Previous Miscarriages Research Articles

Association of Perinatal Factors and Family Sociodemographic Characteristics With Cardiometabolic Health in Pre-Adolescence: Cross-Sectional Results From Healthy Growth Study.

Study the influence of a variety of perinatal factors on the presence of metabolic syndrome and its parameters in prepubertal age, considering socio-demographic factors, sex, Tanner stage and weight status of the preadolescent. Data collected from the cross-sectional Healthy Growth Study (2007) in students from four prefectures of Greece and their families. Cardiometabolic risk factors (waist circumference, blood pressure and blood indices) and perinatal data (from parents and health records) were collected. Single and a multiple logistic regression performed to assess the associations with cardiometabolic risk in preadolescence. Dependent variables included waist circumference, blood glucose, HDL-C, TG, blood pressure and metabolic syndrome presence, while independent variables encompassed perinatal factors categorised as pre-pregnancy, during and post-pregnancy. 2666 pre-adolescents (mean age 11.2 year) participated in the study. After adjustment for parental educational level, family income, sex, Tanner stage and weight category, maternal pre-pregnancy weight was positively associated with high waist circumference (OR, 95% CI 1.02 (1.00-1.04)), low HDL-C levels (OR, 95% CI 1.01 (1.00-1.03)) and metabolic syndrome (OR, 95% CI 1.02 (1.00-1.05)). Timing of solid foods' introduction was positively associated with high waist circumference (OR, 95% CI 1.09 (1.01-1.08)), gestational age with high glucose levels (OR, 95% CI 1.12 (1.04-1.19)), smoking (OR, 95% CI 1.07 (1.00-1.14)) and alcohol consumption (OR, 95% CI 2.35 (1.05-5.27)) during the first trimester of breastfeeding with high glucose levels and low HDL-C levels, respectively. Number of previous miscarriages was positively associated with low HDL-C levels (OR, 95% CI 1.28 (1.04-1.57)). Gestational age was negatively associated with high waist circumference (OR, 95% CI 0.87 (0.80-0.95)) and iron supplementation in the third pregnancy trimester negatively association with high TG levels (OR, 95% CI 0.34 (0.12-0.91)). Maternal weight, perinatal behaviours, infant feeding and miscarriages influence pre-pubertal cardiometabolic health, independent of sociodemographics, sex, Tanner stage and weight.

Analysis of Maternity Rights Perception: Impact of Maternal Care in Diverse Socio-Health Contexts

Maternity rights are perceived and fulfilled differently according to women’s psychosocial characteristics, leading to varying maternal experiences and outcomes. It is necessary to know the impact of cultural context, emotional well-being, and resource availability on the maternal woman’s clinical care experience. The aim is to identify if these factors contribute to disparities in the perception of maternity rights fulfillment in Spain and Colombia. This retrospective observational study focused on women who received maternity-related healthcare in Spain or Colombia. A total of 185 women were included (Spanish = 53; Colombian = 132). Data collected included social and obstetric history, as well as psychological variables such as resilience, positive and negative affect, derailment, and maternity beliefs. The study also assessed women’s knowledge of healthcare rights (MatCODE), perceptions of resource scarcity (MatER), and the fulfillment of maternity rights (FMR). C-section was more prevalent in Colombia, where women also scored higher on maternity beliefs as a sense of life and as a social duty compared to Spanish women. Conversely, FMR was higher in the Spanish context. Colombian women reported lower levels of social support and less involvement in medical decision-making. The FMR was positively correlated with positive affect, MatCODE, and MatER. Predictive modeling identified negative factors for FMR, including giving birth in Colombia (β = −0.30 [−0.58; −0.03]), previous miscarriage (β = −0.32 [−0.54; −0.09]), C-section in the most recent labor (β = −0.46 [−0.54; −0.0]), and higher MatER scores. Positive predictors included gestational age, maternal age, and previous C-section (β = 0.39 [0.11; 0.66]). The perception of the fulfillment of maternity rights depends on socio-healthcare contexts, women’s age, obstetric history, and resources. It is suggested to apply culturally sensitive strategies focused on women’s needs in terms of information, emotional and social support, privacy, and autonomy to manage a positive experience.

