Maternal Obstetric Complications Research Articles

Overt hypothyroidism in pregnancy and language development in offspring: is there an association?

Overt hypothyroidism during pregnancy is linked to various obstetric complications, such as premature birth and fetal death. While some studies have shown that maternal hypothyroidism can impact a child's Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and language development, findings are controversial. The aim of this study was to explore the connection between treated maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopment, focusing on learning and language and examining related maternal obstetric complications. Group 1 included 31 hypothyroid women with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (> 10mU/L, > 10µIU/mL) during pregnancy, and Group 2 had 21 euthyroid women with normal TSH levels (0.5-2.5mU/L, 0.5-2.5µIU/mL). Children underwent neuropsycological assessments using the Griffiths-II scale. Pregnancy outcome showed an average gestational age at delivery of 38.2weeks for hypothyroid women, compared to 40weeks for controls, and average birth weight of 2855.6g versus 3285g for controls, with hypothyroid women having children with higher intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) prevalence and more caesarean sections. The 1-min APGAR score was lower for the hypothyroid group's children, at 8.85 versus 9.52. Neuropsychological outcomes showed children of hypothyroid mothers scored lower in neurocognitive development, particularly in the learning and language subscale (subscale C), with a notable correlation between higher maternal TSH levels and lower subscale scores. Fetuses born to hypothyroid mothers appeared to be at higher risk of IUGR and reduced APGAR score at birth. Neurocognitive development seemed to affect language performance more than the developmental quotient. This alteration appeared to correlate with the severity of hypothyroidism and its duration.

Excessive Pregestational Weight and Maternal Obstetric Complications: The Role of Adipokines.

There is a high frequency of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age. Women who start pregnancy with overweight or obesity have an increased risk of developing maternal obstetric complications such as gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, postpartum hemorrhage, and requiring C-section to resolve the pregnancy with a higher risk of C-section surgical site infection. Excessive weight in pregnancy is characterized by dysregulation of adipokines, the functions of which partly explain the predisposition of pregnant women with overweight or obesity to these maternal obstetric complications. This review compiles, organizes, and analyzes the most recent studies on adipokines in pregnant women with excess weight and the potential pathophysiological mechanisms favoring the development of maternal pregnancy complications.

Association between parental autoimmune disease and childhood atopic dermatitis varied by sex: a nationwide case-control study.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder induced by dysfunction of immune suppression sharing similar pathogenesis to autoimmune diseases. To explore the association between autoimmune diseases and AD in children, we linked the birth data from National Birth Registry with National Health Insurance Research Database. There were 1,174,941 children obtained from 2006 to 2012 birth cohort. A total of 312,329 children diagnosed with AD before 5years old were compared to 862,612 children without AD in the control group. Conditional logistic regression was utilized to calculate adjusted odds ratio (OR) and Bonferroni-corrected confidence interval (CI) for overall significance level of 0.05. In 2006-2012 birth cohort, the prevalence rate of AD was 26.6% (95% CI 26.5, 26.7) before 5years of age. Having parental autoimmune disease (including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis) was associated with a significant higher risk of children AD development. The other associated factors were maternal obstetric complications (including gestational diabetes mellitus and cervical incompetence), parental systemic diseases (including anemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hyperthyroidism, and obstructive sleep apnea), and parental allergic disease (including asthma and AD). The subgroup analysis showed similar results between children's sexes. Moreover, maternal autoimmune disease had higher impact on the risk of developing AD in the child compared with paternal autoimmune disease. In conclusion, parental autoimmune diseases were found to be related to their children's AD before 5years old.

Gastric band slippage in pregnancy: A diagnostic dilemma

Pregnancy after laparoscopic adjusted gastric banding (LAGB) is thought to be safe and lowers the risk for maternal obstetric complications, without causing a difference in birth weight or a higher incidence of neonatal complications. Even though LAGB complications in pregnancy are rare, they are often severe and can cause significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. This report outlines the case of a pregnant 32-year-old female with gastric band slippage in the third trimester and provides a summary of the literature on LAGB complications in pregnancy and their management.

