Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membranes Research Articles

Semi-quantitative metalloproteinase-8 rapid test for the prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes

ObjectiveWe aimed to determine whether the semi-quantitative metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) bedside test is a worthwhile indicator in reflecting the severity of of intra-amniotic inflammation (IAI) and in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Study DesignThis retrospective cohort study comprised 76 singleton-pregnant women admitted to the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital with a diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (preterm PROM) between 20 weeks 0 days and 33 weeks 6 days of gestation who underwent trans-abdominal amniocentesis to confirm intra-amniotic infection by positive results for aerobic/anaerobic bacteria, fungi, and genital mycoplasma and evaluate lung maturity. The semi-quantitative MMP-8 rapid test kit employs a colourimetric assay to quantify MMP-8 levels in amniotic fluid (AF), expressing results from 0 to 100 percent. Participants were divided into three groups: group 1, including negative MMP-8 test with colour scale of 0 % (negative, n = 17); group 2, including positive MMP-8 test with colour scale < 51 % (weak positive, n = 21); and group 3, including positive MMP-8 test with colour scale of 51 %–100 % (strong positive, n = 38). ResultsApproximately 78 % (59/76) of the participants showed a positive MMP-8 test result; all culture-proven AF samples (33.3 % [25/75]) yielded positive MMP-8 test, categorizing these patients into either group 2 or group 3. A significant trend was observed where the rate of positive culture-proven samples increased with the progression from group 1 (negative) to group 3 (strong positive). Both white blood cell counts in AF and maternal serum C-reactive protein levels were found to escalate with the progression of test results from negative to strong positive. This progression was associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth within 48 h, 7 days, and 14 days from amniocentesis and within 34 weeks of gestation. ConclusionThe more the test results progress from negative to strong positive, the shorter the interval from amniocentesis to delivery becomes, and the higher the risk of intra-amniotic infection, spontaneous preterm delivery, and other perinatal complications. This relationship highlights the critical value of the semi-quantitative MMP-8 rapid test in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preterm PROM.

Spontaneous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and Related Consequences: A Case Series Analysis of Pregnant Women

Spontaneous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes and Related Consequences: A Case Series Analysis of Pregnant Women

High diversity in the vaginal microbiome in women following preterm premature rupture of membranes and its effect on fetomaternal outcome

Background: Premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) complicates 3% of pregnancies and its associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Methods: This was a case control study conducted over a period of two years. Our aim was to evaluate the bacterial colonization of genital tract of antenatal patients who presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes and their maternal and neonatal complications. We studied 6023 patients during our study period among which 156 patients presented with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Results: PPROM was found more commonly among age 25-30 years (46.79%) with p&lt;0.001. Out of 156 pregnant women with PPROM, only 16 patients (10.26%) developed clinical chorioamnionitis. We observed that 43.59% patients (n=68) with PPROM underwent LSCS which was significantly higher than control group (19.93%). Among them 81.41% (n=127) of the patients delivered within 24 hours of admission. Among 156 patients, 94 (59.12%) mothers had babies with birth weight ranging between 1.5-2.5 kg as compared to control group where 30.51% mothers had low birth weight babies. The difference was statistically significant. Approximately 18.24% babies developed respiratory distress syndrome requiring ICU care in study group as compared to 3.03% in control group and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: It is important to diagnose the PPROM early and manage the patient until delivery for better outcome. Timely intervention after proper analysis of risk and benefit of early termination helps in reducing adverse perinatal outcomes, reduced NICU admissions and unnecessary interventions for neonates.

