Potential Maternal Risk Factors Research Articles

MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C Variants in Mothers of Infants with Down Syndrome from Western Mexico.

Background: Several studies in mothers of infants with Down syndrome (DS) (MoIDS) have suggested that the 677C>T and 1298A>C variants of the 5,10-methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene can increase the risk of having a child with DS. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C variants as potential maternal risk factors for DS. Materials and Methods: Using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay, we genotyped 95 MoIDS and 164 control mothers from western Mexico. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: We found that MoIDS had a significantly higher risk for the MTHFR 677TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.1-10.6), and the MTHFR 677T allele (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.3), particularly in MoIDS <35 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the presence of the 677TT genotype and 677T allele of the MTHFR 677C>T variant are maternal risk factors for DS in Mexican MoIDS.

Maternal risk factors for congenital vertebral formation and mixed defects: A population-based case-control study.

The etiology and risk factors of congenital vertebral anomalies are mainly unclear in isolated cases. Also, there are no reports on the risk factors for different subgroups of vertebral anomalies. Therefore, we assessed and identified potential maternal risk factors for these anomalies and hypothesized that diabetes, other chronic diseases, smoking, obesity, and medication in early pregnancy would increase the risk of congenital vertebral anomalies. All cases with congenital vertebral anomalies were identified in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations from 1997 to 2016 for this nationwide register-based case-control study. Five matched controls without vertebral malformations were randomly selected. Analyzed maternal risk factors included maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, history of miscarriages, chronic diseases, and prescription drug purchases in early pregnancy. The register search identified 256 cases with congenital vertebral malformations. After excluding 66 syndromic cases, 190 non-syndromic malformations (74 formation defects, 4 segmentation defects, and 112 mixed anomalies) were included in the study. Maternal smoking was a significant risk factor for formation defects (adjusted odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.21-4.47). Also, pregestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 8.53, 95% confidence interval 2.33-31.20) and rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted odds ratio 13.19, 95% confidence interval 1.31-132.95) were associated with mixed vertebral anomalies. Maternal pregestational diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis were associated with an increased risk of mixed vertebral anomalies. Maternal smoking increases the risk of formation defects and represents an avoidable risk factor for congenital scoliosis. III.

Evaluating the potential role of determinants of health on encephalocele patient outcomes - a combined retrospective study and systematic review.

To evaluate the outcomes and demographics of encephalocele patients who were born and received treatment in our neonatal ICU and conduct a PRISMA literature review. An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved retrospective cohort study was undertaken to investigate the results of treating encephalocele patients at Jackson Memorial Hospital (JMH) from 1998 to 2022. The study focused on assessing outcomes and the impact of maternal socioeconomic factors, such as religion, age, and education, along with the timing of diagnosis, in connection with a systematic review. A total of 20 encephalocele patients were identified (13 females and 7 males), with 15 having available medical records for review. Most of these cases involved occipital encephaloceles (73.3%). Maternal ages at the time of delivery ranged from 15 to 42years, with a mean age of 27.3years. The average gestational age at birth was 37weeks. Ten cases had a prenatal diagnosis documented, occurring between 12 and 24.5weeks of gestation. Three of the surviving patients had records of prenatal counseling that included discussions about termination. No infections were reported. Among the 15 cases, 11 patients (73.3%) were alive at the last follow-up, with a mean age at follow-up of 4.12years, ranging from 6weeks to 15years post-birth. Hydrocephalus was noted in 26.7%. Only 1 mother had completed high school. Most mothers were either on Medicaid (9 patients) or uninsured (3 patients), with only 3 having commercial insurance. Religious affiliations varied among the mothers, with 14 out of 15 identifying with a particular religion. The systematic review identified 22 articles from various countries, with 11 articles meeting the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. These articles revealed potential maternal risk factors for encephaloceles, including low-nutrient diets, inadequate folic acid intake, young maternal age, advanced maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and limited educational attainment. In the twenty-first century, there is a positive trend in the survival rates of children born with encephalocele. However, maternal factors such as low socioeconomic status and limited educational attainment remain prominent, affecting their ability to access timely prenatal care and impacting follow-up medical care for these children.

