycles, women who need ovulation induction and women with a contra indication for pregnancy will be excluded. The primary outcome is ongoing pregnancy. Secondary outcomes are cancellation rates of FET, pregnancy outcomes (including miscarriage rate, clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy rate and live birth rate). Costs will be estimated by counting resource use and calculating unit prices.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)The study received a grant from the Dutch Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw 843002807; www.zonmw.nl). ZonMw has no role in the design of the study, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data or writing of the manuscript. F.B. reports personal fees from member of the external advisory board for Merck Serono, grants from Research support grant Merck Serono, outside the submitted work. A.E.P.C. reports and Unrestricted grant of Ferring B.V. to the Center for Reproductive medicine, no personal fee. Author up-to-date on Hyperthecosis. Congress meetings 2019 with Ferring B.V. and Theramex B.V. M.G. reports Department research and educational grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring (location VUMC) outside the submitted work. E.R.G. reports personal fees from Titus Health Care, outside the submitted work. C.B.L. reports grants from Ferring, grants from Merck, from Guerbet, outside the submitted work. The other authors have none to declare.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERDutch Trial Register (Trial NL6414 (NTR6590), https://www.trialregister.nl/).TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE23 July 2017DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT10 April 2018

What are the challenges in selecting pharmacotherapy for pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease?

The peak of incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) overlaps with the peak of reproductive age. Moreover, women affected by IBD are often concerned with the possible negative effects of their disease and medications on pregnancy and birth outcomes. From a physician point of view, managing IBD in pregnancy is challenging. Disease activity is the major cause of poor pregnancy outcomes and, therefore, achieving and maintaining IBD remission for the whole duration of pregnancy is the main therapeutic goal. The challenges in selecting therapy lie in balancing the proven efficacy of each drug with the level of safety uncertainty. Except for methotrexate and thalidomide, for which it exits an absolute contraindication in pregnancy, the evidence actually available suggest that most medications can be safely used during pregnancy if appropriately prescribed. The risks associated with drug withdrawal may be higher than the known risks of the medications themselves on pregnancy outcomes. However, all the decisions should be shared with the patient, all available information should be discussed and any therapeutic strategy must be tailored according to patient's context, including disease pattern, activity, severity and acceptance of risk.

Safety of Pregnancy in Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Dependent Women: Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of the Literature.

To assess the safety of pregnancy in ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt-dependent women. Three electronic databases MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify studies published in English between 1950 and 2019. We additionally searched Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Among the 38 cases of pregnant VP shunt-dependent women, median age was 25.5 years and shunting duration was 15.5 years with 11 women being shunted at birth or soon after. Congenital diseases were the most common reason for shunting, present in 63.2% of women. The antepartum complications were reported in 50% of cases with the symptoms of increased ICP being the most commonly reported (73.7%). In the majority of cases the complications were resolved with cerebrospinal fluid aspiration (26.3%). Eight women (42.1%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery, 4 had assisted vaginal delivery, while 7 women underwent cesarian section. There was one fetal demise occurred in a woman that was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and presented with status epilepticus during the pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in managing the VP shunts during the pregnancy and post-partum periods to ensure the best pregnancy outcome for both mothers and the fetus. Based on our findings, VP shunt appears not to be a contraindication for pregnancy. The routine use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent shunt infection is not recommended. Vaginal delivery should be attempted unless a cesarean section is inevitably required for obstetrics reasons.

Eisenmenger syndrome with pregnancy – Double trouble

Eisenmenger syndrome is an absolute contraindication for pregnancy. However, those patients with a diagnosis in late 2nd or 3rd trimester need to be carefully evaluated with a multidisciplinary team and strictly monitored by a critical care intensivist. We present a case of Eisenmenger syndrome diagnosed late in pregnancy, managed conservatively in intensive care unit with positive airway pressure therapy.

Gynecological and postpartum ultrasonography of cesarean uterine scar defects: a pictorial essay.

There is an increasing incidence of cesarean scar defect. This article will discuss and show different and variable sonographic presentations of scar niches and uterine postpartum ultrasonography with vaginal birth after cesarean section that can be confusing and many should be unaware of. This brief review aims to help practitioners to avoid confusion and be aware and acquainted with the different sonographic findings encountered in practice related to cesarean scar. It can lead to uterine rupture I labour, dehiscence in pregnancy and placenta accreta in the future pregnancy, but this is not evidence-based and not even a contraindication for pregnancy. It is neither an indication of repair for the presenting patient nor an indication to screen these patients for such complications. It is treated if associated with infertility or bleeding and not in asymptomatic ones.

