Weeks Of Pregnancy Research Articles

Isolated Fetal Liver Calcifications: Case Report and Literature Review

ABSTRACTFetal liver calcifications (FLCs) are isolated or multiple areas of increased echogenicity in the fetal liver, with an estimated prevalence of 5–10 per 10 000 births. However, their clinical importance remains still unclear. Although they are often linked to infections, chromosomal disorders, thrombotic events, or tumors, isolated FLCs generally have a favorable outcome. This article aims to present a case of a 29‐year‐old pregnant woman with a low‐risk cfDNA test, who presented for the first trimester screening scan at our hospital at 12 weeks of pregnancy. The morphology scan at 20 weeks and 5 days revealed a normal fetal size with areas of increased echogenicity in the liver. No other fetal issues were identified. The patient was monitored throughout her pregnancy at our center, receiving genetic counseling and tests for detecting cystic fibrosis, STORCH (syphilis, cytomegalovirus, herpes virus 1;2, rubella, and toxoplasma), fetal echocardiography, and MRI, all of which were normal. At 35 weeks and 6 days, the patient gave birth to a healthy male, and all subsequent postnatal examinations confirmed the baby's health. This article aims to offer comprehensive insights into the management and postnatal outcomes of isolated FLCs, based on a review of the literature.

The influence of education on antenatal care and nutrition of newborns in Croatia

Abstract Background Previous studies indicate differences in the nutrition of newborns. Great efforts are invests in public health education of expectant mothers in order to improve the health of their offspring. Methods An analytical study of data on the influence of social factors and the level of education of mothers on the nutrition of newborns, habits of pregnant women and antenatal care in the City of Zagreb was conduct in 2022. The paper shows analytical results expressed in percentages of the prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The survey covered 6,358 women giving birth in the City of Zagreb in 2022. Most mothers fed their newborns in the hospital with breast milk (48.6%) or a combination of breast milk and artificial nutrition (45.8%), and only 1.4% with artificial nutrition. The share of mothers who fed their newborns exclusively with breast milk is slightly higher among highly educated women (52.4%). The majority of women had their newborn’s first feeding within one hour (81.4%), also more often in highly educated women. The first breastfeeding is most often ten (10.1%) or 15 minutes after birth (8.2%). Only 1.1% of pregnant women smoked during pregnancy, of which the largest share was women with a high school diploma (62.1%). With the increase in education, the share of women with 5 or less antenatal checks decreases (completed college 3.3%, higher school 4.6%, secondary school 6.6%, primary school 12.7%). The largest share of pregnant women who had their first antenatal examination only after 10 weeks of pregnancy is among women with a high school diploma (11.3%). Conclusions The education of pregnant women influenced their adoption of positive lifestyle habits, the need for timely and regular antenatal care and the benefits of feeding newborns with breast milk. Additional education through public health campaigns aimed at pregnant women and future parents as well as breastfeeding support groups need to be continuously implement. Key messages • The education of pregnant women influenced their adoption of positive lifestyle habits, the need for timely and regular antenatal care and the benefits of feeding newborns with breast milk. • Additional education through public health campaigns aimed at pregnant women and future parents as well as breastfeeding support groups need to be continuously implement.