Potential Maternal Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight in Indonesia: A Systematic Review

This review was conducted with the aim of summarizing the articles on the potential maternal risk factors for Low Birth Weight (LBW) in Indonesia. All observational studies conducted in Indonesia between 2010 and 2022 were thoroughly reviewed in this study. The articles were retrieved from "PubMed", "ScienceDirect", "Web of Science", and "Garuda". The retrieval was supplemented by snowball sampling technique. This review was constructed according to the PRISMA guidelines and the quality of the articles was assessed according to the STROBE guidelines. Of the 129 articles, only 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Maternal variables such as education (50%), household wealth (33.3%), nutritional status (33.3%), age (25%), pregnancy complications (25%), marital age (16.7%), gestational weight gain (16.7%), ANC visit (16.7%), weight at third trimester (16.7%), twin birth (16.7%), birth interval (16.7%), iron supplementation (8.3%), parity (8.3%), and anemia status (8.3%) were found to be the risk factors for LBW incidence. This review found that almost all potential maternal risk factors contributing to LBW are preventable. It may help policy makers to design a more effective LBW prevention intervention and early risk identification for pregnant women. Appropriate follow-up by health workers for clinical intervention will also help to improve their pregnancy outcomes.

Maternal Risk Factors for Congenital Vertebral Anomalies: A Population-Based Study.

The spectrum of congenital vertebral defects varies from benign lesions to severe, life-threatening conditions. The etiology and maternal risk factors remain mainly unclear in isolated cases. Hence, we aimed to assess and identify potential maternal risk factors for these anomalies. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that maternal diabetes, smoking, advanced maternal age, obesity, chronic diseases, and medication used during the first trimester of pregnancy might increase the risk of congenital vertebral malformations. We performed a nationwide register-based case-control study. All cases with vertebral anomalies (including live births, stillbirths, and terminations for fetal anomaly) were identified in the Finnish Register of Congenital Malformations from 1997 to 2016. Five matched controls from the same geographic region were randomly selected for each case. Analyzed maternal risk factors included age, body mass index (BMI), parity, smoking, history of miscarriages, chronic diseases, and prescription drugs dispensed during the first trimester of pregnancy. In total, 256 cases with diagnosed congenital vertebral anomalies were identified. After excluding 66 malformations associated with known syndromes, 190 nonsyndromic malformation cases were included. These were compared with 950 matched controls. Maternal pregestational diabetes was a significant risk factor for congenital vertebral anomalies (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.30 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.53 to 21.09). Also, rheumatoid arthritis (adjusted OR, 22.91 [95% CI, 2.67 to 196.40]), estrogens (adjusted OR, 5.30 [95% CI, 1.57 to 17.8]), and heparins (adjusted OR, 8.94 [95% CI, 1.38 to 57.9]) were associated with elevated risk. In a sensitivity analysis using imputation, maternal smoking was also significantly associated with an elevated risk (adjusted OR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.05 to 2.34]). Maternal pregestational diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis increased the risk of congenital vertebral anomalies. Also, estrogens and heparins, both of which are frequently used in assisted reproductive technologies, were associated with an increased risk. Sensitivity analysis suggested an increased risk of vertebral anomalies with maternal smoking, warranting further studies. Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Neonatal infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional pilot study on bacterial pathogens and maternal risk factors.

Although child morbidity and mortality could be reduced in Sub-Saharan Africa during the last years both remain high. Since neonatal infections play a major role, we conducted a cross-sectional pilot study in the lake region of Western Tanzania in order to analyze not only the prevalence of neonatal infection with its bacterial etiology including antimicrobial resistance pattern but also to detect potential maternal risk factors. We screened 156 women for potential risk factors and examined their neonates for clinical signs of an infection including microbiological verification. All women were interviewed for medical history and their socio-economic background. High-vaginal swabs (HVS) of pregnant women and blood cultures of sick infants were investigated for bacterial pathogens using culture followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) or polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR)-based assays. Antimicrobial resistances were determined using a disk diffusion test and verified by VITEK 2. Maternal malaria, blood glucose, and hemoglobin levels were determined by rapid tests and helminth infections by stool microscopy. Our results showed a prevalence of 22% for neonatal infections. In total, 57% of them had culture-positive bloodstream infections with Gram-negative bacteria being the most prevalent. All these expressed resistance against ampicillin. The prevalence of maternal infection with helminths or Plasmodium was low, indicating that anti-worming strategies and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria for pregnant women (IPTp) are effective. The study identified maternal urinary tract infection (UTI) and an elevated blood glucose level as potential maternal risk factors for early neonatal infection, an elevated blood glucose level, and maternal anemia for a late-onset infection. Our study, therefore, indicates that monitoring maternal UTI in the last trimester as well as levels of maternal hemoglobin and blood glucose might be important to predict and eventually manage neonatal infections. As Gram-negative bacteria with resistance to ampicillin were most prevalent in culture-proven neonatal sepsis, WHO recommendations for calculated antibiosis in the sick young infant should be discussed.

