Term Delivery Research Articles

Evaluation between Serum Level CRP and Maternal Outcomes that includes Preterm Delivery: A Prospective Analysis

Background and Aim: C-reactive protein is commonly employed as a biomarker to track the development ofinflammatory and infectious disorders. There aren’t many researches that have investigated the link between maternal serum CRP concentrations early in pregnancy and preterm birth or neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum level CRP and maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes including preterm delivery and Small for gestational age (SGA).Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 400 pregnant women who delivered at theObstetrics and Gynecology Department of a medical college and affiliated hospital for the period of one year.Pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled after giving their informed consent, and the serum C-reactive protein levels were measured at the gestational age (GA) of 14 to 20 weeks. Pregnant women were then followed up to delivery, and based on the GA at delivery, they were divided into preterm and non-preterm groups. A reference level of 1.5 mg/dl is used. Therefore, pregnancies with high maternal serum C - reactive protein were those in which the maternal serum level was above 1.5 mg/dl.Results: A total of 296 individuals in group A and 104 individuals in group B had CRP levels below 1.5 mg/dl,respectively. This study’s average gestational age was 18.8 weeks. The minimum and maximum gestational ages were 12+1 and 21+3 weeks, respectively. In this study, 316 individuals delivered at term, while 84 people delivered preterm. In the population under study, 114 individuals underwent LSCS, while the remaining 286 women gave birth vaginally. 400 patients in total were included in the study; 316 had CRP levels under 1.5; of these, 272 had term deliveries, while 24 had preterm births. The remaining 84 individuals had a CRP of greater than 1.5; of these, 60 had preterm deliveries and 24 had term births.Conclusion: Assessment of maternal concentrations of CRP can be used as suitable biomarker for predictingpreterm labor, and also despite the limitation in the number of patients, response to tocolytic therapy in our study was predictable by the evaluation concentrations of CRP of these women.

Strong association between angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion of Sudanese women: a case-control study

This study investigated the link between angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism and unexplained spontaneous abortion. This retrospective analytical case-control was conducted at the Omdurman Maternity Hospital in Sudan. The current study contained 230 individuals, including 119 cases (women who had at least three abortions) of unknown cause and 119 controls (healthy women who had at least two full-term deliveries without spontaneous abortion). Patients and controls were provided five ml of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood and answered questionnaires about their demographics, personal lives, and family histories. ACE I/D polymorphisms were assessed using a conventional polymerase chain reaction approach after total genomic DNA was isolated from blood leukocytes using the GF-1 blood DNA extraction kit. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24. ACE I/D polymorphism is strongly linked to unexplained spontaneous abortion, and women with the I/D and D/D genotypes are more likely to have it than those with the I/I genotype. The current study reveals that ACEI/D polymorphism increases pregnancy problems. Sudanese women may have spontaneous abortions due to the ACE I/D polymorphism.

Trial of Labor versus Repeat Cesarean Delivery in Individuals with Morbid Obesity after Previous Cesarean Delivery.

This study aimed to compare adverse neonatal outcomes associated with the trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) at term in pregnancies according to maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) and the presence of previous vaginal delivery (VD). This was a repeated cross-sectional analysis of individuals with singleton, cephalic, and term deliveries with a history of one or two cesarean deliveries in the Linked Birth/Infant Death data from 2011 to 2020. Outcomes were examined according to the BMI category including BMI <30, 30 to 39.9, and 40 to 69.9 kg/m2. The primary outcome was a composite neonatal outcome, defined as any presence of neonatal death, neonatal intensive care unit admission, assisted ventilation, surfactant therapy, or seizures. Outcomes were compared between TOLAC and elective repeat cesarean delivery (eRCD) after stratifying by BMI category and previous VD. Log-binomial regression was performed to obtain adjusted relative risk (aRR) with 99% confidence intervals, controlling for covariates. Of 4,055,440 individuals, 2,627,131 had BMI <30 kg/m2, 1,108,278 had BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2, and 320,031 had BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m2. In individuals with no previous VD, VD rates after TOLAC were 66.7, 57.2, and 48.1%, respectively. In individuals with previous VD, VD rates after TOLAC were 81.4, 74.7, and 67.3%, respectively. In individuals without previous VD, compared with those who had an eRCD, those who had TOLAC were more likely to experience composite neonatal outcomes in individuals with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (5.0 vs. 6.5%; aRR = 1.33 [1.30-1.36]), BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 (6.1 vs. 7.8%; aRR = 1.29 [1.24-1.34]), and BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m2 (8.2 vs. 9.0%; aRR = 1.15 [1.07-1.23]). In individuals with previous VD, there was no difference in the composite neonatal outcomes in BMI < 30 kg/m2 (6.2 vs. 5.8%; aRR = 0.98 [0.96-1.00]), BMI 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 (7.4 vs. 7.1%; aRR = 0.99 [0.95-1.02]), and BMI 40 to 69.9 kg/m2 (9.4 vs. 8.7%; aRR = 0.96 [0.91-1.02]). TOLAC among obese individuals could be offered in selected cases. · TOLAC among obese individuals could be offered selectively, despite their reduced likelihood of attempting or succeeding at it.. · Higher BMI individuals show decreased rates of both attempting and achieving successful TOLAC.. · Despite these trends, attempting TOLAC after a previous vaginal delivery does not heighten neonatal complications..