Parental chest computerized tomography examination before IVF/ICSI has no impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: a cohort study of 2680 fresh transfer cycles

BackgroundSome concern has been expressed regarding the negative effects of low-level ionizing radiation exposure in the context of radiological evaluation prior to IVF/ICSI treatment, but the available evidence is limited and conflicting. The aim of this study is to evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of couples who did chest computed tomography (CT) prior to IVF/ICSI.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 2680 IVF/ICSI fresh embryo transfer cycles conducted from January 2019 – August 2020. Fertility outcomes were compared between couples that had or had not undergone CT examination within 3 months prior to the date of oocyte retrieval and sperm collection. Miscarriage was the primary study outcome, while secondary outcomes included the number of oocytes collected, oocyte maturation, normal fertilization, number of good quality cleavage stage embryos, blastocyst formation, implantation, clinical pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, live birth, multiple birth, Cesarean section rates, gestational weeks, maternal obstetric complications, birth weight, newborn sex ratio, and birth defect incidence. Propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounding variables.ResultsOf the 2680 cycles included in this study, couples underwent CT examination in 731 cycles. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 670 cycles were included in each group. When comparing demographic and fertility-related variables between groups that had and had not undergone CT examination after propensity score matching, we detected no significant differences in miscarriage rates (16.99% vs. 15.77%, OR = 1.10, 95CI% = 0.74 to 1.68). Similarly, both groups exhibited comparable oocyte and embryonic development, implantation rates (41.99% vs. 40.42%, OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.87 to 1.31), clinical pregnancy rates (45.67% vs. 44.48%, OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.85 to 1.30), ectopic pregnancy rates (2.94% vs. 1.68%, OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 0.59 to 5.36), live birth rates (36.57% vs. 35.67%, OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.83 to 1.30), multiple birth rates, Cesarean section rates, gestational weeks, maternal obstetric complication rates, and neonatal outcomes.ConclusionsChest CT examination before IVF/ICSI has no impact on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes associated with fresh embryo transfer.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Risk factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and postpartum exacerbation in women with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG), an autoimmune neuromuscular disease affecting women of childbearing age, exerts an impact on pregnancy, and vice versa. The purposes of the study were to evaluate adverse pregnancy outcomes and postpartum exacerbation in a cohort of Asian MG women, and to explore the predictors for these outcomes. Thirty-seven MG pregnancies of 33 women followed in Xiangya and the second Xiangya hospitals between January 2012 and January 2022, were included in this study. Baseline maternal data, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes were extracted from medical records. MG courses were evaluated during pregnancy and postpartum 1 year. In 5.4% of cases, MG exacerbation was reported during gestation, mostly in the third trimester, and in 38.9% in the postpartum period. Maternal complications were measured in 59.5% of women, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) taking the lead (29.7%) followed by premature rupture of membranes (PROMs) (18.9%). Transient neonatal MG (TNMG) and hyperbilirubinemia (HB) were seen in 24.3% of newborns. Body mass index (BMI) was the only independent predictor for maternal obstetric complications (p=.017), while thyroid disorders for GDM (p=.006). Younger mothers tended to give birth to babies with TNMG (p=.015). Primipara was the only risk factor for HB (p=.015). Higher gestational BMI gain (GBG) (p=.049) and without thyroid disorder (p=.017) were independent risk factors for puerperal exacerbation. Activated partial thromboplastin time and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels could be reliable to predict puerperal exacerbation. Most MG patients have unaffected courses during pregnancy but face a higher rate of maternal and fetal complications. Risk factors identified in our study aid the management of pregnancy in MG women.