New advances in RSV: Is prevention attainable?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), hospitalization, and mortality in infants and young children globally. The greatest burden of severe disease and mortality occurs in low-middle income countries (LMICs), with large and vulnerable childhood populations. The highest rates of RSV-hospitalization occur in healthy-term infants under 3 months of age. Preterm infants, children with chronic lung disease of prematurity, Down's syndrome, congenital heart disease, or immunodeficiency also have a higher risk of severe RSV-LRTI. Early-life RSV-LRTI has also been associated with chronic sequelae, including recurrent LRTI, recurrent wheezing, asthma, and lung function impairment. A RSV pre-fusion (F) maternal vaccine and long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) have been licensed for the prevention of RSV-LRTI in infants and young children. Studies show high efficacy and effectiveness particularly for preventing severe RSV-LRTI. Maternal RSV vaccine given at 24-36 weeks of pregnancy was effective in preventing RSV medically attended LRTI and severe RSV-LRTI through 6 months after birth in a phase 3 study conducted in 18 countries over two RSV seasons. Vaccination was safe with no significant difference in adverse events between infants born to mothers who received RSV preF vaccine compared to placebo. A numerical imbalance in preterm births that occurred predominantly in South Africa, unrelated to vaccine timing or gestational age at vaccination and unassociated with mortality, coincided with COVID-19 delta and omicron waves. Nirsevimab, given as a single dose prior or during the RSV season, had high efficacy in preventing RSV-LRTI hospitalization in infants in preterm and in full-term infants, as well as in young children with underlying conditions through 150 days post administration in phase 2 and 3 trials. High effectiveness against hospitalization or severe disease in infants and in at-risk children up to 2 years of age has also been reported in several countries where implementation has occurred. RSV-LRTI is now a preventable disease in infants and young children. Rapid implementation of these highly effective interventions has occurred in many high-income countries, but access remains very limited in LMICs. Access to such RSV preventive interventions is urgently needed for all children to strengthen child health and promote global equity.

Mother-to-child Transmission using the National HBV Perinatal Prevention Data in Korea, 2002-2021

Abstract Aims To define risk factors associated with mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and to create supporting evidence for the National Hepatitis B Perinatal Prevention Program (HBPPP) in Korea. Methods We analyzed HBPPP mother-infant pair data enrolled from 2002 to 2021. The major outcome was the HBsAg status of the infant resulting from post-vaccination serological testing. Additionally, we used prescription records of antivirals against the hepatitis B virus (telbivudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) from 2010 to 2021 by data linkage with the National Health Insurance claims data. To select significant risk factors by maternal HBeAg status based on the data from 34 to 42 weeks of pregnancy, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. Results Data from 232,242 mother-infant pairs were analyzed. Among 154,331 (66.5%) infants with post-vaccination serological testing results, 3,620 (2.3%) were HBsAg-positive. The incidence of MTCT has shown a decreasing trend, from 4.1% in 2002 to 1.0% in 2021. However, the rate was high at 5.5% (1822/32986) for infants of HBeAg-positive mothers. Maternal antiviral prescription during the pregnancy period, old age, HBeAg negative, delivery type (C-section), and breastfeeding were significant factors in decreasing the risk of MTCT. Among the HBeAg-positive, there was a significant difference in the antiviral prescription 0.7% (11/1692) compared to the non-prescription 4.9% (789/16264) [aOR, 7.71; 95% CI, 4.24-14.02]. The result was similar for the HBeAg-negative group, 0.7% (302/44888). Conclusions To eradicate the hepatitis B virus on a national level, MTCT must be further reduced. To achieve this, it is necessary to introduce strong additional preventive measures, including quantitative HBV DNA testing for mothers with chronic hepatitis B and administering antiviral prophylaxis at the third trimester of pregnancy with HBV-DNA ≥200,000 IU/mL into the HBPPP. Key messages • The incidence of mother-to-child transmission has shown a decreasing trend, from 4.1% in 2002 to 1.0% in 2021. • Maternal antiviral prescription, old age, HBeAg negative, delivery type (C-section), and breastfeeding were significantly decrease the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

Associations between term cesarean delivery in the first pregnancy and second-pregnancy preterm delivery.