Testing for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Patients with Previous Miscarriage: A Prospective Observational Study

Testing for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Patients with Previous Miscarriage: A Prospective Observational Study

Anxiety, depression, and perceived wellbeing in antenatal women at risk of preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study.

Women identified at risk for preterm may be vulnerable to developing mental health difficulties due to the increased likelihood of poor pregnancy outcome and uncertainty surrounding their delivery. Formal assessment of mental wellbeing in specialist preterm birth clinics is not routinely offered, but may offer the opportunity for early intervention. We aimed to investigate if demographic characteristics and obstetric risk factors were associated with psychological wellbeing in women at risk of preterm birth. We explored associations between mental wellbeing and risk factors for preterm birth using hierarchical regression analyses. When demographic variables were considered alone, high body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with anxiety (p = .026), however became non-significant when obstetric risk factors were also considered. Previous late miscarriage was associated with high anxiety (p = .049). Lower maternal age at estimated date of delivery (p = .019) and non-European ethnic heritage (p = .029) were significantly associated with depression. High maternal BMI (p < .001), being of any other non-European ethnic heritage (p = .043), currently smoking (p = .002), and previous spontaneous preterm birth (p = .017) were associated with lower perceived wellbeing. The results of this study highlight the importance of routinely monitoring mental health in women with relevant risk factors, particularly if they are already at risk of preterm birth.

Prenatal Maternal Psychological Stress (PMPS) and Its Effect on the Maternal and Neonatal Outcome: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Prenatal psychology studies show that stress, depression, and psychological stress during pregnancy can have a significant impact on maternal and fetal health and are highly prevalent. The aim of the study was to compare maternal and neonatal short-term outcomes in pregnant women* (the asterisk (*) is used at the appropriate places in this text to indicate that all genders are included) with a history of prenatal maternal psychological stress (PMPS) with those of pregnant women* not exposed to PMPS to determine differences and identify risk factors. Statistical tests for differences and relative risks between the groups were carried out with the perinatal data of University Hospital Tübingen from 2022 using IBM SPSS. The study shows that PMPS has significant negative effects on various parameters, including the rate of premature births, preeclampsia, induction of birth, birth duration, and fetal asphyxia, as well as the birth weight of the children and their Apgar values (an assessment of newborn health scored shortly after birth). In addition, the risk of PMPS increases in women* with stillbirths and two or more previous miscarriages. However, the practical relevance must be critically scrutinized and confirmed by bigger studies. PMPS has a significant impact on the maternal and neonatal birth outcomes and must be identified as a risk factor in pregnancy. There is still a need for further research with larger samples, more balanced groups, and multivariate regression models to generate detailed, more transferable results and a deeper insight into the significant effects of PMPS and the role midwives can play in helping it.

Primary and secondary cerclage in high-risk pregnant women: Influence on prolongation of pregnancy and preterm birth

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cerclage in women with previous late miscarriages or premature births. The primary aim was to prolong pregnancy and achieve a term delivery. Secondarily, it was investigated whether an intervention after an early pathological 75-g-oGTT result influences these endpoints. A total of 133 cases were analyzed retrospectively. 80 women underwent primary cerclage between the 14th and 16th week of pregnancy; 53 women underwent secondary cerclage after cervical shortening of less than 25 mm. This group was further subdivided into therapeutic and emergency cerclage groups. Women with early pathologic 75-g-oGTT were treated diabetologically. Primary cerclage prolonged pregnancy by 20.6 weeks and led to a term delivery in 51 women (63.8%). In the group with secondary cerclage, 25 women (47.2%) had a term delivery with a prolongation of 20.1 weeks. For amniotic sac prolapse, the prolongation was 7.9 weeks. Pathological 75-g-oGTT results were found in 63 women. Early intervention had no significant effect on prolongation and term delivery. Primary cerclage was more effective in achieving term delivery. Women with therapeutic cerclage without amniotic sac prolapse also benefited. With cervical shortening without prolapse, the prolongation was the same in both groups. The worst outcome was observed in emergency cerclage with amniotic sac prolapse. An early 75-g-oGTT is important in order to recognize and treat gestational diabetes in time.