Successful management of VTE with essential thrombocythemia and cavernous transformation of the portal vein in early pregnancy: a case report

Due to the thrombohemorrhagic potential of essential thrombocythemia, pregnancy complicated by essential thrombocythemia should be recognized as a risk factor for obstetric complications. Here, we report the case of a patient with essential thrombocythemia with two significantly different pregnancy outcomes. Her first pregnancy (at 30 years of age) ended with an uneventful term delivery. However, the patient progressed to cavernous transformation of the portal vein in the period between her two pregnancies and subsequently experienced deep venous thrombosis during the first trimester of her second pregnancy (at 36 years of age). The patient’s platelet count during pregnancy was within the normal range, so she ignored previous instances of essential thrombocytosis (at 26 years of age). The patient’s main symptom was unrelieved pain in her leg. After that, she was successfully treated with anticoagulant throughout her entire pregnancy, resulting in a term vaginal delivery. This case highlights the importance of assessing pregnant patients with essential thrombocythemia according to their risk stratification. Specifically, risk assessments for potential pregnancy complications should take into account advanced maternal age and a previous history of thrombosis. Patients with essential thrombocythemia should be encouraged to participate in preconception counseling for risk assessment and to initiate prophylactic anticoagulation as soon as possible.

Investigation of the frequency and relationship between trichomonas infection in the preterm delivery (a case-control study in Amir Al-Momenin Hospital, Semnan).

Preterm delivery is a common complication during pregnancy periods and imposes a high cost on the healthcare system due to the care needs of premature babies. Sexually transmitted infections are one of the effective factors in the occurrence of preterm delivery and the diagnosis and treatment of these infections are effective in reducing complications and preventing preterm delivery. In this study, the role of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis [TV]) infection in preterm delivery has been evaluated. In a prospective case-control study, women with preterm birth were assigned to the case group, and women with full-term delivery on the same day were also assigned randomly to the control group. After receiving the history and physical examination, a sample was taken from the cervix for TV culture. The data were included in the SPSS version 23 software. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. The overall prevalence of this infection was 10%. The prevalence of chlamydial infection was 2% among mothers with full-term delivery and 16.4% among mothers with premature birth, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.021). The logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of Trichomonas infection on premature birth showed that there was the probability of the occurrence of premature delivery increases in mothers with trichomoniasis infection with lower age, higher body mass index, the presence of underlying disease, lower educational level, housewives, lower parity and gravity and having a history of fetus abortion more than 13 times with its occurrence probability occurs in mothers without Trichomonas infection (P = 0.046, Exp (β) =13.266). According to the present results, TV screening for pregnant women, especially in high-risk groups, is emphasized to reduce the incidence of preterm delivery and related complications, especially neonatal complications.

A model for predicting birth defects of the fetus based on risk factors in mothers with a history of premature birth

Birth defects (BD) are an important cause of neonatal mortality and can be associated with premature birth. The study aimed to develop a prognostic model for congenital malformations in mothers with a history of preterm delivery, using logistic regression analysis. The study included 665 mothers of children with BD, of which 432 (65%) had a history of preterm delivery (main group), and 233 (35%) had term delivery (control group). Variables examined included pregnancy history, genetic factors, and biochemical markers. Statistical analysis found significant associations between BD and preterm delivery, intrauterine malformations, miscarriages, MTHFR polymorphism, and HLA antigens. The logistic model showed good predictive performance. The area under the ROC curve was 0.769 for pregnancy history, 0.699 for miscarriages, and 0.630 for intrauterine malformations, indicating moderate predictive ability. A statistical relationship was found between BD risk and pregnancy history, intrauterine malformations, miscarriages, and genetic factors. The resulting logistic model may help predict BD risk in mothers with a preterm delivery history.