Effectiveness of Oral Iron Therapy in Anemic Inpatient Pregnant Women: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and aim Oral iron therapy is effective in treating iron deficiency anemia in outpatient pregnant womenbut has not been studied in inpatient pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the effect of oral iron therapy versus no therapy during hospitalization on maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with anemia who are hospitalizedfor pregnancy-related morbidities (i.e., preterm premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, abnormal placentation, or fetal monitoring). Methods A retrospective, single-center study was conducted in hospitalized pregnant women (2018 to 2020)with inpatient stays of more than three days. The primary outcome was a change in hemoglobin level from admission to delivery in women treated with oral iron compared with those left untreated. Secondary outcomes included the total amount of iron administered before delivery, the time interval from admission to delivery, and neonatal effects. Results Two hundred sixty-three women were admitted, 79 women had anemia, and 29 (36.7%) received at least one dose of oral iron. Baseline patient characteristics were similar between groups. The median (interquartile range) dose of iron in the oral iron group was 1185.0 (477.0, 1874.0) mg. Neither absolute hemoglobin before delivery (control group: 10.0±1.2 g/dL; iron group: 10.1±1.1 g/dL; p=0.774)nor change in hemoglobin from admission to delivery (control group: -0.1±1.1 g/dL vs. iron group: 0.4±1.1 g/dL; p=0.232) differed between groups. Women in the control group had shorter length of stay (LOS) median (IQR) than women in the iron group (control group: 7.1 (5.0, 13.7) days; iron group: 11.4 (7.4, 25.9) days; p=0.03). There were no differences in maternal mode of delivery, though each group had high rates of cesarean delivery (control group: 53.7%; iron group: 72.4%; p=0.181). There were no differences in estimated blood loss at delivery (control group: 559±401; iron group: 662.1±337.4;p=0.264) in either group. Neonatal birthweight (control group: 1.9±0.7 kg; iron group:1.9±0.7 kg; p=0.901), birth hemoglobin (control group: 16.3±2.2 g/dL; iron group: 16±2.2 g/dL; p=0.569), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (control group: 93.3%; iron group: 84.8%;p=0.272 ), or neonatal death (control group: 8.9%; iron group: 3%; p=0.394) were not different between groups. Conclusions Oral iron administered to anemic inpatient pregnant women was not associated with higher hemoglobin concentrations before delivery. Lack of standardized iron regimens and short hospital stays may contribute to the inefficacy of oral iron for this inpatient pregnant population. The small sample size and retrospective nature of this study are limiting factors in drawing conclusive evidence from this study.

Successful Twin Delivery Through In Vitro Fertilization in a High-Gestation Age Kidney Transplant Recipient: A Case Report

BackgroundNumerous successful pregnancy outcomes have been reported after kidney transplantation, but until now, there have been no reports of healthy twin deliveries through in vitro fertilization treatment in high-gestation aged women with a long post-transplant duration. In our report, we present a case of a high-gestation aged kidney transplant recipient who successfully delivered healthy twins with the aid of in vitro fertilization. Case presentationAt the age of 29, a woman with end-stage kidney disease caused by immunoglobin A nephropathy underwent kidney transplantation. She had a history of premature ovarian failure and had been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis since the age of 18. Eleven years after starting dialysis, she received a cadaveric kidney transplant. Despite being infertile for 7 years after transplantation, she wished to have children. In vitro fertilization embryo transfer was conducted after failure of ovarian stimulation, considering her age and premature ovarian failure. The patient successfully delivered twins at 29 weeks gestation via cesarean section, as the first fetus presented in breech position. The first newborn weighed 945 g and the second weighed 855 g, with no other congenital abnormalities found. One year after childbirth, neither the recipient nor her babies experienced any fatal complications. ConclusionsA woman who underwent kidney transplantation and has stage 3 CKD may successfully deliver healthy twins through in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, even if she is of advanced maternal age and has a long post-transplant period. However, there is a risk of preterm premature rupture of membrane in such cases.

Outcomes of Premature Rupture of Membrane Among Women Admitted in Teaching Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is defined as rupture of membranes after 28th weeks of gestation before the onset of labor is called preterm PROM when it occurs after 37 completed weeks of gestation and before onset of labor, then it is term PROM. Spontaneous rupture of the membrane any time beyond 28th weeks of pregnancy but before the onset of labor is called Premature Rupture of Membrane (PROM). The management of maternal and fetal outcome in PROM is very important to decrease maternal as well as neonatal mortality and for better management and prevention of complications which has essential significance for the further fate pregnancy. Thus, the study aims to find out the factors and outcomes of PROM among the women who will be admitted in maternity ward at Chitwan Medical College. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital of Chitwan, Nepal during the study period of six months from 13th Feb 2023 to 14th August 2023 after getting ethical approval from Chitwan Medical College- institutional Review Committee (Reference number-CMC-IRC/079/080). Women were selected via convenience sampling technique. Face to face interview was conducted to gather socio-demographic and obstetric data by structured interview schedule whereas, data related to the feto maternal outcomes were obtained from patient charts and delivery record books. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 was used for data analysis. Point estimate at 95% confidence interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. Result: The prevalence of premature rupture of membrane was found to be 15.3% out of 503 delivered mothers during six-month period. More than half (67.5%) of postnatal mother were between age of 35-45 years. More than half (57.1%) of mother were at 33-35weeks of gestation. Only 3.9 % of mother has Postpartum hemorrhage as maternal outcome. Only 2.6% of fetus have meconium aspiration syndrome as fetus outcome. Conclusion: The burden of premature rupture of membrane was found quite higher as compared to other similar studies done in Nepal. Hence, awareness, early screening, and treatment are necessary for the hospital attended pregnant women to minimize the risk of premature rupture of membrane. Keywords: Outcomes, premature and Rupture of membrane

Late preterm antenatal steroid use and infant outcomes in a single center.