Understanding care-seeking and subsequent pregnancy loss in the second trimester of pregnancy − A multicentre audit

ObjectiveThis study aimed to increase understanding of the signs and symptoms that lead pregnant people to seek hospital care in the second trimester of pregnancy. In addition, we aimed to describe management and follow up, to record pregnancy outcomes, and to gather information about symptoms and signs related to second trimester pregnancy loss. MethodsThis prospective audit in seven geographically dispersed sites across the UK collected data over two weeks (7th March–20th March 2022 inclusive) on all unscheduled secondary care attendances between 14 and 21 completed weeks’ gestation. Data on the number of patients booked at each unit within this 8-week second trimester gestational age range were collected. Descriptive analyses identified common patterns and associations with second trimester pregnancy loss. ResultsOf 8,585 patients in the second trimester of their pregnancy, 283 presented acutely at least once over the two-week period (3.3 %) Of these, 19 patients experienced a second trimester pregnancy loss (7 % of those presenting in the second trimester). There were a broad range of presentations and diagnoses and a lack of standardisation of investigation and management of patients. Logistic regression identified associations between previous first trimester miscarriage (OR 2.95 95 % CI 1.15, 7.60), previous first trimester termination of pregnancy (OR 7.00 95 % CI 2.45, 19.98), and presentation with increased vaginal discharge (OR 3.82 CI 1.24, 11.7) with second trimester pregnancy loss. ConclusionsThis study has identified that a significant number of pregnant people attend hospital and reattend in the second trimester of pregnancy, with a worrying lack of standardisation of both investigation and management, and a broad range of presenting symptoms and diagnoses. Patients who present in the second trimester have a high rate of second trimester pregnancy loss and the preliminary associations identified would benefit from further research in a larger scale study.

New perinatal mental health conditions diagnosed during COVID-19: a population-based, retrospective cohort study of birthing people in Ontario.

We aimed to determine the incidence of mental health diagnoses and associated health and social risk factors among perinatal people in three different COVID-19 phases. We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using linked administrative datasets. We included persons with live, in-hospital births in Ontario, Canada from January 1 to March 31 in 2019, 2021, or 2022 (three phases relative to COVID-19 with different public health policy measures). We excluded people with prior mental health diagnoses. We used diagnostic codes to identify new onset of depression, anxiety, or adjustment disorder in the antenatal and postpartum period. We developed multivariable, modified Poisson models to examine associations between sociodemographic and clinical factors and new mental health diagnoses in each phase. There were 72,242 people in our cohort. Antenatal mental health diagnoses were significantly higher in 2021 (aRR = 1.32; CI = 1.20-1.46) and 2022 (aRR = 1.22; CI = 1.11-1.35) versus 2019. Postpartum diagnoses were significantly greater in 2021 (aRR = 1.16; CI = 1.08-1.25) versus 2019. Antenatal diagnoses were associated with birth year, previous stillbirth, pre-existing hypertension, multiparity, residential instability, and ethnocultural diversity. Postpartum diagnoses were associated with birth year, maternal age, multiparity, care provider profession, assisted reproductive technology, birthing mode, pre-existing hypertension, intensive care admission, hospital readmission, residential instability, and ethnocultural diversity. Family physicians increasingly made mental health diagnoses in 2021 and 2022. Increased incidence of perinatal mental health diagnoses during COVID-19 suggests complex dynamics involving pandemic and health and social risk factors. This study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05663762) on December 21, 2022.

Modeling the Risk Factors of Miscarriage Using Censored Quantile Regression in Kenyan Cohort