A Cross-sectional Comparative Study to Observe the Obstetric Complication Associated with Extreme (<18 - >35) Maternal Age

Aim: To assess the frequency and association of obstetric complications in extreme of maternal ages.
 Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital of district Nawabshah, Sindh and Suleman Roshan Medical College during the period April 2019- May 2020. The data regarding adverse obstetric outcomes of all teenage (<18 years) compared with the reference group of (19-22 years) and women of (>35 years) were compared with reference (31-34 years of age) delivering at the facility. The frequencies, percentages were derived as part of descriptive statistics, chi-square was used for parametric testing with 0.05 level of significance and odds ratio were applied to compare the risk of extreme age groups with their respective reference groups.
 Results: A total of 104 participants were recruited in this study among 16.3% accounted for teenage (<18 years) and 34.6% accounted for advanced maternal age (> 35 years). Multivariate association between maternal age groups and the adverse obstetric variables were taken into account. Elevated rates for all adverse obstetric outcomes were observed between the variables among extreme-age mothers compared to reference group. The differences were statistically significant with p-value of 0.001 respectively. The chi-square test was found to be insignificant for other factors such as socio demographics, obstetric history and mode of delivery. Odds ratio was calculated to measure the risk associated with extreme age. Those women who were <18 years of age attributed 3.2 odds of developing fetal complications and 3.9 odds of developing maternal complication whereas women >35 years of age attributed 3.7 odds of developing fetal and odds 10.7 developing maternal complications.
 Conclusion: Women in extreme age group were at a higher risk for developing adverse fetal and maternal obstetric complications as compared to their reference group.

Fertility Considerations and Lung Transplantation, a Scoping Review

<h3>Purpose</h3> Improved survival of transplant recipients has led to an increased focus on quality of life outcomes, including reproduction. Thirty two percent of lung transplants are performed on patients with childbearing potential. Compared to kidney and liver transplantation, lung transplantation has unique reproductive considerations including increased immunosuppression requirements, lifelong steroid use, and higher baseline risk for rejection. Lung transplant recipients may require or request assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive due to their underlying condition. Evidence-based decisions regarding reproduction are challenging for lung transplant recipients and their medical teams due to the lack of published literature on the subject in this specific population. We carried out a comprehensive scoping review of published research about reproductive considerations after lung transplantation. <h3>Methods</h3> An expert librarian performed a literature search on eight scholarly databases using controlled vocabulary and key words representing the concepts "lung transplantation" and "pregnancy" or "reproduction". Animal studies were excluded. No other limits were applied. Databases were searched from inception to March 8, 2021. Results (1474) were exported to a review management software, duplicates (488) were removed. Two independent reviewers screened 986 articles, 40 studies were included in data extraction. <h3>Results</h3> 40 articles met the inclusion criteria for full review, of these, 90% discussed pregnancy outcomes, 15% discussed fertility preservation, and 8% discussed pre-conception counselling, no articles discussed lactation. The majority of publications were case reports or case series describing at least 72 unique patients, and 86 unique pregnancies. Reporting was heterogeneous; the most frequently reported outcomes were maternal obstetric and transplant complications. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Successful pregnancy after lung transplantation is possible. Overall, little has been published regarding fertility considerations following lung transplantation. Further study is required to clarify natural and assisted reproductive outcomes. Interpretation of the existing data is challenging due to differences in outcome reporting, and publication bias. Standardized reporting is needed to facilitate understanding of this important aspect of post transplant care.

Population-Based Study of Nonelective Postpartum Readmissions in Women With Stroke, Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, and Myasthenia Gravis.

To compare maternal obstetric complications and nonelective readmissions in women with common neurologic comorbidities (WWN) vs women without neurologic disorders. We performed a retrospective cohort study of index characteristics and acute postpartum, nonelective rehospitalizations from the 2015-2017 National Readmissions Database using ICD-10 codes. Wald χ2 testing compared baseline demographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics and postpartum complications between WWN (including previous stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis [MS], and myasthenia gravis [MG]) and controls. Multivariable logistic regression models examined odds of postpartum complications and nonelective readmissions within 30 and 90 days for each neurologic comorbidity compared to controls (α = 0.05). A total of 7,612 women with previous stroke, 83,430 women with migraine, 6,760 women with MS, 843 women with MG, and 8,136,335 controls met the criteria for index admission after viable infant delivery. WWN were more likely than controls to have inpatient diagnoses of edema, proteinuria, or hypertensive disorders and to have received maternal care for poor fetal growth. The adjusted odds of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention severe maternal morbidity indicator were greater for women with previous stroke (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 8.53, 95% CI 7.24-10.06), migraine (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.85-2.26), and MG (AOR 4.45, 95% CI 2.45-8.08) (all p < 0.0001). Readmission rates at 30 and 90 days for WWN were higher than for controls (30 days: previous stroke 2.9%, migraine 1.7%, MS 1.8%, MG 4.3%, controls 1.1%; 90 days: previous stroke 3.7%, migraine 2.5%, MS 5.1%, MG 6.0%, controls 1.6%). Women with MG had the highest adjusted odds of readmission (30 days: AOR 3.96, 95% CI 2.37-6.65, p < 0.0001; 90 days: AOR 3.30, 95% CI 1.88-5.78, p < 0.0001). WWN may be at higher risk of severe maternal morbidity at the time of index delivery and postpartum readmission. More real-world evidence is needed to develop research infrastructure and create efficacious interventions to optimize maternal-fetal outcomes in WWN, especially for women with previous stroke or MG.

