Major Neonatal Morbidity Research Articles

Effects of Mediterranean Diet or Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Prevention of Small-for-Gestational Age Birth Weights in Newborns Born to At-Risk Pregnant Individuals

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality with no effective prevention or therapy. Maternal suboptimal nutrition and high stress levels have been associated with poor fetal growth and adverse pregnancy outcomes. To investigate whether structured interventions based on a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction (stress reduction) in high-risk pregnancies can reduce the percentage of newborns who were born SGA and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Parallel-group randomized clinical trial conducted at a university hospital in Barcelona, Spain, including 1221 individuals with singleton pregnancies (19-23 weeks' gestation) at high risk for SGA. Enrollment took place from February 1, 2017, to October 10, 2019, with follow-up until delivery (final follow-up on March 1, 2020). Participants in the Mediterranean diet group (n = 407) received 2 hours monthly of individual and group educational sessions and free provision of extra-virgin olive oil and walnuts. Individuals in the stress reduction group (n = 407) underwent an 8-week stress reduction program adapted for pregnancy, consisting of weekly 2.5-hour sessions and 1 full-day session. Individuals in the usual care group (n = 407) received pregnancy care per institutional protocols. The primary end point was the percentage of newborns who were SGA at delivery, defined as birth weight below the 10th percentile. The secondary end point was a composite adverse perinatal outcome (at least 1 of the following: preterm birth, preeclampsia, perinatal mortality, severe SGA, neonatal acidosis, low Apgar score, or presence of any major neonatal morbidity). Among the 1221 randomized individuals (median [IQR] age, 37 [34-40] years), 1184 (97%) completed the trial (392 individuals assigned to the Mediterranean diet group, 391 to the stress reduction group, and 401 to the usual care group). SGA occurred in 88 newborns (21.9%) in the control group, 55 (14.0%) in the Mediterranean diet group (odds ratio [OR], 0.58 [95% CI, 0.40-0.84]; risk difference [RD], -7.9 [95% CI, -13.6 to -2.6]; P = .004), and 61 (15.6%) in the stress reduction group (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.46-0.94]; RD, -6.3 [95% CI, -11.8 to -0.9]; P = .02). The composite adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 105 newborns (26.2%) in the control group, 73 (18.6%) in the Mediterranean diet group (OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.46-0.90]; RD, -7.6 [95% CI, -13.4 to -1.8]; P = .01), and 76 (19.5%) in the stress reduction group (OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.49-0.95]; RD, -6.8 [95% CI, -12.6 to -0.3]; P = .02). In this randomized trial conducted at a single institution in Spain, treating pregnant individuals at high risk for SGA with a structured Mediterranean diet or with mindfulness-based stress reduction, compared with usual care, significantly reduced the percentage of newborns with birth weight below the 10th percentile. Due to important study limitations, these findings should be considered preliminary and require replication, as well as assessment in additional patient populations, before concluding that these treatments should be recommended to patients. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03166332.

Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in Advanced Aged Mothers—Maternal Age Is Not an Independent Risk Factor for Infants Born Very Preterm

Background: As childbearing is postponed in developed countries, maternal age (MA) has increased over decades with an increasing number of pregnancies between age 35–39 and beyond. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of advanced (AMA) and very advanced maternal age (vAMA) on morbidity and mortality of very preterm (VPT) infants.Methods: This was a population-based cohort study including infants from the “Effective Perinatal Intensive Care in Europe” (EPICE) cohort. The EPICE database contains data of 10329 VPT infants of 8,928 mothers, including stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy. Births occurred in 19 regions in 11 European countries. The study included 7,607 live born infants without severe congenital anomalies. The principal exposure variable was MA at delivery. Infants were divided into three groups [reference 18–34 years, AMA 35–39 years and very(v) AMA ≥40 years]. Infant mortality was defined as in-hospital death before discharge home or into long-term pediatric care. The secondary outcome included a composite of mortality and/or any one of the following major neonatal morbidities: (1) moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia; (2) severe brain injury defined as intraventricular hemorrhage and/or cystic periventricular leukomalacia; (3) severe retinopathy of prematurity; and (4) severe necrotizing enterocolitis.Results: There was no significant difference between MA groups regarding the use of surfactant therapy, postnatal corticosteroids, rate of neonatal sepsis or PDA that needed pharmacological or surgical intervention. Infants of AMA/vAMA mothers required significantly less mechanical ventilation during NICU stay than infants born to non-AMA mothers, but there was no significant difference in length of mechanical ventilation and after stratification by gestational age group. Adverse neonatal outcomes in VPT infants born to AMA/vAMA mothers did not differ from infants born to mothers below the age of 35. Maternal age showed no influence on mortality in live-born VPT infants.Conclusion: Although AMA/vAMA mothers encountered greater pregnancy risk, the mortality and morbidity of VPT infants was independent of maternal age.