Background: Numerous researches have been undertaken to delineate the significant risk factors linked to miscarriage. The etiology of miscarriage has presented challenges in its elucidation, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the elements that are linked to this phenomenon. The examination of these aspects has been conducted utilizing diverse methodological techniques and analytical procedures. The Cox's proportional hazards model and the accelerated failure time models are commonly utilized in the field of survival analysis. While these models provide a certain level of flexibility, they do not allow for the differentiation of predictor indicators between high-risk and low-risk subpopulations. In contrast, quantile regression allows for the assessment of separate effects of covariates at different quantiles of the conditional distribution of miscarriage. Objective: This study assessed the risk factors for miscarriage using the censored quantile regression model and compared the results to that of Cox proportional hazard model. Methodology: A secondary data from 6077 records of pregnant women with recognized pregnancy and enrolled in the pre-natal care in Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCGTRH) in Kakamega county, western Kenya during the period from 1 January, 2019 up to 31 October, 2020 were recruited into the study. The study used chi-squared tests for descriptive analysis. Cox proportional hazards and censored quantile regression were used for modeling. Analysis was done using the R package and 5% was the level of significance. Results: Censored quantile regressions were conducted to estimate the parameters for the quantiles, \(\tau\) = 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2. The results showed that ethnicity had a positive effect and was statistically significant at \(\tau\) = 0.1 (p = 0.0023) and number of previous stillbirths had a negative effect and was significant at \(\tau\) = 0.15 (p = 0.032) and at \(\tau\) = 0.2 (p = 0.036). Graphical comparison of censored quantile model effects to that of cox PH model revealed that the variables; prior miscarriages, prior stillbirths, place of residence, and number of ANC visits have a statistically significant adverse effect on the survival time of miscarriages in the initial phases of pregnancy, contrary to cox PH model. Conclusion: No variable had a statistically significant influence across all quantiles. The results depicts that at a certain moment in the monitoring procedure, they will have a significant impact on the length of survival for miscarriages. A quantile regression model have the capacity to incorporate cross-over effects, whereby the influence of a covariate can manifest as either positive or negative. In contrast, Cox estimates do not allow for the potential scenario when a covariate initially increases the hazard for a specific time period and subsequently decreases it.

Caracteristics of women presenting with chronic histiocytic intervillositis during pregnancy: A case-control study

IntroductionChronic Histiocytic Intervillositis (CHI) appears to be among the most severe placental diseases. Its rarity has limited our knowledge of the women in whom it occurs. ObjectiveTo search for maternal characteristics linked to the existence of CHI, by first studying the current pregnancy included in the study, then their previous pregnancies. Material and methodsWe conducted a monocentric case-control study between 2000 and 2020. CHI cases were diagnosed by microscopic examination of the placenta. "Low-risk” controls gave birth just before each case, whatever the outcome. “High-risk” controls benefited from placental microscopy immediately after the case examinations. Results151 women were included in each group. CHI cases had twice as many previous pregnancies as both controls, but no more living children at home. Regarding obstetric history, fetal losses were significantly higher in CHI cases: compared to “low-risk” controls, there were more early miscarriages (20.0%, OR 2.6 [1.5;4.8]), late miscarriages (4.8%, OR 8.8 [1.1;187]) and in utero deaths (5.4%, OR 5.6 [1.7;19.8]). The risk of fetal loss does not appear to be increased in first pregnancies of CHI cases. However, differences appeared between cases and both “low-risk” and “high-risk” controls with a history of two previous miscarriages (21.7% vs 11.2%, p=0.009 or vs 9.6%, p=0.005) and the outcome of the second pregnancy (number of living children 59.7% vs 78.0%, p=0.033 or vs 63.0%, p=0.71), respectively. ConclusionWomen with CHI have a more frequent history of pregnancy failure than other women. This excess fetal loss seems to occur only after the second pregnancy or after two previous miscarriages.

To evaluate the reproductive performance of couples with previous miscarriages and perinatal deaths

To evaluate the reproductive performance of couples with previous miscarriages and perinatal deaths

P38 Lupus enteritis as a first presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in a previously well patient: a very rare occurrence

