Premature Rupture Of Membranes Research Articles

Abstract Tu060: Unveiling Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia In Pregnancy

Introduction: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease, caused by desmosomal gene mutations, and characterized by fibrofatty replacement of right ventricular (RV) myocardium with left ventricular (LV) involvement in advanced stages. It is mostly diagnosed between the second and forth decades of life and can present with ventricular tachycardia and arrhythmic sudden death. Here we present a case of ARVD diagnosis in a female in her forth pregnancy. Case description: A 28-year-old female, on her 27 th week of gestation (G4P3) was admitted to the hospital with preterm premature rupture of membranes. She also endorsed intermittent chest pressure, palpitations and shortness of breath. Her vital signs were stable, and electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed normal sinus rhythm with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and T wave inversions in leads V1- V3. Laboratory studies showed normal troponin and D-dimer levels, and slightly elevated brain natriuretic peptide 240 pg/mL. Patient notably had frequent runs of monomorphic non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) arising from RV apical territory, with left bundle branch morphology on telemetry. An echocardiogram revealed a dilated right atrium and RV with hypokinesis of RV; LV size and function were normal. Overall, patient met the revised task force diagnostic criteria for ARVD based on PVC morphology, abnormal ECG and dilated and hypokinetic RV. She had no sustained or hemodynamically unstable VT, no history of syncope or family history of sudden cardiac death and did not meet class I indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator. She was started on oral metoprolol succinate 25 mg daily with which her arrhythmias significantly improved. She was recommended a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing for confirmation and to assess familial implications. Conclusion: Recognition of ARVD during pregnancy is challenging given the overlapping symptoms of normal pregnancy-related changes. Hormonal surge and sympathetic drive may have driven the increased frequency of NSVT in our patient and beta blocker was effective in managing these. Early recognition and tailored management are crucial to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the fetus. A close follow-up is necessary to understand the long-term implications for the patient and potential genetic predisposition in the family.

Characterization of Inflammation/Immune-, Acute Phase-, Extracellular Matrix-, Adhesion-, and Serine Protease-Related Proteins in the Amniotic Fluid of Women With Early Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes.

To determine whether altered concentrations of various inflammation/immune-, acute phase-, extracellular matrix-, adhesion-, and serine protease-related proteins in the amniotic fluid (AF) are independently associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and/or intra-amniotic inflammation (MIAC/IAI), imminent spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD; ≤7 days), and major neonatal morbidity/mortality (NMM) in women with early preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). This was a retrospective cohort study involving 111 singleton pregnant women with PPROM (24-31 weeks) undergoing amniocentesis to diagnose MIAC/IAI. The following proteins were measured in stored AF samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): APRIL, DKK-3, Gal-3BP, IGFBP-2, IL-8, VDBP, lumican, MMP-2, MMP-8, SPARC, TGFBI, TGF-β1, E-selectin, ICAM-5, P-selectin, haptoglobin, hepcidin, SAA1, kallistatin, and uPA. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that (i) elevated APRIL, IL-8, MMP-8, and TGFBI levels in the AF, reduced lumican and SPARC levels in the AF, and high percentages of samples above the lower limit of quantification for AF TGF-β1 and uPA were significantly associated with MIAC/IAI; (ii) elevated AF levels of IL-8 and MMP-8 were significantly associated with SPTD within 7 days; and (iii) elevated AF IL-6 levels were significantly associated with increased risk for major NMM, when adjusted for baseline covariates. ECM (lumican, SPRAC, TGFBI, and TGF-β1)- and serine protease (uPA)-associated proteins in the AF are involved in the regulation of the host response to infection/inflammation in the amniotic cavity, whereas AF inflammation (IL-8, MMP-8, and IL-6)-associated mediators are implicated in the development of preterm parturition and major NMM in early PPROM.