Cesarean delivery has been shown to increase the risk of preterm delivery in future pregnancies. The association could be a direct result of the procedure, or because the indications that led to the cesarean delivery also increase the risk of preterm delivery in later pregnancies. 298 901 mothers with first and second singleton deliveries from 1999 to 2020 were investigated using data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway linked with Statistics Norway. The mothers were categorized by mode of cesarean delivery (total, emergency and planned) and vaginal delivery at term in the first pregnancy. We used log-binomial regression models to estimate relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of iatrogenic and spontaneous preterm delivery <37 gestational weeks in the second pregnancy. Second, we explored the role of recurrent placental disease in preterm delivery by comparing estimates in mothers with placental disease in neither or both pregnancies. 8243 mothers (2.8%) had a preterm delivery in the second pregnancy. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) of preterm delivery was 1.24 (95% CI 1.17-1.32) after cesarean compared with vaginal delivery in the first pregnancy. The association was stronger in previous planned compared with emergency cesarean delivery (aRR 1.52, 95% CI 1.30-1.77 and aRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.14-1.29, respectively). Spontaneous preterm delivery was not associated with the previous mode of delivery; the risk was confined to iatrogenic preterm delivery after both emergency and planned cesarean delivery (aRR 1.69, 95% CI 1.52-1.87 and aRR 2.65, 95% CI 2.12-3.30, respectively). Mothers with placental disease in both pregnancies had a sixfold increased risk of preterm delivery in the second pregnancy compared with mothers with no placental disease, however, the association between mode of delivery and subsequent preterm delivery was similar in mothers with and without placental disease in the pregnancies. Compared with vaginal term delivery in the first pregnancy, cesarean delivery increases the risk of iatrogenic, but not spontaneous preterm delivery in the next pregnancy. Although strongly associated with preterm delivery, placental disease had limited influence on the estimates.

Wunderlich syndrome in pregnancy: life threatening bleeding renal angiomyolipoma in first and third trimesters—two case reports and literature review

BackgroundRenal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a prevalent benign tumour of the kidney. However, Wunderlich syndrome, marked by retroperitoneal haemorrhage, remains a rare and critical complication of large AMLs. During pregnancy, AMLs demonstrate an accelerated growth pattern and pose an elevated risk of rupture, leading to massive retroperitoneal haemorrhage. This report presents two compelling cases of life-threatening bleeding AML during the first and third trimesters, shedding light on the urgent need for heightened awareness and management strategies in pregnant women with AML. These cases underscore the novel and crucial aspect of the increased vulnerability of AMLs in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention.Cases presentationThe first patient is a 37-year-old lady who presented at 27 weeks of gestation with foetal distress, abdominal pain and hypovolemic shock. Emergency Caesarean section was performed for possible abruptio placenta, and a large non-expanding retroperitoneal hematoma was found intra-operatively. Post-delivery computed tomography (CT) angiography assessment showed left perinephric hematoma from bleeding AML at the lower pole. She was hemodynamically unstable after CT and underwent an emergency nephrectomy. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. The second patient is a 30-year-old lady who presented with right abdominal pain at 11 weeks of gestation with hypotension and an actively bleeding ruptured AML found on the abdominal MRI. She underwent angioembolization at 12 weeks of pregnancy with a radiation shield to protect the foetus. She recovered well after the procedure and continued her pregnancy. Her baby was born healthy at term with no evidence of any congenital malformation.ConclusionsWhen dealing with renal angiomyolipoma during pregnancy, multidisciplinary team management is crucial for the best management care. Stable cases can be treated conservatively, while unstable cases may require angioembolization or nephrectomy. The management plan should prioritize the best outcomes for both the mother and foetus. During the first trimester, angioembolization is safe and effective in controlling bleeding. However, minimizing radiation exposure is crucial, especially during organogenesis. Tailored interventions are essential to optimize outcomes in this unique patient population.

The association of increased incidence of congenital heart disease in newborns with maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy

This paper aims to examine the potential link between maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and the increased risk of congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns. A comparative analysis was conducted involving two groups: mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy and a control group. Data on maternal characteristics, pregnancy-related complications, and newborn outcomes were collected and analyzed. Additionally, the annual incidence rates of CHD from 2020 to 2023 were evaluated to assess trends over time. No significant differences were found between the COVID-19 cases and the control group in terms of maternal age, BMI, gravidity, parity, use of assisted reproductive technology, adverse obstetric history, or complications during pregnancy, including diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, and thyroid abnormalities. For newborn outcomes, there were no significant differences in sex distribution, rate of cesarean delivery, Apgar scores, or birth weight. However, a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac ultrasound abnormalities was observed in the COVID-19 group (10.08%) compared to the control group (4.13%, p = 0.012). Further analysis revealed that the majority of cardiac abnormalities in the COVID-19 group occurred in mothers infected before 8 weeks of pregnancy. The annual incidence rates of CHD showed a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest rate in 2023 (5.46%) compared to previous years. Maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may adversely affect the development of the newborn’s heart. This could be due to the inflammatory response caused by the viral infection or other pathological processes. The findings underscore the importance of vigilant prenatal care and early detection of cardiac abnormalities during the pandemic and suggest the need for further research to explore potential mechanisms and intervention strategies.