66 Long-term survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes of very-preterm infants born in Canada between 2009 and 2016

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Quality improvement programs across Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) sites have led to increased neonatal survival without major neonatal morbidity among infants born extremely preterm. The next step is to determine if such activities impact longer-term survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Objectives This cohort study aimed to compare death or significant neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI) (Bayley-III scores < 70, severe cerebral palsy, blind, or hearing aided) at 18-24 months corrected age among infants born < 29 weeks’ gestation admitted to CNN sites, between 2 Epochs: 1 (2009-2012) and 2 (2013-2016). Secondary objectives included death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) (Bayley-III < 85, any cerebral palsy, visual or hearing impairment), death, sNDI, NDI, and components of neurodevelopmental impairment. Design/Methods Only sites with ≥ 70% follow-up rates were included. Differences in maternal-infant characteristics and neonatal morbidities were assessed by Pearson Chi-square and Student t-test testing. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% CIs were calculated for outcome change between the 2 Epochs, accounting for patient characteristic differences in the model. Results Study population included 4426 children; Epoch 1: 1895 (43%) and Epoch 2: 2531 (57%). In Epoch 2, more mothers received MgSO4 (56.3% vs. 28.4%; p<0.01), antibiotics (69%vs.65.3%; p 0.01) and delayed cord clamping (37.1% vs. 31.3%; p 0.02), and fewer infants had SNAP-2 (illness severity score) >20 (30.7% vs. 35.2%; p<0.01) or late-onset sepsis (23.3% vs. 26.9%; p 0.01). See Table 1. Conclusion Significant reductions in rate of death or sNDI, and in visual and hearing impairment, were identified between Epoch 2 to Epoch 1. An increase in poor cognitive outcome rates requires further study.

72 Identifying Perinatal and Neonatal Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder among Preterm Infants Born < 29 Weeks’ Gestation

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Preterm infants born <29 weeks’ gestational age (GA) are at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), typically diagnosed at age >2 years. Perinatal and neonatal factors, including interventions and morbidities during neonatal intensive care unit admission, may contribute to the risk of ASD among these infants. Objectives We aimed to assess the incidence of and risk factors for, ASD among preterm infants born < 29 weeks’ GA. Design/Methods <29 weeks’ GA admitted 2009-2017 to two tertiary NICUs and followed ≥18 months at the Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic. Primary outcome was ASD defined as a confirmed diagnosis using standardized testing or suspected diagnosis at >18 months of corrected age. Patient data and 18-month developmental outcomes were obtained from the local Canadian Neonatal Follow Up Network database and from chart review. Stepwise logistic regression was used to identify significant perinatal, neonatal, and socio-economic factors associated with ASD. Results Among 300 eligible infants, 47 (15.7%) developed ASD (Figure 1, Table 1). Mean follow-up duration was 3.9 ± 1.4 years and mean age at diagnosis was 3.7 ± 1.5 years. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.63, 95% CI 2.12, 10.10), small for gestational age status (aOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.02, 9.01), maternal age ≥ 35 years at delivery (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.08, 4.57), and tobacco use in utero (aOR 5.67, 95% CI 1.86, 17.29) were significantly associated with ASD. Major neonatal morbidities (retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, severe neurological injury) were not associated with ASD. Among infants with a complete 18-month corrected age developmental assessment and later diagnosed with ASD, 46% (19/41) did not have significant neurodevelopment impairment (Bayley-III < 70, deafness, blindness, or cerebral palsy). Conclusion ASD is a significant morbidity among infants born < 29 weeks’ GA. ASD was associated with infant and prenatal risk factors but not with neonatal morbidities or socio-economic factors. These findings emphasize the need for ASD evaluation among preterm infants < 29 weeks and for reporting developmental outcomes beyond 18-months corrected age.