Serum calcium level at 32 weeks of gestation could be applied as a predictor of preterm delivery: a retrospective study

Preterm delivery (PTD) is associated with severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and higher medical costs. Therefore, PTD warrants more attention. However, predicting PTD remains a challenge for researchers. This study aimed to investigate potential prenatal predictors of PTD. We retrospectively recruited pregnant women who experienced either PTD or term delivery (TD) and underwent laboratory examinations at 32 weeks of gestation. We compared the test results between the two groups and performed logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify risk factors and predictive factors for PTD. Our investigation revealed that the PTD cohort exhibited statistically significant elevations in lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, calcium, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, and total bile acids. Conversely, the PTD group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mean corpuscular volume, homocysteine, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophils to (white blood cells–neutrophils) ratio (dNLR), and (neutrophils × monocytes) to lymphocyte ratio (SIRI). The ROC curve analysis revealed that calcium had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.705, with a cut-off value of 2.215. Logistic regression analysis showed that premature rupture of membranes was an independent risk factor for PTD. Our study demonstrated that serum calcium levels, NLR, dNLR, and other laboratory tests conducted at 32 weeks of gestation can serve as predictors for PTD. Furthermore, we identified premature rupture of membranes as a risk factor for PTD.

A Comparative Study of Fetal and Maternal Outcomes in Registered and Unregistered Antenatal Cases in a Tertiary Care Center.

Background Antenatal care plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, disparities in access to prenatal care persist, with a subset of pregnant women failing to register for antenatal care, referred to as "unbooked" or "unregistered" pregnancies. This study aims to investigate the impact of registration status on pregnancy outcomes, considering various demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. Understanding the factors influencing registration status and its implications on maternal and fetal health outcomes is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve prenatal care access and enhance overall pregnancy outcomes. Objective To see the difference in obstetrical complications along with feto-maternal outcomes in both registered and unregistered antenatal cases and to determine the correlation of maternal and fetal outcomes with antenatal care. Materials and methods This two-year observational study at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College's Obstetrics and Gynecology IPD in Pimpri, Pune, examined maternal and fetal outcomes in registered and unregistered pregnancies. Consent was obtained, and patients were categorized as registered and unregistered based on the number of antenatal visits. This was an observational prospective cohort study. Data on socioeconomic factors like income and education were analyzed to assess their association with registration status. Maternal outcomes included preterm delivery and complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, oligohydramnios, premature rupture of membranes, anemia, and postpartum complications. Fetal outcomes included birth weight and NICU admissions. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression, were used to examine relationships between variables and registration status. Results This study analyzed 502 cases, comprising 251 registered and 251 unregistered pregnancies, to investigate the impact of antenatal registration on maternal and fetal outcomes. Significant associations were observed between socioeconomic factors, such as lower income and education levels in unregistered pregnancies.Specifically, 46 (18.3%) unregistered cases were in the lowest income bracket, while 103 (41.0%) were in the lower-middle bracket, and the majority (132, 52.2%) had only completed secondary education. Unregistered pregnancies were linked to a higher prevalence of adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery (101, 40.23%), anemia (178, 70.9%), hypertensive disorders (30, 11.9%), gestational diabetes mellitus (16, 6.37%), fetal growth restriction (39, 15.3%), low birth weight (181, 72.1%), and NICU admissions (112, 44.6%), compared to registered pregnancies. Conclusion In conclusion, this study highlights the significant impact of registration status on pregnancy outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions to improve prenatal care access and to promote maternal and neonatal health equity. By addressing socioeconomic barriers and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare systems can strive towardensuring optimal pregnancy outcomes for all expectant mothers. This is done by ensuring that all antenatal patients are registered for prenatal care by involving a combination of strategies focused on support, education, and accessibility.