Abstract Introduction Lupus enteritis is an anecdotally rare condition (with no formal estimates of incidence) which can pose a diagnostic challenge, especially when presenting without other lupus-related symptoms and signs. Here, we present an unusual case where lupus enteritis was the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Case description A 65-year-old South Asian female presented with a 6-month history of intermittent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, with the only systemic feature being worsening fatigue. She had no connective tissue disease features, previous miscarriage or venous thromboembolism (VTE). Over six months, she had multiple hospitalisations in different hospitals with recurrent attacks of episodic abdominal pain and vomiting, associated with migratory and reversible intestinal inflammation on serial imaging. Initial investigations revealed lymphopenia (0.99x109/L) and hypoalbuminaemia (25 g/L). During a two-month admission at our centre, she underwent detailed gastrointestinal investigations, including four abdomino-pelvic CT scans during transient episodes of pain and vomiting, showing diffuse wall thickening affecting different parts of the gastrointestinal tract at different times. Following discussion at specialist radiology and inflammatory bowel disease multidisciplinary meetings, these CT scans and an MRI small bowel study were confirmed to demonstrate a transient, migratory, reversible pattern of bowel inflammation affecting the ileum, jejunum and colon at different time points; there were no clinical, endoscopic, histological or imaging features of inflammatory bowel disease. Gastro-duodenal biopsies were normal and negative for amyloidosis and tuberculosis. Colonic biopsies excluded inflammation. C1 esterase inhibitory deficiency was excluded. A vasculitis screen was negative, but immunology was positive for anti-nuclear and anti-chromatin antibodies, with positive crithidia, but normal dsDNA. C3 was normal, but C4 was low at 0.04 g/L. Urinalysis showed significant albuminuria (413.8 mg/mmol). Following multidisciplinary discussion between gastroenterology, clinical immunology and rheumatology, a diagnosis of SLE was made, with an initial presentation of lupus enteritis. She received a tapering dose of corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine. The patient suffered from a right-sided multi-segmental pulmonary embolus with infarction, but this was felt to be due to her nephrotic syndrome (negative anti-cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein antibodies). Renal biopsy revealed class I lupus nephritis with podocytopathy. The patient was duly commenced on tacrolimus as a steroid-sparing agent. Discussion Lupus enteritis is a rare, poorly-defined condition, with only small amounts evidence regarding treatment and management in the literature, although a narrative review of 58 papers has recently been published. However, the average time between diagnosis of SLE and presentation with lupus enteritis is around 44 months, meaning that isolated enteritis as a first presentation of SLE is extremely rare. Only two out of 150 patients reviewed by Janssens et al (from a single tertiary lupus centre) presented with enteritis prior to a diagnosis of SLE. Lupus enteritis is potentially serious if left untreated, and can lead to life-threatening complications such as intestinal necrosis and/or perforation. This rare presentation highlights the importance of considering lupus enteritis in the differential in any patient presenting with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms and a migratory pattern of intestinal inflammation on radiological investigations. This can enable prompt diagnosis and timely management. Key learning points • Lupus enteritis can be a first presentation of SLE without any other classical manifestations. • Lupus enteritis is extremely rare, but can be life-threatening if not identified and rapidly treated. • Radiology can demonstrate transient, migratory bowel inflammation on serial imaging.

Analysis of Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients Exhibiting Recurrent Miscarriage With Concurrent Low-Titer Antiphospholipid Antibodies.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events and adverse pregnancy outcomes, often associated with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). The 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria for APS necessitate persistent medium to high titers of aPLs for laboratory confirmation. However, the impact of persistently low-titer aPLs in recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the effect of treatment on pregnancy outcomes and maternal-fetal complications in patients with low-titer aPLs. The study encompassed 252 pregnancies in 237 RM patients tested for aPLs at the Third Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2018 to July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on aPLs titers: 86 with low-titer aPLs (92 pregnancies) and 151 aPLs-negative (160 pregnancies). Of the low-titer group, 71 received treatment, while 21 and all aPLs-negative patients did not. Seventy-one treated patients with low-titer aPLs were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 15) received a standard treatment regimen that included low-dose aspirin (LDA) and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). In contrast, Group B (n = 56) received a multidrug regimen, which included hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and/or glucocorticoids (GC) and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in addition to the standard treatment of LDA and LMWH. Pregnancy outcomes and maternal-fetal complications were subsequently compared. The highest positivity rates were for aCL-IgM (76.2% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 81.7% in the treated low-titer aPLs group), followed by aβ2GPI-IgM (23.8% in the untreated low-titer aPL group and 11.4% in the treated low-titer aPLs group), and LA (5.6% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 3.3% in the treated low-titer aPLs group). Single antibody positivity was 90.5% in the untreated low-titer aPL group and 87.3% in the treated low-titer aPLs group, with double positivity at 9.5% in the untreated low-titer aPLs group and 12.7% in the treated low-titer aPLs group. No triple positivity was detected. The treated low-titer aPLs group had more previous miscarriages (p < 0.05) and a higher ANA positivity rate (p < 0.05) than the aPLs-negative group. Additionally, the treated low-titer aPLs group had lower complement levels than the aPLs-negative group. Immunoglobulin IgM levels were higher in both the untreated and treated low-titer aPL groups compared to the aPLs-negative group (p < 0.05). Post treatment, the live birth rate in the low-titer group significantly exceeded that of the untreated group (67.6%vs. 33.3%; p = 0.005). The miscarriage rate was notably lower in untreated low-titer patients compared to aPLs-negative patients (32.4%vs. 66.7%; p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in maternal or fetal complications between the groups. In the standard treatment group (Group A), there were 8 (53.3%) live births, whereas the multidrug treatment group (Group B) had 40 (71.4%) live births, a significantly higher rate than in the standard treatment group, although the difference lacked statistical significance. The study indicates that untreated RM patients with low-titer positive aPLs have a higher recurrence of miscarriage compared to the aPLs-negative RM group. However, recurrence significantly decreases following appropriate intervention, suggesting the benefits of treatment for RM patients with low-titer aPLs.