To characterize late preterm antenatal steroids (AS) use and associated neonatal outcomes in a single academic center. Retrospective study of 503 singleton, mother-infant dyads delivered between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020. Forty-three percent did not receive AS (No AS) prior to delivery. Among AS treated, 50% were sub-optimal dosing. No AS had higher preterm premature rupture of membranes and maternal diabetes. AS group had lower mean gestational age, birthweight, longer time from admission to delivery and longer NICU stay. There was no difference in neonatal hypoglycemia. Sub-optimal AS dosing in late preterms remains high in our center. AS did not improve neonatal outcomes. Studies are needed to evaluate the impact of AS in diabetics delivering late preterm, to optimize the timing of AS dosing, and evaluate the longer term impact on late preterm infants.

Optimum Mode of Delivery in Gestations Complicated by Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrane During 32-37 weeks of Gestation

Background and objectives: Preterm premature rupture of membrane is amniotic fluid leakage due to fetal membrane rupture before 37 gestational weeks. The aim was to know the optimum mode of delivery in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membrane. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed on 50 pregnant ladies with a gestational age of 32-37 weeks with preterm premature rupture of membrane admitted to the Sulaimani Maternity Teaching Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022. Demographic features, medical history,mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were recorded . Results: The mean±SD (standard deviation) of maternal ages was 27.2±5.8 years (ranging from 16 to 38). The mean±SD of gravidity, parity, and abortus was 2.9±1.95, 1.6±1.7, and 1.4±0.6, respectively. The associations of women's age, residency, occupation, educational level, parity, and past medical history with mode of delivery were statistically insignificant (p-values of &gt;0.05). The association of the indications of C/Ss with the delivery outcome was statistically significant (p-value of &lt;0.001). The associations of gestational ages at rupture and birth did not affect the delivery outcome (p-values of &gt;0.05). Besides, the fetal outcome did not affect the delivery outcome, except for fetal gender significantly (p-value = 0.05) affected the delivery outcome. Conclusions:The associations between indications of cesarean section and fetal gender with mode of delivery were statistically significant in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membrane between 32-37 gestational weeks.

Determinants of preterm premature rupture of membranes and associated perinatal and maternal outcomes at General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Hospital, South Africa.

Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) is defined as the rupture of fetal membranes prior to the onset of labor, before 37 weeks gestation and remains a significant obstetric complication of pregnancy with high rates of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of our study was to establish the determinants of PPROM <34 weeks at this GJG MRH hospital which has a high incidence of PPROM. It was a descriptive , retrospective chart review of women diagnosed with PPROM over a 1 year period from 1st of January 2018 to 31st of December 2018. Detailed clinical and demographic information was recorded. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (Version 28.0 IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) of 7071 singleton deliveries, 428 were diagnosed with PPROM. Majority (69%) were between the age groups of 21 to 30 years. Women belonging to age groups of <20 years and >=30 years, including women who attend antenatal clinics >=4 times were less likely to experience PPROM. History of abortions, previous preterm delivery, previous PPROM and women who had infectious components were determinants of PPROM. Among the neonates delivered by women who had PPROM, 56.3% had an unfavorable outcome.

Perinatal outcomes following fetoscopic laser surgery for early twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our objective was to investigate outcomes in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery (FLS) at <18 weeks vs ≥18 weeks, and to conduct subgroup analysis of TTTS with FLS at <16 weeks vs 16-18 weeks. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched systematically from inception until May 2023. Primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes included preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), preterm birth and gestational age (GA) at delivery. Nine studies encompassing 1691 TTTS pregnancies were included. TTTS stage III was significantly more common in TTTS pregnancies treated with FLS at <18 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-6.54), and procedure duration was shorter at <18 weeks (MD -5.27 minutes, 95% CI -9.19 to -1.34). GA at delivery was significantly earlier in TTTS pregnancies treated with FLS at <18 weeks (MD -3.12 weeks, 95% CI -6.11 to -0.13). There were no significant differences in outcomes, including PPROM, PPROM at <7 days post-FLS, preterm birth at <28 and <32 weeks, delivery at <7 days post-FLS, and survival outcomes, including fetal demise, live birth and neonatal survival. Similarly, TTTS stage III was more common in TTTS with FLS at <16 weeks than at 16-18 weeks (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.62-5.35), with no significant differences in the aforementioned outcomes. In early TTTS treated with FLS, outcomes were comparable between those treated at <18 weeks compared with ≥18 weeks except for GA at delivery, which was 3 weeks earlier. In the subset treated at <16 weeks vs 16-18 weeks, the procedure was feasible without an increased risk of very early preterm birth or perinatal mortality.