The prevalence of inflammatory process in placentas from premature births in different gestational periods

Premature birth (PB) is the birth in less than 37 weeks, which can be spontaneous and iatrogenic, its frequency reaches 10% of all births. The pathogenesis of premature labor is based on the inflammatory reaction of the chorion, amnion and decidual membrane, but the origin of the inflammatory reaction is different depending on the gestational age.The objective: to study the prevalence of the inflammatory response in placenta samples from very early preterm, early preterm and term births.Materials and methods. Placenta samples from 203 parturient women who gave birth in the gestational period of 22–27 weeks – very early PB (I group – 101 parturient women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM), II group – 102 parturient women with the onset of labor with intact membranes) and 202 parturient women were examined with deliveries in the period of 28–34 weeks – early PB (III group – 100 women in labor with PROM and IV group – 102 women in labor with the onset of labor with intact fetal membranes) and 60 women in labor with term deliveries.Immunohistochemical detection of CD8, CD3 and CD14 antigens in villi was used to assess the prevalence of the inflammatory process and compare it between groups.Results. In 56.7% of placentas from term deliveries no markers of villousitis were detected, a mild form of villousitis was found in another third of cases. In placentas of woman with the onset of labor between the 28th and 34th weeks with intact fetal membranes there were signs of villousitis in 54.9%, and its mild manifestations in 33.3%. In the case of premature rupture of the membranes, the prevalence of villousitis reached 65%, its severe forms were more often observed.On the other hand, in the groups of very early PB only 14.9 and 15.7% of placentas had no signs of vilouisitis, one in five placentas from these groups had severe focal or diffuse villousitis. In the group of early PB and intact amniotic membranes, one third of the placentas demonstrated an isolated CD3 lymphocyte marker, no antigen was detected in 47.1% of placentas, and only in every tenth placenta antigens of macrophages of fetal origin were determined. A similar distribution was found in placentas from early PB with PROM.In placentas from very early PB the highest frequency of CD14 detection was found – every second placenta contained this marker in isolation and in 22.5% – in combination with maternal lymphocyte markers. In the group of very early PB on the background of PROM placentas with a positive CD14 test dominated – 31.7% isolated and 45.5% in combination with CD3.Conclusions. 1. In placentas from premature births (PB) at 28–34 weeks, villousitis was detected in 54.9% of cases against the background of intact amniotic membranes and in 65.0% – on the background of premature rupture of the membranes, from very early PBs – in 85.1% and 83.3%, respectively. Placentas from deliveries with premature rupture of the fetal membranes more often had signs of severe villousitis – in 21% of cases at 28–34 weeks and in 20.6% at 22–27 weeks.2. In placentas from early PB, macrophage antigen of fetal origin was detected in 22% of cases in the cases of premature rupture of the fetal membranes and in 21.6% of cases of childbirth with intact membranes; these samples were dominated by infiltration by lymphocytes of maternal origin. On the other hand, placentas from very early PB and ruptured fetal membranes in 77.2% of cases contained antigen of fetal macrophages and in 71.6% of cases of onset of labor with intact membranes.Such results indicate the fetal origin of the inflammatory process in very early PB.

Vaginal Microflora in High Vaginal Swab in Prelabour Rupture of Membrane: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) refers to the disruption of the fetal membrane before the beginning of labor, resulting in spontaneous leakage of amniotic fluid. Cervicovaginal infection is an important risk factor of PROM and can lead to complications to mother and the child. This study aimed to delineate the bacterial patterns found in PROM so that the ideal appropriate responsive antibiotics can be chosen. A descriptive cross-sectional was done during the period of 6 months from December of 2023 to May 2023, to characterize the microorganisms in the vaginal fluid found in antenatal women presenting with premature rupture of membraneafter obtaining ethical approval (IRC number: 20102023/02). A total of 117 antenatal women diagnosed with premature rupture of membrane were included in the study. High vaginal swabs were collected for microbial culture and sensitivity. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2000 (v9.0) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.0 was used for analysis. Out of 117 samples, culture growth was present in the culture of high vaginal swabs of 23 (19.66%) women. The high vaginal swab cultures from the samples collected in women presenting with PROM reported 9 different types of pathogens E. coli in 12 (52.17%), Klebsiella in 4 (17.39%) and Pseudomonas in 2 (8.70%) cultures. This study reveals diverse microorganisms in premature rupture of membrane cases, with E. coli being the most common. Identifying these bacterial patterns is essential for selecting effective antibiotics, improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, and reducing morbidity and mortality by early detection and treatment of vaginal infections.

Influence of Maternal and Neonatal Factors on Transplacental Passive Immunity after Vaccination against COVID-19.

