Perinatal Outcomes In Pregnant Women Research Articles

#2172 Maternal, obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with lupus nephritis: experience of a tertiary center

Abstract Background and Aims Pregnant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) are at particular risk for unfavourable maternal, obstetric and perinatal outcomes, especially if the disease is active. Thus, it is of paramount importance that LN patients have preconceptional counseling in order to optimize care and define the best moment to conceive. Method Observational retrospective study based on the review of medical records of pregnant women with lupus nephritis surveilled at our multidisciplinary maternal-fetal clinic from 2011 to 2023. Results We evaluated 26 gestations in 24 patients. Mean age was 30,8 years (19-40), 21 women were Caucasian, 2 black African, 1 Asian; 10/24 were nulliparous and 6/24 had chronic hypertension (HTUN). Mean baseline SCr was 0,79 mg/dl (0.5-3.5), baseline proteinuria > 1 g/day or <0,5 g/day was present in 3/26 and 22/26 gestations, respectively. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2, 3 and 5 was present in 1, 2 and 1 gestation respectively; 5/24 patients were APL positive; positive dsDNA and complement consumption at baseline were present in 4/26 and 12/26 gestations, with most patients previously having class IV LN (15/23). Active lupus nephritis during pregnancy occurred in 3 patients: 2 were submitted to medical termination of pregnancy (due to severe pulmonary HTN and renal function deterioration) and 1 was successfully treated with tacrolimus, azathioprine and prednisolone from week 28, and biopsied postpartum. Exposure to teratogenic therapy during the 1st trimester occurred in 3/26 gestations with a mean exposure of 8,5 weeks. Worsening kidney function occurred in 3/24 patients due to PE (1/26 CKD stage 3)/LN (1/26 stage CKD3)/pregnancy hyperfiltration (1/26 CKD stage CKD5), with partial and full renal recovery in 2 CKD stage 3 patients and dialysis initiation in the CKD stage 5 patient at 19 weeks (urea levels > 100 mg/dL). De novo proteinuria occurred in 3/24 patients (due to LN) and worsening proteinuria in 6/24 patients (PE 2/6; pregnancy hyperfiltration 4/6). De novo or worsening HTN occurred in 3/26 gestations. Immunosuppression during pregnancy consisted on azathioprine, prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine. SLE Flares occurred in 7/26 (27%) patients, with minor relapses in 4/6 gestations (hepatic, skin and articular involvement) and major renal flares in 3/6 gestations. All renal relapses occurred in patients with no preconception counseling nor immunosuppressive therapy. PE occurred in 2/26 (7,6%) gestations. Abortion occurred in 6/26 pregnancies (3 spontaneous abortions, 2MTP, 1 voluntary interruption). Cesarean (C) rate was 34,6%. Mean gestation age at delivery was 37±3 (28-40) weeks. Mean birth weight was 2789±859 mg (800-4175), 4 newborns were low birth weight (<2500 g). Apgar scores at 5/10 minutes were 10/10, respectively. Neonatal intensive care (NICU) was needed in 5 newborns. Conclusion In our series of SLE patients with LN, worsening kidney function only occurred in patients with advanced CDK, and renal flares in patients without preconceptional counseling nor immunosuppressive therapy, which underlines the importance of careful pregnancy planning. One patient with proliferative LN was successfully treated with tacrolimus associated to azathioprine and prednisolone during pregnancy, being a valuable therapeutic option in these situations. Although SLE patients with LN can have safe pregnancies, we still found an increased incidence of maternal, obstetric and perinatal complications, namely HTN, PE, C, low birth weight and the need of NICU.

#2095 Genetic kidney disease in pregnancy – experience of tertiary referral hospital