Learning disabilities: Interventions and clinical issues

Learning disabilities: Interventions and clinical issues

Use of valproate: Implications for women with intellectual disabilities and the wider interdisciplinary healthcare team

Accessible summary A medicine called valproate is sometimes prescribed for epilepsy and problems with mental health and mood. Valproate is also known as Epilim, Depakote, Convulex, Episenta, Epival, Kentlim, Orlept, Syonell and Valpal. Women with epilepsy and/ or mood problems should not take this medicine when they are pregnant unless, in the case of epilepsy, there is no suitable alternative treatment. Women who have only mood problems should not be given this medicine at all when they are pregnant. If a woman is prescribed valproate, she must use highly effective contraception, so she does not get pregnant. Some woman with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy and/ or mood problems who take this medicine may need help in understanding that they must use contraception. Doctors, nurses and other health and social care workers all need to know about this so that they can advise women with intellectual disabilities of the dangers. AbstractBackgroundIt is well established that valproate, and its valproic acid, sodium valproate, and valproate semisodium forms is a highly teratogenic drug and evidence suggests that use in pregnancy leads to physical birth defects in 10% of children born compared with a background rate of 2% to 3%. Congenital malformations associated with valproate are predominantly neural tube defects, clefting abnormalities, cardiovascular defects, genitourinary defects in males, and musculoskeletal defects. There is also increased risk of developmental delays and this includes delays in walking, talking, poor language skills, memory problems, and low intellectual ability in approximately 30 to 40% children born to mothers taking valproate. Furthermore, developing foetuses, if exposed to valproate in‐utero, are at increased risk of autistic spectrum disorder (approximately three‐fold), and also more likely to develop symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Subsequently valproate preparations prescribed to treat epilepsy are now contraindicated in pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment. In addition, valproate preparations prescribed for bipolar disorder have an absolute contraindication in pregnancy.Implications for practiceIn order for valproate containing medicines to be prescribed for women of child bearing potential a risk acknowledgment form must be completed annually. For people without capacity to consent the form may be completed by a relative or other appropriate person. However, for people with intellectual disabilities, even with capacity, healthcare professionals need to ensure that the information on the form is accessible in order that they can understand it. They may not choose to give consent for a third party to complete the form on their behalf. Often intellectual disability nurses have a pivotal role, on behalf of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), in identifying women of child bearing potential who are currently prescribed valproate. Notwithstanding the IDT also has a role in engaging with patients during discussions to ensure they understand the conditions of prescribing. It is important that the IDT understand their role in patient engagement to facilitate shared decision making. Therefore, for women with intellectual disabilities with capacity, consent to treatment must be ‘informed’, and all risks will need to be communicated to the woman, exploring alternatives in order to comply with the Montgomery Judgement. Specialist intellectual disability nurses have a pivotal role in discussing appropriate contraceptive advice, and sign‐posting women to local services.ConclusionValproate preparations prescribed to treat epilepsy are contraindicated in pregnancy unless there is no suitable alternative treatment; in addition, valproate preparations prescribed for bipolar disorder have an absolute contraindication in pregnancy. It is imperative that specialist intellectual disability services are able to advise the wider primary health care team on best practice. Additionally, those with prescribing responsibilities, and particularly specialist intellectual disability epilepsy nurses, along with the wider IDT, must be aware of these new regulations.

How can we make pregnancy safe for women with Turner syndrome?

Pregnancy is a crucial issue in patients with Turner syndrome (TS). Although natural pregnancies have been reported in 4-7% of TS patients, most women will need assisted reproductive technologies (ART) with oocyte donation. The main issue is the maternal mortality rate that is higher than in the general population. It is related to cardiovascular anomalies and particularly aortic dissection. TS, per se, is not a contraindication for pregnancy, but a multidisciplinary screening is mandatory before initiating a pregnancy. It includes repeated aortic diameters evaluation, blood pressure measurement and biological testing evaluating thyroid and liver functions, as well as blood glucose level. In order to make the pregnancy safe, contraindications of pregnancy should be respected and identification of high-risk patients for cardiovascular events should be performed. Hypertension and pre-eclampsia prevention may benefit from beta-blockers and aspirin, respectively. Collaborations between endocrinologists, cardiologists, and obstetricians are mandatory during pregnancy and even in the postpartum period. Counseling the patients about the risks of pregnancy, screening them and spreading the international guidelines to physicians taking care of patients with TS are the three pillars of a safe pregnancy.