In the present study, we evaluated the influence of maternal and neonatal factors on the efficiency of the placental transfer of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination during pregnancy provides fetal and neonatal protection through the passive transplacental transfer of maternal neutralizing antibodies. To date, little information is available regarding the factors that affect the transfer of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was carried out. It was found that several biological factors could be altering transplacental passive immunity after vaccination against COVID-19. In our study population, type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic hypertension tended to decrease efficiency, while data from women with pre-eclampsia showed better indices compared to those from women with healthy pregnancies. Neonates born prematurely showed lower transfer rates when compared to healthy neonates. The premature rupture of membranes significantly decreased antibody transfer. Taken together, the data suggest that vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy is effective even under certain unfavorable clinical conditions for the mother, fetus, and neonate. It is important to create and disseminate immunization strategies in vulnerable populations to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with infections preventable by vaccination.

Management of pyoderma gangrenosum during pregnancy and breastfeeding: a systematic review.

Pregnancy is a conjectured risk factor for pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), an autoinflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by painful ulcers. Even so, there are no available treatment guidelines for those with PG who are pregnant or breastfeeding. To describe existing treatment options, we systematically reviewed the literature on PG treatment in pregnant or breastfeeding patients. A search over four databases was completed in October 2022. Independent reviewers accomplished screening and data extraction. 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. 15 cases involved the treatment of PG during pregnancy, and three cases involved the treatment of PG while breastfeeding. Most patients did not have a history of PG prior to pregnancy (77.7%), and most did not have PG-associated comorbidity (61.1%). Of the cases involving treatment of PG during pregnancy, the majority (73%) found treatment success with a systemic corticosteroid (SCS). Only three cases reported an adverse outcome, including premature rupture of membranes and premature birth (16.7%); all these cases involved treatment with a SCS at >0.5 mg/kg/day during pregnancy. We present a treatment algorithm for pregnant or breastfeeding patients with PG. Our findings suggest prioritizing topicals and TNF inhibitors due to more favorable side effect profiles. However, there is a paucity of data on the safety of PG therapies in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and thus, controlled studies and pregnancy registries must be pursued.

Causal relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A two-sample Mendelian randomized study

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). However, the genetic causality of this association remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to explore the potential causal relationship between SLE and APO risk. MethodsWe selected 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SLE from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS). APO's statistics are obtained from the GWAS database. MR estimates were performed using the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, the MR-Egger method, and the weighted median (WM) method. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept, MR-pleiotropic residual and outlier method, stay-one analysis and funnel plot. ResultsThe results showed a causal relationship between SLE and pre-eclampsia (OR = 1.036, 95 % confidence interval 1.006 to 1.068, P = 0.019), and no significant causal relationship was found between SLE and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including postpartum hemorrhage, placental abruption, spontaneous abortion, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, gestational diabetes mellitus. These findings were robust in several sensitivity analyses. ConclusionThis MR study demonstrated the causal effect of SLE on preeclampsia. It provides important clues for identifying and early predicting risk factors for preeclampsia.

The Impact of Maternal Risk Factors on Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in a Tertiary Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): An Observational Study.

Neonatal morbidity and mortality continue to be major public health issues globally, especially for infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study aims to investigate the incidence of morbidities among neonates born to high-risk mothers and to evaluate the impact of various maternal risk factors on neonatal morbidity and mortality in the NICU setting. This prospective observational study was conducted on 1,000 newborns up to 28 days of life, all with maternal risk factors, born in our tertiary care center, and admitted to the NICU. Most NICU admissions occurred during the 34-36 weeks of gestation, comprising 412 (41.20%) of the total admissions. Additionally, there was a female predominance, with 552 cases, representing 55.20% of the admissions. Most of the NICU patients came from rural background 594 (59.40%) and belonged to socioeconomic status (SES) IV 764 (76.40%). Higher percentages of neonatal morbidities were observed among children of illiterate and primarily educated mothers, amounting to 913 cases (91.30%). After evaluating patients in the NICU, we found that mortality was 172 (17.20%). Mothers with previous bad obstetric histories were at greater risk of poor neonatal outcomes. Cesarean sections were more commonly associated with NICU admissions, accounting for 555 cases (55.50%).The primary risk factors included pregnancy-induced hypertension, previous lower segment cesarean section, fetal distress, and premature rupture of membranes. Significant neonatal morbidities included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to prematurity 79 (45.9%), intrauterine growth retardation19 (11.0%), meconium aspiration syndrome 16 (9.3%), birth asphyxia, sepsis 29 (16.8%), and congenital anomalies 12 (6.9%). RDS was identified as the leading cause of morbidity. The present study highlights several critical factors associated with NICU admissions and neonatal morbidities, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve neonatal health outcomes.

