Rates Of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes Research Articles

Perinatal outcomes in pregnancies achieved after fertility treatments with and without diet-controlled GDM.

To evaluate the rates of adverse perinatal outcomes among women who conceived after fertility treatments with and without diet-controlled GDM. In this retrospective population-based cohort study, all pregnancies of non-diabetic and diet-controlled GDM women who conceived after fertility treatments (in-vitro fertilization - IVF and ovulation induction - OI) and delivered between the years 1996-2016 in a tertiary medical center, were included. Pregnancies of women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus, and those complicated with gestational diabetes mellitus A2, multiple pregnancies, congenital malformations and those lacking prenatal care, were excluded. Demographical, clinical, and obstetrical characteristics were recorded, and pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes were compared between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to control for confounders. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression to control for potential confounders. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. During the study period, 6254 deliveries met the inclusion criteria, 10.23% of them (n = 640) had diet-controlled GDM. Pregnancies with diet-controlled GDM were found to be associated with significantly higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (15.6% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001), polyhydramnios (5.9% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001), and cesarean deliveries (40.8% vs. 31.9%, p < 0.001). Diet-controlled GDM was also found to be an independent protective factor against perinatal mortality (aOR = 0.22, 95% Cl 0.05-0.92, P = 0.04) possibly due to the more intensive monitoring and management typically provided to women undergoing fertility treatments. This close care may mitigate some of the risks associated with ART, leading to improved perinatal outcomes. Among pregnancies achieved after fertility treatments, diet-controlled GDM was associated with reduced perinatal mortality and higher rates of certain pregnancy complications. These findings highlight the importance of close monitoring and careful management of women with diet-controlled GDM, as it may help mitigate risks associated with ART pregnancies. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these outcomes and to optimize management strategies for this specific population.

Sex-specific associations of adolescent motherhood with cognitive function, behavioral problems, and autistic-like traits in offspring and the mediating roles of family conflict and altered brain structure

BackgroundPrevious studies have linked adolescent motherhood to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, yet the sex-specific effect and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study included 6952 children aged 9–11 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. The exposed group consisted of children of mothers < 20 years at the time of birth, while the unexposed group was composed of children of mothers aged 20–35 at birth. We employed a generalized linear mixed model to investigate the associations of adolescent motherhood with cognitive, behavioral, and autistic-like traits in offspring. We applied an inverse-probability-weighted marginal structural model to examine the potential mediating factors including adverse perinatal outcomes, family conflict, and brain structure alterations.ResultsOur results revealed that children of adolescent mothers had significantly lower cognitive scores (β, − 2.11, 95% CI, − 2.90 to − 1.31), increased externalizing problems in male offspring (mean ratio, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.52), and elevated internalizing problems (mean ratio, 1.14, 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.33) and autistic-like traits (mean ratio, 1.22, 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.47) in female. A stressful family environment mediated ~ 70% of the association with internalizing problems in females, ~ 30% with autistic-like traits in females, and ~ 20% with externalizing problems in males. Despite observable brain morphometric changes related to adolescent motherhood, these did not act as mediating factors in our analysis, after adjusting for family environment. No elevated rate of adverse perinatal outcomes was observed in the offspring of adolescent mothers in this study.ConclusionsOur results reveal distinct sex-specific neurodevelopmental outcomes impacts of being born to adolescent mothers, with a substantial mediating effect of family environment on behavioral outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of developing sex-tailored interventions and support the hypothesis that family environment significantly impacts the neurodevelopmental consequences of adolescent motherhood.