IJCM_4A: Factors associated with Emergency Caesarean Section in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Mangalore– A Case-Control Study

Background: Maternity hospitals everywhere are seeing a rise in the trend of Caesarean deliveries, the indications for which are varied and could be maternal, fetal or fetomaternal. The objective of the study was to find out the factors associated with the indications for emergency Caesarean sections. Methodology: Retrospective case-control study conducted in Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar and Govt. Lady Goschen Hospital, Mangalore, among women who underwent caesarean sections as cases, and equal number of age matched women who underwent normal deliveries as controls, a total sample size of 70, during the study period 12th April 2016 to 22nd April 2016. A questionnaire was used to collect details including the social- demographic details, antenatal history, and indications for caesarean section. Results: The study showed that 37.1% of women who underwent emergency LSCS were ≤25 years, 34.3% were between 26-30 years, and 28.6% were ≥31 years. Regarding occupation 88.6%of our cases did non strenuous work whereas 11.4% did strenuous work(manual labourer). 20% of our cases were vegetarians and 80% consumed a mixed diet. 71.4% cases were primigravids and 28.6% were non primis. Regarding antenatal visits 85.7% who underwent emergency LSCS made regular antenatal visits and 14.3% were irregular. Conclusion: Among the women that underwent full term vaginal delivery (FTVD), it was observed that they did moderate physical work. Older women (above 30 years) were observed to have undergone emergency LSCS rather than vaginal deliveries. It was seen that most of the women who had a full-term vaginal delivery consumed a mixed diet. Those who underwent emergency LSCS were observed to be mostly primigravida and primipara.

High rates of placental inflammation among samples collected by the Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants consortium

BackgroundThe Multi-Omics for Mothers and Infants (MOMI) consortium aims to improve birth outcomes. Preterm birth is a major obstetric complication globally causing significant infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. ObjectivesWe analyzed placental samples (basal plate, placenta/chorionic villi and/or the chorionic plate) collected by the 5 MOMI sites: The Alliance for Maternal and Newborn Health Improvement (AMANHI) Bangladesh, AMANHI Pakistan, AMANHI Tanzania, The Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth (GAPPS) Bangladesh and GAPPS Zambia. The goal was to analyze the morphology and gene expression of samples collected from preterm and uncomplicated term births. Study designThe teams provided biopsies from 166 singleton preterm (<37 weeks) and 175 term (≥37 weeks) deliveries. They were formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded. Tissue sections from these samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and subjected to morphological analyses. Other placental biopsies (n = 35 preterm, 21 term) were flash frozen, which enabled RNA purification for bulk transcriptomics. ResultsThe morphological analyses revealed a surprisingly high rate of inflammation involving the basal plate, placenta/chorionic villi and/or the chorionic plate. The rate in chorionic villus samples, likely attributable to chronic villitis, ranged from 25% (Pakistan site) to 60% (Zambia site) of cases. Leukocyte infiltration in this location vs. the basal plate or chorionic plate correlated with preterm birth. Our transcriptomic analyses identified 267 genes as differentially expressed (DE) between placentas from preterm vs. term births (123 upregulated, 144 downregulated). Mapping the DE genes onto single cell RNA-seq data from human placentas suggested that all the component cell types, either singly or in subsets, contributed to the observed dysregulation. Consistent with the histopathological findings, GO (Gene Ontology) analyses highlighted leukocyte infiltration/activation and inflammatory responses in both the fetal and maternal compartments. ConclusionThe relationship between placental inflammation and preterm birth is appreciated in developed countries. Here, we show that this link also exists in developing geographies. Also, among the participating sites, we found geographic- and/or population-based differences in placental inflammation and preterm birth, suggesting the importance of local factors.