Outcomes in Twins Compared With Singletons Subsequent to Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes after preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) from 23 to 34 weeks of gestation in twin compared with singleton gestations. We conducted a secondary analysis of an obstetric cohort of 115,502 individuals and their singleton or twin neonates born in 25 hospitals nationwide (2008-2011). Those with preterm PROM from 23 0/7 through 33 6/7 weeks of gestation were included; neonates with major fetal anomalies were excluded. The coprimary outcomes for this analysis were composite maternal morbidity (chorioamnionitis, blood transfusion, postpartum endometritis, wound infection, sepsis, venous thromboembolism, intensive care unit admission, or death) and composite major neonatal morbidity (persistent pulmonary hypertension, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV, seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis stage II or III, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, stillbirth subsequent to admission, or neonatal death before discharge). Logistic regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs for twin compared with singleton gestations. Of 1,531 (1.3%) individuals who met eligibility criteria for this analysis, 218 (14.2%) had twin gestations. The median gestational age at preterm PROM was similar between those with twins and singletons (31.2 weeks [interquartile range 27.4-32.9] vs 30.6 weeks [interquartile range 26.9-32.7], P=.23); however, those with twin gestations had a shorter median latency period (2.0 days [interquartile range 1.0-5.0] vs 3.0 days [interquartile range 2.0-8.0], P<.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, odds of experiencing composite maternal morbidity (17.9% vs 19.3%, adjusted OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66-1.42) or composite neonatal morbidity (20.4% vs 20.5%, OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.72-1.31) did not differ between groups. In a large, diverse cohort, the likelihood of composite maternal or neonatal morbidity per fetus after preterm PROM was similar for twin and singleton gestations.

Mortality and Major Neonatal Morbidity in Preterm Infants with Serious Congenital Heart Disease

To investigate the trends of 1-year mortality and neonatal morbidities in preterm infants with serious congenital heart disease (CHD). This cohort study used a population-based administrative dataset of all liveborn infants of 26-36weeks gestational age with serious CHD born in California between 2011 and 2017. We assessed 1-year mortality and major neonatal morbidities (ie, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage grade >2, and periventricular leukomalacia) across the study period and compared these outcomes with those in infants without CHD. We identified 1921 preterm infants with serious CHD. The relative risk (RR) of death decreased by 10.6% for each year of the study period (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.84-0.95), and the RR of major neonatal morbidity increased by 8.3% for each year (RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.15). Compared with preterm neonates without any CHD (n=234 522), the adjusted risk difference (ARD) for mortality was highest at 32weeks of gestational age (9.7%; 95% CI, 8.3%-11.2%), that for major neonatal morbidity was highest at 28weeks (21.9%; 95% CI, 17.0%-26.9%), and that for the combined outcome was highest at 30weeks (26.7%; 95% CI, 23.3%-30.1%). Mortality in preterm neonates with serious CHD decreased over the last decade, whereas major neonatal morbidities increased. Preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-32weeks have the highest mortality or morbidity compared with their peers without CHD. These results support the need for specialized and focused medical neonatal care in preterm neonates with serious CHD.

Uterine Rupture at a Site Distant From Old Scar: An Unusual Presentation

Uterine rupture is a rare life threatening emergency with severe obstetric consequences. Most ruptures occur in a scarred uterus at the site of previous transmyometrial surgical incision. However, rupture on site distant from previous scar is a very rare entity. It is associated with major maternal and neonatal morbidity than rupture at a scarred area. Index case describes a scenario where uterine rupture occurred at the fundal region, far away from previous caesarean scar site leading to fetal demise. Till now, only a very few cases with uterine rupture away from the site of previous caesarean scar have been reported.&#x0D; Keywords: uterine rupture, unscarred uterus, acute abdomen, hemoperitoneum

Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Among Very Preterm Infants in the United States.

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network recently proposed new, severity-based diagnostic criteria for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This study provides the first benchmark epidemiological data applying this definition. Retrospective cohort study of infants born from 22 to 29 weeks' gestation in 2018 at 715 US hospitals in the Vermont Oxford Network. Rates of BPD, major neonatal morbidities, and common respiratory therapies, stratified by BPD severity, were determined. Among 24 896 infants, 2574 (10.3%) died before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA), 12 198 (49.0%) did not develop BPD, 9192 (36.9%) developed grade 1 or 2 BPD, and 932 (3.7%) developed grade 3 BPD. Rates of mortality before 36 weeks' PMA and grade 3 BPD decreased from 52.7% and 9.9%, respectively, among infants born at 22 weeks' gestation to 17.3% and 0.8% among infants born at 29 weeks' gestation. Grade 1 or 2 BPD peaked in incidence (51.8%) among infants born at 25 weeks' gestation. The frequency of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or cystic periventricular leukomalacia increased from 4.8% among survivors without BPD to 23.4% among survivors with grade 3 BPD. Similar ranges were observed for late onset sepsis (4.8%-31.4%), surgically treated necrotizing enterocolitis (1.4%-17.1%), severe retinopathy of prematurity (1.2%-23.0%), and home oxygen therapy (2.0%-67.5%). More than one-half of very preterm infants born in the United States died before 36 weeks' PMA or developed BPD. Greater BPD severity was associated with more frequent development of major neonatal morbidities, in-hospital mortality, and use of supplemental respiratory support at discharge.