Abstract Background and Aims Genetic kidney diseases (GKD) are rarely seen in pregnancy and some diagnosis will only be made during gestation, due to a high proportion of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) of unknown etiology and recent advances in genetic testing. Genetic counseling and, when possible, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) should be offered pre-pregnancy to this specific CKD population. Method Retrospective analysis of maternal, obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with GKD surveilled at Hospital Santa Maria, at the nephro-obstetric clinic from 2011 to 2023. Results We evaluated 34 pregnancies in 28 women, mean maternal age 30±6 years-old [21-37], 89% Caucasian. Molecular genetic testing was performed pre-pregnancy, during and post-pregnancy in 12/19, 2/19 and 5/19 patients, respectively. At baseline, mean serum creatinine (SCr) and proteinuria (Pr) was 1.0±0.9 mg/dL and 222±516 mg/g, with CKD stage 1/2/3/4/5 in 27/2/2/1/2 gestations and chronic hypertension (HTN) in 11/34 pregnancies. Only 1/28 patients performed PGT, while 1/28 patient declined it. De novo or increased Pr occurred in 10/34 gestations and de novo or worsening HTN in 5/34 gestations. Deterioration of renal function occurred in one patient (CKD3) without recovery and one patient (CKD5) induced dialysis 4 months post-pregnancy. Nephrotic Pr developed in 4/34 gestations. One patient (FSGS APOL1) was treated with tacrolimus and low dose steroids. The patient with TSC re-started sirolimus on week 22 to treat severe fetal ventricular rhabdomyoma. Miscarriage occurred in 2 pregnancies. The C section rate was 21,8%. There were 7 preterm deliveries of which 3 before 32 weeks of pregnancy, mainly due to severe preeclampsia. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37,6 ± 4 weeks (26-41), mean birth weight 2756 ± 831 g (560-3835). Eight newborns were admitted to neonatal ICU due prematurity, fetal TSC, and feeding difficulties. Pulmonary hemorrhage and sepsis caused the death of 2 newborns. We found 1 maternal death, due to rupture of a cerebral aneurism 1 month postpartum (PKD patient). Conclusion Our cohort was very heterogenous regarding CKD etiologies, but generally with good kidney function, which allowed overall good obstetric outcomes. Still, maternal, obstetric and fetal complications, namely HTN, Pr, PE and prematurity had an increased incidence compared to pregnancy in healthy patients. This particular population should be approached by an experienced multidisciplinary team in CKD pregnancy care to optimize outcome.

Coronavirus disease 2019 in pregnancy: clinical manifestations, maternal, and perinatal outcomes

Background and objective: The current COVID-19 pandemic has become a main health threat worldwide and concerns have been raised regarding the effect of the Covid-19 infection on the wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn baby. This study aimed to determine the clinical manifestations in addition to maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with confirmed COVID-19. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in the Maternity Teaching Hospital and some private obstetric clinics in Erbil city/Kurdistan region, Iraq. The study started from the 1st April 2020 until the end of April of 2021. Seventy-one women who represent all infectedwithCOVID-19 during that period during pregnancy who were 16 years old or more were included in the study. Swabs were taken from nasopharynx by citoswab were diagnosed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain (qRT-PCR) at central laboratory of Erbil city/Iraq. The data were collected through direct interview with the patients using a special questionnaire, prepared for this purpose. Results: More than half (53.5%) of participants were 25-34 years old, 80.3% of women were housewives and 29.6% of them were illiterate. The majority (87.3%) of women did not have chronic illnesses and 43.7% of them were in second trimester during COVID-19 infection. The following symptoms were reported: fever (91.5%), cough (80.3%), headache (77.5%), weakness (73.2%), loss of smell (69%), aguesia (67.6%), sore throat (66.2%), arthralgia and myalgia (64.8%), flu like illness (62%), dyspnea (39.4 %), and diarrhea and/or vomiting (26.8%). The majority (84.51%) of women did notreport any fetal complications or none has happened and 1.4% of the fetuses suffered from fetal distress and FGR. Caesarean section was the commonest mode of delivery. A significant statistical association was found between age group and fetal complications suggesting that fetal complications increased with becoming older. Conclusion: Manifestations such as fever, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, loss of smell and taste, arthralgia and myalgia were commonly observed in Covid-19 pregnant patients. Cough was still the highest reported symptom followed by weakness and dyspnea even six months post Covid-19 infection. Adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes were observed in pregnant patients infected with Covid-19.

Platelet ındices as potential biomarkers of perinatal outcomes in women with SLE during pregnancy.

This study aimed to assess the platelet parameters and their prognostic value for perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This retrospective study involved 180 participants, 90 pregnant women with SLE and 90 healthy pregnant women. Clinical and demographic variables including routine first-trimester neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and platelet parameters such as platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT) were compared between the groups. The perinatal outcomes of the whole study group were also compared. SLE patients had lower leukocyte (p = 0.001), lymphocyte (p = 0.001) and platelet counts (p = 0.018), higher PDW (p = 0.002), MPV (p = 0.001), NLR (p = 0.008) and PLR (p = 0.015) and lower PCT (p = 0.015) than the control group. The groups had no significant difference in hemoglobin levels (p = 0.936). SLE patients had higher rates of cesarean section (p = 0.002), small for gestational age (SGA) (p = 0.019) and stillbirth (p = 0.017) and lower birth weight (p = 0.001) than the control group. PCT was a significant predictor of stillbirth with a cut-off value of 0.21, sensitivity of 64.3% and specificity of 83.3% (AUC: 0.843, p < 0.001). Pregnant women with SLE have altered platelet parameters and increased inflammatory markers compared to healthy pregnant women. PCT is a simple and useful marker for predicting stillbirth risk in SLE pregnancies.