Is artificial endometrial preparation more associated with early-onset or late-onset preeclampsia after frozen embryo transfer?

To explore whether the risks of early- or late-onset preeclampsia vary among frozen embryo transfer (FET) with different regimens for endometrial preparation and fresh embryo transfer (FreET). We retrospectively included a total of 24129 women who achieved singleton delivery during their first cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) between January 2012 and March 2020. The risks of early- and late-onset preeclampsia after FET with endometrial preparation by natural ovulation cycles (FET-NC) or by artificial cycles (FET-AC) were compared to that after FreET. After adjustment via multivariable logistic regression, the total risk of preeclampsia was higher in the FET-AC group compared to the FreET group [2.2% vs. 0.9%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-2.76] and FET-NC group (2.2% vs. 0.9%; aOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.59-2.96).When stratified by the gestational age at delivery based on < 34weeks or ≥ 34weeks, the risk of late-onset preeclampsia remained higher in the FET-AC group than that in the and FreET group (1.8% vs. 0.6%; aOR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.83-3.58) and the FET-NC group (1.8% vs. 0.6%; aOR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.86-3.73). We did not find a statistically significant difference in the risk of early-onset preeclampsia among the three groups. An artificial regimen for endometrial preparation was more associated with an increased risk of late-onset preeclampsia after FET. Given that FET-AC is widely used in clinical practice, the potential maternal risk factors for late-onset preeclampsia when using the FET-AC regimen should be further explored, considering the maternal origin of late-onset preeclampsia.

Clinical spectrum of orbital and ocular abnormalities on fetal MRI.

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reveal sonographically occult ocular abnormalities. When discovered, acquired causes and genetic associations must be sought. We aim to evaluate a fetal cohort with orbit and/or globe malformations to determine whether there are imaging patterns that suggest the underlying cause. We searched all fetal MRI reports performed at an academic children's hospital over 9 consecutive years for orbit and/or globe abnormalities. Each positive exam and all follow-up MRIs were evaluated for interocular distance, globe size, shape and signal, and brain malformations. Genetic and clinical diagnoses were recorded from the medical record. Seventy-six of 3,085 fetuses (2.5%) were diagnosed with ocular and/or globe abnormalities; 50% had postnatal follow-up MR exams, all confirming the fetal MRI findings. Ninety-two percent (70/76) had concurrent brain malformations. Sixty-seven percent (51/76) were diagnosed with an underlying disorder and 39% of these were genetically proven. The most common diagnoses with ocular globe abnormalities included CHARGE (coloboma of the eye, heart anomaly, choanal atresia, retardation and genital and ear anomalies) syndrome, trisomy 13 syndrome, dystroglycanopathy, holoprosencephaly and diencephalic-mesencephalic junction dysplasia. Genetic diagnoses were more likely with ocular globe abnormalities than isolated orbital abnormalities (P=0.04). Sixty-seven percent of fetuses with ocular calcifications, hemorrhage and/or lens abnormalities had potential maternal risk factors (P=0.03). Malformed ocular globes are associated with brain malformations and genetic abnormalities. Ocular calcifications, hemorrhage and/or lens abnormalities may be associated with maternal risk factors. Genetic work-up should be considered when an ocular globe size or shape abnormality is detected.

Maternal viral load and risk of vertical transmission in patients with Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 8% of pregnant people and should be screened for during every pregnancy. Risk of vertical transmission (VT) is about 6% but has not been well quantified based on maternal HCV RNA viral load (VL). We sought to assess thisbased on VL as a continuous variable and other potential maternal risk factors.