Outcomes of COVID-19 in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Analysis of 300 Cases in Jordan.

The impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy remains a critical area of research, with growing evidence suggesting that maternal infection, particularly in the third trimester, may lead to significant complications Aims: The primary aim was to investigate the maternal and neonatal outcome of pregnant Jordanian women with COVID-19. The secondary aim included exploring demographics, obstetrics characteristics, and comorbidities among these women. A retrospective comprehensive review of the records of 300 cases of pregnant women with COVID-19, who were treated between November 2020 and April 2021 at Queen Alia Military Hospital (a main referral center for patients with COVID-19) in Jordan. All cases were confirmed by the rapid antigen test (RAT) + long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test used to detect SARS-CoV-2 by amplifying viral RNA from patient samples. Women infected with COVID-19 were categorized into four groups according to the RCOG guidelines for COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe cases. All cases were managed following the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists protocol for COVID-19 in pregnancy. Data extracted from patient's records included demographic information, COVID-19 clinical manifestations, obstetric history, diagnostic findings, treatment plans, comorbidities, gestational age at diagnosis, treatment protocols, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. The mean age was 29.7 years; 98.3% were nonsmokers; 8% had previous miscarriages, and 67.3% had the infection in the third trimester. Iron deficiency anemia affected 30.3%, while 18.3% had comorbidities, mainly hypothyroidism. Most women were asymptomatic 61.7%, but 33% had respiratory symptoms, 4.7% needed intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and 2.7% resulted in maternal deaths. First-trimester and second-trimester miscarriages were recorded in 2.67% and 3.67% of cases, respectively, while preterm labor occurred in 3.0% of pregnancies. Additionally, age and hospitalization duration had a positive correlation with the neonatal outcomes (r = 0.349, p < 0.01), (r = 0.376, p < 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, COVID-19 presentation and treatment options demonstrated a strong positive correlation (p-value <0.01). On the other hand, maternal death had a strong negative correlation with poor neonatal outcomes (r = -0.776, p < 0.01). The study showed that COVID-19 in pregnant women, particularly in the third trimester, is associated with significant neonatal complications, with age, hospitalization duration, and COVID-19 severity strongly impacting outcomes.

Dynamic prediction of pregnancy outcome after previous stillbirth or perinatal death: pilot study to establish proof-of-concept and explore method feasibility.

To establish proof-of-concept for the dynamic prediction of adverse pregnancy outcome in women with a history of stillbirth or perinatal death, repeatedly throughout the pregnancy. A retrospective cohort study of women in a subsequent pregnancy following previous perinatal loss, who received antenatal care at a tertiary hospital between January 2014 and December 2017, was used as the basis for exploratory prognostic model development. Models were developed to repeatedly predict a composite adverse outcome (stillbirth or neonatal death, 5-min Apgar score < 7, umbilical artery pH ≤ 7.05, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for longer than 24 h, preterm birth (< 37 completed weeks) or birth weight < 10th centile) using the findings of sequential ultrasound scans for fetal biometry and umbilical and uterine artery Doppler. In total, 506 participants were eligible, of whom 504 were included in the analysis. An adverse pregnancy outcome was experienced by 110 (22%) participants. The ability to predict the composite outcome using repeated head circumference and estimated fetal weight measurements improved as the pregnancy progressed (e.g. area under the receiver-operating-characteristics curve improved from 0.59 at 24 weeks' gestation to 0.74 at 36 weeks' gestation), supporting proof-of-concept. Predictors to include in dynamic prediction models were identified, including ultrasound measurements of fetal biometry, umbilical and uterine artery Doppler and placental size and shape. The present study supports proof-of-concept for dynamic prediction of adverse outcome in pregnancy following prior stillbirth or perinatal death, which could be used to identify risks earlier in pregnancy, while highlighting methodological challenges and requirements for subsequent large-scale model development studies. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Investigating the complications of frequent pregnancy loss in patients referred to obstetrics and gynecology clinics at King Khalid University Hospital