The effect of long-term COVID-19 infection on maternal and fetal complications: a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center in China

Investigate the effect of long-term COVID-19 on maternal and fetal complications. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 623 pregnant women who delivered in Kunming First People's Hospital from November 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023 were selected. By employing statistical methods, we compared the associations between maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women with acute COVID-19 during pregnancy, long-term COVID-19, and non-COVID-19 pregnant women. In the final 623 samples, there were 209 pregnant women with acute COVID-19, 72 pregnant women with long-term COVID-19, and 342 pregnant women without COVID-19. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of all subjects were similar. Pregnant individuals who developed long-term COVID-19 during their pregnancy had an increased risk of experiencing gestational hypertension (OR 3.344, 95% CI 1.544–7.243), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 2.301, 95% CI 1.290–4.102), and fetal intrauterine growth restriction (OR 2.817, 95% CI 1.385–5.952). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that this association remained consistent even after adjusting for confounders and performing subgroup analyses. Other maternal and fetal complications, such as premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, neonatal asphyxia, and transfer of neonates to NICU, did not exhibit statistically significant associations. After linear regression analysis, the platelet count (β: − 0.127, 95% CI − 0.001–0.000) of pregnant women with long-term COVID-19 was slightly lower than that of non-COVID-19 pregnant women, and the other coagulation parameters were not statistically significant. The incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women with long-term COVID-19 is significantly increased, but it does not further increase the coagulation status.

ICTP concentration in cervical-vaginal fluid as a potential marker of membrane collagen degradation before labor.

Numerous physical and chemical processes lead to rupture of membranes. Within the fetal membranes there are numerous types of metalloproteinases, which cause collagen type I degradation. The C-terminal telopeptide of colagen type I (ICTP) is the breakdown product of type I collagen. The aim of the study was to determine whether ICTP is secreted into the vaginal-cervical fluid (VCF) in the case of physiological rupture of the membranes of the fetus before delivery. The study was conducted in March 2021 at the Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. Twenty-three cases were included in the study. During routine gynecological examination with the use of specula, VCF was collected twice in a volume of 50 µL. The obtained material was then subjected to enzyme immunoassay using the Human C-telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) ELISA Kit (Catalog Number. CSB-E10363h). The concentration of ICTP in the sample was calibrated. The concentration range that the device can detect was 25 ng /mL-800 ng/mL. The presence of ICTP in the VCF was confirmed. The minimum concentration was 43.72 ng/mL, the maximum was 762.59, in five cases the concentration was outside the maximum scale of the device. ICTP was confirmed in the VCF of pregnant women before physiological delivery. Further studies are required to accurately evaluate ICTP as a marker of the processes of collagen degradation in fetal membranes in the mechanism of physiological labor and premature rupture of the membranes.