Intrauterine adhesions treated with hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and subsequent obstetric outcome: A retrospective matched cohort study.

To examine whether a history of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis (HA)-treated intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) was associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Retrospective cohort study. A tertiary-care hospital in Shanghai, China. A cohort of 114 142 pregnant women who were issued an antenatal card and received routine antenatal care in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, between January 2016 and October 2021. From the cohort of 114 142 pregnant women, each woman with a history of HA-treated IUA prior to the current pregnancy (n = 780) was matched with four women without a history of IUAs (n = 3010) using propensity score matching. The matching variables were maternal age and parity, mode of conception, pre-pregnancy body mass index and prior history of abortion. Pregnancy complications, placental abnormalities, postpartum haemorrhage and adverse birth outcomes. Compared with women with no history of IUAs, women with a history of HA-treated IUAs were at higher risk of pre-eclampsia (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.23-2.33), placenta accreta spectrum (RR 4.72, 95% CI 3.9-5.73), placenta praevia (RR 4.23, 95% CI 2.85-6.30), postpartum haemorrhage (RR 2.86, 95% CI 1.94-4.23), preterm premature rupture of membranes (RR 3.02, 95% CI 1.97-4.64) and iatrogenic preterm birth (RR 2.86, 95% CI 2.14-3.81). Those women were also more likely to receive cervical cerclage (RR 5.63, 95% CI 3.95-8.02) during pregnancy and haemostatic therapies after delivery (RR 2.17, 95% CI 1.75-2.69). Moreover, we observed that the RRs of those adverse obstetrical outcomes increased with the increasing number of hysteroscopic surgeries. This study found that a history of HA-treated IUAs, especially a history of repeated HAs, was associated with an increased risk of adverse obstetrical outcomes.

The association between sex and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

To investigate the association between sex and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Neonates born at our hospital and transferred to the neonatal department within 1h were retrospectively analyzed. Depending on whether they developed NRDS during their hospital stay, the neonates was divided into NRDS and non-NRDS groups. There were 142 neonates in the NRDS group (95 males and 47 females) and 310 neonates in the non-NRDS group (180 males and 140 females). The neonates' data on gestational age(GA), sex, birth weight, white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), total immunoglobulin M (total IgM), gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM), antenatal steroids use, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and preterm premature rupture of membranes(PPROM) were gathered. 452 neonates (265 males and 187 females) were involved for the purpose of collecting basic characteristic. Multivariate analysis, males had a 1.87 times higher risk of NRDS than females (P < 0.05) after controlling for the confounding effects of GA, birth weight, WBC, PLT, CRP, total IgM, GDM, antenatal steroids use, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and PPROM. Sex was associated with NRDS; males had a considerably higher risk of NRDS than females.

Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM): a study of patient experiences and support needs

ABSTRACT Background Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM) is a common obstetric condition but outcomes can vary depending on gestation. Significant maternal and foetal complications occur including preterm birth, infection, abruption, cord prolapse, pulmonary hypoplasia and even death. Although the need for psychological support is recognised it is unclear how much is actually offered to women and their families. This study aimed to survey the views of women and their families who have undergone PPROM in order to understand the care and psychological burden these families face. Methods An online survey was conducted, recruiting women via social media with collaboration from the patient advocacy support group Little Heartbeats. Responses were collated where fields were binary or mean and standard deviations calculated. Framework analysis was used to identify and analyse themes in free text responses. Results 180PPROM pregnancies were described from 177 respondents. Although carewas variable and respondents were from across the world there werecommon themes. Five themes were highlighted which were: a lack ofbalanced information regarding the condition, support in decisionmaking and support with the process, specific psychological supportand ongoing psychological consequences of PPROM. Conclusion This survey highlights areas in which care needs to be improved for women with PPROM. Previous studies have shown that providing good care during the antenatal period reduces long-term psychological morbidity for the whole family. The need for support, with regard both to information provided to women and their families and their psychological support needs to be addressed urgently.