The correlation between serum total bile acid and adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and non-ICP hypercholanemia of pregnancy.

The association between excessive serum total bile acid (TBA) and adverse perinatal outcomes in individuals with non-intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (non-ICP) hypercholanemia has not been determined, and it is unclear if this link is similar to that observed in patients with ICP. To examine the adverse perinatal outcomes in two specific subcategories: those with ICP and those with non-ICP, including individuals with liver disease and asymptomatic hypercholanemia of pregnancy (AHP), at different levels of TBA. Investigate the correlation between TBA levels and adverse perinatal outcomes of ICP, liver disease, and AHP. From 2013 to 2021, pregnant women with excessive TBA levels were taken from the electronic medical record database of our hospital and categorized into three groups: ICP (n = 160), liver disease (n = 164), and AHP (n = 650). This was done as part of a retrospective cohort research project. Multivariable regression and subgroup analyses were performed to examine the association between TBA levels and adverse perinatal outcomes in each group. The study found no significant differences in adverse perinatal outcomes between the ICP and liver disease groups at different TBA levels. However, at moderate TBA levels, both groups had a higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than the AHP group (p < 0.017). Among liver disease cases with TBA ≥ 100µmol/L, three cases of perinatal deaths (6.67%) associated with moderate-to-severe acute hepatitis occurred between 27 and 33 weeks of gestation. A 59% higher chance of perinatal death was found for every 10 µmol/L rise in TBA, even after significant variables and confounders were taken into account (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-2.40; p = 0.03). If a pregnant woman has moderate-to-severe liver disease and TBA ≥ 100µmol/L, preterm termination of pregnancy (before 34 weeks) may be considered.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with rheumatic diseases treated with biosimilar TNF inhibitors.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with rheumatic diseases treated with biosimilar TNF inhibitors.

Perinatal Consequences in Pregnant Women Suffering from Metabolic Syndrome

The aim of the study was to evaluate perinatal outcomes in pregnant women suffering from metabolic syndrome&#x0D; Material and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of Maternity House No. 7" (Odesa) in 2014-2021. 57 women with metabolic syndrome were examined. Anthropometric parameters, basic metabolism, leptin content and lipid profile, frequency of complications of pregnancy and childbirth were evaluated. Statistical processing was carried out by methods of dispersion and correlation analysis using Statistica 13.0 software (TIBCO, USA).&#x0D; Research results.&#x0D; The average age of the examined women was 27.4±1.1 years. Of them, 16 (28.1%) pregnant women were primiparous, and 41 (71.9%) pregnant women gave birth again. BMI in all women was above 25 kg/m2 (on average 29.2±0.6 kg/m2) with a fat content of 47.3±2.4%. During pregnancy, leptin level was on average 39.3±1.6 ng/ml, LDL content was 1.8±0.1 mmol/l. The presence of metabolic syndrome significantly increased the frequency of obstetric and perinatal complications. The possible relationship between the identified disorders and qualitative changes in the intestinal microbiome is discussed.&#x0D; Conclusions:&#x0D; &#x0D; In women with manifested metabolic syndrome, the course of pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia in 24.6% of cases, placental dysfunction in 29.8% of cases. The threat of premature birth occurred in 40.4%, gestational diabetes – in 31.6% of women.&#x0D; With metabolic syndrome, the frequency of operative delivery increases to 35.1%. The main indications for a cesarean section were a clinically narrow pelvis, a severe form of preeclampsia, and weakness of labor that cannot be corrected with medication.&#x0D; During childbirth, women in labor with metabolic syndrome often experience such complications as weakness of labor (19.3%), premature discharge of amniotic fluid (24.6%). The main complication of the postpartum period was subinvolution of the uterus (15.8%).&#x0D; Most of the children born had signs of macrosomia, which closely depended on leptin concentration (r=-0.31).&#x0D; The proven existence of a strong correlation between the level of leptin production and LDL (rs=0.76).&#x0D;