Severe early-onset PE with or without FGR in Chinese women

Early-onset preeclampsia (PE) is a severe condition with highest risk of perinatal complications. In current study, we compared PE severity, laboratory results and placental pathological lesions between early-onset PE with fetal growth restriction (PE + FGR) and appropriate gestational age (PE + AGA) neonates, with the aim to identify potential maternal risk factors associated with FGR. A retrospective case study was conducted in 304 PE women, and 31 cases with mild PE were excluded. 276 patients with severe PE were divided into PE + FGR (163, 59.1%) and PE + AGA (113, 40.9%) groups and underwent clinical analysis. 244 cases were further submitted for pathologic examinations to compare the differences of placental lesions between these two groups. As compared to PE + AGA, the maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (P = 0.003) and the rate of anemia (P = 0.004) were lower in PE + FGR; while the rate of severe low serum albumin (P = 0.020) was higher. Moreover, severe low serum albumin level (aOR = 2.43, P = 0.046) and abnormal uric acid (aOR = 2.19, P = 0.033) were positively correlated to the incidence of FGR, while pre-pregnancy BMI (aOR = 0.39, P = 0.001) and anemia (aOR = 0.33, P = 0.001) showed negative correlation. The placental examinations further showed positively correlation between chronic villitis (aOR = 4.32, P = 0.028) and FGR. Surprisingly, general measures of maternal illness severity failed to present any significant correlation to FGR, except for blood pressure, which showed negative correlation. For the first time, we studied a relatively large case series of Chinses early-onset PE women, and identified multiple factors associated with FGR incidence. Our study provided some opinions on clinal diagnosis and treatment for early-onset PE with FGR.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR PUERPERAL SEPSIS AT THE PUMWANI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

Introduction: Puerperal sepsis is the third most common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It remains one of the leading preventable causes of maternal mortality. Given its significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, studies on hospital specific incidences and patterns are important to help inform policy for its prevention and management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya. &#x0D; Methodology: We conducted a case-cohort study among post partum women admitted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Eligible women were invited to respond to a verbal researcher administered questionnaire assessing medical and obstetric history. Those recruited, were each called at day 7 and day 14 postpartum and asked a standard set of questions related to infection-related symptoms. In addition, all enrolled women who attended a postnatal follow up visit at 14 days postpartum were reviewed, using a history and clinical examination. The data was analysed to identify potential maternal risk factors associated with occurrence of puerperal sepsis. &#x0D; Results: Seven hundred and ninety three postnatal mothers at Pumwani maternity hospital were recruited, of which 566 women responded at two weeks postpartum. Sixty nine women among the 566 met the criteria for puerperal sepsis. This corresponded to a prevalence of 12.2% at two weeks postpartum (95% CI 9.5 – 14.9%). Further analysis was done using 69 cases; each with 3 randomly selected controls. No deaths were reported. Risk factors included labour lasting &gt;24hours, caesarean section, obstructed labour, and multiple vaginal examinations. &#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of puerperal sepsis in this cohort at two weeks postpartum at Pumwani Maternity Hospital was at 12.2%(95% CI 9.5-14.9). Two or more vaginal examinations, prolonged and obstructed labour, and Caesarean section were found to be significantly associated with increased odds of puerperal sepsis. Appropriate measures like appropriate infection prevention protocols should be utilized in order to prevent avoidable complications of labour and delivery that can lead to puerperal sepsis.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR PUERPERAL SEPSIS AT THE PUMWANI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

Introduction: Puerperal sepsis is the third most common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. It remains one of the leading preventable causes of maternal mortality. Given its significant burden in terms of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs, studies on hospital specific incidences and patterns are important to help inform policy for its prevention and management. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with puerperal sepsis at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Kenya. &#x0D; Methodology: We conducted a case-cohort study among post partum women admitted at Pumwani Maternity Hospital. Eligible women were invited to respond to a verbal researcher administered questionnaire assessing medical and obstetric history. Those recruited, were each called at day 7 and day 14 postpartum and asked a standard set of questions related to infection-related symptoms. In addition, all enrolled women who attended a postnatal follow up visit at 14 days postpartum were reviewed, using a history and clinical examination. The data was analysed to identify potential maternal risk factors associated with occurrence of puerperal sepsis. &#x0D; Results: Seven hundred and ninety three postnatal mothers at Pumwani maternity hospital were recruited, of which 566 women responded at two weeks postpartum. Sixty nine women among the 566 met the criteria for puerperal sepsis. This corresponded to a prevalence of 12.2% at two weeks postpartum (95% CI 9.5 – 14.9%). Further analysis was done using 69 cases; each with 3 randomly selected controls. No deaths were reported. Risk factors included labour lasting &gt;24hours, caesarean section, obstructed labour, and multiple vaginal examinations. &#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of puerperal sepsis in this cohort at two weeks postpartum at Pumwani Maternity Hospital was at 12.2%(95% CI 9.5-14.9). Two or more vaginal examinations, prolonged and obstructed labour, and Caesarean section were found to be significantly associated with increased odds of puerperal sepsis. Appropriate measures like appropriate infection prevention protocols should be utilized in order to prevent avoidable complications of labour and delivery that can lead to puerperal sepsis.