Tubo-Ovarian Abscess Following Normal Vaginal Delivery: A Case Report

Introduction: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is defined as an acute and subclinical infection of the upper genital system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and ligaments. It can lead to various complications, such as salpingitis, endometritis, oophoritis, perihepatitis, peritonitis, and tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA). Case Presentation: In our case, a 22-year-old Afghan woman presented with generalized pain in the abdomen and pelvis, accompanied by vaginal discharge and fever, following 17 days of normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and septic shock. She had no previous history of PID. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a significant amount of free fluid in the paracolic grooves and pelvis, along with a perforated mass on the right adnexa. As a result, she underwent laparotomy and right adnexectomy. A 10-day course of meropenem and vancomycin was prescribed, and the woman was discharged with oral antibiotics. Conclusions: Tubo-ovarian abscess following NVD is a rare condition that can occur in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and episiotomy. Therefore, it is essential to prescribe antibiotics in cases involving episiotomy and rupture of the membranous.

A retrospective study for long-term oncologic and obstetric outcomes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure: focus on surgical margin and human papillomavirus

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the long-term oncological and obstetric outcomes following the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and investigate the risk factors for recurrence and preterm birth.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent LEEP for CIN 2–3 between 2011 and 2019. Demographic information, histopathological findings, postoperative cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were collected and analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test were used for risk factor analysis.ResultsA total of 385 patients treated with the LEEP were analyzed. Treatment failure, including recurrence or residual disease following surgery, was observed in 13.5% of the patients. Positive surgical margins and postoperative HPV detection were independent risk factors for CIN1 + recurrence or residual disease (HR 1.948 [95%CI 1.020–3.720], p = 0.043, and HR 6.848 [95%CI 3.652–12.840], p-value < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-one patients subsequently delivered after LEEP, and the duration between LEEP and delivery was significantly associated with preterm-related complications, such as a short cervix, preterm labor, and preterm premature rupture of the membrane (p = 0.009). However, only a history of preterm birth was associated with preterm delivery.ConclusionsPositive HPV status after LEEP and margin status were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure in patients with CIN who underwent LEEP. However, combining these two factors did not improve the prediction accuracy for recurrence.

Membrane inflammasome activation by choriodecidual Ureaplasma parvum infection without intra-amniotic infection in a Non-Human Primate model†.

Intrauterine infection is a significant cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Ureaplasma parvum is a microorganism commonly isolated from cases of preterm birth and preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM). However, the mechanisms of early stage ascending reproductive tract infection remain poorly understood. To examine inflammation in fetal (chorioamnionic) membranes we utilized a non-human primate (NHP) model of choriodecidual U. parvum infection. Eight chronically catheterized pregnant rhesus macaques underwent maternal-fetal catheterization surgery at ~105-112 days gestation and choriodecidual inoculation with U. parvum (105 CFU/mL, n =4) or sterile media (controls; n = 4) starting at 115-119 days, repeated at 5-day intervals until C-section at 136-140 days (term=167 days). The average inoculation to delivery interval was 21 days, and Ureaplasma infection of the amniotic fluid (AF) was undetectable in all animals. Choriodecidual Ureaplasma infection resulted in increased fetal membrane expression of MMP-9 and PTGS2, but did not result in preterm labor or increased concentrations of AF pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, membrane expression of inflammasome sensors, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and NOD2, and adaptor ASC (PYCARD) gene expression were significantly increased. Gene expression of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-18R1 , CASPASE-1, and pro-CASPASE-1 protein increased with Ureaplasma infection. Downstream inflammatory genes MYD88 and NFκB (Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) were also significantly upregulated. These results demonstrate that choriodecidualUreaplasma infection, can cause activation of inflammasome complexes and pathways associated with pPROM and preterm labor prior to microbes being detectable in the AF.