Association between maternal perinatal stress and depression and infant DNA methylation in the first year of life

Maternal stress and depression during pregnancy and the first year of the infant’s life affect a large percentage of mothers. Maternal stress and depression have been associated with adverse fetal and childhood outcomes as well as differential child DNA methylation (DNAm). However, the biological mechanisms connecting maternal stress and depression to poor health outcomes in children are still largely unknown. Here we aim to determine whether prenatal stress and depression are associated with differences in cord blood mononuclear cell DNAm (CBMC-DNAm) in newborns (n = 119) and whether postnatal stress and depression are associated with differences in peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNAm (PBMC-DNAm) in children of 12 months of age (n = 113) from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) cohort. Stress was measured using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and depression was measured using the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Questionnaire (CESD). Both stress and depression were measured longitudinally at 18 weeks and 36 weeks of pregnancy and six months and 12 months postpartum. We conducted epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) using robust linear regression followed by a sensitivity analysis in which we bias-adjusted for inflation and unmeasured confounding using the bacon and cate methods. To quantify the cumulative effect of maternal stress and depression, we created composite prenatal and postnatal adversity scores. We identified a significant association between prenatal stress and differential CBMC-DNAm at 8 CpG sites and between prenatal depression and differential CBMC-DNAm at 2 CpG sites. Additionally, we identified a significant association between postnatal stress and differential PBMC-DNAm at 8 CpG sites and between postnatal depression and differential PBMC-DNAm at 11 CpG sites. Using our composite scores, we further identified 2 CpG sites significantly associated with prenatal adversity and 7 CpG sites significantly associated with postnatal adversity. Several of the associated genes, including PLAGL1, HYMAI, BRD2, and ERC2 have been implicated in adverse fetal outcomes and neuropsychiatric disorders. These data further support the finding that differential DNAm may play a role in the relationship between maternal mental health and child health.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: Update on Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment: Scientific Impact Paper No. 56.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of viral infection in newborn babies, and affects 1 in 200 of all live born infants in high-income countries; and 1 in 71 in low- and middle-income countries. It is a major cause of hearing loss and brain damage. Women may get CMV infection for the first time during pregnancy (primary infection) or may experience 'non-primary' infection, either by reactivation of previous CMV infection or by a new infection with a different strain of the virus. The most common source of infection to pregnant women is the saliva and urine of young children. Therefore, all pregnant women, especially those in regular contact with young children, should be informed about hygiene-based measures to reduce the risks, e.g. handwashing. The UK National Screening Committee recommends against universal antenatal or newborn screening for CMV. Testing for CMV is usually offered only to women who develop symptoms of influenza, glandular fever or hepatitis (liver inflammation) during pregnancy, or for those whom a routine ultrasound scan detects fetal anomalies that suggests possible CMV infection. The risk of harm to the fetus is greatest following primary CMV infection of the woman in early pregnancy, and appears to be very low following infection after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Babies with CMV infection at birth may have jaundice, a rash, enlarged liver or spleen, a small brain, or be small for their gestational age. Around 1 in 8 babies born with CMV infection will have clinically detectable signs at birth. The rest will not have any features detectable by clinical examination alone. Therefore, all infants with CMV infection at birth should be followed up at a minimum of up to 2 years of age or later, depending upon the disease status, to check hearing and brain development. Following primary CMV infection in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, if the woman starts taking the antiviral medicine valaciclovir (valacyclovir) it reduces the risk of the baby becoming infected. Where CMV infection of the fetus in the womb has been confirmed (by amniocentesis, for example), regular ultrasound scans should be offered every 2-3 weeks until birth. Detailed assessment of the fetal brain is an essential part of these scans. Where maternal CMV infection occurs, but fetal infection is not confirmed, repeated ultrasound scans of the fetus should be offered every 2-3 weeks until birth. In infected fetuses, as well as ultrasound scans, an MRI scan of the brain should be offered at 28-32 weeks of gestation (and sometimes repeated 3-4 weeks later) to assess for any signs of harm to the fetal brain. All babies born to women with confirmed or suspected CMV infection should be tested for CMV with a urine or saliva sample within the first 21 days of life. In newborns with symptomatic CMV infection at birth, treatment with antiviral medicine (valganciclovir or ganciclovir) can reduce hearing loss in 5 out of 6 babies, and improve long-term brain development outcomes in some. There is no licensed vaccine for CMV.