Prenatal Management and Perinatal Outcome in a Large Series of Hydrops Fetalis

Introduction: Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) is the most frequent etiology of hydrops fetalis (HF), accounting for around 95% of cases. It associates high perinatal mortality and morbidity rates. The aim of the study was, first, to investigate etiology, prenatal management, and perinatal outcome in a large single-center series of HF; second, to identify prenatal prognostic factors with impact on perinatal outcome. Materials and Methods: Observational retrospective study of 80 HF diagnosed or referred to a single tertiary center between 2012 and 2021. Clinical characteristics, etiology, prenatal management, and perinatal outcome were recorded. Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as intrauterine fetal death (IUFD), early neonatal death (first 7 days of life) and late neonatal death (between 7 and 28 days). Results: Seventy-six of the 80 cases (95%) were NIHF, main etiology being genetic disorders (28/76; 36.8%). A total of 26 women (32.5%) opted for termination of pregnancy, all of them in the NIHF group. IUFD occurred in 24 of 54 patients (44.4%) who decided to continue the pregnancy. Intrauterine treatment was performed in 29 cases (53.7%). There were 30 newborns (55.6%). Adverse perinatal outcome rate was 53.7% (29/54), significantly higher in those diagnosed <20 weeks of gestation (82.4% < 20 weeks vs. 40.5% ≥ 20 weeks; p = 0.004). Survival rate was higher when fetal therapy was performed compared to the expectantly managed group (58.6% vs. 32%; p = 0.05). Intrauterine blood transfusion and thoraco-amniotic shunt were the procedures that achieved the highest survival rates (88.9% and 100%, respectively, p = 0.003). Conclusion: NIHF represented 95% of HF with genetic disorders as the main etiology. Most of them were diagnosed before 20 weeks of gestation, with worse prognosis than cases detected later in gestation. Rates of TOP, IUFD, and early neonatal death were higher in NIHF. Intrauterine therapy, when indicated, improved the perinatal outcome.

Prenatal ultrasound findings and clinical outcomes of uniparental disomy: a retrospective study

BackgroundUniparental disomy is the inheritance of a homologous chromosome pair or part of homologous chromosomes from only one parent. However, the clinical significance of uniparental disomy and the difference among the prognosis of involvement of different chromosomes remain unclear.ObjectiveTo assess the associated prenatal ultrasound presentations and clinical outcomes of uniparental disomy on different chromosomes and to analyze the relationship between prenatal ultrasound markers and clinical outcomes.Study designWe retrospectively analyzed data from fetuses with uniparental disomy diagnosed using chromosome microarray analysis with the Affymetrix CytoScan HD array at our institution between January 2013 and September 2022. The relationship between prenatal ultrasound findings, the involved chromosome(s), and clinical outcomes was evaluated.ResultsDuring the study period, 36 fetuses with uniparental disomy were diagnosed, and two cases were excluded for non-available postnatal data. Finally, 34 fetuses were included in our study, of which 30 (88.2%) had uniparental disomy occurring on a single chromosome, while four (11.8%) were identified with uniparental disomy on different chromosomes. The most frequently involved chromosomes were chromosomes 16, X and 2, which presented in 8 (23.5%), 5 (14.7%) and 4 (11.8%), respectively. Prenatal ultrasound abnormalities were detected in 21 fetuses, with the most common category being multiple abnormalities (12 (57.1%)). Fetal growth restriction was identified in 14 (41.2%) fetuses, all of which coexisted with other abnormal findings. The rate of adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with uniparental disomy and fetal abnormalities was significantly higher than those without abnormalities (76.2% versus 15.4%, P = 0.002). The incidence of fetal or neonatal death was significantly higher in fetuses with fetal growth restriction than those without (85.7% versus 30.0%, P = 0.004).ConclusionsThe prognosis of fetuses with uniparental disomy combined with fetal abnormalities, especially fetal growth restriction, was much poorer than those without.

Comparison of two labor induction regimens with intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg and adverse perinatal outcomes.

The aim of the study was to compare two labor induction regimens (4 and 6 h), to determine predictors of successful labor induction with intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg tablets, and to evaluate the association with adverse perinatal outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort study that included singleton pregnancies undergoing induction of labor with an intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg tablet between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: Group 1-intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 4 h and Group 2-intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 6 h. Pregnant women were divided into Group 1 (n=289) and Group 2 (n=278). Group 1 had a higher median number of intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg tablets (3.0 vs. 2.0 tablets, p<0.001), a lower prevalence of postpartum hemorrhage (7.6 vs. 32.7%, p<0.001), and a higher need for oxytocin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.47-2.98, p<0.001) than Group 2. Models including intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg tablets every 4 and 6 h [x2(1)=23.7, OR: 4.35, p<0.0001], parity [x2(3)=39.4, OR: 0.59, p=0.031], and Bishop's score [x2(4)=10.8, OR: 0.77, p=0.019] were the best predictors of failure of labor induction. A statistically significant difference between groups was observed between the use of the first intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg tablet at the beginning (Breslow p<0.001) and the end of the active labor phase (Long Hank p=0.002). Pregnant women who used intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 4 h had a longer time from the labor induction to the beginning of the active phase of labor and higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than women who used intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 6 h.