Are neonatal outcomes of triplet pregnancies different from those of singletons according to gestational age?

Multiple pregnancies sustain the high pace of extreme prematurity. Little evidence is available about triplet gestation given the evolution in their management during the last decades. The aim of the study was to compare the neonatal outcomes of triplets with those of matched singletons in a cohort study. An observational retrospective cohort study of triplets and matched singletons born between 2004 and 2017 matched by gestational age was conducted. Additionally, the investigation performed in regard to data from the overall Greek population of interest. The primary outcome was mortality or severe neonatal morbidity based on pregnancy type. A total of 237 triplets of 24-36 weeks' gestation and 482 matched singletons were included. No differences in the primary outcome between triplets and singletons were found. Rates of severe neonatal morbidities did not differ significantly between triplets and singletons. A threshold of 1000gr for birthweight and 28 weeks' gestation for gestational age determined survival on triplets [OR: 0.08 (95% CI: 0.02-0.40, p=0.0020) and OR: 0.13 (95% CI: 0.03-0.57, p=0.0020) for gestational age and birthweight respectively]. In Greece stillbirths in triplets was 8 times higher than that of singletons (OR: 8.5, 95% CI: 6.9-10.5). From 3,375 triplets, 94 were stillborn, whereas in singletons, 4,659 out of 1,388,273. In our center 5 times more triplets than the expected average in Greece were delivered with no significant difference in stillbirths' rates. No significant differences were identified in mortality or major neonatal morbidities between triplets and matched singletons highlighting the significance of prematurity and birthweight for these outcomes.

Preterm birth among pregnant women living in areas with high social vulnerability

Communities and individuals widely vary in their resources and ability to respond to external stressors and insults. To identify vulnerable communities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed the Social Vulnerability Index, an integrated tool to assess community resources and preparedness; it is based on 15 factors and includes individual scores in the following 4 themes: socioeconomic status (theme 1), household composition and disability (theme 2), minority status and language (theme 3), and housing type and transportation (theme 4) and an overall composite score. Several Social Vulnerability Index components have been independently associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. We sought to investigate the association of the Social Vulnerability Index for each patient's residence during pregnancy, personal clinical risk factors, and preterm birth. This was a retrospective cohort study of women carrying nonanomalous singleton or twin gestations delivering at a large university health system from April 2014 to January 2020. Women at high risk of spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth were assigned to a census tract based on their geocoded home address, and a Social Vulnerability Index score was assigned to each individual by linking each patient's home address at the census tract level. Higher scores indicate greater social vulnerability. The primary outcome was preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation; secondary outcomes were preterm birth at <34 and <28 weeks' gestation and composite major neonatal morbidity before initial hospital discharge (death, intraventricular leukomalacia or intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, t test, and backward stepwise logistic regression. In addition, because race is a social construct, we conducted regression models omitting Black race. For all regression models, independent variables with a P value of <.20 remained in the final models. Overall, 15,364 women met the inclusion criteria, of which 18.5%, 6.5%, 2.1% of women delivered at <37, <34, and <28 weeks' gestation, respectively, and 3.1% of neonates were diagnosed with major composite morbidity. Women delivering before term at <37, <34, and <28 weeks' gestation were more likely to live in an area with a higher overall Social Vulnerability Index and higher social vulnerability in each Social Vulnerability Index theme. In regression models, the adjusted odds ratio of preterm birth increased with increasing Social Vulnerability Index scores (across all themes and the composite value); these effects were the greatest at the earliest gestational ages (eg, for the composite Social Vulnerability Index: adjusted odds ratio of preterm birth at <37 weeks' gestation for models, including Black race, 1.32 [95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.53]; adjusted odds ratio at <34 weeks' gestation, 1.60 [95% confidence interval, 1.27-2.01]; adjusted odds ratio at <28 weeks' gestation, 2.21 [95% confidence interval, 1.50-3.25]; adjusted odds ratio for composite major neonatal morbidity, 2.30 [95% confidence interval, 1.67-3.17]). Similar trends were seen for each Social Vulnerability Index theme. In addition, an increased adjusted odds ratio of composite major neonatal morbidity was recognized for each Social Vulnerability Index theme. Results were similar when Black race was removed from the models. The Social Vulnerability Index is a valuable tool that may further identify communities and individuals at the highest risk of preterm birth and may enable clinicians to integrate information regarding the local home environment of their patients to further refine preterm birth risk assessment.