Clinical Features of Group B Streptococcus Colonization in Vagina During Late Pregnancy at a Primary Maternity Hospital

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiologic and clinical features of maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization in vagina during their third trimester.Methods: This study included 644 pregnant women who had undergone GBS culture test in their third trimester in 2018. We collected data from the primary level of care maternity hospital through the retrospective chart review. We compared patients’ demographics, maternal obstetrical complications and neonatal adverse events between GBS positive (n=41) and GBS negative (n=603) groups. To find out clinical predictors of GBS positive result, univariable chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied.Results: The colonization rate of GBS in maternal vagina was 6.4% in their third trimester. GBS positive group showed significant association with the third trimester anemia (hemoglobin level &lt;10.5 g/dL) (p=0.013) and oligohydramnios (p=0.024; odds ratio, 7.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–41.31). All specimens were susceptible to penicillin G and cephalosporin. The antibiotic resistance to both erythromycin and clindamycin was 31%.Conclusion: The colonization rate of GBS in maternal vagina was 6.4% and third trimester maternal anemia was associated with the GBS carrying status.

Assessing the Rate of Successful Induction of labor Following Intra-Vaginal Administration of Misoprostol

Introduction: The use of prostaglandin preparations with or without oxytocin infusion is widely recognized and accepted as a standard method of induction of labor. It has been shown to reduce induction time and the risk of failed induction. But the use of prostaglandin E2 is quite expensive and is not available in many developing countries. In such cases, misoprostol can also be used as an induction agent. The aim of the study was to assess the rate of successful induction of labor following intra-vaginal administration of misoprostol. Methods: This open clinical trial study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North East Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study duration was 1 year and was conducted with a total of 100 patients who were admitted with term pregnancy and unfavorable cervix in the study hospital, fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: Bishop’s score was significantly raised after 6 hours vaginal misoprostol [4.63 (SD ± 1.17) VS 5.82 (SD ± 1.60); p&lt;0.001]. The mean induction to vaginal delivery time was 14.6 (SD ± 4.6) hours (range 6 to 23 hours); the induction to vaginal delivery time was&lt;12 hours in 44.3% and 12-24 hours in 55.7% cases. The mode of delivery was vaginal in most of the cases (70.0%) and cesarean section was in 30.0% of cases. Fetal distress was the most frequent indication of cesarean section (63.3%), followed by arrested labor (20.0%) and failed induction (16.7%). The maternal obstetric complication was postpartum hemorrhage (3.0%) without any ruptured uterus, tachysystole, hypertonus uterus, or hyperstimulation. The maternal side-effects were nausea or vomiting (5.0%), diarrhea (2.0%), and fever (1.0%). Fetal outcomes were, normal baby (65.0%), APGAR score &lt;7 at 1 min (27.0%), resuscitation needed (27.0%), neonatal unit admission (13.0%), meconium passage (8.0%) and intrauterine Fetal death (diagnosed before induction) (8.0%). Conclusion: Vaginal misoprostol seems to be a promising drug for labor induction with a high rate of success. Possible advantages of misoprostol may be the availability, ease of administration, well tolerability, and most notably its dual action in cervical ripening and labor induction. However, future studies focusing on dosing regimens and routes of application are needed.