569: Maternal risk factors for stillbirth: does obesity play a role?

Despite efforts to decrease the rate of stillbirth including the use of antepartum fetal surveillance, stillbirth rates remain high in the United States. We aimed to estimate the incidence of stillbirth and to identify modifiable maternal risk factors associated with stillbirth. This retrospective cohort study included all singleton pregnancies with a normal anatomic survey at a single, academic tertiary care center between 17 and 23 weeks gestation from March 2010 to June 2017. Our primary outcome was the incidence of stillbirth, defined as fetal death in utero after 20 weeks gestation. Univariate analyses were used to identify potential maternal risk factors for stillbirth. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounders. Of 24,711 pregnancies meeting inclusion criteria, stillbirth occurred in 262 pregnancies (1.1%, 95% CI 0.9-1.2%). In unadjusted analyses, maternal factors significantly associated with increased risk of stillbirth included body mass index (BMI), nulliparity, African-American race, lower education status and unmarried status. Notably, advanced maternal age, tobacco use, and alcohol use were not associated with stillbirth (Table 1). After controlling for confounders, maternal obesity continued to be associated with increased odds of stillbirth (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.15-2.00), with a dose-dependent relationship between increasing maternal BMI and risk of stillbirth (Table 2). Notably, women with a BMI ≥ 45 kg/m2 had a more than two-fold increased odds of stillbirth (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.16-4.03). After excluding women with medical comorbidities, including hypertensive disease and diabetes, maternal obesity remained a significant risk factor for stillbirth in a dose-dependent fashion. Obesity is an independent risk factor for stillbirth with a dose-dependent relationship between increasing maternal BMI and rate of stillbirth. Obese women should be counseled on this risk, and future studies should investigate the mechanisms of stillbirth in this population and evaluate the utility of antepartum fetal surveillance in this high-risk population.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Maternal and fetal risk factors for bladder exstrophy: A nationwide Swedish case-control study

Bladder exstrophy is a rare, congenital, complex malformation where the underlying cause is largely unknown. Both environmental and genetic mechanisms are thought to be involved. There are divergent results concerning the prevalence, birth descriptive data, and potential maternal risk factors for bladder exstrophy. Few previous studies have reflected nationwide populations, population registers, or spanned a longer period of time. To describe and assess bladder exstrophy and the potential maternal risk factors, for a time period of four decades, by conducting a nationwide register study of bladder exstrophy in Sweden. A matched-design, case-control, linkage-analysis study nested within the entire pool of live births in Sweden between 1973 and 2011 was performed. Cases with bladder exstrophy were identified using nationwide population-based birth and health registers. Inclusion criteria were people born in Sweden with the classification of bladder exstrophy according to the ICD coding system. Cases were matched with five controls per patient, based on birth year and sex. Prevalence was assessed and birth descriptive data were compiled. Potential maternal risk factors were obtained from medical birth registers of cases and assessed using conditional and multivariate logistic regression models to obtain odds ratios as a measure of the relative risk. Classification of the diagnosis in the registers constituted a possible limitation for determining the correct study population, which demanded strict validation and inclusion criteria. All data were collected prospectively, thereby avoiding potential recall bias. The prevalence was calculated to be approximately 3 per 100,000 live births, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.14:1. In 92.5% of the cases, bladder exstrophy was an isolated malformation without associated major malformations. However, 41% had had surgery for congenital inguinal hernia and 11% of the male subjects had been operated on for cryptorchidism. A significantly higher proportion of cases had a birth weight <1500g compared with controls, but other characteristics were comparable with controls. High maternal age was the only significant potential associated maternal risk factor. One hundred and twenty children born with bladder exstrophy in Sweden during the last four decades were identified; this resulted in prevalence in Sweden of 3 per 100,000. The prevalence was stable over time and the sex ratio was equal. Birth characteristics were comparable to controls, and bladder exstrophy generally occurred as an isolated malformation without major associated malformations. Advanced maternal age was the only significant potential maternal risk factor.