IMMEDIATE NEONATAL OUTCOME OF LATE PRETERMS AND EARLY TERMS COMPARED TO TERMS

Introduction: Increasing number of Late Preterm (LPT) babies are being born in recent years, and they suffer from increased neonatal morbidities and moralities. Objective: +0 +6 To assess the immediate neonatal morbidities and mortalities of Late Pretrem - LPT - (34 -36 weeks) compared to +0 +6 +0 +6 those babies born at Early Term -ET- (37 - 38 weeks) and Term - T- (39 - 40 weeks) gestation. Methodology: A retrospective review of delivery, admission, discharge and death registers and necessary case notes of all live in-born babies excluding those with congenital anomalies were done in RKM Seva Pratisthan Hospital, a teriray level University Hospital in the City of Kolkata, between 1st January 2018 till 31st December 2019. Data collected in a predesigned pro forma were analysed with SPSS vs 23 software, after obtaining necessary permission. All the major neonatal morbidities and morality were compared between the three groups. Results: +0 +6 Total 6511 babies born between gestation 34 and 40 weeks were analysed of which 1021 were in LPT group (31.9%requiring NICU admission), 3408 in ET group (8.3% requiring NICU admission) and 2068 in T group (9.2% requiring NICU admission). There was no signicant difference in mortality (LPT vs ET vsT : 0.5% vs 0.3% vs 0.1%). All the major morbidities ( Respiratory, CNS, Infectious, Metabolic and Any morbidity) were signicantly higher in LPT group. No signicant difference were observed between ET and Term group in terms of any neonatal morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: Late Pretrem newborns suffer from increased neonatal morbidity compared to their Early Term or Term counterpart in immediate neonatal period. No difference of morbidity or mortality were noted between Early Term and Term groups.

Umbilical Cord Management at Term and Late Preterm Birth: A Meta-analysis.

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation prioritized scientific review of umbilical cord management at term and late preterm birth. To assess effects of umbilical cord management strategies (clamping timing and cord milking) in infants ≥34 weeks' gestational age. Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and trial registries searched July 2019. Two authors independently assessed eligibility of randomized controlled trials. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed evidence certainty (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluations). We identified 46 studies (9159 women and their infants) investigating 7 comparisons. Compared with early cord clamping (ECC) <30 seconds, delayed cord clamping (DCC) ≥30 seconds (33 studies), intact-cord milking (1 study), and cut-cord milking (2 studies) probably improve hematologic measures but may not affect survival without neurodisability, anemia in early infancy, or maternal postpartum hemorrhage. No differences in major neonatal morbidities are seen in studies comparing methods of optimizing placental transfusion (DCC versus cut-cord milking [3 studies], longer delays in clamping [7 studies], or physiologic parameters [3 studies]). Strategies that promote increased placental transfusion may be associated with greater phototherapy use. Evidence for all outcomes was low or very low certainty. Incompleteness and low certainty of findings limit applicability. Compared with ECC, DCC or cord milking increases hemoglobin and hematocrit immediately after birth in infants ≥34 weeks' gestational age. The uncertain effects of DCC and cord milking compared with ECC on major morbidities limit usefulness of available evidence for policy and practice.

Antenatal corticosteroid therapy is associated with a lower risk of cystic periventricular leukomalacia.

To evaluate the association of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) therapy on the risk for cystic periventricular leukomalacia (c-PVL) in very low birth weight (VLBW), very preterm infants, whilst accounting for the occurrence of major neonatal morbidities; sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Population-based observational cohort study applying data collected by the Israel national VLBW infant database from 1995-2016. Cystic PVL was diagnosed in 692 (6.8%) of the 10,170 study infants. Among 7522 infants exposed to ACS, the rate of c-PVL was 5.4%, compared to 10.7% among those not exposed (p<0.0001). ACS was associated with significantly lower odds for c-PVL (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.84). In subgroup analyses, excluding infants with one or more morbidities the rates of c-PVL ranged from 2.7% to 5.4% among infants exposed to ACS compared to 5.6% to 10.7% in those not exposed (all p<0.0001). ACS was associated with significantly lower OR's for c-PVL in all subgroups, ranging from 0.52 (95% CI 0.40-0.66) to 0.62 (95% CI 0.50-0.77). Infants exposed to ACS had a significantly lower risk of c-PVL. Subgroup analyses excluding infants with major neonatal comorbidities showed a consistent reduction of 40%-50% in the risk for c-PVL following ACS therapy.