The Role of Prolactin in Amniotic Membrane Regeneration: Therapeutic Potential for Premature Rupture of Membranes.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is defined as rupture of fetal membranes before the onset of labor. Prolactin (PRL) is secreted by decidual membranes and accumulated significantly in the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. PRL could ameliorate inflammation and collagen degradation in fetal membranes. However, the role of PRL in amniotic membrane is not well characterized. We isolated human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) from human fetal membranes to study the effect of PRL on proliferation, migration, and antioxidative stress. Amniotic pore culture technique (APCT) model was constructed to evaluate the tissue regeneration effect in vitro. The potential targets and pathways of PRL acting in amnion via integrated bioinformatic methods. PRL had a dose-dependent effect on hAESCs in vitro. PRL (500 ng/mL) significantly improved the viability of hAESCs and inhibited cell apoptosis, related to the upregulation of CCN2 expression and downregulation of Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 8. PRL accelerated migration process in hAESCs via downregulation of MMP2, MMP3, and MMP9. PRL attenuated the cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by hydrogen peroxide in hAESCs. PRL accelerated the healing process in the APCT model significantly. The top 10 specific targets (IGF1R, SIRT1, MAP2K1, CASP8, MAPK14, MCL1, NFKB1, HIF1A, MTOR, and HSP90AA1) and signaling pathways (such as HIF signaling pathway) were selected using an integrated bioinformatics approach. PRL improves the viability and antioxidative stress function of hAESCs and the regeneration of ruptured amniotic membranes in vitro. Thus, PRL has great therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of ruptured membranes.

Risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage after elective cesarean deliveries for twin pregnancies.

To identify the high-risk factors associated with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after an elective cesarean delivery of twins. This retrospective cohort study included all women with twin gestations who chose to have an elective cesarean delivery after 28 weeks of gestation at at the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University between September 2014 and April 2019. Women with an intrauterine fetal demise of one or both twins were excluded. PPH was defined as an estimated blood loss of ≥ 1,000 mL within 24 h of birth. A total of 532 women were analyzed and classified into the PPH group (n = 70) and the no-PPH group (n = 462). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the independent risk factors. Among the 532 women pregnant with twins, PPH occurred in 13.2% women (n = 70). There were statistically significant differences in preeclampsia (p = 0.005), premature rupture of membrane (PROM, p < 0.001), placenta previa (p < 0.001), anemia [hemoglobin (Hb) < 100 g/L; p = 0.003], and antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) use (p < 0.001) between the two groups. However, the following were the independent risk factors for PPH after an elective cesarean delivery for a twin pregnancy: preeclampsia [odds ratio (OR): 2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33-6.36], PROM (OR: 8.57; 95% CI: 2.54-28.89), placenta previa (OR: 9.46; 95% CI: 3.59-24.89), antenatal MgSO₄ use (OR: 7.64; 95% CI; 3.18-18.41), and anemia (Hb < 100 g/L; OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.42-5.06). Preeclampsia, PROM, placenta previa,and antenatal MgSO₄ use were the risk factors for PPH after an elective cesarean delivery for twin pregnancies. Risk factor identification and prevention should be a priority.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes with respect to treatment modalities in women with gestational diabetes mellitus at a rural tertiary care teaching hospital.

To estimate the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and compare adverse pregnancy outcomes with respect to treatment modalities in a peri-urban teaching hospital in Telangana. A prospective study was conducted on GDM cases delivered from January 2019 to March 2020. GDM was diagnosed using a two-step procedure of screening using IADPSG criteria. Women diagnosed with GDM were divided into four groups - diet group, metformin group, metformin plus insulin group and insulin group based on the treatment modalities. Adverse pregnancy outcomes of the women managed with different treatment modalities were recorded. Good glycaemic control (FBS, P = 0.04, 2 hrs PLBS, P = 0.01) was achieved in diet and metformin groups. Incidence of Gestational hypertension (P = 0.01) and preeclampsia (P = 0.01) were found to be higher in the insulin group when compared to the metformin and insulin group, metformin group and diet group. No difference was noted with respect to polyhydramnios, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, induction labour and caesarean delivery rates between the treatment groups. Apgar score at 5 min of <7 (P = 0.02), neonatal intensive care unit admissions for >24 hrs (P = 0.03) and neonatal hypoglycaemia (P = 0.01) were found to be higher in insulin-required groups. Rates of shoulder dystocia, stillbirth, early neonatal death within 1 week and respiratory distress did not vary significantly between the treatment groups. Universal screening of women for GDM and multidisciplinary management of women once diagnosed tend to lessen maternal and fetal complications. Metformin can be an effective, cheaper and non-invasive alternative to insulin in the management of GDM.