Assessment of Second Trimester Genetic Amniocentesis: A Review of 6 Years of Experience at Sanpatong Hospital, A Mid-level Secondary Hospital Setting

OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the indications, complications, and outcomes of second-trimester genetic amniocentesis performed at Sanpatong Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed data collected from high-risk pregnant women who underwent second-trimester genetic amniocentesis at Sanpatong Hospital between October 1st, 2016 and September 30th, 2022. The data include indications for the procedure, complications, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS A study of 451 women with high-risk pregnancies who underwent amniocentesis found that the most common indications for second trimester genetic amniocentesis were advanced maternal age (49.4%) and a high-risk Quad test (49.4%). Abnormal chromosomes were detected in 3.1% of cases, with aneuploidy the most common type (2.1%), primarily trisomy 21 (1.3%). The overall aspiration success rate was 100%. The only complications related to the procedure were pelvic pain (0.6%) and placental hematoma (0.2%). There were no fetal losses within 30 days after amniocentesis. The culture failure rate was 1.1%. Pregnancy outcomes included preterm delivery (12.3%) and normal term delivery (87.7%). CONCLUSIONS Performing second trimester genetic amniocentesis at Sanpatong Hospital, a mid-level secondary hospital, over a six-year period resulted in no fetal losses.

Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background: Pregnant women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 disease 2019 [COVID-19] appear to be at greater risk of morbidity and mortality complications in pregnancy. Objective: This prospective analysis aimed to assess maternal and neonatal outcomes among hospitalized pregnant women with COVID-19. Methods: The present prospective study included COVID-19-positive pregnant women referred to our tertiary care centre. Data related to demographics, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, laboratory parameters, histopathological findings, procedure, treatment regimen and clinical outcomes were recorded. and analysed. We studied maternal and neonatal outcomes among hospitalised pregnant women with COVID-19. Results: During the period from April 2020 to April 2022, we studied 83 women clinically diagnosed with COVID-19. Placenta previa (n = 3), decrease in foetal movement (n = 2) and premature rupture of membranes (n = 1) were observed among pregnant women with COVID-19. A total of 31 women had pre-term delivery (&lt;37 weeks gestation), 33 had normal term delivery (&gt;37–&lt;40 weeks gestation) and two had post-term delivery (&gt;40 weeks gestation). Of these 83 patients, 17.6% had pneumonia, 14.7% had hypothyroidism, 8.8% had gestational diabetes mellitus and 5.9% had gestational hypertension. Elevated baseline C-reactive protein (21.6 mg/dL) and interleukin-6 (16.6 pg/mL) levels were observed. Mother-to-child COVID-19 transmission was observed in one neonate. The length of hospital stay had ranged from 2 to 77 days in COVID-19 positive mothers. Eighty two patients (98.8%) were managed conservatively and were successfully discharged. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that pregnant women with COVID-19 have a significant impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.

ERRγ1 and Aromatase Expression in Human Placental Tissues from Term Deliveries of Large for Gestational Age Newborns

Plain Language SummaryEvents during fetal development are associated with susceptibility to chronic disease in adulthood. Extreme birth weight, for newborns of small for gestational age or large for gestational age (LGA), has been associated with an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Even though some intrauterine events during fetal development have been described, there is still a long way for identifying all the factors that are involved in fetal programming. The placenta has an important role in intrauterine programming because it controls the intrauterine environment by supplying oxygen, nutrients, and specific hormones involved in fetal development. Estrogens and androgens in maternal and fetal circulations play an important role in determining a physiological placental phenotype. ERRγ1 expression in placental tissues is involved in aromatase activity regulation and hence in intrauterine estrogen-androgen balance. In this study, we propose that the dysregulation of ERRγ1 in placental tissue might modify the estrogen-androgen balance in the intrauterine environment, representing one of the key factors in the regulation of fetal programming in LGA newborns.