Gestational hypertension as a factor associated with chronic kidney disease: the importance of obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis.

Pregnancy-related complications may impact women's reproductive cycle and health through their lives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sociodemographic, clinical, and obstetric history of women undergoing hemodialysis. We performed a cross-sectional study in a specialized health facility with four hemodialysis units. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical and personal history, obstetric and perinatal results of women with pregnancies before hemodialysis were evaluated. Prevalence, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were performed. We included 208 (87.76%) women. Hypertension was the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (128 women). Rates of adverse perinatal outcomes, including prematurity, low birth weight, miscarriage, fetal death, and neonatal death, were 19.3%, 14.5%, 25.5%, 12.1%, and 5.3%, respectively. Hypertensive syndromes during pregnancy occurred in 37.0% of women, with 12.5% reporting preeclampsia and 1.4% reporting eclampsia. Up to 1 year after birth, 45.2% of women reported hypertension. Hemodialysis due to hypertension was associated with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 2.33, CI 1.27 - 4.24), gestational hypertension (2.41, CI 3.30 - 4.45), and hypertension up to one year after birth (OR 1.98, CI 1.11 - 3.51). Logistic regression showed that gestational hypertension was independently associated with CKD due to hypertension (aOR 2.76, CI 1.45 - 5.24). Women undergoing hemodialysis due to hypertension were more likely to have gestational hypertension or hypertension up to one year after birth. To delay end-stage renal disease, it is necessary to identify women at risk of kidney failure according to their reproductive history.

Placental histopathology and correlated clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients

Pregnancies after kidney transplantation are high-risk. Whilst previous studies have explored pregnancy outcomes, there are no existing data on the placental histopathology findings of kidney transplant recipients and how these correlate with clinical outcomes. From 1976 to 2020, 62 pregnancies to 37 transplant recipients were identified in a South Australian clinical unit. The medical records were evaluated to identify if placental tissue had been sent for histopathology. The histology was reviewed contemporaneously, blinded to outcomes, following the Amsterdam consensus. The findings were correlated with the clinical data. Placental tissue was referred for histopathological examination in 20 pregnancies to 15 women. A high rate of adverse perinatal outcomes was noted, with fetal growth restriction (FGR; n=6), pre-eclampsia (n=8), worsening renal function with >10% increase in serum creatinine from preconception (n=9), pre-term birth (n=15), and antenatal hypertension (n=12). Maternal vascular malperfusion was seen in 14/20 pregnancies, including in all cases with pre-eclampsia, and was commonly observed with FGR (5/6 cases), decline in kidney function (8/9), antenatal hypertension (7/12) and preterm birth (12/15). In this high-risk population, increased obstetric ultrasound scans with uterine and umbilical Doppler should be considered to monitor and manage maternal uteroplacental vascular perfusion. We recommend all placental tissue from transplant recipients be referred for histopathological examination.

Addressing the Maternal Mental Health Crisis Through a Novel Tech-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Driven Perinatal Collaborative Care Model

Addressing the Maternal Mental Health Crisis Through a Novel Tech-Enabled Peer-to-Peer Driven Perinatal Collaborative Care Model

Association Between Mental Health Conditions at the Hospitalization for Birth and Postpartum Hospital Readmission.