ABSTRACT Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a common problem affecting many women. This study aimed to investigate the baseline characteristics of 400 women with RPL and to examine any differences in baseline characteristics of the recruited women with RPL throughout the years. Methods: This study used retrospective data, which included the records of patients with RPL who visited King Khalid University Hospital’s obstetric clinic between 2019 and 2022. The records of 400 patients who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed and analyzed. Results: The mean age of enrolled women was 36.5 ± 5.4 years, and the mean RPL was 3.8 ± 2.5. The study also revealed that there were significant statistical differences in obesity and vitamin D deficiency among women with RPL based on year (P = 0.013 and P = 0.036, respectively), whereas no significant statistical differences were found between women with RPL in terms of age, parity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, antiphospholipid antibodies (APLs), uterine malformation, or consanguinity. Conclusion: Advanced maternal age, number of previous miscarriages, parity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, APLs, uterine malformations, first-degree consanguinity, and vitamin D deficiency were found to be significant risk factors associated with RPL among women in Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards toxoplasmosis among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Sana'a city, Yemen

Background and Aims: There is a lack of studies on pregnant women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) towards toxoplasmosis in Yemen. Therefore, this study assessed these KAPs among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Sana’a city, Yemen. Subjects and Methods: A KAP survey was conducted among 410 pregnant women in Sana’a using a structured questionnaire. The association between women’s characteristics and their KAPs was then studied. Results: Of 410 women, 58.5% had heard of toxoplasmosis. Of these, 53.3% had good knowledge and 73.3% had positive attitudes towards it. Women with no previous miscarriage or premature birth had significantly higher levels of poor knowledge (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.39–7.10; p &lt;0.001 and OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.61–5.05; p &lt;0.001, respectively) and negative attitudes (OR = 5.6, 95% CI: 23.00–10.57; p &lt;0.001 and OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.36–5.48; p = 0.004, respectively) than their counterparts. Negative attitudes were significantly higher in primigravida than multigravida women (OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.17–3.79; p = 0.012), but significantly lower among women in the first (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.20–0.56; p &lt;0.001) or second trimester (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.10–0.48; p &lt;0.001) than their counterparts. Acceptable practices were reported by 95.4% of women, with no association with demographic or obstetric characteristics. Conclusion: There is a need for educational interventions for pregnant women in Sana’a about toxoplasmosis to prevent its potential adverse events in their fetuses.

Prioritisation of early pregnancy risk factors for stillbirth: An international multistakeholder modified e-Delphi consensus study

ObjectiveTo identify and prioritise early pregnancy risk factors for stillbirth to inform prognostic factor and model research. Study designWe used a modified e-Delphi method and consultation meeting to achieve consensus. Risk factors for early, late and stillbirth at any gestation identified from an umbrella review of risk factors for stillbirth were entered into a two-stage online Delphi survey with an international group of stakeholders made up of healthcare professionals and researchers.The RAND/ University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method was used to evaluate consensus. Responders voted on a scale of 1–9 for each risk factor in terms of importance for early, late, and stillbirth at any gestation. Consensus for inclusion was reached if the median score was in the top tertile and at least two thirds of panellists had scored the risk factor within the top tertile. ResultsTwenty-six risk factors were identified from an umbrella review and presented to stakeholders in round 1 of our e-Delphi survey. Round 1 was completed by 68 stakeholders, 79% (54/68) of whom went on to complete the second round. Seventeen risk factors were discussed at the consensus meeting. From the twenty-six risk factors identified, fifteen of these were prioritised for stillbirth at any gestation, eleven for early stillbirth, and sixteen for late stillbirth, across three domains of maternal characteristics, ultrasound markers and biochemical markers. The prioritised maternal characteristics common to early, late, and stillbirth at any gestation were: maternal age, smoking, drug misuse, history of heritable thrombophilia, hypertension, renal disease, diabetes, previous stillbirth and multiple pregnancy. Maternal BMI, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic status were prioritised for late stillbirth and stillbirth at any gestation. Previous pre-eclampsia and previous small for gestational age baby were prioritised for late stillbirth. Of the ultrasound markers, uterine artery Doppler pulsatility index and congenital fetal anomaly were prioritised for all. One biochemical marker, placental growth factor, was prioritised for stillbirth at any gestation. ConclusionsOur prioritised risk factors for stillbirth can inform formal factor-outcome evaluation of early pregnancy risk factors to influence public health strategies on prevention of such risk factors to prevent stillbirth.