A Post-Pandemic Insight on The Covid-19 and Pregnancy in Malaysia

A December 2023 COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asia prompted an update on Malaysia's existing understanding of COVID-19 and pregnancy. Research suggests that COVID-19 increases the risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19 due to physiological changes in the coagulation, immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems during pregnancy. Evidence indicates that pregnant COVID-19 patients are at an increased risk for severe illness and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Stillbirth, neonatal death, and preterm labour are some of the most often reported adverse foetal outcomes. Data shows vertical transmission of COVID-19 is possible but rare. Currently, vaccination remains the most effective and safest strategy for protecting risk groups from severe illness, complications, and death. Although Malaysia has no plans to reinstate its movement control order, following a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has prepared a five-point strategy as well as updated the COVID-19 Management Guidelines, including the therapeutic management of pregnant patients with COVID-19. The MOH encourages safe public practices and general measures including vaccinations, wearing masks, and maintaining hand hygiene. This review provides important insights into the COVID-19 pregnancy in Malaysia, susceptibility to COVID-19 in pregnancy, maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19, transmission of COVID-19 to a newborn, COVID-19 treatment in pregnancy, COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and management of unvaccinated pregnant and lactating mothers in Malaysia.

Perinatal Outcome in Pregnant Women With Isolated Oligohydramnios Diagnosed With the Single Deepest Pocket Method.

The aim of this study was to investigate perinatal outcome in singleton pregnancies at term with isolated oligohydramnios, diagnosed by using the single deepest pocket method. In this historic cohort study, the perinatal outcomes of 196 women with isolated oligohydramnios at term, diagnosed by using the single deepest pocket method, were compared to 8,676 women with normal amniotic fluid volume. The primary outcome measure was the Cesarean section rate. Further outcome parameters included the rate of induction of labor, abnormal cardiotocography, umbilical cord pH and base excess, Apgar, meconium-stained liquor and admission to neonatal intensive care unit. In the group with isolated oligohydramnios, there were significantly more Cesarean sections (p=0.0081) and more abnormal cardiotocographies (p=0.0005). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that this difference was seen particularly in nulliparous women (p=0.0025 for Cesarean section and 0.0368 for abnormal cardiotocography). Peripartal and perinatal outcome parameters were not different between the two groups. In women with isolated oligohydramnios at term, there is no impact on fetal outcome. The influence of isolated oligohydramnios on the rate of cesarean section and abnormal cardiotocography is considered to be less than that of parity.

Evaluation of Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Low Amniotic Fluid Index.

The outcomes and management of low amniotic fluid index (AFI) in pregnancy are controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between low AFI and perinatal outcomes. This prospective study was conducted on 420 uncomplicated singleton pregnant women with a gestational age of over 28 weeks who referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht (Iran) for routine perinatal care. Pregnant women were divided into 3 groups of 140 patients based on the AFI and were followed up until delivery. Three groups included normal (8<AFI≤25 cm), borderline (5<AFI≤8 cm) and oligohydramnios (AFI≤5cm) AFI. The three adverse outcomes of respiratory distress, hospitalization in NICU, and length of hospitalization were statistically significantly different between the two groups with normal and borderline AFI and in the borderline group was more than the normal group. Adverse outcomes including; low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), respiratory distress, 1- min APGAR scores<7, hospitalization in NICU and its duration were statistically significantly different between the two groups with normal AFI and oligohydramnios, and it was more in the oligohydramnios group than the normal group. The three adverse outcomes of LBW, SGA and1- min APGAR scores<7 in the two borderline and oligohydramnios groups had statistically significant differences and were more in the oligohydramnios group than the borderline group. Consideration to the AFI in perinatal care to predict adverse perinatal outcomes and perform necessary interventions to improve these outcomes is necessary.

Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Hypertensive Disorders: A Single Center Study in Bangladesh

Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women with Hypertensive Disorders: A Single Center Study in Bangladesh

Type of delivery and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThere is paucity in the literature that provides a comprehensive and evidence-based conclusion regarding this topic. ObjectiveTo compare perinatal outcomes of vaginal and caesarean section delivery in women diagnosed with COVID-19 by meta-analysis of literature. Search StrategyThe search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by 25th May 2022. Selection criteriaThe inclusion criteria involved pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19 who underwent caesarean section and those who had vaginal deliveries. Data collection and analysisThe included studies were meta-analyzed for various outcomes including: Gestational age, maternal intensive care unit admission, maternal death, prematurity, newborn birth weight, newborn intensive care unit admission, Apgar scores, newborn death, and newborn vertical transmission of COVID-19. The meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, version 3.3.070. Main resultsThe meta-analyses included 2,566 deliveries (866 caesarean sections and 1,700 vaginal deliveries) and identified that caesarean section was significantly associated with increased prematurity (OR 2.5 [1.7; 3.6], p < 0.001), lower birth weight (−118 g [−170; −66], p < 0.001), and a higher need for maternal (OR 9.54 [5.22; 17.43], p < 0.01) and neonatal intensive care unit intervention (OR 3.67 [2.71; 4.96], p < 0.01) compared to vaginal delivery. ConclusionCOVID-19 infection alone should not be an indication for caesarean section as there is insufficient evidence that caesarean section reduces mortality, improves birth conditions, or prevents vertical transmission. Additionally, caesarean section is associated with poorer perinatal outcomes compared to vaginal delivery.

Influence of the DASH Diet on Gestational Weight Gain and Perinatal Outcomes in Women with Pre-Existing Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (PDM). A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 68 pregnant women with PDM throughout prenatal care until delivery (18 weeks) at a public maternity hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2016-2020). The standard diet adopted by the control group (standard diet group-SDG) contained 45-55% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein, and 25-30% lipids of the total energy intake. An adapted DASH diet, with a similar macronutrient composition, but with higher calcium, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and reduced saturated fat, was prescribed for the intervention group (DASH diet group-DDG). Student's t- or Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare outcomes between groups. To assess the trajectory of gestational weight gain throughout the intervention between the study groups, linear mixed-effects regression models were used. The DDG had lower gestational weight gain at the fifth (p = 0.03) and seventh appointment (p = 0.04), with no difference in average total gestational weight gain (SDG: 10 kg [SD = 4]; DDG: 9 kg [SD = 5], p = 0.23). There was a trend for a lower length of stay of the newborns (p = 0.08) in the DDG without differences for other perinatal outcomes. The DASH diet promoted less variation in gestational weight gain without promoting a difference in total gestational weight gain, and there was no difference between the study groups for perinatal outcomes.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19: a comparative study between mild and severe disease in South Brazil

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19: a comparative study between mild and severe disease in South Brazil

Efficacy and Safety of Nifedipine as a Tocolytic Drug for the Treatment of Preterm Labour: Comparison with Levosalbutamol

Background: The rising prevalence of preterm birth is a significant public health concern. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the calcium channel blocker Nifedipine compared to the β2 agonist Levosalbutamol for inhibiting uterine contractions in early preterm labor, with a focus on maternal side effects and perinatal outcomes. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital over one year, involving pregnant women experiencing early preterm labor (24-36 weeks gestation, regular uterine contractions, cervical dilation 1-3 cm). a total N=66 patients were randomly assigned to receive either Nifedipine (Experimental group) or Levosalbutamol (Control group). Primary maternal outcomes included tocolysis, time to tocolysis, prolongation of pregnancy by ≥2 days, and delivery at term. Secondary perinatal outcomes included birth asphyxia, perinatal mortality, and the need for emergency NICU admission. Secondary maternal outcomes included side effects such as headache, hypotension, nausea/vomiting, and tachycardia. Results: Over 90% of patients in the Nifedipine group achieved tocolysis compared to 72.7% in the Levosalbutamol group (p = 0.054). Nifedipine achieved significantly faster tocolysis (8.7 hours vs. 29.3 hours, p &lt; 0.001). The Experimental group showed higher rates of arresting preterm labor for ≥2 days and lower rates of preterm delivery. Maternal side effects were lower for headache but higher for hypotension and nausea/vomiting in the Nifedipine group. Tachycardia occurred in the Control group but not the Experimental group. Both groups had low rates of birth asphyxia. Perinatal mortality was lower in the Experimental group, and NICU admission was less frequent. Conclusion: Nifedipine demonstrated superior efficacy over Levosalbutamol in terms of tocolysis, time to tocolysis, prolongation of pregnancy, delivery at term, with fewer maternal side effects and improved perinatal outcomes in pregnant women .....

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 in a referral academic center in Iran.

The Article Abstract is not available.

Umbilical artery half peak systolic velocity deceleration time: a novel Doppler parameter for prediction of neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia.