Background: The relationship between physical comorbidities and postpartum hospital readmission is well studied, with less research regarding the impact of mental health conditions on postpartum readmission. Methods: Using hospital discharge data (2016-2019) from the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Readmissions Database (n = 12,222,654 weighted), we evaluated the impact of mental health conditions (0, 1, 2, and ≥3), as well as five individual conditions (anxiety, depressive, bipolar, schizophrenic, and traumatic/stress-related conditions) on readmission within 42 days, 1-7 days ("early"), and 8-42 days ("late") of hospitalization for birth. Results: In adjusted analyses, the rate of 42-day readmission was 2.2 times higher for individuals with ≥3 mental health conditions compared to those with none (3.38% vs. 1.56%; p < 0.001), 50% higher among individuals with 2 mental health conditions (2.33%; p < 0.001), and 40% higher among individuals with 1 mental health condition (2.17%; p < 0.001). We found increased adjusted risk of 42-day readmission for individuals with anxiety (1.98% vs. 1.59%; p < 0.001), bipolar (2.38% vs. 1.60%; p < 0.001), depressive (1.93% vs. 1.60%; p < 0.001), schizophrenic (4.00% vs. 1.61%; p < 0.001), and traumatic/stress-related conditions (2.21% vs. 1.61%; p < 0.001), relative to individuals without the respective condition. Mental health conditions had larger impacts on late (8-42 day) relative to early (1-7 day) readmission. Conclusions: This study found strong relationships between mental health conditions during the hospitalization for birth and readmission within 42 days. Efforts to reduce the high rates of adverse perinatal outcomes in the United States should continue to address the impact of mental health conditions during pregnancy and throughout the postpartum period.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and time in active labor: A population-based cohort study.

Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes compared with women without GDM, including an increased risk for having labor induced and for cesarean section. The findings from previous studies analyzing duration of labor in women with GDM are contradictory. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of GDM on time in spontaneous and induced active labor. This was a population-based cohort study including 247 524 primiparous women who gave birth to a singleton fetus with cephalic presentation, ≥34+0 (completed gestational weeks + additional days) between January 2014 and May 2020 in Sweden. Data was obtained from the Swedish Pregnancy Register. Time in active labor was compared between women with GDM and without GDM with a spontaneous labor onset or induction of labor using Kaplan Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. Women with GDM had significantly longer time in active labor, both with a spontaneous onset and induction of labor compared to women without GDM. Women with GDM had a decreased chance of vaginal delivery at a certain time-point compared to women without GDM, with adjusted hazard ratio of 0.92 (0.88-0.96) and 0.83 (0.76-0.90) for those with spontaneous onset and induction of labor, respectively. Women with GDM had increased risk for time in active labor ≥12 h both in spontaneous labor onset (adjusted odds ratio 1.14 [1.04-1.25]) and in induction of labor (adjusted odds ratio 1.55 [1.28-1.87]). Women with GDM seem to spend a longer time in active labor, both in spontaneous and induced active labor compared to women without GDM. To be able to individualize care intrapartum, there is a need for more studies demonstrating the impact of hyperglycemia during pregnancy on outcomes during childbirth.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Complicated by COVID-19 Infection [ID: 1381429

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies show that COVID has been associated with liver injury. Our study presents a case series of pregnant patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) complicated by prior COVID infection. METHODS: A retrospective review of singleton pregnancies delivered in an academic center between January 2020 and April 2022 identified patients with ICP (bile acids [BA]&gt;10 mmol/L) with prior COVID infection in pregnancy. Maternal demographics, clinical/laboratory findings, medication use, and perinatal outcomes were collected. Secondary outcomes included BA greater than 40 mmol/L, BA trends in pregnancy, use of ursodiol, and rate of adverse perinatal outcomes (maternal/neonatal death). Institutional review board approval was exempted for this study. RESULTS: Of 138 cases of ICP and 743 cases of COVID during our study period, 14 patients were evaluated, 9 of whom met inclusion criteria. All cases of COVID resolved prior to delivery except one. Most cases (77.8%, 7/9) used ursodiol for treatment of ICP with mean duration of 6.9 weeks (±4.7). Six cases (66.7%) had BA greater than 40 mmol/L. One reported BA as high as 153 mmol/L at 23.5 weeks after COVID was diagnosed at 23.2 weeks. In this case, BA levels resolved by 26 weeks to less than 10 mmol/L and remained normal until delivery at 37 weeks. No adverse perinatal outcomes were reported. CONCLUSION: ICP cases in the setting of prior COVID in pregnancy are rare, but liver injury related to COVID may increase BA levels in pregnancy. Further studies are needed to evaluate possible associations between elevated BA due to COVID-19 and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Exploring the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a culturally adapted group prenatal program, CenteringPregnancy, to reduce maternal and infant health disparities among Marshallese Pacific Islanders: A study protocol

BackgroundMarshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the United States have higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than the general population and experience numerous barriers to prenatal care. CenteringPregnancy is a group prenatal care model which occurs in the patient's community. CenteringPregnancy, when applied to the Marshallese population, presents a potentially highly successful group-based intervention that can mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes among Marshallese Pacific Islanders. MethodsThis article describes the protocol of a mixed-methods study designed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the implementation of CenteringPregnancy for Marshallese Pacific Islander women. The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data at the onset of CenteringPregnancy and during their last session and then augments the data with post-partum data abstraction. ConclusionThis will be the first study to culturally adapt and implement CenteringPregnancy with Marshallese pregnant women in the United States. This study will be an important first step to exploring the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of CenteringPregnancy and will better prepare the research team to assess and refine the intervention moving forward. Trial registrationThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on September 22, 2020 under identifier NCT04558619 and can be accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04558619?term=K%C5%8Dmmour+Prenatal&draw=2&rank=1.

Perinatal outcome of oligohydramnios in academic hospitals in a low resource setting.

Oligohydramnios has been a topical issue in obstetrics. The prevalence of oligohydramnios ranges from 1 to 5%. Conflicting data exists concerning its effects on adverse perinatal outcome. This study aims to assess perinatal outcomes of oligohydramnios at the Mekelle Public Hospitals from April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019. This was a cross-sectional study and a total population purposive sampling method was employed to collect data prospectively. During the study period, there were a total of 10,451 deliveries in both hospitals. Oligohydramnios complicated 332 pregnancies (3.2%, 95%CI: 2.9%, 3.5%) across all gestations and 273 pregnancies (2.6%, 95% CI: 2.3%, 2.9%) at term. The composite adverse perinatal outcome rate was 29.7% (95% CI, 24.5, 35.4). Primigravidity and presenting at post-term gestation were associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Nearly 70% of mothers gave birth via Cesarean delivery. Oligohydramnios was found to be associated with a significant increase in adverse newborn and maternal outcomes in the study setting. Although a significant proportion of mothers underwent Cesarean delivery for a perceived increased complications associated with vaginal delivery in this population of patients, Cesarean delivery was found to not improve perinatal outcome. Primigravids and postdated pregnancies must receive increased surveillance to detect oligohydramnios early and to institute appropriate and timely interventions. Indications for Cesarean delivery in patients complicated by oligohydramnios must be carefully examined to balance the benefit on the perinatal outcome on the one hand and to avoid unnecessary major surgery with potential fatal maternal complications on the other.

Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnancy in Women with Scarred Uteri.

Uterine scarring is risky for the pregnancy and is closely associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Here, we investigated risk factors and associated perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnant women with uterine scars. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnant women who delivered at the West China Second University Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. The control group included 13,433 cases without uterine scars. The study group involved 2397 cases with one previous cesarean delivery (PCD), 163 cases with two PCDs, 12 cases with three PCDs, and 184 cases with non-cesarean uterine scars. The study group had a significantly higher incidence of placenta previa (6.4%), placenta percreta (5.3%), preterm delivery (10.3%), postpartum hemorrhage (3.4%), uterine rupture (9.4%), hysterectomy (0.18%), and bladder injury (0.4%) when compared with the control group (P <0.05). The scarred uterus cases with 1, 2, or 3 PCDs had significantly different complications, with the higher PCD frequency correlating with increased rates of placenta previa, placenta percreta, postpartum hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and uterine resection. Moreover, the hospitalization time, cesarean operation time, and intrapartum bleeding in the current pregnancy significantly increased with increasing PCD frequency (P <0.05). Analysis of the association between the duration of the interval between PCD and re-pregnancy and pregnancy complication revealed that the incidence of pernicious placenta previa was statistically higher in cases with intervals of <2 years or ≥5 years (4.7%) than in cases with 2 years ≤ interval time <5 years (2.5%) (P <0.05). Pregnancies with uterine scars may experience higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes. This calls for increased observation during pregnancy and delivery to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Secular trends and age-period-cohort effect on adverse perinatal outcomes in Hubei, China (2011–2019)