Maternal and perinatal risks for monozygotic twins conceived following frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the maternal and perinatal risks in cases of monozygotic twins (MZT) following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsAll twin births that were conceived following FET from 2007 to 2021 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital in Shanghai, China were retrospectively reviewed. The exposure variable was twin type (monozygotic and dizygotic). The primary outcome was the incidence of neonatal death while secondary outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, Cesarean delivery, gestational age, birth weight, weight discordance, stillbirth, birth defects, pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, and neonatal jaundice. Analysis of the outcomes was performed using logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The causal mediation analysis was conducted. A doubly robust estimation model was used to validate the results. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival probability. The sensitivity analysis was performed with a propensity score-based patient-matching model.ResultsOf 6101 dizygotic twin (DZT) and 164 MZT births conceived by FET, MZT showed an increased risk of neonatal death based on the multivariate logistic regression models (partially adjusted OR: 4.19; 95% CI, 1.23–10.8; fully adjusted OR: 4.95; 95% CI, 1.41–13.2). Similar results were obtained with the doubly robust estimation. Comparing MZT with DZT, the neonatal survival probability was lower for MZT (P < 0.05). The results were robust in the sensitivity analysis. Females with MZT pregnancies exhibited an elevated risk of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (adjusted OR: 2.42; 95% CI, 1.54–3.70). MZT were also associated with higher odds of preterm birth (prior to 37 weeks) (adjusted OR: 2.31; 95% CI, 1.48–3.67), low birth weight (adjusted OR: 1.92; 95% CI, 1.27–2.93), and small for gestational age (adjusted OR: 2.18; 95% CI, 1.21–3.69) in the fully adjusted analyses. The effect of MZT on neonatal death was partially mediated by preterm birth and low birth weight (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study indicates that MZT conceived by FET are related to an increased risk of neonatal death, emphasizing a potential need for comprehensive antenatal surveillance in these at-risk pregnancies.

A case of circumvallate placenta causing preterm premature rupture of membranes post-amniocentesis

We report a case of circumvallate placenta which led to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) and leakage in a mother at 17 weeks of gestation. The mother underwent amniocentesis after the triple marker test showed an increased risk for trisomy 21. We encountered difficulty in aspirating amniotic fluid due to the abnormal placental structure, which was not known at the time of the invasive procedure. The mother experienced leaking 7 days post-procedure, followed by miscarriage. Autopsy examination revealed that the placenta was circumvallate, which not only caused difficulty in aspirating the amniotic fluid but also could be the cause of PPROM, a well-known complication of the circumvallate placenta. We emphasize that examining the placenta is very important to identify the cause of events in certain situations; circumvallate placenta or abnormal placenta can be suspected in cases where hindrance is encountered (not able to aspirate amniotic fluid even if the needle is visible in the amniotic sac) during amniocentesis.

Pain/Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants

Introduction: Preterm infants experience tremendous early life pain/stress during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, which impacts their neurodevelopmental outcomes. Mitochondrial function/dysfunction may interface between perinatal stress events and neurodevelopment. Nevertheless, the specific proteins or pathways linking mitochondrial functions to pain-induced neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants remain unidentified. Our study aims to investigate the associations among pain/stress, proteins associated with mitochondrial function/dysfunction, and neurobehavioral responses in preterm infants. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study, enrolling 33 preterm infants between September 2017 and July 2022 at two affiliated NICUs located in Hartford and Farmington, CT. NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) datasets were evaluated to explore potential association with neurobehavioral outcomes. The daily pain/stress experienced by infant’s during their NICU stay was documented. At 36–38 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), neurobehavioral outcomes were evaluated using the NNNS and buccal swabs were collected for further analysis. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was conducted on epithelial cells obtained from buccal swabs to evaluate protein expression level. Lasso statistical methods were conducted to study the association between protein abundance and infants’ NNNS summary scores. Multiple linear regression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed to examine how clinical characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcomes may be associated with protein levels and underlying molecular pathways. Results: During NICU hospitalization, preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) was negatively associated with neurobehavioral outcomes. The protein functions including leptin receptor binding activity, glutathione disulfide oxidoreductase activity and response to oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and phosphate and proton transmembrane transporter activity were negatively associated with neurobehavioral outcomes; in contrast, cytoskeletal regulation, epithelial barrier, and protection function were found to be associated with the optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. In addition, mitochondrial function-associated proteins including SPRR2A, PAIP1, S100A3, MT-CO2, PiC, GLRX, PHB2, and BNIPL-2 demonstrated positive association with favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes, while proteins of ABLIM1, UNC45A, keratins, MUC1, and CYB5B showed positive association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusion: Mitochondrial function-related proteins were observed to be associated with early life pain/stress and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. Large-scale studies with longitudinal datasets are warranted. Buccal proteins could be used to predict potential neurobehavioral outcomes.

Evaluating the Predictive Potential of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in the Second-Trimester Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM): A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Evaluating the Predictive Potential of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratios in the Second-Trimester Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM): A Retrospective Case-Control Study