Predictors of maternal and neonatal complications in women with severe valvular heart disease during pregnancy in Tunisia: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSevere valvular heart disease, especially stenosis, is a contraindication for conception according to the World Health Organization. This is still encountered in countries with a high rheumatic fever prevalence. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of maternal cardiac, obstetric and neonatal complications in pregnant women with severe valve disease.MethodsThis is an observational retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women with severe heart valvulopathy who gave birth between 2010 and 2017.ResultsWe included 60 pregnancies in 54 women. Cardiac complications occurred during 37 pregnancies (61%). In multivariate analysis, parity (aOR =2.41, 95% CI[1.12–5.16]), revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 6.34; 95% CI[1.26–31.77]), severe mitral stenosis (aOR = 6.98, 95% CI[1.14–41.05],) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.08, 95% CI[1.01–1.14]) were associated with cardiac complications. Obstetrical complications were noted during 19 pregnancies (31.8%). These complications were associated with nulliparity (aOR = 5.22; 95% CI[1.15–23.6]), multiple valve disease (aOR = 5.26, 95% CI[1.19–23.2]), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.04, 95% CI[1.002–1.09]), and treatment with vitamin K antagonists (aOR = 8.71, 95% CI[1.98–38.2]). Neonatal complications were noted in 39.3% of newborns (n = 61) and these were associated with occurrence of obstetric complications (aOR = 16.47, 95% CI[3.2–84.3]) and revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 7.33, 95% CI[1.4–36.1]).ConclusionsRevelation of valvular heart disease during pregnancy is a predictor of not only cardiac but also neonatal complications. Valvular heart disease screening during pre-conceptional counseling is thus crucial.

Neonatal outcomes of obstetric complications

Background/Aims Neonatal mortality remains a global challenge. In Ghana, neonatal mortality accounts for up to 50% of child mortality. A better understanding of the neonatal outcomes of obstetrics complications could contribute to context-specific evidence-based care to prevent neonatal deaths. This study aimed to describe the relationship between poor neonatal outcomes and obstetric complications in a tertiary health facility in the north of Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted at a tertiary health facility in northern Ghana. Purposive convenience sampling was used to select 384 mothers who experienced obstetric complications. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the participants' neonatal health outcomes. The chi-square test was performed to determine the relationship between neonatal health outcomes and obstetric complications, with significance set at P&lt;0.05. Results A total of 20 obstetric complications were recorded. Overall, 327 participants had a single complication. The three most common obstetric complications resulting in adverse neonatal outcomes were obstructed labour (56.0%), pregnancy-induced hypertension (14.6%) and postpartum haemorrhage (11.6%). The majority (66.7%) of the neonates were healthy at birth, with 21.9% and 11.5% being sick or stillborn respectively. Obstetric complications were significantly associated with both neonatal morbidities and mortalities at P&lt;0.000. Conclusions Preventable maternal obstetric complications continue to cause adverse neonatal outcomes in health facilities in Ghana. Appraisal of maternal and newborn care practices may be necessary to understand context-specific factors.

Asociación entre el control prenatal y las complicaciones obstétricas maternas periparto y postparto. endes 2017 al 2019

Introduction: Obstetric complications are an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, with prenatal control (PNC) being a strategy for their adequate prevention and treatment. Objective: To determine the association between adequate CPN and peripartum and postpartum maternal obstetric complications. Methodology: Quantitative, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and analytical study, based on information from the ENDES 2017-2019. Results: A sample of 41,803 mothers was analyzed, 21,0% and 28,7% had peripartum and postpartum complications respectively, furthermore, it was found that not having a quality NPC (PR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.14-1.27), residing in metropolitan Lima (PR = 1,38; 95% CI = 1,27-1,49) or in the mountains (PR = 1,25; 95% CI = 1,18-1,33), belong to wealth quintile two (PR = 1,13; 95% CI = 1,04-1,22) or three (PR = 1,11; 95% CI = 1,03-1,20), having been attended only by qualified personnel (PR = 1,81; 95% CI = 1,33-2,48) and only in the public sector (PR = 1,48; 95% CI = 1,31-1,68) were associated with a greater possibility of peripartum complications. Not having a quality NPC (PR = 1,28; 95% CI = 1,22-1,33), residing in metropolitan Lima (PR = 1,12; 95% CI = 1,05-1,20) or in the mountains (PR = 1,06; 95% CI = 1,01-1,12), belong to wealth quintile two (PR = 1,13; 95% CI = 1,05-1,20) or three (PR = 1,12; 95% CI = 1,05-1,19) and having received NPC only in the public sector (PR = 1,28; 95% CI = 1,17-1,41) were associated with a greater possibility of postpartum complications. Conclusions: Within the adequate NPC, an association was found between the quality NPC and the peripartum and postpartum maternal obstetric complications.

Spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis

BackgroundMaternal anemia continues as a global public health concern particularly in developing countries including Ethiopia. It is associated with an increased risk of maternal death, obstetric complications, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Even though maternal anemia is the commonest problem in Ethiopia, there is limited evidence on the spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the spatial distribution and determinants of iron supplementation among pregnant women in Ethiopia.MethodA secondary data analysis was conducted based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 7589 women was included for analysis. For the spatial analysis; ArcGIS version 10.6, and SaT Scan version 9.6 statistical software were employed to explore the spatial distribution, and to identify significant hotspot areas of iron supplementation in Ethiopia. For the determinant factors, multilevel logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify significant individual and community level determinants of iron supplementation. Deviance, Median Odds Ratio (MOR), and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were used for model comparison and for assessing model fitness. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered in the multivariable multilevel analysis. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to declare significant determinants of iron supplementation.ResultsThe spatial distribution of iron supplementation was significantly varied across the country with Global Moran’s index value of 0.3 (p < 0.001). The SaTScan analysis identified a total of 271 significant clusters, of these 89 clusters were primary clusters located in the Southwest Somali and Central Oromia regions (LLR = 66.69, P < 0.001, RR = 1.35). ANC visit (AOR = 3.66, 95%CI: 3.21, 417), community education [AOR = 1.31, 95%CI, 1.07, 1.59), media exposure (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.53), distance to health facility (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.16, 1.50), region and household wealth index were statistically significant determinant factors of iron supplementation.ConclusionIron supplementation among pregnant women were significantly varied across the country. Therefore, the finding of this study could help to design effective public health interventions targeting areas with low iron supplementation and maternal health services should be delivered in all areas of our country. Besides, public health programs should enhance iron supplementation through promoting ANC visits, media exposure, and giving special emphasis to marginalized and remote areas.

Management and perinatal outcomes of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Arrhythmias in pregnancy are common and can cause significant complications. The decision to use drug therapy or invasive treatment in pregnancy must have absolutely reasons. Data on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with arrhythmias is limited. Objective The aim of our study is to observe the characteristics and prognosis of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnant women. Methods 72 pregnant women with arrhythmias have been included (single-center, prospectively study). Mean age of patients: 28,34 ± 5,25years, mean gestation age 22,37 ± 6,77 weeks. Clinical characteristics of patients, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were documented. Results The most common reported arrhythmias were supraventricular tachycardia (n = 32; 44%). This was followed by premature contractions (n = 29; 40%). Advanced heart block (n = 7; 10%) and ventricular tachycardia (n = 4; 6%) were exceedingly rare during pregnancy. Arrhythmias was benign in 12 patients (17%) and did not require drug therapy. Administration of antiarrhythmic treatment was justified when symptoms were very frequent and cause haemodynamic instability (n = 52; 65,7%). In patients with drug refractory and dangerous rhythm disturbances (n = 22; 31%) were performed catheter ablation by using 3D navigation system without fluoroscopy. Permanent pacemaker was implanted in 7 cases (10%) of third-degree atrioventricular block. Interventions were effective in all cases without adverse outcome. In the majority of cases were spontaneus vaginal (n = 48; 66,7%) or vaginal-assisted (n = 6; 8,3%) delivery. Eighteen pregnancies (25%) were delivered by cesarean section. Intrapartum hemorrhage was 350,4 ± 238,2 ml. Maternal cardiac events and obstetric complications were none declared. There were 72 live births (in all pregnancies). Fetal birth weight was 3407,39 ± 785,61 grams, 5 minute Apgar was 8,47 ± 1,6. There were no maternal and fetal mortality. Conclusions supraventricular tachycardia and premature beats are common in pregnancy. Spontaneous vaginal delivery is more likely in this patients. Major maternal and fetal adverse outcomes are infrequent in pregnant women with arrhythmias.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: an update