Fetoscopy for intrauterine diagnosis and treatment of amniotic band syndrome: a clinical analysis of 7 cases and literature review

Objective: To summarize the clinical value of fetoscopy in the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of amniotic band syndrome (ABS). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of seven ABS fetuses who underwent prenatal fetoscopic intervention at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2020 to August 2023. Literatures related to fetoscopic treatment of ABS were searched in databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and PubMed. Clinical data were extracted and the characteristics and intervention effects of fetoscopic surgery in the treatment of ABS were summarized. Results: (1) Preoperative evaluation: the gestational age at diagnosis for the seven ABS fetuses was (19.8±4.4) weeks, and the gestational age at fetoscopic intervention was (22.2±2.8) weeks. The indications for fetoscopic intervention included umbilical cord involvement (3 cases), limb amniotic band with circular constriction (2 cases), and unclear visualization of digits (3 cases). (2) Pregnancy outcomes: among the seven ABS fetuses, four cases underwent selective termination of pregnancy due to severe intrauterine limb amputation, and three cases underwent fetoscopic lysis of amniotic bands. Among the latter three cases, one case experienced intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) two weeks after the procedure, and two cases had good postoperative outcomes. (3) Literature review: a total of 40 cases, including 37 cases from 17 articles and three cases from our institution, were included in the analysis. The indications for fetoscopic surgery included limb amniotic band with circular constriction and involvement of the umbilical cord. The success rate of the surgery was 82% (33/40), and 78% (29/37) of the affected limbs retained good functionality. Premature rupture of membranes was the most common complication, with an incidence rate of 48% (16/33). The average interval from the surgery to membrane rupture was (6.1±5.1) weeks, and the average interval from the surgery to delivery was (10.5±4.1) weeks, with an average gestational age at delivery of (33.7±3.6) weeks. The pregnant women were divided into single Trocar group (27 cases) and double Trocar group (13 cases) based on the surgical approach. The success rates in single Trocar group and double Trocar group were 78% (21/27) and 12/13, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=0.474, P=0.491). The gestational age of delivery in the single Trocar group and double Trocar group was (32.7±3.4) and (35.4±3.2) weeks, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.185, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the success rate of the surgery, incidence of premature rupture of membranes, interval between surgery and membrane rupture, interval between surgery and delivery, and preterm delivery rate between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Fetoscopy could be used for prenatal assessment and intrauterine treatment of ABS. Fetoscopic lysis of amniotic bands may be an effective method for treating ABS, which helps preserve limb function and prevent intrauterine limb amputation and IUFD.

Black-White Differences in Chronic Stress Exposures to Predict Preterm Birth: Interpretable, Race/Ethnicity-Specific Machine Learning Models.

We developed Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) machine learning models of chronic stressors using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System data (2012-2017) to predict preterm birth (PTB) more accurately and identify chronic stressors driving PTB among non-Hispanic (N-H) Black and N-H White pregnant women in the U.S. We trained the MARS models using 5-fold cross-validation, whose performance was evaluated with AUC. We computed variable importance for PTB prediction. Our models showed high accuracy (AUC: 0.754-0.765). The number of prenatal care visits, premature rupture of membrane, and medical conditions were the most important variables in predicting PTB across the populations. Chronic stressors (e.g., low maternal education and violence) and their correlates were pivotal for PTB prediction only for N-H Black women. Interpretable, race/ethnicity-specific MARS models can predict PTB accurately and explain the most impactful life stressors and their magnitude of effect on PTB risk among N-H Black and N-H White women.