The outcome of cervical stitch in the prevention of pre-viable and preterm deliveries in Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Cervical incompetence, defined as the inability to sustain a pregnancy to term due to functional and anatomical defects of the cervix is a distressing cause of childlessness in Nigeria. Cervical cerclage, introduced into clinical practice by Shirodkar and McDonald in the 1950s still a time-tested intervention in the prevention of pregnancy wastages from cervical incompetence. Aim: The purpose of this study was to audit the outcome of the applications of cervical cerclages in the prevention of pregnancy wastages at the Maternity Complex of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and Maternal and Child Specialists’ Clinic in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, we included all pregnant women who had cervical stitches applied over ten years, (2010-2019). Information on sociodemographic biodata, risk factors, indications, and outcomes were collated. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package, version 22 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Statistical significance of the categorical variables was tested using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, confidence level of 95%and P-value of 0.05. Results: The 134 pregnant women diagnosed with cervical incompetence had cervical stitches applied over the ten years. 15,037 deliveries giving a prevalence rate of 0.89% of cervical incompetence. 75% were multigravida, while 92.5% were of low parity. Risk factors found included recurrent mid-trimester abortions (55%), and prior cervical dilatation (20%). The cervical cerclages were history and physical examination indicated in 22.5% and 75% had ultrasound scanning confirmation. In the majority (82.5%), cervical cerclage was placed at 14-16 weeks using Mersilene tape in 92.5%. Spinal anesthesia and conscious sedation were administered in equal proportion. Majority had McDonald’s procedure (96.27%) whereas only 3.73% had Shirodkar’s. Placement to removal interval ranged from 10-20 weeks in 53%, while in 12.5% it lasted 4 weeks. The indications for removal included pregnancy carried to term at 72.5%, preterm labor at 7.5%, and vagina bleeding occurred in 7.5% of cases. Vaginal deliveries were achieved in 62.5% while 25% had cesarean delivery. 7.5% expelled pre-viable fetuses. Cervical cerclage placement was successful in 75%, while 25% had failed cerclage. 10% of those who had failed cerclage had live births. We achieved 85% of babies take home. There was no significant association between the overall outcomes of cervical cerclage (inevitable abortion, preterm delivery, term delivery) and certain defined co-variables (age, gravidity, and parity). On multivariate linear regression. Conclusion: We recommend that timely application of cervical stitches will rescue women from pregnancy wastages associated with cervical incompetence in Ekiti State.

Pregnancy outcomes for women with pre-existing renal disease and the role of a dedicated joint maternal medicine and renal clinic: A retrospective cohort study.

To reaffirm the value of a joint obstetric and renal clinic on obstetric outcomes in patients with high-risk pregnancies due to chronic kidney disease (CKD). This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who attended the clinic between 2005 and December 2021. The hospital is a regional tertiary unit for renal medicine and a maternal medicine hub. The data included all women with pre-existing renal conditions who were cared for in a dedicated renal and obstetric clinic. Datasets were extracted from hospital notes, the renal database, clinical data and maternity electronic health records. The data analyzed included pre-existing renal conditions, biochemical parameters related to the renal condition, pregnancy outcomes included miscarriages, gestation, mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), loss, birth weight and neonatal admission. The results were as follows: Lupus nephritis: four term deliveries; three had pre-eclampsia; two PPH and two miscarriages. Four estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) returned to baseline levels within 12 months. With regard to IgA nephropathy there were five live births, four term deliveries, two pre-eclampsia (PE) and five cesarean sections (CS). All eGFRs returned to baseline within 12 months. With regard to patients with adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD), there were six live births, two had pre-eclampsia and there were five term vaginal deliveries. Patients with lupus nephritis, APKD, and IgA demonstrated a higher incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes as compared with our local pregnant population. Our findings reflect those of larger studies and support the role of combined renal/obstetric clinics. More research and larger scale studies are needed into specific CKD conditions and their outcomes.

Pregnancy and obstetric outcomes of dichorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies with selective foetal reduction after assisted reproductive technology

BackgroundIt is generally beneficial and recommended that dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies be reduced to monochorionic (MC) twin or singleton pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, some infertile couples still have a firm desire to retain twins. For this reason, the best foetal reduction strategies need to be available for infertile couples and clinicians. Given that data on the elective reduction of DCTA triplet pregnancies to twin pregnancies are scarce, we investigated the outcomes of elective reduction of DCTA triplet pregnancies through the retrospective analysis of previous data.MethodPatients with DCTA triplet pregnancies who underwent elective foetal reduction between January 2012 and June 2020 were recruited. A total of 67 eligible patients with DCTA triplet pregnancies were divided into two groups: a DCTA-to-dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin group (n = 38) and a DCTA-to-monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin group (n = 29); the basic clinical data of the two groups were collected for comparison.ResultsCompared with the DCDA-to-MCDA twin group, the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had lower rates of complete miscarriage (7.89% versus 31.03%, p = 0.014), early complete miscarriage (5.26% versus 24.14%, p = 0.034), late preterm birth (25.71% versus 65.00%, p = 0.009) and very low birth weight (0 versus 11.11%, p = 0.025). In addition, the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had higher rates of full-term delivery (65.71% versus 25.00%, p = 0.005), survival (92.11% versus 68.97%, p = 0.023), and taking the babies home (92.11% versus 68.97%, p = 0.023) than did the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group. In terms of neonatal outcomes, a significantly greater gestational age (38.06 ± 2.39 versus 36.28 ± 2.30, p = 0.009), average birth weight (3020.77 ± 497.33 versus 2401.39 ± 570.48, p < 0.001), weight of twins (2746.47 ± 339.64 versus 2251.56 ± 391.26, p < 0.001), weight of the larger neonate (2832.94 ± 320.58 versus 2376.25 ± 349.95, p < 0.001) and weight of the smaller neonate (2660.00 ± 345.34 versus 2126.88 ± 400.93, p < 0.001) was observed in the DCTA-to-DCDA twin group compared to the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group.ConclusionThe DCTA-to-DCDA twin group had better pregnancy and neonatal outcomes than the DCTA-to-MCDA twin group. This reduction approach may be beneficial for patients with dichorionic triamniotic triplet pregnancies who have a strong desire to have DCDA twins.