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD) followed at Santa Casa de Sao Paulo over a 10-year period (between 2010 and 2019). MethodFifty-five records of pregnancies were analyzed among 35 women with SCD. ResultsAmong 29 newborns, 19 (65.5%) were full-term and 10 pre-term; 24 (82.7%) caesareans and 5 (17.2%) natural births were observed. The mean gestational age at birth and mother`s age were 36.6 weeks (30–40) and 26.7 years (17–39), respectively. No maternal death was observed. The main maternal obstetric and non-obstetric complications were: pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, and vaso-occlusive crisis, urinary tract infection and acute chest syndrome, respectively. Twenty-six (47.0%) fetal deaths were observed, 24 being intrauterine fetal (14 early abortions, 10 late abortions and 2 stillbirths). Regarding the red blood cell transfusion history, 40 (72.7%) out of 55 pregnancies received transfusion. Pregnant women who received 6 or more transfusions throughout pregnancy had a significantly lower number of abortions, i.e., no cases of early abortion and only 1 case of late abortion, versus 14 and 9 cases in pregnancies with 0–5 transfusions, respectively. Despite advances in the management of SCD, pregnant women with SCD (particularly those with HbSS) are at a high risk for maternal and fetal complications, even though they are followed in reference centers. ConclusionThe lower risk of intrauterine fetal death for those women who received more transfusions throughout pregnancy observed in the current study leads us once more to raise the need for prospective, multicenter, randomized trials to determine whether the potential benefits balance the risks of prophylactic transfusions.

Maintenance agonist treatments for opiate-dependent pregnant women.

The prevalence of opiate use among pregnant women can range from 1% to 2% to as high as 21%. Just in the United States alone, among pregnant women with hospital delivery, a fourfold increase in opioid use is reported from 1999 to 2014 (Haight 2018). Heroin crosses the placenta, and pregnant, opiate-dependent women experience a six-fold increase in maternal obstetric complications such as low birth weight, toxaemia, third trimester bleeding, malpresentation, puerperal morbidity, fetal distress and meconium aspiration. Neonatal complications include narcotic withdrawal, postnatal growth deficiency, microcephaly, neuro-behavioural problems, increased neonatal mortality and a 74-fold increase in sudden infant death syndrome. This is an updated version of the original Cochrane Review first published in 2008 and last updated in 2013. To assess the effectiveness of any maintenance treatment alone or in combination with a psychosocial intervention compared to no intervention, other pharmacological intervention or psychosocial interventions alone for child health status, neonatal mortality, retaining pregnant women in treatment, and reducing the use of substances. We updated our searches of the following databases to February 2020: the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. We also searched two trials registers and checked the reference lists of included studies for further references to relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Randomised controlled trials which assessed the efficacy of any pharmacological maintenance treatment for opiate-dependent pregnant women. We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. We found four trials with 271 pregnant women. Three compared methadone with buprenorphine and one methadone with oral slow-release morphine. Three out of four studies had adequate allocation concealment and were double-blind. The major flaw in the included studies was attrition bias: three out of four had a high dropout rate (30% to 40%), and this was unbalanced between groups. Methadone versus buprenorphine: There was probably no evidence of a difference in the dropout rate from treatment (risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37 to 1.20, three studies, 223 participants, moderate-quality evidence). There may be no evidence of a difference in the use of primary substances between methadone and buprenorphine (RR 1.81, 95% CI 0.70 to 4.68, two studies, 151 participants, low-quality evidence). Birth weight may be higher in the buprenorphine group in the two trials that reported data MD;-530.00 g, 95%CI -662.78 to -397.22 (one study, 19 particpants) and MD: -215.00 g, 95%CI -238.93 to -191.07 (one study, 131 participants) although the results could not be pooled due to very high heterogeneity (very low-quality of evidence). The third study reported that there was no evidence of a difference. We found there may be no evidence of a difference in the APGAR score (MD: 0.00, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.03, two studies,163 participants, low-quality evidence). Many measures were used in the studies to assess neonatal abstinence syndrome. The number of newborns treated for neonatal abstinence syndrome, which is the most critical outcome, may not differ between groups (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.87 to1.63, three studies, 166 participants, low-quality evidence). Only one study which compared methadone with buprenorphine reported side effects. We found there may be no evidence of a difference in the number of mothers with serious adverse events (AEs) (RR 1.69, 95% CI 0.75 to 3.83, 175 participants, low-quality evidence) and we found there may be no difference in the numbers of newborns with serious AEs (RR 4.77, 95% CI 0.59, 38.49,131 participants, low-quality evidence). Methadone versus slow-release morphine: There were no dropouts in either treatment group. Oral slow-release morphine may be superior to methadone for abstinence from heroin use during pregnancy (RR 2.40, 95% CI 1.00 to 5.77, one study, 48 participants, low-quality evidence). In the comparison between methadone and slow-release morphine, no side effects were reported for the mother. In contrast, one child in the methadone group had central apnoea, and one child in the morphine group had obstructive apnoea (low-quality evidence). Methadone and buprenorphine may be similar in efficacy and safety for the treatment of opioid-dependent pregnant women and their babies. There is not enough evidence to make conclusions for the comparison between methadone and slow-release morphine. Overall, the body of evidence is too small to make firm conclusions about the equivalence of the treatments compared. There is still a need for randomised controlled trials of adequate sample size comparing different maintenance treatments.