524 Living in a county with high food insecurity is associated with preterm birth (PTB)

Studies on food insecurity in pregnancy have found an association with gestational diabetes and HTN, but effects of food insecurity on PTB are understudied. We sought to evaluate whether living in a county with higher food insecurity during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of PTB. Retrospective analysis of women carrying non-anomalous singleton or twin gestations identified from a university healthcare system, 2014-2020. Women at high-risk for spontaneous ± medically indicated PTB were included in a 1:2 ratio with randomly selected low-risk controls. Each woman’s county of residence during pregnancy was linked to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap data, which provides the % of people in each county who are food insecure (having limited or uncertain access to adequate food). The primary outcome was PTB < 37 wks. Secondary outcomes were PTB < 34 and < 28 wks and any major neonatal morbidity (IVH, PVL, BPD, NEC, death). Data were analyzed by t-test, chi square, and logistic regression. 53,187 women met inclusion criteria; 8.8% delivered < 37, 2.9% < 34, and 1.0% < 28 weeks, and 1.2% of neonates had major morbidity. Population characteristics are shown in Table 1. Food insecurity ranged from 9.5-20.9% in the counties of residence of studied women. The median % of people with food insecurity was higher in counties of women with PTB < 37 (12.6% vs. 11.9%), < 34 (12.6% vs. 11.9%), and <28 wks (12.6% vs. 11.9%), and those whose neonates had major morbidity (12.8% vs. 11.9%) compared to those without each outcome (all p < 0.001). In regression models, the aOR for each outcome increased as food insecurity in one's county increased; the associations with PTB were greatest at the earliest GAs (Table 2). Women living in counties with high rates of food insecurity have a higher aOR of PTB < 37, < 34, and < 28 wks and their neonates have an increased aOR of major neonatal morbidity. These data emphasize how local environment may influence pregnancy outcomes. Future work should evaluate if reducing food insecurity lowers PTB and improves neonatal outcomes.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

294 Outcomes in twins versus singletons subsequent to preterm premature rupture of membranes

To compare maternal and neonatal outcomes subsequent to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in people with twin versus singleton gestations. We conducted a secondary analysis of an obstetric cohort of 115,502 individuals and their neonates who were born in 25 hospitals nationwide (2008 to 2011). Those with PPROM between 23 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation were included in this analysis, while those with triplet pregnancy, or major fetal anomalies were excluded. The co-primary outcomes were composite maternal morbidity (chorioamnionitis, blood transfusion, postpartum endometritis, wound infection, sepsis, venous thromboembolism, intensive care unit admission, or death) and composite major neonatal morbidity (persistent pulmonary hypertension, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III/IV, seizures, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, necrotizing enterocolitis stage II/III, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or stillbirth subsequent to admission). For the twin cohort, one randomly selected twin from each gestation was used to identify the presence of morbidity for that gestation. Logistic regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs for twin vs. singleton gestations. 1531 (1.3%) individuals met eligibility criteria for this analysis, with 218 (14.2%) having twin gestations. The median gestational age at PPROM was similar between patients with twins and singletons (31.2 weeks [IQR 27.4-32.9] vs 30.6 weeks [IQR 26.9-32.7], p=0.23), however those with twin gestations had a shorter median latency period (2.0 days [IQR 1.0-5.0] vs 3.0 days [IQR 2.0-8.0], p<0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, odds of experiencing composite maternal morbidity (17.9% vs 19.3%, aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.66-1.42) or composite neonatal morbidity (17.9% vs 17.9%, aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.69-1.48) did not differ between groups (Table). In a large, diverse cohort, the odds of composite maternal or neonatal morbidity per fetus following PPROM was similar between twin and singleton gestations.

Gestational breast cancer in New South Wales: A population-based linkage study of incidence, management, and outcomes.

The incidence of gestational breast cancer (GBC) is increasing in high-income countries. Our study aimed to examine the epidemiology, management and outcomes of women with GBC in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A retrospective cohort study using linked data from three NSW datasets. The study group comprised women giving birth with a first-time diagnosis of GBC while the comparison group comprised women giving birth without any type of cancer. Outcome measures included incidence of GBC, maternal morbidities, obstetric management, neonatal mortality, and preterm birth. Between 1994 and 2013, 122 women with GBC gave birth in NSW (crude incidence 6.8/ 100,000, 95%CI: 5.6-8.0). Women aged ≥35 years had higher odds of GBC (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.09, 95%CI 4.02-9.2) than younger women. Women with GBC were more likely to give birth by labour induction or pre-labour CS compared to women with no cancer (AOR 4.8, 95%CI: 2.96-7.79). Among women who gave birth by labour induction or pre-labour CS, the preterm birth rate was higher for women with GBC than for women with no cancer (52% vs 7%; AOR 17.5, 95%CI: 11.3-27.3). However, among women with GBC, preterm birth rate did not differ significantly by timing of diagnosis or cancer stage. Babies born to women with GBC were more likely to be preterm (AOR 12.93, 95%CI 8.97-18.64), low birthweight (AOR 8.88, 95%CI 5.87-13.43) or admitted to higher care (AOR 3.99, 95%CI 2.76-5.76) than babies born to women with no cancer. Women aged ≥35 years are at increased risk of GBC. There is a high rate of preterm birth among women with GBC, which is not associated with timing of diagnosis or cancer stage. Most births followed induction of labour or pre-labour CS, with no major short term neonatal morbidity.