Maternal serum Numb in the first trimester of pregnancy as a biomarker for early prediction of pre-eclampsia: A prospective cohort study.

Early identification of women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia is beneficial as it allows for timely intervention strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of serum Numb in the first trimester as a biomarker for early prediction of pre-eclampsia. This prospective observational cohort study was carried out at a tertiary teaching hospital between January 2021 and December 2022. A total of 1024 women were recruited during their 8-13 weeks of pregnancy and were followed up until delivery. Serum Numb levels were measured during 8-13 weeks of gestation for all participants. At the same time, the participants' anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the potential association between serum Numb levels and the risk of pre-eclampsia. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) and area under the curves (AUCs) were utilized to evaluate the predictive efficacy of serum Numb levels for pre-eclampsia in the first trimester. Serum Numb levels were found to be significantly higher in pregnant women who developed pre-eclampsia compared to those who did not develop pre-eclampsia. Increased serum Numb levels were identified as an independent risk factor for pre-eclampsia, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.27 (95% CI: 2.05-4.53) for the risk of pre-eclampsia. Numb levels showed a significant positive correlation with the risk of pre-eclampsia. Furthermore, Numb levels demonstrated a strong predictive efficacy for pre-eclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy, with an AUC value of 0.86, a cutoff value of 48.73 ng/mL, a sensitivity of 79.24%, and a specificity of 75.73%. Serum Numb in the first trimester of pregnancy can serve as a biomarker for the early prediction of pre-eclampsia. This provides a valuable approach in clinical practice to identify pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy, who are at a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

Clinical case of a live-born child with triploidy

Theoretical data on etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations of triploidy, life expectancy of children in case of live-birth with this chromosomal anomaly are presented. A clinical case of a triploidy in a child is described. The girl was born from the first pregnancy from young healthy parents. Parents are not close relatives. Pregnancy was complicated with anemia, recurrent threats of miscarriage, progressive lack of water, progressive violation of uteroplacental blood flow and delay in fetal development. A congenital heart defect was diagnosed prenatally. The girl was born at 38 weeks of pregnancy with low indicators of physical development by caesarean section. Multiple developmental anomalies and malformations were revealed after birth. Combined congenital heart disease was confirmed by instrumental examination. Karyotyping revealed karyotype 69, ХХХ. Dynamic observation revealed that the child's age-related skills were not formed. Epileptic seizures occurred from the age of 4 months. The seizures had a status course. Surgical correction of congenital heart disease was performed in two stages: at 4.5 months and at 9.5 months in this patient. A fatal outcome occurred with an increase in multiple organ failure at the age of 10 months. The features of the clinical case, the possibilities of prenatal diagnosis of triploidy are analyzed.

Dietary Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Implications for Fetal Macrosomia.