The increasing trend in the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes is a public health concern globally as well as in China. However, the causes of the increasing trend are not well understood. The present tertiary-hospital-based retrospective study (2011–2019) aims to determine the secular trends and age-period-cohort effect on adverse perinatal outcomes in Hubei, China. The age-standardized incidence rates of adverse perinatal outcomes significantly decreased such as preterm births by 22% [AAPC − 3.4% (95% CI − 7.8, − 1.2)], low birth weight (LBW) by 28.5% [AAPC − 4.7% (95% CI − 6.0, − 3.3)], and fetal distress by 64.2% [AAPC − 14.0% (95% CI − 17.8, − 10.0)] during 2011–2019. Both extremes of maternal age groups (18–20 years and 42–44 years) had a higher risk ratio for adverse perinatal outcomes including preterm birth, perinatal mortality, LBW, low ponderal index (LPI), low Apgar score, and congenital defect compared to the reference age group (30–32 years). A higher risk ratio for perinatal mortality, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and fetal distress and a lower risk ratio for preterm births and LBW were observed in the period 2017–2019. Both the young cohort (1997–1999) and the old cohort (1976–1969) had a higher risk ratio for preterm birth, perinatal mortality, macrosomia, and congenital defect compared to the reference cohort (1982–1984). In conclusion, some of the adverse perinatal outcomes incidence significantly decreased in the last 9 years in Hubei. However, extremes of maternal age groups and both young and old cohorts were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, perinatal mortality, and congenital defect.

Safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women: A study of the adverse perinatal outcomes.

To compare adverse perinatal outcome among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-vaccinated and -unvaccinated pregnant women. Retrospective equivalence cohort study comparing 930 women who received at least one BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine during the second or third trimester of pregnancy and 964 unvaccinated women. The primary outcome was a composite adverse perinatal outcome including at least one of the following: preterm delivery <35 weeks of gestation, intrauterine fetal death >23 weeks of gestation, intrauterine growth restriction defined as birth weight < 10th percentile, 5-min APGAR score ≤ 7, and neonatal care unit admission. The authors found no effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on the rate of the individual adverse perinatal outcomes. At least one adverse perinatal outcome was found in 108 (11.25%) of unvaccinated women versus 82 (8.82%) of vaccinated pregnant women (P= 0.080). The observed proportion difference (unvaccinated minus vaccinated) was 0.024. In the equivalence analysis with a margin of 0.05, the 90% confidence interval (0.01-0.05) was entirely within the equivalence zone (-0.05 to 0.05) with a P value of 0.032. The present study demonstrated an equivalent rate of adverse perinatal outcomes among vaccinated and unvaccinated women, thus supporting vaccine safety during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The authors believe this information is useful in counseling pregnant women regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnancies affected by severe COVID-19 infection

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 infection in pregnancy has been associated with an increase in adverse perinatal outcomes, though studies differ regarding which outcomes are affected. Increased characterization of obstetric and neonatal outcomes are needed including details on indications for preterm delivery and additional neonatal adverse outcomes.ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a higher rate of adverse perinatal outcomes amongst severe-critical COVID-19 infection compared to non-severe COVID-19 infection diagnosed during pregnancy.Study DesignThis was a retrospective observational cohort study that compared rates of adverse perinatal outcomes amongst singleton pregnancies identified as having a positive laboratory PCR diagnosis of COVID-19 infection with severe-critical COVID-19 infection versus non-severe (asymptomatic, mild or moderate). Primary outcomes included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean delivery, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Additional neonatal outcomes analyzed include need for CPR, low birthweight (<2500g), 1 or 5 min Apgar <7, need for supplemental oxygen, need for intubation, interventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, blood transfusion, necrotizing enterocolitis, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, birth trauma or neonatal death. Appropriate bivariate analyses were used to compare groups. Logistic regression was used to examine primary outcomes adjusting for confounders.ResultsA total of 441 participants were identified and confirmed via detailed chart review to be pregnant with a singleton pregnancy while diagnosed with COVID-19. Of these, 44 (10%) met NIH criteria for severe-critical COVID-19 infection. The median gestational age at the time of maternal COVID-19 diagnosis was 36.4 weeks (IQR 29.6 – 38.6). Severe-critical COVID-19 infection had a higher risk of a composite adverse neonatal outcome (36.4% vs 21.4%, p=0.03). There was a high incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy overall (20.6%) but this outcome was not higher in the severe-critical vs non-severe group. There were no maternal deaths. There was a low incidence of neonatal COVID-19 test positivity amongst those tested (1.8%). When adjusting for presence of heart disease and gestational age at COVID-19 diagnosis, severe-critical COVID-19 was strongly associated with fetal growth restriction (aOR 2.73, 1.03 – 7.25) and NICU admission (aOR 3.50, CI 1.56 – 7.87). Preterm delivery was more common but was no longer significant after adjustment (aOR 2.23, CI 0.99 – 5.05).ConclusionSevere-critical COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with higher rates of adverse neonatal outcomes and strongly associated with NICU admission and fetal growth restriction compared to non-severe disease. There is a high rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy overall in all those affected by COVID-19, regardless of severity. Pregnant persons should be counseled on these risks to encourage vaccination, and those with infection during pregnancy should be monitored for fetal growth disorders.