Impact of new definitions of preeclampsia at term on identification of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes

Any definition of preeclampsia should identify women and babies at greatest risk of adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the ability of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy definitions of preeclampsia at term gestational age (≥37 0/7 weeks) to identify adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. In this prospective cohort study at 2 maternity hospitals in England, women attending a routine hospital visit at 35 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestation underwent assessment that included history; ultrasonographic estimated fetal weight; Doppler measurements of the pulsatility index in the uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral arteries; and serum placental growth factor-to-soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 ratio. Obstetrical records were examined for all women with chronic hypertension and those who developed new-onset hypertension, with preeclampsia (de novo or superimposed on chronic hypertension) defined in 5 ways: traditional, based on new-onset proteinuria; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2013 definition; International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors definition; International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors plus fetal death or fetal growth restriction definition, defined according to the 35 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks' gestation scan as either estimated fetal weight <3rd percentile or estimated fetal weight at the 3rd to 10th percentile with any of uterine artery pulsatility index >95th percentile, umbilical artery pulsatility index >95th percentile, or middle cerebral artery pulsatility index <5th percentile; and International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance definition, defined as placental growth factor <5th percentile or soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1-to-serum placental growth factor >95th percentile. Detection rates for outcomes of interest (ie, severe maternal hypertension, major maternal morbidity, perinatal mortality or major neonatal morbidity, neonatal unit admission ≥48 hours, and birthweight <10th percentile) were compared using the chi-square test, and P<.05 was considered significant. Among 15,248 singleton pregnancies, the identification of women with preeclampsia varied by definition: traditional, 15 of 281 (1.8%; 248); American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 15 of 326 (2.1%; 248); International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors, 15 of 400 (2.6%; 248); International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors, 15 of 434 (2.8%; 248); and International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance, 15 of 500 (3.3%; 248). Compared with the traditional definition of preeclampsia, the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance best identified the adverse outcomes: severe hypertension (40.6% [traditional] vs 66.9% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance, P<.0001], 59.2% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors, P=.004], 56.2% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors, P=.013], 46.1% [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, P=.449]); P<.0001); composite maternal severe adverse event (72.2% [traditional] vs 100% for all others; P=.046); composite of perinatal mortality and morbidity (46.9% [traditional] vs 71.1% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance, P=.002], 62.2% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors, P=.06], 59.8% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors, P=.117], 49.4% [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, P=.875]); neonatal unit admission for ≥48 hours (51.4% [traditional] vs 73.4% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance, P=.001], 64.5% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors, P=.070], 60.7% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors, P=.213], 53.3% [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, P=.890]); birthweight <10th percentile (40.5% [traditional] vs 78.7% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal factors plus angiogenic imbalance, P<.0001], 70.1% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal-fetal, P<.0001], 51.3% [International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy maternal factors, P=.064], 46.3% [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, P=.349]). Our findings present an evidence base for the broad definition of preeclampsia. Our data suggest that compared with a traditional definition, a broad definition of preeclampsia can better identify women and babies at risk of adverse outcomes. Compared with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists definition, the more inclusive International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy definition of maternal end-organ dysfunction seems to be more sensitive. The addition of uteroplacental dysfunction to the broad definition optimizes the identification of women and babies at risk, particularly when angiogenic factors are included.

Temporal trends of care practices, morbidity, and mortality of extremely preterm infants over 10-years in South Wales, UK