The primary therapeutic approach for managing hyperglycemia today is diet therapy. Lipids are not only a source of nutrients but also play a role in initiating adipocyte differentiation in the fetus, which may explain the development of fetal macrosomia and future metabolic disorders in children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Alterations in the maternal blood lipid profile, influenced by adherence to a healthy diet in mothers with GDM and the occurrence of fetal macrosomia, represent a complex and not fully understood process. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of the blood plasma lipid profile in pregnant women with GDM across all trimesters based on adherence to diet therapy. The clinical part of the study followed a case-control design, including 110 women: 80 in the control group, 20 in a GDM group adhering to the diet, and 10 in a GDM group not adhering to the diet. The laboratory part was conducted as a longitudinal dynamic study, with venous blood samples collected at three time points: 11-13, 24-26, and 30-32 weeks of pregnancy. A significant impact of diet therapy on the composition of blood lipids throughout pregnancy was demonstrated, starting as early as the first trimester. ROC analysis indicated high effectiveness of the models developed, with an AUC of 0.98 for the 30- to 32-week model and sensitivity and specificity values of 1 and 0.9, respectively. An association was found between dietary habits, maternal blood lipid composition at 32 weeks, and newborn weight. The changes in lipid profiles during macrosomia development and under diet therapy were found to be diametrically opposed, confirming at the molecular level that diet therapy can normalize not only carbohydrate metabolism but also lipid metabolism in both the mother and fetus. Based on the data obtained, it is suggested that after further validation, the developed models could be used to improve the prognosis of macrosomia by analyzing blood plasma lipid profiles at various stages of pregnancy.

Association of dietary inflammatory index score with gestational weight gain in 22 to 28 weeks of pregnancy

Maternal mental health during pregnancy has a significant impact on early childhood development, but its association with child growth outcomes, notably stunting, has received less attention, particularly in Indonesia.

Lingual artery thrombosis as a presentation of infective endocarditis in a pregnant patient; a case report

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis during pregnancy is a rare condition that compromises the health of both the mother and the fetus, presenting high rates of morbidity and mortality. The clinical manifestations of this disease are varied, with embolic phenomena being a frequent presentation. Case summary We report the case of a 37-year-old patient, at 29 weeks of pregnancy, with no known cardiovascular history, who presented with 48 hours of sudden mandibular and lingual pain. The study showed acute thrombosis of the right lingual artery and the rest of the right external carotid artery. In this context, searching for the origin of the embolism, acute mitral valve endocarditis was diagnosed, which was effectively treated with antibiotic therapy and biological mitral valve replacement, as well as early cesarean delivery. Discussion We report the first case where lingual artery thrombosis was the key diagnostic feature of infective endocarditis.

Comparison of 75 mg versus 150 mg aspirin for the prevention of preterm preeclampsia in high-risk women at a tertiary level hospital: study protocol for a randomized double-blind clinical trial

BackgroundHypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) pose significant risks to maternal and fetal health, with substantial mortality and morbidity rates globally, particularly in developing countries. Pre-eclampsia (PE) accounts for a notable portion of maternal morbidity and mortality, with varied prevalence across regions within countries like India. Despite advancements, disparities in healthcare access persist, influencing outcomes. PE not only affects maternal health during pregnancy but also predisposes women to long-term cardiovascular complications, emphasizing the need for early screening and preventive measures.MethodsThis prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy and safety of 75 mg versus 150 mg aspirin for preventing preterm pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. Screen-positive women aged 18–45 years with singleton pregnancies between 12 and 16 weeks of gestational age will be enrolled. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 75 mg or 150 mg of aspirin nightly until 37 weeks of pregnancy or earlier if preterm pre-eclampsia develops. Feto-maternal outcomes, including preterm pre-eclampsia incidence and neonatal and maternal complications, will be assessed. The sample size calculation based on expected proportions of preterm pre-eclampsia in both groups indicates a total of 370 participants (185 per group) accounting for 20% attrition.DiscussionThis prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of two doses of aspirin (75 mg vs 150 mg) in preventing preterm pre-eclampsia in high-risk women. The potential implications of this study are significant, including the optimization of aspirin prophylaxis, the development of evidence-based guidelines, and comprehensive assessment of maternal and fetal outcomes. In conclusion, the results of this study have the potential to significantly impact clinical practice by enhancing maternal and perinatal health outcomes and contributing to evidence-based obstetric care.Trial registrationClinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2023/12/060983. Trial was registered prospectively on 29 December 2023. Acknowledgement Number REF/2023/12/076358. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:15870322-f1f4-4460-900c-6e056ab83a44.

Early pregnancy SARS-COV-2 infection and fetal cardiac and hemodynamic changes.