Congenital Mullerian anomalies may lead to acute life threatening emergency in reproductive age group- An experience in a tertiary care centre in Eastern India

Congenital Mullerian anomalies are associated with higher incidence of reproductive failure and adverse obstetrical outcomes. The new ESHRE classification is a precise way to describe a genital anomaly in simple way. Many genital tract anomalies lead to devastating life-threatening conditions but under-reported and poorly explained. This study aims at finding out those anomalies which more frequently lead to specific diseases needing emergency intervention to save life of the patient. This longitudinal observational study evaluates the diagnosis and treatment of 12 patients with congenital Mullerian abnormalities which led to life threatening emergency with case discussion and pictorial documentation. Among 12 women with uterine anomalies 4 abortions, 7 delivered preterm, 1 term delivery occurred. Majority of complications associated with U3 types (58.3%). Other types with complications are U4 (25%) and U2 (16.7%). Presenting features at emergency varied like mimicking ectopic, labour complications, ruptured corpus, placenta previa and accreta as well as iatrogenic perforation. Presence of congenital uterine anomalies have adverse effect on obstetrical outcome. Majority of complications are associated with U2, U3 &amp; U4. Probably U1 doesn’t interfere with ongoing pregnancy and U5 fails to continue pregnancy. This knowledge warrants the need for a larger case control study to extrapolate these findings to the general population and also to recommend the need for universal Prenatal Screening for uterine anomalies so as to improve the obstetrical outcome in patients with uterine anomalies.

Experimental demonstration of real-time cardiac physiology-based radiotherapy gating for improved cardiac radioablation on an MR-linac.

Cardiac radioablation is a noninvasive stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) technique to treat patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) by delivering a single high-dose fraction to the VT isthmus. Cardiorespiratory motion induces position uncertainties resulting in decreased dose conformality. Electocardiograms (ECG) are typically used during cardiac MRI (CMR) to acquire images in a predefined cardiac phase, thus mitigating cardiac motion during image acquisition. We demonstrate real-time cardiac physiology-based radiotherapy beam gating within a preset cardiac phase on anMR-linac. MR images were acquired in healthy volunteers (n = 5, mean age = 29.6 years, mean heart-rate (HR) = 56.2 bpm) on the 1.5 T Unity MR-linac (Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden) after obtaining written informed consent. The images were acquired using a single-slice balance steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence in the coronal or sagittal plane (TR/TE = 3/1.48 ms, flip angle = 48 , SENSE = 1.5, , voxel size = , partial Fourier factor = 0.65, frame rate = 13.3 Hz). In parallel, a 4-lead ECG-signal was acquired using MR-compatible equipment. The feasibility of ECG-based beam gating was demonstrated with a prototype gating workflow using a Quasar MRI4D motion phantom (IBA Quasar, London, ON, Canada), which was deployed in the bore of the MR-linac. Two volunteer-derived combined ECG-motion traces (n = 2, mean age = 26 years, mean HR = 57.4 bpm, peak-to-peak amplitude = 14.7 mm) were programmed into the phantom to mimic dose delivery on a cardiac target in breath-hold. Clinical ECG-equipment was connected to the phantom for ECG-voltage-streaming in real-time using research software. Treatment beam gating was performed in the quiescent phase (end-diastole). System latencies were compensated by delay time correction. A previously developed MRI-based gating workflow was used as a benchmark in this study. A 15-beam intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan ( Gy) was delivered for different motion scenarios onto radiochromic films. Next, cardiac motion was then estimated at the basal anterolateral myocardial wall via normalized cross-correlation-based template matching. The estimated motion signal was temporally aligned with the ECG-signal, which were then used for position- and ECG-based gating simulations in the cranial-caudal (CC), anterior-posterior (AP), and right-left (RL) directions. The effect of gating was investigated by analyzing the differences in residual motion at 30, 50, and 70% treatment beam duty cycles. ECG-based (MRI-based) beam gating was performed with effective duty cycles of 60.5% (68.8%) and 47.7% (50.4%) with residual motion reductions of 62.5% (44.7%) and 43.9% (59.3%). Local gamma analyses (1%/1 mm) returned pass rates of 97.6% (94.1%) and 90.5% (98.3%) for gated scenarios, which exceed the pass rates of 70.3% and 82.0% for nongated scenarios, respectively. In average, the gating simulations returned maximum residual motion reductions of 88%, 74%, and 81% at 30%, 50%, and 70% duty cycles, respectively, in favor of MRI-basedgating. Real-time ECG-based beam gating is a feasible alternative to MRI-based gating, resulting in improved dose delivery in terms of high rates, decreased dose deposition outside the PTV and residual motion reduction, while by-passing cardiac MRIchallenges.