Maternal Risk Factors and Perinatal Characteristics for Hirschsprung Disease.

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital defect of the enteric nervous system characterized by a lack of ganglion cells in the distal hindgut. The aim of this study was to assess the birth prevalence, perinatal characteristics, and maternal risk factors in HSCR patients in Sweden. This was a nationwide, population-based, case-control study of all children born in Sweden between 1982 and 2012 and registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Cases were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register and data on potential maternal risk factors and patient characteristics were collected from the Swedish National Patient Register and the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Five age- and sex-matched controls were randomly selected for each case. The association between studied risk factors and HSCR was analyzed using conditional logistic regression to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The study population comprised 600 HSCR cases and 3000 controls with a male-to-female ratio of 3.7:1. The birth prevalence of HSCR was 1.91/10 000. Maternal obesity was associated with an increased risk for the child to have HSCR (OR 1.74; CI 1.25-2.44). Children with HSCR were born at an earlier gestational age (OR 1.60; CI 1.18-2.17) than control children. Associated malformations were identified in 34.5% of the cases. This study showed that the Swedish birth prevalence of HSCR was 1.91/10 000. Children with HSCR disease were born at a lower gestational age than controls. Maternal obesity may increase the risk for the child to have HSCR.

Prevalence and risk factors for gastroschisis in a public hospital from west México.

Mexico is recognized as a country with a high prevalence of gastroschisis, although the cause of this remains unclear. We define the prevalence and potential risk factors for gastroschisis in a public hospital from west México. A case-control study was conducted among 270 newborns, including 90 patients with nonsyndromic gastroschisis (cases) and 180 infants without birth defects (controls), born all during the period 2009 to 2013 at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca" (Guadalajara, Mexico), from a total of 51,145 live births. Potential maternal risk factors for gastroschisis were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis to evaluate the deviance explained by different variables of interest. The overall prevalence of gastroschisis in live births was 17.6 per 10,000 births (95% confidence interval [CI] 14.0-21.2), whereas in offspring of women ≤ 19 years old was 29.9 per 10,000 births (95% CI 21.9-38.0). Mothers ≤ 19 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.8: 95% CI 1.5-5.1), anemia during pregnancy (aOR 10.7; 95% CI 2.0-56.9), first-trimester exposure to hormonal contraceptives (aOR 3.7; 95% CI 1.0-13.0), and first-trimester alcohol consumption (aOR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6-7.3), were associated with gastroschisis. Contrarily, adjusted OR for pre-pregnancy body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m(2) has protective odds (aOR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.5). Our results suggest an increased risk for gastroschisis among mothers under the age of 20, with anemia during pregnancy, and those who used hormonal contraceptives or consumed alcohol during early pregnancy, whereas, pre-pregnancy overweight has a protective OR, and they are discussed as clues in its pathogenesis.

Risk Factors for Preterm Birth among HIV-Infected Tanzanian Women: A Prospective Study.

Premature delivery, a significant cause of child mortality and morbidity worldwide, is particularly prevalent in the developing world. As HIV is highly prevalent in much of sub-Saharan Africa, it is important to determine risk factors for prematurity among HIV-positive pregnancies. The aims of this study were to identify risk factors of preterm (<37 weeks) and very preterm (<34 weeks) birth among a cohort of 927 HIV positive women living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, who enrolled in the Tanzania Vitamin and HIV Infection Trial between 1995 and 1997. Multivariable relative risk regression models were used to determine the association of potential maternal risk factors with premature and very premature delivery. High rates of preterm (24%) and very preterm birth (9%) were found. Risk factors (adjusted RR (95% CI)) for preterm birth were mother <20 years (1.46 (1.10, 1.95)), maternal illiteracy (1.54 (1.10, 2.16)), malaria (1.42 (1.11, 1.81)), Entamoeba coli (1.49 (1.04, 2.15)), no or low pregnancy weight gain, and HIV disease stage ≥2 (1.41 (1.12, 1.50)). Interventions to reduce pregnancies in women under 20, prevent and treat malaria, reduce Entamoeba coli infection, and promote weight gain in pregnant women may have a protective effect on prematurity.