Contemporary outcome data of preterm infants are essential to commission, evaluate and improve healthcare resources and outcomes while also assisting professionals and families in counselling and decision making. We analysed trends in clinical practice, morbidity, and mortality of extremely preterm infants over 10 years in South Wales, UK. This population-based study included live born infants < 28 weeks of gestation in tertiary neonatal units between 01/01/2007 and 31/12/2016. Patient characteristics, clinical practices, mortality, and morbidity were studied until death or discharge home. Temporal trends were examined by adjusted multivariable logistic regression models and expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). A sensitivity analysis was conducted after excluding infants born at < 24 weeks of gestation. In this population, overall mortality for infants after live birth was 28.2% (267/948). The odds of mortality (aOR 0.93, 95% CI [0.88, 0.99]) and admission to the neonatal unit (0.93 [0.87, 0.98]) significantly decreased over time. Non-invasive ventilation support during stabilisation at birth increased significantly (1.26 [1.15, 1.38]) with corresponding decrease in mechanical ventilation at birth (0.89 [0.81, 0.97]) and following admission (0.80 [0.68–0.96]). Medical treatment for patent ductus arteriosus significantly decreased over the study period (0.90 [0.85, 0.96]). The incidence of major neonatal morbidities remained stable, except for a reduction in late-onset sepsis (0.94 [0.89, 0.99]). Gestation and centre of birth were significant independent factors for several outcomes. The results from our sensitivity analysis were compatible with our main results with the notable exception of death after admission to NICU (0.95 [0.89, 1.01]). There were significant improvements in survival and reduction of late-onset sepsis of extreme preterm infants in South Wales between 2007 and 2016. The sensitivity analysis suggests that some of the temporal changes observed were driven by improved outcomes in the most preterm of infants. Clinical practices related to respiratory support have changed but significant variations in clinical practices and outcomes between centres remain unexplained. The adoption of regional evidence-based clinical guidelines is likely to improve outcomes and reduce variation.

Safety of Cow's Milk-Derived Fortifiers used with an All Human Milk Base Diet in Very Low Birthweight Preterm Infants: Part II

Recently we published a meta-analyses of morbidity seen with the use of cow’s milk derived fortifier (CMDF) rather than human milk derived fortifier (HMDF) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Here, we further analyse these data to estimate the annual population risk of CMDF-related major morbidity in the United States and Canada. The outcome used was a mortality/morbidity index which was positive if the infants had one or more of death, necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis retinopathy of prematurity or broncho- pulmonary dysplasia. Using the risk difference (RD) between the CMDF and HMDF groups we estimated, provisionally, that 4150 additional VLBW infants in the United States and Canada each year, or an additional infant approximately every 2 hours, may be expected to develop a positive mortality/morbidity index in relation to being fed CMDF – over and above the number of infants with a positive index if fed HMDF. We provide an in-depth discussion of the limitations of our estimate. This analysis provides preliminary evidence of the magnitude of population risk of major neonatal morbidity with use of CMDF versus HMDF in VLBW infants in current practice.

Single Center Outcome of Multiple Births in the Premature and Very Low Birth Weight Cohort in Singapore.

The aim of this study is to compare neonatal mortality and morbidity in multiple and singleton preterm/very low birthweight (PT/VLBW) multiethnic Asian infants. Cohort study of 676 singleton and 299 multiple PT/VLBW infants born between 2008 and 2012 at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, the largest tertiary perinatal center in Singapore with further stratification by gestational ages 23 to 25 (Group 1), 26 to 28 (Group 2), and ≥29 (Group 3) weeks. Outcome measures included predischarge mortality and major neonatal morbidity. Overall survival to discharge was comparable for singletons 611/676 (90%) and multiples 273/299 (91%). Use of assisted reproductive technologies (47 vs. 4%), antenatal steroids (80 vs. 68%), and delivery by cesarean section (84 vs. 62%) were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in multiples while pregnancy induced hypertension (8.7 vs. 31.6%, p < 0.001) and maternal chorioamnionitis (31 vs. 41%, p < 0.01) were seen less commonly compared with singleton pregnancies. Survival was comparable between singletons and multiples except for a lower survival in multiples in Group 2 (81.7 vs. 92.4%, p = 0.007). Major neonatal morbidities were comparable for multiples and singletons in the overall cohort. Presence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) requiring treatment (88.9 vs. 72.5%), air leaks (33 vs. 14.6%, p = 0.02), NEC (30 vs. 14.6%, p = 0.04), and composite morbidity (86 vs. 66%, p = 0.031) were significantly higher in multiples in Group 1. A significantly higher incidence of HsPDA (68.1 vs. 52.4%, p = 0.008) was also observed in multiples in Group 2. Multiple pregnancy was not an independent predictor of an adverse outcome on regression analysis (OR: 0.685, 95% confidence interval: 0.629-2.02) even in GA ≤25 weeks. Neonatal mortality and morbidity were comparable in our cohort of PT/VLBW singletons and multiple births, but preterm multiple births ≤25 weeks had a higher incidence of neonatal morbidity. · Use of assisted reproductive technologies was significantly higher in multiples as compared to singletons.. · Major neonatal morbidities and mortality were similar between singletons and multiples in our cohort.. · In gestations less than 25 weeks multiples had higher neonatal morbidities than their singleton counterparts..