Evaluation of neonatal outcomes according to the specific absorption rate values of phones used during pregnancy.

The aim was to compare neonatal outcomes according to cell phone specific absorption rate (SAR) levels and daily time spent on cell phones by pregnant women. Women who gave birth at Konya City Hospital between September 2020 and February 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Gestational ages, birth weight, birth length, head circumference, sex, 5-minute APGAR scores, neonate postpartum resuscitation requirement, delivery type, the model of phone used by the pregnant women, and the average time spent on the phone during a day were recorded. To determine the relation between the SAR values of the phones used and delivering a small for gestational age (SGA) baby, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. In total 1495 pregnant women were included. The rate of delivering a SGA fetus was significantly higher in women who used phones with higher SAR values (p=0.001). The cut-off value for the SAR level was 1.23 W/kg with 69.3% sensitivity and 73.0% specificity (area under the curve: 0.685; 95% confidence interval: 0.643-0.726). No correlation was found between time spent on the phone and SGA birth rate. Although both phone SAR values and time spent on the phone were higher in the symmetrical SGA group compared to the asymmetrical SGA group, the difference was not significant (p>0.05). Although the women who had preterm delivery had higher phone SAR values and had spent more time on the phone compared to those who had term deliveries, the difference was again not significant (p>0.05). As the SAR values of cell phones used during pregnancy increased, there was a trend towards delivering a SGA baby.

Cervical Cerclage to Prevent Recurrent Mid-Trimester Miscarriage- A Retrospective Study in A Private Hospital

Background: Cervical insufficiency (CI) poses significant risks to pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent mid-trimester miscarriages and preterm births. Cervical cerclage, a primary preventive technique, aims to mitigate these risks by preserving cervical length and structural integrity. Objective: This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness of cervical cerclage in preventing recurrent mid-trimester miscarriages. Method: Conducted over two years at a private hospital, the study analyzed 92 cases of mid-trimester cervical cerclage. Data included patient demographics, cervical parameters, and pregnancy outcomes. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics and odds ratios. Results: Term deliveries (45.65%) predominated over preterm (33.70%) and abortion (20.65%) outcomes. Notably, cervical length inversely correlated with preterm birth risk (odds ratio: 0.25), while cervical dilatation increased preterm birth likelihood (odds ratio: 34). Maternal complications were infrequent, with hemorrhage (3.3%), infection (1.1%), and cervical lacerations (2.1%) reported. Conclusion: Cervical cerclage demonstrates promise in preventing mid-trimester miscarriages, with term deliveries comprising the majority of successful outcomes. However, challenges persist, including the lack of standardized treatment timing and potential complications. The study underscores the importance of individualized care in managing CI and highlights the need for further research to optimize treatment protocols.