To assess the effectiveness of half peak systolic velocity deceleration time (hPSV-DT) in predicting neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia and to compare its usefulness with the conventional umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) approach. A prospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women with preeclampsia who were admitted to the Department of Perinatology, Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between 01 September 2022 and 01 January 2023 at 28-41weeks gestational age. 55 patients were divided into two groups: the study group with UA hPSV-DT value < 5th percentile (n = 22) and the control group with UA hPSV-DT value ≥ 5th percentile (n = 33). UA hPSV-DT calculates the time in milliseconds needed to halve the maximal velocity of the UA waveform using Doppler ultrasonography. Birth weight, gestational age at birth, 1st minute APGAR, 5th minute APGAR, and umbilical cord pH values were significantly lower in the anormal hPSV-DT group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the rates of admission to NICU, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), delivery time < 34weeks, and birth weight < 2500g were significantly more frequent in the anormal hPSV-DT group compared to the normal hPSV-DT group (p < 0.05). UA-PI > 95th percentile was detected in only 2 (8%) of 23 patients whose newborns were admitted to the NICU (p = 0.149), while hPSV-DT < 5th percentile was detected in 16 (69%) of 23 patients (p < 0.001). According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.06-0.28) for admission to the NICU. The best balance of sensitivity/specificity in ROC curves was 221.5 (82.6% sensitivity, 69.1% specificity, p < 0.001). UA hPSV-DT was successful in predicting composite adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with preeclampsia. It is a promising novel method that is accurate, quantitative, reproducible, and easily applicable. With further studies, this method may be a primary diagnostic tool in the management of high-risk pregnancies and in determining the optimal timing of delivery.

Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Lupus: Retrospective Study in a Portuguese Tertiary Center.

Pregnancy in women with lupus poses a higher risk of complications compared with the general population. The present study aimed to determine and describe the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with lupus. We conducted an observational retrospective study of pregnant women with the diagnosis of lupus, who were selected and followed at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic of our institution between January 2013 and July 2018. We analyzed 59 pregnancies and 52 newborns, and collected data regarding sociodemographic features, the preconception period, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and the newborn. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed. In 58% of the cases, the pregnancy was uneventful. We registered flares in 25% of the cases, preeclampsia in 3%, fetal growth restriction in 12%, gestational loss in 10%, preterm labor in 10%, postpartum complications in 20%, and small for gestational age newborns in 17% of the cases. Most pregnancies in women with lupus have favorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Prenatal counseling, adequate multidisciplinary surveillance, and optimized treatment of the disease are fundamental pillars for these good results.

Evaluation of a prophylactic transfusion program on obstetric outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease: A single centre retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a prophylactic transfusion program (TP) on obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with sickle cell disease (SCD). MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included all singleton pregnancies among women with SCD in a French university tertiary care center between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2017. The TP group included patients selected according to the French guidelines who received regular red blood cell transfusions during pregnancy until delivery. The factors associated with TP indication [year of birth, SCD genotype, history of acute chest syndrome and delayed hemolysis transfusion reaction (DHTR) risk score] were taken into account in a propensity score. A composite obstetric adverse outcome was defined associating birth before 34 gestational weeks and/or pre-eclampsia and/or small for gestational age and/or abruption and/or stillbirth and/or maternal death and/or neonatal death. ResultsIn total, 246 pregnancies in 173 patients were analyzed. Twenty-two pregnancies with a history of DHTR were excluded. A higher frequency of TP was found before 2013 [119/148 (80.4%) vs 38/76 (50%); p < 0.001]. Rates of preterm birth before 34 gestational weeks (5.6% vs 19.7%; p = 0.001), vaso-occlusive crisis (36.5% vs. 61.8%; p < 0.001), and acute chest syndrome (6.1% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.04) during pregnancy were decreased significantly in the TP group. Among the groups with and without composite obstetric adverse outcomes, the frequency of TP was 52.6% and 74.7%, respectively [odds ratio (OR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–1.02]. The multivariate analysis shows that the TP was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of composite obstetric adverse outcomes (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08–0.97; p = 0.04). ConclusionA red blood cell TP may have an independent protective effect on maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes during pregnancy in women with SCD.

Impact of neighbourhood-level social determinants of health on healthcare utilisation and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with NAFLD cirrhosis: a population-based study in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundCirrhosis is rising in North America, driven partly by the epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), most in women of reproductive age. Little is known about factors that impact...