Contributing factors to preterm pre-labor rupture of the fetal membrane: Biomechanical analysis of the membrane under different physiological conditions

The fetal membranes are a complex biological structure essential for pregnancy, comprising two main layers: the amnion and the chorion. Characterizing each layer from a mechanical perspective is extremely important to understand the rupture process of the membrane at term or preterm. It is still unclear what factors lead to preterm pre-labor rupture of the membrane (PPROM) due to ethical and technical factors associated with in-vivo experimental tests. Numerical simulations may offer some answers, clarifying the biomechanics of the fetal membrane during gestation.This work uses a validated multilayer fetal membrane model to evaluate whether certain physiological conditions occurring during pregnancy contribute to PPROM. The following factors are evaluated: (i) contact conditions between the amnion and the chorion, (ii) normal and abnormal intrauterine pressures, (iii) amnion and chorion thicknesses, and (iv) orientation of the collagen fibers within the amnion layer. Our results show that PPROM might be potentiated under certain physiological circumstances: (i) the existence of interconnection (friction or tied contact) between the two main layers of the fetal membrane increases the stress in the mechanical dominant amnion, (ii) larger intrauterine pressures and (iii) smaller amnion and chorion thicknesses lead to the same increase in stress, and (iv) different off-plane angles of the collagen fibers tend to modify the stress distribution and thickness variation in both layers.

Neonatal complications of premature rupture of membranes in mothers receiving cefotaxime and ampicillin: A randomized clinical trial

Neonatal complications of premature rupture of membranes in mothers receiving cefotaxime and ampicillin: A randomized clinical trial

Laboratory confirmed Puerperal Sepsis and Associated Factors Among Post Delivery Women Admitted at Bugando Medical Centre,Sekou Toure and Sengerema Hospitals in Mwanza ,Tanzania.

ABSTRACT Background: Puerperal sepsis is one of the leading causes of preventable maternal morbidity and mortality. It accounts for about 11 % of maternal death worldwide, with highest prevalence being reported from low-income countries. However, in Mwanza data on the proportion of post-delivery women with laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis, bacterial patterns and associated factors were still limited. This is turn limits institution of specific antimicrobial therapies for this population. Objective: To determine the proportion of laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis, associated factors and bacterial patterns among post-delivery women with clinical features of puerperal sepsis admitted at BMC, SRRH and SDDH in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical hospital based study involving 340 post-delivery women admitted at BMC (152), SRRH(108) and SDDH (80) was conducted between October 2017 to April 2018.A structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio- demographic, clinical and obstetric information from the participants. The endocervical swab and venous blood were aseptically taken for culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing as per standard operating procedures. Data were analysed using STATA version 13 according to objectives of the study. RESULTS; The mean age of the study participant was 26.2 ± 6.5 years. The proportion of laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis was 58.8% (200/340). Of these, 164 (82%) had positive culture for endocervical swabs, 17 (8.5%) were blood culture positive and 19 (9.5%) had positive culture results from both blood and endocervical swabs. Staphylococcus aureus were the most predominant bacteria isolate from blood culture 13 (36.1%), while the Escherichia coli 52 (26.0%) were the most predominant bacteria isolated from the endocervical swabs. All Staphylococcus aureus (except one strain) were sensitive to gentamicin and vancomycin. Over three quarter of E.coli was resistance to ampicilin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin-clavulanate and ceftriaxone; and none of these were resistant to meropenem. Acinetobacter spp. were mostly multidrug resistance, with variable resistance to meropenem (0% to 20%). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, primipara (OR: 10.14, 95%CI: 4.20-24.46, P&lt;0.001), grand multipara OR: 3.85, 95%CI: 1.52-9.74, P=0.004, premature rupture of membrane with OR: 4.31, 95%CI: 1.61-11.47, P=0.003 , pre/eclampsia OR: 3.66, 95%CI: 1.7-11.40, P=0.025, anemia OR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.20-5.79, P=0.018 and prolonged labor duration OR: 12.69, 95%CI: 5.7-28.0, P=&lt;0.001 were found to be independent predictors of laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis CONCLUSION: Approximately 60% of women with clinical features of puerperal sepsis had laboratory confirmed puerperal sepsis, with Staphylcococcus aureus and E. coli being predominant bacteria species. High resistance to various agents among bacteria recovered calls for laboratory guided specific antimicrobial therapies to ensure favourable patients outcomes. Patients with premature rupture of membranes, prolonged duration of labours and co-morbid conditions such as anaemia and pre/eclamsia should be targets for preventive measures against puerperal sepsis.