Postnatal Genetic and Neurodevelopmental Assessment in Infants Born at Term With Severely Low Birth Weight of Non-placental Origin

ABSTRACT Small for gestational age (SGA) newborns are generally defined as those with a birth weight below the 10th percentile. Fetuses diagnosed with fetal growth restriction (FGR) are usually evaluated to determine if there is a pathological cause and thus a higher risk for adverse outcomes due to being small. Often when this diagnosis is made early in the third trimester, chromosomal microarray analysis is recommended to detect genetic disease. This study was designed to determine the frequency of monogenic disorders in term infants with severely low birth weight but normal Doppler results, as well as to estimate the frequency of neurodevelopmental impairment when a genetic etiology was ruled out. Inclusion criteria for this study were singleton pregnancy; term delivery; birth weight more than 2.5 SDs below the mean; normal Doppler studies of the umbilical artery, fetal middle cerebral artery, cerebroplacental ratio, and uterine artery; no maternal hypertensive disease; and no prenatal fetal structural or identified genetic anomalies or fetal infection. Exclusion criteria included incomplete data. Exome sequencing was completed using saliva sampling and blood sampling, and standard neurodevelopmental assessment techniques were used for children 2 to 3.5 and 6 to 8 years old. Children aged between 3.5 and 6 years were not included because of lack of standardized neurodevelopmental testing. A total of 63 families were contacted, and 7 (11%) reported that a genetic disorder had been diagnosed after birth. In addition, 18 individuals without a known genetic disorder who met all the criteria underwent exome sequencing and neurodevelopmental testing. Of the 7 who reported a postnatally diagnosed genetic syndrome, 5 were Mendelian monogenetic and 2 were epigenetic, including Cockayne syndrome; short stature, microcephaly, and endocrine dysfunction syndrome; Renpenning syndrome; Noonan syndrome; Russell-Silver syndrome; and Prader-Willi syndrome. Median birth weight among the children with genetic disorders was not different from children without. Exome sequencing was normal in the 18 children who were tested and who had not been previously diagnosed with a genetic syndrome. None of the children showed less than average neurodevelopment on overall assessment in the lower age group. In the higher age group, 2 children were classified as having low IQ, with one borderline and one extremely low, with low scores in all other domains as well. In addition, 6 individuals showed a low score in at least 1 of the 5 domains, with the largest deviations showing in the domains of verbal comprehension and working memory. Clinicians should be aware of the potential outcomes of FGR even when other complications are not present. Counseling about genetic analysis prenatally or within a short postnatal timeframe could save a lot of time and effort in evaluating children later. In addition, children should be carefully assessed in later childhood for neurodevelopmental differences that are treatable or that may require different resources. Future research should focus on further homogenizing the population to get more accurate results, as well as dealing with potential biases in this study.

Performance of a Maternal Risk Stratification System for Predicting Low Apgar Scores.

Maternal risk stratification systems are increasingly employed in predicting and preventing obstetric complications. These systems focus primarily on maternal morbidity, and few tools exist to stratify neonatal risk. We sought to determine if a maternal risk stratification score was associated with neonatal morbidity. Retrospective cohort study of patients with liveborn infants born at ≥24 weeks at four hospitals in one health system between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The Expanded Obstetric Comorbidity Score (EOCS) is used as the maternal risk score. The primary neonatal outcome was 5-minute Apgar <7. Logistic regression models determined associations between EOCS and neonatal morbidity. Secondary analyses were performed, including stratifying outcomes by gestational age and limiting analysis to "low-risk" term singletons. Model discrimination assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and calibration via calibration plots. A total of 14,497 maternal-neonatal pairs were included; 236 (1.6%) had 5-minute Apgar <7; EOCS was higher in 5-minute Apgar <7 group (median 41 vs. 11, p < 0.001). AUC for EOCS in predicting Apgar <7 was 0.72 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.68, 0.75), demonstrating relatively good discrimination. Calibration plot revealed that those in the highest EOCS decile had higher risk of neonatal morbidity (7.6 vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001). When stratified by gestational age, discrimination weakened with advancing gestational age: AUC 0.70 for <28 weeks, 0.63 for 28 to 31 weeks, 0.64 for 32 to 36 weeks, and 0.61 for ≥37 weeks. When limited to term low-risk singletons, EOCS had lower discrimination for predicting neonatal morbidity and was not well calibrated. A maternal morbidity risk stratification system does not perform well in most patients giving birth, at low risk for neonatal complications. The findings suggest that the association between EOCS and 5-minute Apgar <7 likely reflects a relationship with prematurity. This study cautions against intentional or unintentional extrapolation of maternal morbidity risk for neonatal risk, especially for term deliveries. · EOCS had moderate discrimination for Apgar <7.. · Predictive performance declined when limited to low-risk term singletons.. · Relationship between EOCS and Apgar <7 was likely driven by prematurity..