Comparison of ultra-long gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist versus standard downregulation in women with adenomyosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundAdenomyosis can lead to infertility and failure of in vitro fertilization. Limited evidence suggests that the use of long-term treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists followed by frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) may be the preferred approach for women with adenomyosis.ObjectiveThe aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the efficacy of an ultra-long GnRH agonist with standard downregulation in women with adenomyosis undergoing FET.Materials and methodsThis randomized controlled trial enrolled 72 women with adenomyosis diagnosed by sonographic criteria who underwent FET cycles at the Avicenna Infertility Center. These women were randomly assigned to two equal groups: one received GnRH agonist treatment for three months before the FET cycle and the other served as the standard downregulation group. Results were reported as chemical and clinical pregnancy rates.ResultsThe two groups were similar in age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, number of previous pregnancies and miscarriages, presence of uterine myomas, and endometriosis. However, the total dose of estradiol used until embryo transfer was significantly higher in the ultra-long GnRH agonist group than in the standard group (96.14 mg vs. 80.52 mg, p-value = 0.004). Nevertheless, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsUltra-long GnRH agonist downregulation did not improve the chemical and clinical pregnancy rate in the FET cycle in women with adenomyosis compared with standard GnRH agonist downregulation in the other words, ultra-long GnRH agonist downregulation is not superior to standard protocol. In women with adenomyosis (without history of endometriosis), downregulation of standard GnRH agonists prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer may be the preferred embryo transfer protocol to gain higher clinical/chemical pregnancy rate.Trial registrationClinical trial registry: IRCT20160717028967N9, available at: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/36103.

Predictors of preterm birth following emergency and ultrasound-indicated cervical cerclage: A retrospective study on 136 singleton pregnancies

ObjectiveWe aimed to retrospectively evaluate obstetric and neonatal outcomes in patients who underwent ultrasound-indicated and rescue cervical cerclage and to identify predictors for cerclage failure and consequent preterm birth (PTB). Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on singleton pregnancies between 16 and 27 weeks of gestation who presented with a transvaginal sonographic cervical length (TVS-CL) <25 mm and a previous PTB/second-trimester miscarriage or prolapsed amniotic membranes and/or a TVS-CL <15 mm and underwent cervical cerclage at Mangiagalli Center, Milan, between September 2011 and December 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify possible predictive factors of cerclage failure. ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 136 singletons met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 3 % of pregnancies did not reach fetal viability, mostly due to post-cerclage preterm premature rupture of membranes and/or chorioamnionitis. The mean gestational age at delivery was 35.9 ± 4.5 weeks. Neonates were delivered beyond 37 weeks in 63.2 % of cases, between 28 and 37 weeks in 26.5 %, and less than 28 gestational weeks in 10.3 %. At the multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for miscarriage or PTB were cervical length <10 mm (odds ratio, OR 3.44), advanced cervical dilatation (OR 4.76), and in vitro fertilization (OR 4.66). A history of previous miscarriage, premature delivery, and uterine malformations did not increase the risk of post-cerclage delivery before 37 weeks. In the preterm delivery group, 14 % of patients experienced preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) and 10 % had chorioamnionitis, while no case was registered in the term delivery group. A positive vaginal swab at the time of cervical cerclage was not significantly associated with PTB at the multivariate analysis but it emerged as a significant risk factor for both chorioamnionitis (OR 11.03) and pPROM (OR 5.28). ConclusionsUltrasound-indicated and rescue cervical cerclage were effective in prolonging pregnancy, even when placed beyond 24 weeks of gestation. Preoperative cervical length of less than 10 mm, advanced dilatation, and in vitro fertilization are associated with an increased risk of cerclage failure. A positive vaginal swab before cerclage is associated with increased rates of intrauterine infectious-inflammatory processes.