987 Emipediology and Morbidity of Late Preterm Neonates in Correlation with Maternal Risk Factors in Hessen, Germany

Short and long term morbidity in late preterm neonates (LP) and their correlation to maternal risk factors are relevant as shown in multiple studies in North America and European countries....

Relationship among potential maternal risk factors, prenatal care and characteristics of preeclampsia

Objective To investigate the relationship between potential maternal risk factors between potential maternal risk factors in different level hospitals as well as different prenatal care patterns and characteristics of preeclampsia. Methods A retrospective study of 300 preeclamptic singleton patients delivered in Peking University Third Hospital was performed.Patients were divided into three groups:regular prenatal care in tertiary hospitals (n =100),regular prenatal care in primary hospitals (n=81) and without prenatal care (n=119). The onset of preeclampsia and incidence of severe preeclampsia of different groups were analyzed. Non-parametric and Chi-square test were adopted for continuous and categorical variables respectively. Results (1) In total cases of preeclampsia subgroup (I-PE subgroup) and with chronic hypertension (CH subgroup),the diagnosis of preeclampsia was later in patient with regular prenatal care in tertiary hospital (patient-TH)[100,64 and 14 cases,37.1 (4.1),37.3 (1.7) and 36.3 (2.5) weeks respectively] than those with regular prenatal care in primary hospital (patient-PH) [81,54 and 9 cases,32.9 (6.7),33.8 (6.1)and 27.9(6.3) weeks respectively] (Z=72.29,51.30 and 14.58 respectively,P＜0.05) or the patient without regular prenatal care (patient-NP) [119,85 and 19 cases,31.6(6.6),31.9(6.7) and 30.3(4.7) weeks respectively] (Z=86.69,58.83 and 11.33 respectively,P＜0.05).The proportion of severe preeclampsia occurred earlier than 32 weeks [13.0％ (13/100) vs 55.5％ (66/119),9.4％(6/64) vs 50.6％(43/85),and 35.7％(5/14) vs 89.5％(17/19); x2=43.95,29.42 and 10.17respectively,P＜0.05] or earlier than 34 weeks [17.0％ (17/100) vs 65.5％ (78/119),14.1％(9/64) vs 61.2％(52/85) and 42.9％(6/14) vs 94.7％(18/19); x2 =47.71,31.18 and 10.61 respectively,P＜0.05] were lower in patient-TH than in patient-NP.(2) In patient-NP and patientPH,onset of preeclampsia was earlier in CH subgroup compared with I-PE subgroup (Z=26.61 and 22.82,P＜ 0.05). In patient-NP,the proportion of severe preeclampsia occurred earlier than 32 weeks (x2 =9.11,P＜0.05) or earlier than 34 weeks (x2 =7.95,P＜0.05) was higher in CH subgroup than in I-PE subgroup. Conclusions Regular prenatal care in tertiary hospital might effectively delay the onset of preeclampsia or severe preeclampsia,especially in patients with risk factors for preeclampsia. Assessment of risk factors for preeclampsia in early trimester should be strengthened and individualized prenatal care plan should be established. Key words: Pre-eclampsia; Risk factors; Prenatal diagnosis; Physicians practice patterns

Demographic and environmental risk factors for gastroschisis and omphalocele in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study

Background Primary prevention efforts for both gastroschisis and omphalocele are limited by the lack of known risk factors. Our objective was to investigate associations between potential maternal risk factors and gastroschisis and omphalocele within a large population-based sample of participants enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS). Methods Demographic, health-related, and environmental exposure data from the NBDPS were collected from women with expected delivery dates between October 1997 and December 2003. Data were collected on 485 cases of gastroschisis, 168 cases of omphalocele, and 4967 controls. Results Women who had offspring with gastroschisis were younger (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.86) and less likely to be black (AOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.34-0.85) than controls. They also were more likely to have smoked (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12-2.03), taken ibuprofen (AOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23-2.10), and consumed alcohol (AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.79) than controls. Women who had offspring with omphaloceles were more likely to have consumed alcohol (AOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.25) and be heavy smokers (AOR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.58-11.52) than controls. Conclusions Our results suggest a moderately increased risk of gastroschisis among women who used tobacco, alcohol, and ibuprofen during early pregnancy. A modestly elevated risk was observed for omphaloceles among women who used alcohol during the first trimester and among women who were heavy smokers.