Differences in Perinatal Outcomes among Rural Women by County Composition.

We compared differences in perinatal outcomes among rural and nonrural women, stratified by maternal race/ethnicity. We also examined differences between majority minority rural counties with majority White rural counties. We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 2015 national vital statistics birth certificate data. Maternal county of residence was identified, and counties with <50,000 people were designated as rural. We compared adverse perinatal outcomes between rural and nonrural residents, stratified by race/ethnicity. Adverse perinatal outcomes included primary term cesarean, preterm birth (PTB) <37 and <32 weeks, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, infant death, small for gestational age, and Apgar's scores <7 and <3 at 5minutes. Majority-minority rural counties were defined as counties having <50% White women. We compared perinatal outcomes among this cohort to those of women from majority White rural counties. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. Within the entire cohort, rural residents were more likely to be younger (age ≥35 years, 10.1 vs. 16.8%; p<0.001), Medicaid beneficiaries (50.3 vs. 44.1%; p<0.001), and uninsured (6.6 vs. 4.2%; p<0.001), and less likely to be married (57.4 vs. 60.20%; p<0.001). Rural residence was associated with Apgar's score <7 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-2.54) and <3 (aOR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.04-3.48) among Asian women. Rural residence was also associated with PTB <37 weeks among Black (aOR=1.09; 95% CI: 1.06-1.13) and Asian women (aOR=1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.31). When compared with majority White rural county of residence, majority-minority rural county of residence was associated with the adverse perinatal outcomes studied. We observed increased rates of adverse perinatal outcomes among rural women. These trends persisted in majority-minority rural. Additional study is needed to find actionable targets for improving outcomes for rural women. · Rural county of residence was associated with lower socioeconomic markers.. · Perinatal outcomes were worse among women from rural counties.. · Differences in perinatal outcomes exist among rural women by race/ethnicity..

Increased Rates of Adverse Perinatal Outcomes in Women With Gestational Diabetes and Depression

(Abstracted from J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021;34:3862–3866) Approximately 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Despite interventions such as nutrition education, exercise, and pharmacotherapy, women with GDM continue to have higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes than those without GDM.

Hypertensive and Diabetic Disorders of Pregnancy in Women in Same-Sex Versus Different-Sex Marriages [A188

INTRODUCTION: Sexual-minority women may have higher rates of adverse perinatal outcomes; however, population level maternal morbidity has not been studied in this group. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of birth certificates from Massachusetts (2012–2018) and Ohio (2016–2018). Within each state, women giving birth in same-sex marriages were compared to those in different-sex marriages. Outcomes included gestational hypertension or preeclampsia (GHTN/PEC), chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Chi-square tests were used for comparisons. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to control for age, parity, race, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Of the 315,432 and 323,841 birth records from married individuals in Massachusetts and Ohio, respectively, 1,997 (0.6%) and 1,677 (0.2%) were from those in same-sex marriages. In both states, women giving birth in same-sex marriages had higher rates of nulliparity, age over 35, obesity, and tobacco use. In Ohio they were more likely to be of Black race, lower education level, and utilizing WIC, but in Massachusetts they were more likely to be of White race, higher educational level, and not utilizing WIC. In both states, this population had higher rates of GHTN (3.5% versus 2.3%), PEC (11.8% versus 8.8%), and, in Massachusetts, chronic hypertension (3% versus 1.7%) (all P&lt;.001). In the multivariable logistic regression models, the adjusted odds ratios of GHTN/PEC, chronic hypertension, pregestational diabetes, or gestational diabetes were similar between women in same-sex and different-sex marriages. CONCLUSION: In two large populations, women in same-sex marriages were significantly more likely to have GHTN/SPEC, but not after controlling for known risk factors, all of which were higher in this population.