Our objective was to investigate the impact on fetal cardiac function and fetal hemodynamics after recovery from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in early pregnancy. A prospective study involving 60 women in pregnancy who had recovered from a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and 20 control wemen was performed. Between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, women recovering from infection and controls underwent fetal ultrasound evaluation. Ultrasound parameters assessing cardiac function (TAPSE, MAPSE, E/A ratio) and hemodynamics (DV/S, DV-D, DV-A, DV-TAMV, DV-PI, DV-PLI, DV-PVIV) were measured. Based on ultrasound measurements, the median gestation age of the groups recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection (RSI) was 12 (0.5) weeks, while the control group's was 12 (0.7) weeks (p = 0.76). The RSI group and the control group didn't indicate statistically significant differences in ultrasound measurements of cardiac function and hemodynamics (p > 0.05). According to our findings, the infection of SARS-CoV-2 in early pregnancy has no substantial influence on fetal cardiac function and fetal hemodynamics in pregnant women. However, the effect on mid-pregnancy to late-pregnancy is not yet known. Future studies will help elucidate the overall impact on fetal cardiac function of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Aspirin before the 11th week of pregnancy to prevent pre-eclampsia

This is a Letter to Editor and does not contain an Abstract.

Peripartum depression symptom trajectories, telomere length and genotype, and adverse childhood experiences

BackgroundAs a biological marker for cellular senescence, telomere length (TL) has been linked to a variety of psychiatric disorders and adverse childhood experiences (ACE), though only preliminarily to peripartum depression (PPD). The present study sought to examine the association between TL and PPD, assessing the moderating role of ACE and genetic polymorphic variations related with the telomere machinery.MethodsAdversity was self-reported, likewise were depressive symptoms evaluated at pregnancy week 17 and 32, as well as six-weeks and six-months postpartum. TL was assessed by use of qPCR in blood samples collected during delivery from females with antenatal depression resolving postpartum, females with depression persisting to postpartum, and healthy controls. Twenty haplotype-tagging Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) and three in the Telomerase RNA Component (TERC) genes were genotyped.ResultsTL was negatively correlated with severity of PPD symptoms at pregnancy week 32 and postpartum week 6. PPD was associated with shorter TL. Lastly, ACE, but not the TERT/TERC genotype, moderated the TL-trajectory association; with increasing ACE, individuals with persistent PPD symptoms had shorter TL, whereas the opposite pattern (longer TL) was observed in the controls.ConclusionsThe findings contribute to further understanding of PPD underpinnings, suggesting a negative relationship with TL.

Study protocol of a breathing and relaxation intervention included in antenatal education: A randomised controlled trial (BreLax study).

Antenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental preparation for childbirth and information on pain management are considered key elements of antenatal education classes. Evidence suggests that women who participate in antenatal education classes appear to benefit in terms of self-efficacy and childbirth experience. In particular, women with increased fear of childbirth benefit from trained breathing and relaxation techniques in antenatal education. However, little is known about the effect of breathing and relaxation techniques on the outcomes of healthy pregnant women without fear of childbirth or who do not have medical or obstetric risks, or on neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class. The study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum. The effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women's self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women's pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. NCT06003946, SNCTP000005672.

Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to a case of pregnancy complicated by bilateral adrenocortical adenomas with primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome.

Aldosterone/cortisol co-secreting adenomas (A/CPA) are a rare type of primary aldosteronism(PA), and cases of aldosterone/cortisol co-secreting adenomas during pregnancy are extremely rare, with no reported cases to date. The unique physiological state of pregnancy increases cortisol secretion through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and leads to elevated levels of all components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This can cause overlapping symptoms with abnormal cortisol and aldosterone secretion, making diagnosis very challenging. This case involves a 29-year-old woman who developed hypercortisolism at 33 weeks of pregnancy. Despite receiving treatment for her symptoms and having a successful delivery, she continued to experience hypertension and hypokalaemia after giving birth. Eventually, she was diagnosed with ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome and primary aldosteronism due to independent cortisol and aldosterone secretion from bilateral adrenal adenomas. Following a thorough diagnosis, classification, treatment, and follow-up, the patient achieved a clinical cure while preserving normal adrenal function. Further investigation revealed that both diseases were caused by KCNJ5 and PRKACA mutations found in the bilateral adrenal adenomas.