Ultrasonic assessment has high sensitivity for pregnant women with previous cesarean section occurring uterine dehiscence and rupture: A STARD-compliant article.

To investigate the diagnostic performance of ultrasound (US) for pregnant women with previous caesarean section (CS) occurring lower uterine segment (LUS) dehiscence and rupture.107 pregnant women with previous CS and LUS thickness of 1.0 mm or less were recruited, the LUS and myometrium was measured, and US findings suggestive of uterine rupture were compared with findings at laparotomy. The included pregnant women were assigned into 2 groups, including 64 pregnant women had vaginal delivery at full-term and 43 pregnant women underwent repeat CS at preterm.US findings suggestive of uterine rupture and dehiscence occurred in 18 women and 89 women, respectively; ten of them developed uterine rupture, and the incidence of uterine rupture was 9.34% (10/107). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive, and negative predictive values of US for the evaluation of LUS dehiscence and rupture were 100.0%, 91.8%, 92.5%, 55.6%, and 100.0%, respectively. There was no severe maternal obstetric complication, 1 fetus died, and the other fetuses were born with a 5-minute Apgar score of 7 to 10.US has high sensitivity and specificity for pregnant women with previous CS occurring LUS dehiscence and rupture.

The Effect of Obstetric Complications (Premature Rupture of Membrans, Pre Eclampsia and Post Date) on the Type of Labor in Mojokasri Hospital

Obstetric complications are complications that occur during the pregnancy process or complications that can occur after the mother gives birth, for example, KPD, Bleeding, Abortion, post date, Preeclampsia and Eclampsia and others that can cause risks to the mother and fetus that will affect labor (. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of obstetric complications (KPD, Pre-eclampsia and Post Date) on the type of labor in Mojokasri Kawaananan, Mojokerto Regency in 2018.&#x0D; The design used in the study is Comparative. Population were all maternal obstetric complications (KPD, Pre Eklampsi, Post Date) in Mojokasri Hospital in June to August 2018 with a total of 186 people. The sample size is 126 respondents, using the simple random technique. Independent variables are Obstetric Complications (KPD, PEB and Post Date) the dependent variable is Type of Labor (Normal, Action, Sectio Caesarea). Data was collected using observation sheets, then analyzed using the Logistic Regression test. Statistical test results obtained from Kebidanan Complications obtained p value of 0,000 &lt;α = 0.05, so that H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. This means that the variable midwifery complication affects the type of labor Actions / sectio caesarea in Kawedanan Mojokasri, Mojokerto Regency